bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current and future scenarios of suitability and expansion of cassava brown streak disease, Bemisia tabaci species complex, and cassava planting in Africa
Authors: Sikazwe Geofrey , Yocgo Rosita Endah epse , Landi Pietro , Richardson David M. , Hui Cang
Published: May 2024

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is among the most important staple crops globally, with an imperative role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Zero hunger’. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is cultivated mainly by millions of subsistence farmers who depend directly on it for their socio-economic welfare. However, its yield in some regions has been threatened by several diseases, especially the cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Changes in climatic conditions enhance the risk of the disease spreading to other planting regions. Here, we characterise the current and future distribution of cassava, CBSD and whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex in Africa, using an ensemble of four species distribution models (SDMs): boosted regression trees, maximum entropy, generalised additive model, and multivariate adaptive regression splines, together with 28 environmental covariates. We collected 1,422 and 1,169 occurrence records for cassava and Bemisia tabaci species complex from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and 750 CBSD occurrence records from published literature and systematic surveys in East Africa. Our results identified isothermality as having the highest contribution to the current distribution of cassava, while elevation was the top predictor of the current distribution of Bemisia tabaci species complex. Cassava harvested area and precipitation of the driest month contributed the most to explain the current distribution of CBSD outbreaks. The geographic distributions of these target species are also expected to shift under climate projection scenarios for two mid-century periods (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). Our results indicate that major cassava producers, like Cameron, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria, are at greater risk of invasion of CBSD. These results highlight the need for firmer agricultural management and climate-change mitigation actions in Africa to combat new outbreaks and to contain the spread of CBSD.
Assessing arthropod biodiversity with DNA barcoding in Jinnah Garden, Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Samreen Khush Bakhat , Manzoor Farkhanda
Published: May 2024

Previous difficulties in arthropod taxonomy (such as limitations in conventional morphological approaches, the possibility of cryptic species and a shortage of knowledgeable taxonomists) has been overcome by the powerful tool of DNA barcoding. This study presents a thorough analysis of DNA barcoding in regards to Pakistani arthropods, which were collected from Lahore’s Jinnah Garden. The 88 % (9,451) of the 10,792 specimens that were examined were able to generate DNA barcodes and 83% (8,974) of specimens were assigned 1,361 barcode index numbers (BINs). However, the success rate differed significantly between the orders of arthropods, from 77% for Thysanoptera to an astounding 93% for Diptera. Through morphological exams, DNA barcoding, and cross-referencing with the Barcode of Life Data system (BOLD), the Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) were assigned with a high degree of accuracy, both at the order (100%) and family (98%) levels. Though, identifications at the genus (37%) and species (15%) levels showed room for improvement. This underscores the ongoing need for enhancing and expanding the DNA barcode reference library. This study identified 324 genera and 191 species, underscoring the advantages of DNA barcoding over traditional morphological identification methods. Among the 17 arthropod orders identified, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera from the class Insecta dominated, collectively constituting 94% of BINs. Expected malaise trap Arthropod fauna in Jinnah Garden could contain approximately 2,785 BINs according to Preston log-normal species distribution, yet the Chao-1 Index predicts 2,389.74 BINs. The Simpson Index of Diversity (1-D) is 0.989, signaling high species diversity, while the Shannon Index is 5.77, indicating significant species richness and evenness. These results demonstrated that in Pakistani arthropods, DNA barcoding and BOLD are an invaluable tool for improving taxonomic understanding and biodiversity assessment, opening the door for further eDNA and metabarcoding research.
De novo assembly and characterization of the transcriptome of Morchella esculenta growth with selenium supplementation
Authors: Du Mengxiang , Huang Shengwei , Huang Zihan , Qian Lijuan , Gui Yang , Hu Jing , Sun Yujun
Published: May 2024

Although Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. is an edible and nutritious mushroom with significant selenium (Se)-enriched potential, its biological response to selenium stimuli remains unclear. This study explored the effect of selenium on mushroom growth and the global gene expression profiles of M. esculenta. While 5 µg mL−1selenite treatment slightly promoted mycelia growth and mushroom yield, 10 µg mL−1significantly inhibited growth. Based on comparative transcriptome analysis, samples treated with 5 µg mL−1 and 10 µg mL−1 of Se contained 16,061 (452 upregulated and 15,609 downregulated) and 14,155 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 800 upregulated and 13,355 downregulated), respectively. Moreover, DEGs were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, meiosis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, spliceosome, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum pathway, and mRNA surveillance pathway in both selenium-treated groups. Among these, MFS substrate transporter and aspartate aminotransferase genes potentially involved in Se metabolism and those linked to redox homeostasis were significantly upregulated, while genes involved in isoflavone biosynthesis and flavonoid metabolism were significantly downregulated. Gene expression levels increased alongside selenite treatment concentration, suggesting that high Se concentrations promoted M. esculenta detoxification. These results can be used to thoroughly explain the potential detoxification and Se enrichment processes in M. esculenta and edible fungi.
EvatCrop: a novel hybrid quasi-fuzzy artificial neural network (ANN) model for estimation of reference evapotranspiration
Authors: Banerjee Gouravmoy , Sarkar Uditendu , Sarkar Sanway , Ghosh Indrajit
Published: May 2024

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0 ) is a significant parameter for efficient irrigation scheduling and groundwater conservation. Different machine learning models have been designed for ET0 estimation for specific combinations of available meteorological parameters. However, no single model has been suggested so far that can handle diverse combinations of available meteorological parameters for the estimation of ET0. This article suggests a novel architecture of an improved hybrid quasi-fuzzy artificial neural network (ANN) model (EvatCrop) for this purpose. EvatCrop yielded superior results when compared with the other three popular models, decision trees, artificial neural networks, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems, irrespective of study locations and the combinations of input parameters. For real-field case studies, it was applied in the groundwater-stressed area of the Terai agro-climatic region of North Bengal, India, and trained and tested with the daily meteorological data available from the National Centres for Environmental Prediction from 2000 to 2014. The precision of the model was compared with the standard Penman-Monteith model (FAO56PM). Empirical results depicted that the model performances remarkably varied under different data-limited situations. When the complete set of input parameters was available, EvatCrop resulted in the best values of coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.988), degree of agreement (d = 0.997), root mean square error (RMSE = 0.183), and root mean square relative error (RMSRE = 0.034).
A genomic hotspot of diversifying selection and structural change in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Authors: Cornman Robert S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous work found that numerous genes positively selected within the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) lineage are physically clustered in regions of conserved synteny. Here I further validate and expand on those finding utilizing an updated L. cinereus genome assembly and additional bat species as well as other tetrapod outgroups.

Methods

A chromosome-level assembly was generated by chromatin-contact mapping and made available by DNAZoo (www.dnazoo.org). The genomic organization of orthologous genes was extracted from annotation data for multiple additional bat species as well as other tetrapod clades for which chromosome-level assemblies were available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Tests of branch-specific positive selection were performed for L. cinereus using PAML as well as with the HyPhy package for comparison.

Results

Twelve genes exhibiting significant diversifying selection in the L. cinereus lineage were clustered within a 12-Mb genomic window; one of these (Trpc4) also exhibited diversifying selection in bats generally. Ten of the 12 genes are landmarks of two distinct blocks of ancient synteny that are not linked in other tetrapod clades. Bats are further distinguished by frequent structural rearrangements within these synteny blocks, which are rarely observed in other Tetrapoda. Patterns of gene order and orientation among bat taxa are incompatible with phylogeny as presently understood, implying parallel evolution or subsequent reversals. Inferences of positive selection were found to be robust to alternative phylogenetic topologies as well as a strong shift in background nucleotide composition in some taxa.

Discussion

This study confirms and further localizes a genomic hotspot of protein-coding divergence in the hoary bat, one that also exhibits an increased tempo of structural change in bats compared with other mammals. Most genes in the two synteny blocks have elevated expression in brain tissue in humans and model organisms, and genetic studies implicate the selected genes in cranial and neurological development, among other functions.
Anti-BIRC5 autoantibody serves as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Qing , Liu Haiyan , Wang Han , Xiong Wenzhuo , Dai Liping , Zhang Xiuzhi , Wang Peng , Ye Hua , Shi Jianxiang , Fang Zhihao , Wang Keyan
Published: May 2024

Background

Autoantibodies targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAbs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for early cancer detection. This research aimed to assess the diagnostic capacity of anti-BIRC5 autoantibody in detecting AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (ANHCC).

Methods

This research was carried out in three stages (discovery phase, validation phase, and evaluation phase) and included a total of 744 participants. Firstly, the anti-BIRC5 autoantibody was discovered using protein microarray, exhibiting a higher positive rate in ANHCC samples (ANHCCs) compared to normal control samples (NCs). Secondly, the anti-BIRC5 autoantibody was validated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 85 ANHCCs and 85 NCs from two clinical centers (Zhengzhou and Nanchang). Lastly, the diagnostic usefulness of the anti-BIRC5 autoantibody for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was evaluated by ELISA in a cohort consisting of an additional 149 AFP-positive hepatocellular carcinoma samples (APHCCs), 95 ANHCCs and 244 NCs. The association of elevated autoantibody to high expression of BIRC5 in HCC was further explored by the database from prognosis, immune infiltration, DNA methylation, and gene mutation level.

Results

In the validation phase, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of anti-BIRC5 autoantibody to distinguish ANHCCs from NCs in Zhengzhou and Nanchang centers was 0.733 and 0.745, respectively. In the evaluation phase, the AUCs of anti-BIRC5 autoantibody for identifying ANHCCs and HCCs from NCs were 0.738 and 0.726, respectively. Furthermore, when combined with AFP, the AUC for identifying HCCs from NCs increased to 0.914 with a sensitivity of 77.5% and specificity of 91.8%. High expression of BIRC5 gene is not only correlated with poor prognosis of HCCs, but also significantly associated with infiltration of immune cells, DNA methylation, and gene mutation.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the anti-BIRC5 autoantibody could serve as a potential biomarker for ANHCC, in addition to its supplementary role alongside AFP in the diagnosis of HCC. Next, we can carry out specific verification and explore the function of anti-BIRC5 autoantibody in the occurrence and development of HCC.
Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Knowledge and Visual Differentiation Ability for the Pressure Injury Classification System and Incontinence-associated Dermatitis
Authors: Cho Eunyoung , Kim Yune Kyong , Lee Yun Jin , Hwang Youn Sun
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate senior baccalaureate nursing students’ knowledge and visual differentiation ability for the pressure injury classification system (PICS) and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire with 120 senior baccalaureate nursing students in South Korea. Data were collected using a knowledge test (KT) and a visual differentiation tool (VDT) based on 21 photographs with clinical information related to PICS and IAD.Results: Students had relatively high KT scores (62.6%), and low VDT scores (35.6%). Critical issues in this study were nursing students’ lack of an adequate visual differentiation ability to accurately assess the stage of pressure injury and IAD and their higher level of confusion in identifying unstageable, deep tissue injuries, and IAD compared to stage 1-4 injuries. Satisfaction with education (r=.20, p<.05) and exposure to various teaching methods (r=.21, p<.05) exhibited significant correlations with higher VDT scores.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that increasing students’ satisfaction with their education and applying various teaching methods can contribute to the improvement of visual differentiation ability in PICS.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF A UNIVERSITY IN THE PLATFORM SOCIETY
Authors: Chiapinotto Spiazzi Sendi , de Oliveira Pozobon Rejane
Published: May 2024

This article aims to propose a discussion about public communication strategies of a university in the platform society (Van Dijck et al., 2018), focusing on the strategies of the sensitive (Sodré, 2006), capturing emotion (Charaudeau, 2010; 2013) and emotive forms of persuasive discourse (2019). Through content analysis (Sampaio & Licaryão, 2021), the content posted by the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) on Instagram during the first semester of 2023 (April to July) was analyzed in the categories of content format, information of public communication and focus on capturing emotion. The content posted on Instagram by UFG favored institutional public communication through carousels with cards or photos and seeked to trigger some emotions, for the most part, through the protagonism of students and employees, that is, by satisfying the desires and needs of the audience. The contents that generated the most engagement in the analyzed period were institutional public communication, but in the format of videos/Reels and triggering satisfaction of the audience's needs and desires through feelings of pride, emotions related to the institution issuing the communication (ethos) and figurative language through humor. The sensible strategies presented are visible, but little is debated about them in the context of public institution communication.
Las relaciones públicas desde la perspectiva latinoamericana
Authors: Pradana Francisco José
Published: May 2024

Este trabajo pretende analizar la posibilidad de la existencia de una corriente latinoamericana en el ámbito de las relaciones públicas que se distinga de la visión anglosajona y europea. En él, se aborda cómo las características culturales, históricas y socioeconómicas de América Latina podrían influir en la práctica profesional de las relaciones públicas, especialmente en el cono sur del continente. Se presta especial atención a la figura del relacionador público como un perfil profesional destacado en América Latina, desde la propia naturaleza de su recorrido formativo y cómo este rol se adapta y responde a las particularidades regionales. La investigación busca, de forma sencilla y clara, contribuir a una comprensión más profunda de las prácticas y particularidades de las relaciones públicas en América Latina y su relación con los enfoques europeos y norteamericanos. Estableciendo el análisis, a través de un enfoque basado en la investigación bibliográfica, con una revisión del estado de la cuestión, acerca del funcionamiento de las relaciones públicas, como disciplina, en América Latina. Los resultados encontrados muestran que, la figura del relacionador público en América Latina emerge como un actor crucial que se adapta y responde a las características regionales, reforzando la idea de una corriente particular en las relaciones públicas en la región latinoamericana. Al mismo tiempo, la investigación destaca la importancia de considerar la diversidad cultural y contextual en la práctica de las relaciones públicas. Aunque América Latina tiene una larga historia de desarrollo académico y de profesionales de las relaciones públicas bien establecidos, la conceptualización y tendencias norteamericanas y europeas siguen prevaleciendo en los debates teóricos y en las prácticas profesionales.
La comunicación organizacional en Brasil a partir de la producción de posgrado
Authors: Conceição dos Santos Larissa
Published: May 2024

El trabajo, de carácter analítico y reflexivo, tiene como objetivo (re)trazar un panorama del campo de la Comunicación Organizacional en Brasil, a través del estudio de la producción científica a nivel de posgrado en el país sobre este tema, a partir del examen de las encuestas realizadas por Margarida Kunsch, con este enfoque. La metodología, apoyada en una revisión sistemática de la literatura, basada en un corpus de ocho publicaciones, permitió detallar la cronología realizada por Margarida Kunsch, los contornos y opciones metodológicas realizadas, las características evidenciadas por la autora, con el fin de resaltar los cambios o transformaciones en el área de la Comunicación Organizacional, percibidos a lo largo de 50 años de investigaciones a nivel de posgrado en Brasil.
Explorando el contexto laboral de la academia de la comunicación organizacional en América Latina Perspectivas y Desafíos
Authors: Marroquin Velásquez Lissette , Rabello de Lima Gabriela , Montoya María de Jesús
Published: May 2024

El contexto laboral de las personas académicas e investigadoras de la comunicación organizacional en América Latina se presenta a partir de un estudio empírico en el cual se exploran dimensiones como el bienestar en el trabajo, las demandas institucionales, los recursos y las actividades de investigación. Para ello se realizó un cuestionario que fue contestado por 81 personas investigadoras, representantes de 14 países de América Latina. El período de colecta de datos transcurrió entre mayo de 2019 y abril de 2021. Los resultados de la encuesta demuestran que las personas investigadoras enfrentan desafíos significativos con respecto a sus recursos y asistencia o colaboración para las investigaciones. Por otra parte, el nivel de exigencias laborales y de bienestar percibido varía más en función del género. Así, el artículo amplía la comprensión de la realidad de las personas académicas expertas en comunicación organizacional (CO) en América Latina, identificando temas clave como el impacto de sus condiciones laborales y los desafíos de inclusión que ellas enfrentan.
Financial Literacy and Financial Stress among College Students within Davao Region
Authors: Peña Hannah Dela , Puzon Harah Joy , Villamil Czarina , Culajara Claire Lynn B.
Published: May 2024

Financial stress among college students is a significant concern, stemming from various factors that have an immense effect on mental health. This research aims to explore the relationship between financial literacy and financial stress, as well as the potential predictors of financial stress related to financial literacy, including subscales of spending habits, saving habits, and financial knowledge. A total of 368 individuals participated in the study, selected through a simple random sampling method.
The Spearman’s rho coefficient indicates a positive correlation between the variables, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study reveals that students exhibit a high level of financial knowledge and moderate spending and saving habits, indicating moderate financial literacy. Additionally, respondents exhibited a moderate level of financial stress, with moderate levels of affective and relational stress, and a low level of physiological response.
Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that saving habits (p<0.05) are a significant predictor of financial stress, implying that they have a substantial influence on individuals' financial stress levels. This study suggests that increased financial awareness among students with strong saving habits may heighten sensitivity to financial pressures, leading to higher stress levels. Understanding these dynamics can inform the development of financial education programs that address both saving strategies and stress management. Further research is needed to explore the underlying causes of elevated financial stress in individuals with diligent saving practices.
Effect of Different Herbicides on the Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yadav Jitendra , Singh Santosh Kamar , Pandey Mukul Dutta , Yadaw Ashok , Yadav Vipin Kumar
Published: May 2024

Wheat, a critical crop for global food security, faces significant challenges from weed infestation, which can drastically reduce yields. This study, conducted over two years at Sri Durga Ji P.G. College in Chandeswar, Azamgarh, U.P., investigated the efficacy of various herbicide treatments on the growth and yield of wheat using a Randomized Block Design. Key treatments included a weed-free control (T12), combinations of Sulfosulfuron with Metsulfuron (T2), and Pendimethalin with hand weeding (T10). The study found that comprehensive weed management strategies, particularly those combining multiple herbicides, significantly enhanced spike density, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, and overall grain yield. While the weed-free condition consistently showed the highest growth parameters and economic returns, it also incurred the highest cultivation costs. Conversely, the weedy check (T11) demonstrated the detrimental effects of uncontrolled weeds, showing the lowest growth and yield. Overall, effective herbicide management not only improves wheat productivity but also contributes to economic returns, underscoring the need for meticulous weed control in wheat cultivation.
Do Board Multiple Directorships and ESG Score Drive Firm Value? Study of Non-Financial Companies in Thailand
Authors: Sany Sany , Novica Caroline , Valentina Cynthia
Published: May 2024

This study intends to demonstrate the impact of board busyness through board multiple directorships and ESG scores towards firm value in Thailand within the period of 2018-2022. Theoretical frameworks such as the resource dependence theory and stakeholder theory explicate the two hypotheses developed for busy directors and ESG score. A director has multiple directorships when he/she has more than three board roles in other publicly listed firms, excluding private organizations and foundations. This research’s population are listed non-financial firms in Thailand Stock Exchange that has ESG score in Refinitiv database for five consecutive years during 2018 to 2022. Final data sample are 28 non-financial companies resulting in 140 observations. Directorship and board size were hand collected from annual reports. Panel data regression with random effect model is used, and results show that there is no association between multiple directorship and firm value. On the other hand, ESG shows a positive and significant relationship towards firm value. This research supports the belief that ESG scores have a notable impact on firm value based.
Terpyridine‐Functionalized Surfaces: Redox‐Active, Switchable, and Electroactive Nanoarchitecturesgland
Authors: Winter Andreas , Hoeppener Stephanie , Newkome George R. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: July 2011

Terpyridines represent versatile functional supramolecular building blocks that are easily integrated in numerous devices and can readily modify surfaces. In particular, redox‐active complexes with terpyridine ligands have been attached to surfaces, either by covalent or non‐covalent interactions, and form highly ordered mono‐ or multilayer systems, since electronic and charge transport properties are major topics of interest. Their applications in nanoelectronics are a driving force for understanding and enabling the utilization of the supramolecular properties of terpyridines for surface modification. This area of research has received increasing attention during the last decade leading into the supramacromolecular regime. This Progress Report presents an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art of surface modifications utilizing terpyridine systems and highlights main results, as well as modern trends, in this research area.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐seeded multilayered dense collagen‐silk fibroin hybrid for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ghezzi Chiara E. , Marelli Benedetto , Muja Naser , Hirota Nobuaki , Martin James G. , Barralet Jake E. , Alessandrino Antonio , Freddi Giuliano , Nazhat Showan N.
Published: July 2011

Tissue engineering of multilayered constructs that model complex tissues poses a significant challenge for regenerative medicine. In this study, a three‐layered scaffold consisting of an electrospun silk fibroin (SF) mat sandwiched between two dense collagen (DC) layers was designed and characterized. It was hypothesized that the SF layer would endow the DC‐SF‐DC construct with enhanced mechanical properties (e.g., apparent modulus, tensile strength, and toughness), while the surrounding DC layers provide an extracellular matrix‐like environment for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) growth. MSC‐seeded DC‐SF‐DC hybrids were produced using the plastic compression technique and characterized morphologically, chemically, and mechanically. Moreover, MSC viability was assessed for up to 1 wk in culture. Scaffold analyses confirmed compaction and integration of the meso‐scaled multilayered DC‐SF‐DC hybrid, which was reflected in a significantly higher toughness value when compared to DC and SF alone. MSCs directly incorporated into the DC layers remained viable for up to day 7. The ease of multilayered construct fabrication, enhanced biomechanical properties, along with uniformity of cell distribution confirmed the possibility for the incorporation and segregation of different cell types within distinct layers for the regeneration of complex tissues, such as skin, or central nervous system dura mater.
Dynamics of the Glycosidic Bond: Conformational Space of Lactose
Authors: Erdélyi Máté , d'Auvergne Edward , Navarro‐Vázquez Armando , Leonov Andrei , Griesinger Christian
Published: July 2011

The dynamics of the glycosidic bond of lactose was studied by a paramagnetic tagging‐based NMR technique, which allowed the collection of an unusually large series of NMR data for a single compound. By the use of distance‐ and orientation‐dependent residual dipolar couplings and pseudocontact shifts, the simultaneous fitting of the probabilities of computed conformations and the orientation of the magnetic susceptibility tensor of a series of lanthanide complexes of lactose show that its glycosidic bond samples syn/syn, anti/syn and syn/anti ϕ/ψ regions of the conformational space in water. The analysis indicates a higher reliability of pseudocontact shift data as compared to residual dipolar couplings with the presently available weakly orienting paramagnetic tagging technique. The method presented herein allows for an improved understanding of the dynamic behaviour of oligosaccharides.
Comparison of Extraction Procedures for Assessing Soil Metal Bioavailability of to Wheat Grains
Authors: Bakircioglu Dilek , Kurtulus Yasemin Bakircioglu , İbar Hilmi
Published: July 2011

Agricultural soils have been analyzed to elucidate whether the trace metal distribution changes in relation to agricultural activities and to predict environmental risk. In addition to the extractability of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soils was compared by single extraction (hydrochloric acid (HCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), calcium chloride (CaCl2), water (H2O)), and sequential extraction procedures. The modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure (three‐step) used to extraction of metals in soil samples. The extraction capacity of the analyzed metals was found by using single extraction procedures in the order: HCl > EDTA > DTPA > CaCl2 > H2O. A single correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between extractable metal concentrations in soil solutions and metal accumulation in wheat grains. Simple correlation analyses indicated that the extractable Pb and Ni of soils by HCl, EDTA, and DTPA single extraction procedures were significantly correlated with the metal contents of wheat grains. For CaCl2, H2O, and BCR extraction procedures there was a relatively poor correlation between the extractable Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn of soils and metal contents of wheat grains.
Evaluating electrochemical behaviour of recrystallized titanium alloys in Ringer's solution
Authors: Mareci D. , Chelariu R. , Sutiman D. , Gordin D. M. , Gloriant T.
Published: July 2011

By anodic potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques, the effect of recrystallization on the corrosion and electrochemical behaviour of Ti12Mo and Ti12Mo5Ta alloys was studied. Aerated Ringer's solution was employed as electrolyte solution at 37 °C. The pH was 6.9 and adjusted to 2.5 simulating the disease state. The results show excellent corrosion resistance for recrystallized Ti12Mo and Ti12Mo5Ta alloys, corroborated by high values of polarization resistance and low values of passive current density. Recrystallized structure rendered the Ti12Mo and Ti12Mo5Ta alloys extremely corrosion resistant.
Multi‐dimensional mass spectrometry‐based shotgun lipidomics and novel strategies for lipidomic analyses
Authors: Han Xianlin , Yang Kui , Gross Richard W.
Published: July 2011

Since our last comprehensive review on multi‐dimensional mass spectrometry‐based shotgun lipidomics (Mass Spectrom. Rev. 24 (2005), 367), many new developments in the field of lipidomics have occurred. These developments include new strategies and refinements for shotgun lipidomic approaches that use direct infusion, including novel fragmentation strategies, identification of multiple new informative dimensions for mass spectrometric interrogation, and the development of new bioinformatic approaches for enhanced identification and quantitation of the individual molecular constituents that comprise each cell's lipidome. Concurrently, advances in liquid chromatography‐based platforms and novel strategies for quantitative matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry for lipidomic analyses have been developed. Through the synergistic use of this repertoire of new mass spectrometric approaches, the power and scope of lipidomics has been greatly expanded to accelerate progress toward the comprehensive understanding of the pleiotropic roles of lipids in biological systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 31:134–178, 2012
Effect of different grain sizes and textures on the corrosion behaviour of aluminum alloy AA6082
Authors: Händel M. , Nickel D. , Lampke T.
Published: July 2011

The fabrication and processing of aluminum alloys can result in the formation of different grain sizes and textures within the material. The effects of these differences on the corrosion behaviour of the commercially available alloy AA6082 have been investigated. The results of the macro‐ and microelectrochemical investigations have been compared with each other and with the resulting corrosion appearance. The observed corrosion damage is not always consistent with the measured corrosion and pitting potential. In the finer‐grained part, with a strongly preferred orientation of (002) planes parallel to the sample surface, less corrosion damage could be observed than in the coarser‐grained part. However, microelectrochemical measurements show a slightly lower pitting potential in the finer‐grained part, so that pitting is likely to start earlier in this area.
Influence of ultrasonic vibration assistance on the surface integrity in turning of the aluminium alloy AA2017
Authors: Schubert A. , Nestler A. , Pinternagel S. , Zeidler H.
Published: July 2011

The surface integrity of components considerably influences the reliability of technical systems. According to the application of the components, their surfaces have to meet different demands. Cutting processes with geometrically defined cutting edge are often used as final machining processes. They offer the opportunity to influence the surface integrity by means of the process kinematics, process parameters and tool geometry. In the case of realising a predefined surface integrity, for example the generation of microstructures, these machining processes reach their limits very fast. For this reason, the influence of ultrasonic vibration assistance in cutting is investigated with focus on achieved surface integrity. Different vibration directions of the tool are examined. This paper investigates the effect of ultrasonic vibration assistance on the surface integrity, obtained in turning processes. Several possibilities for generating predefined surface microstructures are identified. In turning with ultrasonic vibration assistance in the cutting direction, the mean cutting force is markedly reduced in comparison to conventional machining. The examinations show that turning with ultrasonic vibration assistance enables a specific setting of the surface integrity within a wide range. It is expected that the results can be applied to other, also difficult to machine materials.
Postural instability, frontotemporal dementia, and ophthalmoplegia: Clinicopathological case
Authors: Cardoso Francisco , Hodges John , Evans Andrew H. , Revesz Tamas , Williams David R.
Published: July 2011

A 56‐year‐old man presented with gait disturbance, personality change, and behavioral disturbances. He subsequently developed falls, postural instability, and axial rigidity. The cognitive problems progressed and he developed aphasia and later eye movement abnormalities. He died after 9 years of disease. Experts discuss the syndromal diagnosis and predict the underlying pathology. The pathological diagnosis is given and clinical learning points are considered. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Atmospheric Plasma Deposition Process: A Versatile Tool for the Design of Tunable Siloxanes‐Based Plasma Polymer Films
Authors: Petersen Julien , Bechara Rony , Bardon Julien , Fouquet Thierry , Ziarelli Fabio , Daheron Laurence , Ball Vincent , Toniazzo Valérie , Michel Marc , Dinia Aziz , Ruch David
Published: July 2011

This paper aims at describing the synthesis of plasma polymer films by means of atmospheric filamentary plasma dielectric barrier discharge. This work highlights the fact that molecular structures of siloxane based plasma films can be tuned according to the so‐called Yasuda's parameter, which corresponds to the W/F ratios (W = power discharge; F = Monomer flow rate). Indeed, we showed that the plasma films exhibit a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structure when W/F was low (i.e. when low plasma energy is applied), whereas SiOx structures were rather obtained when W/F is high (i.e. high plasma energy). These results were validated thanks to a wide set of analytical tools allowing to identify two domains where molecular structures of the plasma films swiftly progress from PDMS to SiOx according to W/F ratios.

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Patient involvement: from guidelines to good practice
Authors: Cribb Alan , Donetto Sara , Entwistle Vikki
Published: July 2011

NICE guidance on medicines adherence puts particular focus on greater involvement of patients in decision making. Here, the authors discuss the reasons why this might not always be fully justified and cannot be solely achieved by good communication skills. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Outward Migration from Large Cities: Are Older Migrants in Nairobi ‘Returning’?
Authors: Falkingham Jane , Chepngeno‐Langat Gloria , Evandrou Maria
Published: July 2011

Circular and return migrations between rural and urban areas in sub‐Saharan Africa have persisted over time, driven by a combination of socio‐cultural, economic, and structural forces. Much of the literature on migration in Africa focuses on labour migration. However, old age also marks a stage in the life course often associated with migration. This paper examined the determinants of out‐migration among older people living in the slums of Nairobi. The paper used a prospective population study of 2,270 older people, followed up over a 3‐year period. The annual rate of out‐migration was 4%. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to model the effect of ties to place and to socio‐economic capital on propensity to out‐migrate. The presence of adult children outside the city was a significant pull factor for both men and women. The propensity to out‐migrate decreased with length of residence in the slum. Attachment to the slum through participation in voluntary communal activities was also negatively associated with out‐migration, particularly for men. The poorest older people were more likely to leave the city, highlighting the effect of deprivation in triggering return migration. Looking at future migration intentions, only one in five older people reported that they intend to relocate from the slums, highlighting that, in the future, there will be a growing number of people ageing ‘in situ’ in poor urban areas. This has implications for policy makers concerned with the provision of services to vulnerable older people who may be unable to engage in livelihood strategies as health deteriorates with age. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processing of Ceramic Preforms for TRIP‐Matrix‐Composites
Authors: Hasterok Manuel , Wenzel Claudia , Aneziris Christos G. , Ballaschk Uta , Berek Harry
Published: July 2011

Metal matrix composites have been produced by conventional infiltration of ceramic preforms. The magnesia partially stabilised ceramic foams were prepared by replication method. In terms of the present paper the second process step that comprises the cold spraying of the impregnated foam is optimised. The spray coating is essential in ceramic foam production. It eliminates defects that are caused due to the squeezing process and assists to reach the critical wall thickness for acceptable mechanical properties. For this reasons the rheology of the spraying slurry and the adjustment of the spraying system have been investigated. Quality of the spray coatings was evaluated by computer tomography. The obtained ceramic foams were infiltrated by a TRIP‐steel (TRansformation Induced Plasticity) to create composite materials with improved mechanical properties. Phase composition of the composite material has been analysed using Electron Backscatter Diffraction Method (EBSD).
Non‐additive effects of leaf litter and insect frass mixture on decomposition processes
Authors: Kagata Hideki , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: July 2011

Although there is a growing body of evidence that herbivorous insects have a significant impact on decomposition and soil nutrient dynamics through frass excretion, how mixtures of leaf litter and insect frass influence such ecosystem processes remains poorly understood. We examined the effects of mixing of leaf litter and insect frass on decomposition and soil nutrient availability, using a study system consisting of a willow, Salix gilgiana Seemen, and a herbivorous insect, Parasa consocia Walker. The chemical characteristics of insect frass differed from those of leaf litter. In particular, frass had a 42‐fold higher level of ammonium–nitrogen (NH4+–N) than litter. Incubation experiments showed that the frass was decomposed and immobilized with respect to N more rapidly than the litter. Furthermore, litter and frass mixtures showed non‐additive enhancement of decomposition and reduction of NH4+–N, depending on the litter–frass mixing ratio. These indicate that, while insect frass generally accelerated decomposition, the effect of frass on soil nutrient availability was dependent largely on the relative amounts of litter and frass.
Radial growth and variation of bounded analytic functions
Authors: Hallenbeck D. J. , MacGregor T. H.
Published: July 2011

If a function f analytic in Δ = {z∈ℂ:|z|<1} has a nontangential limit as z→eiθ, then limr→1−(1−r)f′(reiθ)=0 [7, p. 181). It follows that this limit is zero for almost all θ for a number of classes of functions including the set H∞ of bounded analytic functions. In this paper we prove that this result for H∞ is sharp in a strong sense.
The KCa3.1 Blocker TRAM-34 Reduces Infarction and Neurological Deficit in a Rat Model of Ischemia/Reperfusion Stroke
Authors: Chen Yi-Je , Raman Girija , Bodendiek Silke , O'Donnell Martha E , Wulff Heike
Published: July 2011

Microglia and brain infiltrating macrophages significantly contribute to the secondary inflammatory damage in the wake of ischemic stroke. Here, we investigated whether inhibition of KCa3.1 (IKCa1/KCNN4), a calcium-activated K+ channel that is involved in microglia and macrophage activation and expression of which increases on microglia in the infarcted area, has beneficial effects in a rat model of ischemic stroke. Using an HPLC/MS assay, we first confirmed that our small molecule KCa3.1 blocker TRAM-34 effectively penetrates into the brain and achieves micromolar plasma and brain concentrations after intraperitoneal injection. Then, we subjected male Wistar rats to 90 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and administered either vehicle or TRAM-34 (10 or 40 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice daily) for 7 days starting 12 hours after reperfusion. Both compound doses reduced infarct area by ∼50% as determined by hematoxylin & eosin staining on day 7 and the higher dose also significantly improved neurological deficit. We further observed a significant reduction in ED1+-activated microglia and TUNEL-positive neurons as well as increases in NeuN+ neurons in the infarcted hemisphere. Our findings suggest that KCa3.1 blockade constitutes an attractive approach for the treatment of ischemic stroke because it is still effective when initiated 12 hours after the insult.
Magnesium and cell energetics in plants under anoxia
Authors: Igamberdiev Abir U. , Kleczkowski Leszek A.
Published: July 2011

Stress conditions (e.g. anoxia) frequently result in a decrease of [ATP] and in an increase of [ADP] and [AMP], with a concomitant increase of [Mg2+] and other cations, e.g. Ca2+. The elevation of [Mg2+] is linked to the shift in the apparent equilibrium of adenylate kinase. As a result, enzymes that use Mg2+ as a cofactor are activated, Ca2+ activates calcium-dependent signalling pathways, and PPi can serve as an alternative energy source in its active form of MgPPi or Mg2PPi. Under anoxic conditions in plants, an important source of PPi may come as a result of combined reactions of PK (pyruvate kinase) and PPDK (pyruvate, phosphate dikinase). The PPi formed in the PPDK/PK cycle ignites glycolysis in conditions of low [ATP] by involving PPi-dependent reactions. This saves ATP and makes metabolism under stress conditions more energy efficient.
Firmware lower-level discrimination and compression applied to streaming x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy area-detector data
Authors: Madden T. , Fernandez P. , Jemian P. , Narayanan S. , Sandy A. R. , Sikorski M. , Sprung M. , Weizeorick J.
Published: July 2011

We present a data acquisition system to perform on-the-fly background subtraction and lower-level discrimination compression of streaming x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy data from a fast charge-coupled device (CCD) area detector. The system is built using a commercial frame grabber with an on-board field-programmable gate array. The system is capable of continuously processing at least 60 CCD frames per second each consisting of 1024 × 1024 16-bit pixels with ≲ 15 000 photon hits per frame at a maximum compression factor of ≈95%.
Formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures on fused silica upon multiple cross-polarized double-femtosecond-laser-pulse irradiation sequences
Authors: Rohloff M. , Das S. K. , Höhm S. , Grunwald R. , Rosenfeld A. , Krüger J. , Bonse J.
Published: July 2011

The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) upon irradiation of fused silica with multiple irradiation sequences consisting of five Ti:sapphire femtosecond (fs) laser pulse pairs (150 fs, 800 nm) is studied experimentally. A Michelson interferometer is used to generate near-equal-energy double-pulse sequences with a temporal pulse delay from −20 to +20 ps between the cross-polarized individual fs-laser pulses (∼0.2 ps resolution). The results of multiple double-pulse irradiation sequences are characterized by means of Scanning Electron and Scanning Force Microscopy. Specifically in the sub-ps delay domain striking differences in the surface morphologies can be observed, indicating the importance of the laser-induced free-electron plasma in the conduction band of the solids for the formation of LIPSS.
Application of a new composite cubic-boron nitride gasket assembly for high pressure inelastic x-ray scattering studies of carbon related materials
Authors: Wang Lin , Yang Wenge , Xiao Yuming , Liu Bingbing , Chow Paul , Shen Guoyin , Mao Wendy L. , Mao Ho-kwang
Published: July 2011

We have developed a new composite cubic-boron nitride (c-BN) gasket assembly for high pressure diamond anvil cell studies, and applied it to inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) studies of carbon related materials in order to maintain a larger sample thickness and avoid the interference from the diamond anvils. The gap size between the two diamond anvils remained ∼80 μm at 48.0 GPa with this new composite c-BN gasket assembly. The sample can be located at the center of the gap, ∼20 μm away from the surface of both diamond anvils, which provides ample distance to separate the sample signal from the diamond anvils. The high pressure IXS of a solvated C60 sample was studied up to 48 GPa, and a pressure induced bonding transition from sp2 to sp3 was observed at 27 GPa.
Eliminating stacking faults in semi-polar GaN by AlN interlayers
Authors: Dadgar A. , Ravash R. , Veit P. , Schmidt G. , Müller M. , Dempewolf A. , Bertram F. , Wieneke M. , Christen J. , Krost A.
Published: July 2011

We report on the elimination of stacking faults by the insertion of low-temperature AlN interlayers in nearly (1016) and (11¯04) oriented semi-polar GaN grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy on Si(112) and Si(113), respectively. The elimination of these defects is visualized by cathodoluminescence (CL) as well as scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and STEM-CL. A possible annihilation mechanism is discussed which leads to the conclusion that the elimination mechanism is most likely valid for all layers with (11¯01) surfaces, enabling heteroepitaxial semi- and non-polar GaN free from stacking faults.