bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Knowledge among Adolescent Girls: A Review
Authors: Srivastav Sarita , Singh Akanksha , Shukla Prachi , Maurya Suman Prasad
Published: June 2024

Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of reproductive health for adolescent girls worldwide. This review aims to examine existing literature on menstrual hygiene practices and knowledge among adolescent girls, focusing on factors influencing these practices and interventions aimed at improving menstrual health. The review highlights the importance of addressing cultural, social, economic, and educational factors in promoting positive menstrual hygiene behaviours among adolescent girls.
Breeding Strategies and Biotechnological Approaches to Reduce Nitrate Levels in Vegetables: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Babanjeet  , Sinha Gayatri , Dwivedi Namrata , Naik B. Pavan Kumar , Dinkar  , Kumar Satyendra , Kumar Nitin , Prajapati Jaswant
Published: June 2024

Nitrate is a natural chemical compound found in soil and water, which plants absorb and convert into essential nutrients. Elevated concentrations of nitrate in vegetables can pose health risks, particularly when consumed in substantial amounts. Green leafy vegetables, while crucial for human nutrition, unfortunately belong to the category of foods that have the highest impact on nitrate absorption in living organisms. Overuse of nitrogen fertiliser can lead to the accumulation of high levels of nitrate in these plants. Therefore, it is crucial to make efforts to reduce the nitrate levels in leafy vegetables and restrict their use by humans. Plant breeders employ several techniques, such as traditional breeding and genetic modification, to selectively produce plants with lower nitrate levels. The process frequently involves intentionally choosing and crossbreeding plants that naturally have lower levels of nitrates, so transmitting this trait to their offspring. This method is frequently conducted over multiple generations to ensure stable and uniform results. In addition, modern biotechnological techniques, such as genetic engineering or gene editing, can be employed to directly modify the genes responsible for nitrate metabolism in plants. Advanced techniques such as integrated multi-omics, RNAi, gene editing, and genomics-assisted breeding are applied to create crops with fewer undesirable traits and to develop new strategies for regulating these traits in crop improvement projects.
Determinants of Delays in Non-traumatic Emergency Abdominal Surgeries: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Hafiani Hamza , Elmouhib Rania , Eljellouli Wiam , Choubhi Moncef , Kachani Taoufik , Abouelalaa Khalil
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Delays in non-traumatic emergency abdominal surgeries can significantly impact patient outcomes. Identifying the factors contributing to these delays is crucial for improving surgical efficiency and patient care. This study aims to prospectively analyze the determinants of delays in non-traumatic emergency abdominal surgeries and their effects on clinical outcomes.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients requiring non-traumatic emergency abdominal surgery over a one-year period. Data were collected on demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and time intervals from hospital admission to surgery. Factors such as diagnostic procedures, availability of surgical staff, operating room logistics, and preoperative optimization were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of surgical delays.
Results: Out of 217 patients, 40% experienced significant delays (>6 hours) from admission to surgery. Key factors contributing to delays included prolonged diagnostic workup (35%), limited operating room availability (25%), and preoperative medical optimization (20%). Delays were associated with increased postoperative complications (15% in delayed group vs. 8% in non-delayed group, p<0.05) and extended hospital stay (mean of 7 days in delayed group vs. 4 days in non-delayed group, p<0.05).
Discussion: The study highlights that diagnostic delays and operating room logistics are major contributors to surgical postponements. Addressing these issues through streamlined diagnostic protocols and improved operating room management can potentially reduce delays. Enhanced preoperative planning and resource allocation are also essential to mitigate the impact of delays on patient outcomes.
Conclusion:Delays in non-traumatic emergency abdominal surgeries are influenced by multiple factors, including diagnostic processes, operating room availability, and preoperative medical optimization. Reducing these delays through targeted interventions can improve patient outcomes and optimize surgical care.
Properties of Particle Boards Laminated with Different Grammage Decor Papers
Authors: Sahin Halil Turgut , Beglen Emre , Ozkan Ugur
Published: June 2024

In order for the decorative papers to be used in the surface lamination process of particle boards to meet the expected performance characteristics, they must be impregnated with specially prepared synthetic resins, especially against surface abrasion and moisture. Depending on the effects that laminated process, the bulk strength and surface physical resistance against wear are important to determine the quality of the products.
A positive relationship was found between laminated decor paper grammage and bending strengths (MOR) of samples. The control sample has a bending strength value of X̄0: 9.47 followed by X̄80: 10.92, X̄90: 11.01 and X̄110: 13.14 for 80 gr/m2-, 90 gr/m2-, and 110 gr/m2 decor paper laminated samples, respectively. It could be suggested that the lamination of decorative papers improve bending strength of boards regardless of conditions. However, only marginally different internal bond (IB) strength properties were measured for those three grammage paper laminated samples (X̄0: 0.38 N/mm2, X̄80: 0.37 N/mm2, X̄90: 0.38 N/mm2 and X̄110: 0.36 N/mm2). Moreover, more complicated results were found for surface strengths, with a decreasing trend for samples that laminated both 90 gr/m2 and 110 gr/m2 decor papers, while an increasing trend was found with 80 gr/m2 laminated samples. In contrast to surface strength and IB properties, an increasing surface abrasion resistance found with decor paper grammage while the highest initial surface abrasion resistance was found with 110 gr/m2 grammage decor paper laminated samples (X̄110: 373). It is also important to note that all samples were found to be Class 4 in terms of surface scratch resistance, regardless of lamination process or type of laminated decor paper grammage.
Spatial Analysis of Crop Diversity in Telangana: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Kumar Ammaladinne Tharun , Biswal Anima , Sreenivas Gade , Venkataramana M. , Madhavi A. , Kumari R. Vijaya
Published: June 2024

Aim: In this study, crop diversity in Telangana during the Yasangi season (October to May) from 2017 to 2022 was assessed at the mandal level using crop area data resultant from remote sensing.
Place and Duration of Study: Telangana, from 2017-18 to 2021-22.
Methodology: Sentinel 2A and 2B MSI L2A satellite products were processed to obtain time series normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) images. Major rabi crops were identified by extracting pure cropped pixels based on ground truth data using the NDVI composite index, which includes temporal profiling of NDVI values over time.  A hybrid method, combining phenology-based decision rules and unsupervised classification, was employed to demarcate rabi crop area.
Results: The cropped area estimates from remote sensing showed a strong positive correlation with data provided by government agencies. To asses agricultural diversification at the mandal level, the Gibbs and Martin formula (1962) of crop diversification index was used to generate the crop diversity index, focusing solely on the net planted area of crops during rabi season. The Crop Diversity Index (CDI) values reveal low diversity in Telangana, primarily due to paddy monocropping. This reliance on a single crop can lead to soil depletion and increased pest problems.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the environmental and economic impacts of monoculture. Policymakers should encourage farmers to diversify their crops, incorporating less water-intensive options like groundnut, sunflower and chickpea to improve yields, soil fertility and reduce environmental impact. Enhancing irrigation infrastructure to support diverse crops and ensuring equitable water distribution can help reduce the dominance of paddy and promote sustainable agriculture. Supporting research and development in crop diversity and sustainable farming techniques, along with educational campaigns, can lead to more resilient and economically viable farming practices.
Enzymatic Transesterification Using Different Immobilized Lipases and its Biodiesel Effect on Gas Emission
Authors: Mohamad Nor Nur Fatin Syafiqah , Veny Harumi , Hamzah Fazlena , Muhd Rodhi Miradatul Najwa , Kusumaningtyas Ratna Dewi , Prasetiawan Haniif , Hartanto Dhoni , Sulaiman Sarina , Sazali Rozana Azrina
Published: June 2024

Biodiesel, a third-generation bio-fuels, offering several advantages over regular diesel fuel. Waste cooking oil (WCO) emerges as an ideal feedstock due to its availability and easy accessibility. In this work, biodiesel is utilized from two different types of immobilized lipases: Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RMIM) and Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). The impact of the molar ratio of oil to methyl acetate (1:3-1:12) was evaluated for both lipases, and the resultant biodiesel was tested in diesel engine. The enzymatic transesterification was carried out in ultrasonic assistance and the results showed that the greatest yield of 81.20% at 45℃, using CALB as a biocatalyst, 1.8% (w/v) lipase and oil to methyl acetate molar ratio of 1:12 within 3 hours. Triacetin, by-product was determined their concentration for each molar ratio and analyzed using FTIR range of 500cm-1 to 4000cm-1, revealing a significant absorption peak at 1238.90cm-1. Biodiesel was blended with commercial diesel fuel in varying quantities of 7, 10, and 20% by volume (B20). The results were compared to Industrial Diesel Fuel 7% (B7) and Commercial Diesel Fuel 10% (B10). NOx and CO2 emission drops as the percentage of diesel/biodiesel blends increases, supporting WCO as a cost-effective biodiesel feedstock with low petrol pollution.
Consumo de cultura na pandemia - um retrato de março a agosto de 2020
Authors: Castro Flávia Lages de , Carvalho Maria Luiza
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo tem como escopo a análise de pesquisa quantitativa aplicada entre os meses de julho e agosto de 2020 no contexto da Pandemia do Covid 19 e da necessidade de isolamento, e os reflexos destes fatos no consumo de cultura. Para embasar melhor esta análise lançou-se mão de autores bem como de dados de municípios. Especificamente os da cidade de Niterói por ter-se maior proximidade e acesso a estes.
Impactos mediáticos da COVID-19 no setor cultural português: um olhar a partir de seis meses de notícias na imprensa
Authors: Gama Manuel , Cruz Rui Vieira , Almada Joana
Published: June 2024

O Observatório de Políticas de Ciências, Comunicação e Cultura da Universidade do Minho (POLOBS) encontra-se a desenvolver uma pesquisa que visa identificar e analisar alguns dos impactos da COVID-19 no setor cultural português. O projeto, que conjuga uma abordagem qualitativa com uma abordagem quantitativa e integra instrumentos e técnicas diversificadas, iniciou-se a 16 de março de 2020 e vai decorrer até 31 de março de 2021.No presente artigo vamos lançar um olhar sobre seis meses de notícias na imprensa. A análise efetuada permite-nos afirmar, ainda que provisoriamente, que maioria das notícias abordam os impactos negativos da COVID-19 no setor cultural português e que, apesar de ¼ das notícias incidir sobre as iniciativas públicas, a verdade é que, não raras vezes, há um enfoque que não é particularmente positivo sobre o papel do Governo para mitigar os efeitos da pandemia. Acresce ainda que, não obstante a considerável cobertura mediática das consequências da COVID-19 no setor cultural português, a cultura continua a não constituir uma prioridade editorial da imprensa portuguesa.
Cultura e pandemia no Reino Unido
Authors: Leiva Filho João
Published: June 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma visão geral de como o setor cultural britânico foi afetado pela pandemia do Covid-19 e das principais medidas adotadas pelo governo para socorrer a área durante o ano de 2020. O texto também discute os principais desafios que se apresentam para as políticas culturais do Reino Unido para estimular a retomada de um setor que, depois do turismo, tem registrado a maior retração em suas atividades. O cenário de grave crise sanitária e econômica é marcado ainda pela saída do Reino Unido da Comunidade Europeia, por um modelo de financiamento à cultura apoiado no conceito das indústrias criativas, com forte dependência do fluxo de turistas estrangeiros, e pela perda de espaço das atividades artísticas no sistema educacional britânico.
Auswirkungen des EU Listing Acts und des Zukunftsfinanzierungsgesetzes auf Aktien- und Equity-linked Emissionen
Authors: Schlitt Michael , Ries Susanne , Lepke Linda
Published: June 2024

Zum Jahreswechsel ist das Zukunftsfinanzierungsgesetz in wesentlichen Teilen in Kraft getreten. Ziel des Gesetzes ist es, die Attraktivität des deutschen Kapitalmarktes und Finanzstandorts gegenüber innovativen Unternehmen zu erhöhen, indem insbesondere Start-ups, Wachstumsunternehmen sowie kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen (KMU) der Zugang zum Kapitalmarkt und die Aufnahme von Eigenkapital erleichtert wird. Es wurde unabhängig von, aber parallel zum EU Listing Act erarbeitet, der aus einem Bündel von Gesetzgebungsvorhaben besteht, die auf die Steigerung der Attraktivität der europäischen Kapitalmärkte für EU-Unternehmen (insbesondere KMU) abzielen. Im Fokus steht die Verordnung zur Änderung der ProspektVO (VO (EU) 2017/1129), MAR (VO (EU) Nr. 596/2014) und MiFIR (VO (EU) Nr. 600/2014). Weitere Bestandteile sind die Aufhebung der Börsenzulassungsrichtlinie, die Änderung der MiFID II sowie die Einführung einer neuen Mehrstimmrechterichtlinie, die innerhalb von zwei Jahren in nationales Recht umgesetzt werden muss. Der nachfolgende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über den Inhalt der gesetzlichen Neuerungen sowie deren Auswirkungen auf die Strukturierung von Aktien- und Equity-linked Emissionen.
Better cybersecurity due to increased regulation? The final European Cyber Resilience Act — The first comprehensive, horizontally applicable approach for more cybersecurity in digital products
Authors: Zirnstein Yannick
Published: June 2024

The article focusses on key provisions of the Cyber Resilience Act adopted by the European Parliament in March and after a brief introduction (I.) addresses the scope (II.), the categories of products with digital elements (III.) and the obligations of their economic operators (IV.) as well as the tasks and powers of market surveillance authorities (V.) and administrative fines (VI.) before concluding in view of the remaining timeline (VII.).
Die Bestimmung des kollektiven Gesamtbetrags nach dem VDuG
Authors: Skauradszun Dominik
Published: June 2024

In allen bislang erhobenen Verbandsklagen begehren die klageberechtigten Stellen kollektive Gesamtbeträge und haben damit ohne langes Zögern von der neuen prozessualen Figur Gebrauch gemacht (vgl. etwa OLG Hamm - I-2 VKl 1/23 - I-2 VKl 2/23, I-12 VKl 1/23; die Abhilfeanträge sind im Verbandsklageregister einsehbar). Der folgende Beitrag gibt den OLGs, klageberechtigten Stellen und Unternehmern eine Orientierungshilfe zur Bestimmung dieses kollektiven Gesamtbetrags.
Kaufvertrag: Das Zusammentreffen von Beschaffenheitsvereinbarung und Gewährleistungsausschluss – ein Spannungsverhältnis
Authors: Timme Michael
Published: June 2024

Wer A sagt, muss zumindest im Kaufrecht nicht immer B sagen: Es kommt nicht selten vor, dass sich in einem Kaufvertrag einerseits ein wirksamer Ausschluss der Gewährleistung des Verkäufers für Sachmängel findet, die Parteien aber andererseits gleichwohl eine Beschaffenheitsvereinbarung für bestimmte Eigenschaften vertraglich festlegen. In diesem Problemfeld führt eine aktuelle Entscheidung des BGH zu weiteren Klärungen für die Praxis (BGH, Urt. v. 10.4.2024 - VIII ZR 161/23, MDR 2024, 706). Der folgende Beitrag setzt sich mit den vielfältigen Aspekten der Entscheidung auseinander und erläutert, aus welchen Gründen der BGH dem Käufer einige goldene Brücken für einen Schadensersatzanspruch gebaut hat.
Violent Video Games Stress People Out and Make Them More Aggressive
Authors: Hasan Youssef , Bègue Laurent , Bushman Brad J.
Published: October 2012

It is well known that violent video games increase aggression, and that stress increases aggression. Many violent video games can be stressful because enemies are trying to kill players. The present study investigates whether violent games increase aggression by inducing stress in players. Stress was measured using cardiac coherence, defined as the synchronization of the rhythm of breathing to the rhythm of the heart. We predicted that cardiac coherence would mediate the link between exposure to violent video games and subsequent aggression. Specifically, we predicted that playing a violent video game would decrease cardiac coherence, and that cardiac coherence, in turn, would correlate negatively with aggression. Participants (N = 77) played a violent or nonviolent video game for 20 min. Cardiac coherence was measured before and during game play. After game play, participants had the opportunity to blast a confederate with loud noise through headphones during a reaction time task. The intensity and duration of noise blasts given to the confederate was used to measure aggression. As expected, violent video game players had lower cardiac coherence levels and higher aggression levels than did nonviolent game players. Cardiac coherence, in turn, was negatively related to aggression. This research offers another possible reason why violent games can increase aggression—by inducing stress. Cardiac coherence can be a useful tool to measure stress induced by violent video games. Cardiac coherence has several desirable methodological features as well: it is noninvasive, stable against environmental disturbances, relatively inexpensive, not subject to demand characteristics, and easy to use. Aggr. Behav. 39:64‐70, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sorting the Liars from the Truth Tellers: The Benefits of Asking Unanticipated Questions on Lie Detection
Authors: Lancaster Gary L. J. , Vrij Aldert , Hope Lorraine , Waller Bridget
Published: October 2012

We examined the effect of asking unanticipated interview questions on lie detection. We set up a room in which truth tellers (N = 40) performed five tasks. Liars (N = 40) observed the activity room through a window and were asked to generate a story in which they claim to have performed five tasks. The interview schedule included four thematically related pairs of questions. The first question of each pairing was easy for interviewees to anticipate, as it reflected how events are typically recalled. However, the second included a perspective shift (temporal or spatial), which made the question harder to anticipate. We also measured cognitive load via performance on an object sorting secondary task that interviewees undertook during interview. Compared with truth tellers, liars' verbal responses showed a greater decline in details across three out of four question pairs. Liars also sorted significantly fewer objects per minute on the secondary task. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Illness Behavior in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Merz Erin L. , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Roesch Scott C. , Sharif Roozbeh , Harper Brock E. , Draeger Hilda T. , Gonzalez Emilio B. , Nair Deepthi K. , McNearney Terry A. , Assassi Shervin , Mayes Maureen D.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Illness behaviors (cognitive, affective, and behavioral reactions) among individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) are of clinical concern due to relationships between these behaviors and physical and mental quality of life, such as pain and symptoms of depression. Self‐report measures with good psychometric properties can aid in the accurate assessment of illness behavior. The Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) was designed to measure abnormal illness behaviors; however, despite its longstanding use, there is disagreement regarding its subscales. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the validity of the IBQ in a cohort of patients with SSc.

Methods

Patients with SSc (n = 278) completed the IBQ at enrollment into the Genetics Versus Environment in Scleroderma Outcome Study. Structural validity of previously derived factor solutions was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was utilized to derive SSc‐specific subscales.

Results

None of the previously derived structural models were supported for SSc patients. Exploratory factor analysis supported an SSc‐specific factor structure with 5 subscales. Validity analyses suggested that the subscales were generally independent of disease severity, but were correlated with other health outcomes (i.e., fatigue, pain, disability, social support, and mental health).

Conclusion

The proposed subscales are recommended for use in SSc, and can be utilized to capture illness behavior that may be of clinical concern.
Need for Online Information and Support of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: van der Vaart Rosalie , Repping‐Wuts Han , Drossaert Constance H. C. , Taal Erik , Knaapen‐Hans Hanneke K. A. , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Interactive health communication applications (IHCAs) offer interesting possibilities to support systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, since SSc is an uncommon, severe disease that needs a multidisciplinary treatment. This study aimed to investigate patients' needs for a hospital‐based IHCA.

Methods

A survey study was conducted among a large sample (n = 429) of SSc patients of the University Medical Centre St. Radboud in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Patients were asked about their current disease‐related internet use, their perceived importance of diverse information topics, and their usefulness of 8 widely used online health services. To examine how disease specific their needs were, the results of SSc patients were compared with the results of a sample of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 1,284).

Results

In total, 746 patients (44% of the approached patients) returned a completed questionnaire and fulfilled all of the inclusion criteria. Of them, 569 (76%) had internet access. SSc patients used the internet especially for information (85%), and they expressed a need for information on physical, psychological, and social consequences of the disease. Concerning a hospital‐based IHCA, e‐consults, information about disease and treatment, and home access to their electronic medical records were perceived as most useful. SSc patients were more positive about the usefulness of the online applications than were RA patients, especially for e‐consults and peer support forums.

Conclusion

It would be valuable to offer SSc patients a hospital‐based IHCA, including the online information and support they desire. When taking the needs of patients into account, an IHCA could become a valuable addition to their regular treatment.
Validation of a Screening Instrument for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Authors: Lima Xinaida Taligare , Alora‐Palli Maria Beatrice , Kimball Alexandra Boer , Kay Jonathan
Published: October 2012

Objective

To develop and pilot test a screening tool to identify cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients exposed to gadolinium‐containing contrast agents.

Methods

Sixty English‐speaking subjects were enrolled: 10 subjects diagnosed as having NSF, 10 subjects with other fibrosing skin diseases, 20 subjects with nonfibrosing skin diseases, and 20 subjects without a skin disease. Subjects answered a questionnaire with 8 closed‐ended (yes/no) questions focusing on cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations of NSF. The subjects were evaluated by a dermatologist for the presence of clinical signs of NSF. We compared the number of affirmative responses in the NSF group to those in the other groups, and the optimal cutoff that would differentiate groups was calculated. Discrimination, positive and negative predictive values, and internal consistency were also assessed.

Results

Subjects in the NSF group tended to provide more affirmative answers. Using a cutoff of ≥3 affirmative responses yields a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 70%, with an area under the curve of 0.85, indicating good discrimination. Sensitivity analysis using modified control group or weighted scores exhibited only slightly better discriminatory power. The positive predictive value of the questionnaire ranged from 0.3% to 39.7%, and its negative predictive values ranged from 97% to >99% with the different proposed prevalence estimates. The instrument had high internal consistency.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates that this questionnaire has both high internal consistency and good discriminatory ability. Thus, it may be used to screen populations for NSF.
Habitat associations of invertebrates in reedbeds, with implications for management
Authors: Hardman Chloe J. , Harris Donna B. , Sears Jane , Droy Nick
Published: October 2012

Reedbeds in Europe and Asia have undergone substantial fragmentation and habitat degradation. Conservation action for reedbeds in the UK has focused on restoration and management. At present there is little evidence of how reedbed invertebrates respond to such changes.

This study sampled Diptera and moths in three English reedbed nature reserves using pan traps and light traps. The aim was to elucidate habitat attributes that support a reedbed invertebrate fauna of conservation value.

Habitat variables were tested for their relationship with (a) number of reedbed specialist Diptera and moths, (b) conservation importance of the invertebrates sampled, and (c) species richness of the invertebrates sampled. The fauna of old and recently created or restored reedbed was compared.

Reedbed specialist Diptera and moths and species with a conservation status tended to be trapped more at points with lower standing water levels. Points with deeper litter also tended to trap more reedbed specialist Diptera and moths. Greater total numbers of moth species were trapped at points with partial flooding of the litter layer compared with total flooding.

Pan traps in all hydrological categories trapped species of conservation importance at Ham Wall and species unique to each hydrology category were found.

Recently restored or created reedbed hosted similar numbers of reedbed specialist moths to adjacent older reedbed at both Hickling Broad and Stodmarsh. The number of reedbed specialist Diptera species was comparable between restored and older reed at Hickling Broad.

It is concluded that management aimed at maintaining a range of successional stages should maximize invertebrate conservation value and species richness. This involves keeping the ecosystem dynamic, maintaining the transitions between different habitats, and avoiding permanent long‐term flooding. The authors recommend phasing restoration spatially and temporally and taking into account the existing value of older reedbeds before any invasive restoration.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prioritizing action for recovery and conservation of marine species: a case study based on species of conservation importance around England
Authors: Hiscock Keith , Bayley Daniel , Pade Nicolas , Lacey Claire , Cox Eilis , Enever Robert
Published: October 2012

A method is described and tested for identifying and prioritizing actions to facilitate recovery (restoration) and/or conservation (maintenance) of populations of threatened marine species. The exercise was based on established approaches for terrestrial species and on assessing each species according to ‘degree of threat’ and ‘recovery/conservation potential’.

Assessment of both degree of threat and recovery/conservation potential was informed by researching the relevant life‐history traits of each species and existing knowledge of natural fluctuations in abundance. ‘Rarity’ was a key consideration in assessing degree of threat but rarity measures for cetaceans and pelagic fishes were not available and a new methodology was therefore developed.

Likely actions for maintenance or recovery of a population of a species were specified under the headings: ‘Site Management’, ‘Translocation’, ‘Enforcement’, ‘Research’, ‘Monitoring’ and ‘Wider Environment’. The recovery/conservation goal for each species was identified according to SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time‐bound) criteria.

The terrestrial approach transferred well to marine species but with some adaptation as the marine environment is different to terrestrial ecosystems in the pressures and activities that are likely to adversely affect species, to our knowledge of decline in species and to the ecological processes that are likely to aid recovery.

The species researched are prioritized for action according to degree of threat and recovery/conservation potential. Recovery/conservation goals are specified and the reasons for proposed actions are explained.

Identifying measures for recovery or conservation was often difficult because the cause of decline or the threats to species were unknown or unclear. Better collation of relevant information would create a stronger evidence base, assist the provision of better advice, and therefore support better decision‐making by managers.

Application of the methodology to other marine species of conservation concern in a particular biogeographical or administrative area needs more meaningful lists than are currently used of species that are rare, scarce, in decline or threatened with decline.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization of Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes: Investigation of the Substituent Effects on a Superbenzene
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryuichi , Ito Satoru , Lee Byung Sun , Hiroto Satoru , Kim Dongho , Shinokubo Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

We have demonstrated that the iridium‐catalyzed direct borylation of hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene (HBC) enables regioselective introduction of boryl groups to the para‐, ortho‐, and meta‐substituted HBCs in high yields. The boryl groups have been transformed into various functionalities such as hydroxy, cyano, ethynyl, and amino groups. We have elucidated that the substituents significantly influence the photophysical properties of HBCs to enhance fluorescence quantum yields. DFT calculations revealed that the origin of the substituent effect is the lift in degeneracy in the frontier orbitals by an interaction with electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents at the para‐ and ortho‐positions. The change in molecular orbitals results in an increase of the transition probability from the S0→S1 states. In addition, the two‐photon absorption cross‐section values of para‐substituted HBCs are significantly larger than those of ortho‐ and meta‐substituted HBCs.
Autism Risk Gene MET Variation and Cortical Thickness in Typically Developing Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hedrick Alexis , Lee Yohan , Wallace Gregory L. , Greenstein Deanna , Clasen Liv , Giedd Jay N. , Raznahan Armin
Published: October 2012

MET receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) has been proposed as a candidate risk gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on associations between MET polymorphisms and ASD diagnosis, as well as evidence from animal studies that MET protein may regulate early development of cortical regions implicated in the neurobiology of ASD. The relevance of differences in MET signaling for human cortical development remains unexamined, however. We sought to address this issue by relating genotype at a functional single nucleotide polymorphism within the MET promoter (rs1858830, G→C) to in vivo measures of cortical thickness (CT) development derived from 222 healthy children and adolescents with 514 longitudinally acquired structural magnetic resonance imaging brain scans between ages 9 and 22 years. We identified a statistically significant, developmentally fixed, and stepwise CT reduction with increasing C allele dose in superior and middle temporal gyri, ventral precentral and postcentral gyri, and anterior cingulate bilaterally, and in the right frontopolar cortex. We were also able to demonstrate that mean CT within these cortical regions showed a statistically significant reduction with increasing scores on a continuous measure of autistic traits (the Social Responsiveness Scale). The cortical regions highlighted by our analyses are not only established areas of MET expression during prenatal life but are also key components of the “social brain” that have frequently shown structural and functional abnormalities in autism. Our results suggest that genetic differences in the MET gene may influence the development of cortical systems implicated in the neurobiology of ASD. Autism Res 2012, 5: 434–439. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nilotinib preclinical pharmacokinetics and practical application toward clinical projections of oral absorption and systemic availability
Authors: Xia Binfeng , Heimbach Tycho , He Handan , Lin Tsu‐han
Published: October 2012

Nilotinib is a highly potent and selective bcr‐abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of patients who are in the chronic and accelerated phases of Philadelphia chromosome‐positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Nilotinib preclinical data and its use for practical predictions of systemic exposure profiles and oral absorption are described. The systemic clearance (CL) of nilotinib was relatively low in rodents with a value of less than 25% of hepatic blood flow (QH), while it was moderate in monkeys and dogs (CL /QH = 32–35%). The steady state volume of distribution (Vss) ranged from 0.55 to 3.9 l/kg across the species tested. The maximum concentration (Cmax) of nilotinib occurred at 0.5–4 h and the bioavailability was moderate (17–44%). The plasma protein binding was high (> 97.5%) in preclinical species and humans. The human CL (~ 0.1 l/h/kg) and Vss (~2.0 l/kg) were best predicted by the rat–dog–human proportionality method and allometric scaling method, respectively. The human intravenous pharmacokinetic profile was projected by the Wajima ‘Css‐MRT’ method. The predicted micro‐constants from human intravenous profiles were incorporated into the advanced compartmental absorption and transit model within the GastroPlus program to simulate the oral concentration–time curves in humans. Overall, the simulated oral human pharmacokinetic profiles showed good agreement with observed clinical data, and the model predicted that the Cmax, AUC, t1/2, Vz/F and CL/F values were within 1.3‐fold of the observed values. The absolute oral bioavailability of nilotinib in healthy humans was predicted to be low (< 25%). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haptic collision handling for simulation of transnasal surgery
Authors: Neubauer André , Brooks Rupert , Brouwer Iman , Debergue Patricia , Laroche Denis
Published: October 2012

Simulation of endoscopic navigation in the narrow nasal cavity poses important challenges to the computation of adequate and near‐realistic collision response and haptic feedback because extensive multidirectional contact and massive tissue deformations are inevitable. We present a virtual coupling algorithm that provides stable collision response as well as intuitive and smooth haptic interaction in all phases of the simulation. In each iteration, continuous collision detection between the point shell representing the surface of the virtual patient anatomy and the endoscope, represented by a cylinder, is performed. This allows for rolling back the instrument movement to the point in time the first collision occurred. Subsequently, a relaxation process locally optimizes the position and orientation of the instrument. A novel method of applying contact forces to colliding tissues and thus triggering appropriate deformations improves the fluency of navigation. This paper describes the algorithm and presents experimental results. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2012. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Medical Devices, National Research Council Canada.
MIR‐34c regulates mouse embryonic stem cells differentiation into male germ‐like cells through RARg
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Yu Meng , Liu Chao , Wang Long , Hu Yue , Bai Yaofu , Hua Jinlian
Published: October 2012

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the capacity to differentiate into nearly all sorts of cell types, including germ cells, which were regarded as one type of highly specialized cells in mammals, taking the responsibility of transferring genetic materials to the next generation. Studies on induction differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into male germ cells, but with a low efficiency, basic reason is that the regulation mechanism of germ cell development in mammals is still unclear. miRNA might play an important role in spermatogenesis in mammals. In this study, several miRNAs, which might be related to spermatogenesis, were initially selected and detected in the mouse tissues by semi‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real time (qRT)‐PCR to find a testis‐specific miRNA. To study its effect on mESCs differentiation into male germ cells, miR‐34c mimics were synthesized and pri‐miR‐34c‐GFP plasmid was constructed, transfected into mESCs and combined with retinoic acid induction. The effects of miR‐34c were analysed by morphology, alkaline phosphatase staining, qRT‐PCR_and immunofluorescent staining. The results showed that miR‐34c promoted mESCs differentiation into male germ‐like cells, to some extent. Then miR‐34c targeted genes were predicted by bioinformatics; Retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARg) was selected, and two dual‐luciferase reporter vectors contained the normal and mutated 3′untranslated region of RARg were constructed, respectively. By miRNA mimics and vector co‐transfection experiment, the predicted target gene‐RARg was confirmed. In conclusion, we found a mammalian male germ cell specific miRNA—miR‐34c, and it might be pivotal in mESCs differentiation into male germ cells through its target—RARg. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Backup Plan for Self‐Protection: S‐Methylation of Holomycin Biosynthetic Intermediates in Streptomyces clavuligerus
Authors: Li Bo , Forseth Ry R. , Bowers Albert A. , Schroeder Frank C. , Walsh Christopher T.
Published: October 2012

Biosynthesis of the dithiolopyrrolone antibiotic holomycin in Streptomyces clavuligerus involves the closure of a pair of enethiols to a cyclic disulfide. We have shown that the dithiol oxidase HlmI is responsible for the disulfide formation and this enzyme also plays a role in self‐protection. In the present study, we examine how S. clavuligerus deals with the proposed toxic dithiol intermediates when hlmI is deleted. We used differential NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to profile the metabolomes of hlmI deletion mutants along with the wild‐type strain and a holomycin‐overproducing strain. A number of metabolites unique to ΔhlmI strains were identified. In these metabolites the enethiols have been incapacitated by a combination of mono‐ and di‐S‐methylation. We also observed an intriguing dimeric thioether adduct in low quantities in the wild‐type strain and at much higher levels in the ΔhlmI strains. The structures of these novel metabolites highlight the reactivity of the dihydrodithiolopyrrolone scaffold. Furthermore, bioassays suggest that modification of the enethiol warhead by S‐alkylation provides a host strategy for detoxification, one that is shared amongst multiple species producing such bioactive disulfide natural products.
Promotional Effect of Ni on a CrOx Catalyst Supported on Silica in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane with CO2
Authors: Yun Danim , Baek Jayeon , Choi Youngbo , Kim Wooyoung , Lee Hee Jong , Yi Jongheop
Published: October 2012

As CrOx catalysts supported on the SBA‐15 support (Cr/Si) are highly active, they represent potentially promising catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with CO2 (ODHP). However, reduction of the active sites (Cr3+) during the reaction is known to lead to severe deactivation. The findings reported herein indicate that after the addition of 0.5 wt % Ni to 10 wt % Cr/Si (0.5 Ni‐Cr/Si), the catalytic activity was stable and the selectivity was high. Reduced CrOx was easily regenerated by the addition of Ni, as evidenced by a three‐step H2‐temperature programmed reduction analysis. In addition, ex situ XPS results revealed that Cr3+ was maintained only in the Ni‐promoted catalyst whereas Cr3+ was easily reduced to Cr2+ in the non‐promoted catalyst during the reaction. The role of the Ni added to the catalyst elucidates that Ni induces the dissociation of CO2 to CO and activated O (O*ads). Then, the generated O*ads regenerates the reduced CrOx. Consequently, the Ni‐promoted Cr/Si catalyst enhances the catalytic stability of propylene in the ODHP reaction.
A geomorphic perspective on terrain‐modulated organization of vegetation productivity: analysis in two semiarid grassland ecosystems in Southwestern United States
Authors: Flores Cervantes Javier H. , Istanbulluoglu Erkan , Vivoni Enrique R. , Holifield Collins Chandra D. , Bras Rafael L.
Published: October 2012

Spatial patterns of ecosystem productivity arise from the terrain‐modulated wetting and drying of the landscape. Using a daily relative greenness (rG) index, we explore the relations between spatial variability of plant productivity and landscape morphology, and how these relations change over time. The rG index is defined as a measure of local vegetation greenness relative to the site's mean greenness, calculated from remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index. We analyse two semiarid grasslands with pronounced topography, one located in southeastern Arizona, with a mean annual precipitation of 350 mm, and the other in central New Mexico, with a mean annual precipitation of 250 mm. Our results indicate that (1) rG is spatially more uniform after wet conditions (higher biomass) than after dry conditions (lower biomass); (2) differences in the relative frequency distribution of rG among different landscape morphologies (ridges, unchanneled valleys and channels) indicate higher productivity in channels, similar coefficient of variation in all process domains, and higher skewness in the ridges; (3) relatively high correlations between the binned average rG with respect to upstream area, curvature, and annual insolation in more than 80% of the terrain indicate a clear dependence between ecosystem productivity and topography; (4) rG is more sensitive to changes in topographic indices at the wetter Arizona study site. Such improved understanding of vegetation‐topography dependence is critical for ecosystem management, testing ecohydrologic models, and offers ideas for the downscaling of coarse‐scale satellite‐derived vegetation indices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian spatial extreme value analysis to assess the changing risk of concurrent high temperatures across large portions of European cropland
Authors: Shaby Benjamin A. , Reich Brian J.
Published: October 2012

There is strong evidence that extremely high temperatures are detrimental to the yield and quality of many economically and socially critical crops. Fortunately, the most deleterious conditions for agriculture occur rarely. We wish to assess the risk of the catastrophic scenario in which large areas of croplands experience extreme heat stress during the same growing season. Applying a hierarchical Bayesian spatial extreme value model that allows the distribution of extreme temperatures to change in time both marginally and in spatial coherence, we examine whether the risk of widespread extremely high temperatures across agricultural land in Europe has increased over the last century. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Facial and Subjective Emotional Reaction in Response to a Video Game Designed to Train Emotional Regulation (Playmancer)
Authors: Claes Laurence , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Santamaría Juan J. , Moussa Maher B. , Sánchez Isabel , Forcano Laura , Magnenat‐Thalmann Nadia , Konstantas Dimitri , Overby Mikkel L. , Nielsen Jeppe , Bults Richard G. A. , Granero Roser , Lam Tony , Kalapanidas Elias , Treasure Janet , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: October 2012

Several aspects of social and emotional functioning are abnormal in people with eating disorders. The aim of the present study was to measure facial emotional expression in patients with eating disorders and healthy controls whilst playing a therapeutic video game (Playmancer) designed to train individuals in emotional regulation. Participants were 23 ED patients (11 AN, 12 BN) and 11 HCs. ED patients self reported more anger at baseline but expressed less facial expression of anger during the Playmancer game. The discrepancy between self‐report and non‐verbal expression may lead to problems in social communication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Frequency domain multi‐user receivers for IEEE 802.15.4a short‐range communication network
Authors: Morosi Simone , Bianchi Tiziano , Gei Francesco
Published: October 2012

In this letter, we propose frequency domain receivers for an IEEE 802.15.4a short‐range communication network: the uplink case is taken into account, considering a scenario where several devices communicate with a coordinator node. The channel model has been also derived according to the IEEE 802.15.4a recommendations. Results show that the proposed approach can be beneficial in short‐range systems under severe conditions of multipath propagation and interference. An interesting novelty of the proposed approach is that both single‐user and multi‐user FD receivers based on the minimum mean square error criterion can be derived by exploiting the zero padding technique which is intrinsic in the symbol structure of the standard. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incompressible Roe‐like scheme for turbulent flows
Authors: Orang Ali Atashbar , Razavi Seyed Esmail
Published: October 2012

In the current study, numerical investigation of incompressible turbulent flow is presented. By the artificial compressibility method, momentum and continuity equations are coupled. Considering Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations, the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model, which has accurate results in two‐dimensional problems, is used to calculate Reynolds stresses. For convective fluxes a Roe‐like scheme is proposed for the steady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations. Also, Jameson averaging method was implemented. In comparison, the proposed characteristics‐based upwind incompressible turbulent Roe‐like scheme, demonstrated very accurate results, high stability, and fast convergence. The fifth‐order Runge–Kutta scheme is used for time discretization. The local time stepping and implicit residual smoothing were applied as the convergence acceleration techniques. Suitable boundary conditions have been implemented considering flow behavior. The problem has been studied at high Reynolds numbers for cross flow around the horizontal circular cylinder and NACA0012 hydrofoil. Results were compared with those of others and a good agreement has been observed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.