bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interwoven processes in fish development: microbial community succession and immune maturation
Authors: Auclert Lisa Zoé , Chhanda Mousumi Sarker , Derome Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Fishes are hosts for many microorganisms that provide them with beneficial effects on growth, immune system development, nutrition and protection against pathogens. In order to avoid spreading of infectious diseases in aquaculture, prevention includes vaccinations and routine disinfection of eggs and equipment, while curative treatments consist in the administration of antibiotics. Vaccination processes can stress the fish and require substantial farmer’s investment. Additionally, disinfection and antibiotics are not specific, and while they may be effective in the short term, they have major drawbacks in the long term. Indeed, they eliminate beneficial bacteria which are useful for the host and promote the raising of antibiotic resistance in beneficial, commensal but also in pathogenic bacterial strains. Numerous publications highlight the importance that plays the diversified microbial community colonizing fish (i.e., microbiota) in the development, health and ultimately survival of their host. This review targets the current knowledge on the bidirectional communication between the microbiota and the fish immune system during fish development. It explores the extent of this mutualistic relationship: on one hand, the effect that microbes exert on the immune system ontogeny of fishes, and on the other hand, the impact of critical steps in immune system development on the microbial recruitment and succession throughout their life. We will first describe the immune system and its ontogeny and gene expression steps in the immune system development of fishes. Secondly, the plurality of the microbiotas (depending on host organism, organ, and development stage) will be reviewed. Then, a description of the constant interactions between microbiota and immune system throughout the fish’s life stages will be discussed. Healthy microbiotas allow immune system maturation and modulation of inflammation, both of which contribute to immune homeostasis. Thus, immune equilibrium is closely linked to microbiota stability and to the stages of microbial community succession during the host development. We will provide examples from several fish species and describe more extensively the mechanisms occurring in zebrafish model because immune system ontogeny is much more finely described for this species, thanks to the many existing zebrafish mutants which allow more precise investigations. We will conclude on how the conceptual framework associated to the research on the immune system will benefit from considering the relations between microbiota and immune system maturation. More precisely, the development of active tolerance of the microbiota from the earliest stages of life enables the sustainable establishment of a complex healthy microbial community in the adult host. Establishing a balanced host-microbiota interaction avoids triggering deleterious inflammation, and maintains immunological and microbiological homeostasis.
Buffalo-bur (Solanum rostratum Dunal) invasiveness, bioactivities, and utilization: a review
Authors: Ozuzu Sandra Amarachi , Hussain Rizvi Syed Arif , Kuchkarova Nigora , Fidelis Gift Donu , Zhou Shixing , Habumugisha Théogène , Shao Hua
Published: March 2024

Solanum rostratum Dunal, belongs to the Solanaceae family and has drawn attention for its intricate interplay of invasiveness, phytochemical composition, and potential bioactivities. Notably invasive, S. rostratum employs adaptive mechanisms during senescence, featuring thorn formation on leaves, fruits, and stems seed self-propulsion, and resistance to drought. This adaptability has led to its proliferation in countries such as China, Canada, and Australia, extending beyond its Mexican origin. Despite its invasive historical reputation, recent studies unveil a rich array of phytochemicals in S. rostratum, suggesting untapped economic potential due to under-exploration. This review delves into exploring the potential uses of S. rostratum while elucidating the bioactive compounds associated with diverse identified bioactivities. In terms of phytochemistry, S. rostratum reveals an abundance of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. These compounds confer a range of beneficial bioactivities, encompassing antioxidant, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic, and pesticidal properties. This positions S. rostratum as a reservoir of valuable chemical constituents with potential applications, particularly in medicine and agriculture. The review provides comprehensive insights into the phytochemistry, bioactivities, and bioactivity-guided fractionation of S. rostratum. In this review, we focus on the potential utilization of S. rostratum by emphasizing its phytochemical profile, which holds promise for diverse applications. This review is the first that advocates for further exploration and research to unlock the plant’s full potential for both economic and environmental benefit.
Physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide on drought stress adaptation in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Kumar Bicky , Pal Madan , Yadava Pranjal , Kumar Krishan , Langyan Sapna , Jha Abhishek Kumar , Singh Ishwar
Published: March 2024

Maize production and productivity are affected by drought stress in tropical and subtropical ecologies, as the majority of the area under maize cultivation in these ecologies is rain-fed. The present investigation was conducted to study the physiological and biochemical effects of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) as a plant hormone on drought tolerance in maize. Two maize hybrids, Vivek hybrid 9 and Bio 9637, were grown under three different conditions: (i) irrigated, (ii) drought, and (iii) drought+EBR. A total of 2 weeks before the anthesis, irrigation was discontinued to produce a drought-like condition. In the drought+EBR treatment group, irrigation was also stopped, and in addition, EBR was applied as a foliar spray on the same day in the drought plots. It was observed that drought had a major influence on the photosynthesis rate, membrane stability index, leaf area index, relative water content, and leaf water potential; this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. Conversely, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased in both hybrids under drought conditions. Specifically, Vivek hybrid 9 showed 74% higher CAT activity under drought conditions as compared to the control. Additionally, EBR application further enhanced the activity of this enzyme by 23% compared to plants under drought conditions. Both hybrids experienced a significant reduction in plant girth due to drought stress. However, it was found that exogenously applying EBR reduced the detrimental effects of drought stress on the plant, and this effect was more pronounced in Bio 9637. In fact, Bio 9637 treated with EBR showed an 86% increase in proline content and a 70% increase in glycine betaine content compared to untreated plants under drought conditions. Taken together, our results suggested EBR enhanced tolerance to drought in maize hybrids. Hence, pre-anthesis foliar application of EBR might partly overcome the adverse effects of flowering stage drought in maize.
Mitigating Insider Threat’s IP Spoofing through Enhanced Dynamic Cluster Algorithm (EDPU Based HCF)
Authors: Akano O. A. , Olayinka T. O. , Adeniji O. D. , Ogunjinmi B.O.
Published: March 2024

Insider Threat has always been a major problem to computer security due to unauthorized system misuse by users in an organization. Understanding the concept and the inherent adverse consequences of the insider threat can assist in postulating mitigating approaches and techniques to the menace. Insider intrusion, from researches, experiences and literature have proved to be more expensive and destructive more than external attacks due the comprehensive understanding of the internal operations of the organization by the perpetrator. Many researchers have explored into the unhealthy nature of insider activity with the aim of eliminating the threat, thereby identifying the various categories as theft of intellectual property, fraud, sabotage, espionage. This work tends to address the menace by studying models for detecting, reducing and eliminating the threat through IP Spoofing in order to propose a better model for the intrusion. Certain experimental research through analysis of network data measurement has shown that HCF (Hop Count Filtering) can discover and discard almost 90% of spoofed IP packets but an improvement on this experiment called DPU (Dynamic Path Update) Based Hop Count Filtering has proved to identify and discard more than 90%. This was carried out in Linux Kernel environment to substantiate the effectiveness of its measurements. However, enhancing enhancing the performance of the DPU-based HCF by reducing the packet size of packets at the point of entry in order to decrease the network traffic, and to permanently discard 100% spoofed packets is the research direction of this work
Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Ecosystem Services Value in Mwanza City, Tanzania
Authors: Kaganga Laison S. , Ngogo Ngogo Mang’enyi
Published: March 2024

Ecosystem services are vital services that support life and are the basis for human socio-economic progress. However, changes in land use and land cover (LULC) brought about by urban expansion degrade them. Thus, analysing the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) change on ecosystem service values (ESVs) is crucial for understanding and informing resource policy decisions. This study aims to analyse the impact of land use and land cover changes on ecosystem service values in Mwanza City, Tanzania. To achieve that, the benefits transfer approach was employed to analyse the changes in ESV in response to LULC. We estimated and analysed changes in ESV using satellite image datasets from 1999, 2009, and 2019. The LULC classes that were identified are vegetated land, agricultural land, waterbodies, built-up area, and bareland. The results exhibit that Mwanza City experienced significant LULC changes. While vegetated land, agricultural land, and bareland decreased by 49%, 15%, and 36%, respectively, the built-up area and water bodies increased by 568% and 48%, respectively, during the two decades. The total ESV decreased from 31.35 million US dollars to 26.3 million US dollars between 1999 and 2009 and to 23.96 million US dollars between 2009 and 2019. The waterbodies increased due to the increased volume of water in streams that expanded the floodplains, which resulted from surface runoff attributed to increased paved surfaces as more land was converted into a built-up environment upstream. The built-up area and bareland contributed nothing to ESV. However, the built-up area was the driving force behind the reduction of ESV in other LULC classes, as it was encroaching on them. The study concludes that the decrease in ESV reflects the degradation of ecosystem services due to the change in LULC. Hence, it is recommended that sustainable management of ecosystems be adhered for the proper functioning of the earth’s life-support system.
Qualitative Elements of the World’s Best Educational System: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Beñalet Cari Edward C.
Published: March 2024

This thematic analysis explores the qualitative elements defining the world's best educational systems, aiming to identify emerging factors that contribute to their success. The research question centers on understanding the distinctive features that characterize these top educational systems. Through a comprehensive thematic analysis, eight key qualitative elements emerged as integral components shaping the landscape of the top 10 educational systems globally. The identified elements include the international attraction of these systems, emphasizing global, diverse, and multicultural appeal. A robust credit system enhances academic transparency and mobility, while a diverse course offering provides students with a wide array of educational options. Affordability and accessibility play a crucial role, with low or zero tuition fees ensuring broader participation. Global recognition of degrees from these educational systems underscores their prestige and quality. Furthermore, a pronounced focus on research and innovation contributes to the dynamic and progressive nature of these institutions. Cultural and language considerations, particularly the availability of English-taught courses, enhance accessibility for a global student body. Lastly, a strong emphasis on post-graduation job opportunities underscores the practical application of education. In conclusion, recognizing and incorporating these emerging qualitative elements into educational frameworks can pave the way for the development of high-quality, inclusive, and globally competitive educational systems. This research provides valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers, offering a foundation for fostering excellence in education on a worldwide scale.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practice: A Case of Lahan Municipality, Madhesh Province, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Narbikram , Chhetri Raju
Published: March 2024

The study aims to assess the water, sanitation and hygiene practices in Lahan Municipality, Siraha district, The focus group discussion, participatory learning and action, key informant interview, direct observation etc., methods was used during the study. Alluvial aquifers are the source of water supply in the Terai region.

Result shows that around 16% of households have access to piped drinking water that is extracted from the deep boreholes. The rest of the population has access to shallow boreholes and dug wells. The poor families have installed shallow boreholes less than 15 meters deep. Out of 10 wards in Lahan municipality, ward no. 4 is lagging far behind in terms of water, sanitation, hygiene and socio-economic status. Lahan Municipality has been affected mostly due to flood in monsoon season. Lack of safe toilet ranked first among the list of major problems. Similarly, less awareness on water, sanitation and hygiene and poor embankment ranked second and third respectively identified as major problems in Lahan Municipality. Around 77% of fecal sludge is unsafely managed in the areas. The gender inequality, poverty, caste-based discrimination also found the social problem in the society.
Idiopathic Bilateral Wunderlich Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Paniagua Valeria Natalia Fernández , Macías Agustín Parra , Martínez Jesús Arellano
Published: March 2024

Wunderlich Syndrome (WS) is a rare condition characterized by spontaneous bleeding in the kidney without any traumatic event. It usually happens unilaterally, but bilateral cases are rare. The most common causes of WS are renal neoplasms, vascular disorders, infections, renal cystic diseases, and anticoagulation states, with idiopathic cases being uncommon. Here, we present a case of bilateral idiopathic Wunderlich Syndrome.
Evaluation of Tebuconazole 6% FS against Collar Rot, Stem Rot and Root Rot Disease Complex in Groundnut
Authors: Gowdar S. B. , Hurali Sujay , Kulkarni Shyamrao
Published: March 2024

Groundnut regarded as “king of oil seed crops” is an economic important food legume and edible oilseed crop in India, which severely suffers from soil borne diseases of groundnut, collar rot (Aspergillus niger), stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) and root rot (Rhizoctonia solani) causing major havoc causes significant economic losses. The field experiments were conducted to find out the efficacy of Tebuconazole 6% FS as a seed treatment fungicide against collar rot, stem rot and root rot diseases complex in ground nut during Rabi 2014-15 and Rabi 2015-16. The treatment Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were found be the best treatments for seed germination, root and shoot length in during both the seasons.During first season, Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were recorded 1.77 and 2.14 per cent collar rot incidence, 3.07 and 4.23 per cent stem rot disease incidence and 4.93 and 5.05 per cent root rot disease incidence, respectively. Similarly during second season, Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were recorded 1.89 and 2.06 per cent collar rot incidence, 4.05 and 5.13 per cent stem rot incidence and 5.74 and 5.94 per cent root rot incidence, respectively. The highest pod yield was obtained from seed treatment with Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds i.e. 20.22 q/ha and 20.10 q/ha during first and second season, respectively and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds recorded 20.12 q/ha and 20.00 q/ha of pod yield during first and second season, respectively.
An Assessment of the Nutritional Status and its Predictors amongst Women in a Rural Community of Dharwad Taluk, Karnataka, India
Authors: Muktamath Vinutha U. , J Sannapapamma K. , Y Ravi , Channal Geetha , Desai Rajeshaari , Badami Sumangala
Published: March 2024

The connection between food insecurity and health is becoming more widely acknowledged, as it plays a major role in the onset and advancement of non-communicable illnesses. The family's overall well-being and health are directly impacted by the health status of the female. Rural women play a dominant role in the country’s economy and their nutritional status has direct bearing on the whole family. Hence the present study was conducted with the objective to assess nutritional status and to identify the predictors of poor nutrition among rural women of Dharwad taluk, Karnataka. The sample of the study included 500 rural women in the age group of 16-80 years. A self structured questionnaire, SES Agarwal 2005, Anthropometric measurements were used to assess BMI, Hb level, knowledge level and morbidity status. More than one third of the rural women were selected were in the age group of 40-80 years, were illiterates and involved in agriculture. Majority belong to social tribes and staying in nuclear families. Two third of the selected rural womenconsume non-vegetarian food. More than half of the families belonged to upper middle socio economic status. Majority of them had health related problems and were in mild to moderate anemia category. Low SES, low nutritional knowledge, non working status, morbidity condition, middle age group, anemia status and poor protein diet were found to be the risk factors of poor nutritional status among rural women. Low SES was found to be 2.6 times riskier; anemia condition was 4.68 times risk when compared to normal Hemoglobin level.
Combined Application of Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic Manure with Nano Urea on Growth and Yield of Scented Rice
Authors: Gajbhiye Mrinali , Agrawal KK , Jha AK , Kumar Narendra
Published: March 2024

Rice is a staple cereal grain for millions of the world population. Inorganic, organic and biofertilizer play crucial role in gaining higher production of scented rice. Excessive use of conventional fertilizer lowers the soil heath. Therefore, there is a need for such a technology which will be able to achieve higher sustainable production. Nano urea is a nano technology which can provide a way to bring down the minus of conventional fertilizers. Keeping these in view, present investigation entitled the combined application of inorganic fertilizer and organic manure with Nano urea on growth and yield of scented rice was carried out at Instructional farm unit, Krishi Nagar, JNKVV, Jabalpur during the rainy season of 2022 and 2023. Ten treatments combination was laid out in randomized block design with four replications. The results of present study revealed that application of 75% N through urea + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + FS with Nano urea @ 4 ml litre-1 at active tillering (AT) and panicle initiation (PI) stage registered maximum plant height (113.44 and 107.52 cm, respectively), no. of tillers hill-1 (21.88 and 19.49, respectively) during both the years of experimentation. As regard to yield and yield attributes significantly maximum total no. of grains panicle-1 (81 and 78, respectively), panicle length (28.23 and 27.19 cm, respectively), grain (4780 and 4418 kg ha-1, respectively) and straw yield (6652 and 6432 kg ha-1, respectively) was recorded with the application of 75% N through urea + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1 + FS with Nano urea @ 4 ml litre-1 at AT and PI stage during both the years of experimentation. Thus, the study suggests that trimming down the conventional fertilizer by using Nano urea and Azospirillum could help in gaining optimum yield. Also, combination of Nano urea with vermicompost and Azospirillum play important role in improving soil quality alongwith crop health.
Evaluation of Advance Generation Breeding Lines of Bitter Gourd for Yield and Quality Traits
Authors: Vipin  , Pathak Mamta , Kumar Virendra , Prasad Lalu , Rajbhar Ramesh
Published: March 2024

The present study was conducted at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the summer season of 2021 and 2022. Plant material consisted of 49 advance breeding lines of bitter gourd including 2 checks namely Punjab-15 (local check) and Prachi (commercial check) in simple lattice design of 7x7 with two replications. Evaluation was done for different yield and quality traits. Among the test entries, range for marketable yield per plant varied from 476.61 to 2102.86 and it was highest in PAUBG-1521 (2102 g/plant) followed by PAUBG-200, PAUBG-211, PAUBG-208 and PAUBG-1514 performed better over the checks and lowest in PAUBG-222 (476.02 g/plant). Number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight, total soluble sugar, non-reducing sugar and momordicine content was highest  in PAUBG-1521 (33.56), (14.23 cm), (61.18 g) (9.29 g/100g), (7.25 g/100g) and (50.21 mg/100g) respectively.
Role of Different Fertilization on Growth, Yield and Quality Evaluation in Maize (Zea mays L.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Intercropping
Authors: Rani Anisha , Singh Amritpal , Srivastava Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2024

A field experiment had conducted during Zaid season 2022-2023. The experiment was conducted in split plot design and replicated thrice. The treatment in main plot consisted of three intercropping and in sub plots five different organic manures and different levels of fertilizers. Soil of the experiment field was clayey in texture had soil slightly alkaline, medium organic carbon (0.71%), low in available nitrogen (246.64 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorous (21.6 kg ha-1) and high in available potassium (282 kg ha-1). A keen observation of data revealed that application of organic manures and different levels of fertilizers with intercropping both significantly influenced the growth parameters, yield parameters and yield, economic attributes like gross return, net return and B:C ratio was significantly maximum at IC2 maize + cowpea (2:1) with different organic manures and levels of fertilizers application F5 (50% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1 + 2 t VC ha-1 + 2 t PM ha-1).
Group Decision Method Without Consensus Threshold Based on Personalized Semantic Continuous Learning
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: March 2024

The primary concern in group decision-making lies in the objective reasonable creation of a decision outcome that is agreed upon by all decision-makers. To achieve this purpose, a dynamic adjustment of preferences is necessary, in which personalized semantic continuous learning of linguistic information initially provided by decision-makers is a key process. This study explores a way for guiding decision-makers to continuously learn from individual linguistic preferences and establish an adaptive consensus-reaching method. The continuous personalized semantic learning model is firstly designed to simulate individual preferences in a dynamic decision-making environment, addressing the issue of quantifying semantics for decision-makers. Secondly, an adaptive weight allocation method is proposed to capture the changing process of a decision maker's weight while measuring its importance based on the current decision environment. Furthermore, we establish an adaptive consensus-reaching model without subjective parameters facilitates objective evaluation of decision-making. Finally, some experiments are conducted to examine the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Analyzing the Impact of Pressure Ratio Variation on Gas Power Plant Performance at Takoradi Thermal Power Station
Authors: Duodu Enock A. , Mbrah Evans Kwaku Seim , Otchere John Nana
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the influence of pressure ratio variation on the performance of a gas turbine plant located at Aboadze, Ghana. The operational data including daily hourly measurements of pressure ratio, power output, ambient temperature, and gas fuel flow rate were collected during field visits conducted in February and March 2021. The thermal efficiency was computed using a validated equation, and data were analyzed using MAT LAB. The study reveals significant temporal fluctuations in the pressure ratio, power output, and thermal efficiency, highlighting the dynamic nature of the gas turbine plant's performance during daily operation. It was also observed that as the pressure ratio increases, the power output and thermal efficiency also increases and vice versa. The average highest and lowest pressure ratio recorded between February and March 2021 were 10.40 and 9.84 respectively, with corresponding average highest and lowest power output of 109 MW and 102 MW respectively. The result also showed an average daily variation in pressure ratio of 0.35 with corresponding power output difference of 5.25 MW. The finding showed that averagely, the lowest thermal efficiency and the highest thermal efficiency were 27.00 % and 28.00 % respectively.

This study is of crucial importance for optimizing power generation efficiency and ensuring sustainable energy production. By studying a specific gas turbine plant located in Aboadze, Ghana, this research contributes valuable insights into the operational characteristics of such plants in the region.
Perception and Knowledge of Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Climate Change Mitigation by Households in Embu County, Kenya
Authors: Njeru Pamella Camu , Ndunda Ezekiel
Published: March 2024

Climatic changes continue to impact our ecosystems and livelihoods globally. In the past few decades, have experienced an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, precipitating to the three planetary crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Embu County in Kenya has not been spared from the resultant climate change impacts. Although globally solar energy is promoted as a sustainable source of energy, its uptake in Embu County remains low. The study sought to assess the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology by households in climate change mitigation and identify the determinants of solar photovoltaic technology uptake. Cross sectional data from a sample size of 395 households in Mbeere- north Sub County in Embu County was collected using data collection tools including questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed to select the respondents for inclusion in the study. After data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed to analyze the data including SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences). The results indicate an overall increasing temperature and overall decreasing rainfall in Embu County. Income demonstrated a greater influence compared to other factors in determining the decision to adopt solar appliances at p =0.397. A significant proportion of respondents (36.9%) reported having limited awareness of climate change and its impacts. Social and mass media were main sources of climate information. There was a positive significant correlation between respondents who displayed awareness of climate change and its impacts and the adoption of solar energy and awareness on solar energy adoption as a solution to climate change at p values of 0.348 and 0.140. The results assisted in assessing the uptake of solar photovoltaic in climate change mitigation in Embu County and identify the determinants driving households on the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology.
Genetic signature of the São Miguel island population (Azores) assessed by 21 microsatellite loci
Authors: Branco Claudia C. , Pacheco Paula R. , Cabral Rita , Vicente Astrid M. , Mota‐Vieira Luisa
Published: November 2007

To study the genetic diversity of São Miguel's population we compared 21 microsatellite loci in 204 individuals from São Miguel island and 103 individuals from mainland Portugal. The results show that São Miguel and mainland Portugal populations have an average gene diversity of 0.767 and 0.765, respectively. Allele frequencies of all markers are comparable to other European populations. This observation is corroborated by the genetic relationships analysis based on the NJ tree and principal component, where São Miguel is closely related to mainland Portugal. Overall, the data suggests that São Miguel does not show population structure and is outbred with high genetic diversity. Moreover, the characterization here described is crucial to predict and explain genotypes implicated in genetic diseases in the Azorean population. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a Thermostable Glucose Dehydrogenase by a Structure‐Guided Consensus Concept
Authors: Vázquez‐Figueroa Eduardo , Chaparro‐Riggers Javier , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: November 2007

Instability under non‐native processing conditions, especially at elevated temperatures, is a major factor preventing the widespread adoption of biocatalysts for industrial synthesis. A crucial distinction of many redox enzymes used to synthesize chiral compounds is the need for cofactors (e.g., NAD(P)(H)) for function. Because of the prohibitively high prices of nicotinamide cofactors, a robust cofactor‐regenerating enzyme is required for the economical synthesis of fine chemicals by biocatalysis. Here we test the structure‐guided consensus for the generation of a thermostable glucose dehydrogenase (GDH). The consensus sequence in combination with additional knowledge‐based criteria was used to select amino acids for substitutions. Using this approach we generated 24 variants, 11 of which showed higher thermal stability than the wild‐type GDH, a success rate of 46 %. Of the 24 variants, seven were located at the subunit interface—known to influence GDH stability—and six were more stable (86 % success). The best variants feature a half‐life of ∼3.5 days at 65 °C, in contrast to ∼20 min at 25 °C for the wild type, thus enhancing stability 106‐fold. In addition, the three most stabilizing single mutations were transferred to two GDH homologues from Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus licheniformis. The thermal stability as measured by half‐life and CD222 nm of the GDH variants was increased, as expected. The resulting stability changes provide further support for the view that these residues are critical for stability of GDHs and reinforce the success of the consensus approach for identifying stabilizing mutations.
Heterogeneous output pathways link the anterior pretectal nucleus with the zona incerta and the thalamus in rat
Authors: Giber Kristóf , Slézia Andrea , Bokor Hajnalka , Bodor Ágnes L. , Ludányi Anikó , Katona István , Acsády László
Published: November 2007

The anterior pretectal nucleus (APT) and the zona incerta (ZI) are diencephalic nuclei that exert a strong inhibitory influence selectively in higher order thalamic relays. The APT is also known to project to the ZI as well as the thalamus, but anatomical details of the APT‐ZI projection have not been described. In the present study, the efferent pathways of the APT were examined in the APT‐ZI‐thalamus network by using anterograde and retrograde tracing in combination with pre‐ and postembedding immunocytochemical stainings and in situ hybridization. The vast majority of APT fibers selectively innervated the parvalbumin‐positive, ventral part of the ZI, which contains ZI neurons with axons projecting to higher order thalamic nuclei. The APT‐ZI pathway consisted of both γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐negative and GABA‐positive components; 38.2% of the terminals in the ZI contained GABA, and 8.6% of the projecting somata in the APT were glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) mRNA positive. The combination of parvalbumin immunostaining with retrograde tracing showed that strongly and weakly parvalbumin‐positive as well as parvalbumin‐negative neurons were all among the population of APT cells projecting to the ZI. Similar heterogeneity was found among the APT cells projecting to the thalamus. Double retrograde tracing from higher order thalamic nuclei and their topographically matched ZI regions revealed hardly any APT neuron with dual projections. Our data suggest that both ZI and the higher order thalamic relays are innervated by distinct, physiologically heterogeneous APT neurons. These various efferent pathways probably interact via the rich recurrent collaterals of the projecting APT cells. Therefore, the powerful, GABAergic APT and ZI outputs to the thalamus are apparently co‐modulated in a synergistic manner via dual excitatory and inhibitory APT‐ZI connections. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:122–140, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Microwave Concentrator Stack: A Source for Free‐Standing, Linearly Extended Plasmas
Authors: Schweitzer U. , Schulz A. , Walker M. , Baumgärtner K.‐M. , Muegge H. , Schumacher U. , Stroth U.
Published: November 2007

A new type of plasma source, the Microwave Concentrator Stack, presented in this paper is a device of a geometry that can be described as an elliptical cylinder with additional metallic structures for shaping the electric field in its inside. The basic idea is to concentrate the electric field strength of microwaves on one of its focal lines by coupling microwave power into it on the other focal line. Even though the dimensions of the Concentrator Stack are too small compared to the wavelength of the microwaves to assume wave‐optics behavior, a pronounced maximum of the electric field intensity is created on the focal line.

By placing an evacuated glass tube around the focal line, free‐standing plasmas can be generated by the strong electric field. In the low pressure range (10 to 200 Pa), the plasma displays very good one‐dimensional homogeneity along the focal line of the Concentrator Stack. At higher pressures the plasma contracts to several ball‐shaped discharges, whose positions correspond to the aforementioned metallic structures inside the Concentrator Stack.

The electric field distribution was calculated and optimized for various versions of the Concentrator Stack using the finite element software Comsol MultiphysicsTM and also measured with PET absorber sheets. Measurements and calculations are in excellent agreement. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Erosion Behaviour of Metal‐Doped Carbon Layers in Deuterium Low Pressure Plasmas and the Determination by Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Starke P. , Adelhelm C. , Balden M.
Published: November 2007

The erosion behaviour of doped carbon materials was investigated in deuterium low pressure discharges. Therefore, amorphous carbon films on silicon substrates (film thickness ∼1 μm) with varying dopant species (V, Ti andW), dopant concentration (between 1 at% and 8.5 at%) and dopant distribution were exposed to the plasma. The dopant distribution is either atomically disperse or, by heating up to 1100 K, carbide grains in nm size are formed. All important plasma parameters are obtained by a combination of several diagnostic techniques like optical emission spectroscopy, energy resolved mass spectroscopy and Langmuir probe measurements. The morphology of the plasma treated surfaces was investigated afterwards by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, the layer composition by ion beam analysis. Every investigated sample shows a strong decrease of the erosion yield with increasing fluence. The achieved erosion yields are clearly below the yield of undoped amorphous carbon and depend strongly on the dopant concentration. The lowest yields were achieved with the samples with atomically disperse dopant distribution due to metal enrichment at the surface. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel (3,4)‐ and (4,5)‐Connected Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Xian‐Wen , Li Xing , Chen Jing‐Zhong , Zheng Guang , Hong Han‐Lie
Published: November 2007

The three‐dimensional lanthanide noninterpenetrating metal–organic frameworks formulated as [Ln(3,5‐pdc)(C2O4)0.5(H2O)2]·H2O (Ln = LuIII, GdIII, TmIII and YbIII for complex 1–4, respectively; 3,5‐pdc = 3,5‐pyridinedicarboxylate) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of 3,5‐H2pdc with lanthanide oxide and perchloric acid. Compound 1 shows (3,4)‐connected (4.82)(4.85) dmc‐type topological network, and complexes 2–4 display the novel (4,5)‐connected (44.6.8)(44.62.84) xww‐type topology. The lanthanide‐mediated transformation of CO2 to oxalate under hydrothermal conditions was observed. The fluorescence properties of complexes 1–4 were investigated. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of 5‐(2‐Pyrenyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine as a DNA Modification for Electron‐Transfer Studies: The Critical Role of the Position of the Chromophore Attachment
Authors: Wanninger‐Weiß Claudia , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: November 2007

5‐(2‐Pyrenyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine (2PydU, 2) has been prepared as a new thymidine analogue in which the 2‐position of the pyrene chromophore is connected covalently to the 5‐position of uridine through a single C–C bond. The synthesis of 2 starts with the conversion of pyrene (3) into 2‐(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl)pyrene (4) by using an Ir catalyst that was prepared in situ from [IrCl(cod)]2 and 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dtbpy) in the presence ofNaOMe. The subsequent Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of 4 with 5‐iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (5) was performed by using1,1′‐bis[(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II) as the catalyst in a THF/MeOH/H2O mixture as the solvent. The modified nucleoside 2 was characterized by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results were compared with the strongly electronically coupled 5‐(1‐pyrenyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine (1PydU, 1). Finally, the nucleoside 2 was converted into the corresponding phosphoramidite 7 as a DNA building block. The DNA set 8a–8d was synthesized to explore the optical properties of the 2PydU label in duplex DNA with respect to the counterbase opposite the 2PydX modification site and in comparison with 1PydU‐modified DNA. The studies with the 2PydU nucleoside and the 2PydU‐modified DNA clearly allow the conclusion to be drawn that the pyrene and the uridine moieties, as the two aromatic groups in this modified nucleoside, are only weakly electronically coupled. Accordingly, the 2PydU label behaves optically like a pyrene derivative, in contrast to the 1PydU label. The chromophore shows the ability for Watson–Crick base‐pairing inside the DNA, as revealed by the absorption and fluorescence spectra. 2PydU represents an optical label for DNA that changes its absorption properties upon DNA hybridization and undergoes fluorescence quenching by charge transfer.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A case study of environmental management in PowerGen
Authors: Barrett George
Published: November 2007

PowerGen has changed markedly since its creation as a private company. Old skills have been rationalised and new business activities have been acquired. At the same time environmental regulations have tightened with specific responsibilities being placed on directors. In response to these challenges PowerGen has developed a company‐wide environmental compliance policy. This incorporates an environmental management system and sets down minimum management standards. The Policy is supported by an environmental audit programme. PowerGen has participated in the development of standardised environmental management systems within BS7750 and the EU eco‐management and audit scheme. The company has yet to decide whether or not to subscribe to the schemes. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Book reviews
Authors: Manning Sturt W.
Published: November 2007

The Plain of Phaistos: Cycles of Complexity in the Mesara Region of Crete. L. Vance Watrous, Despoina Hadzi‐Vallianou and Harriet Blitzer, 2004, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, UCLA, Monumenta Archaeologica 23, Los Angeles, California, xxvi + 668 pp.
Quantifying prehistoric soil erosion—A review of soil loss methods and their application to a Celtic square enclosure (Viereckschanze) in Southern Germany
Authors: Leopold Matthias , Völkel Jörg
Published: November 2007

This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of three different methods for quantifying prehistoric soil erosion. Method A estimates erosion by determining the amount of colluvium stored downhill. Method B involves reconstructing a former erosion surface using truncated soil horizons. Method C compares the elevation of a paleosol beneath an earthwork with the modern surface in the surrounding area. Each method was applied to a Celtic earthwork (Viereckschanze) at Poign (near Regensburg) in Southern Germany in order to cross‐check the different results. For an erosion area of 3.6 ha and during 300 years of agricultural usage, Method A calculates a minimum erosion rate of 20.8 t/ha/a. Method B computes 10 t/ha/a of soil loss. Method C yields the highest rate of erosion with 24.2 t/ha/a. We have confidence in Method C, which implies an underassesment of soil loss in using methods A or B. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin C supplementation does not protect L‐gulono‐γ‐lactone oxidase‐deficient mice from Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastritis and gastric premalignancy
Authors: Lee Chung‐Wei , Wang Xiang‐Dong , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Ge Zhongming , Rickman Barry H. , Rogers Arlin B. , Varro Andrea , Whary Mark T. , Wang Timothy C. , Fox James G.
Published: November 2007

In human studies, low vitamin C intake has been associated with more severe Helicobacter pylori gastritis and a higher incidence of gastric cancer. However, vitamin C supplementation has not been definitively shown to protect against gastric cancer. Using vitamin C‐deficient B6.129P2‐Gulotm1Umc/mmcd (gulo−/−) mice lacking L‐gulono‐γ‐lactone oxidase, we compared gastric lesions and Th1 immune responses in H. pylori‐infected gulo−/− mice supplemented with low (33 mg/L) or high (3,300 mg/L) vitamin C in drinking water for 16 or 32 weeks. Vitamin C levels in plasma and gastric tissue correlated with the vitamin C supplementation levels in gulo−/− mice. H. pylori infection resulted in comparable gastritis and premalignant lesions in wildtype C57BL/6 and gulo−/− mice supplemented with high vitamin C, but lesions were less severe in gulo−/− mice supplemented with low vitamin C at 32 weeks post infection. The reduced gastric lesions in infected gulo−/− mice supplemented with low vitamin C correlated with reduced Th1‐associated IgG2c, gastric IFN‐γ and TNF‐α mRNA and higher H. pylori colonization levels. These results in the H. pylori‐infected gulo−/− mouse model suggest that although supplementation with a high level of vitamin C achieved physiologically normal vitamin C levels in plasma and gastric tissue, this dose of vitamin C did not protect gulo−/− mice from H. pylori‐induced premalignant gastric lesions. In addition, less severe gastric lesions in H.pylori infected gulo−/− mice supplemented with low vitamin C correlated with an attenuated Th1 inflammatory response. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of iron‐related proteins during infection by bovine herpes virus type‐1
Authors: Maffettone Carmen , De Martino Luisa , Irace Carlo , Santamaria Rita , Pagnini Ugo , Iovane Giuseppe , Colonna Alfredo
Published: November 2007

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV‐1), a dsDNA animal virus, is an economically important pathogen of cattle and the aetiological agent of many types of disease. The efficient replication of a DNA virus is strictly dependent on iron since this metal plays a crucial role in the catalytic center of viral ribonucleotide reductase. Consequently, iron metabolism is an important area for virus/host interaction and a large body of evidence suggests that viral infection is potentially influenced by the iron status of the host. The aim of the present study was to address the effects of BHV‐1 on iron metabolism in Madin‐Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells at different times of post‐infection. For this purpose, cell viability, iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) activity and levels, transferrin receptor 1 (TfR‐1), ferritin expression and LIP were evaluated. Our data demonstrate that a productive BHV‐1 infection in MDBK cells determines an overall decrease of IRPs RNA‐binding activity without affecting their expression. As consequence of this modulation, an increased ferritin mRNA translation and a decreased TfR‐1 mRNA translation were also observed. Moreover, the LIP level was decreased following viral infection. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that by reducing the iron up‐take and by enhancing the sequestration of free iron, animal cells will limit the iron availability for virus proliferation. Therefore, the results presented herein support the view that iron metabolism could be critical for the interaction between DNA viruses, such as BHV‐1, and mammalian cells. Delineation of the interplay among pathogen and host may provide new antimicrobial agents. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 213–223, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physiology of the motor cortex in polio survivors
Authors: Lupu Vitalie D. , Danielian Laura , Johnsen Jacqueline A. , Vasconcelos Olavo M. , Prokhorenko Olga A. , Jabbari Bahman , Campbell William W. , Floeter Mary Kay
Published: November 2007

We hypothesized that the corticospinal system undergoes functional changes in long‐term polio survivors. Central motor conduction times (CMCTs) to the four limbs were measured in 24 polio survivors using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Resting motor thresholds and CMCTs were normal. In 17 subjects whose legs were affected by polio and 13 healthy controls, single‐ and paired‐pulse TMS was used to assess motor cortex excitability while recording from tibialis anterior (TA) muscles at rest and following maximal contraction until fatigue. In polio survivors the slope of the recruitment curve was normal, but maximal motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were larger than in controls. MEPs were depressed after fatiguing exercise. Three patients with central fatigue by twitch interpolation had a trend toward slower recovery. There was no association with symptoms of post‐polio syndrome. These changes occurring after polio may allow the motor cortex to activate a greater proportion of the motor neurons innervating affected muscles. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Attachment styles, conflict styles and humour styles: interrelationships and associations with relationship satisfaction
Authors: Cann Arnie , Norman M. Ashley , Welbourne Jennifer L. , Calhoun Lawrence G.
Published: November 2007

Relationships among attachment styles, conflict styles and humour styles were examined in the context of romantic relationships. Each style was assumed to be based upon underlying assumptions about self and others, so relationships among the measures were predicted. A model assuming that the relationship of attachment styles to relationship satisfaction was partially mediated by the conflict styles and humour styles was tested. Overall, the predicted relationships among the three measures were supported. Conflict styles and humour styles reflecting attitudes about others were related to the avoidance attachment style, while those reflecting attitudes about the self were related to the anxiety attachment dimension. Conflict styles and humour styles were mediators of the association of attachment style with relationship satisfaction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.