bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Effect of Irrigation Frequency and Weed Control Methods on Growth and Yield of Sesame Crop
Authors: Islam Zohirul , Islam Md. Shahidul , Syfullah Khalid
Published: September 2024

A field experiment was conducted at the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Farm, Dhaka during Kharif-1 season (March – June), 2014 to study the effect of irrigation frequency and weed control methods on growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum). The experiment was consisted of two treatment factors, viz., factor- A: four levels of irrigation frequency and factor- B: four levels of weed control methods. The experiment was laid out in a split design. The highest plant height (104.4 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (104.6), number of branches plant-1 (6.44), number of capsules plant-1(54.97), number of seeds capsule-1 (58.53), 1000 seeds weight (3.213 g), seed yield (1.413 t ha-1) and harvest index (29.26%) were obtained with the interaction effect of I3W2 (three times irrigation + two hand weeding). But the shortest plant height (78.18), lowest dry weight plant 1 (15.36 g), number of leaves plant-1 (65.11), number of branches plant-1 (4.789), number of capsules plant-1 (44.77), number of seeds capsule-1 (49.60), 1000 seeds weight (2.910 g),  and seed yield (0.944 t ha-1) were obtained with the interaction effect of I0W0 (no irrigation + no weeding). Significant variations were found due to irrigation frequency, weed control methods practices and their interaction in the growth, yield components, seed yield, stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of sesame.
Optimizing Sowing Windows for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Sub-temperate Climate of the North-western Himalayas of India
Authors: Salaria Sahil , Rana R S , Sharma Tarun , Chauhan Garima , Sandal SK , Kalia Vaibhav , Pathania Ranu , Priyanka
Published: September 2024

A field investigation was carried out at the Research farm of the Department of Agronomy, CSKHPKV, Palampur during the winter season to evaluate the suitability of variable owing windows under limited irrigation regimes with two wheat cultivars. The five sowing windows 15th, 30th October, 15th, 30th November and 15th December along with two wheat cultivars i.e., HPW-349 and HPW-155 were investigated under a factorial randomized block design with three replications for each treatment. The timely sown crop on 15th October resulted in significantly higher values for growth attributes such as plant height, leaf area index, number of tillers per meter square and yield attributes such as spike length, number of grains per spike and test weight. The grain yield consequently was recorded to be the highest for the timely sown crop i.e., the 15th October sown crop. The timely sown crop sown on 15th October resulted in a 21.6% higher grain yield as compared to the 15th December sown crop. Furthermore, delaying the sowing date by one month from 15th October to 15th November, the wheat grain yield declined by 12%, similarly, delaying the sowing date from 15th November to 15th December resulted in yield reduction by 7%. The highest gross, net returns and benefit-cost ratio were also recorded to be the higher for the timely sown crop i.e., 15th October.
Correlation and Regression Analysis between Agronomic and Quality Attributes of Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cv. Anna
Authors: Jat Mohan Lal , Rana G.S. , Baloda Satpal , Shivran Jitendra Singh , Jat R.K. , Mor Rajesh , Kumari Santosh
Published: September 2024

Aim: To assessed the relationships between fruit yield and various growth, yield, fruit quality attributes and leaf nutrient content of apple cultivar “Anna” using Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and coefficients of determination (r²).
Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive year 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Horticulture Farm (PFDC), Department of Horticulture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana.
Study Design and Methodology: The 19 treatments in study consists various nutrients and organic substances sources with replicated thrice and laid out in randomized block design. Various plant growth, yield and quality attributes and leaf nutrient content were recorded with the using standard producers.
Results: The Significant positive correlations were observed between yield and attributes such as plant height, plant spread, leaf area, trunk girth and days taken for flowering after spray. Among these attributes the days taken for flowering after spray (r = 0.992) had the strongest positive correlation with fruit yield. Regression equations were derived to predict yield based on these agronomic and quality attributes. The results indicated that number of flower buds, flowering duration and fruit set play significant role in determining yield, and the corresponding equations offer a framework for predicting yield outcomes. Additionally, fruit quality attributes such as total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total sugars, total phenol content, total anthocyanin content and total carbohydrate content were positively correlated with fruit yield. The strongest correlation was with total carbohydrate content (r = 0.921). Leaf nutrient variables, including nitrogen, zinc, boron, iron and manganese, exhibited weaker correlations with yield, suggesting that while important for overall plant health, they have less direct influence on yield outcomes.
Conclusion: Overall, this analysis highlights the complex interplay between growth, yield and fruit quality attributes in determining the yield of apple cultivar “Anna".
Competitiveness of Indian Rice in the Global Market: A Comprehensive Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC) Evaluation
Authors: Chaturvedi Poonam , Rajput Ankita , Verma Anamika , Singh Aditya
Published: September 2024

The present study was conducted to analyse the competitiveness of Rice export from India and major Rice exporting countries in the global market for a period from 2000 to 2020. The data on export quantity and value was collected from the official website of UNCOMTRADE. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was used to estimate the growth rate of export quantity, value and per unit value of rice. Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC) were used in the study for analysing the competitiveness of Rice export between India, Pakistan, China, USA, Thailand and Vietnam. The findings revealed that as per the NPC analysis Thailand and Vietnam were most competitive while India was the least competitive in global market. As per the findings of RCA Pakistan and India had the highest comparative advantage while USA had comparative disadvantage during the study period. Policies aimed at enhancing and sustaining the competitiveness of Rice export from India should be formulated.
A Review on the Effectiveness of Distance Learning through E-platforms on Training Quality at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation
Authors: Alrasheed Thowg
Published: September 2024

As a result of the advancement in technology, distance learning has been made possible using platforms that employ virtual services of e-Platforms. This type of learning has also been named as E-learning where knowledge is exchanged between the student and the teacher using an electronic source of e-Platform. Distance learning has mostly been studied under the academic reference whereas the effectiveness of distance learning in corporate and vocational institutes lacks research. This limitation in research needs to be resolved in order to compliment the strategies adopted by vocational institutes to impart knowledge. The main goal of this study is therefore to address the quality of training being provided to individuals through E-platforms at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. The review adopts the approach of a literature review using electronic data bases such as EBSCO, JSTOR and Google Scholar. These databases collectively helped to provide relevant research papers that have formed the basic foundation of concepts including distance learning, E-platforms and Vocational Training in terms of theory. The review creates a significant understanding of how E-platforms enable distance learning to be effective in terms of training quality at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation present in Saudi Arabia. It concludes that there might be disparity in the quality of education being provided to individuals based on a number of reasons including that of ambiguity and absence of effective infrastructure etc. In order to reduce this disparity, vocational institutes need to adopt a proactive strategy to overcome these challenges.
Evaluation of Hardwood and Semi-hardwood Cuttings for Rooting Performance in Exotic Kiwifruit Cultivars
Authors: Choudhary Sonali , Rana Vishal S , Choudhary Mahendra , Choudhary Kalpana , Choudhary Raghuveer , Choudhary Jyoti
Published: September 2024

The investigation was conducted in the kiwifruit block of Department of Fruit Science, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) during the year 2019-20. The experiment entitled "Evaluation of hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings for rooting performance in exotic cultivars of Kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.)". The experiment consisted of eight exotic cultivars as treatments, and the research trial was laid out according to Randomized Block Design (RBD). The entire programme of study was conducted undertaken to elucidate the comparative rooting performance of hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings in exotic cultivars of kiwifruit i.e. Anna, Chung Bai, Cordifolia, Issai Kiwi, Kens Red, Meader Male, MSU Klur, and 74-49 Among different cultivars, Kens Red exhibited the best performance in terms of root characteristics. The cultivar Anna performed the least on the basis of the aforesaid parameters.
Among different cutting types, semi-hardwood cuttings of different cultivars performed better as compared to hardwood cuttings with respect to parameters like number of primary roots, number of secondary roots, total root length (cm) and fresh and dry weight of roots per cutting. The information generated on the propagation of these new exotic kiwiberry cultivars will serve as a basis for the researchers in developing new rootstocks for quality production of plants.
In-vitro Antifungal Activity of Ethanol Plant Extracts of Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum against Some Clinical Candida Species
Authors: Ezeadila Joachim Ohiakwu , Uba Christian Chibuzo , Udemezue Onyekachukwu Izuchukwu , Ilo Peace Chidimma , Orji Christian Chinedu , Anene Chukwuebuka Chisom
Published: September 2024

Vaginal candidiasis, primarily caused by microorganisms belonging to the Candida genus, is a common fungal infection prevalent among millions of women worldwide and can lead to significant morbidity. The treatment of Candida infections has often relied on antifungal drugs such as azoles and echinocandins. However, the emergence of resistance among Candida species to these drugs poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. This study was, thus, aimed at evaluating the in vitro antifungal activity of ethanol extracts of some selected medicinal plants against Candida species isolated from high vaginal swabs of some women attending a hospital in Enugu State, Nigeria. Six (6) isolates resistant to three or more commercial antifungal drugs were selected for this study. These isolates include Candida tropicalis (2), Candida albicans (2), Candida Parapsilosis (1) and Candida krusei (1). The plants used were Moringa oleifera leaves, Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum. The leaves were dried, pulverized and 300g of each was extracted using ethanol in a Soxhlet extractor at 70°C for 6hrs. The concentrated extract of each plant was reconstituted in Dimethyl sulfoxide and different concentrations of 400 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml and 12.25 mg/ml were obtained using double fold serial dilution. The susceptibility of the Candida species to the ethanol plant extracts was carried out using the agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the Extract of Moringa oleifera had the highest inhibition zone diameter (19 mm) at 200 mg/ml against resistant Candida albicans1, followed by the extract of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum with inhibition zone diameters of 18.67 mm and 18 mm at 100 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml respectively. Candida tropicalis1 was sensitive to all the plant extracts at all concentrations, while Candida parapsilosis was resistant to the extract of Ocimum gratissimum at all concentrations. The activity of the extracts of Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum against Candida tropicalis1 was concentration dependent. This study also revealed that Candida krusei was resistant to all the extracts of the plants at the highest concentration of 200 mg/ml. The antifungal activities of these plant extracts implies these plants have great therapeutic potential that can be harnessed. This study, thus, recommends that these plants be investigated further for possible use in the formulation of antifungal drugs especially, against those diseases caused by Candida species that have developed resistance to the commonly used antifungal drugs.
Characterizing isomiR variants within the microRNA‐34/449 family
Authors: Mercey Olivier , Popa Alexandra , Cavard Amélie , Paquet Agnès , Chevalier Benoît , Pons Nicolas , Magnone Virginie , Zangari Joséphine , Brest Patrick , Zaragosi Laure‐Emmanuelle , Ponzio Gilles , Lebrigand Kevin , Barbry Pascal , Marcet Brice
Published: February 2017

miR‐34/449 microRNAs are conserved regulators of multiciliated cell differentiation. Here, we evidence and characterize expression of two isomiR variant sequences from the miR‐34/449 family in human airway epithelial cells. These isomiRs differ from their canonical counterparts miR‐34b and miR‐449c by one supplemental uridine at their 5′‐end, leading to a one‐base shift in their seed region. Overexpression of canonical miR‐34/449 or 5′‐isomiR‐34/449 induces distinct gene expression profiles and biological effects. However, some target transcripts and functional activities are shared by both canonical microRNAs and isomiRs. Indeed, both repress important targets that result in cell cycle blockage and Notch pathway inhibition. Our findings suggest that 5′‐isomiR‐34/449 may represent additional mechanisms by which miR‐34/449 family finely controls several pathways to drive multiciliogenesis.
Shock aurora: Field‐aligned discrete structures moving along the dawnside oval
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Haerendel Gerhard , Moen Jøran I. , Trondsen Espen , Clausen Lasse , Strangeway Robert J. , Lybekk Bjørn , Lorentzen Dag A.
Published: February 2017

Generated by interplanetary shocks or solar wind pressure pulses, shock aurora has transient, global, and dynamic significances and provides a direct manifestation of the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere interaction. As a part of a series of studies of the shock aurora, this paper focuses on the interaction at the morning magnetopause and its auroral manifestation at ~06 magnetic local time, where the velocity and magnetic field shears dominate the interaction. Flow shears can generate wave‐like structures inside a viscous boundary layer or even larger‐scale vortices. These structures couple to the ionosphere via quasi‐static field‐aligned currents or via kinetic Alfvén waves. Potential drops along field‐aligned filaments may be generated accelerating electrons to form auroral manifestations of the structures. A shock aurora event at dawnside is used to test this scenario. The findings include moving auroral streaks/rays that have a vertical profile from red (at ~250 km altitude) to purple (at ~100 km). The streaks moved antisunward along the poleward boundary of the oval at an ionospheric speed of ~3 km s−1. It was mapped to the magnetopause flank at ~133 km s−1, which was consistent with the observed speed of the magnetopause surface waves generated by the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability. The calculated field‐aligned potential drop using Haerendel's analytic model was ~5 kV that reasonably explained the observations. The results support the above scenario and reveal that magnetic and velocity shears at the flanks of the magnetospause may be the main cause of the fast moving shock aurora streaks.
Horizontal profile of a moving red line cusp aurora
Authors: Taguchi S. , Chiba Y. , Hosokawa K. , Ogawa Y.
Published: February 2017

Auroral emission at a wavelength of 630.0 nm (red line) has a long radiative time. In this study, we show how this long radiative time controls the horizontal extent of a moving mesoscale aurora, which is typical of the cusp. Using high time resolution (4 s) observations by an all‐sky imager at Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and observations by the European Incoherent Scatter Svalbard Radar (ESR), we examined the auroral emission enhancements obtained in the cusp during an interval of southward interplanetary magnetic field on 27 November 2011. Simultaneous observations from the all‐sky imager and the ESR clearly show the manner in which auroral emission regions passed through the radar's field of view. When the front edge of the moving auroral structure intersected the radar's field of view, the ESR electron temperature was enhanced. A few minutes later, the ESR electron temperature dropped to the background level, indicating that the mesoscale electron precipitation region shifted away from the radar's field of view. At that time, the auroral emission in the radar's field of view decreased but still had adequate intensities. These results provide evidence demonstrating that moving cusp auroral emission occurs behind the electron precipitation region as well as inside that region. We interpreted this feature semiquantitatively by using the equation of continuity of the density of the excited atomic oxygen. Our model indicates that the maximum intensity in the moving auroral structure occurs at a point along the trailing edge of the electron precipitation region and that the velocity of that region is important for determining how the 630.0 nm aurora emissions extend horizontally.
The most intense current sheets in the high‐speed solar wind near 1 AU
Authors: Podesta John J.
Published: February 2017

Electric currents in the solar wind plasma are investigated using 92 ms fluxgate magnetometer data acquired in a high‐speed stream near 1 AU. The minimum resolvable scale is roughly 0.18 s in the spacecraft frame or, using Taylor's “frozen turbulence” approximation, one proton inertial length di in the plasma frame. A new way of identifying current sheets is developed that utilizes a proxy for the current density J obtained from the derivatives of the three orthogonal components of the observed magnetic field B. The most intense currents are identified as 5σ events, where σ is the standard deviation of the current density. The observed 5σ events are characterized by an average scale size of approximately 3di along the flow direction of the solar wind, a median separation of around 50di or 100di along the flow direction of the solar wind, and a peak current density on the order of 0.5 pA/cm2. The associated current‐carrying structures are consistent with current sheets; however, the planar geometry of these structures cannot be confirmed using single‐point, single‐spacecraft measurements. If Taylor's hypothesis continues to hold for the energetically dominant fluctuations at kinetic scales
, then the results suggest that the most intense current‐carrying structures in high‐speed wind occur at electron scales, although the peak current densities at kinetic and electron scales are predicted to be nearly the same as those found in this study.
PFISR observation of intense ion upflow fluxes associated with an SED during the 1 June 2013 geomagnetic storm
Authors: Zou Shasha , Ridley Aaron , Jia Xianzhe , Boyd Emma , Nicolls Michael , Coster Anthea , Thomas Evan , Ruohoniemi J. M.
Published: February 2017

The Earth's ionosphere plays an important role in supplying plasma into the magnetosphere through ion upflow/outflow, particularly during periods of strong solar wind driving. An intense ion upflow flux event during the 1 June 2013 storm has been studied using observations from multiple instruments. When the open‐closed field line boundary (OCB) moved into the Poker Flat incoherent scatter radar (PFISR) field of view, divergent ion fluxes were observed by PFISR with intense upflow fluxes reaching ~1.9 × 1014 m−2 s−1 at ~600 km altitude. Both ion and electron temperatures increased significantly within the ion upflow, and thus, this event has been classified as a type 2 upflow. We discuss factors contributing to the high electron density and intense ion upflow fluxes, including plasma temperature effect and preconditioning by storm‐enhanced density (SED). Our analysis shows that the significantly enhanced electron temperature due to soft electron precipitation in the cusp can reduce the dissociative recombination rate of molecular ions above ~400 km and contributed to the density increase. In addition, this intense ion upflow flux event is preconditioned by the lifted F region ionosphere due to northwestward convection flows in the SED plume. During this event, the OCB and cusp were detected by DMSP between 15 and 16 magnetic local times, unusually duskward. Results from a global magnetohydrodynamics simulation using the Space Weather Modeling Framework have been used to provide a global context for this event. This case study provides a more comprehensive mechanism for the generation of intense ion upflow fluxes observed in association with SEDs.
Using radar‐derived parameters to forecast lightning cessation for nonisolated storms
Authors: Davey Matthew J. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: February 2017

Lightning impacts operations at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and other outdoor venues leading to injuries, inconvenience, and detrimental economic impacts. This research focuses on cases of “nonisolated” lightning which we define as one cell whose flashes have ceased although it is still embedded in weak composite reflectivity (Z ≥ 15 dBZ) with another cell that is still producing flashes. The objective is to determine if any radar‐derived parameters provide useful information about the occurrence of lightning cessation in remnant storms. The data set consists of 50 warm season (May–September) nonisolated storms near KSC during 2013. The research utilizes the National Lightning Detection Network, the second generation Lightning Detection and Ranging network, and polarized radar data. These data are merged and analyzed using the Warning Decision Support System‐Integrated Information at 1 min intervals. Our approach only considers 62 parameters, most of which are related to the noninductive charging mechanism. They included the presence of graupel at various thermal altitudes, maximum reflectivity of the decaying storm at thermal altitudes, maximum connecting composite reflectivity between the decaying cell and active cell, minutes since the previous flash, and several others. Results showed that none of the parameters reliably indicated lightning cessation for even our restrictive definition of nonisolated storms. Additional research is needed before cessation can be determined operationally with the high degree of accuracy required for safety.
Ultrasound‐Enhanced siRNA Delivery Using Magnetic Nanoparticle‐Loaded Chitosan‐Deoxycholic Acid Nanodroplets
Authors: Lee Jeong Yu , Crake Calum , Teo Boon , Carugo Dario , de Saint Victor Marie , Seth Anjali , Stride Eleanor
Published: February 2017

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has significant therapeutic potential but its clinical translation has been severely inhibited by a lack of effective delivery strategies. Previous work has demonstrated that perfluorocarbon nanodroplets loaded with magnetic nanoparticles can facilitate the intracellular delivery of a conventional chemotherapeutic drug. The aim of this study is to determine whether a similar agent can provide a means of delivering siRNA, enabling efficient transfection without degradation of the molecule. Chitosan‐deoxycholic acid nanoparticles containing perfluoropentane and iron oxide (d
0 = 7.5 ± 0.35 nm) with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 257.6 ± 10.9 nm are produced. siRNA (AllStars Hs cell death siRNA) is electrostatically bound to the particle surface and delivery to lung cancer cells and breast cancer cells is investigated with and without ultrasound exposure (500 kHz, 1 MPa peak‐to‐peak focal pressure, 40 cycles per burst, 1 kHz pulse repetition frequency, 10 s duration). The results show that siRNA functionality is not impaired by the treatment protocol and that the nanodroplets are able to successfully promote siRNA uptake, leading to significant apoptosis (52.4%) 72 h after ultrasound treatment.
Conjugated‐Polymer Blends for Organic Photovoltaics: Rational Control of Vertical Stratification for High Performance
Authors: Yan Yu , Liu Xuan , Wang Tao
Published: February 2017

The photoactive layer of bulk‐heterojunction organic solar cells, in a thickness range of tens to hundreds of nanometers, comprises phase‐separated electron donors and acceptors after solution casting. The component distribution in the cross‐section of these thin films is found to be heterogeneous, with electron donors or acceptors accumulated or depleted near the electrode interfaces. This vertical stratification of the photovoltaic blend influences device metrics through its impact on charge transport and recombination, and consequently plays an important role in determining the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices. Here, different techniques, e.g., surface analysis and sputter‐assisted depth‐profiling, reflectivity modeling, and 3D imaging, that have been employed to characterize vertical stratification in bulk‐heterojunction photovoltaic blends are reviewed. The origins of vertical stratification are summarized, including thermodynamics, kinetics, surface free energy, and selective dissolubility. The impact of correct and wrong vertical stratification to device metrics of solar cells are highlighted. Examples are then given to demonstrate how desired vertical stratification can be controlled with properly aligned device architecture to enable solar cells with high efficiency.
Inverse Hysteresis and Ultrasmall Hysteresis Thin‐Film Transistors Fabricated Using Sputtered Dielectrics
Authors: Zhao Yudan , Huo Yujia , Xiao Xiaoyang , Wang Yingcheng , Zhang Tianfu , Jiang Kaili , Wang Jiaping , Fan Shoushan , Li Qunqing
Published: February 2017

Large current hysteresis is observed in carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors and usually shows as a positive threshold voltage shift when the gate sweeping direction changes from positive to negative. This paper reports fabrication of inverse hysteresis CNT thin‐film transistors (TFTs) using magnetron sputtered oxide as a dielectric. Stacking of the sputtered dielectric with dielectrics deposited by other methods, such as atomic layer deposition, can effectively reduce or even eliminate the hysteresis. This can be explained as a combination of the effects of surface and interface trapped charges. Additionally, this hysteresis reduction method is widely compatible with various CNT‐TFT structures and types and is even suitable for MoS2 TFTs. The output characteristics and frequency responses of large and small hysteresis devices are compared and show that the small‐hysteresis inverter has lower distortion, and that its maximum operating frequency is nearly five times larger than that of TFTs with normal hysteresis.
Pulmonary function and airway inflammation among dairy parlor workers after exposure to inhalable aerosols
Authors: Nonnenmann Matthew W. , Gimeno Ruiz de Porras David , Levin Jeffrey , Douphrate David , Boggaram Vijay , Schaeffer Joshua , Gallagher Michael , Hornick Madeleine , Reynolds Stephen
Published: February 2017

Background

Inhalation exposure to organic dust causes lung inflammation among agricultural workers. Due to changes in production and work organization, task‐based inhalation exposure data, including novel lung inflammation biomarkers, will inform exposure recommendations for dairy farm workers.

Methods

Linear regression was used to estimate the associations of airborne exposure to dust concentration, endotoxin, and muramic acid with pulmonary outcomes (i.e., FEV1, exhaled nitric oxide). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations with self‐reported pulmonary symptoms.

Results

Mean exposure concentration to inhalable dust, endotoxin, and muramic acid were 0.55 mg/m3, 118 EU/m3, and 3.6 mg/m3, respectively. We found cross‐shift differences for exhaled nitric oxide (P = 0.005) and self‐reported pulmonary symptoms (P = 0.008) but no association of exposure with respiratory outcomes.

Conclusions

Inhalation exposures during parlor tasks, which were lower than previously reported and were not associated with cross‐shift measures of pulmonary health among dairy workers. Modern milking parlor designs may be contributing to lower inhalation exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:255–263, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing biomechanical models of human lumbar lordosis variability
Authors: Castillo Eric R. , Hsu Connie , Mair Ross W. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Lumbar lordosis (LL) is a key adaptation for bipedalism, but factors underlying curvature variations remain unclear. This study tests three biomechanical models to explain LL variability.

Materials and methods

Thirty adults (15 male, 15 female) were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a standing posture analysis was conducted, and lumbar range of motion (ROM) was assessed. Three measures of LL were compared. The trunk's center of mass was estimated from external markers to calculate hip moments (Mhip) and lumbar flexion moments. Cross‐sectional areas of lumbar vertebral bodies and trunk muscles were measured from scans. Regression models tested associations between LL and the Mhip moment arm, a beam bending model, and an interaction between relative trunk strength (RTS) and ROM.

Results

Hip moments were not associated with LL. Beam bending was moderately predictive of standing but not supine LL (R2 = 0.25). Stronger backs and increased ROM were associated with greater LL, especially when standing (R2 = 0.65). The strength‐flexibility model demonstrates the differential influence of RTS depending on ROM: individuals with high ROM exhibited the most LL variation with RTS, while those with low ROM showed reduced LL regardless of RTS.

Discussion

Hip moments appear constrained suggesting the possibility of selection, and the beam model explains some LL variability due to variations in trunk geometry. The strength‐flexibility interaction best predicted LL, suggesting a tradeoff in which ROM limits the effects of back strength on LL. The strength‐flexibility model may have clinical relevance for spinal alignment and pathology. This model may also suggest that straight‐backed Neanderthals had reduced lumbar mobility.
A Two‐Tailed Phosphopeptide Crystallizes to Form a Lamellar Structure
Authors: Pellach Michal , Mondal Sudipta , Harlos Karl , Mance Deni , Baldus Marc , Gazit Ehud , Shimon Linda J. W.
Published: February 2017

The crystal structure of a designed phospholipid‐inspired amphiphilic phosphopeptide at 0.8 Å resolution is presented. The phosphorylated β‐hairpin peptide crystallizes to form a lamellar structure that is stabilized by intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, including an extended β‐sheet structure, as well as aromatic interactions. This first reported crystal structure of a two‐tailed peptidic bilayer reveals similarities in thickness to a typical phospholipid bilayer. However, water molecules interact with the phosphopeptide in the hydrophilic region of the lattice. Additionally, solid‐state NMR was used to demonstrate correlation between the crystal structure and supramolecular nanostructures. The phosphopeptide was shown to self‐assemble into semi‐elliptical nanosheets, and solid‐state NMR provides insight into the self‐assembly mechanisms. This work brings a new dimension to the structural study of biomimetic amphiphilic peptides with determination of molecular organization at the atomic level.
Ultrasensitive Fluorogenic Reagents for Neuraminidase Titration
Authors: Gao Zhizeng , Niikura Masahiro , Withers Stephen G.
Published: February 2017

Influenza viral neuraminidase plays a crucial role during infections. It is a major target for the development of anti‐influenza drugs and is also attracting increasing attention as a vaccine target as evidence accumulates that neuraminidase‐neutralizing antibodies contribute to protection. However, no method currently exists to accurately and efficiently measure concentrations of active neuraminidase in virus samples or other crude mixtures, which hampers development on both fronts. In this report, we describe the development of a selective and sensitive active‐site titration reagent for neuraminidase that can quantify viral neuraminidases down to sub‐nanomolar levels in crude samples, with no background from non‐viral neuraminidases. By using this reagent, we determined accurate kcat values for six influenza A and two influenza B neuraminidases for the first time. We also quantified the neuraminidase content in a commercial influenza vaccine, thus demonstrating that this titration reagent opens the possibility for better vaccine analysis.
Sustainability assessment of glucose production technologies from highly recalcitrant softwood including scavengers
Authors: Morales Merten , Pielhop Thomas , Saliba Philippe , Hungerbühler Konrad , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp , Papadokonstantakis Stavros
Published: February 2017

The utilization of abandoned lignocellulosic residues for chemical production has a strong potential to partially substitute chemicals, which are traditionally produced from non‐renewable resources. Softwood especially, with its high availability, presents a sustainable resource for the conversion to higher value‐added products such as biofuels and bioplastics. In this study, we investigate mature and innovative technologies for the conversion of softwood to the platform chemical sugar from an economic and environmental perspective. We show that the conventional enzymatic hydrolysis has high economic as well as environmental burdens and that the increase of enzyme availability via a carbocation scavenger process is the key solution to overcome them. Furthermore, we present a process design based on concentrated acid hydrolysis, which is both environmentally and economically competitive compared to conventional production from sugarbeet. The low energy and raw material requirements combined with heat integration and moderate capital costs makes this technology attractive for utilization of softwood residues. This proves that lignocellulosic residues have the potential to become an important raw material in the future bioeconomy. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Costs, mortality, and hospital usage in relation to prenatal diagnosis in d‐transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Pinto Nelangi M. , Nelson Richard , Botto Lorenzo , Puchalski Michael D. , Krikov Sergey , Kim Jaewhan , Waitzman Norman J.
Published: February 2017

Background

The impact of prenatal diagnosis of d‐transposition of the great arteries (dTGA) on health‐care usage is largely unknown. We evaluated a population‐based cohort to assess costs, mortality and inpatient encounters by whether dTGA was prenatally diagnosed or not.

Methods

The dTGA cases (born 1997–2011) identified at the Utah Birth Defect Network, which includes data on timing of diagnosis, were linked to statewide inpatient discharge data. We excluded preterm cases or cases with additional major heart defects. We evaluated hospitalizations and costs for infants (first year of life) and mothers (10 months before birth) using multivariable models adjusted for demographic and clinical risk factors.

Results

Of 119 cases, 14 (12%) were prenatally diagnosed. Birth weight, surgical complexity and extracardiac defects/syndromes were similar between groups. Of 7 deaths (6%), two occurred pre‐intervention in postnatally diagnosed infants. Prenatal diagnosis was associated with more in‐hospital days (estimate 13 additional days, p = 0.03) and higher mean costs for mothers ($4,141 vs $12,148) and infants (90,419 vs $49,576). Prenatal diagnosis independently predicted higher adjusted costs for the overall cohort ($22,570, p = 0.045). After excluding deaths, total costs were no longer significantly different.

Conclusion

Mothers of prenatally diagnosed infants with dTGA had higher inpatient costs compared with those postnatally diagnosed. Costs trended higher for their infants, although were not significantly different. Linkage of population‐based surveillance systems and outcome databases can be a powerful tool to further explore the complex relationship of prenatal diagnosis to costs and outcomes in other types of congenital heart diseases. Birth Defects Research 109:262–270, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional mucous layer and healing of proximal colonic anastomoses in an experimental model
Authors: Bosmans J W A M , Jongen A C H M , Birchenough G M H , Nyström E E L , Gijbels M J J , Derikx J P M , Bouvy N D , Hansson G C
Published: February 2017

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most dreaded complication after colorectal surgery, causing high morbidity and mortality. Mucus is a first line of defence against external factors in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, the structural mucus protein Muc2 was depleted in genetically engineered mice and the effect on healing of colonic anastomoses studied in an experimental model.

Methods

Mice of different Muc2 genotypes were used in a proximal colonic AL model. Tissues were scored histologically for inflammation, bacterial translocation was determined by quantitative PCR of bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA, and epithelial cell damage was determined by assessing serum levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein.

Results

Of 22 Muc2-deficient (Muc2−/−) mice, 20 developed AL, compared with seven of 22 control animals (P < 0·001). Control mice showed normal healing, whereas Muc2−/− mice had more inflammation with less collagen deposition and neoangiogenesis. A tendency towards higher bacterial translocation was seen in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen in Muc2−/− mice. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were significantly higher in Muc2−/− mice compared with controls (P = 0·011).

Conclusion

A functional mucous layer facilitates the healing of colonic anastomoses.
Effect of obeticholic acid on liver regeneration following portal vein embolization in an experimental model
Authors: Olthof P B , Huisman F , Schaap F G , van Lienden K P , Bennink R J , van Golen R F , Heger M , Verheij J , Jansen P L , Olde Damink S W , van Gulik T M
Published: February 2017

Background

The bile salt-activated transcription factor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key mediator of proliferative bile salt signalling, which is assumed to play a role in the early phase of compensatory liver growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a potent FXR agonist (obeticholic acid, OCA) on liver growth following portal vein embolization (PVE).

Methods

Rabbits were allocated to receive daily oral gavage with OCA (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (control group) starting 7 days before PVE (n = 18 per group), and continued until 7 days after PVE. PVE of the cranial liver lobes was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles and coils on day 0. Caudal liver volume (CLV) was analysed by CT volumetry on days –7, –1, +3 and +7. Liver function was determined by measuring mebrofenin uptake using hepatobiliary scintigraphy. Additional parameters analysed were plasma aminotransferase levels, and histological scoring of haematoxylin and eosin- and Ki-67-stained liver sections.

Results

Three days after PVE of the cranial lobes, the increase in CLV was 2·2-fold greater in the OCA group than in controls (mean(s.d.) 56·1(20·3) versus 26·1(15·4) per cent respectively; P < 0·001). This increase remained greater 7 days after PVE (+1·5-fold; P = 0·020). The increase in caudal liver function at day +3 was greater in OCA-treated animals (+1·2-fold; P = 0·017). The number of Ki-67-positive hepatocytes was 1·6-fold higher in OCA-treated animals 3 days after PVE (P = 0·045). Plasma aminotransferase levels and histology did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion

OCA accelerated liver regeneration after PVE in a rabbit model. OCA treatment might increase the efficacy of PVE and, thereby, resectability.
Outcome after laparoscopic and open resections of posterosuperior segments of the liver
Authors: Scuderi V , Barkhatov L , Montalti R , Ratti F , Cipriani F , Pardo F , Tranchart H , Dagher I , Rotellar F , Abu Hilal M , Edwin B , Vivarelli M , Aldrighetti L , Troisi R I
Published: February 2017

Background

Laparoscopic resection of posterosuperior (PS) segments of the liver is hindered by limited visualization and curvilinear resection planes. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after open and laparoscopic liver resections of PS segments.

Methods

Patients who underwent minor open liver resection (OLR) and laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) between 2006 and 2014 were identified from the institutional databases of seven tertiary referral European hepatobiliary surgical units. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to match groups for known confounders. Perioperative outcomes including complications were assessed using the Dindo–Clavien classification, and the comprehensive complication index was calculated. Survival was analysed with the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Some 170 patients underwent OLR and 148 had LLR. After propensity score-matched analysis, 86 patients remained in both groups. Overall postoperative complication rates were significantly higher after OLR compared with LLR: 28 versus 14 per cent respectively (P = 0·039). The mean(s.d.) comprehensive complication index was higher in the OLR group, although the difference was not statistically significant (26·7(16·6) versus 18·3(8·0) in the LLR group; P = 0·108). The mean(s.d.) duration of required analgesia and the median (range) duration of postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LLR group: 3·0(1·1) days versus 1·6(0·8) days in the OLR group (P < 0·001), and 6 (3–44) versus 4 (1–11) days (P < 0·001), respectively. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (37 per cent for OLRversus 30 per cent for LLR; P = 0·534) and those with colorectal liver metastases (36 versus 36 per cent respectively; P = 0·440) were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion

LLR of tumours in PS segments is feasible in selected patients. LLR is associated with fewer complications and does not compromise survival compared with OLR.
Functions of the subregions of the supraspinatus muscle
Authors: Yuri Takuma , Kuwahara Yoshiki , Fujii Hiromi , Kiyoshige Yoshiro
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the functions of the six subregions of the supraspinatus muscle (SSP) determined by Kim et al. in Clin Anat 2007;20:648–655, using real‐time tissue elastography (RTE). Twelve young male volunteers participated. The muscular hardness of the SSP was measured at rest and with contraction of the MMT3 in internal, neutral and external rotations. The SSP was functionally divided into five groups on the basis of the RTE results. These functional areas were roughly classified into three property groups: the anterior‐superficial, anterior‐middle, and anterior‐deep subregions, which produce contractile force for abduction; the posterior‐deep subregion, which produces contractile force for external rotation; and the posterior‐superficial and posterior‐middle subregions, which maintain tension. RTE was appropriate for measuring the functions of these muscular subregions. Clin. Anat. 30:347–351, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.
Sinus septi nasi: Anatomical study
Authors: Mladina Ranko , Antunović Romano , Cingi Cemal , Bayar Muluk Nuray , skitarelić Neven
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to perform a pioneering investigation into the incidence of pneumatization in human skulls. A total of 93 human skulls (≥20 years of age, 69 males, 24 females) were included in the study. The skulls were scanned in a fixed position using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The pneumatized space parameters within the nasal septum—width, length, and height—were measured. Two types of finding were identified: (a) Pneumatization, named “sinus septi nasi” (SSN), and (b) “spongy bone” (SB). The results showed SSN in 32 of the 93 skulls (34.4%). The SSN formations were from 0.5 to 4.2 mm wide, 3.5 to 18.8 mm long, and 3.8 to 17.7 mm high. Tumefactions filled with SB were found in 61 of the 93 skulls (65.59%). These were not suitable for precise measurements since the outer borders were not strictly and well defined on CT scans (perhaps because of the preparation process). In conclusion, the perpendicular plate of the ethmoidal bone is not always compact bone; in 34.4% of cases, it shows a degree of pneumatization. In contrast, an enlarged formation filled with SB is present in 65.59% of cases. The possible sources of pneumatization of this little‐investigated region are discussed: sphenoid sinus, frontal sinus, and vomeronasal organ. Clin. Anat. 30:312–317, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insulin‐dependent cytoplasmic distribution of Rab4a in mouse adipocytes is inhibited by interleukin‐6, ‐8, and ‐15
Authors: Błaszczyk Maciej , Gajewska Małgorzata , Milewska Marta , Grzelkowska‐Kowalczyk Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of interleukins, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐15, on insulin‐mediated redistribution of Rab4a, an early endosome marker, in mouse 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The interleukins did not affect cell viability; however, cell number was slightly but significantly higher in cultures exposed to IL‐8 and IL‐15. IL‐8 and IL‐15 decreased lipid storage in adipocytes, whereas IL‐6 had no effect. Rab4A showed cytoplasmic localization, and in control unstimulated adipocytes it was found primarily nearby nucleus, that was supported by cellular fluorescence distribution profile, and by calculated indices, that is, high percentage of near‐nuclear area fluorescence and a low mean peripheral cytoplasmic fluorescence/mean near‐nuclear fluorescence ratio. Insulin stimulation (100 nmol/l, 30 min) altered the cytoplasmic localization of Rab4a in control adipocytes, which was manifested by its redistribution towards plasma membrane. This effect of insulin was prevented in adipocytes exposed to IL‐6, IL‐8, or IL‐15. We concluded that insulin‐dependent Rab4a redistribution, probably reflecting stimulation of vesicle‐mediated transport, is inhibited in adipocytes subjected to differentiation in the presence of IL‐6, IL‐8, or IL‐15. Such alterations may be involved in the mechanisms contributing to development of insulin resistance associated with inflammation; however, further studies in this field are required.