bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aminoglycoside tolerance in Vibrio cholerae engages translational reprogramming associated to queuosine tRNA modification
Authors: Fruchard Louna , Babosan Anamaria , Carvalho Andre , Lang Manon , Li Blaise , Duchateau Magalie , Giai-Gianetto Quentin , Matondo Mariette , Bonhomme Frédéric , Hatin Isabelle , Arbes Hugo , Fabret Céline , Sanchez Guillaume , Marchand Virginie , Motorin Yuri , Namy Olivier , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie , Mazel Didier , Baharoglu Zeynep
Published: June 2024

Tgt is the enzyme modifying the guanine (G) in tRNAs with GUN anticodon to queuosine (Q).
tgt
is required for optimal growth of
Vibrio cholerae
in the presence of sub-lethal aminoglycoside concentrations. We further explored here the role of the Q in the efficiency of codon decoding upon tobramycin exposure. We characterized its impact on the overall bacterial proteome, and elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Q modification in antibiotic translational stress response. Using molecular reporters, we showed that Q impacts the efficiency of decoding at tyrosine TAT and TAC codons. Proteomics analyses revealed that the anti-SoxR factor RsxA is better translated in the absence of
tgt
. RsxA displays a codon bias towards tyrosine TAT and overabundance of RsxA leads to decreased expression of genes belonging to SoxR oxidative stress regulon. We also identified conditions that regulate
tgt
expression. We propose that regulation of Q modification in response to environmental cues leads to translational reprogramming of genes bearing a biased tyrosine codon usage.
In silico
analysis further identified candidate genes possibly subject to such translational regulation, among which DNA repair factors. Such transcripts, fitting the definition of modification tunable transcripts, are plausibly central in the bacterial response to antibiotics.
Kunstnere og kunstprogram i skolen
Authors: Ulvund Marit
Published: June 2024

Stortingsmelding 18 (Meld. St. 18 2020-2021) så vel som offentlige rapporter og evalueringer etterlyser elevenes medvirkning og langsiktige kunst/skolesamarbeid i Den kulturelle skolesekken. Denne artikkelen undersøker muligheter og utfordringer i fem langsiktige og elevaktive kunstprogram i fem ulike skoler i Norge, og er gjennomført i samarbeid med ti kunstnerne. Den undersøker a) hvilke erfaringer kunstnerne gjorde seg gjennom sin langsiktige og elevaktive kunstpraksis i skolen, og b) om og hvordan modellene Kunstprogram og Kunstnerlærerens kompetanse var nyttige for kunstnerne i gjennomføring av kunstprogrammene.
Forskningsmaterialet referer til kunstnernes egne refleksjons- og sluttrapporter, og kunstpraksis dokumentert gjennom forskerens logg tilknyttet observasjon, veiledning, praksisbesøk og fellessamlinger med de ti kunstnerne. Videre henvises det til kontekstuelle teoristudier relatert til kunst i utdanningen, Den kulturelle skolesekken og kunstnerlærere.
Studien viser at kunstnerne opplevde at kunstprogrammene ble godt mottatt og ble verdsatt av elever og lærere. Samtidig fant vi at det finnes uutnyttet potensiale i partnerskap mellom kunstnere og lærere/skoler. Det ble avdekket et behov for en rolleavklaring og et tettere samarbeid mellom kunstnerne og lærere, og på den måten knytte kunstprogrammene nærmere skolekonteksten og skolens øvrige innhold. Samtaler og refleksjon tilknyttet modellene Kunstprogram og Kunstnerlærer ble opplevd som nyttige for utvikling og gjennomføring av de fem langsiktige kunstprogrammene. Dette i særlig grad fordi det skapte et felles vokabular og gav mulighet for å snakke om både ulike roller og utfordringer tilknyttet arbeidets form og innhold.
Forsidebilde: Marit Ulvund
Food Security in India: Milestones Achieved So Far
Authors: Chaudhary Jyoti , Thakur Kalpna , Shelar Rohit , Singh Rajat , Rimpika  , Devi Sarita , Verma Swati
Published: June 2024

World hunger is one of the major challenges, across globe; up to 828 million people do not have enough food and 49 million people facing emergency level of hunger. Being the most populous country of the world, India has achieved steady economic growth and the production of the foodgrains has increased however 21.25 per cent of the population lives on less than US$1.90 a day. Over the past seven decades the growth in the area and production of the foodgrains was 0.19 % and 2.37 % per annum respectively. The per capita availability of the foodgrains has increased to 185.4 Kg per annum with growth rate of 0.15 per cent from 1951 to 2021. The availability of the foodgrains has increased due to the improvement in the various government schemes like Targeted Pubic Distribution System (TDPS) with the joint efforts of World food programs. Further the country has achieved a lot in terms of the foodgrains export as it increased to Rs. 3759.09 billion during 2021-22 from Rs. 60.13 billion during 1990-91. The country still suffers from hunger and malnutrition. The reason being the poor people still have limited access to these commodities in the country. Increasing the rural and urban employment along with the self employment can increase the access to the food. Thus government needs to focus more on the food accessibility and make available the nutrition rich food to the population.
Effect of different Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Quality of Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench cv. Abusabien)
Authors: M. Ismaeil Feisal , E. Ahmed Salah Eldeen , A. Jabereldar Abderhim , Ahmed Entisar Elilah B. Mohammed , H. B Mohammed
Published: June 2024

The present study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Elobeid, Sudan. To evaluate the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of Sorghum forage (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench. cv Abusabien). The treatments consisted of four levels of nitrogen: control, 43, 86 and 120 kg N/ha (0N, 1N, 2N and 3N). The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. The parameters measured were: plant population, plant height (cm), number of leaves/plant, fresh weight (ton/ha), dry weight (ton/ha), crude protein (%) content, fat (%) content, fiber (%) content, ash (%) content and carbohydrates (%) content. the results revealed that there were significant differences among the treatments in most characters under study. Nitrogen fertilizer resulted in an increase in growth attributes as well as forage yield. Nitrogen fertilizer dose (120 kg N/ha) produced higher fresh and dry forage at harvest compared to the other treatments. Also the results showed that nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the percentage (%) content of crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrates while decreased fiber percentage (%) concentration compared to the control. The treatment 120 kg N/ha (3N) had highest values of protein (13.68), fat (2.04), ash (12.18) (%) content, while the lowest values (9.73, 1.32 and 10.07) % content respectively, were obtained in the control. Then, based on these findings we recommended that to obtain high growth, forage yield and quality from sorghum forage Abu-Sabeen, nitrogen at the level of (120 kg/ha ) should be applied.
Contemporary Farming and Associated Consequences of Climate Change
Authors: Murodsulton Navruzova , P. Rathore Aditya , M. Surpura Rahemanali , K. Patel Smit , Jangir Sudhanshu
Published: June 2024

Aim: This review aims to synthesize current understanding of the multifaceted impacts of climate change on agriculture, examine adaptive strategies to maintain food security, and offer insights into sustainable farming practices.
Objectives: The objectives are to: (1) identify the potential causes of climate change, (2) assess its effects on agriculture, and (3) discuss mitigation strategies and sustainable farming practice.
Methodology: A systematic review of the literature has been performed. We conducted an in-depth study of previous research, reports, and related literature. Sources were selected based on relevance and credibility to provide a thorough examination of the impacts of climate change on agriculture.
Analysis: The analysis focused on categorizing the direct and indirect effects of climate change on agricultural systems, understanding changes in crop yield, plant physiology and metabolism, and evaluating the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies.
Result Findings: The findings indicate that the greenhouse effect, driven by gases such as CO2, CH4, and H2O, leads to global temperature increases. The concentration of these gases is rising, with the global average temperature expected to increase by 2°C by 2100, causing significant economic losses. While this increase has boosted plant growth and productivity through enhanced photosynthesis, the associated rise in temperature counteracts these benefits.
Therefore, mitigation strategies such as nutrient management, drip and sprinkler irrigation, and sustainable agricultural practices are essential. Natural farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that offers chemical-free, healthy food while promising to increase farmers' income, improve environmental health, restore soil fertility, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion: Climate change poses a significant threat to global food and nutritional security by altering agricultural productivity and sustainability. Understanding these impacts and developing effective mitigation strategies is crucial. This review provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to address these challenges and ensure resilient agricultural systems capable of sustaining future food security.
Students’ Satisfaction with Islamic Education Management Department Services at the State Islamic University of Sultan Amai Gorontalo, Indonesia
Authors: Syilfi  , Obie Muhammad
Published: June 2024

This study aims to analyze the student satisfaction index for the services of the Department of Islamic Education Management at IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo in 2023. Interview methods, participatory observations, and document studies were used to collect data from students who were active in the department. Participants were asked to assess various aspects of the service, including the quality of teaching, facilities, academic support, and participation in extracurricular activities. The collected data is analyzed to evaluate the overall level of student satisfaction. The main findings show that student satisfaction with the services of the Islamic Education Management Department is relatively high. Students give positive ratings of teaching quality, availability of facilities, academic support, and opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities. However, the study also identified several areas where improvements can be made to improve student satisfaction in the future. This study provides valuable insights for university managers to improve the quality of service and student learning experience in the Department of Islamic Education Management at IAIN Sultan Amai Gorontalo.
Socio-Economic Analysis of Cauliflower Growers in Jammu Region of Jammu and Kashmir (UT)
Authors: Sharma Anamika , Sharma L. K. , Dolma Tsewang , K. R. Ananda , Pal Ankit
Published: June 2024

A comprehensive investigation was undertaken in 2020-2021 in the Jammu district of the Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory), India employing a descriptive study design. The primary objective was to discern the socio-economic characteristics of the cauliflower cultivators. Utilizing a multistage sampling methodology, a total of 160 cauliflower growers constituted the study sample. The results indicate that a substantial proportion of respondents (37%) fall within the middle-age category, holding matriculation level education (41%). The majority of respondents (54%) reside in joint family setups and agriculture emerges as the predominant occupation (76%). The majority of cauliflower growers in the study area have marginal farm sizes, primarily irrigated using canal water. While several critical information sources were conveniently located near the study area, including the agriculture office and input stores, access to others such as the SAU, KVK and the market was more distant. Respondents occasionally sought information from nearby sources in their villages.
Influence of Integrated Nematode Management Modules against Meloidogyne incognita Infecting Cucumber in Poly-house
Authors: Bhati S. S. , Baheti B. L. , Chandrawat B. S. , Kumhar R. N.
Published: June 2024

Nematodes management in poly-house through a single practice is a very typical task in present agricultural scenario so, an integrated nematode management trial was conducted for the management of Meloidogyne incognita on cucumber in poly-house. In the investigation different combinations of physical, cultural and chemical treatments were applied for effective management of hidden enemy of cucumber, M. incognita. The combinations of hot water at 1 litre per poly bag, organic amendment (tea waste, tobacco churi, poultry manure, water hyacinth powder and lantana leaf powder at 20 g/plant) and carbofuran (0.25 g a.i./plant and 0.50 g a.i./plant) were applied. Standard (Hot water at 1 litre + Neem cake 50 g/plant + phorate at 0.5 g a.i./plant) and untreated checks were also maintained to compare experimental findings. The results of investigation shows that all the applied treatments significantly reduced nematode infection and increase plant growth over untreated check. Among all treatment combinations, Highest yield of cucumber (4.171 kg/plant) was obtained with integration of Hot water at 1 litre + Neem cake 50 g/plant + phorate at 0.5 g a.i./plant followed by Hot water + Tobacco churi + carbofuran at 0.5 g a.i./plant (3.924 kg/plant) and Hot water + Tea waste + carbofuran at 0.5 g a.i./plant (3.781 kg/plant) as compared to untreated check (1.092 kg/plant).
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Body Image Dissatisfaction in Adolescents: A Narrative Review
Authors: Akhator-Eneka Nwife
Published: June 2024

This narrative review delves into the intricate relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and body image dissatisfaction in adolescents, a pressing public health issue linked to a spectrum of psychological disorders. Body image dissatisfaction among adolescents is a significant public health concern due to its association with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and risky behaviours such as binge eating, extreme dieting, and substance abuse. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are highly prevalent and have been associated with negative body image.
Based on the identity disruption model, adolescence is characterised by a tumultuous period of exploration of self and identity formation. Experiencing adverse events could result in an identity crisis, leading to cognitive dissonance regarding body appearance and body functionality. Consequently, body image dissatisfaction can lead to negative emotions, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, social withdrawal, and maladaptive coping mechanisms such as extreme dieting or eating.
This review explored evidence-based interventions for preventing and managing body image dissatisfaction in adolescents, such as psychoeducation to address cognitive dissonance, promotion of physical activity, and implementation of digital interventions focusing on behavioural therapy. The review also identified virtual-reality-based interventions as promising tools for addressing ACEs-induced body image dissatisfaction, as they could make behavioural therapies more engaging and realistic for parents and their children.
However, this review is constrained by the methodological limitations of the literature utilised, primarily consisting of cross-sectional studies, which limited the ability of the study to present meaningful insights on the long-term effects of the interventions. Furthermore, the focus on family dysfunction, child maltreatment, and emotional abuse in the context of ACEs may not comprehensively represent the spectrum of other adverse experiences such as sexual abuse and neglect. Lastly, cultural differences in the perception of body image and the extent of ACEs experienced are not addressed due to the methodological approach of the reviewed literature, limiting the generalizability of the findings presented in this review. It is therefore recommended that future research aim at addressing these research gaps by incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and longitudinal data to better understand the long-term impact of ACEs on body image dissatisfaction.
Semi-Supervised SAR Image Classification via Adaptive Threshold Selection
Authors: Do Jaejun , Yoo Minjung , Lee Jaeseok , Moon Hyoi , Kim Sunok
Published: June 2024

Semi-supervised learning is a good way to train a classification model using a small number of labeled and large number of unlabeled data. We applied semi-supervised learning to a synthetic aperture radar(SAR) image classification model with a limited number of datasets that are difficult to create. To address the previous difficulties, semi-supervised learning uses a model trained with a small amount of labeled data to generate and learn pseudo labels. Besides, a lot of number of papers use a single fixed threshold to create pseudo labels. In this paper, we present a semi-supervised synthetic aperture radar(SAR) image classification method that applies different thresholds for each class instead of all classes sharing a fixed threshold to improve SAR classification performance with a small number of labeled datasets.
Point Ahead Angle(PAA) Estimation and a Control Algorithm for Satellite-Pointing of the Ground Terminal in Satellite-to-Ground Optical Communication
Authors: Yoon Taehyun
Published: June 2024

Free-space optical communication technology enables the high-speed data transmission and excellent anti-jamming security. We conduct research on satellite-to-ground free-space optical communication links for high-speed transmission of large-capacity surveillance and reconnaissance data. Since the satellite continues to move along its orbit while the optical signal is transmitted between the satellite and the ground, the pointing angle of the beam from the ground terminal needs to be corrected by Point Ahead Angle(PAA) so that the transmitted light reaches the expected location of the satellite. In this paper, we present the algorithm for PAA estimation and control.
A Study on Maritime Object Image Classification Using a Pruning-Based Lightweight Deep-Learning Model
Authors: Han Younghoon , Lee Chunju , Kang Jaegoo
Published: June 2024

Deep learning models require high computing power due to a substantial amount of computation. It is difficult to use them in devices with limited computing environments, such as coastal surveillance equipments. In this study, a lightweight model is constructed by analyzing the weight changes of the convolutional layers during the training process based on MobileNet and then pruning the layers that affects the model less. The performance comparison results show that the lightweight model maintains performance while reducing computational load, parameters, model size, and data processing speed. As a result of this study, an effective pruning method for constructing lightweight deep learning models and the possibility of using equipment resources efficiently through lightweight models in limited computing environments such as coastal surveillance equipments are presented.
Progressive Test and Evaluation Strategy for Verification of KF-X AESA Radar Development
Authors: Cho Shinyoung , Kwak Yongkil , Oh Hyunseok , Ju Hyesun , Park Hongwoo
Published: June 2024

This paper describes a progressive test and evaluation strategy for verification of Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) AESA(Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar development. Three progressive stages of development test and evaluation were officially performed from simulated test conditions to actual operating conditions according to standards: radar function/performance and avionics integration. KF-X AESA radar development is repeatedly verified by progressive stages consisting of five tests: Roof-lab ground test, System Integration Laboratory(SIL) ground test, Flying Test Bed(FTB) test, KF-X ground test, and KF-X flight test. As a result, the risk factor decreases as stages and tests progress. Therefore, development test and evaluation of KF-X AESA radar are successfully performed at low development risk.
Comprehensive high‐performance epoxy nanocomposites co‐reinforced by organo‐montmorillonite and nano‐SiO2
Authors: Li Xi , Zhan Zai‐Ji , Peng Gui‐Rong , Wang Wen‐Kui
Published: September 2011

Comprehensive high‐performance epoxy nanocomposites were successfully prepared by co‐incorporating organo‐montmorillonite (o‐MMT) and nano‐SiO2 into epoxy matrix. Because of the strong interaction between nanoscale particles, the MMT layers were highly exfoliated, and the exfoliated nanoscale MMT monoplatelets took an interlacing arrangement with the nano‐SiO2 particles in the epoxy matrix, as evidenced by X‐ray diffraction measurement and transmission electron microscopy inspection. Mechanical tests and thermal analyses showed that the resulting epoxy/o‐MMT/nano‐SiO2 nanocomposites improved substantially over pure epoxy and epoxy/o‐MMT nanocomposites in tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural modulus, flexural strength, notch impact strength, glass transition temperature, and thermal decomposition temperature. This study suggests that co‐incorporating two properly selected nanoscale particles into polymer is one pathway to success in preparing comprehensive high‐performance polymer nanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Eribulin mesylate (halichondrin B analog E7389) in platinum‐resistant and platinum‐sensitive ovarian cancer
Authors: Hensley Martee L. , Kravetz Sara , Jia Xiaoyu , Iasonos Alexia , Tew William , Pereira Lauren , Sabbatini Paul , Whalen Christin , Aghajanian Carol A. , Zarwan Corinne , Berlin Suzanne
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Eribulin mesylate is a tubulin inhibitor with activity superior to paclitaxel in NIH:OVCAR‐3 human epithelial ovarian cancer xenograft models. In this study, the authors assessed the efficacy of eribulin in platinum‐resistant and platinum‐sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

Patients with recurrent, measurable epithelial ovarian cancer who had received ≤2 prior cytotoxic regimens and who had adequate organ function were enrolled into 2 separate cohorts: 1) platinum‐resistant patients (who had a progression‐free interval <6 months after their last platinum‐based therapy) and 2) platinum‐sensitive patients (who had a progression‐free interval ≥6 months after their last platinum‐based therapy). Eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 was administered over 15 minutes intravenously on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. Efficacy was determined by objective response on computed tomography studies.

RESULTS:

In the platinum‐resistant cohort, 37 patients enrolled, and 36 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Two patients achieved a partial response (5.5%), and 16 patients (44%) had stable disease as their best response. The median progression‐free survival was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval, 1.4‐2.8 months). In the platinum‐sensitive cohort, 37 patients enrolled, and all were evaluable for response. Seven patients achieved a partial response (19%). The median progression‐free survival was 4.1 months (95% confidence interval, 2.8‐5.8 months). The major toxicity was grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (42% of platinum‐resistant patients; 54% of platinum‐sensitive patients).

CONCLUSIONS:

Eribulin produced an objective response in 5.5% of women with platinum‐resistant, recurrent ovarian cancer and in 19% of women with platinum‐sensitive disease. The median progression‐free survival was 1.8 months in the platinum‐resistant group and 4.1 months in the platinum‐sensitive group. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
FoxP2 expression in the cerebellum and inferior olive: Development of the transverse stripe‐shaped expression pattern in the mouse cerebellar cortex
Authors: Fujita Hirofumi , Sugihara Izumi
Published: September 2011

Many molecules are expressed heterogeneously in subpopulations of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and inferior olive (IO) neurons during development or in adulthood. These expression patterns are often organized in longitudinal stripes in the cerebellar cortex, which may be related to functional compartmentalization. FoxP2, a transcription factor, is expressed in PCs and IO neurons, but the details of its expression pattern remain unclear. Here we examined FoxP2 expression patterns systematically by immunostaining serial sections of the hindbrain from embryonic day 14.5 to adulthood in mice. FoxP2 was highly expressed in virtually all PCs at and before postnatal day 6 (P6), except for those in the flocculus and small parts of the nodulus (vermal lobule X), where FoxP2 expression was moderate or absent. After P6, FoxP2 expression gradually diminished in PCs in some areas. In adults, FoxP2 was expressed, less intensely than in earlier stages, in subsets of PCs that were mostly arranged transversely along the folial apices. In contrast, FoxP2 was expressed intensely in most IO neurons during development and in adulthood. FoxP2 was also expressed in a small population of neurons in the cerebellar nuclei. FoxP2 expression in adult rats and chicks was generally comparable to that in adult mice, suggesting evolutionary conservation of the expression pattern. Thus, the FoxP2 expression pattern reflects new transverse compartmentalization in the adult cerebellar cortex, although its functional significance remains unclear. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:656–677, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loss of neural recognition molecule NB‐3 delays the normal projection and terminal branching of developing corticospinal tract axons in the mouse
Authors: Huang Zhenhui , Yu Yang , Shimoda Yasushi , Watanabe Kazutada , Liu Yaobo
Published: September 2011

Neural recognition molecule NB‐3 is involved in neural development and synapse formation. However, its role in axon tract formation is unclear. In this study, we found that the temporal expression of NB‐3 in the deep layers of the motor cortex in mice was coincident with the development of the corticospinal tract (CST). Clear NB‐3 immunoreactivity in the CST trajectory strongly suggested that NB‐3 was expressed specifically in projecting CST axons. By tracing CST axons in NB‐3−/− mice at different developmental stages, we found that these axons were capable of projecting and forming a normal trajectory. However, the projection was greatly delayed in NB‐3−/− mice compared with wild‐type (WT) mice from the embryonic to postnatal stages, a period that is coincident with the completion of the CST projection in mice. Subsequently, although their projection was delayed, CST axons in NB‐3−/− mice gradually completed a normal projection. By stage P21, the characteristics of CST projections in NB‐3−/− mice were not statistically different from those in WT mice. In addition, we found that the branching of CST axons into spinal gray matter also was delayed in NB‐3−/− mice. The CST innervation area in the spinal gray matter of NB‐3−/− mice was greatly reduced in comparison with WT mice until P30 and gradually became normal by P45. These data suggest that NB‐3 is involved in the normal projection and terminal branching of developing CST axons. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1227–1245, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fundamentals of paracoccidioidomycosis treatment
Authors: Fróes Hugo , Caligiorne Rachel B.
Published: September 2011

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most important mycosis in Latin America. The etiological agent is the fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Approximately 1 million people are infected with the fungus, 10% of whom will show symptoms of the disease. However, clinical and laboratorial studies addressing the diagnosis for this disease are both scarce and diverse in terms of definition. Nevertheless, two main advances were included in the portfolio of available diagnostic methods for paracoccidioidomycosis during the last decades: the detection of antibodies against P. brasiliensis antigens by serological methods, and the detection of the fungi DNA in peripheral blood and fragments of lesions using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and species‐specific primers. Normally, the treatment of PCM is quite prolonged because of the immunosuppressed profile of the patients and the ability of P. brasiliensis to survive in the tissues even after long‐term treatment. Case reports indicate that azoles and sulfa compounds can produce positive results in less severe cases of PCM. However, for acute cases of the disease in immunocompromised patients or in cases of neuroparacoccidioidomycosis, there is no standard treatment. Thus, there is a need to establish a standard treatment protocol within the context of the patient clinical profile. Moreover, drug availability to public institutions is an important issue, since new drugs, e.g., second‐generation azoles, the echinocandines and immunomodulatory drugs, are not yet available in public hospitals and clinics. Drug Dev Res 72:528–537, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of Factorial Design Experiments to the Development of a Disposable Amperometric DNA Biosensor
Authors: Uliana Carolina Venturini , Tognolli João Olimpio , Yamanaka Hideko
Published: September 2011

The development of an amperometric DNA‐based biosensor (genosensor) requires the optimization of many experimental parameters in order to maximize sensitivity. If only one parameter is evaluated per experiment, the resultant genosensor is unlikely to be ideal, because several of the parameters could be interdependent. Herein, chemometric experiments employing full and fractional factorial designs were used to develop biosensor for hepatitis. The results demonstrate that the use of chemometric tools enables optimization of experimental conditions using a smaller number of experiments and with reduced requirements for reagents and samples, which is in line with the principles of green chemistry.
Injectable calcium sulfate/mineralized collagen‐based bone repair materials with regulable self‐setting properties
Authors: Chen Zonggang , Liu Huanye , Liu Xi , Cui Fu‐Zhai
Published: September 2011

An injectable and self‐setting bone repair materials (nano‐hydroxyapatite/collagen/calcium sulfate hemihydrate, nHAC/CSH) was developed in this study. The nano‐hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) composite, which is the mineralized fibril by self‐assembly of nano‐hydrocyapatite and collagen, has the same features as natural bone in both main hierarchical microstructure and composition. It is a bioactive osteoconductor due to its high level of biocompatibility and appropriate degradation rate. However, this material lacks handling characteristics because of its particle or solid‐preformed block shape. Herein, calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) was introduced into nHAC to prepare an injectable and self‐setting in situ bone repair materials. The morphology of materials was observed using SEM. Most important and interesting of all, calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD), which is not only the reactant of preparing CSH but also the final solidified product of CSH, was introduced into nHAC as setting accelerator to regulate self‐setting properties of injectable nHAC/CSH composite, and thus the self‐setting time of nHAC/CSH composite can be regulated from more than 100 min to about 30 min and even less than 20 min by adding various amount of setting accelerator. The compressive properties of bone graft substitute after final setting are similar to those of cancellous bone. CSD as an excellent setting accelerator has no significant effect on the mechanical property and degradability of bone repair materials. In vitro biocompatibility and in vivo histology studies demonstrated that the nHAC/CSH composite could provide more adequate stimulus for cell adhesion and proliferation, embodying favorable cell biocompatibility and a strong ability to accelerate bone formation. It can offer a satisfactory biological environment for growing new bone in the implants and for stimulating bone formation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Metabolic Delivery of Methacryloyl Groups on Living Cells and Cell Surface Modification via Thiol‐Ene “Click” Reaction
Authors: Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Matsuno Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

Methacryloyl groups are delivered on a living cell surface via a glycosylation pathway. The mannosamine derivative ManMA is synthesized as a precursor of cell‐surface sialic‐acid residues. HeLa cells are cultivated in a culture medium containing ManMA, after which a sufficient amount of PEG410K‐SH is in contact with the cells in the presence of a photoinitiator. The cells are then exposed to UV‐light for 10 min. The immobilization of PEG410K‐SH, termed PEGylation, on the cell surface is confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The surface modification does not influence cell viability. Biotinylation of cell surface can also be achieved by the addition of a vinyl compound during PEGylation. By using this process, the functionalities of a cell surface can be freely controlled.

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Enhanced photopolymerization of dimethacrylates with ketones, amines, and iodonium salts: The CQ system
Authors: Cook Wayne D. , Chen Fei
Published: September 2011

The kinetics and mechanism of the photopolymerization of dimethacrylates using three‐component initiation systems consisting of camphorquinone (CQ), diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (Ph2IPF6), and either N,N,3,5‐tetramethylaniline (TMA) or N,N‐dimethylbenzylamine or triethylamine were studied by photo‐DSC and UV‐visible spectroscopy. The effect of monomer structure on the curing kinetics and photobleaching were also investigated. Photo‐DSC studies showed fivefold increases in polymerization rate when all three components were present and the kinetics followed the trend: CQ/amine/Ph2IPF6 ≫ CQ/amine > CQ/Ph2IPF6.. For both CQ/amine/Ph2IPF6 and CQ/amine systems, the CQ was rapidly photobleached during the photo‐DSC timescale but for the systems without amine there was an induction stage before CQ photobleaching was evident. Studies of the effect of monomer type on the photobleaching rate show that the photobleaching behavior was independent of monomer structure. Three photoinitiation mechanisms have been proposed. The reaction mechanism of the CQ/amine/Ph2IPF6 system involves the reduction of the excited CQ molecule by the amine to form ketyl and aminoalkyl radicals, followed by the irreversible oxidation of the amine, and to a lesser extent, the ketyl radical by the iodonium salt, to form an initiating radical. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Physics of organic ferroelectric field‐effect transistors
Authors: Brondijk Jakob J. , Asadi Kamal , Blom Paul W. M. , de Leeuw Dago M.
Published: September 2011

Most of the envisaged applications of organic electronics require a nonvolatile memory that can be programmed, erased, and read electrically. Ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFET) are especially suitable due to the nondestructive read‐out and low power consumption. Here, an analytical model is presented that describes the charge transport in organic FeFETs. The model combines an empirical expression for the ferroelectric polarization with a density dependent hopping charge transport in organic semiconductors. Transfer curves can be calculated with parameters that are directly linked to the physical properties of both the comprising ferroelectric and semiconductor materials. A unipolar FeFET switches between a polarized and depolarized state, and an ambipolar FeFET switches between two stable polarized states. A good agreement between experimental and calculated current is obtained. The method is generic; any other analytical model for the polarization and charge transport can be easily implemented and can be used to identify the origin of the different transconductances reported in the literature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
A modeling study of orographic convection and mountain waves in the landfalling typhoon Nari (2001)
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Dong , Yang Ming‐Jen , Tan Zhe‐Min
Published: September 2011

In this study the characteristics of mountain‐induced gravity waves (MGWs) and orographic convection in typhoon Nari (2001) and their impacts on the formation of orographic precipitation, as Nari moved across Taiwan's Central Mountain Range (CMR), are investigated by analyzing the cloud‐resolving model simulation results. In the distant rain band, convective cells were triggered frequently on the steep windward slope of CMR and advected downstream. Simultaneously MGWs could exist on the lee side with stable environmental stratification. Three phases occurred in the MGWs–convection interaction, including the enhancement of MGWs and convection, breaking, and restoring of MGWs. When the convective cells and MGWs were superposed in (out of) phase, the amplitudes of both MGWs and convective cells were increased (decreased). The vertical wavelength of MGWs was also increased during the in‐phase superposition, even inducing the further breaking of MGWs. For the formation of precipitation on the lee side, MGWs–convection interaction contributes on a smaller scale to offset the reduction effect from the larger‐scale descending. Moreover, convective cells on the windward slope could contribute a large amount of cloud ice and snow particles aloft to seed hydrometeors over the lee side. More cloud water was produced by the MGWs–convection interaction when their amplitudes were increased during the in‐phase superposition. Riming and coalescence processes were responsible not only for the windward‐slope precipitation enhancement but also the secondary precipitation maximum over the lee side. Therefore, the MGWs–convection interaction could modify the structure of vertical motion and hydrometeors over the lee side, and then affect orographic precipitation when Nari passed the CMR.

As Nari's eyewall encountered the northern CMR, the terrain generated long‐lasting strong updrafts at the upslope, resulting in a doubled rainfall maximum to that in the no‐terrain sensitivity experiment. The downdraft branch of the MGW produced a rain shadow on the lee side. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Fate and Toxicity of Metallic and Metal‐Containing Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Yu‐Feng , Chen Chunying
Published: September 2011

It is important to obtain a better understanding of the uptake, trafficking, pharmacokinetics, clearance, and role of nanomaterials in biological systems, so that their possible undesirable effects can be avoided. A number of metallic or metal‐containing nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles and nanorods, quantum dots, iron oxides nanoparticles, and endohedral metallofullerenes, have already been or will soon become very promising for biomedical applications. This review presents a summary of currently available data on the fate and toxicity of these metallic or metal‐containing nanoparticles based on animal studies. Several issues regarding the nanotoxicity assessment and future directions on the study of the fate of these nanoparticles are also proposed.
Online Damage Control: The Effects of Proactive versus Reactive Webcare Interventions in Consumer-generated and Brand-generated Platforms
Authors: Van Noort Guda , Willemsen Lotte M.
Published: September 2011

Web 2.0 has empowered consumers to voice complaints with reduced costs (physical and psychological), and to share these with a multitude of other consumers on the Internet. As a public phenomenon, online complaints have a negative impact on consumers’ evaluations of brands that are under attack in online complaints. By means of an experiment, we study the most effective means for companies to counter complaints as expressed in negative electronic word of mouth (NWOM). The results show that negative brand evaluations engendered by NWOM can be attenuated by webcare interventions dependent on type of strategy (proactive vs. reactive) and platform used (consumer-generated vs. brand-generated blog). This effect appeared to be mediated by conversational human voice. The findings are discussed in the light of practical implications for online complaint management.
Labour Ideologies and Women in the Northern Netherlands, c.1500–1800
Authors: Schmidt Ariadne
Published: September 2011

The ideology of domesticity that identified women with a domestic role became more articulated in north-western Europe throughout the early modern period. At the same time, perceptions of work changed and a new appraisal of labour emerged. These seemingly contradictory tendencies prompt the question how women fitted in with the ideology of work. This article discusses common notions of the economic role of women as they emerged from the debates on women, gender relations, and work; how these notions were translated into practical advice in conduct literature; and with what norms women were confronted in everyday life. It appears that work was valued positively for both women and men. Women's involvement in remunerated work was not considered problematic. There was a dividing line, however, and that was drawn between work within the home, which was deemed women's work, and work outside the home, which was deemed men's work. In practice, a differentiation was made between social groups; women who lacked income from capital were supposed to earn their living from work.
Scientific substantiation of health claims in the EU
Authors: Flynn Albert
Published: September 2011

EU legislation on nutrition and health claims made on foods (Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006) specifies that health claims should be only authorised for use in the Community after a scientific assessment of the highest possible standard is carried out by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This paper focuses on the scientific substantiation of health claims within the context of the EU Regulation. The evaluation of the substantiation of health claims is carried out by the EFSA Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). The EFSA has published extensive guidance to assist applicants in the preparation of applications for authorisations of health claims. This guidance summarises the general principles applied by the NDA Panel in the evaluation of health claims, including the scientific criteria for substantiation, as well as the scientific requirements for the substantiation of specific health claims. To date, the EFSA NDA Panel has concluded that a wide range of health claims has been substantiated. These include claims for many well-established functions of nutrients, as well as beneficial effects of foods and food constituents on a range of body functions. In addition, claims have been substantiated on the role of nutrients in growth and development of children and on the effects of nutrients and food constituents on reduction of risk factors for disease. EFSA evaluations and guidance have made an important contribution to the understanding of the scientific substantiation of health claims which will help to set new directions for research and will guide future innovation.
U.S. Expansionism, Mexican Undocumented Migration, and American Obligations
Authors: Alarcón Rafael
Published: September 2011

In his compelling piece, “Living in a Promiseland? Mexican Immigration and American Obligations,” Rogers Smith argues that the greater the degree to which the U.S. has coercively constituted the identities of non-citizens in ways that have made having certain relationships to America fundamental to their capacities to lead free and meaningful lives, the greater the obligations the U.S. has to facilitate those relationships. Over the last hundred years, many rural communities in Mexico have been constituted more by U.S. immigration policy and the labor demands of U.S. employers than by similar policies and economic factors in Mexico. According to Smith, this means that Mexicans may be owed “special access” to American residency and citizenship, ahead of the residents of countries less affected by U.S. policies, and in ways that should justify leniency toward undocumented Mexican immigrants.
A regional disability tribunal for Asia and the Pacific: changing the conversation to a ‘conversation’?
Authors: Carney Terry
Published: September 2011

This article reviews approaches to the needs of disabled people in Asia and the Pacific, the only part of the world currently lacking regional human rights machinery. The article examines some of the social policy choices involved in prioritising different possible approaches to meeting the needs of disabled people in the region, with a focus on a proposed regional disability rights tribunal (DR-TAP). It is argued that this is not the top priority for immediate action; rather it is contended that capacity building and culturally appropriate attitudinal and other change strategies should instead be pursued over the medium-term horizon.
An old enzyme for current needs: adenosine deaminase and a dendritic cell vaccine for HIV
Authors: Martinez‐Navio Jose M , Climent Nuria , Gallart Teresa , Lluis Carme , Franco Rafael
Published: September 2011

After nearly three decades of searching for a vaccine against HIV, a cure for this pandemic disease still remains elusive. The low immunogenicity of the surface proteins and the huge variability of the virus, together with the immunocompromised status of the host, have made developing an HIV vaccine an uphill battle. Over the past few years, both immunogen design and immunization strategies have improved, providing hope for future, although the anti‐HIV responses achieved still remain modest. As developing a prophylactic vaccine seems unlikely nowadays, efforts have focused on alternative therapeutic immunization approaches, although these still need to be further optimized. Using an immunomodulator capable of restoring immune function in the context of infection, thereby boosting cell‐mediated and humoral responses, could be critical in effectively improving current therapeutic approaches. Adenosine deaminase, a protein with a pivotal role in T‐cell co‐stimulation, has been shown to robustly enhance specific T‐cell responses against HIV in vitro. Although its role in humoral responses has not yet been assessed, genetic defects in this enzyme are associated with impaired cellular and humoral responses. Importantly, this molecule is already commercially available pharmaceutically and, therefore, it fulfils all the requirements to be assayed as an anti‐HIV vaccine adjuvant.
Hearing Speech in Noise: Seeing a Loud Talker is Better
Authors: Kim Jeesun , Sironic Amanda , Davis Chris
Published: September 2011

Seeing the talker improves the intelligibility of speech degraded by noise (a visual speech benefit). Given that talkers exaggerate spoken articulation in noise, this set of two experiments examined whether the visual speech benefit was greater for speech produced in noise than in quiet. We first examined the extent to which spoken articulation was exaggerated in noise by measuring the motion of face markers as four people uttered 10 sentences either in quiet or in babble-speech noise (these renditions were also filmed). The tracking results showed that articulated motion in speech produced in noise was greater than that produced in quiet and was more highly correlated with speech acoustics. Speech intelligibility was tested in a second experiment using a speech-perception-in-noise task under auditory-visual and auditory-only conditions. The results showed that the visual speech benefit was greater for speech recorded in noise than for speech recorded in quiet. Furthermore, the amount of articulatory movement was related to performance on the perception task, indicating that the enhanced gestures made when speaking in noise function to make speech more intelligible.