bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive robust structure exploration for complex systems based on model configuration and fusion
Authors: Qu Yingfei , Liu Wanbing , Wen Junhao , Li Ming
Published: April 2024

Analyzing and obtaining useful information is challenging when facing a new complex system. Traditional methods often focus on specific structural aspects, such as communities, which may overlook the important features and result in biased conclusions. To address this, this article suggests an adaptive algorithm for exploring complex system structures using a generative model. This method calculates and optimizes node parameters, which can reflect the latent structural characteristics of the complex system. The effectiveness and stability of this method have been demonstrated in comparative experiments on 10 sets of benchmark networks using our model parameter configuration scheme. To enhance adaptability, algorithm fusion strategies were also proposed and tested on two real-world networks. The results indicate that the algorithm can uncover multiple structural features, including clustering, overlapping, and local chaining. This adaptive algorithm provides a promising approach for exploring complex system structures.
Generation Change of Cropping Intensity in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review
Authors: Saif Hasib Bin , Ruma Kanis Fatema , Ahmed Istiak , Islam Md. Riazul , Akhi Afsana Hoque , Nasim Fardus Ahamed , Rimu Rafia Akhtar , Karim Md. Rezaul
Published: April 2024

The cropping intensity in Bangladesh remained stagnant until the late 18th century, then surged notably during the period of 1987–88 and 2010–11. Cropping intensity increased from 143% to 173.06% with an annual growth rate of 1.20% in the first half of Bangladesh's 50 years of independence. During that period, net cropped area fell from 8248.16 thousand hectares to 7806.07 thousand hectares, while gross cropped area increased from 11785.55 thousand hectares to 13518.64 thousand hectares.

In the second half of 50 years, cropping intensity has increased from 173.06 to 198.00 with an increasing rate of 0.99% per year, in this time both net and gross cropped area increased. Overall, within the 50 years of Bangladesh's independence, cropping intensity has increased from 143% (1971-72) to 198% (2019-20) with an increasing rate of 1.10% per year and will be 211.03 % (projected) by 2030. At that time net cropped area decreased from 8248.16 thousand hectares to 8126.00 thousand hectares but grossed cropped area increased from 11785.55 thousand hectares to 16057.00 thousand hectares. This overall change in cropping intensity is due to an increase in double (17.11%) and tripled cropped area (18.37%) and a decline in single cropped area (-35.76%). Shifting from single to multiple cropping attributed to this change. New short-duration cultivars tailored to fallow time drove intensity. However, limited climate-smart solutions and management practices posed hindrances. Examining rice yield extension, this study used historical and projected trends to forecast 2030 cropping intensity. New four cropped-based CP has also been introduced which occupied 0.28% of the net cropped area and definitely will play a vital role to increase cropping intensity in the future.
Farmer Perceptions on the Effects of Termites in Kwa Vonza Location, Kitui County, Kenya
Authors: Manono Bonface Ombasa , Chelangat Tuikong , Isoe Derrick
Published: April 2024

Aims: This study aimed to assess (i) the perception of Kwa Vonza farmers regarding the presence of termites in their land, (ii) the perceived importance of termites, and (iii) how they control termites in their properties.
Study Design:  This study is based on responses to a questionnaire sent to farmers.
Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Kwa Vonza Location, Yatta Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya, between April and November 2017.
Methodology: 60 questionnaires, each comprising 20 multiple-choice questions, were sent out to farmers. Out of these, 54 responses were received. Where the response did not require a Yes or No answer, it elicited a response from a standardized five-point scale to demonstrate agreement with the provided proposition. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, in which percentages were tabulated, and frequency tables were generated using Microsoft Excel.
Results: 73% of farmers perceived their land as infertile, with the causes ranging from soil erosion, drought, and mono-cropping. 87% of farmers acknowledged termite infestation in their farms but perceived them as destructive. Termite infestation was attributed to deforestation, drought, and flooding. Chemical control was the method of choice to manage termites.
Conclusion: Kwa Vonza farmers do not perceive termites as of any agronomic significance but view them as destructive agents. Further research to address the complex issue of soil management at the farm-scale level that involves farmers is necessary to fill gaps in scientific knowledge and produce advice for practical use.
Effect of Bioactive Compound (Poultry Manure) on the Yield and Capsaicinoid Content of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Rufa’i, S . , Bala, B . , Shittu, EA . , Lado, A . , Isa, HM . , Bello, TT .
Published: April 2024

To assess the impact of poultry manure fertilization on the yield and capsaicinoid content of sweet pepper cultivars, field experiments were carried out during the 2018 rainy seasons at two locations within the Sudan savanna agro-ecological region: the Teaching and Research Farm Bayero University Kano (l1o 58 N, 8o 25 E, and altitude 458 m) and Kadawa Irrigation Scheme Bunkure (l1o 42 N, 8o 33 E, and altitude 476 m). The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates comprising four levels of poultry manure (PM) (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 tha-1) and three cultivars of sweet pepper (Tattasai Dan Damasak, Yolo wonder and Nsukka yellow). The result reveals that the growth, yield and capcisinoid content of sweet pepper cultivars were greatly influenced by the application of PM. The application of 3.0 tha-1 of PM significantly gave taller plants, more branches, larger leaves, and a higher number of fruits. Similarly, the Dan Damasak cultivar significantly produced higher growth characters above, except for the number of fruits plant-1. The Dan Damasak and Yolo wonder cultivars at BUK and Yolo wonder at BKR significantly gave a higher number of fruit plants. Fresh fruit yield, total fruit yield, and capsaicinoid content were significantly higher with 3.0 tha-1 of PM at both locations. The Dan Damasak cultivar resulted in higher yield related characters at both locations. The capsaicinoid content was, however, significantly higher with Nsukka yellow (17.43 and 18.83 mg kg-1) at BUK and BKR locations, respectively. Thus, the application of 3.0 tha-1 PM combined with the Dan Damasak cultivar for improved growth and yield, while the Nsukka Yellow cultivar and the application of 3.0 tha-1 PM for higher capsaicinoid could be suggested to the farmers in the study area to improve the productivity of the crop.
The Influence of Capital Intensity, Leverage, Profitability, and Corporate Social Responsibility on Tax Avoidance with Firm Size as a Moderating Variable
Authors: Sulaeman Asep , Surjandari Dwi Asih
Published: April 2024

Aims: This research aims to test and analyze capital intensity, leverage, profitability, and corporate social responsibility on tax avoidance with firm size as a moderating variable.

Study Design: This research uses a quantitative causality method that relies on secondary data collection originating from the Indonesian Stock Exchange.

Place and Duration of Study: Companies listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index from 2018 to 2022.

Methodology: The sampling method used purposive sampling, so that 80 samples were obtained from 16 suitable companies. The analytical method used in this research is panel data regression analysis carried out with Eviews 12 software.

Results: The research results show that capital intensity, leverage, and profitability influence tax avoidance, while corporate social responsibility does not affect tax avoidance. The results of the moderation test show that firm size does not moderate the influence of capital intensity, leverage, profitability, and corporate social responsibility on tax avoidance.

Implications: Company managers and tax regulators need to pay attention to factors such as capital intensity, leverage, and profitability in managing and supervising tax avoidance practices.
A Case Report of Breast Myofibroblastoma: A Bad Looking Benign Tumor
Authors: García Diego Reyes , López Misael Elizalde , Macias Agustín Parra
Published: April 2024

This study aims to analyze the relevance of the correct evaluation in the breast pathology, using a standardized method for reporting breast imaging studies, the Breast Imaging Report And Data System (BI-RADS). Myofibroblastoma (MFB) of the breast is a rare, benign, mesenchymal tumor of breast, can be a diagnostic challenge for the non-experienced general radiologist or radiology resident, due to its clinical, mammographic and ultrasonographic characteristics. In this report case we present a 57-year-old women with a breast lump and non-specific imaging findings, through her mammographic and ultrasonographic evaluation, requiring histopathological correlation, making the diagnoses of MFB, leading to lumpectomy as treatment.
Study on the Effect of Trichoderma viride on Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms in Paddy Cultivation with the Combination of Chemical Fertilizer on soil Fertility Parameters
Authors: Donbiaksiam Tabitha , Jyotsna Nongmaithem
Published: April 2024

Trichoderma viride, biological control with Trichoderma viride is an eco-friendly and has potential approach for managing plant diseases. It also aids in phosphate solubilization. Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms are ubiquitous, whose number varies from soil to soil. The present work on, ‘Effect of Trichoderma viride on Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganism in Paddy cultivation” was conducted under lower gangetic alluvial region from 2016-2017(December to May) at Agricultural Experimental Station of Calcutta University, Baruipur, 24 Parganas (South), West Bengal. The Rice variety “Satabdi (IET-4786)” from the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding was sown and recommended fertilizer dose of 80:40:40 kg per hectare. The experiment was carried out with six treatments replicated four times. Out of the six treatments, T3 which received T.V and P.S showed highest Carbon, Phosphorus and Potassium content and T6 showed highest Nitrogen content in the soil
Impact of Different Methods of Sowing and Seed Priming on Yield Attributed Characters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sidhu Arsdeep Singh , Chhina Gurbax Singh , Bhullar Ranjot Kaur
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy farm, Khalsa College, Amritsar (Punjab) during Kharif season of 2021, to study effect of different Sowing methods FD (Flat dry sowing), BD (Beds dry sowing), Fw (flat wattar sowing), BW (beds wattar sowing) and priming methods (No priming, hydropriming and halopriming (Potassium nitrate)) on yield attributing character of rice. We concluded that maximum grain yield (72.7 q ha-1) and biological yield (167.9 q ha-1) was recorded at Fw which was at par with FD. Maximum straw yield was recorded at FD i.e., 97.1 q ha-1 which was at par with FW. Maximum harvest index was recorded at Fw i.e., 43.1 which was comparable with other treatments. On the other hand, result showed that progressive increase in the grain yield (72 qha-1) was recorded at PNi.e., Potassium nitrate which was significantly higher than others. The straw yield (95.5 qha-1) and biological yield (167.9 qha-1) were highest at PN which was significantly higher over P0 (Control) but at par with Pw (hydropriming). The maximum harvest index (42.4) was recorded at PN but at par with Pw and control. Result obtained that maximum yield attributes are recorded by using FW as a sowing method and PN as a seed treatment in rice cultivation.
Physical, Functional and Microbiological Parameters of Tomato-Broccoli Blended Instant Vegetable Soup Mix
Authors: Kour Kamaldeep , Sood Monika , Bandral Julie D. , Gupta Neeraj , Kumari Anjali
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present study was to develop functional instant soup mix and to assess its physical and functional parameters during ambient storage conditions. For the development of instant soup mix, tomato and broccoli were blended in different proportions of 100:0, 95:05, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25 and 70:30 and were packed in laminate pouches and stored for 90 days. Analysis for physical (Hunter colour value), functional parameters and microbiological parameters (total plate count) was conducted at a regular interval of 30 days. With the incorporation of broccoli powder mean L* value increased from 48.90 to 50.75, whereas mean a* and b* values showed a decreasing trend from 17.52 to 9.67 and 30.45 to 28.02, respectively. Among functional parameters, mean water solubility index decreased from 9.34 to 8.52 g/g and water absorption index decreased from 4.09 to 3.42 g/g. T7 recorded highest bulk density (0.719 g/ml) and rehydration ratio (5.33). The overall acceptability was observed to be highest in T4 (7.92). The microbial count was found within permissible limits during 90 days of storage.
Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Bulb Yield and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Raa Vikas , Singh Satya Pal , Duhan D.S. , Mor V.S. , Sidharth . , Saini Ankit
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana. The study aimed to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and quality of two local varieties of onion. The experiment consists of two factors viz. different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (T1: RDF (125:50:25 kg/ha), T2: RDN supplied through FYM, T3: RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T4: RDN supplied through Poultry manure, T5: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through FYM, T6: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T7: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through poultry manure, T8: control) that were laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The outcomes of the study revealed that the leaf length (52.72 cm), number of leaves (10.28), equatorial diameter (6.09 cm), polar diameter (5.16 cm), bulb yield and yield related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), yield per hectare (29.71 t) and A grade bulbs (73.55%) were recorded maximum, while bolting percentage (2.28%) and twin bulbs percentage (3.16%) was recorded minimum under the treatment T6 Hisar Onion-4 exhibited superiority in almost all growth and bulb yield parameters except number of leaves, which was noted higher in Hisar Onion-2.
Comparative Investigation of the Corrosion Protection Efficacy of Spondias mombin Leaf Extracts on AA2024 Alloy and Low Carbon Steel in Acidic Medium
Authors: Ogwo Kalu D. , Nnanna Lebe A. , Young Ahamefule C. , Eziyi Emea A.
Published: April 2024

The anti-corrosive property of Spondias mombin (SM) leaves extract on low carbon steel (LCS) and aluminium alloy (AA2024) in 1M HCl solution was investigated using gravimetric and electrochemical methods. The results obtained from the weight loss experiment performed at various temperatures (30, 45, and 60 0C) show that the inhibition efficiency values decreased with temperature rise but increased as the inhibitor concentrations were increased. At 30 0C, optimum inhibition efficiency (IE) of 80.11% and 78.06% were obtained for LCS and AA2024 respectively. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) result reveal that an optimum IE values of 92.1% and 74.0% were respectively obtained for LCS and AA2024 while the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data show IE values of 91.5% and 74.5% for LCS and AA2024 respectively. In all cases, the values of inhibition efficiency obtained for LCS were greater than those obtained for AA2024. This implies that SM leaf extracts offers a better protective-layer on LCS surface compared to the AA2024 alloy in the acidic medium. The isotherm study reveal that Langmuir model best fitted the adsorption of the leaf extracts on LCS while Freundlich model best fitted the leaf extracts adsorption on AA2024 surface.
Synergistic Potential Sof Cinnamon Extracts, Antibiotics, and Alum on Selected Clinical Microbes
Authors: Gideon Benjamin, , O. Amadi, Lawrence , Sampson T.
Published: April 2024

Antibiotics are natural or synthetic substances used to inhibit or kill susceptible microorganisms. Due to the increase rate of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there is the need to venture in other methods involving the coalescence effect of antibiotics and other substances such as cinnamon and alum to effectively eradicate these pathogenic organisms using less concentrated conventional antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the selected antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth dilution method, following standards and procedures set by the national council of clinical laboratory standards (NCCLS). The synergistic potentials of all the antimicrobics used were analyzed by the checkerboard assay. The MIC values of 25, 0.25, 0.75,25mg/ml were obtained for cinnamon extracts, gentamicin, penicillin G, and aq. Alum respectively against S. aureus. For E. coli O157H:H7, the MIC values of cinnamon extracts, gentamicin, penicillin G, and aq. Alum were 12.5, 0.25, 0.75 and 25mg/ml respectively,s while the MIC values of cinnamon extracts alum and fluconazole for C. albicans were 12.5, 25 and 0.05mg/ml respectively. There is a reduction in the MIC values for the various combinations against the same clinical microbes. All the antimicrobics used in this study inhibited the growth of the clinical microbes. All the microbes used in this study inhibited the tested microbes in dose dependent manner. The combinations of these agents resulted in reduction in MIC and MBC values, with an additive, indifference, and antagonistic effects using checkerboard assay which resulted to a fractional inhibitory concentration index which ranged from 0.56 to 7.9. Therefore, application of cinnamon, alum, and their combinations with conventional antibiotics can be used as treatment measure against infections caused by S. aureus, E. coli O157H:H7, and C. albicans.
A Study on the Explainability of Inception Network-Derived Image Classification AI Using National Defense Data
Authors: Cho Kangun
Published: April 2024

In the last 10 years, AI has made rapid progress, and image classification, in particular, are showing excellent performance based on deep learning. Nevertheless, due to the nature of deep learning represented by a black box, it is difficult to actually use it in critical decision-making situations such as national defense, autonomous driving, medical care, and finance due to the lack of explainability of judgement results. In order to overcome these limitations, in this study, a model description algorithm capable of local interpretation was applied to the inception network-derived AI to analyze what grounds they made when classifying national defense data. Specifically, we conduct a comparative analysis of explainability based on confidence values by performing LIME analysis from the Inception v2_resnet model and verify the similarity between human interpretations and LIME explanations. Furthermore, by comparing the LIME explanation results through the Top1 output results for Inception v3, Inception v2_resnet, and Xception models, we confirm the feasibility of comparing the efficiency and availability of deep learning networks using XAI.
Retrograde Axonal Tracing with Fluorescent Markers
Authors: Schofield Brett R.
Published: April 2008

The growth of fluorescence imaging technology and the development of sensitive fluorescent retrograde tracers has provided many new approaches for analyzing neuronal circuits. Fluorescent markers provide unparalleled opportunity for combining axonal tract tracing with techniques such as immunohistochemistry or physiological recording. This unit describes the use of six different fluorescent tracers: Fast Blue, fluorescein dextran, FluoroGold, FluoroRuby, red beads, and green beads. Guidance is provided on how to choose a tracer for a particular experiment, and three methods are described for injecting the tracers, including pressure injection through a microsyringe or a micropipet, and iontophoretic injection through a micropipet. Criteria for selecting the most appropriate method are discussed. The protocols provide the information necessary to take advantage of the numerous fluorescent tracers that are available and to apply them to a wide variety of scientific questions. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 43:1.17.1‐1.17.24. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC)
Authors: Forbes S.A. , Bhamra G. , Bamford S. , Dawson E. , Kok C. , Clements J. , Menzies A. , Teague J.W. , Futreal P.A. , Stratton M.R.
Published: April 2008

COSMIC is currently the most comprehensive global resource for information on somatic mutations in human cancer, combining curation of the scientific literature with tumor resequencing data from the Cancer Genome Project at the Sanger Institute, U.K. Almost 4800 genes and 250000 tumors have been examined, resulting in over 50000 mutations available for investigation. This information can be accessed in a number of ways, the most convenient being the Web‐based system which allows detailed data mining, presenting the results in easily interpretable formats. This unit describes the graphical system in detail, elaborating an example walkthrough and the many ways that the resulting information can be thoroughly investigated by combining data, respecializing the query, or viewing the results in different ways. Alternate protocols overview the available precompiled data files available for download. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 57:10.11.1‐10.11.26. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Advanced Application of CFSE for Cellular Tracking
Authors: Witkowski Jacek M.
Published: April 2008

This unit proposes a method to extend the already well known dividing‐cell‐tracking (DCT) cytometric technique based on supravital staining of the lymphocytes with CFSE and allowing them to divide afterwards, beyond simple observation and counting of dividing cells and their generations. Dynamic proliferation parameters that make it possible to determine for in vitro dividing human lymphocytes from various sources, are the actual duration of the pre‐division transition period (G0→︀G1), time of a single division, and number of divisions an average dividing cell performs over the time of an experiment, as well as the number of effective precursors giving rise to viable daughter lymphocytes. As the method does not require purification of the lymphocyte population of interest, yet allows the calculations for any cytometrically discernible subpopulation, it presents a powerful tool for detailed analysis of the efficiency of proliferative response of the immune cells. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 44:9.25.1‐9.25.8. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
From In Vitro to In Vivo: Imaging from the Single Cell to the Whole Organism
Authors: Julie Kang Jung , Toma Ildiko , Sipos Arnold , Peti‐Peterdi Janos
Published: April 2008

This unit addresses the applications of fluorescence microscopy and quantitative imaging to study multiple physiological variables of living tissue. Protocols are presented for fluorescence‐based investigations ranging from in vitro cell and tissue approaches to in vivo imaging of intact organs. These include the measurement of cytosolic parameters both in vitro and in vivo (such as calcium, pH, and nitric oxide), dynamic cellular processes (renin granule exocytosis), FRET‐based real‐time assays of enzymatic activity (renin), physiological processes (vascular contraction, membrane depolarization), and whole organ functional parameters (blood flow, glomerular filtration). Multi‐photon microscopy is ideal for minimally invasive and undisruptive deep optical sectioning of the living tissue, which translates into ultra‐sensitive real‐time measurement of these parameters with high spatial and temporal resolution. With the combination of cell and tissue cultures, microperfusion techniques, and whole organ or animal models, fluorescence imaging provides unmatched versatility for biological and medical studies of the living organism. Curr. Protocol. Cytom. 44:12.12.1‐12.12.26. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Reprogramming Primordial Germ Cells (PGC) to Embryonic Germ (EG) Cells
Authors: Durcova‐Hills Gabriela , Surani Azim
Published: April 2008

In this unit we describe the derivation of pluripotent embryonic germ (EG) cells from mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) isolated from both 8.5‐ and 11.5‐days post‐coitum (dpc) embryos. Once EG cells are derived we explain how to propagate and characterize the cell lines. We introduce readers to PGCs and explain differences between PGCs and their in vitro derivatives EG cells. Finally, we also compare mouse EG cells with ES cells. This unit will be of great interest to anyone interested in PGCs or studying the behavior of cultured PGCs or the derivation of new EG cell lines. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 5:1A.3.1‐1A.3.20. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Highly active ethylene/hydroxyl comonomers copolymerization using metallocene catalysts
Authors: Expósito M. T. , Vega J. F. , Ramos J. , Osío‐Barcina J. , García‐Martínez A. , Martín C. , Martínez‐Salazar J.
Published: April 2008

Ethylene was copolymerized with 10‐undecen‐1‐ol and 5‐hexen‐1‐ol using stereorigid [rac‐ethylene(Ind)2ZrCl2], [rac‐ethylene(H4Ind)2ZrCl2], and the new catalyst systems [rac‐norbornane(Ind)2TiCl2] and [mesonorbornane(Ind)2TiCl2], activated with methylaluminoxane. The characterization of the copolymers by 13C NMR spectroscopy revealed that the polymerization products were copolymers and that the conversion of the polar comonomer was strongly favored in the case of the zirconocene precursors. Very high catalytic activity values, nearly independent on the amount of comonomer in the feed, and comonomer incorporations up to 25.4%‐weight have been found for 10‐undencen‐1‐ol comonomer. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electron and optical microscopy studies of extraterrestrial minerals in NWA4047 meteorite
Authors: Szurgot M. , Polański K. , Krystek M.
Published: April 2008

Analytical electron microscopy and optical microscopy were used to determine the elemental and mineral composition of NWA4047 meteorite. The meteorite was found in 2005 in Morocco, and in 2006 was preliminary classified as H4‐5 ordinary chondrite. The main crystalline meteorite minerals: olivines, pyroxenes, kamacite and taenite, feldspars, as well as troilite identified in our sample represent extraterrestrial minerals typical of the ordinary chondrite of high iron content. Low‐Ca orthopyroxene called bronzite has been revealed. Single enstatite and clinopyroxene crystals have also been identified. Olivines in the meteorite contain 18 mol% of fayalite. The meteorite is a monomict breccia, in which fragments of petrographic types 4, 5, and 6 are present, with the groundmass being type 4. Some of clasts contain large grains of feldspars and high content of feldspars, which is typical of petrologic type 6. Chemical and mineral composition, petrologic types of chondrules, their abundance and sizes, the presence of troilite‐kamacite veins, and nonoxidised iron phases prove that the chondrite belong to H group, i.e. to the olivine‐bronzite group. Our results show that the NWA4047 meteorite is H4‐6 ordinary chondrite. The weathering grade of the meteorite W0/1 is the same as previously established, but the shock grade S3 seems to be higher in comparison with the previous classification. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Catanionic surfactants assisted synthesis of dilead pentaoxochromate nanorods
Authors: Tian Guang‐Ru , Sun Si‐Xiu , Song Xin‐Yu , Zhao Wei , You Ting
Published: April 2008

Single‐crystalline dilead pentaoxochromate (Pb2CrO5) with nanorod‐shape has been synthesized by adjusting the pH value of the catanionic reverse micelles formed by a cationic surfactant CTAB (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide) and an anionic surfactant SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfonate), followed by a hydrothermal process. The results show that reaction parameters play important roles in the formation of the single‐crystalline Pb2CrO5. The reaction parameters include the kinds of the surfactants, the molar ratio (r) between the mixed cationic and anionic surfactants, reaction time and temperature. The as‐synthesized products are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and thermal diffusion of nanostructured porous GaAs
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Ramachandran K.
Published: April 2008

Nanostructured porous GaAs samples were prepared by electrochemical anodic dissolution of GaAs for various current densities and etching periods. The samples are characterized by SEM and photoluminescence (PL) where a blue shift is observed in PL. Thermal properties of this nanostructured GaAs are then studied by photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy, where one order decrease in thermal conductivity of porous GaAs compared to bulk is observed. Further it is shown that the thermal conductivity of porous GaAs decreases with decrease in size of the particles. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dendritic cells derived from TBP‐2‐deficient mice are defective in inducing T cell responses
Authors: Son Aoi , Nakamura Hajime , Okuyama Hiroaki , Oka Shin‐ichi , Yoshihara Eiji , Liu Wenrui , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Kondo Norihiko , Masutani Hiroshi , Ishii Yasuyuki , Iyoda Tomonori , Inaba Kayo , Yodoi Junji
Published: April 2008

Thioredoxin‐binding protein‐2 (TBP‐2), also known as vitamin D3‐up‐regulated protein 1 (VDUP1), was identified as an endogenous molecule interacting with thioredoxin (TRX). Here, we show that dendritic cells (DC) derived from TBP‐2‐deficient mice are defective in the function of T cell activation. To compare TBP‐2–/– DC function with wild‐type (WT) DC, we stimulated DC with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Although TBP‐2–/– DC and WT DC expressed comparable levels of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules such as CD40, CD80 and CD86, the IL‐12p40, IL‐12p70 and IL‐6 productions of TBP‐2–/– DC were attenuated. In a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR), the concentrations of IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10 in the culture supernatant of MLR with TBP‐2–/– DC were significantly lower than those in the cultures with WT DC. In MLR also, as with LPS stimulation, IL‐12p40 and IL‐12p70 production from TBP‐2–/– DC was less than that from WT DC. Proliferation of T cells cultured with TBP‐2–/– DC was poorer than that with WT DC. In vivo delayed‐type hypersensitivity responses in TBP‐2–/– mice immunized with ovalbumin were significantly reduced compared to WT mice. These results indicate that TBP‐2 plays a crucial role in DC to induce T cell responses.
B7‐H1 restricts neuroantigen‐specific T cell responses and confines inflammatory CNS damage: Implications for the lesion pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ortler Sonja , Leder Christoph , Mittelbronn Michel , Zozulya Alla L. , Knolle Percy A. , Chen Lieping , Kroner Antje , Wiendl Heinz
Published: April 2008

The co‐inhibitory B7‐homologue 1 (B7‐H1/PD‐L1) influences adaptive immune responses and has been proposed to contribute to the mechanisms maintaining peripheral tolerance and limiting inflammatory damage in parenchymal organs. To understand the B7‐H1/PD1 pathway in CNS inflammation, we analyzed adaptive immune responses in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55‐induced EAE and assessed the expression of B7‐H1 in human CNS tissue. B7‐H1–/– mice exhibited an accelerated disease onset and significantly exacerbated EAE severity, although absence of B7‐H1 had no influence on MOG antibody production. Peripheral MOG‐specific IFN‐γ/IL‐17 T cell responses occurred earlier and enhanced in B7‐H1–/– mice, but ceased more rapidly. In the CNS, however, significantly higher numbers of activated neuroantigen‐specific T cells persisted during all stages of EAE. Experiments showing a direct inhibitory role of APC‐derived B7‐H1 on the activation of MOG‐specific effector cells support the assumption that parenchymal B7‐H1 is pivotal for delineating T cell fate in the target organ. Compatible with this concept, our data investigating human brain tissue specimens show a strong up‐regulation of B7‐H1 in lesions of multiple sclerosis. Our findings demonstrate the critical importance of B7‐H1 as an immune‐inhibitory molecule capable of down‐regulating T cell responses thus contributing to the confinement of immunopathological damage.
Regulated release of B cell‐derived exosomes: Do differences in exosome release provide insight into different APC function for B cells and DC?
Authors: Knight Andrew M.
Published: April 2008

The induction of CD4 TH cell activity is a crucial component of the mammalian acquired immune response. In order to activate TH cells, pathogen‐derived peptides are displayed on the plasma membrane of specialized cells termed APC. As well as unravelling common mechanisms in this process, considerable attention has been given to the distinct roles of the various cell types involved. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a study examining the release by B cells of small vesicles termed exosomes is presented. This commentary reports that the control of exosome release from B cells appears to differ from that seen in DC. How these differences may relate to important features that differentiate the antigen presenting cell function of B cells and DC in vivo is also discussed.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200737694
Analysis of major alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis by capillary electrophoresis‐electrospray‐time of flight mass spectrometry with different background electrolytes
Authors: Chen Junhui , Zhao Hengqiang , Wang Xiaoru , Lee Frank Sen‐Chun , Yang Huanghao , Zheng Li
Published: April 2008

CE‐based techniques with DAD and detection ESI‐TOF‐MS have been developed for the analysis of seven protoberberine alkaloids and one aporphinoid alkaloid in Huanglian (Rhizoma coptidis), a well‐known traditional Chinese herbal medicine. One aqueous BGE and one nonaqueous BGE were developed for CE‐DAD and CE‐MS analyses, and the CE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS conditions including nebulizer gas pressure, the sheath‐liquid composition, its flow rate, etc. were optimized. Eight main alkaloids in R. coptidis could be separated with baseline resolution by CE‐DAD with these two different BGEs, and identified by TOF‐MS analysis. Moreover, three major alkaloids (berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine) could be quantified accurately by CE‐DAD and CE‐MS with the BGE system consisting of 50:50 v/v water and ACN containing 50 mM ammonium acetate at pH 6.8. Both techniques provided similar LODs and could be applied with confidence within similar linear dynamic range. However, reproducibility and speed of analysis were better using CE‐DAD. When the CE technique was compared with the RP‐HPLC method, the CE‐DAD and CE‐MS methods provided greater efficiency and faster analysis speed, i.e., achieving baseline resolution for all the eight main basic compounds in less than 14 min. The CE method, as a viable alternative to HPLC, is suitable for use as a routine procedure for the rapid identification and quantification of basic compounds in herbal or natural product applications.
A new insight into suction and dilution effects in capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry via an electrospray ionization interface. Part I‐Suction effect
Authors: Mokaddem Meriem , Gareil Pierre , Belgaied Jamel‐Eddine , Varenne Anne
Published: April 2008

The hyphenation of CE with MS is nowadays accepted as a powerful analytical approach. Employing ESI, the most common interface, one challenge is to provide quantitative information, which is quite a difficult task, as it is linked, among other factors, to suction and dilution effects. In the coaxial ESI configuration, the suction effect has been presented in literature as stemming from nebulizing gas (NG) flow rate and drying gas temperature. But as this interface consists in three concentric capillaries, allowing for BGE, sheath liquid (SL) and NG mixing, it is demonstrated herein that other parameters are also involved in this suction effect: the CE capillary protrusion from the interface needle, SL flow rate, and overall BGE flow rate and velocity profile. Whereas NG flow rate is the parameter affecting suction to a greater extent, separation capillary protruding length, SL, and overall BGE flow rate have a significant additional impact on this phenomenon. It is shown that SL flow rate can affect suction differently according to the NG velocity, which may be explained by modification of the Taylor cone geometry. Furthermore, it appears that suction effect is noticeably favored by a parabolic velocity profile of the BGE, again probably due to the Taylor cone shape modification. Finally, the temperature gradient created by the contact between the heated NG and the separation capillary enhances this effect.
“Mind the gap”: Caves, radiocarbon sequences, and the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in Europe—lessons from the Mala Triglavca rockshelter site
Authors: Mlekuž Dimitrij , Budja Mihael , Payton Robert , Bonsall Clive
Published: April 2008

Radiocarbon sequences from some northern Mediterranean cave sites show a temporal gap between Mesolithic and Neolithic occupations. Some authors regard this as a regional phenomenon and have sought to explain it in terms of a general population decline in the late Mesolithic, which facilitated the replacement of indigenous foragers by immigrant farmers. New evidence from the rockshelter site of Mala Triglavca, in Slovenia, leads us to question this view. We describe the deposits in the rockshelter and discuss the results of AMS radiocarbon dating of bone samples recovered in excavations in the 1980s. New archaeological investigations and associated soil/sediment analyses show that in the central part of the rockshelter a well‐defined stratigraphic sequence can be established, despite post‐depositional modification by soil forming processes. There is also evidence of substantial post‐depositional disturbance of the cave sediments by human agency and geomorphological processes, which have created “temporal gaps” and “inversions” in the radiocarbon sequence. The relatively large series of radiocarbon dates obtained enables some of the post‐depositional processes to be identified. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The location of specialized copper production by the lost wax technique in the Chalcolithic southern Levant
Authors: Goren Yuval
Published: April 2008

The origins of southern Levantine Chalcolithic copper metallurgy have been debated for decades. Typological and metallurgical examinations of the copper artifacts from the Nahal Mishmar hoard and elsewhere have indicated a dichotomy between simple tools, made of pure copper by open casting, and elaborate items made by the “lost wax” technique of copper alloys with arsenic, antimony, and nickel. While the first were considered local production of the northern Negev sites, the prestige objects were either considered as imports from the remote sources of arsenic copper, or local to the southern Levant. The present paper presents the results of a research project that was aimed at examining this issue through the analysis of ceramic mold remains that were still attached to a large number of copper implements from Israel. The En Gedi area in the Judean Desert of Israel is identified as the place of origin of all copper objects produced by this method. Based on the results, some new interpretations are suggested to the complex topic of Chalcolithic copper metallurgy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On multiple‐testing correction in genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Moskvina Valentina , Schmidt Karl Michael
Published: April 2008

The interpretation of the results of large association studies encompassing much or all of the human genome faces the fundamental statistical problem that a correspondingly large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms markers will be spuriously flagged as significant. A common method of dealing with these false positives is to raise the significance level for the individual tests for association of each marker. Any such adjustment for multiple testing is ultimately based on a more or less precise estimate for the actual overall type I error probability. We estimate this probability for association tests for correlated markers and show that it depends in a nonlinear way on the significance level for the individual tests. This dependence of the effective number of tests is not taken into account by existing multiple‐testing corrections, leading to widely overestimated results. We demonstrate a simple correction for multiple testing, which can easily be calculated from the pairwise correlation and gives far more realistic estimates for the effective number of tests than previous formulae. The calculation is considerably faster than with other methods and hence applicable on a genome‐wide scale. The efficacy of our method is shown on a constructed example with highly correlated markers as well as on real data sets, including a full genome scan where a conservative estimate only 8% above the permutation estimate is obtained in about 1% of computation time. As the calculation is based on pairwise correlations between markers, it can be performed at the stage of study design using public databases. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selection of high-avidity CD8 T cells correlates with control of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Neveu Bérangère , Debeaupuis Emilie , Echasserieau Klara , le Moullac-Vaidye Béatrice , Gassin Michelle , Jegou Loïg , Decalf Jérémie , Albert Matthew , Ferry Nicolas , Gournay Jérôme , Houssaint Elisabeth , Bonneville Marc , Saulquin Xavier
Published: April 2008

Both strong antigenic avidity and acquisition of proper effector functions contribute to the efficacy of antiviral T cell responses. To correlate these parameters with the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we characterized HCV-specific CD8 T cell lines isolated after immunomagnetic sorting of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from human leukocyte antigen A*02 (HLA-A*02) individuals with various HCV serological statuses, using recombinant HLA-A*0201 multimers loaded with three immunodominant HCV genotype 1-derived epitopes. CD8 T cells specific for these three epitopes were derived from most HLA-A*0201 individuals, regardless of their HCV serology or clinical outcome. Donors recovered from genotype 1 HCV infection were enriched for high-avidity T cells with enhanced interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, when compared with seronegative donors and seropositive patients infected with irrelevant HCV genotypes. Patients chronically infected with genotype 1 strain yielded almost exclusively low-avidity T cells, whose hyporesponsiveness was primarily attributable to low T cell receptor (TCR) avidity rather than intrinsic functional defects.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that strong IFN-γ responses associated with efficient viral clearance primarily result from Ag-driven selection/survival of HCV-specific T cells expressing high-avidity TCR. It also suggests a link between the quality of the initial HCV-specific T cell repertoire and susceptibility to chronic infection. (Hepatology 2008.)
Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of the multidrug resistance protein 3 gene for the detection of clinical progression in Japanese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Ohishi Yuki , Nakamura Minoru , Iio Naomi , Higa Shingo , Inayoshi Mao , Aiba Yoshihiro , Komori Atsumasa , Omagari Katsuhisa , Ishibashi Hiromi , Tsukamoto Kazuhiro
Published: April 2008

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a multifactorial disease in which genetic factors rather than environmental factors may predominantly contribute to the pathogenesis. In order to identify the genetic determinants of the disease severity and progression of PBC, we examined an association of seven tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the multidrug resistance protein 3 (

MDR3/ABCB4

) gene in 148 Japanese PBC patients and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. SNPs were detected via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR direct DNA sequencing methods. Subsequently, haplotypes were constructed from three tag SNPs (rs31658, rs31672, and rs1149222) that were significantly associated with progression of PBC. Logistic regression analyses revealed that a Hap 2 haplotype and its homozygous diplotype, Hap 2/Hap 2, in

MDR3

were closely associated with the susceptibility to jaundice-type progression of PBC [

P

= 0.004, odds ratio (OR) 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–9.90 and

P

= 0.0003, OR 17.73, 95% CI 3.77–83.42, respectively]. Conversely, another haplotype, Hap 1, and its homozygous diplotype, Hap 1/Hap 1, were associated with the insusceptibility to the progression to late-stage PBC (

P

= 0.021, OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.91 and

P

= 0.011, OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.08–0.71, respectively).

Conclusion:

The present study is the first report of an association of

MDR3

haplotypes and diplotypes with progression of PBC. The Hap 2/Hap 2 diplotype in

MDR3

could therefore be potentially applied to DNA-based diagnosis in Japanese patients with PBC as a strong genetic biomarker for predicting the progression and prognosis of PBC. (Hepatology 2008.)