bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Network Assessment of Farm Women in Sub-Himalayan Terai Region of India and the Role of KVK
Authors: Das Ganesh , Chowdhury Sarthak
Published: July 2024

Krishi Vigyan Kendra play an important role of information network development among the farmers and farm women through different training and extension programme. This empirical study was conducted to find out the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra on information networks development of the farm women in sub Himalayan terai region of India and to identify the different factors influencing agricultural information network output of the farm women in terms of knowledge. The study was conducted in the Cooch Behar District of West Bengal with the help of an ex post facto research design. It is found from the study that social participation of farm women was high in  case of the members of Self Help Groups, Mobility of the farm women were more in panchayat office. Majority of the farm women received farm information from farmers club/FPO, sources of informal farm information of the female farmers were higher in case of discussion with fellow farmers, mass media exposure of the farm women was higher in case of mobile phone and farm women visit the farm science centre whenever problems occur. It is also found from the study that the variables livestock possession, material possession, participation of FSC programme, communication skill, attitude of the farm women towards FSC scientist, mass media exposure, e resources exposure, decision making ability, type of family and occupation were influence more than 70% of the variability of the dependent variable agricultural information network output of the farm women. So, it is very essential for taking consideration above mentioned variable before implementation of any farm women orientated programme. It is revealed from the study that the residual errors were less in the regression model and there was some of variation that is not explained by the model. The research work would play important guidelines for expanding the information network in the field of agriculture through Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Effect of Zinc and Silica Solubilizing Microbial Consortia on Soil and Plant Nutrient Status in Paddy
Authors: Babu S. Vinod , Gopal A. Vijaya , Trimurtulu N. , Babu G. Kishore , Bhattiprolu S. L.
Published: July 2024

Effect of zinc and silica solubilizing bacteria and their consortia on paddy was studied under pot culture conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Janagamaheswarapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Thirteen treatments were assessed for availability of nutrients viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in plant at 45, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Significantly highest nitrogen (189.3, 249.4 and 239.7 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (34.6, 61.8 and 38.5 kg ha-1), potassium (214.2, 347.9 and 232.1 kg ha-1), zinc (0.78, 0.99 and 0.86 ppm) and silica (60.1, 90.8 and 78.4 ppm) were recorded in T13 (RDF + ZnKJJ-4 & ZnPGG-1 + SiKPP-1 & SiPYY-3) at 45, 90 and 120DAS. In plant, nitrogen (0.79, 0.99 and 0.89 %), phosphorus (0.37, 0.58 and 0.49 %) and potassium (1.78, 2.18 and 1.89 %) were significantly highest in T13. There was increase in available nutrient content upto 90 DAS which then decreased at 120DAS. It is inferred that consortia of two zinc solubilizing and two silica solubilizing microorganisms (T13) is useful for increased availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and increased uptake of NPK by rice plant.
Approximation of the Pressure-discharge Curve in Inline Drip Irrigation System
Authors: A. N. Kunapara , R. Subbaiah , G. R. Patel
Published: July 2024

The efficiency of drip irrigation systems depends directly on the uniformity of water discharge from emission devices. Ideally, all emitters should discharge equal amounts of water, but variations occur due to hydraulic and manufacturing factors. This study established the pressure-discharge relationship curve and determined emitter flow variation caused by the hydraulic and the manufacturer’s coefficients of variation for 2 and 4 lph inline emitters. The power exponent and constant of the pressure-discharge curve were determined by measuring the emitter flow rates at operating pressures ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 kg/cm². The emitter flow rates of 100 emitters were measured at an operating pressure of 1.0 kg/cm² to determine the manufacturing coefficient (Vm) and emitter flow variation (qvar(m)). The discharge exponent was found to be 0.46 for both emitter flow rates, with proportionality constants of 0.692 for 2 lph and 1.387 for 4 lph emitters respectively. The results showed a strong correlation between pressure and flow rate, with RMSE values of 0.51 and 0.34 lph, and coefficients of determination of 0.988 and 0.991 for 2 and 4 lph emitters, respectively. High manufacturing precision was indicated by low Vm values of 0.0491 for 2 lph and 0.055 for 4 lph emitters, while qvar(m) values were 0.261 for 2 lph and 0.283 for 4 lph emitters. Total coefficient of variation (Vq) values were 0.1 for 2 lph and 0.14 for 4 lph emitters, with total emitter flow variations (qvar) of 0.29 for 2 lph and 0.39 for 4 lph emitters. The study established the pressure-discharge curve for inline drip irrigation systems, emphasizing the critical relationship between pressure and flow rate. The derived chart from pressure discharge relationship is a valuable tool for estimating emitter flow variation due to hydraulic variation within the same subunit. Precise manufacturing and effective management of hydraulic variations are essential for ensuring uniform water distribution, optimizing drip irrigation systems, and ultimately enhancing crop yield and resource utilization.
The Impact of Work Conflict and Work Stress on Organizational Commitment: The Mediating Role of Motivation
Authors: Baihaqy Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Aims: This study examines the influence of job conflict, work-related stress, and employee motivation on organizational commitment, addressing their critical importance to organizational sustainability and employee commitment levels.
Study Design: This is a quantitative research study.
Methodology: Data were collected through surveys from a diverse sample of employees. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied using tools such as SPSS, Partial Least Square (PLS), and the Sobel Test to analyze the data.
Results: The findings indicate that job conflict directly influences organizational commitment, whereas work stress does not have a direct impact. However, work stress significantly affects employee motivation, which subsequently impacts organizational commitment. Motivation serves as a mediator between job stress and organizational commitment, a relationship not observed with job conflict.
Conclusion: This study contributes to the literature by elucidating the complex relationships        among job stress, workplace conflict, and motivation, highlighting the mediating role of motivation in the link between job stress and organizational commitment. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and a broader range of industries to enhance the generalizability of these findings.
Symptom Complexes at the Earliest Phases of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Synthesis of the Qualitative Literature
Authors: Stack Rebecca J. , Sahni Melanie , Mallen Christian D. , Raza Karim
Published: August 2013

Objective

Understanding the features and patterns of symptoms that characterize the earliest stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is of considerable importance if patients are to be identified and started on treatment early. However, little is known about the characteristics of symptoms at the onset of a disease that eventually progresses to RA.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative peer‐reviewed publications was conducted to identify the earliest symptoms associated with the onset of RA. A total of 1,736 abstracts were searched to identify relevant publications. Twenty‐six publications were identified, assessed for quality, and subjected to analysis informed by thematic and grounded theory frameworks.

Results

Several interacting themes describing the early symptoms of RA were identified, including swelling, pain and tenderness, stiffness, fatigue and weakness, and the emotional impact of symptoms. For each symptom, different and evolving intensities were described; in some cases, patterns of symptom onset and symptom complexes at the onset of RA were highlighted. Importantly, this review has emphasized major deficiencies in the literature. None of the studies reviewed originally aimed to explore symptoms at RA onset (often discussions about symptom onset were secondary to the study's primary aim). Also, many of the articles identified sampled people diagnosed with RA many years previously, making their recollection of symptoms at onset less reliable.

Conclusion

In order for clinicians to fully understand the earliest phases of disease, the nature of symptoms at onset needs to be understood. The current work represents a useful starting point, but this area needs further qualitative investigation, followed by quantitative explorations of symptom clusters and their associated features.
Physical Activity Before and After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Lübbeke Anne , Zimmermann‐Sloutskis Dorith , Stern Richard , Roussos Constantinos , Bonvin Alexis , Perneger Thomas , Peter Robin , Hoffmeyer Pierre
Published: August 2013

Objective

Detailed assessment of activity before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA) including a long‐term followup period is lacking. Our objectives were to evaluate patient activity levels prior to disease onset, prior to THA, and at 5 and 10 years after surgery, and to determine the predictors of high activity 5 years after surgery.

Methods

We included elective primary THAs performed between 1996 and 2012. A cross‐sectional analysis compared mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores over 4 periods: prior to symptom onset of osteoarthritis, prior to surgery, 5 years after surgery, and 10 years after surgery. Analyses of activity levels were performed and stratified by sex, age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classes, and preoperative activity level. A prospective study was conducted to identify baseline characteristics associated with a high activity level (UCLA score ≥7) 5 years after surgery using logistic regression.

Results

The mean UCLA activity scores prior to symptom onset (n = 189), prior to THA (n = 203), 5 years after surgery (n = 1,085), and 10 years after surgery (n = 757) were 6.9, 3.5, 5.7, and 5.5, respectively. Postoperative scores were close to values prior to symptom onset in patients ages ≥55 years, but were lower in those who were younger. High activity was reported by 49% of patients prior to symptom onset, 5% of patients prior to surgery, and 28% of patients at both 5 and 10 years after surgery. The predictors of high activity at 5 years were younger age, male sex, a lower BMI, a lower ASA score, and an active lifestyle prior to surgery.

Conclusion

Five and 10 years after primary THA, physical activity levels were substantially higher in men and women and in all age categories as compared to before surgery.
Education, Self‐Management, and Upper Extremity Exercise Training in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Manning Victoria L. , Hurley Michael V. , Scott David L. , Coker Bolaji , Choy Ernest , Bearne Lindsay M.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief supervised education, self‐management, and global upper extremity exercise training program, supplementing a home exercise regimen, for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; the Education, Self‐Management, and Upper Extremity Exercise Training in People with Rheumatoid Arthritis [EXTRA] program).

Methods

Adults with RA of ≤5 years' duration were randomized to receive either usual care or the EXTRA program comprising 4 (1‐hour) group education, self‐management, and global upper extremity exercise training sessions supplementing the first 2 weeks of a 12‐week individualized, functional home exercise regimen in addition to usual care. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks (primary end point), and 36 weeks and included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (primary outcome measure), the Grip Ability Test, handgrip strength (N), the Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scale (pain, function, and symptoms subscales), and the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score.

Results

One hundred eight participants (26 men, mean ± SD age 55 ± 15 years, mean ± SD disease duration 20 ± 19 months) were randomized to receive either usual care (n = 56) or the EXTRA program (n = 52). At 12 weeks, there was a significant between‐group difference in the mean change in disability (−6.8 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −12.6, −1.0]; P = 0.022), function (−3.0 [95% CI −5.0, −0.5]; P = 0.011), nondominant handgrip strength (31.3N [95% CI 9.8, 52.8]; P = 0.009), self‐efficacy (10.5 [95% CI 1.6, 19.5]; P = 0.021 for pain and 9.3 [95% CI 0.5, 18.2]; P = 0.039 for symptoms), and disease activity (−0.7 [95% CI −1.4, 0.0]; P = 0.047), all favoring the EXTRA program.

Conclusion

The EXTRA program improves upper extremity disability, function, handgrip strength, and self‐efficacy in people with RA, with no adverse effects on disease activity.
A Shape‐Adaptive, Antibacterial‐Coating of Immobilized Quaternary‐Ammonium Compounds Tethered on Hyperbranched Polyurea and its Mechanism of Action
Authors: Asri Lia A. T. W. , Crismaru Mihaela , Roest Steven , Chen Yun , Ivashenko Oleksii , Rudolf Petra , Tiller Joerg C. , van der Mei Henny C. , Loontjens Ton J. A. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: August 2013

Quaternary‐ammonium‐compounds are potent cationic antimicrobials used in everyday consumer products. Surface‐immobilized, quaternary‐ammonium‐compounds create an antimicrobial contact‐killing coating. We describe the preparation of a shape‐adaptive, contact‐killing coating by tethering quaternary‐ammonium‐compounds onto hyperbranched polyurea coatings, able to kill adhering bacteria by partially enveloping them. Even after extensive washing, coatings caused high contact‐killing of Staphylococcus epidermidis, both in culture‐based assays and through confocal‐laser‐scanning‐microscopic examination of the membrane‐damage of adhering bacteria. In culture‐based assays, at a challenge of 1600 CFU/cm2, contact‐killing was >99.99%. The working‐mechanism of dissolved quaternary‐ammonium‐compounds is based on their interdigitation in bacterial membranes, but it is difficult to envisage how immobilized quaternary‐ammonium‐molecules can exert such a mechanism of action. Staphylococcal adhesion forces to hyperbranched quaternary‐ammonium coatings were extremely high, indicating that quaternary‐ammonium‐molecules on hyperbranched polyurea partially envelope adhering bacteria upon contact. These lethally strong adhesion forces upon adhering bacteria then cause removal of membrane lipids and eventually lead to bacterial death.
The solution behavior of hydrophobically associating zwitterionic polymer in salt water
Authors: Chen Hong , Wang Zi‐Min , Ye Zhong‐Bin , Han Li‐Juan
Published: August 2013

The acrylamide‐based hydrophobically associating zwitterionic polymer was prepared, which was composed of dimethyl‐dodecyl‐allyl ammonium chloride as hydrophobic group and carboxyl betaine 2‐(4‐acrylamido‐propyl‐dimethyl ammonic)‐sodium acetate as functional group. Hydrophobically associating polyacrylamide (HAPAM) was also prepared for comparative study. The behaviors of polymers in pure water and salt solutions were investigated by the means of apparent viscosity test, laser light scattering, atomic force microscope, and fluorescence experiments. The viscosities of polymer solution increased with the increasing of salt concentration, which indicated that the addition of salt resulted in significant antipolyelectrolyte effect in the zwitterionic polymer solution. The results of dynamic laser light scattering experiment also showed that the average hydrodynamic diameters of the zwitterionic polymer molecules increased with the increasing of salt concentration. The network structures had been observed by atomic force microscope and the addition of salt strengthened the formation of network structures. The results of fluorescence experiment showed that the addition of salt could enhance the association of hyrophobically zwitterionic polymer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39707.
Preparation and characterization of polyamide 6/liquid natural rubber blends
Authors: Shashidhara G. M. , Pradeepa K. G.
Published: August 2013

This study presents a new approach to toughen Polyamide 6 (PA6) by using a low‐molecular weight liquid natural rubber (LNR). The LNR is prepared by mastication of pale latex crepe in the presence of 0.5 phr Peptizol 7. The PA6/LNR blend samples are characterized in terms melt flow index, hardness, abrasion resistance, impact strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, and thermal properties. The impact strength of PA6 increases by about 67% upon addition of 10% LNR. The percolation model is applied to study of brittle to ductile transition. The percolation threshold for the brittle to ductile transition of the blend was found to be 14.5 wt % LNR, corresponding to the critical volume fraction of the stress volume, Vsc = 0.58, which is consistent with the calculated value of ≈ π/6. The PA6/LNR blends exhibit cavitation and matrix shear yielding, which would be the main contribution to the increases impact strength. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39750.
Seamless correction of the sickle cell disease mutation of the HBB gene in human induced pluripotent stem cells using TALENs
Authors: Sun Ning , Zhao Huimin
Published: August 2013

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common human genetic disease which is caused by a single mutation of human β‐globin (HBB) gene. The lack of long‐term treatment makes the development of reliable cell and gene therapies highly desirable. Disease‐specific patient‐derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have great potential for developing novel cell and gene therapies. With the disease‐causing mutations corrected in situ, patient‐derived hiPSCs can restore normal cell functions and serve as a renewable autologous cell source for the treatment of genetic disorders. Here we successfully utilized transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), a recently emerged novel genome editing tool, to correct the SCD mutation in patient‐derived hiPSCs. The TALENs we have engineered are highly specific and generate minimal off‐target effects. In combination with piggyBac transposon, TALEN‐mediated gene targeting leaves no residual ectopic sequences at the site of correction and the corrected hiPSCs retain full pluripotency and a normal karyotype. Our study demonstrates an important first step of using TALENs for the treatment of genetic diseases such as SCD, which represents a significant advance toward hiPSC‐based cell and gene therapies. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1048–1053. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subxiphoid pericardial window to exclude occult cardiac injury after penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma
Authors: Hommes M , Nicol A J , van der Stok J , Kodde I , Navsaria P H
Published: August 2013

Background

An occult cardiac injury may be present in patients with an acute abdomen after penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma. This study assessed the use of a subxiphoid pericardial window (SPW) as a diagnostic manoeuvre in this setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of a trauma database (2001–2009). Patients presenting with a penetrating thoracoabdominal injury with an acute abdomen, and in whom there was concern about a potential cardiac injury from the site or tract of the injury, were included.

Results

Fifty patients with an indication for emergency laparotomy underwent a SPW for a possible cardiac injury. An occult haemopericardium was present at SPW in 14 patients (28 per cent) mandating, median sternotomy. Nine cardiac injuries (18 per cent) were identified including five tangential injuries and four perforations. The specific complication rate relating to the SPW was 2 per cent.

Conclusion

The SPW is a useful technique at laparotomy to identify cardiac injuries in patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries.
Predictors of 30‐Day Readmission in Patients Hospitalized With Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Hernandez Marlow B. , Schwartz Randall S. , Asher Craig R. , Navas Elsy V. , Totfalusi Victor , Buitrago Ivan , Lahoti Ankush , Novaro Gian M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalizations and readmissions in the United States. Approximately one‐third of patients admitted for HF are readmitted within 3 months; however, there are few markers that can identify those at highest risk for readmission. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and laboratory markers associated with hospital readmission in decompensated HF.

Hypothesis

Clinical and laboratory markers are associated with readmission rates in decompensated HF.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data from 412 patients admitted with HF were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis to find predictors of HF readmission by 30 days.

Results

HF readmission rates at 30 days were lowest in those with at least 2 of the following discharge criteria: net fluid reduction >1.3 L (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, P = 0.019), serum sodium level >135 (OR: 0.46, P = 0.034), and N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide level reduction >23% (OR: 0.11, P = 0.048). In multivariate analysis, those patients meeting ≥2 criteria had a very low risk of 30‐day readmission (OR: 0.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.01‐0.68, P = 0.019) compared to patients who failed to meet 2 criteria.

Conclusions

A negative fluid balance, normal serum sodium, and net reduction in N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide level during hospitalization may be important indices to target to help reduce the likelihood of HF readmission within 30 days.
Probing Rapidly‐Ionizing Super‐Atom Molecular Orbitals in C60: A Computational and Femtosecond Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Mignolet Benoît , Johansson J. Olof , Campbell Eleanor E. B. , Remacle Françoise
Published: August 2013

Super‐atom molecular orbitals (SAMOs) are diffuse hydrogen‐like orbitals defined by the shallow potential at the centre of hollow molecules such as fullerenes. The SAMO excited states differ from the Rydberg states by the significant electronic density present inside the carbon cage. We provide a detailed computational study of SAMO and Rydberg states and an experimental characterization of SAMO excited electronic states for gas‐phase C60 molecules by photoelectron spectroscopy. A large band of 500 excited states was computed using time‐dependent density functional theory. We show that due to their diffuse character, the photoionization widths of the SAMO and Rydberg states are orders of magnitude larger than those of the isoenergetic non‐SAMO excited states. Moreover, in the range of kinetic energies experimentally measured, only the SAMO states photoionize significantly on the timescale of the femtosecond laser experiments. Single photon ionization of the SAMO states dominates the photoelectron spectrum for relatively low laser intensities. The computed photoelectron spectra and photoelectron angular distributions are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Genetic inactivation of the allograft inflammatory factor‐1 locus
Authors: Casimiro Isabel , Chinnasamy Prameladevi , Sibinga Nicholas E. S.
Published: August 2013

Allograft inflammatory factor‐1 (Aif‐1) is a 17 kDa EF hand motif‐bearing protein expressed primarily in developing spermatids and cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage. Increased Aif‐1 expression has been identified in clinically important conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, endometriosis, and transplant‐associated arteriosclerosis. Largely similar gene products arising from the same locus are known as ionized Ca2+ binding adapter‐1 (Iba1), microglial response factor‐1 (MRF1), and daintain; Iba1 in particular has emerged as a histologic marker of microglia and their activation in pathologic CNS conditions, including the response to facial nerve axotomy and stroke, uveitis, and experimental autoimmune neuritis and encephalomyelitis. Nevertheless, how aif‐1 gene products affect cellular function is only partly understood, and the physiologic significance of these products for male fertility, immune system development, and inflammation has not been described. To permit such investigations, we generated a mouse line with targeted deletion of the coding regions of the aif‐1 gene. Here we report that mice lacking Aif‐1 breed well and show normal post‐natal growth, but show resistance to disease in a model of collagen‐induced arthritis. We anticipate that these mice will be useful for studies of Aif‐1 function in a variety of immune and inflammatory disease models. genesis 51:734–740. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extensive sampling of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Northwest Passage (Canadian Arctic Archipelago) reveals population differentiation across multiple spatial and temporal scales
Authors: Campagna Leonardo , Van Coeverden de Groot Peter J. , Saunders Brenda L. , Atkinson Stephen N. , Weber Diana S. , Dyck Markus G. , Boag Peter T. , Lougheed Stephen C.
Published: August 2013

As global warming accelerates the melting of Arctic sea ice, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. This process will necessarily alter the species distribution together with population dynamics and structure. Detailed knowledge of these changes is crucial to delineating conservation priorities. Here, we sampled 361 polar bears from across the center of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago spanning the Gulf of Boothia (GB) and M'Clintock Channel (MC). We use DNA microsatellites and mitochondrial control region sequences to quantify genetic differentiation, estimate gene flow, and infer population history. Two populations, roughly coincident with GB and MC, are significantly differentiated at both nuclear (FST = 0.01) and mitochondrial (ΦST = 0.47; FST = 0.29) loci, allowing Bayesian clustering analyses to assign individuals to either group. Our data imply that the causes of the mitochondrial and nuclear genetic patterns differ. Analysis of mtDNA reveals the matrilineal structure dates at least to the Holocene, and is common to individuals throughout the species’ range. These mtDNA differences probably reflect both genetic drift and historical colonization dynamics. In contrast, the differentiation inferred from microsatellites is only on the scale of hundreds of years, possibly reflecting contemporary impediments to gene flow. Taken together, our data suggest that gene flow is insufficient to homogenize the GB and MC populations and support the designation of GB and MC as separate polar bear conservation units. Our study also provide a striking example of how nuclear DNA and mtDNA capture different aspects of a species demographic history.
Uncommon 1,2‐Migration of a Nitro Group Within a β‐Nitrostyryl Moiety: Synthetic Scope and Mechanistic Details
Authors: Bianchi Lara , Ghelfi Franco , Giorgi Gianluca , Maccagno Massimo , Petrillo Giovanni , Spinelli Domenico , Stenta Marco , Tavani Cinzia
Published: August 2013

The unusual migration of a nitro group from the β‐ to the α‐position of a β‐aryl‐α‐nitroethenyl moiety, following a nitrocyclopropane to isoxazoline N‐oxide isomerization, has been studied from a mechanistic and synthetic points of view. As a result, two series of isomeric isoxazoline N‐oxides could be obtained under controlled conditions. When reacted with diazomethane, a model transposed isoxazoline cleanly furnished a new, interesting pyrazolylisoxazole.
Characterization of human papillomavirus by capillary isoelectric focusing with whole‐column imaging detection
Authors: Zhou Chao‐Ming
Published: August 2013

CIEF with whole‐column imaging detection (WCID) can be a useful tool for the characterization and identification of human papillomavirus (HPV). This article is the initial report of the determination of the pI of HPV by CIEF‐WCID method. In this study, components of the assay selected for optimization were ampholytes, additives, methylcellulose concentration, HPV concentration, salt concentration, and focusing time. Then the optimization CIEF‐WCID method was validated for HPV 16L1 and HPV 18L1. As a result, a precise method to analyze the pI values of HPVs was achieved with RSD < 1.0%. The HPV peak pattern was reproducible. CIEF‐WCID had great potential for HPV quality control, as WCID eliminated the mobilization step required by the conventional single‐point detection. In the example, the five HPVs displayed pI values of 8.43 ± 0.06 (n = 10; HPV 6L1), 8.70 ± 0.04 (n = 10; HPV 11L1), 7.94 ± 0.05 (n = 18; HPV 16L1), 7.57 ± 0.04 (n = 18; HPV 18L1), and 8.45 ± 0.05 (n = 10; HPV 58L1). This CIEF‐WCID platform could be a powerful analytical tool for characterization, process development support, release testing, and stability study in pharmaceutical industry.
Free rocking response of a regular stone masonry wall with equivalent block approach: experimental and analytical evaluation
Authors: Costa Alexandre A. , Arêde António , Penna Andrea , Costa Aníbal
Published: August 2013

The evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of rocking elements is directly correlated to the energy dissipated because of the impacts at the base interface, which can be represented by means of a coefficient of restitution. This schematization is commonly accepted as representative of the out‐of‐plane response of stone masonry walls. An experimental campaign (in a lab environment) aiming at assessing the value of this coefficient for a sacco granite masonry wall is presented in this work. The rocking motion at a predefined bed joint level was induced in the tested specimens in order to validate a novel test setup designed to assess the coefficient of restitution value by means of a realistic reproduction of the rocking behaviour of a single element, under the hypothesis of an infinitely stiff system above the bed joint level.

As the main objective of the work was to assess the rocking behaviour of a masonry wall that looses energy at the impacts at a certain joint level, the flexural behaviour was not desirable and had to be avoided. For this purpose, a test setup based on the equivalent block approach was developed.

In the final section of this work, comparisons between experimental and numerical results are presented together with some preliminary conclusions on the appropriate modelling strategy and the values of the coefficient of restitution to be used for the seismic assessment of the out‐of‐plane rocking behaviour of this type of sacco stone masonry walls. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbonate ion concentrations, ocean carbon storage, and atmospheric CO2
Authors: Goodwin Philip , Lauderdale Jonathan Maitland
Published: August 2013

Reconstructing past ocean [CO32−] allows the paleodepth of the chemical lysocline to be constrained, an important control on past atmospheric CO2. However, the causal mechanisms responsible for observed spatial and temporal variations in [CO32−] are difficult to quantify because of the complicated carbonate chemistry system. Here spatial and temporal variations in [CO32−] are quantitatively and concisely related to variations in ocean carbon storage due to different processes. The spatial variation in [CO32−] is given by Δ[CO32−] = γ(ΔCsoft + ΔCdis + (∂Csat/∂T)ΔT − ΔCcarb), where Csoft and Ccarb are the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from remineralization of marine soft tissue and CaCO3, respectively, T is seawater temperature, (∂Csat/∂T) is the temperature‐solubility sensitivity of DIC, Cdis is the DIC from air‐sea disequilibrium, and γ is a carbonate chemistry coefficient. A similar quantitative function for temporal variation in global mean ocean [CO32−] is derived in terms of atmospheric CO2, CaCO3 precipitation and dissolution, and carbon exchanges of terrestrial or fossil fuel origin. Comparing published [CO32−] reconstructions at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the late Holocene, the quantitative relationships reveal how the spatial distribution of ocean carbon storage was altered. Relative to the Intermediate North Atlantic, the rest of the ocean saw Csoft + Cdis + (∂Csat/∂T)T − Ccarb increase by an extra 570–970 Pg C during the LGM. Assuming that the Intermediate North Atlantic Csoft + Cdis + (∂Csat/∂T)T − Ccarb did not decrease during the LGM, this 570–970 Pg C increase in the rest of the ocean is enough to explain 40%–70% of the observed glacial decrease in atmospheric CO2.
A novel isoform of the B cell tyrosine kinase BTK protects breast cancer cells from apoptosis
Authors: Eifert Cheryl , Wang Xianhui , Kokabee Leila , Kourtidis Antonis , Jain Ritu , Gerdes Michael J. , Conklin Douglas S.
Published: August 2013

Tyrosine kinases orchestrate key cellular signaling pathways and their dysregulation is often associated with cellular transformation. Several recent cases in which inhibitors of tyrosine kinases have been successfully used as anticancer agents have underscored the importance of this class of proteins in the development of targeted cancer therapies. We have carried out a large‐scale loss‐of‐function analysis of the human tyrosine kinases using RNA interference to identify novel survival factors for breast cancer cells. In addition to kinases with known roles in breast and other cancers, we identified several kinases that were previously unknown to be required for breast cancer cell survival. The most surprising of these was the cytosolic, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which has been extensively studied in B cell development. Down regulation of this protein with RNAi or inhibition with pharmacological inhibitors causes apoptosis; overexpression inhibits apoptosis induced by Doxorubicin in breast cancer cells. Our results surprisingly show that BTK is expressed in several breast cancer cell lines and tumors. The predominant form of BTK found in tumor cells is transcribed from an alternative promoter and results in a protein with an amino‐terminal extension. This alternate form of BTK is expressed at significantly higher levels in tumorigenic breast cells than in normal breast cells. Since this protein is a survival factor for these cells, it represents both a potential marker and novel therapeutic target for breast cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First satellite measurements of carbon dioxide and methane emission ratios in wildfire plumes
Authors: Ross Adrian N. , Wooster Martin J. , Boesch Hartmut , Parker Robert
Published: August 2013

Using methane and carbon dioxide atmospheric mixing ratios retrieved using SWIR spectra from the Greenhouse Gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT), we report the first wildfire plume CH4 to CO2 emission ratios (ERCH4/CO2) determined from space. We demonstrate the approach's potential using forward modeling and identify a series of real GOSAT spectra containing wildfire plumes. These show significantly changed total‐column CO2 and CH4 mixing ratios, and from these we calculate ERCH4/CO2 for boreal forest, tropical forest, and savanna fires as 0.00603, 0.00527, and 0.00395 mol mol−1, respectively. These ERs are statistically significantly different from each other and from the “normal” atmospheric CH4 to CO2 ratio and generally agree with past ground and airborne studies.
Gas hydrate formation rates from dissolved‐phase methane in porous laboratory specimens
Authors: Waite W. F. , Spangenberg E.
Published: August 2013

Marine sands highly saturated with gas hydrates are potential energy resources, likely forming from methane dissolved in pore water. Laboratory fabrication of gas hydrate‐bearing sands formed from dissolved‐phase methane usually requires 1–2 months to attain the high hydrate saturations characteristic of naturally occurring energy resource targets. A series of gas hydrate formation tests, in which methane‐supersaturated water circulates through 100, 240, and 200,000 cm3 vessels containing glass beads or unconsolidated sand, show that the rate‐limiting step is dissolving gaseous‐phase methane into the circulating water to form methane‐supersaturated fluid. This implies that laboratory and natural hydrate formation rates are primarily limited by methane availability. Developing effective techniques for dissolving gaseous methane into water will increase formation rates above our observed (1 ± 0.5) × 10−7 mol of methane consumed for hydrate formation per minute per cubic centimeter of pore space, which corresponds to a hydrate saturation increase of 2 ± 1% per day, regardless of specimen size.
Methane emissions estimate from airborne measurements over a western United States natural gas field
Authors: Karion Anna , Sweeney Colm , Pétron Gabrielle , Frost Gregory , Michael Hardesty R. , Kofler Jonathan , Miller Ben R. , Newberger Tim , Wolter Sonja , Banta Robert , Brewer Alan , Dlugokencky Ed , Lang Patricia , Montzka Stephen A. , Schnell Russell , Tans Pieter , Trainer Michael , Zamora Robert , Conley Stephen
Published: August 2013

Methane (CH4) emissions from natural gas production are not well quantified and have the potential to offset the climate benefits of natural gas over other fossil fuels. We use atmospheric measurements in a mass balance approach to estimate CH4 emissions of 55 ± 15 × 103 kg h−1 from a natural gas and oil production field in Uintah County, Utah, on 1 day: 3 February 2012. This emission rate corresponds to 6.2%–11.7% (1σ) of average hourly natural gas production in Uintah County in the month of February. This study demonstrates the mass balance technique as a valuable tool for estimating emissions from oil and gas production regions and illustrates the need for further atmospheric measurements to determine the representativeness of our single‐day estimate and to better assess inventories of CH4 emissions.
Variations in cutoff latitude during the January 2012 solar proton event and implication for the distribution of particle energy deposition
Authors: Nesse Tyssøy H. , Stadsnes J. , Søraas F. , Sørbø M.
Published: August 2013

Protons in the energy range 1–20 MeV deposit most of their energy in the middle atmosphere (60–100 km). Knowledge of their magnetic latitudinal and local time distribution is crucial for determining their effect on the chemistry and dynamics in the atmosphere. Using POES 16–19 and METOP02 satellites, we investigate the latitudinal cutoff boundaries and the energy deposition during the January 2012 solar proton event. The dayside cutoff latitudes show high correlation with the Dst index even when Dst turns positive, leading to an abrupt poleward movement of more than 5°. In the same time interval, the nightside cutoff latitudes move equatorward resulting in vastly asymmetric energy deposition into the atmosphere on the dayside and nightside. The differences are sustained for almost a day in the middle atmosphere at 65° corrected geomagnetic latitude. These features cannot be taken into account by applying the frequently used GOES particle data.
Impact of known local and tropical volcanic eruptions of the past millennium on the WAIS Divide microparticle record
Authors: Koffman Bess G. , Kreutz Karl J. , Kurbatov Andrei V. , Dunbar Nelia W.
Published: August 2013

We present a new method for inferring the relative location (low‐ versus high‐southern latitude), and therefore the potential climatic impact, of past eruptions based on the particle size distribution (PSD) of micrometer‐sized ash measured continuously in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core. We find that particles from a high‐southern latitude eruption (Buckle Island, Antarctica (1839 Common Era, C.E.)) have a PSD with mode diameter ≥5 µm coarser than the background dust (mode 5.1 µm), while ash particles originating from stratospheric tropical eruptions, including Tambora (1815 C.E.), Kuwae (1458 C.E.), and Unknown (1258 C.E.), have PSDs with mode diameters ~0.6–1.5 µm finer than the background. In addition, volcanic ash particles from global‐scale eruptions are deposited ~3–6 months earlier and over a shorter time interval than sulfate aerosols. We hypothesize that this phasing is driven by differences in atmospheric processing and aerosol/particle transport and deposition.
Real‐time monitoring of circulating tumor cell release during tumor manipulation using in vivo photoacoustic and fluorescent flow cytometry
Authors: Juratli Mazen A. , Sarimollaoglu Mustafa , Siegel Eric R. , Nedosekin Dmitry A. , Galanzha Ekaterina I. , Suen James Y. , Zharov Vladimir P.
Published: August 2013

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) form metastases in distant organs. The purpose of this research was to determine if tumor manipulation could enhance cancer cell release from the primary tumor into the circulatory system.

Methods

Nude mice were inoculated with melanoma or breast cancer cells. The implanted tumor underwent compression, biopsy, complete resection, or laser treatment. CTCs were monitored in the bloodstream using in vivo photoacoustic and fluorescence flow cytometry.

Results

We discovered that pressure, biopsy, and laser treatment can dramatically increase CTC counts (up to 60‐fold), whereas proper tumor resection significantly decrease CTC counts.

Conclusion

Standard medical procedures could trigger CTC release that may increase the risk of metastases. This finding suggests the guidance of cancer treatment and likely diagnosis by real‐time monitoring of CTC dynamics followed by well‐timed treatment to reduce CTCs in the blood. In vivo detection of intervention‐amplified CTCs could be used for early diagnosis of a small tumor, which is undetectable with conventional methods. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1207–1215, 2014
Robot‐assisted selective neck dissection combined with facelift parotidectomy in parotid cancer
Authors: Shin Yoo Seob , Choi Eun Chang , Kim Chul‐Ho , Koh Yoon Woo
Published: August 2013

Background

Robot‐assisted neck dissection in patients with head and neck cancer has been demonstrated to be feasible. We conceived a surgical technique of surgery for parotid cancer with the robotic system via a gasless modified facelift (MFL) approach. A detailed surgical technique is provided.

Methods

In a 28‐year‐old female patient with parotid cancer, the disease was treated with primary tumor resection with robotic selective neck dissection I to III via an MFL incision.

Results

Robot‐assisted selective neck dissection I to III combined with primary tumor resection was successfully conducted without any significant intraoperative complication, applying additional incision, or conversion to open conventional neck dissection. Videographic demonstration of the robotic‐assisted neck dissection is included.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted surgery via the MFL approach is a feasible and useful method with excellent cosmetic results for the surgical treatment in selected cases of parotid gland cancer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 592–595, 2014
Caffeine stimulates hepatic lipid metabolism by the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in mice
Authors: Sinha Rohit A. , Farah Benjamin L. , Singh Brijesh K. , Siddique Monowarul M. , Li Ying , Wu Yajun , Ilkayeva Olga R. , Gooding Jessica , Ching Jianhong , Zhou Jin , Martinez Laura , Xie Sherwin , Bay Boon-Huat , Summers Scott A. , Newgard Christopher B. , Yen Paul M.
Published: August 2013

Caffeine is one of the world's most consumed drugs. Recently, several studies showed that its consumption is associated with lower risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an obesity-related condition that recently has become the major cause of liver disease worldwide. Although caffeine is known to stimulate hepatic fat oxidation, its mechanism of action on lipid metabolism is still not clear. Here, we show that caffeine surprisingly is a potent stimulator of hepatic autophagic flux. Using genetic, pharmacological, and metabolomic approaches, we demonstrate that caffeine reduces intrahepatic lipid content and stimulates β-oxidation in hepatic cells and liver by an autophagy-lysosomal pathway. Furthermore, caffeine-induced autophagy involved down-regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and alteration in hepatic amino acids and sphingolipid levels. In mice fed a high-fat diet, caffeine markedly reduces hepatosteatosis and concomitantly increases autophagy and lipid uptake in lysosomes. Conclusion: These results provide novel insight into caffeine's lipolytic actions through autophagy in mammalian liver and its potential beneficial effects in NAFLD. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:1366-1380)
How does a specific learning and memory system in the mammalian brain gain control of behavior?
Authors: McDonald Robert J. , Hong Nancy S.
Published: August 2013

This review addresses a fundamental, yet poorly understood set of issues in systems neuroscience. The issues revolve around conceptualizations of the organization of learning and memory in the mammalian brain. One intriguing, and somewhat popular, conceptualization is the idea that there are multiple learning and memory systems in the mammalian brain and they interact in different ways to influence and/or control behavior. This approach has generated interesting empirical and theoretical work supporting this view. One issue that needs to be addressed is how these systems influence or gain control of voluntary behavior. To address this issue, we clearly specify what we mean by a learning and memory system. We then review two types of processes that might influence which memory system gains control of behavior. One set of processes are external factors that can affect which system controls behavior in a given situation including task parameters like the kind of information available to the subject, types of training experience, and amount of training. The second set of processes are brain mechanisms that might influence what memory system controls behavior in a given situation including executive functions mediated by the prefrontal cortex; switching mechanisms mediated by ascending neurotransmitter systems, the unique role of the hippocampus during learning. The issue of trait differences in control of different learning and memory systems will also be considered in which trait differences in learning and memory function are thought to potentially emerge from differences in level of prefrontal influence, differences in plasticity processes, differences in ascending neurotransmitter control, differential access to effector systems like motivational and motor systems. Finally, we present scenarios in which different mechanisms might interact. This review was conceived to become a jumping off point for new work directed at understanding these issues. The outcome of this work, in combination with other approaches, might improve understanding of the mechanisms of volition in human and non‐human animals. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.