bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of leaf inclination angle and tillering on population transpiration, soil evaporation, and yield in winter wheat near-isogenic lines
Authors: Huang Guirong , Zhang Xinying , Wang Zhenzhao , Liu Xiaoying , Guo Rui , Gu Fengxue , Liu Enke , Li Shuying , Zhong Xiuli , Li Qiaozhen , Mei Xurong
Published: June 2024

Leaf inclination angle (LIA) and tillering impact the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) population canopy structure. Understanding their effects on water use (WU) parameters and yield can guide water-saving strategies through population control. In this study, six near-isogenic lines (NILs) and their parents were selected as materials. These special materials were characterized by varying tillering at the current sowing density, a similar genetic background, and, particularly, a gradient in mean flag leaf LIA. The investigation focused on the jointing to early grain-filling stage, the peak water requirement period of wheat crops. Population-scale transpiration (PT) and evaporation from the soil surface (E) were partitioned from total evapotranspiration (ET) by the means of micro-lysimeters. The results showed decreased PT, E, and ET with increased population density (PD) within a narrow density range derived from varying tillering across genotypes. Significant correlations existed between PD and ET, E, and PT, especially in the wettest 2017–2018 growing season. Within such narrow PD range, all the correlations between WU parameters and PD were negative, although some correlations were not statistically significant, thereby suggesting the population structure’s predominant impact. No significant correlation existed between LIA and both ET and PT within the LIA range of 35°–65°. However, significant correlations occurred between LIA and E in two growing seasons. Genotypes with similar LIA but different PD produced varied ET; while with similar PD, the four pairs of genotypes with different LIA each consumed similar ET, thus highlighting PD’s more crucial role in regulating ET. The yield increased with higher LIA, and showed a significant correlation, emphasizing the LIA’s significant effect on yield. However, no correlation was observed with PD, indicating the minor effect of tillering at the current sowing density. Therefore these results might offer valuable insights for breeding water-saving cultivars and optimizing population structures for effective field water conservation.
Identification and serological responses to a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP-1) derived synthetic peptide: a putative biomarker for malaria exposure
Authors: Marzano-Miranda Aline , Pereira Cardoso-Oliveira Gustavo , Carla de Oliveira Ingrid , Carvalho Mourão Luiza , Reis Cussat Letícia , Gomes Fraga Vanessa , Delfin Chávez Olórtegui Carlos , Jesus Fernandes Fontes Cor , Castanheira Bartholomeu Daniella , Braga Erika M.
Published: June 2024

Background

The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the PvMSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for P. vivax exposure.

Methods

We screened peptides encompassing the complete amino acid sequence of the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (PvMSP-1) Sal-I strain as potential biomarkers for P. vivax exposure. Here, immunodominant peptides specifically recognized by antibodies from individuals infected with P. vivax were identified using the SPOT-synthesis technique followed by immunoblotting. Two 15-mer peptides were selected based on their higher and specific reactivity in immunoblotting assays. Subsequently, peptides p70 and p314 were synthesized in soluble form using SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) and tested by ELISA (IgG, and subclasses).

Results

This study unveils the presence of IgG antibodies against the peptide p314 in most P. vivax-infected individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region. In silico B-cell epitope prediction further supports the utilization of p314 as a potential biomarker for evaluating malaria transmission, strengthened by its amino acid sequence being part of a conserved block of PvMSP-1. Indeed, compared to patients infected with P. falciparum and uninfected individuals never exposed to malaria, P. vivax-infected patients have a notably higher recognition of p314 by IgG1 and IgG3.
Impacto dos gastos do Governo do Estado do Pará na área da saúde, com foco na política de combate à pandemia da covid-19 e sua relação com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável
Authors: Araújo Dinaldo do Nascimento , Coutinho Mauro Margalho , Salomão Enemar Piedade , Araújo Paulo Sérgio da Silva
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo analisou o impacto no Orçamento Geral do Estado (OGE) durante a pandemia da covid-19. Foram examinadas as despesas na saúde em diversos Grupos de Natureza de Despesa (GND) entre 2015 e 2022, com dados do Business Intelligence (B.I.) extraídos do Sistema Integrado de Execução Financeira e Orçamentária dos Municípios (SIAFEM). A pesquisa é descritiva e usa uma abordagem quantitativa para analisar os gastos públicos relacionados ao combate à covid-19 no planejamento orçamentário da saúde no Pará. O estudo encontrou um aumento nas despesas de investimentos e custeio da máquina pública com serviços de saúde pós-pandemia, contrariando a expectativa de redução. Os gastos em saúde têm um impacto abrangente, contribuindo significativamente para vários ODS, especialmente o ODS 3, que está diretamente relacionado à resposta à covid-19. Este estudo buscou identificar o impacto nos gastos públicos com despesas decorrentes do combate à pandemia da covid-19. Naturalmente se pensava no arrefecimento dos gastos com saúde pública, mas se encontrou uma outra realidade de incremento de investimentos e custeio da máquina pública com serviços públicos de saúde pós-pandemia.
Estratégias persuasivas na plataforma TikTok e o marketing viral
Authors: Silva Joelson Wellys Dias , Amorim Jefferson Gonçalves de , Silva Marianny Jessica de Brito
Published: June 2024

A criação de conteúdo viral é uma chave do sucesso para o desenvolvimento de conteúdo online, uma vez que permite que uma mensagem seja espalhada para muitas pessoas de forma rápida. Dentre as estratégias utilizadas para se tornar um conteúdo viral destaca-se a persuasão, capaz de inspirar, informar e envolver o público de maneira significativa. Nesse contexto, a pesquisa objetivou analisar, sob a ótica do marketing viral, as narrativas e elementos da estratégia persuasiva presentes nos vídeos musicais de artistas brasileiros na plataforma de mídia social TikTok. O estudo adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, analisando vídeos de artistas nacionais brasileiros, para identificar as estratégias persuasivas utilizadas pelos artistas propostas pelo autor Cialdini (2012). Os resultados obtidos indicam que narrativas presentes nos vídeos analisados reforçaram a ideia do compartilhamento, gerando um apelo à disseminação que motiva ativamente o público a compartilhar o conteúdo, culminando na formação de uma rede de compartilhamento, sendo um pressuposto básico do marketing viral. Como conclusão, observa-se que no cenário online estão surgindo novas estratégias de comunicação que priorizam a interação direta com o público, promovendo uma comunicação mais próxima e eficaz.
Bridging Immune Realms: A Striking Case Report on Autoimmune Thyroiditis Co-existing with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Khurana Kashish , Mahajan Satish , Acharya Sourya , Pantbalekundri Nikhil
Published: June 2024

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease, is characterised by isolated thrombocytopenia, with or without bleeding. Thyroid autoimmune illness can coexist with ITP. The specific clinical characteristics are still unknown. The length of ITP or the patients’ response to treatment is not related to their thyroid condition. In patients with ITP, thyroid impairment is more common. In the present case report, a 60-year-old female patient, a known case of asthma, presented to the hospital with complaints of swelling in the neck along with transient episodes of breathlessness for 3-4 years. On local examination, a butterfly-shaped mass was seen in the neck, which moved upwards on deglutination but did not move on protrusion of the tongue. Pemberton’s sign was also positive. On palpation, the thyroid measured around 8×6 cm in size, thyroid lobes were bosselated, consistency was firm, and no bruit was heard on auscultation. Based on routine laboratory findings, she was found to have refractory thrombocytopenia with a normal thyroid profile. Further investigations revealed that the patient had positive antithyroid stimulating hormone antibodies, and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed colloid nodular goitre with haemorrhagic cystic changes. A bone marrow biopsy was performed in view of refractory thrombocytopenia, which was suggestive of ITP. The patient was advised to take tablet eltrombopag, after which the platelet counts improved drastically. Subsequently, the patient was advised to undergo thyroidectomy, but this could not be done due to haemodynamic instability.
Role of FNAC in Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphadenopathy: A Five-Year Cross-sectional Study at A Tertiary Care Centre, Mumbai, India
Authors: Khare Manisha S , Kumavat Prashant V , Kumavat Swapnil , Khatib Yasmeen
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the lymph node is a simple tool in the diagnosis of suspected and unsuspected primary and secondary lymph node malignancy. It is a useful first-line investigation to distinguish between infective and malignant lymphadenopathy, especially in a low-resource setting like our country. Aim: To study the utility of FNAC in the diagnosis of lymph node malignancy and to evaluate the efficacy of cytology in diagnosing the primary site of malignancy in case of metastasis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study was conducted for a five-year period from July 2015 to June 2020, in the pathology department of Dr. RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. A total of 112 patients diagnosed with malignancy on FNAC of lymph nodes were studied. The FNAC procedure was performed by cytopathologists using a 23/24G needle attached to a 10 ml syringe. The alcohol-fixed smears were stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) stain and Papanicolaou (PAP) stains, while the airdried smears were stained with Giemsa stain. Diagnosis was based on cytomorphological features and clinical presentation. Results: A total of 112 patients were diagnosed with malignancy on FNAC, of which 90 were males and 22 were females, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. Cytological analysis of these nodes revealed metastasis in 98 cases (87.50%) and lymphoma in 14 cases (12.50%). The maximum number of patients were in the 51-60 years age group, with 38 cases (33.92%). The most common site of involvement was cervical lymph nodes, with 75 cases (66.96%). The most common cytological diagnosis was metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in 65 cases (58.02%), followed by metastatic un-differentiated carcinoma in 26 cases (23.20%). Conclusion: Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a simple, safe, accurate, cost-effective, and valuable tool in the evaluation of malignant lymphadenopathy. Malignant diseases were easily diagnosed by this simple diagnostic procedure. In the case of a diagnosis of lymphoma, surgery can be completely avoided. It helps in planning further surgical management for metastatic disease, where definitive operative intervention can be performed in one session. In the case of an un-detected primary tumour, FNAC directs further investigations towards the possible primary site.
Az élelmiszer-termelés gazdálkodó szervezeteinek pénzügyi helyzete, 2021
Authors: Rózsa Andrea , Vörös-Illés Ivett
Published: June 2024

A kettős könyvvitelt végző társas vállalkozások számának csökkenése ellenére az üzemek adózás előtti eredménye mind a mezőgazdaságban mind az élelmiszeriparban markánsan nőtt 2021-ben. Előbbi 51,4 milliárd forinttal 233,9 milliárd forintra, utóbbi 41,2 milliárd forinttal 235,4 milliárd forintra bővült. A jövedelem növekedését a mezőgazdaságban elsősorban az árak emelkedése mozgatta, míg az élelmiszeriparban a volumen és az árak együtt emelkedtek. Az ágazatok jövedelmezőségi és általános likviditási mutatói egyaránt javultak, ugyanakkor az eladósodottságuk tovább nőtt. A mezőgazdasági vállalkozások eladósodottsága azonban a növekedés ellenére továbbra is kedvezőnek számított. A hosszú lejáratú kötelezettségállomány felhalmozása mindkét szektorban jellemző volt, azon belül is a pénzügyi intézménytől kapott hosszú lejáratú hitelek állománygyarapodása bizonyult kiemelkedőnek.
Az élelmiszer-termelés gazdálkodó szervezeteinek pénzügyi helyzete, 2022
Authors: Rózsa Andrea , Vörös-Illés Ivett
Published: June 2024

A kettős könyvvitelt végző társas vállalkozások számának csökkenése ellenére az üzemek adózás előtti eredménye mind a mezőgazdaságban mind az élelmiszeriparban markánsan nőtt 2022-ben. Előbbi 116,8 milliárd forinttal 355,4 milliárd forintra, utóbbi 109,3 milliárd forinttal 341,1 milliárd forintra bővült. A mezőgazdasági társas vállalkozások adózás előtti eredménye az aszály által kevésbé sújtott dunántúli régiókban nőtt leginkább. A jövedelem növekedését mindkét szegmensben elsősorban az árak (előbbinél az inputanyagárak, utóbbinál az élelmiszerárak) dinamikus emelkedése mozgatta. Az árváltozás mellett az élelmiszerek exportja végig nagy ütemben bővült és az év első felében még a belföldi kereslet is növekedett. Az ágazatok jövedelmezősége javult, ugyanakkor mind a rövid, mind a hosszútávú fizetőképességük romlott. A mezőgazdasági vállalkozások eladósodottsága azonban a növekedés ellenére továbbra is kedvezőnek számított.
Agrárgazdasági statisztikai zsebkönyv, 2021
Authors: Kiss Gabriella , Demeter Edit
Published: June 2024

Kiadványunkban a mezőgazdaság, az erdőgazdálkodás és az élelmiszeripar 2021. évi eredményeiről adunk tájékoztatást. Az elmúlt években megjelent zsebkönyvek adatköréhez is kapcsolódva biztosítottuk az idősorok összehasonlíthatóságát. A nemzetgazdasági és az országos ágazati mutatók mellett a főbb mezőgazdasági adatokat megyei részletezésben is feldolgoztuk. A nemzetközi statisztikai adatok a főbb tendenciák érzékeltetésére alkalmasak. Zsebkönyvünk információi a Központi Statisztikai Hivatal (KSH), az Országos Vadgazdálkodási Adattár (OVA), a Magyar Energetikai és Közmű-szabályozási Hivatal (MEKH), a Nemzeti Földügyi Központ (NFK), az Eurostat és az ENSZ Élelmezésügyi és Mezőgazdasági Szervezete (FAO) közleményeinek, valamint az Agrárközgazdasági Intézet (AKI) adatfeldolgozásainak felhasználásával készültek.
In silico Screening of Potential Drug Candidate against Chain a of Coronavirus Binding Protein from Major Nigella Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Rahman Md. Bokhtiar , Simo  , Abdullah A.B.M , Tabassum Saba , Toukir
Published: June 2024

Background: More hazardous varieties of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus have created major health hazards around the globe since 2019. There is no hundred percent effective drug has been developed against this virus. Bioactive compounds from plants are used as drugs or the main source of raw material for drugs against various diseases.
Aims: To screen the potential drug candidate against coronavirus from major Nigella bioactive compounds.
Methods and Materials: In the first step of our computational biology-dependent study, we selected six major Nigella compounds, four major drugs used in COVID-19 treatment, and a binding protein of coronavirus. In the second step, we processed the ligands and peptides and performed a docking to test the binding affinity. In the final step, we selected a compound with the highest binding affinity and performed molecular simulation, ADME/T, bioactivity, and QSAR analysis to characterize this molecule as a drug candidate.
Results: Four different antiviral agents that had been used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients showed less binding affinity in molecular docking compared with six bioactive compounds of Nigella. Nigellamine C, Nigeglanine, nigellamine D, nigellicine, nigellidine, and nigellone showed binding affinity of -7.9, -7.5, -7.3, -6.5, -7, and -6.7 kcal/mol, respectively whereas ribavirin, favipiravir, remdesivir, and nirmatrelvir showed -5.1, -4.8, -6.2, and -5.9 kcal/mol, accordingly to chain A of subunit 1 (S1) of the spike protein of coronavirus. Nigellamine C showed the highest binding affinity and suitable ADME/T properties with negligible toxic properties and good drug-likeness properties.
Conclusion: Nigellamine C may be a potent candidate for inhalation and/or oral drug development based on QSAR analysis and ADME/T analysis among all Nigella compounds.
Chaining Strategy and Language Comprehension Development among Deaf Pupils in Tanzania
Authors: Mutatembwa Fraterinus Osward , Shavega Theresia J. , Mabagala Daphina-Libent
Published: June 2024

Comprehension among deaf pupils in Tanzania has been a persisting problem for decades. Interesting enough, deaf pupils in the country have been attending primary education for ten years whereby chaining strategy has been a common strategy for teaching them reading skills. Despite the use of chaining strategy which is being promoted by different scholars in the world as a strongest strategy in promoting reading skill, still, deaf graduate with poor reading ability. Thus, the current study intended to find out the usefulness of chaining strategy in developing language comprehension among deaf pupils in Tanzania. The study was conducted in four special primary schools for deaf from Dare es Salaam, Njombe, Kagera and Tabora and was guided by the theory of simple view of reading and (VARK) model. It employed mixed research approach with a convergent research design. In-depth interview and a five Likert scale questionnaire were used to collect data from 20 teachers, while test as well as observation were employed in collecting data from 162 deaf pupils. Data were analyzed through descriptive, simple linear regression and content analysis. It was revealed that chaining strategy had significant contribution in developing deaf pupils’ ability of generating meaning from individual words (p = .000) and short sentences (p = .002). On the other side, chaining strategy had insignificant influence in developing deaf pupils’ ability of generating meaning from long sentences (p = .672) and reading texts without challenges (p = .089). The conclusion drawn from the findings was that, chaining strategy does not guarantee the development of language comprehension among deaf pupils, unless extra innovations are done. It was recommended that, deaf need to be identified and exposed to sign language in early ages, also early grade teachers need to be competent in sign language.
The Relationship between Physical Fitness Level with Body Mass Index of Medical Students at Indonesian Christian University, Jakarta
Authors: Batubara Frica Ronauli , Putro Raden Revianto Ananto , Hendrika Wendy
Published: June 2024

Aims: This research aims to understand the relationship between physical fitness level and body mass index (BMI) of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University, especially the class of 2021.
Study Design: The research design used in this study was observational with a cross-sectional approach.
Place and Duration of Study: This research will be conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University Laboratory in December 2022.
Methodology: The population in this study were all students from the Faculty of Medicine, class of 2021. The research sample consisted of 57 students from the Faculty of Medicine, class of 2021, who were selected using a sampling technique, namely consecutive sampling. The physical fitness test uses the Harvard Step Test.
Results: From the research results, it was found that the physical fitness level of 57 students registered at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University could be categorized as follows: 44 students (77.2%) were in the less ability, 8 students (14.0%). included in the moderate ability, and 5 students (8.8%) were included in the good ability. Apart from that, an analysis of the body mass index (BMI) of students at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University, Class of 2021, showed that the largest proportion consisted of individuals who were classified as having a normal weight, namely 31 people (54.4%), obesity, 12 people (21 .1%), underweight as many as 6 people (10.5%), overweight as many as 4 people (7.0%) and Obesity II as many as 4 people (7.0%). Based on bivariate analysis, the results showed that there was no significant relationship between Physical Fitness and Body Mass Index. This was concluded by obtaining a chi-square value, namely p = 0.740.
Conclusion: From the research results, it can be concluded that the Body Mass Index is not a determining factor that guarantees physical fitness, likewise other moderate variables such as age and gender also have no relationship with physical fitness.
Basic Experimental Study on the Application of Natural Frequency to Transfer Learning
Authors: Lee Jong-Won
Published: June 2024

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into structural health monitoring systems significantly improves the structural integrity and safety of buildings. This integration necessitates extensive data on various structural damage scenarios; however, acquiring comprehensive damage-state data for real-world buildings is difficult, resulting in data scarcity and imbalances between intact- and damage-state datasets. Transfer learning offers a compelling alternative that enables the utilization of damage-state data acquired from scaled experimental models for real-world building applications. This study explores the use of natural frequency ratios before and after damage to facilitate transfer learning. This study established an equation that describes the relationship between the natural frequency ratio before and after damage, accounting for scaling impacts. The natural frequency ratios for both the prototype and scaled models were experimentally determined and compared, focusing on bolted joints in the steel structure. The results of the experiment were consistent with those of the finite-element analysis. The experimentally obtained natural frequency ratios of the prototype and scaled models under identical damage conditions exhibited high congruence. The experimental and FEA results demonstrated analogous patterns of decreasing natural frequency ratio with increasing damage severity. These results indicate that natural frequency ratio data from various damage conditions in scaled models could mitigate data scarcity issues and train AI models for real-world building applications.
Optimizing Maintenance Strategies for Public Fire Doors in Apartment Buildings: Study on Deterioration Patterns and Replacement Timing
Authors: Kim Yunseong , Lee Yoolim , Son Yeonhee , Kwon Youngjin
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the performance degradation of aging fire doors and determine their appropriate replacement time by analyzing the probability of operation of fire doors using building statistics and expert surveys. Aged fire doors with degraded performance should be repaired or replaced quickly; however, there is no clear standard for fire door repair or replacement. Therefore, we analyzed the operation probability of fire doors and conducted expert surveys to determine the proper replacement timing of fire doors and identify the performance degradation factors. The fire door operation probability survey results showed that fire doors operating for those more than 15 years had more than 20% probability of operation failure, and the main causes of operation failure improper installation, insufficient management, or poor performance. The expert survey results indicated that the optimal replacement period for fire doors is 10 to 15 years. The primary factors contributing to performance deterioration were identified as twisting and corrosion (27%), dents (24%), and damage (20%).
Analyzing the Regional Impact of Temperature Change by Long-term Climate Scenarios on Infrastructure Construction
Authors: Lee Sejeong , Cho Jaepil , Lee Taesam , Lee Joo-Heon
Published: June 2024

The construction period is most affected by weather, and as recent climate change becomes more severe, weather conditions such as temperature, precipitation, snowfall, and wind that differ from region to region are expected to have a significant impact on air calculations in the future. As a result, the number of days not used for construction by region was determined in this study to reflect the effects of climate change in a future impact analysis. To this end, after performing bias correction on the latest climate change scenario (CMIP6) that came out through the Global Model (ESM), a comparative analysis was conducted on past weather observation data and the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. The rate of change was calculated for variables affecting the construction environment from various CMIP6-based ESM data, and the number of non-construction days owing to climate change was analyzed for changes in work restriction conditions by region. It was confirmed that the number of nonconstruction days in the Boeun of Chungcheongbuk-do and Jeolla-do was higher than that in other regions, and the rate of change in Busan was relatively low. Future construction plans and implementation are anticipated to be significantly impacted by these regional variations, and the computation of future construction periods is anticipated to undergo substantial modifications. Therefore, a more accurate air calculation is possible if the air is calculated by reflecting regional variations in the construction period due to climate change.
tRNA Processing by Protein‐Only versus RNA‐Based RNase P: Kinetic Analysis Reveals Mechanistic Differences
Authors: Pavlova Liudmila V. , Gößringer Markus , Weber Christoph , Buzet Aurélie , Rossmanith Walter , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: September 2012

In Arabidopsis thaliana, RNase P function, that is, endonucleolytic tRNA 5′‐end maturation, is carried out by three homologous polypeptides (“proteinaceous RNase P” (PRORP) 1, 2 and 3). Here we present the first kinetic analysis of these enzymes. For PRORP1, a specificity constant (kreact/Km(sto)) of 3×106 M−1 min−1 was determined under single‐turnover conditions. We demonstrate a fundamentally different sensitivity of PRORP enzymes to an Rp‐phosphorothioate modification at the canonical cleavage site in a 5′‐precursor tRNA substrate; whereas processing by bacterial RNase P is inhibited by three orders of magnitude in the presence of this sulfur substitution and Mg2+ as the metal‐ion cofactor, the PRORP enzymes are affected by not more than a factor of five under the same conditions, without significantly increased miscleavage. These findings indicate that the catalytic mechanism utilized by proteinaceous RNase P is different from that of RNA‐based bacterial RNase P, taking place without a direct metal‐ion coordination to the (pro‐)Rp substituent. As Rp‐phosphorothioate and inosine modification at all 26 G residues of the tRNA body had only minor effects on processing by PRORP, we conclude that productive PRORP–substrate interaction is not critically dependent on any of the affected (pro‐)Rp oxygens or guanosine 2‐amino groups.
Solvent‐Catalyzed Ring–Chain–Ring Tautomerization in Axially Chiral Compounds
Authors: Yildirim Asli , Konuklar Fethiye Aylin Sungur , Catak Saron , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Waroquier Michel , Dogan Ilknur , Aviyente Viktorya
Published: September 2012

The mechanism of ring–chain–ring tautomerization and the prominent effect of the solvent environment have been computationally investigated in an effort to explain the enantiomeric interconversion observed in 2‐oxazolidinone derivatives, heterocyclic analogues of biphenyl atropisomers, which were isolated as single stable enantiomers and have the potential to be used as axially chiral catalysts. This study has shed light on the identity of the intermediate species involved in the ring–chain–ring tautomerization process as well as the catalytic effect of polar protic solvents. These mechanistic details will prove very useful in predicting and understanding ring–chain tautomeric equilibria in similar heterocyclic systems and will further enable experimentalists to devise appropriate experimental conditions in which axially chiral catalysts remain stable as single enantiomers.
Atomic Dopants Involved in the Structural Evolution of Thermally Graphitized Graphene
Authors: Yoon Yeoheung , Seo Sohyeon , Kim Giyoun , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: September 2012

Thermally doped nitrogen atoms on the sp2‐carbon network of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) enhance its electrical conductivity. Atomic structural information of thermally annealed graphene oxide (GO) provides an understanding on how the heteroatomic doping could affect electronic property of rGO. Herein, the spectroscopic and microscopic variations during thermal graphitization from 573 to 1 373 K are reported in two different rGO sheets, prepared by thermal annealing of GO (rGOtherm) and post‐thermal annealing of chemically nitrogen‐doped rGO (post‐therm‐rGO). The spectroscopic transitions of rGO in thermal annealing ultimately showed new oxygen‐functional groups, such as cyclic edge ethers and new graphitized nitrogen atoms at 1 373 K. During the graphitization process, the microscopic evolution resolved by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) produced more wrinkled surface morphology with graphitized nanocrystalline domains due to atomic doping of nitrogen on a post‐therm‐rGO sheet. As a result, the post‐therm‐rGO‐containing nitrogen showed a less defected sp2‐carbon network, resulting in enhanced conductivity, whereas the rGOtherm sheet containing no nitrogen had large topological defects on the basal plane of the sp2‐carbon network. Thus, our investigation of the structural evolution of original wrinkles on a GO sheet incorporated into the graphitized N‐doped rGO helps to explain how the atomic doping can enhance the electrical conductivity.
Completion of Guideline‐Recommended Initial Evaluation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sinner Moritz F. , Greiner Melissa A. , Mi Xiaojuan , Hernandez Adrian F. , Jensen Paul N. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Setoguchi Soko , Walkey Allan J. , Heckbert Susan R. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Curtis Lesley H.
Published: September 2012

Background:

Guidelines recommend evaluation of cardiac function, valvular and ischemic heart disease, and thyroid, kidney, and liver function on initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that initial workup of patients with newly identified AF would vary by age, sex, and burden of comorbid illness.

Methods:

In a retrospective analysis of a large sample of commercially insured patients 18 to 64 years old (n = 40 245) and a nationally representative 5% cohort of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older (n = 204 676), we measured claims for guideline‐recommended services for initial evaluation of AF among patients with a new diagnosis between 2000 and 2008.

Results:

From 30 days before through 90 days after AF diagnosis, basic evaluation, including physician visit, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography, was completed in up to 66.6% of patients. Completion rates for all guideline‐recommended evaluations were 17.4% in the commercially insured sample and 18.5% in the Medicare cohort in 2007. Evaluation rates increased over time. Blood tests assessing thyroid function were documented for approximately one‐third of patients in each cohort. Increasing the observation period to 1 year before through 3 months after the AF diagnosis markedly increased completion rates, but rates of thyroid function testing remained low (50%–60%). There were minor differences in evaluation completeness by sex, race, and geographic region.

Conclusions:

Differences in guideline‐recommended evaluation rates by demographic characteristics after a new diagnosis of AF were of minor clinical importance. Basic evaluation had satisfactory completion rates; however, rates of laboratory testing were low.

The contents of the manuscript are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute or the National Institutes of Health.

Damon M. Seils, MA, Duke University, provided editorial assistance and prepared the manuscript. Mr. Seils did not receive compensation for his assistance apart from his employment at the institution where the study was conducted.

This work was supported by grants R01HL102214, RC1HL101056, R01HL068986, R01HL092577, and T32HL007‐ 902 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dr. Sinner was supported by the German Heart Foundation.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.

Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article.
The effect of oral prostaglandin analogue on painful diabetic neuropathy: a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Shin S. , Kim K. J. , Chang H. ‐J. , Lee B. ‐W. , Yang W. ‐I. , Cha B. ‐S. , Choi D.
Published: September 2012

This study was performed to assess the efficacy of beraprost sodium (BPS) in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In this randomized clinical trial, 99 T2DM patients (41% male, age 60 ± 6 years) with DPN but without evidence of peripheral artery disease were randomized to receive either BPS (40 µg, tid) or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary end point was the improvement of the total symptom score (TSS), temperature rebound (TR) and nadir to peak (NP) above baseline. After 8 weeks treatment, the change of TSS in the BPS group showed a significant improvement compared to the placebo group (2.80 ± 2.48 vs. 1.60 ± 1.94 points, p = 0.009). Furthermore, the number of patients who showed signs of improvement in TSS and the proportion of patients with 50% relief of symptom was also significantly greater in the BPS group than in the placebo group (83.7 vs. 62%, p = 0.015, 36.2 vs. 14%, p = 0.009, respectively). In conclusion, treatment with BPS significantly improved TSS over an 8‐week period.
Linagliptin monotherapy in type 2 diabetes patients for whom metformin is inappropriate: an 18‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III trial with a 34‐week active‐controlled extension
Authors: Barnett A. H. , Patel S. , Harper R. , Toorawa R. , Thiemann S. , von Eynatten M. , Woerle H.‐J.
Published: September 2012

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients for whom metformin was inappropriate.

Methods

This 1‐year double‐blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00740051) enrolled T2DM patients with inadequate glycaemic control, treatment‐naïve [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.0–10.0%] or previously treated with one oral antidiabetes drug (HbA1c 6.5–9.0% before washout), ineligible for metformin because of contraindications (e.g. renal impairment) or previous intolerable side effects. Patients were randomized to monotherapy with linagliptin 5 mg once daily (n = 151) or placebo (n = 76) for 18 weeks, after which placebo patients switched to glimepiride 1–4 mg once daily and treatments continued for another 34 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c after 18 weeks (full‐analysis set, last observation carried forward).

Results

At week 18, adjusted mean difference in change from baseline HbA1c (8.1%) was −0.60% (95% confidence interval −0.88, −0.32; p < 0.0001) (−0.39% with linagliptin, +0.21% with placebo). At week 52, mean HbA1c was decreased from baseline in both groups [linagliptin: −0.44%; placebo/glimepiride: −0.72% (observed cases)]. Adverse events occurred in 40.4 and 48.7% of linagliptin and placebo patients, respectively, during the initial 18 weeks. During the 34‐week extension, patients receiving linagliptin experienced less hypoglycaemia (2.2% vs. 7.8%) and no weight gain (mean change from baseline of −0.2 and +1.3 kg, respectively) compared with glimepiride patients.

Conclusions

In T2DM patients for whom metformin was inappropriate, linagliptin improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated, with less hypoglycaemia and relative weight loss compared with glimepiride.
Synchronization of Networked Harmonic Oscillators With Communication Delays Under Local Instantaneous Interaction
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhou Jin , Liu Zengrong
Published: September 2012

The primary objective of this paper is to propose a distributed synchronization algorithm in undirected networks of coupled harmonic oscillators having communication delays under local instantaneous interaction. Some generic criteria on exponential convergence for such algorithm over, respectively, undirected fixed and switching network topologies are derived analytically. Different from the existing pure continuous or discrete-time algorithms, a distinctive feature of this work is to solve synchronization problem in undirected networks even if each oscillator instantaneously exchanges the information of the velocity with its neighbors only at some discrete moments. It is shown that the networked harmonic oscillators can be synchronized under instantaneous network connectivity. Subsequently, numerical examples illustrate and visualize the effectiveness and feasibility of the theoretical results.
Multicell Active Acoustic Metamaterial With Programmable Effective Densities
Authors: Akl W. , Baz A.
Published: September 2012

Considerable interest has been devoted to the development of various classes of acoustic metamaterials. Acoustic metamaterials are those structurally engineered materials that are composed of periodic cells designed in such a fashion to yield specific material properties (density and bulk modulus) that would affect the wave propagation pattern within in a specific way. All the currently exerted efforts are focused on studying passive metamaterials with fixed material properties. In this paper, the emphasis is placed on the development of a new class of composite one-dimensional acoustic metamaterials with effective densities that are programmed to vary according to any prescribed patterns along the volume of the metamaterial. The theoretical analysis of this class of multilayered composite active acoustic metamaterials (CAAMM) is presented and the theoretical predictions are determined for an array of fluid cavities separated by piezoelectric boundaries. These smart self-sensing and actuating boundaries are used to modulate the overall stiffness of the metamaterial periodic cell and in turn its dynamic density through direct acoustic pressure feedback. The interaction between the neighboring layers of the composite metamaterial is modeled using a lumped-parameter approach. One-dimensional wave propagation as well as long wavelength assumptions are adapted in the current analysis. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance characteristics of the proposed CAAMM and its potential for generating prescribed spatial and spectral patterns of density variation. The CAAMM presents a viable approach to the development of effective acoustic cloaks that can be used for treating critical objects in order to render them acoustically invisible.
A Critical Period for Social Experience–Dependent Oligodendrocyte Maturation and Myelination
Authors: Makinodan Manabu , Rosen Kenneth M. , Ito Susumu , Corfas Gabriel
Published: September 2012

A Critical Period for Glia

The brain develops in fits and starts—while one system is completed, another system may still be under construction. Such transient states are known as critical periods, and during these specific aspects of brain development may become more sensitive to outside agents than they would be later.

Makinodan
et al.

(p.
1357
) observed the effect of environmental conditions on the brains of mice bioengineered to develop fluorescent oligodendrocytes. The mice were exposed to a variety of social conditions during rearing, ranging from isolation to a normal laboratory cage setting, or to settings enriched with extra buddies and a steady rotation of new play toys. The results show that social isolation leaves a developmental trace that persists into adulthood. Specifically, they found that oligodendrocytes, which produce the myelin that insulates neurons, were underdeveloped, suggesting that there may be a critical period that governs development of these glial oligodendrocyte cells.
Structural Probing of a Protein Phosphatase 2A Network by Chemical Cross-Linking and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Herzog Franz , Kahraman Abdullah , Boehringer Daniel , Mak Raymond , Bracher Andreas , Walzthoeni Thomas , Leitner Alexander , Beck Martin , Hartl Franz-Ulrich , Ban Nenad , Malmström Lars , Aebersold Ruedi
Published: September 2012

Dynamic Assembly

Structural characterization of protein complexes has yielded significant insight into biological function; however, most structural techniques require stable, homogenous samples. This presents a challenge in characterizing transient signaling complexes.

Herzog
et al.

(p.
1348
) used chemical cross-linking and mass spectroscopy (XL-MS) to characterize the modular and dynamic interaction network involving phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which interacts with tens of regulatory and adaptor proteins in diverse signaling pathways. They found 176 interprotein and 569 intraprotein distance restraints that delineated the topology of the network. The study establishes the importance of XL-MS in the suite of structural methods used to characterize dynamic assemblies.
Response to Comment on “Climate Sensitivity Estimated from Temperature Reconstructions of the Last Glacial Maximum”
Authors: Schmittner Andreas , Urban Nathan M. , Shakun Jeremy D. , Mahowald Natalie M. , Clark Peter U. , Bartlein Patrick J. , Mix Alan C. , Rosell-Melé Antoni
Published: September 2012

The removal of data by Fyke and Eby is mostly unjustified, and their statistics are oversimplified, but the suggestion that structural model uncertainty— in particular, the atmospheric heat flux formulation— may have led to underestimation of equilibrium climate sensitivity for a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in our 2011 paper may have merit and should be quantified in future studies.
Rinderpest Eradication: Appropriate Technology and Social Innovations
Authors: Mariner Jeffrey C. , House James A. , Mebus Charles A. , Sollod Albert E. , Chibeu Dickens , Jones Bryony A. , Roeder Peter L. , Admassu Berhanu , van ’t Klooster Gijs G. M.
Published: September 2012

Killer Eradication

Rinderpest is the second disease to be eradicated globally after smallpox.

Mariner
et al.

(p.
1309
) review the technical and social challenges that were overcome during the course of eradication. Key achievements were the development of a thermostable vaccine, the recruitment of the pastoralists themselves for training and administration of vaccine, and complete vaccination coverage, despite occasionally hazardous environmental and political conditions. Although these achievements offer important lessons for future human and animal health programs, institutional memories are surprisingly short-lived, and it is important to document these lessons for the next eradication campaign.
Who Invented the Higgs Boson?
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2012

Five living theorists have claims to having dreamed up the most famous subatomic particle in physics. But what did they really do?
The Sound in the Silence: Discovering a Fish's Soundscape
Authors: Lee Jane J.
Published: September 2012

Bioacoustics pioneer Arthur Popper is getting ready to retire, but his work on how fish perceive sound isn't fading away.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF POSITIVE PARITY BAND STRUCTURE OF Y AND Nb ISOTOPES
Authors: SHARMA CHETAN , VERMA PREETI , SINGH SURAM , BHARTI ARUN , KHOSA S. K.
Published: September 2012

The positive parity band structure of odd mass neutron-rich 97 – 103 Y and 99 – 105 Nb nuclei has been studied using microscopic technique known as the projected shell model (PSM) with the deformed single-particle states generated by the standard Nilsson potential. The nuclear structure properties like yrast spectra, energy splitting, moment of inertia, rotational frequencies and reduced transition probabilities B(M1) and B(E2) have been calculated and their comparison with the available experimental data has been made. A shape evolution has also been predicted in these isotopes as one moves from 97 Y to 99 Y and 99 Nb to 101 Nb . The PSM calculations also demonstrate the multi-quasiparticle structure in these nuclei.
THE INTERSECTION GRAPH OF GAMMA SETS IN THE TOTAL GRAPH OF A COMMUTATIVE RING-II
Authors: ASIR T. , CHELVAM T. TAMIZH
Published: September 2012

The intersection graph ITΓ(R) of gamma sets in the total graph TΓ(R) of a commutative ring R, is the undirected graph with vertex set as the collection of all γ-sets in the total graph of R and two distinct vertices u and v are adjacent if and only if u ∩ v ≠ ∅. Tamizh Chelvam and Asir [The intersection graph of gamma sets in the total graph I, to appear in J. Algebra Appl.] studied about ITΓ(R) where R is a commutative Artin ring. In this paper, we continue our interest on ITΓ(R) and actually we study about Eulerian, Hamiltonian and pancyclic nature of ITΓ(R). Further, we focus on certain graph theoretic parameters of ITΓ(R) like the independence number, the clique number and the connectivity of ITΓ(R). Also, we obtain both vertex and edge chromatic numbers of ITΓ(R). In fact, it is proved that if R is a finite commutative ring, then χ(ITΓ(R)) = ω(ITΓ(R)). Having proved that ITΓ(R) is weakly perfect for all finite commutative rings, we further characterize all finite commutative rings for which ITΓ(R) is perfect. In this sequel, we characterize all commutative Artin rings for which ITΓ(R) is of class one (i.e. χ′(ITΓ(R)) = Δ(ITΓ(R))). Finally, it is proved that the vertex connectivity and edge connectivity of ITΓ(R) are equal to the degree of any vertex in ITΓ(R).
The Impacts of Automation and High Frequency Trading on Market Quality
Authors: Litzenberger Robert , Castura Jeff , Gorelick Richard
Published: September 2012

In recent decades, US equity markets have changed from predominantly manual markets with limited competition to highly automated and competitive markets. These changes occurred earlier for NASDAQ stocks (primarily between 1994 and 2004) and later for NYSE-listed stocks (mostly following Reg NMS and the 2006 introduction of the NYSE hybrid market). This paper surveys the evidence of how these changes impacted market quality and shows that overall market quality has improved significantly, including bid-ask spreads, liquidity, and transitory price impacts (measured by short-term variance ratios). The greater improvement in market quality for NYSE-listed stocks relative to NASDAQ stocks beginning in 2006 suggests causal links between the staggered market structure changes and market quality. Using proprietary data sets, provided by two exchanges, that identify the activity of high frequency trading firms, studies show these firms contributed directly to narrowing bid-ask spreads, increasing liquidity, and reducing intraday transitory pricing errors and intraday volatility.