bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms and Applications of Microbial Biotechnology in Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity: A Review
Authors: Singh Swati , P Ashoka, , Ahlawat Umang , Changdeo Walunjkar Babasaheb , Rehsawla Rizwana , Naruka Anu , Sharma Deepika
Published: July 2024

Microbial biotechnology in agriculture offers considerable potential for enhancing soil health, increasing crop yields, and promoting sustainability through the application of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and bioremediation techniques. Emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing, synthetic biology, CRISPR-Cas9, and nanotechnology are driving innovations that improve the efficacy and stability of microbial products. Next-generation sequencing and metagenomics allow for a comprehensive understanding of soil microbial communities, enabling the development of targeted inoculants. Synthetic biology and CRISPR-Cas9 facilitate the engineering of microorganisms with enhanced traits, while nanotechnology and microbial encapsulation improve the delivery and viability of these products. Despite these advancements, the field faces significant challenges including the variability of soil ecosystems, high production costs, limited market availability, and complex regulatory frameworks. Addressing these issues requires targeted research to understand microbial interactions, optimize formulations, and assess environmental impacts. Supportive policies and harmonized regulatory frameworks are essential to streamline approval processes and ensure safety and efficacy. Financial incentives, robust extension services, and public-private partnerships are critical to foster innovation and adoption. Integrating microbial biotechnology with sustainable agricultural practices such as integrated nutrient management (INM) and integrated pest management (IPM) can maximize productivity and environmental benefits. By overcoming these challenges and leveraging advanced technologies, microbial biotechnology can play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security, and maintaining environmental health for future generations.
Crude Protein, Economics and Water Use Efficiency of Ryegrass under Different Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Levels
Authors: Hazarika Nilotpal , Sharma Karuna Kanta
Published: July 2024

A field experiment was undertaken at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 in order to study the effect of irrigation regimes and nitrogen levels on crude protein, economics and water use efficiency of ryegrass. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The treatments consisted of five levels of irrigation in main plot viz., I0: Rainfed, I1: Irrigation at critical growth stages, I2: Irrigation at IW: CPE (Irrigation Water : Cumulative Pan Evaporation) ratio of 1.0, I3: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.2 and I4: Irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.4 along with four levels of N - N0: 0 kg N/ha, N1: 30 kg N/ha, N2: 60kg N/ha and N3: 90 kg N/ha in sub- plots. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam in texture, acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, medium in available N, available P2O5 and low in available K2O. The study revealed that application of irrigation at IW:CPE ratio of 1.4 recorded the highest crude protein yield (7.69 q/ha and 7.31 q/ha, respectively in both the years), highest value in terms of evapotranspiration (26.33 cm and 24.74 cm, respectively in both the years), total water use (26.65 cm and 25.16 cm, respectively in both the years), crop water use efficiency (324.49 kg/ha-cm and 324.12 kg/ha-cm, respectively in both the years), field water use efficiency (322.69 kg/ha-cm and 318.84 kg/ha-cm, respectively in both the years), gross return (Rs. 78073.00 and Rs. 78254.00, respectively in both the years), net return (Rs. 51252.00 and Rs. 52433.00, respectively in both the years) and B:C ratio (1.87 and 1.99, respectively in both the years). Application of 90 kg N/ha recorded the highest crude protein yield (6.54 q/ha and 6.64 q/ha, respectively in both the years). The highest values in terms of evapotranspiration (21.40 cm and 18.89 cm, respectively in both the years), total water use (21.33 cm and 19.05 cm, respectively in both the years), crop water use efficiency (343.19 kg/ha-cm and 376.87 kg/ha-cm, respectively in both the years), field water use efficiency (344.33 kg/ha-cm and 372.88 kg/ha-cm, respectively in both the years), gross return (Rs. 72376.00 and Rs. 70383.00, respectively in both the years), net return (Rs. 45038.00 and Rs. 43645.00, respectively in both the years) and B:C ratio (1.63 and 1.62, respectively in both the years) were observed under 90 kg N/ha.
Importance of Minerals in Silkworm Nutrition: A Review
Authors: Bora Nanita , Singha Th. Aruna , Gogoi Dhanalakhi
Published: July 2024

The amount of silk produced by silkworms is influenced by several factors. The silkworm's nutrition is the most important element for good quality cocoon and silk production as it is dependent on the healthiness of the silkworm. Health, growth and resistance to biotic factors are directly dependent on the nutrition of the silkworm which is derived from the food. Consuming a well-balanced nutritious food is particularly important for silkworms, since they only consume throughout their larval period. Among the different nutritional requirements by the silkworm, minerals plays an important role. Minerals are not synthesized within insects, although they are essential elements and affect various metabolic processes. Minerals affect the growth and development of larva, economic cocoon characters and silk yield. Many functions of the neuromuscular, reproductive and hormonal systems among others can be efficiently controlled by adding micronutrients and trace elements such as minerals to the diet.
Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Shoot Fly Resistance Associated Traits in Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Bhatt Babita , Pandey P K , Khan Rubina , Joshi Sivendra , Kumar Amit , Singh Tushadri
Published: July 2024

The present investigation was carried out with 210 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) at the Instructional Dairy Farm of the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India and the experiment was conducted during kharif season, 2018-19 in augmented design with three replications with the objective to access variability, heritability and genetic advance for 18 traits studied to select suitable shoot fly resistace RILs. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences for the trait viz., seedling height, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, stem diameter, number of nodes per plant, leaf length, leaf width, 1000 grain weight, dry fodder yield and green fodder yield, while significant differences were found in case of oviposition and dead heart per cent at 21 days after emergence. Eleven traits showed higher value of Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) than environment coefficient of variation (ECV). Total soluble solid (TSS) percent showed highest GCV followed by green fodder yield while dead heart per cent at 14 days after emergence showed highest ECV followed by days to emergence and Hydrocyanic acid content. Among the traits with high heritability, only plant height, dry fodder yield, and green fodder yield exhibited high genetic advance suggesting the additive gene action, making these traits suitable targets for effective selection in the RIL population. Further, molecular markers can be identified for key traits used in marker-assisted selection, and selected RILs can be evaluated in multi-environment trials for stability and adaptability.
Opportunities for Innovative Publishing in the Electronic Age?
Authors: Sparks R. S. J.
Published: March 2013

I recently experienced difficulty with a peer‐reviewed article in an open access electronic journal when I requested some quite simple but important changes. The article had been put online and identified as “provisional” by the publisher. I took this to mean that it had been accepted through peer review but that further revision was possible before formal acceptance. My coauthors and I wanted to add some authors to an already quite long list, and the science content of the article was unaffected. We provided evidence that the contributions of the new authors met the normal standards for authorship. The publisher was, however, reluctant to make the change, stating that such a policy was standard throughout the scientific publishing world, and instead suggested that we publish an electronic erratum. The details of this case are not of concern, but it struck me that some of the protocols of the print age were being unnecessarily transferred to the electronic age. In a more general way there are opportunities for innovation in electronic publishing. Policies and practices that appear to be due to the constraints of print are being inherited by electronic publications for no good reason.
Superior Micro‐Supercapacitors Based on Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Liu Wen‐Wen , Feng Ya‐Qiang , Yan Xing‐Bin , Chen Jiang‐Tao , Xue Qun‐Ji
Published: March 2013

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted tremendous research interest due to the unique properties associated with both graphene and quantum dots. Here, a new application of GQDs as ideal electrode materials for supercapacitors is reported. To this end, a GQDs//GQDs symmetric micro‐supercapacitor is prepared using a simple electro‐deposition approach, and its electrochemical properties in aqueous electrolyte and ionic liquid electrolyte are systematically investigated. The results show that the as‐made GQDs micro‐supercapacitor has superior rate capability up to 1000 V s−1, excellent power response with very short relaxation time constant (τ0 = 103.6 μs in aqueous electrolyte and τ0 = 53.8 μs in ionic liquid electrolyte), and excellent cycle stability. Additionally, another GQDs//MnO2 asymmetric supercapacitor is also built using MnO2 nanoneedles as the positive electrode and GQDs as the negative electrode in aqueous electrolyte. Its specific capacitance and energy density are both two times higher than those of GQDs//GQDs symmetric micro‐supercapacitor in the same electrolyte. The results presented here may pave the way for a new promising application of GQDs in micropower suppliers and microenergy storage devices.
Carboxylates versus Fluorines: Boosting the Emission Properties of Commercial BODIPYs in Liquid and Solid Media
Authors: Durán‐Sampedro Gonzalo , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , Cerdán Luis , Pérez‐Ojeda M. Eugenia , Costela Angel , García‐Moreno Inmaculada , Esnal Ixone , Bañuelos Jorge , Arbeloa Iñigo López , Ortiz María J.
Published: March 2013

A new and facile strategy for the development of photonic materials is presented that fufills the conditions of being efficient, stable, and tunable laser emitters over the visible region of spectrum, with the possibility of being easily processable and cost‐effective. This approach uses poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as a host for new dyes with improved efficiency and photostability synthesized. Using a simple protocol, fluorine atoms in the commercial (4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene) (F‐BODIPY) by carboxylate groups. The new O‐BODIPYs exhibit enhanced optical properties and laser behavior both in the liquid and solid phases compared to their commercial analogues. Lasing efficiencies up to 2.6 times higher than those recorded for the commercial dyes are registered with high photostabilities since the laser output remain at 80% of the initial value after 100 000 pump pulses in the same position of the sample at a repetition rate of 30 Hz; the corresponding commercial dye entirely loses its laser action after only 12 000 pump pulses. Distributed feedback laser emission is demonstrated with organic films incorporating new O‐BODIPYs deposited onto quartz substrates engraved with appropriated periodical structures. These dyes exhibit laser thresholds up to two times lower than those of the corresponding parent dyes with lasing intensities up to one order of magnitude higher.
Solution‐processable exfoliated zeolite nanosheets purified by density gradient centrifugation
Authors: Agrawal Kumar Varoon , Topuz Berna , Jiang Zheyu , Nguenkam Kevin , Elyassi Bahman , Francis Lorraine F. , Tsapatsis Michael , Navarro Marta
Published: March 2013

Highly crystalline exfoliated MFI‐nanosheets can pave the way for large‐scale deployment of sub‐500‐nm zeolite membranes due to their processing and packing advantages. Exfoliated MFI‐nanosheets prepared by melt compounding contain a large amount of polymer and unexfoliated particles which are detrimental to the fabrication of ultrathin zeolite membranes. Complete removal of polystyrene from the nanosheet suspension in toluene is demonstrated by centrifugation of the suspension across chlorobenzene as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Rate‐zonal centrifugation in a nonlinear density gradient fractionated exfoliated MFI‐nanosheets from unexfoliated particles. The purified nanosheets were highly crystalline as indicated by high‐resolution TEM (HRTEM) and electron diffraction (ED). Coating of purified MFI‐nanosheets on a smooth α‐alumina support, fabricated by filtration of α‐alumina suspension, led to a compact, b‐oriented, 80‐nm‐thick film. A mild hydrothermal treatment of the film led to a 200‐nm‐thick membrane, which demonstrated molecular sieving properties. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3458–3467, 2013
Carbon dioxide separation and dry reforming of methane for synthesis of syngas by a dual‐phase membrane reactor
Authors: Anderson Matthew , Lin Y.S.
Published: March 2013

High‐temperature CO2 selective membranes offer potential for use to separate flue gas and produce a warm, pure CO2 stream as a chemical feedstock. The coupling of separation of CO2 by a ceramic–carbonate dual‐phase membrane with dry reforming of CH4 to produce syngas is reported. CO2 permeation and the dry reforming reaction performance of the membrane reactor were experimentally studied with a CO2–N2 mixture as the feed and CH4 as the sweep gas passing through either an empty permeation chamber or one that was packed with a solid catalyst. CO2 permeation flux through the membrane matches the rate of dry reforming of methane using a 10% Ni/γ‐alumina catalyst at temperatures above 750°C. At 850°C under the reaction conditions, the membrane reactor gives a CO2 permeation flux of 0.17 mL min−1 cm−2, hydrogen production rate of 0.3 mL min−1 cm−2 with a H2 to CO formation ratio of about 1, and conversion of CO2 and CH4, respectively, of 88.5 and 8.1%. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2207–2218, 2013
Organization of work in the agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector in the US southeast: Implications for immigrant workers' occupational safety and health
Authors: Grzywacz Joseph G. , Lipscomb Hester J. , Casanova Vanessa , Neis Barbara , Fraser Clermont , Monaghan Paul , Vallejos Quirina M.
Published: March 2013

Background

There is widespread agreement that work organization is an important element of occupational safety and health, but the health effects of many aspects of work organization are likely to vary considerably across different sectors of work and geographies.

Methods

We examined existing employment policies and work organization‐related research relevant specifically to immigrant workers in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AgFF) Sector of the US workforce focusing, when possible, on the southeastern US.

Results

A number of specific aspects of work organization within AgFF subsectors have been described, but most of this literature exists outside the purview of occupational health. There are few studies that directly examine how attributes of work organization relevant to the AgFF Sector affect workers', much less immigrant workers', occupational health exposures and outcomes.

Conclusions

In contrast to the broader literature, research linking occupational health outcomes to work organization in the AgFF Sector is limited and weak. A systematic program of research and intervention is needed to develop strategies that eliminate or substantially mitigate the deleterious health effects of occupational exposures whose origins likely lie in the organization of AgFF work. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:925–939, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Common obesity risk alleles in childhood attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Albayrak Özgür , Pütter Carolin , Volckmar Anna‐Lena , Cichon Sven , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M. , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Schreiber Stefan , Wichmann H‐Erich , Faraone Stephen V. , Neale Benjamin M. , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Sinzig Judith , Renner Tobias J. , Romanos Marcel , Warnke Andreas , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Reif Andreas , Schimmelmann Benno G. , Scherag André , Hebebrand Johannes , Hinney Anke ,   Psychiatric GWAS Consortium: ADHD Subgroup
Published: March 2013

Children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher rate of obesity than children without ADHD. Obesity risk alleles may overlap with those relevant for ADHD. We examined whether risk alleles for an increased body mass index (BMI) are associated with ADHD and related quantitative traits (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity). We screened 32 obesity risk alleles of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for ADHD based on 495 patients and 1,300 population‐based controls and performed in silico analyses of the SNPs in an ADHD meta‐analysis comprising 2,064 trios, 896 independent cases, and 2,455 controls. In the German sample rs206936 in the NUDT3 gene (nudix; nucleoside diphosphate linked moiety X‐type motif 3) was associated with ADHD risk (OR: 1.39; P = 3.4 × 10−4; Pcorr = 0.01). In the meta‐analysis data we found rs6497416 in the intronic region of the GPRC5B gene (G protein‐coupled receptor, family C, group 5, member B; P = 7.2 × 10−4; Pcorr = 0.02) as a risk allele for ADHD. GPRC5B belongs to the metabotropic glutamate receptor family, which has been implicated in the etiology of ADHD. In the German sample rs206936 (NUDT3) and rs10938397 in the glucosamine‐6‐phosphate deaminase 2 gene (GNPDA2) were associated with inattention, whereas markers in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase 5 gene (MAP2K5) and in the cell adhesion molecule 2 gene (CADM2) were associated with hyperactivity. In the meta‐analysis data, MAP2K5 was associated with inattention, GPRC5B with hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention and CADM2 with hyperactivity/impulsivity. Our results justify further research on the elucidation of the common genetic background of ADHD and obesity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular and clinical characterization of 25 individuals with exonic deletions of NRXN1 and comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Béna Frédérique , Bruno Damien L. , Eriksson Mats , van Ravenswaaij‐Arts Conny , Stark Zornitza , Dijkhuizen Trijnie , Gerkes Erica , Gimelli Stefania , Ganesamoorthy Devika , Thuresson Ann Charlotte , Labalme Audrey , Till Marianne , Bilan Frédéric , Pasquier Laurent , Kitzis Alain , Dubourgm Christele , Rossi Massimiliano , Bottani Armand , Gagnebin Maryline , Sanlaville Damien , Gilbert‐Dussardier Brigitte , Guipponi Michel , van Haeringen Arie , Kriek Marjolein , Ruivenkamp Claudia , Antonarakis Stylianos E. , Anderlid Britt Marie , Slater Howard R. , Schoumans Jacqueline
Published: March 2013

This study aimed to elucidate the observed variable phenotypic expressivity associated with NRXN1 (Neurexin 1) haploinsufficiency by analyses of the largest cohort of patients with NRXN1 exonic deletions described to date and by comprehensively reviewing all comparable copy number variants in all disease cohorts that have been published in the peer reviewed literature (30 separate papers in all). Assessment of the clinical details in 25 previously undescribed individuals with NRXN1 exonic deletions demonstrated recurrent phenotypic features consisting of moderate to severe intellectual disability (91%), severe language delay (81%), autism spectrum disorder (65%), seizures (43%), and hypotonia (38%). These showed considerable overlap with previously reported NRXN1‐deletion associated phenotypes in terms of both spectrum and frequency. However, we did not find evidence for an association between deletions involving the β‐isoform of neurexin‐1 and increased head size, as was recently published in four cases with a deletion involving the C‐terminus of NRXN1. We identified additional rare copy number variants in 20% of cases. This study supports a pathogenic role for heterozygous exonic deletions of NRXN1 in neurodevelopmental disorders. The additional rare copy number variants identified may act as possible phenotypic modifiers as suggested in a recent digenic model of neurodevelopmental disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical simulation on gas–liquid flow, heat, and mass transfer characteristics in a dual‐contact‐flow absorption tower
Authors: Zhang Yafei , Li Na , Kong Dejuan , Zhou Qulan , Luo Rui , Xu Tongmo
Published: March 2013

Because of the limitation of accurate measurement of microscopic parameters in the dual‐contact‐flow absorption tower, the diameter, velocity, temperature of a single droplet, and the concentration of matter in it are difficult to be obtained through experimental methods. However, these data are of crucial importance to understand the behaviors of liquid phase in the absorber. In this paper, the microscopic motion, heat, and mass transfer characteristics of droplets in the dual‐contact‐flow absorption tower have been numerically simulated, and the results have been validated by experimental data. The motion trails of droplets under different initial jetting velocities and gas velocities are studied, and the fall‐back characteristics have been obtained. The critical diameters of droplets increase remarkably with the increase of gas velocity but have limited relationship with the liquid initial jetting velocity. The heat and mass transfer capacities of droplets have also been investigated. It is found that because of the diversity between the concentration relaxation time and the temperature relaxation time, there may be considerable difference between heat and mass transfer behaviors. All the work above is a complement of the basic performance of droplets in the dual‐contact‐flow absorber and can supply guidance for estimating the practical application performance. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The translucent cadaver: A follow‐up study to gauge the efficacy of implementing changes suggested by students
Authors: Kotzé Sanet Henriët , Driescher Natasha Darné , Mole Calvin Gerald
Published: March 2013

In a study conducted in 2011, the use of full body digital X‐ray images (Lodox® Statscan®) and drawings were described for surface anatomy education during which suggestions were made by students on how to improve the method. Educational innovations should continuously be adjusted and improved to provide the best possible scenario for student learning. This study, therefore, reports on the efficacy of implementing some of these suggestions. Suggestions incorporated into the follow‐up study included: (1) The inclusion of eight strategically placed labeled digital X‐ray images to the dissection halls, (2) The placement of both labeled and unlabeled digital X‐ray images online, (3) The inclusion of informal oral questions on surface anatomy during dissection, (4) The requirement of students to submit individual drawings in addition to group drawings into their portfolios, and (5) Integrating information on how to recognize anatomical structures on X‐rays into gross anatomy lectures given prior to dissection. Students were requested to complete an anonymous questionnaire. The results of the drawings, tests and questionnaires were compared to the results from the 2011 cohort. During 2012, an increased usage of the digital X‐rays and an increase in practical test marks in three out of the four modules (statistically significant only in the cardiovascular module) were reported. More students from the 2012 cohort believed the images enhanced their experience of learning surface anatomy and that its use should be continued in future. The suggested changes, therefore, had a positive effect on surface anatomy education. Anat Sci Educ 6: 433–439. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Determinants of research citation impact in nanoscience and nanotechnology
Authors: Didegah Fereshteh , Thelwall Mike
Published: March 2013

This study investigates a range of metrics available when a nanoscience and nanotechnology article is published to see which metrics correlate more with the number of citations to the article. It also introduces the degree of internationality of journals and references as new metrics for this purpose. The journal impact factor; the impact of references; the internationality of authors, journals, and references; and the number of authors, institutions, and references were all calculated for papers published in nanoscience and nanotechnology journals in the Web of Science from 2007 to 2009. Using a zero‐inflated negative binomial regression model on the data set, the impact factor of the publishing journal and the citation impact of the cited references were found to be the most effective determinants of citation counts in all four time periods. In the entire 2007 to 2009 period, apart from journal internationality and author numbers and internationality, all other predictor variables had significant effects on citation counts.
Effects of pre‐existing anti‐carrier immunity and antigenic element multiplicity on efficacy of a modular virus‐like particle vaccine
Authors: Chuan Yap P. , Rivera‐Hernandez Tania , Wibowo Nani , Connors Natalie K. , Wu Yang , Hughes Fiona K. , Lua Linda H.L. , Middelberg Anton P.J.
Published: March 2013

Modularization of a peptide antigen for presentation on a microbially synthesized murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) virus‐like particle (VLP) offers a new alternative for rapid and low‐cost vaccine delivery at a global scale. In this approach, heterologous modules containing peptide antigenic elements are fused to and displayed on the VLP carrier, allowing enhancement of peptide immunogenicity via ordered and densely repeated presentation of the modules. This study addresses two key engineering questions pertaining to this platform, exploring the effects of (i) pre‐existing carrier‐specific immunity on modular VLP vaccine effectiveness and (ii) increase in the antigenic element number per VLP on peptide‐specific immune response. These effects were studied in a mouse model and with modular MuPyV VLPs presenting a group A streptococcus (GAS) peptide antigen, J8i. The data presented here demonstrate that immunization with a modular VLP could induce high levels of J8i‐specific antibodies despite a strong pre‐existing anti‐carrier immune response. Doubling of the J8i antigenic element number per VLP did not enhance J8i immunogenicity at a constant peptide dose. However, the strategy, when used in conjunction with increased VLP dose, could effectively increase the peptide dose up to 10‐fold, leading to a significantly higher J8i‐specific antibody titer. This study further supports feasibility of the MuPyV modular VLP vaccine platform by showing that, in the absence of adjuvant, modularized GAS antigenic peptide at a dose as low as 150 ng was sufficient to raise a high level of peptide‐specific IgGs indicative of bactericidal activity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110:2343–2351. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitive profiling of biogenic amines in human urine by capillary electrophoresis with field amplified sample injection
Authors: Bacaloni A. , Insogna S. , Sancini A. , Ciarrocca M. , Sinibaldi F.
Published: March 2013

In order to monitor biogenic amines in human urine, a method based on field‐amplified sample injection combined with capillary electrophoresis and direct UV absorption detection was developed. Dopamine, tyramine, tryptamine, serotonin and epinephrine were effectively separated and identified in human urine samples, and detection limits were 0.072, 0.010, 0.027, 0.010 and 0.120 µmol/L, respectively. Detection limits comparable to laser‐induced fluorescence detection or solid phase extraction combined with capillary electrophoresis were achieved. Parameters affecting electrophoretic system detection sensitivity were investigated. Optimal separation conditions were obtained using as background electrolyte a pH 6.5 mixture of 2‐(morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid 20 mmol/L and 30 mmol/L phosphate buffer, containing 0.05% hydroxypropylcellulose and 10% v/v methanol. Injections of the sample solution were performed by applying a voltage of 12 kV for 50 s. Recovery and accuracy ranged between 89.4 and 94.9%, and 89 and 112%, respectively. The method was successfully applied on actual urine samples (from a healthy volunteer): target bioamine content was consistent with endogenous levels reported in the literature. The proposed method is simple, fast and inexpensive and can be conveniently employed in work‐related stress studies. The affordability and noninvasive sampling of the method allow epidemiological studies on large number of exposed persons to be performed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and in Vitro Characterisation of Ifenprodil‐Based Fluorescein Conjugates as GluN1/GluN2B N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Dhilly Martine , Becerril‐Ortega Javier , Colloc'h Nathalie , MacKenzie Eric T. , Barré Louisa , Buisson Alain , Nicole Olivier , Perrio Cécile
Published: March 2013

GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors are involved in many important physiological functions and play a pivotal role in mediating pain as well as in several neurodegenerative disorders. We aimed to develop fluorescent probes to target the GluN2B subunit selectively in order to allow better understanding of the relationships between receptor localisation and physiological importance. Ifenprodil, known as the GluNR2B antagonist of reference, was chosen as the template for the elaboration of probes. We had previously reported a fluorescein conjugate that was shown (by confocal microscopy imaging of DS‐red‐labelled cortical neurons) to bind specifically to GluN2B. To elaborate this probe, we explored the influence of both the nature and the attachment point of the spacer between the fluorophore and the parent compound, ifenprodil. We performed chemical modifications of ifenprodil at the benzylic position and on the phenol ring by introducing secondary amine or amide functions and evaluated alkyl chains from two to 20 bonds either including or not including secondary amide functions as spacers. The previously developed probe was found to display the greatest activity in the inhibition of NMDA‐induced Ca2+ influx by calcium imaging experiments on HEK293 cells transfected with the cDNA encoding for GluN1‐1A and GluN2B. Further investigations revealed that this probe had a neuroprotective effect equivalent to that of ifenprodil in a standard test for neurotoxicity. Despite effects of lesser amplitude with these probes relative to ifenprodil, we demonstrated that they displaced [3H]ifenprodil in mouse brain slices in a similar manner.
Optimizing UPLC isocyanate determination through a Taguchi experimental design approach
Authors: André Catarina , Jorge Fabiana , Castanheira Isabel , Matos Ana
Published: March 2013

The development of a chromatographic procedure for an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography can be a very time‐consuming task, as the general approach for finding the appropriate operating conditions has been a trial‐and‐error process. The present study reports a novel approach in the field of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography by using statistical experimental design based on Taguchi's method, which allows a complete separation of nine isocyanates present in a complex matrix. The resolution between two adjacent peaks was considered as a quality characteristic and transformed to a Taguchi signal‐to‐noise ratio. An orthogonal array L9 (34) was selected to analyze the effect of four chromatographic factors, that is, proportion of solvent, percent triethylamine (v/v), temperature (°C), and flow (mL min−1), with three levels each. The joint analysis performed to the significant factors achieved in the eight analyses of variance allowed to identify two methods to conduct a complete separation of all peaks. Six isocyanates were separated with the first method, with all factors at the lowest level. The remaining three isocyanates were separated with the second method, with the proportion of solvent at the highest level and the other factors at the lowest level. The overall Taguchi experimental design identified the proportion of solvent and the flow rate as major chromatographic factors. Finally, confirmatory experiments were performed with samples prepared with six and three isocyanates, confirming the complete separation of all isocyanates in the study.

The Taguchi methods provided a systematic and efficient methodology for this optimization, with considerably less effort than would be required for other optimizations techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(+)‐9‐Benzyloxy‐α‐Dihydrotetrabenazine as an Important Intermediate for the VMAT2 Imaging Agents: Absolute Configuration and Chiral Recognition
Authors: liu Chunyi , Chen Zhengping , Li Xiaomin , Tang Jie , Qin Xiaofeng
Published: March 2013

This article reports, for the first time, on the absolute configuration of (+)‐9‐benzyloxy‐α‐dihydrotetrabenazine (8), as determined from the perspective of X‐ray crystallography. Compound 8 was prepared by a six‐step reaction using 3‐benzyloxy‐4‐methoxybenzaldehyde (1) as a starting material. The X‐ray crystal diffraction structure of two compounds, racemic 9‐benzyloxy‐tetrabenazine (5) and the diastereomeric salt of compound 8, is also described for the first time in this article. The X‐ray results and the chiral HPLC helped elucidate that compound 8 has an absolute configuration as 2R,3R,11bR. The crystal structure of racemic compound 5 contains two symmetry‐ independent molecules in the unit cell. Interestingly, while they are structural isomers, they are enantiomers, too, i.e., in solution, because they are not mirror images of each other in the crystal lattice. In order to elucidate the intermolecular interaction mechanism of the diastereomeric salt of compound 8, its crystal packing was investigated with regard to the weak interactions, such as salt bridge, OH…O and CH…O hydrogen bonds, and intermolecular CH…π interaction. The results showed that the carbonyl‐assisted salt bridges and the OH…O hydrogen bonds formed polar columns in the crystal structure of the diastereomeric salt of compound 8, resembling butterflies with open wings as viewed along the c‐axis. These polar columns were extended to three‐dimensional network by intermolecular CH…O hydrogen bonds and intermolecular CH…π interactions. Chirality, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on the flow structure and its effects on the interaction and formation of cryogenic taylor bubbles by PIV technique and POD analysis
Authors: Liu Yi‐Peng , Wang Ping‐Yang , Zhao Xian‐Lin , Du Zhao‐Hui
Published: March 2013

The flow structures around continuous cryogenic Taylor bubbles in the concentric glass tube with different diameters were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique under various inclination angles. Optical distortions produced by tube curvature and the refractive index differences between tube and fluid were corrected using ray tracing method. Based on the PIV results, the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method was used to investigate the effect of flow structure on the interaction of Taylor bubbles through the large‐scale turbulent structures of POD modes. Four best‐fitted curves for Taylor bubble interaction for different inclination angles were represented. A correlation for Taylor bubble formation was developed with the consideration of turbulence suppression, tube inner diameter, fluid properties, inclination angle, etc. The results demonstrate that the minimum stable distance attains the smallest value at . The correlation for Taylor bubble formation shows good agreement with the experimental data both in the present study and from its references.
Turbulence effects on the granular model of particle motion in a boundary layer flow
Authors: Dehghan Maziar , Basirat Tabrizi Hassan
Published: March 2013

Prediction of particle velocity in a dilute turbulent gas–particle flow nearby a flat solid boundary is investigated numerically using a fully Eulerian two‐fluid model. The particulate phase model is based on the kinetic theory of granular flow. The turbulence in both phases is modelled. Inter‐particle and particle‐wall inelastic collisions are considered. Effects of presence/absence of particulate phase turbulence modelling on velocity of particles are investigated. Results indicate that turbulence modelling is necessary for particulate phase, but conventional models should be modified to consider particulate flow nature. Effects of free stream velocity and particle diameter on turbulence modelling results have been discussed.
Transfer of spatial search between environments in human adults and young children (Homo sapiens): Implications for representation of local geometry by spatial systems
Authors: Lew Adina R. , Usherwood Barrie , Fragkioudaki Frantzeska , Koukoumi Varvara , Smith Shamus P. , Austen Joe M. , McGregor Anthony
Published: March 2013

Whether animals represent environmental geometry in a global and/or local way has been the subject of recent debate. We applied a transfer of search paradigm between rectangular‐ and kite‐shaped arenas to examine the performance of human adults (using virtual environments) and children of 2.5–3.5 years (using real arenas). Adults showed robust transfer to a congruent corner in a kite‐shaped arena, following training in a rectangular‐shaped arena in two paradigms modeled on those used with rats and young children respectively. In contrast, the children showed no evidence of transfer of search, despite above chance performance in the rectangular arena, and above chance performance in a study where search occurred in the kite arena only. The pattern of findings suggests global aspects of environmental geometry may be used to re‐establish heading, and that the matching of elements of local geometry in new global contexts may be an advanced developmental achievement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 421–434, 2014.
Generation of a novel germline stem cell line expressing a germline‐specific reporter in the mouse
Authors: Shiura Hirosuke , Ikeda Rieko , Lee Jiyoung , Sato Takuya , Ogonuki Narumi , Hirose Michiko , Ogura Atsuo , Ogawa Takehiko , Abe Kuniya
Published: March 2013

Germline stem (GS) cells are stem cell lines derived from postnatal male germline cells. Remarkably, GS cells can form functional spermatozoa when transplanted into infertile host mouse testes, indicating that GS cells have spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) activity. As GS cells are the only type with SSC activity, they are most suitable for in vitro studies on male germ cell differentiation. However, GS cells can deviate from the germ cell state to become other types of cells, depending on culture conditions. Therefore, it is desirable to have a monitor system to ensure that GS cells are kept at the germ cell state in culture. Here, we established GS cell lines from neonatal testes of transgenic mice that express the fluorescent protein, Venus, whose gene expression is driven by the promoter of Mvh (mouse Vasa homolog), a gene highly specific to mammalian germ cells. This novel cell line has genuine GS cell properties equivalent to existing GS lines, including the ability to generate viable offspring. This Mvh–Venus GS cell line, to our knowledge, is the first one expressing a germ cell‐specific reporter. This valuable resource should provide new opportunities for studies on male germ cell differentiation. genesis 51:498–505. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T‐cell‐derived, but not B‐cell‐derived, IL‐10 suppresses antigen‐specific T‐cell responses in Litomosoides sigmodontis‐infected mice
Authors: Haben Irma , Hartmann Wiebke , Specht Sabine , Hoerauf Achim , Roers Axel , Müller Werner , Breloer Minka
Published: March 2013

IL‐10, a cytokine with pleiotropic functions is produced by many different cells. Although IL‐10 may be crucial for initiating protective Th2 responses to helminth infection, it may also function as a suppressive cytokine preventing immune pathology or even contributing to helminth‐induced immune evasion. Here, we show that B cells and T cells produce IL‐10 during murine Litomosoides sigmodontis infection. IL‐10‐deficient mice produced increased amounts of L. sigmodontis‐specific IFN‐γ and IL‐13 suggesting a suppressive role for IL‐10 in the initiation of the T‐cell response to infection. Using cell type‐specific IL‐10‐deficient mice, we dissected different functions of T‐cell‐ and B‐cell‐derived IL‐10. Litomosoides sigmodontis‐specific IFN‐γ, IL‐5, and IL‐13 production increased in the absence of T‐cell‐derived IL‐10 at early and late time points of infection. In contrast, B‐cell‐specific IL‐10 deficiency did not lead to significant changes in L. sigmodontis‐specific cytokine production compared to WT mice. Our results suggest that the initiation of Ag‐specific cellular responses during L. sigmodontis infection is suppressed by T‐cell‐derived IL‐10 and not by B‐cell‐derived IL‐10.
Interactions between Keggin Anions in Water: The Higher Their Charge, the Higher Their Condensation? A Simulation Study
Authors: Chaumont Alain , Wipff Georges
Published: March 2013

Invited for the front cover of the Cluster Issue on Polyoxometalates is the group of Georges Wipff at the University of Strasbourg. The cover image shows the interaction of POMs with various components of the solution and their adsorption at the interface.
The pesticide dichlorvos disrupts mitotic division by delocalizing the kinesin Kif2a from centrosomes
Authors: Fiore Mario , Mattiuzzo Marta , Mancuso Graziella , Totta Pierangela , Degrassi Francesca
Published: March 2013

The molecular mechanism(s) mediating long‐term adverse effects of dichlorvos, a widely used insecticide, are still unclear. Our work uncovered a new cellular effect of dichlorvos in cultured human cells, i.e. its capacity to induce extremely aberrant mitotic spindles with monopolar microtubule arrays that were associated with hypercondensed chromosomes and pyknotic chromatin masses. Monopolar spindles produced by dichlorvos treatment were characterized by the delocalization of the depolymerizing kinesin Kif2a from spindle poles. Dichlorvos‐induced spindle monopolarity could be reversed by promoting microtubule stabilization through chemical treatment or by inhibiting the depolymerizing function of the kinesin MCAK at kinetochores. These findings demonstrate that dichlorvos inhibits the depolymerizing activity of Kif2a at centrosomes and thereby disrupts the balance of opposing centrosomal and kinetochore forces controlling spindle bipolarity during prometaphase. Dichlorvos‐induced defects in spindle bipolarity may be responsible for the previously reported induction of aneuploidy by this chemical. Collectively, these results indicate that environmental chemicals, such as dichlorvos, may promote chromosome instability by interfering with the cell division machinery. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:250–260, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volatile constituents of blue‐coloured hybrid tea rose flowers
Authors: Joichi Atsushi , Nakamura Yasuko , Haze Shinichiro , Ishikawa Takahiro , Atoji Hiroyuki , Nishida Takashi , Sakurai Kazutoshi
Published: March 2013

The volatile constituents of ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Blue Perfume’ rose flowers, which, on an olfactory basis, are classified as a ‘blue type’ were analysed using Aromascope® technology (modified headspace technology) and solvent extraction methods followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. One hundred and eighty components were identified in the headspace volatile components of ‘Blue Moon’ flower and 188 components were identified in solvent extracts. Among them, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, 1,3‐dimethoxy‐5‐methylbenzene and dihydro‐β‐ionol were identified as the main odour components. On the other hand, in ‘Blue Perfume’, 165 components were identified in the headspace volatile components and 150 components were identified in solvent extracts. Among them, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, neral, and geranial were identified as the major odour compounds. From both rose flowers, three components were newly identified: 2‐isopropyl‐4‐methylthiazole, (Z)‐cyclododec‐9‐enolide (yuzu lactone), and methyl cis‐(Z)‐jasmonate. 2‐Isopropyl‐4‐methylthiazole and methyl cis‐(Z)‐jasmonate were identified in both of the headspace components and solvent extracts of the two types of rose flower, and then yuzu lactone was identified only in solvent extracts as the one of the minor components. Several components identified in both flowers have asymmetric carbon atoms in their molecules, leading us to analyse their chirality. For the first time, the enantiomer ratios of linalool, (E)‐nerolidol, theaspiranes and dihydro‐β‐ionol could be assigned by multi‐dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results were as follows in both rose flowers. The ratio of the (S)‐enantiomer vs. the (R)‐enantiomer of linalool was 8:92. Only the (S)‐enantiomer was detected for (E)‐nerolidol and dihydro‐β‐ionol. The ratios of the (2R,5R)‐enantiomer vs. the (2S,5S)‐enantiomer in theaspirane A and the (2R,5S)‐enantiomer vs. the (2S,5R)‐enantiomer in theaspirane B were about 4:96. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contribution of Fe(III) and humic acid reduction to ecosystem respiration in drained thaw lake basins of the Arctic Coastal Plain
Authors: Lipson David A. , Raab Theodore K. , Goria Dominic , Zlamal Jaime
Published: March 2013

Previous research showed that anaerobic respiration using iron (Fe) oxides as terminal electron acceptor contributed substantially to ecosystem respiration (ER) in a drained thaw lake basin (DTLB) on the Arctic coastal plain. As DTLBs age, the surface organic layer thickens, progressively burying the Fe‐rich mineral layers. We therefore hypothesized that Fe(III) availability and Fe reduction would decline with basin age. We studied four DTLBs across an age gradient, comparing seasonal changes in the oxidation state of dissolved and extractable Fe pools and the estimated contribution of Fe reduction to ER. The organic layer thickness did not strictly increase with age for these four sites, though soil Fe levels decreased with increasing organic layer thickness. However, there were surprisingly high levels of Fe minerals in organic layers, especially in the ancient basin where cryoturbation may have transported Fe upward through the profile. Net reduction of Fe oxides occurred in the latter half of the summer and contributed an estimated 40–45% to ecosystem respiration in the sites with the thickest organic layers and 61–63% in the sites with the thinnest organic layers. All sites had high concentrations of soluble Fe(II) and Fe(III), explained by the presence of siderophores, and this pool became progressively more reduced during the first half of the summer. Redox titrations with humic acid (HA) extracts and chelated Fe support our view that this pattern indicates the reduction of HA during this interval. We conclude that Fe(III) and HA reductions contribute broadly to ER in the Arctic coastal plain.