bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trading Volume, Intraday and Overnight Volatility of Stock Returns in the Nigerian Stock Exchange
Authors: Cornelius Ayantse , OlaOluwa Yaya S. , Johnson Ojo F. , Damola Akinlana M. , Omoyeni Oguntola Toyin
Published: August 2024

We have investigated in this paper the information arrival process in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) by considering some highly priced and highly capitalized 28 stocks (companies) registered in the market. This work has not been found in the literature in the context of the Nigerian market, a gap this paper intends to bridge. By using the GARCH modelling approach with additional market information such as volume traded, intra-daily volatility, and overnight indicator, introduced as exogenous variables, we obtain similar results by previous authors, though trading volume does not predict the overall stock index of the market since it increased the overall volatility persistence. Our results therefore show the applicability of the Mixture of distribution Hypothesis (MDH) in the NSE market.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Sand Filtration for Greywater Treatment: Impact of Column Length on Water Quality and Irrigation Suitability
Authors: Sathish Karan , Vairavan C , Kokila A , K B Chethan Kumar , C J Tharun Kumar , M Shankar , A V Moorthy , Kousalya V
Published: August 2024

Aims: This study explores the efficacy of sand filtration in treating greywater (GW) collected from a hostel.
Methodology: An experimental setup was designed using five connected polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes filled with sand sourced from the Cauvery River. The GW was filtered through sand columns of varying lengths (40 ft, 60 ft, 80 ft, and 100 ft), with the filtered water analyzed for various physio-chemical parameters.
Results: The results indicate that sand filtration significantly reduces the levels of total suspended solids (TSS), electrical conductivity (EC), and other anions and cations, including chloride (Cl⁻), sulphate (SO₄²⁻), and sodium (Na⁺). The pH of the untreated GW was initially alkaline but was reduced to near-neutral levels after treatment with the 100 ft sand column. Key water quality indices such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Sodium Ratio (SR), and Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP) were within safe limits post-treatment, making the filtered GW suitable for irrigation.
Conclusion: The study concludes that sand filtration is an effective method for treating GW, particularly when longer sand columns are used, though further research is needed to optimize the filtration process for specific contaminants.
Hepatitis B Screening Profile, Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics in a Highly Endemic Population in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Sarah Abere , Boma Oyan , Tonye-Abere Orabelema , Alali Aloni , Uzoaku Amadi
Published: August 2024

Background: Viral hepatitis B is a life-threatening condition with global public health implications. It is highly endemic and one of the leading causes of mortality in Africa. There are no screening strategies defined for the general population in Nigeria despite an estimated 19 million Nigerians living with Hepatitis B, and a high prevalence of 11-13%.
This study aims to identify indications for Hepatitis B screening, as well as the virologic, radiologic and sociodemographic characteristics of this populace.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional review of the viral hepatitis database of Adult Hepatitis B positive patients. The biodata, laboratory and radiological parameters were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. Continuous variables were reported as means ±SD, and a p-value of ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of the 454 hepatitis B positive patients was 38.33±11.16years comprising198(43.8%) females and 255(56.2%) males. All six geopolitical regions of Nigeria were represented in the study with the south-south region having the highest representation of 220 patients. Incidental findings such as pre-employment screening, pre-marriage screening, screening before blood donation, pre-surgery screening for non-Hepatic related diagnosis and public health awareness campaigns accounted for 64% of the indications for screening, 4.4% were diagnosed from the compulsory antenatal screening and 11.3% with advanced liver disease.
The majority of patients (94.7%) were HBeAg negative, while HBV DNA levels ranged from <20 to 170,500,000 IU/ml (mean=4,509,723.97 ± 26,264,722.07 IU/ml).
 Increased AST and ALT levels were observed in 256 (56.4%) and 193 patients (42.5%) respectively while 22.2% of the study population had radiological evidence of hepatic disorders at initial screening.
Conclusion: This study revealed that Hepatitis B infection in Nigeria cuts across all regions and has a gender disparity with more males affected than females. The majority of the participants were diagnosed incidentally or during an illness, highlighting the importance of routine screening. Additionally, the majority of patients had HBeAg-negative chronic Hepatitis B, indicating the need for effective public health strategies to address this prevalent form of the disease.
Survey of Melanagromyza obtusa (Malloch) Infestation in Major Pigeon pea Growing Districts of Karnataka, India
Authors: Nagarjuna T. N. , Shivanna B. K. , Hanumanthaswamy B. C. , Pradeep S. , Naik R. Ganesh , Sannathimmappa H. G.
Published: August 2024

A roving survey was conducted at major pigeonpea growing districts of Karnataka viz., Bagalkote, Vijayapura, Kalaburgi and Bidar during Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Among the four districts, Bidar consistently recorded the highest pod fly population and per cent damage. In 2022, Bhalki taluk of Bidar district exhibited the highest maggot population (5.12) and pupal count (14.29) per 100 pods, as well as the highest per cent pod damage (20.41) and seed damage (9.62), alongside Bidar taluk. Indi taluk of Vijayapura district recorded the lowest maggot (2.92) and pupal populations (8.96) per 100 pods, with the lowest per cent pod (13.04) and seed (6.31) damage. During 2023, Bhalki taluk again showed the highest maggot (5.37) and pupal populations (15.04) per 100 pods, with the highest per cent pod damage (21.58) and seed damage (10.98). Conversely, Indi taluk recorded the lowest maggot (3.13) and pupal populations (9.88) per 100 pods, with the lowest per cent pod (14.12) and seed (7.49) damage. These findings highlight significant spatial and temporal variations in pod fly infestation and damage within the surveyed districts.
Effect of Ethrel and Cycocel on Vegetative and Flowering Characters of Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Authors: Laxman Gaonkar Sainath , Bahadur Vijay
Published: August 2024

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ethrel and cycocel on vegetative and flowering characters of pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)” in Horticulture Research Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, during October 2023 to March 2024. The objective was to identify the most suitable dose of ethrel and cycocel on the vegetative and flowering characters of pansy plant. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), with eleven treatments and three replications. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the various treatments of pansies for all observed parameters. From the present investigation, it was observed that among the different treatments, the treatment T7 (Ethrel @ 100 ppm) was found superior in terms of chlorophyll content (56.34), plant spread (12.47 cm), leaf area (37.11 cm2) and self-life (5.07 days), whereas, the treatment T10 (Ethrel @ 250 ppm) showed superiority in terms of number of leaves (62.40) and number of branches (6.47). Among the different treatments, the highest gross return ₹9000 per 100 pots, net return ₹2942.65 per 100 pots and benefit cost ratio 1.48, was recorded in treatment T7 (Ethrel @ 100 ppm). Hence, T7 (Ethrel @ 100 ppm) can be recommended for plant growth and flowering of Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis) and treatment T10 (Ethrel @ 250 ppm) can be recommended for the delayed flower producing and compact plant production.
The Genetics of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Interventions: Therapeutic Directions and Future Predictions
Authors: Umezurike Benedict C. , Akhimien Moses O. , Chukwuka Chidinma , Ejike Thaedus , Ugwulor Louis , Ajoku Bright , Ijioma Solomon N.
Published: August 2024

The “multifactorial chronic optic neuropathy” known as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is typified by a “progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), structural damage to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and optic nerve head (ONH), as well as abnormalities in the visual field.” High intraocular pressure (IOP), age, genetics, family history, race, etc. are the main risk factors. One of the pathological implications of POAG is “pressure-induced” ONH damage, which results in modifications to the expression of retinal genes. The ensuing fluid backup raises IOP, which damages optic nerve and results in POAG. Numerous susceptibility genes and environmental factors contribute to the “genetic heterogeneity” of POAG, according to genetic studies. “A set of twelve chromosomal loci, referred to as GLC1A through GLC1L, have been mapped for POAG. Three genes—myocilin (MYOC), optic neuropathy-inducing protein (Optineurin, OPTN)), and WD repeat domain 36 (WDR36)—have been identified as the GLC1A, GLC1E, and GLC1G”. A better understanding of the molecular genetic pathways and the pathological mechanisms involving the disease-causing genes, may help clarify the pathophysiology that leads to the disease and a targeted treatment. The role of genetics in POAG highlights the importance of genes in recent research advances, their future directions, applications, and therapy. The advent of modern genetic discoveries and future directions in vector engineering makes the cure for POAG possible. The paradigm shift in glaucoma treatment has moved from direct RGC and ONH therapy to targeting associated brain centers.
Wind‐driven freshwater buildup and release in the Beaufort Gyre constrained by mesoscale eddies
Authors: Manucharyan Georgy E. , Spall Michael A.
Published: October 2015

Recently, the Beaufort Gyre has accumulated over 20,000 km3 of freshwater in response to strong anticyclonic atmospheric winds that have prevailed over the gyre for almost two decades. Here we explore key physical processes affecting the accumulation and release of freshwater within an idealized eddy‐resolving model of the Beaufort Gyre. We demonstrate that a realistic halocline can be achieved when its deepening tendency due to Ekman pumping is counteracted by the cumulative action of mesoscale eddies. Based on this balance, we derive analytical scalings for the depth of the halocline and its spin‐up time scale and emphasize their explicit dependence on eddy dynamics. Our study further suggests that the Beaufort Gyre is currently in a state of high sensitivity to atmospheric winds. However, an intensification of surface stress would inevitably lead to a saturation of the freshwater content—a constraint inherently set by the intricacies of the mesoscale eddy dynamics.
Effect of sea‐ice melt on inherent optical properties and vertical distribution of solar radiant heating in Arctic surface waters
Authors: Granskog Mats A. , Pavlov Alexey K. , Sagan Sławomir , Kowalczuk Piotr , Raczkowska Anna , Stedmon Colin A.
Published: October 2015

The inherent optical properties (IOPs) of Polar Waters (PW) exiting the Arctic Ocean in the East Greenland Current (EGC) and of the inflowing Atlantic waters (AW) in the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC) were studied in late summer when surface freshening due to sea‐ice melt was widespread. The absorption and attenuation coefficients in PW were significantly higher than previous observations from the western Arctic. High concentrations of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) resulted in 50–60% more heat deposition in the upper meters relative to clearest natural waters. This demonstrates the influence of terrigenous organic material inputs on the optical properties of waters in the Eurasian basin. Sea‐ice melt in CDOM‐rich PW decreased CDOM absorption, but an increase in scattering nearly compensated for lower absorption, and total attenuation was nearly identical in the sea‐ice meltwater layer. This suggests a source of scattering material associated with sea‐ice melt, relative to the PW. In the AW, melting sea‐ice forms a stratified surface layer with lower absorption and attenuation, than well‐mixed AW waters in late summer. It is likely that phytoplankton in the surface layer influenced by sea‐ice melt are nutrient limited. The presence of a more transparent surface layer changes the vertical radiant heat absorption profile to greater depths in late summer both in EGC and WSC waters, shifting accumulation of solar heat to greater depths and thus this heat is not directly available for ice melt during periods of stratification.
Magnetism of a very young lunar glass
Authors: Buz Jennifer , Weiss Benjamin P. , Tikoo Sonia M. , Shuster David L. , Gattacceca Jérôme , Grove Timothy L.
Published: October 2015

Recent paleomagnetic studies of Apollo samples have established that a core dynamo existed on the Moon from at least 4.2 to 3.56 billion years (Ga). Because there is no lunar dynamo today, a longstanding mystery has been the origin of magnetization in very young lunar samples (<~200 million years old (Ma)). Possible sources of this magnetization include transient fields generated by meteoroid impacts, remanent fields from nearby rocks magnetized during an earlier dynamo epoch, a weak late dynamo, and spontaneous remanence formed in a near‐zero field. To further understand the source of the magnetization in young lunar samples, we conducted paleomagnetic, petrographic, and 40Ar/39Ar geochronometry analyses on a young impact melt glass rind from the exterior of ~3.35 Ga mare basalt 12017. Cosmic ray track densities and our 40Ar/39Ar and cosmogenic 38Ar analyses constrain the glass formation age to be <7 Ma and most likely <20 thousand years (kyr), making it likely the youngest extraterrestrial sample yet studied with paleomagnetic methods. Despite its relatively high fidelity magnetic recording properties compared to most lunar rocks, we find that the glass carries no stable primary natural remanent magnetization and that it formed in a field <~7 μT (with a 2 σ upper limit of <11 μT). Given the poor magnetic recording properties of the majority of lunar samples, this provides further evidence that many or perhaps even all previous paleointensity estimates for ≤1.5 Ga rocks are upper limits on the true paleofield and therefore require neither a protracted strong (>10 μT) core dynamo field nor impact‐generated fields.
Enhanced Pain Sensitivity Among Individuals With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: Potential Sex Differences in Central Sensitization
Authors: Bartley Emily J. , King Christopher D. , Sibille Kimberly T. , Cruz‐Almeida Yenisel , Riley Joseph L. , Glover Toni L. , Goodin Burel R. , Sotolongo Adriana S. , Herbert Matthew S. , Bulls Hailey W. , Staud Roland , Fessler Barri J. , Redden David T. , Bradley Laurence A. , Fillingim Roger B.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition commonly associated with increased pain, disability, and functional limitations. Given the poor correspondence between radiographic evidence and clinical pain, central sensitization has been implicated as a potential mechanism underlying pain facilitation in knee OA. Sex may be a moderator of centrally mediated changes in knee OA pain; however, few studies have systematically assessed this. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine differences in peripheral and central sensitization in men and women with symptomatic knee OA, as well as to determine whether these differences vary across age (middle age versus older age).

Methods

Participants (n = 288) between the ages of 45 and 85 years completed a battery of quantitative sensory pain procedures assessing sensitivity to contact heat, cold pressor, mechanical pressure, and punctate stimuli. Differences in temporal summation (TS) were examined, as well as measures of clinical pain and functional performance.

Results

When compared to men, women exhibited greater sensitivity to multiple pain modalities (i.e., lower heat, cold, pressure thresholds/tolerances, greater TS of pain); however, there were no sex differences in clinical pain, with the exception of greater widespread pain observed in women. Although there were select age‐related differences in pain sensitivity, sex differences in pain varied minimally across the age cohort.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings provide evidence for greater overall sensitivity to experimental pain in women with symptomatic knee OA compared to men, suggesting that enhanced central sensitivity may be an important contributor to pain in this group.
Approximate optimal adaptive control for weakly coupled nonlinear systems: A neuro‐inspired approach
Authors: García Carrillo Luis Rodolfo , Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G. , Hespanha João Pedro
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a new approximate dynamic programming algorithm to solve the infinite‐horizon optimal control problem for weakly coupled nonlinear systems. The algorithm is implemented as a three‐critic/four‐actor approximators structure, where the critic approximators are used to learn the optimal costs, while the actor approximators are used to learn the optimal control policies. Simultaneous continuous‐time adaptation of both critic and actor approximators is implemented, a method commonly known as synchronous policy iteration. The adaptive control nature of the algorithm requires a persistence of excitation condition to be a priori guaranteed, but this can be relaxed by using previously stored data concurrently with current data in the update of the critic approximators. Appropriate robustifying terms are added to the controllers to eliminate the effects of the residual errors, leading to asymptotic stability of the equilibrium point of the closed‐loop system. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach for a sixth‐order dynamical example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Assembled Smart Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Cui Wei , Li Junbai , Decher Gero
Published: October 2015

Nanostructured drug‐carrier systems promise numerous benefits for drug delivery. They can be engineered to precisely control drug‐release rates or to target specific sites within the body with a specific amount of therapeutic agent. However, to achieve the best therapeutic effects, the systems should be designed for carrying the optimum amount of a drug to the desired target where it should be released at the optimum rate for a specified time. Despite numerous attempts, fulfilling all of these requirements in a synergistic way remains a huge challenge. The trend in drug delivery is consequently directed toward integrated multifunctional carrier systems, providing selective recognition in combination with sustained or triggered release. Capsules as vesicular systems enable drugs to be confined for controlled release. Furthermore, carriers modified with recognition groups can enhance the capability of encapsulated drug efficacy. Here, recent advances are reviewed regarding designing and preparing assembled capsules with targeting ligands or size controllable for selective recognition in drug delivery.
Prospective comparison of early bone marrow evaluation on day 5 versus day 14 of the “3 + 7” induction regimen for acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ofran Yishai , Leiba Ronit , Ganzel Chezi , Saban Revital , Gatt Moshe , Ram Ron , Arad Ariela , Bulvik Shlomo , Hellmann Ilana , Gino‐Moor Sharon , Zuckerman Tsila , Hoffman Ron , Horowitz Netanel , Lavi Noa , Ringelstein Shimrit , Henig Israel , Hayun Michal , Rowe Jacob M.
Published: October 2015

Evaluation of early response during induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is used for prognostication and re‐induction strategy, yet the optimal evaluation time point is unknown. Clearance of bone marrow (BM) blasts by day 14 of therapy does not ensure remission; thus, some patients requiring re‐induction are neglected. This study aimed to examine the role of earlier BM evaluation during induction for predicting remission and overall survival. Results of BM testing on the 5th and 14th day of intensive induction were prospectively compared in 127 adult patients with AML. Re‐induction was given, based on Day 14 results, to 25 patients. Reduction of the BM blast count to <5% as early as by the fifth day of induction was more specifically associated with the achievement of remission compared to Day 14 (88.2% vs. 60%, respectively). Rapid responders have a better 3‐year overall survival (OS). Day 5 results are a stronger predictor of OS by multivariate analysis and better segregate long‐term survivors than the Day 14th BM count (66% vs. 30%, P = 0.0001 and 48% vs. 37%, respectively, P = 0.04). The Day 5 evaluation of BM carries significant clinical information. The benefit of prescribing re‐induction based on such early evaluation should be prospectively studied. Am. J. Hematol. 90:1159–1164, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First fetal case of the 8q24.3 contiguous genes syndrome
Authors: Wells Constance , Spaggiari Emmanuel , Malan Valérie , Stirnemann Julien J. , Attie‐Bitach Tania , Ville Yves , Vekemans Michel , Bessieres Bettina , Romana Serge
Published: October 2015

Molecular cytogenetics, particularly array‐CGH, opened the way to the « genotype first approach » and for the discovery of new micro rearrangement syndromes. This was the case for the 8q24.3 microdeletion syndrome. Here, we describe the phenotype of a fetus with a 8q24.3 deletion. This rare condition has to be considered as a contiguous genes syndrome because its phenotype is generated by the SCRIB and PUF60 adjacent gene endophenotypes. The fetus presented atrioventricular septal defect and hypoplastic aortic arch, facial dysmorphism, microretrognathia, dysmorphic ears, clinodactyly of the 5th digit on both hands, mild rocker bottom feet and abnormal third sacral vertebra. This fetus is the first case where the endophenotype produced by SCRIB gene is absent. This case is compared with the previous published cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No association between schizophrenia susceptibility variants and macroscopic structural brain volume variation in healthy subjects
Authors: Li Ming , Huang Liang , Wang Jinkai , Su Bing , Luo Xiong‐Jian
Published: October 2015

Previous studies have suggested that genetic variants for schizophrenia susceptibility might contribute to structural brain volume variations in schizophrenia patients, including total brain volume, hippocampal volume, and amygdalar volume. However, whether these schizophrenia susceptibility variants are associated with macroscopic structural brain volume (i.e., intracranial volume, total brain volume, and hippocampal volume) in healthy subjects is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the associations between 47 schizophrenia susceptibility variants (from 25 well‐characterized schizophrenia susceptibility genes) and cranial volume variation in a healthy Chinese sample (N = 1,013). We also extracted the association between these 47 schizophrenia risk variants and the macroscopic structural brain volume (intracranial volume, total brain volume and hippocampal volume) in a large healthy sample of European ancestry (ENIGMA sample, N = 5,775). We identified several single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) nominally associated with intracranial volume, total brain volume, and hippocampal volume at P < 0.05 (uncorrected). However, after Bonferroni corrections for multiple testing, no SNP showed significant association. Hence, our results do not support previous observations that schizophrenia susceptibility variants are associated with brain structure (e.g., hippocampal volume) in healthy individuals, and indicate that single schizophrenia risk variant may not contribute significantly to macroscopic brain structure (e.g., intracranial volume or hippocampal volume) variation in healthy subjects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related motor dysfunction: Manual slowing in Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Authors: Mahovetz Lindsay M. , Stoinski Tara S.
Published: October 2015

Aging in humans and rhesus monkeys is commonly associated with motor function decrements including dexterity, speed, and strength. Despite their longevity and phylogenetic relatedness to humans, the effects of aging on motor function in non‐human apes have been minimally studied. We conducted two experiments with western lowland gorillas (11–54 years of age) to determine whether aged gorillas exhibit motor deficits similar to those seen in other species. In experiment one, gorillas extracted up to 12 food rewards lodged in holes of a Lexan board. Extraction rates were calculated for eight test sessions. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed no main effects of session or sex on extraction rate, but a significant main effect of age. Comparisons between the first and last sessions showed that experience significantly improved extraction rates in young but not aged gorillas. In experiment two, gorillas retrieved a hex nut from three differently shaped rods with each hand for a reward. Latencies of retrieval were calculated for 16 test sessions. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects of age class, sex, and session. There were significant interactions between session and sex, session and age, and session, sex, and age. These findings held when analyzing each rod shape separately. Post hoc comparisons revealed that young gorillas were significantly faster at the task than aged gorillas, and females were faster than males. This finding held only for the question mark shaped rod when analyzing each rod shape separately. Comparisons between the first and last sessions showed that experience did not significantly improve latencies in either age or sex class. The direction of these results are congruent with previous findings in humans and monkeys and suggest that aged gorillas experience deficits in bimanual coordination compared to younger gorillas and that age and sex influence fine motor ability in gorillas. Am. J. Primatol. 77:1316–1322, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kopieren von RNA‐Sequenzen ohne Voraktivierung
Authors: Jauker Mario , Griesser Helmut , Richert Clemens
Published: October 2015

Der templatgesteuerte Einbau von Nukleotiden am Terminus eines Komplementärstrangs ist die Grundlage der Replikation. Im Fall von RNA kann dieser Vorgang in Abwesenheit von Enzymen stattfinden, wenn die Ribonukleotide vorher in eine Aktivspezies mit einer Abgangsgruppe überführt werden. Bisher war für diese Aktivierung ein separater chemischer Schritt nötig, was komplizierte präbiotisch plausible Szenarios erfordert. Wir zeigen nun, dass die Kombination eines Carbodiimids und eines Organokatalysators den annähernd quantitativen Einbau jedes der vier Ribonukleotide induziert. Bei In‐situ‐Aktivierung von Adenosinmonophosphat bilden sich gleichzeitig Oligomere in wässriger Lösung. Es können also Strangbildung und sequenzspezifische Kopiervorgänge ohne künstlichen Syntheseschritt stattfinden.
Silica Nanowires Templated by Amyloid‐like Fibrils
Authors: Al‐Garawi Zahraa S. , Thorpe Julian R. , Serpell Louise C.
Published: October 2015

Many peptides self‐assemble to form amyloid fibrils. We previously explored the sequence propensity to form amyloid using variants of a designed peptide with sequence KFFEAAAKKFFE. These variant peptides form highly stable amyloid fibrils with varied lateral assembly and are ideal to template further assembly of non‐proteinaceous material. Herein, we show that the fibrils formed by peptide variants can be coated with a layer of silica to produce silica nanowires using tetraethyl‐orthosilicate. The resulting nanowires were characterized using electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray fiber diffraction, FTIR and cross‐section EM to reveal a nanostructure with peptidic core. Lysine residues play a role in templating the formation of silica on the fibril surface and, using this library of peptides, we have explored the contributions of lysine as well as arginine to silica templating, and find that sequence plays an important role in determining the physical nature and structure of the resulting nanowires.
Characterization of 3D elastic porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) cell scaffolds fabricated by VARTM and particle leaching
Authors: Si Junhui , Cui Zhixiang , Xie Peng , Song Lairui , Wang Qianting , Liu Qiong , Liu Chuntai
Published: October 2015

In this study, elastic porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) cell scaffolds were fabricated by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) and particle leaching technologies. To control the porous morphology and porosity, different processing parameters, such as compression load, compression time, and NaCl particle size for preparing NaCl preform, were studied. The porous structures of PDMS cell scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The properties of PDMS cell scaffolds, including porosity, water absorption, interconnectivity, compression modulus, and compression strength were also investigated. The results showed that after the porogen–NaCl particles had been leached, the remaining pores had the sizes of 150–300, 300–450, and 450–600 μm, which matched the sizes of the NaCl particles. The interconnectivity of PDMS cell scaffolds increases with an increase in the size of NaCl particles. It was also found that the smaller the size of the NaCl particles, the higher the porosity and water absorption of PDMS cell scaffolds. The content of residual NaCl in PDMS/NaCl scaffolds reduces under ultrasonic treatment. In addition, PDMS scaffolds with a pore size of 300–450 μm have better mechanical properties compared to those with pore sizes of 150–300 and 450–600 μm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42909.
Melanosomes and ancient coloration re‐examined: A response to Vinther 2015 (DOI 10.1002/bies.201500018)
Authors: Schweitzer Mary H. , Lindgren Johan , Moyer Alison E.
Published: October 2015

Round to elongate microbodies associated with fossil vertebrate soft tissues were interpreted as microbial traces until 2008, when they were re‐described as remnant melanosomes – intracellular, pigment‐containing eukaryotic organelles. Since then, multiple claims for melanosome preservation and inferences of organismal color, behavior, and physiology have been advanced, based upon the shape and size of these microstructures. Here, we re‐examine evidence for ancient melanosomes in light of information reviewed in Vinther (2015), and literature regarding the preservation potential of microorganisms and their exopolymeric secretions. We: (i) address statements in Vinther's recent (2015) review that are incorrect or which misrepresent published data; (ii) discuss the need for caution in interpreting “voids” and microbodies associated with degraded fossil soft tissues; (iii) present evidence that microorganisms are in many cases an equally parsimonious source for these “voids” as are remnant melanosomes; and (iv) suggest methods/criteria for differentiating melanosomes from microbial traces in the fossil record.
Hospital of diagnosis and likelihood of surgical treatment for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Bakens M J A M , van Gestel Y R B M , Bongers M , Besselink M G H , Dejong C H C , Molenaar I Q , Busch O R C , Lemmens V E P P , de Hingh I H J T
Published: October 2015

Background

Surgical resection for pancreatic cancer offers the only chance of cure. Assessment of the resectability of a pancreatic tumour is therefore of great importance. The aim of the study was to investigate whether centre of diagnosis influences the likelihood of surgery and whether this affects long-term survival.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with non-metastasized pancreatic cancer (M0) between 2005 and 2013 in the Netherlands were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Hospitals were classified as a pancreatic centre (at least 20 resections/year) or a non-pancreatic centre (fewer than 20 resections/year). The relationship between centre of diagnosis and likelihood of surgery was analysed by multivariable logistic regression. Influence of centre on overall survival was assessed by means of multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

Some 8141 patients were diagnosed with non-metastasized pancreatic cancer, of whom 3123 (38·4 per cent) underwent surgery. Of the 2712 patients diagnosed in one of 19 pancreatic centres, 52·4 per cent had exploratory laparotomy compared with 31·4 per cent of 5429 patients diagnosed in one of 74 non-pancreatic centres (P < 0·001). A pancreatectomy was performed in 42·8 and 24·6 per cent of the patients respectively (P < 0·001). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients diagnosed in a pancreatic centre had a higher chance of undergoing surgery (odds ratio 2·21, 95 per cent c.i. 1·98 to 2·47). Centre of diagnosis was not associated with improved long-term survival (hazard ratio 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·91 to 1·00).

Conclusion

Patients with non-metastasized pancreatic cancer had a greater likelihood of having surgical treatment when the diagnosis was established in a pancreatic centre.
Phase Segregation in the Mixed Alkyl Thiol Self‐assembled Monolayers on a Gold Surface at a High Incubation Temperature in a Sealed Container
Authors: Al Mamun Abdulla Hel , Zahid Ali A. S. M. , Lee Insup , Kang Hong Seok , Hahn Jae Ryang
Published: October 2015

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of mixed 1‐octanethiol (OT) and 1‐decanethiol (DT) that were formed on gold substrates at a high incubation temperature in a sealed container were characterized using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In mixed‐composition monolayer films, self‐assembly of the mixture could induce phase separation into discrete molecular domains at higher incubation temperatures. Mixtures of the alkanethiol molecules affected the domain size, defect density, packing density, and binding features of the resultant SAMs prepared on gold substrates. Single‐molecule‐resolved STM images of mixed SAMs revealed both c(4 × 2) − ns (non‐shifted) for DT and c(4 × 2) − s (shifted) for OT domains. For the mixed SAMs, the peak S2 (XPS) increased in intensity relative to the peak S1, reflecting significant modifications in the binding characteristics of the thiols and surface roughness upon mixing.
Columnar Liquid Crystalline Self‐Assembly of Hydrogen‐Bonded Rod–Coil Diblock Complexes Created from Pyrazole/Benzoic acid Derivatives
Authors: Kim Ho‐Joong , Cho Sung , Park Jung Su
Published: October 2015

We synthesized hydrogen‐bonded rod–coil diblock complexes having both a rigid rod and a flexible coil by combining bithiophene‐conjugated pyrazole derivatives and alkoxy‐substituted benzoic acid derivatives. Their self‐assembled nanostructures were investigated using polarized optical microscopy, molecular modeling, and X‐ray scattering in liquid crystalline (LC) state. They form different types of supramolecular LC phases depending on the numbers and lengths of alkoxy substituents in the benzoic acids. Diblock complexes with low volume ratios of aliphatic coils to rod segments (dioctyloxy chains) self‐assembled into lamellar phases; systems with higher ratios (didodecyloxy, trioctyloxy, and tridodecyloxy chains) formed columns. In these columnar structures, two pyrazoles and two benzoic acids formed an aromatic tetramer core through N–H···O and O–H···N hydrogen bonds. Two sets of aromatic tetramers surrounded by flexible aliphatic chains were then stacked to give columnar phases. These are novel examples of supramolecular LC structures comprising hydrogen‐bonded pyrazole–benzoic acid derivatives with tetrameric rigid aromatic scaffolds.
Model selection for partial least squares calibration and implications for analysis of atmospheric organic aerosol samples with mid‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Takahama Satoshi , Dillner Ann M.
Published: October 2015

In developing partial least squares calibration models, selecting the number of latent variables used for their construction to minimize both model bias and model variance remains a challenge. Several metrics exist for incorporating these trade‐offs, but the cost of model parsimony and the potential for underfitting on achievable prediction errors are difficult to anticipate. We propose a metric that penalizes growing model variance against decreasing bias as additional latent variables are added. The magnitude of the penalty is scaled by a user‐defined parameter that is formulated to provide a constraint on the fractional increase in root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV) when selecting a parsimonious model over the conventional minimum RMSECV solution. We evaluate this approach for quantification of four organic functional groups using 238 laboratory standards and 750 complex atmospheric organic aerosol mixtures with mid‐infrared spectroscopy. Parametric variation of this penalty demonstrates that increase in prediction errors due to underfitting is bounded by the magnitude of the penalty for samples similar to laboratory standards used for model training and validation. Imposing an ensemble of penalties corresponding to a 0–30% allowable increase in RMSECV through sum of ranking differences leads to the selection of a model that increases the actual RMSECV up to 20% for laboratory standards but achieves an 85% reduction in the mean error in predicted concentrations for environmental mixtures. Partial least squares models developed with laboratory mixtures can provide useful predictions in complex environmental samples, but may benefit from protection against overfitting. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Chemometrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Making Dimethylamino a Transformable Directing Group by Nickel‐Catalyzed CN Borylation
Authors: Zhang Hua , Hagihara Shinya , Itami Kenichiro
Published: October 2015

The dimethylamino (Me2N) group is arguably the most versatile functional group capable of highly efficient and site‐selective directed aromatic functionalizations at the ortho‐, meta‐, and para‐positions depending on reaction conditions. While the repertoire of Me2N‐directed reactions is growing at a rapid pace, the lack of a general method to transform this group to other functionalities hampers its wider application in organic synthesis. Here we report nickel‐catalyzed CN borylations of aryl‐ and benzyl‐dimethylamines that permit the conversion of a huge library of largely underutilized Me2N‐containing organic molecules into various functional molecules by taking advantage of the wealth of existing CB functionalization methods.
Preparation of Pt‐B/Al2O3 amorphous alloy catalysts via microemulsion methods and application into hydrogenation of m‐chloronitrobenzene
Authors: Li Feng , Cao Bo , Ma Rui , Song Hualin , Song Hua
Published: October 2015

Pt‐B/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared through chemical reduction of platinum ions with borohydride in a water/oil (W/O) microemulsion system comprising cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), n‐butanol, cyclohexane, and H2PtCl6 solution. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and selected‐area electron diffraction (SAED) analyses show that the active Pt particles on the catalysts are uniformly distributed as a Pt‐B amorphous alloy. We studied the effects of microemulsion composition, reduction conditions, and preparation methods on the catalysts applied into m‐chloronitrobenzene (m‐CNB) hydrogenation. We also investigated the kinetics of m‐CNB hydrogenation. The catalyst prepared via a single‐microemulsion method exhibited much higher activity and even higher selectivity than that prepared with the aqueous solution method. Finally, we propose the mechanism for Pt‐B effects on the catalytic performance of Pt‐B/Al2O3 in m‐CNB hydrogenation.
Influence of drying temperature and atmosphere on the mechanical strength of iron‐ore agglomerates and sodium silicates for application in sintering processes
Authors: de Castro Dutra Flávio , Emrich Marcus , Magela da Costa Geraldo , Dias Anderson
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the influence of drying temperature and atmosphere on the mechanical strength of iron‐ore agglomerates and sodium silicates. Mixtures of different pellet feed and sodium silicates were produced with a ball disc and cured at various temperatures. The resulting products exhibited sufficiently high mechanical strength to be transported over long distances and handled until their use in sintering processes. The agglomerates were dried/cured at temperatures between 100–550 °C and in gaseous atmospheres consisting of air and/or carbon dioxide. During this process, a strong influence of both temperature and atmosphere on the compression strength after contact with water, as well as on the morphology of the sodium silicates, was observed. The use of carbon dioxide atmosphere during drying proved effective for achieving high mechanical strength after water immersion. A phenomenological approach was developed to explain the results in order to connect morphology and mechanical properties.
Fe(III) recovery from HCl solutions using amberlite XAD‐7 resin impregnated with a tetraalkyl phosphonium ionic liquid
Authors: Navarro Ricardo , Saucedo Imelda , Gallardo Violeta , Guibal Eric
Published: October 2015

Fe(III) is efficiently extracted from concentrated HCl solutions using Amberlite XAD‐7 impregnated with tetraalkyl phosphonium chloride ionic liquid (IL) (synthesis of extractant‐impregnated resin, EIR). The sorption efficiency is controlled by metal speciation and IL loading in the EIR. Sorption isotherms in mono‐component solutions are described by the Langmuir equation, while the extended Langmuir equation perfectly fits sorption isotherms from binary Fe(III)/Zn(II) solutions. The thermodynamic study confirms the endothermic nature of the sorption. Uptake kinetics are fitted by the pseudo‐second order rate equation. While temperature and metal concentration have a relatively limited effect on kinetics, the IL content more significantly affects the mass transfer of Fe(III). Water, sodium sulphate, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid almost completely desorb Fe(III) from loaded EIRs. Resin recycling was tested for eight cycles without significant decrease of the sorption and desorption efficiencies.
Aryl Bis‐Sulfonamide Inhibitors of IspF from Arabidopsis thaliana and Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Thelemann Jonas , Illarionov Boris , Barylyuk Konstantin , Geist Julie , Kirchmair Johannes , Schneider Petra , Anthore Lucile , Root Katharina , Trapp Nils , Bacher Adelbert , Witschel Matthias , Zenobi Renato , Fischer Markus , Schneider Gisbert , Diederich François
Published: October 2015

2‐Methylerythritol 2,4‐cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF) is an essential enzyme for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid precursors in plants and many human pathogens. The protein is an attractive target for the development of anti‐infectives and herbicides. Using a photometric assay, a screen of 40 000 compounds on IspF from Arabidopsis thaliana afforded symmetrical aryl bis‐sulfonamides that inhibit IspF from A. thaliana (AtIspF) and Plasmodium falciparum (PfIspF) with IC50 values in the micromolar range. The ortho‐bis‐sulfonamide structural motif is essential for inhibitory activity. The best derivatives obtained by parallel synthesis showed IC50 values of 1.4 μm against PfIspF and 240 nm against AtIspF. Substantial herbicidal activity was observed at a dose of 2 kg ha−1. Molecular modeling studies served as the basis for an in silico search targeted at the discovery of novel, non‐symmetrical sulfonamide IspF inhibitors. The designed compounds were found to exhibit inhibitory activities in the double‐digit micromolar IC50 range.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan‐Based Polyelectrolyte Complexes Doped with Xanthene Dyes
Authors: Slyusareva Evgenia , Gerasimova Marina , Slabko Vitaliy , Abuzova Nina , Plotnikov Alexei , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: October 2015

Biocompatible chitosan‐based polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) doped with xanthene dyes (fluorescein, eosin Y, erythrosin B, rhodamine 6G) were synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, and absorption and luminescence (including polarized, time‐resolved, and phosphorescence) spectroscopy. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanism and rigidity of dye–PEC binding, the heavy‐atom effect in dyes and PEC stability. Eosin Y is found to be the optimal dopant, providing both a high dye content in PECs and a high quantum yield of fluorescence.
Excited‐State Deactivation of Branched Phthalocyanine Compounds
Authors: Zhu Huaning , Li Yang , Chen Jun , Zhou Meng , Niu Yingli , Zhang Xinxing , Guo Qianjin , Wang Shuangqing , Yang Guoqiang , Xia Andong
Published: October 2015

The excited‐state relaxation dynamics and chromophore interactions in two phthalocyanine compounds (bis‐ and trisphthalocyanines) are studied by using steady‐state and femtosecond transient absorption spectral measurements, where the excited‐state energy‐transfer mechanism is explored. By exciting phthalocyanine compounds to their second electronically excited states and probing the subsequent relaxation dynamics, a multitude of deactivation pathways are identified. The transient absorption spectra show the relaxation pathway from the exciton state to excimer state and then back to the ground state in bisphthalocyanine (bis‐Pc). In trisphthalocyanine (tris‐Pc), the monomeric and dimeric subunits are excited and the excitation energy transfers from the monomeric vibrationally hot S1 state to the exciton state of a pre‐associated dimer, with subsequent relaxation to the ground state through the excimer state. The theoretical calculations and steady‐state spectra also show a face‐to‐face conformation in bis‐Pc, whereas in tris‐Pc, two of the three phthalocyanine branches form a pre‐associated face‐to‐face dimeric conformation with the third one acting as a monomeric unit; this is consistent with the results of the transient absorption experiments from the perspective of molecular structure. The detailed structure–property relationships in phthalocyanine compounds is useful for exploring the function of molecular aggregates in energy migration of natural photosynthesis systems.
Incorporating spatial and operational constraints in the sampling designs for forest inventories
Authors: Vallée Audrey‐Anne , Ferland‐Raymond Bastien , Rivest Louis‐Paul , Tillé Yves
Published: October 2015

Besides the evaluation of the volume of standing trees, goals of forest inventories include collecting geophysical information and monitoring fragile ecosystems. In the province of Quebec, Canada, their implementation faces challenging methodological problems. The survey area covers a large territory that is hardly accessible and has a diverse forest. The main operational goals are to spread the sampled plots throughout the survey area and to capture, in the sample, the forest heterogeneity while keeping the cost at a reasonable level. In many inventories, a two‐dimensional systematic sampling design is applied, and the rich auxiliary information is only used at the estimation stage. We show how to use modern and advanced sampling techniques to improve the planning of forest inventories and meet complex operational goals. For the Quebec forest inventory, we build a two‐stage sampling design that has clusters of plots to optimize field work and predetermined sample sizes for forest types. Constraints of spreading the sample in the whole territory and of balancing according to auxiliary variables are also implemented. To meet these requirements, we use unequal inclusion probabilities, balanced sampling, highly stratified balanced sampling, and sample spreading. The impact of these novel techniques on the implementation of requirements and on the precision of survey estimates is investigated using Quebec inventory data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.