bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¡Valor y al toro!: estudio contrastivo cultural del cómic español-alemán
Authors: Cuéllar Lázaro Carmen
Published: July 2024

El cómic es un producto cultural y la traducción constituye una fase esencial para su difusión e internacionalización. En el presente trabajo nos acercamos al género textual del cómic desde una doble perspectiva. En primer lugar, abordamos el proceso de la traducción al alemán del cómic Aius. El destino de Numancia, presentando algunos de los retos a los que nos enfrentamos durante el mismo. En segundo lugar, llevamos a cabo un estudio contrastivo del cómic español-alemán, tomando como ejemplo una historieta gráfica de la serie Mortadelo y Filemón. El objetivo es observar el tratamiento proporcionado a las referencias culturales, centrándonos en los nombres propios, la fraseología, así como la reproducción de las onomatopeyas. Ambos cómics van dirigidos principalmente a los jóvenes, pero el primero tiene un carácter histórico con una clara función educativa, mientras que el segundo es de naturaleza lúdica, lo que influirá en el resultado de la traducción.
Sequential Fractionation of Heavy Metals from Flooded and Non-Flooded Soils in Obunagha Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Y. Erepamowei, , C. J. Obasi, , I. Felagha, , I. T. Ajoko,
Published: July 2024

Soil samples from flooded and non-flooded areas of different farmlands in Obunagha community, Bayelsa State were collected for this study. The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical fractionation and bioavailability of Cr, Cd, Zn, Ni, & Fe in flooded and non-flooded farmlands. The soil samples were fractionated into six chemical fractions, each containing different heavy metal concentrations and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest average concentration for Cadmium (Cd) is 1.50g/kg, Zinc (Zn) is 7.53g/kg, Nickel (Ni) is 10.54g/kg, Iron (Fe) is 9.52g/kg, and Chromium (Cr) is 12.62g/kg all from the flooded areas of the farmlands. Sequential extraction showed heavy metals distributed throughout all extraction steps, with the water-soluble fraction prevailing, potentially increasing the mobility and bioavailability of these metals. The %bioavailability ranged from 37.98% – 90.00%.  The results indicated also that the average concentration of the metals in flood affected farmland were more than the non-flooded areas. The results indicated that floods affect farmland metal content by altering contaminant bioavailability, causing adverse environmental effects. Also, the results of the heavy metals analyses revealed that the levels of nickel, zinc, chromium, cadmium and iron in all the farmland soil samples are above the maximum allowable concentration for heavy metals in soil set by WHO Guidelines provided. Hence, the farmland soils are not safe for agricultural activities. We therefore, recommend regular monitoring of the soils to prevent excessive build-up of these toxic heavy metals.
Effect of Different Levels of Integrated Nutrient Management in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Chaurasiya Saurav , Singh R.K. , Kumar Sandeep , Yadav Pramod Kumar
Published: July 2024

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi session of 2020-21 in Jaunpur district which lies Indo-Gangetic plains of Central Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of integrated nutrient management in mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The trial was laid down in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and twelve treatments viz, T1 100% RDF, T2 100% RDF + Azotobacter, T3 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB, T4 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM, T5 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T6 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T7 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM, T8 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T9 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T10 25% RDF + 75% N from FYM, T11 25% RDF + 75% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T12 25% RDF + 75% N from FYM + Azotobacter + PSB. Result of this study revealed that there was significant effect on growth and yield parameters. Plant height, number of branches, number of siliques, length of silique, number of seed per siliqua, test weight, seed and stover yield in T6 which was statistically at par with T9, T8, T7, T3. Maximum yield (1807 kg/ha) was recorded in T6. It may be concluded that RDF with organic Manure (FYM) and Biofertilizer (Azotobacter + PSB) is possible to produce more yield in mustard crops cultivated without much soil productivity under Indo-Gangetic plains of central Uttar Pradesh.
Climate Smart Agriculture: A Roadmap to Sustainable Food Security
Authors: Mehraj Junaid , Ahmed Latief , Qayoom Kahkashan , Rasool Faisul , Bhat Raies A , Fayaz Umer , Abdullah Umar Rashid , Dar Sajad Yousuf , Mir Amir Hussain
Published: July 2024

Climate change (CC) and climate variability (CV) are causing irregular precipitation, rising sea levels, and frequent extreme weather events, which threaten global agricultural crop production through prolonged droughts, floods, and shifting agroclimatic zones. Addressing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring food security are among the greatest challenges of this century. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) emerges as a global strategy to enhance food productivity amid these uncertainties. CSA aims to create climate-resilient agricultural systems that increase soil health, water, and nutrient efficiency, provide stable yields, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By improving farmers' incomes and resilience to climate impacts, CSA contributes to both climate change mitigation and adaptation. Future CSA development directions include leveraging advanced internet technology for secure agricultural information, optimizing cropping patterns and management, integrating "internet + weather" services, and implementing agricultural weather index-based insurance. These strategies offer new pathways for ecological protection, green agricultural development, and climate change mitigation.
Enhancing Ragi Yield: The Effect of Organic Seed Priming
Authors: Balachandrakumar V. , Devi S.
Published: July 2024

The field study was conducted to evaluate the organic seed priming of ragi on growth, yield attributes and yield. A field experiment was conducted during 2021 at Experimental Farm, faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. It consists of seven treatments. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Results showed that organic seed priming of custard leaf extract has a significant impact on the growth attributes of plant height, LAI, Dry matter production and yield parameters like number of productive tillers per hill, weight of the single ear head per hill, number of fingers per ear head, length of the earhead, number of grains per ear head, grain yield and straw yield. The control treatment recorded the lowest values in all parameters. Maximum grain yield of 1777 kg ha-1 was recorded with organic seed priming of ragi with Custard leaf extract @ 3% (T4) and the lowest grain yield 1003 kg ha-1 was observed with control treatment.
Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield Parameters under Wheat-Maize Cropping Sequence Grown on Normal and Saline-Sodic Inceptisol
Authors: N. S. Titirmare , N. J. Ranshur , S. R. Patil , A. G. Durgude , M. R. Patil , B. M. Kamble , P. B. Margal , A. S. Gaikwad
Published: July 2024

The present study was conducted at PGI Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Post Graduate Institute, MPKV., Rahuri during Rabi-2021 and Summer-2022. The experiment consist of eight treatments in wheat crop viz., T1: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through FYM, T2: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through vermicompost, T3: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through poultry manure, T4: (50% N) + 50% N through press mud compost, T5: (50% N) + 50% N through goat manure, T6: (50% N) + 50% N through urban compost T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 10 t FYM ha-1 and T8: absolute control. Whereas, in maize crop treatment from T1 to T6 RDN (50% N) is applied with residual N applied to wheat through FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure, goat manure and urban compost, respectively and T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 5 t FYM ha-1 and T8: Absolute control. These treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. In wheat crop, the grain yield, straw yield, test weight, plant height and spike length recorded higher in treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 + 10 t FYM ha-1) under both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (27.87 q ha-1, 41.00 q ha-1, 43.72 g, 92 cm and 9.92 cm) and (34.43 q ha-1, 44.02 q ha-1, 42.40 g, 91 cm and 9.82 cm), respectively. Whereas, in succeeding maize crop, the treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1)  recorded highest grain yield, stover yield, test weight, plant height, length of cob and no. of grains per cob in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (64.11 q ha-1, 74.23 q ha-1, 40.34 g, 237.82 cm, 19.99 cm and 633.02 g) and (52.52 q ha-1, 61.82 q ha-1, 38.63 g, 226.24 cm, 18.74 cm and 579.48 g), respectively. In wheat crop application of treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 + 10 t ha-1 FYM) recorded highest total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (88.00, 16.00 and 100 N, P and K kg ha-1) and (99.36, 17.20 and 103 N, P and K kg ha-1), respectively. Whereas in succeeding maize crop, total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium recorded highest in treatment T7 (GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 + 5 t ha-1 FYM) in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (107.69, 10.77 and 94.67 N, P and K kg ha-1) and (85.85, 8.58 and 75.47 N, P and K kg ha-1), respectively.
Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Growth Attributes of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn
Authors: Yadav Harish Chandra , Singh Anand , Srivastava Akhilesh Kumar , Singh Bijendra Kumar , Vikram Balaji , Rai Ashutosh , Bakash Hari , Prajapati Paramanand
Published: July 2024

A study entitled Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on growth attributes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in district Banda, Uttar Pradesh was carried out at the "Green shade Net house" located in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda (U.P.), during the academic years of 2022-23 and 2023-24. Eleven treatments using various combinations of N, P, K, nano urea, bio fertilizers, and organic manures were tested in a Randomised Block Design with three replicates. The experiment's primary objective was to determine the effect of nano technology on the vegetative growth traits of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn. According to the findings of 2 years study and pooled results, application of treatment T4 [75% N (Nano Urea) + 75% PK (Basal) + 250 kg VC + AZO + PSB] proved to be most effective treatment to increase growth attributes of strawberry i.e., plant height 9.09 cm, 13.61 cm and 17.78 cm at 30, 60 and 90  DAP, respectively; plant spread i.e.,  12.75  cm, 21.32 cm, and 23.44 cm at 30 ,60 and 90 DAP, respectively;number of leaves i.e., 5.75, 13.81 and 17.87 at30, 60 and 90 DAP, respectively; leaf length i.e., 4.70 cm, 5.80 cm and 8.29 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAP, respectively; leaf width i.e., 5.94 cm, 7.53 cm and 11.60 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAP, respectively; Leaf area (cm2) i.e., 40.31 cm2, 51.93 cm2,66.38 cm2 number of runners per plant i.e., 5.27, number of crowns per plant i.e., 4.39, biomass of fresh weight (g) i.e., 147.37 g and Biomass of dry weight (g) i.e., 36.84 g. Therefore, application of 75%N (Nano Urea) + 75% PK (Basal) + 250 Kg VC + AZO + PSB] proved to be most effective treatment to increase growth attributes of strawberry and same can be recommended to the growers.
Innovative Soil Management, Soil Amendments and Soil Conservation Strategies for Boosting Horticultural Crops Yields
Authors: Kumar Yogendra , K Chaitra. , Sharma Divyanshu , Devi Kavita , Adnan Shoaib , Qaiser Md Zeeshan , Sachan Kushal , Verma Aniket Kumar
Published: July 2024

Innovative soil management, soil amendments, and soil conservation strategies are pivotal in boosting horticultural crop yields. By integrating cutting-edge techniques, such as precision agriculture and organic amendments, these approaches optimize soil health and fertility, enhancing plant growth and productivity. Soil amendments, including biochar, compost, and green manures, improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, creating a favourable environment for horticultural crops. Additionally, soil conservation practices like cover cropping, contour ploughing, and agroforestry prevent erosion, maintain soil organic matter, and promote biodiversity. These strategies collectively contribute to sustainable agriculture, ensuring higher yields and long-term soil productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. Through a holistic approach to soil management, horticulturists can achieve robust crop performance and resilience against climatic challenges.
Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analyses of Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)
Authors: Rajasekar  , Kumar Ajay , M Akilan , R Nirmalaruban
Published: July 2024

The genetic diversity among the genotypes were useful resources that enabled breeders to comprehend the performance of attributes or genotypes. This understanding is crucial in selecting appropriate genotypes or traits for hybridization programmes. A total of 15 sweet corn genotypes were utilized to assess the characteristics of genetic diversity, correlation, path coefficient and genetic divergence study. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) exceeded the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits examined, suggesting certain degree of interaction with the environment. The heritability estimates for all variables examined in this study were found to be high. The genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) identified a significant difference between high and low values. The traits ear weight with husk, ear weight without husk, husk ratio, chlorophyll content, ear length, ear girth, number of rows per ear, number of kernels per row, 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, cob yield per plot and fodder yield per plot exhibited high heritability and high GAM. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive association for the aforementioned attributes. Additionally, the path coefficient analysis for these traits indicated a favourable direct influence. A total of 15 genotypes were categorized into seven clusters based on their genetic distance. The features that made the biggest contribution to divergence were fodder yield per plot (21%) and shelling percentage (21%), followed by ear weight (14%) and cob yield per plot (10%). The results of this study would be valuable for identifying the desirable characteristics and genetic makeup that can be used in future breeding programmes aimed at enhancing the production of corn cobs in sweet corn.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Alcoholic Stem Bark Extracts of Kaya Senegalensis (Desv) A. Juss., in Human Urinary Infections
Authors: Tidiane Kamagate , Ouattara Gboko Abiba , Dosso Kassim , Abdoulaye Toure , Pascal Boni Ahoussi , Claude Kablan Ahmont Landry
Published: July 2024

Urinary infections constitute a public health problem today and the responsible germs increasingly express their strong resistance to common antimicrobials. The use of plants or plant products in fight against these pathologies are considered to be a goood alternative. The objective of this study is to determine in vitro antioxidant power and antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts 70% of stem bark of Kaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) on clinical strains of E.coli and Staphylococcus spp. urinary infections and on two reference strains. The antioxidant activity was demonstrated by the ABTS radical cation trapping method using trolox as a reference. Sensitivity of strains to the two extracts and antibacterial parameters which are minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined respectively by punch well method in Mueller Hinton agar and liquid dilution method. Both extracts expressed a strong antioxidant power around 50 μmol TE/L of extract. The MICs varied from 6.25 mg/mL to 12.5 mg/mL for aqueous extract and from 6.25 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL for hydro-ethanolic extract. For all the strains MBC was identical to the MIC indicating that the two extracts have bactericidal power on the strains excluding the reference strain of S.aureus. These results suggest that K. senegalensis could be an alternative in the fight against urinary infections.
Reliability Indices
Authors: Frattini Flavio , Bovenzi Antonio , Alonso Javier , Trivedi Kishor
Published: January 2013

Modern complex systems are expected to be reliable and to provide certain levels of performance during operation. Hence definition and evaluation of reliability and performability indices become necessary. State‐space models, such as continuous time Markov chains, are often used because of their capacity of handling different failure/repair behaviors, such as imperfect coverage, correlated failures, and repair dependencies. However time‐dependent rates associated to events and particular repair strategies make computation of indices harder. In such cases, nonhomogeneous continuous time Markov chains, semi‐Markov processes, Markov regenerative processes (MRGPs), or phase‐type approximation can be used. In this article, by means of a simple example, we show how to compute the reliability of such systems with three techniques: piecewise constant approximation, phase type expansion, and simulation.
Credit Risk
Authors: Leung Tim , Sircar Ronnie
Published: January 2013

We survey the stochastic models and computational challenges arising from credit risk, in particular, the valuation of credit derivatives whose payouts are contingent on one or many default events, such as the bankruptcy of a firm, nonrepayment of a loan, or missing a mortgage payment.
The incidence of invasive fungal infections in neutropenic patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes receiving primary antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole
Authors: Barreto Jason N. , Beach Cassidy L. , Wolf Robert C. , Merten Julianna A. , Tosh Pritish K. , Wilson John W. , Hogan William J. , Litzow Mark R.
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study is to characterize the outcomes of primary antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We conducted a single center, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive adult patients with AML or MDS at Mayo Clinic between January 1, 2006 and July 1, 2010. The study included patients undergoing induction or first relapse combination chemotherapy who received voriconazole 200 mg orally twice daily as prophylaxis during the neutropenic phase. Patient records were evaluated until 30 days after neutrophil recovery for development of invasive fungal infection (IFI) as defined per EORTC/MSG 2008 criteria with computed tomography scans independently reviewed by a radiologist. Therapeutic drug monitoring and reasons for voriconazole discontinuation were documented. Twenty four episodes of IFI were detected among 165 consecutive patients for an overall incidence of 145 per 1000 patients. The incidence of IFI was 24, 42, and 78 per 1000 patients for proven, probable, and possible infection, respectively. Four patients developed proven IFI (n = 2 Aspergillus spp., n = 2 Rhizopus spp.). Serum voriconazole trough concentrations were available in 39 patients, and no statistically significant difference in voriconazole trough level was observed between those with versus without an IFI. Voriconazole prophylaxis was discontinued in 81 patients due to suspected IFI (n = 24), fever of unknown origin (n = 19), adverse events (n = 23), and other causes (n = 17). Voriconazole as primary IFI prophylaxis is safe and may be beneficial in AML/MDS patients receiving intensive chemotherapy. Am. J. Hematol. 88:283–288, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
8p23.1 duplication syndrome; common, confirmed, and novel features in six further patients
Authors: Barber John C.K. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Foulds Nicola , Laird Sophie , Bateman Mark S. , Thomas N. Simon , Baker Samantha , Maloney Viv K. , Anilkumar Arayamparambil , Smith Wendy E. , Banks Valerie , Ellingwood Sara , Kharbutli Yara , Mehta Lakshmi , Eddleman Keith A. , Marble Michael , Zambrano Regina , Crolla John A. , Lamb Allen N.
Published: January 2013

The 8p23.1 duplication syndrome is a relatively rare genomic condition that has been confirmed with molecular cytogenetic methods in only 11 probands and five family members. Here, we describe another prenatal and five postnatal patients with de novo 8p23.1 duplications analyzed with oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (oaCGH). Of the common features, mild or moderate developmental delays and/or learning difficulties have been found in 11/12 postnatal probands, a variable degree of mild dysmorphism in 8/12 and congenital heart disease (CHD) in 4/5 prenatal and 3/12 postnatal probands. Behavioral problems, cleft lip and/or palate, macrocephaly, and seizures were confirmed as additional features among the new patients, and novel features included neonatal respiratory distress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ocular anomalies, balance problems, hypotonia, and hydrocele. The core duplication of 3.68 Mb contains 31 genes and microRNAs of which only GATA4, TNKS, SOX7, and XKR6 are likely to be dosage sensitive genes and MIR124‐1 and MIR598 have been implicated in neurocognitive phenotypes. A combination of the duplication of GATA4, SOX7, and related genes may account for the variable penetrance of CHD. Two of the duplications were maternal and intrachromosomal in origin with maternal heterozygosity for the common inversion between the repeats in 8p23.1. These additional patients and the absence of the 8p23.1 duplications in published controls, indicate that the 8p23.1 duplication syndrome may now be considered a pathogenic copy number variation (pCNV) with an estimated population prevalence of 1 in 58,000. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nickel‐catalyzed Hydrodecyanation of Carbon–Cyano Bonds
Authors: Weidauer Maik , Someya Chika I. , Irran Elisabeth , Enthaler Stephan
Published: January 2013

Nickel‐catalyzed hydrodecyanation of aryl and alkyl cyanides with tert‐butylmagnesium chloride has been examined in detail. With a straightforward nickel complex as the precatalyst, good to excellent yields and chemoselectivity were achieved for a variety of organic cyanides.
iCutter: a direct cut‐out tool for 3D shapes
Authors: Meng Min , Fan Lubin , Liu Ligang
Published: January 2013

We present a novel sketch‐based tool, called iCutter (short for intelligent cutter), for cutting out semantic parts of 3D shapes. When a user performs a cutting task, he only needs to draw a freehand stroke to roughly specify where cuts should be made without much attention. Then, iCutter intelligently returns the best cut that meets the user's intention and expectation. We develop a novel scheme for selecting the optimal isoline from a well‐designed scalar field induced from the input stroke, which respects the part saliency as well as the input stroke. We demonstrate various examples to illustrate the flexibility and applicability of our iCutter tool. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using a Fragment‐Based Approach To Target Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Scott Duncan E. , Ehebauer Matthias T. , Pukala Tara , Marsh May , Blundell Tom L. , Venkitaraman Ashok R. , Abell Chris , Hyvönen Marko
Published: January 2013

The ability to identify inhibitors of protein–protein interactions represents a major challenge in modern drug discovery and in the development of tools for chemical biology. In recent years, fragment‐based approaches have emerged as a new methodology in drug discovery; however, few examples of small molecules that are active against chemotherapeutic targets have been published. Herein, we describe the fragment‐based approach of targeting the interaction between the tumour suppressor BRCA2 and the recombination enzyme RAD51; it makes use of a screening pipeline of biophysical techniques that we expect to be more generally applicable to similar targets. Disruption of this interaction in vivo is hypothesised to give rise to cellular hypersensitivity to radiation and genotoxic drugs. We have used protein engineering to create a monomeric form of RAD51 by humanising a thermostable archaeal orthologue, RadA, and used this protein for fragment screening. The initial fragment hits were thoroughly validated biophysically by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and NMR techniques and observed by X‐ray crystallography to bind in a shallow surface pocket that is occupied in the native complex by the side chain of a phenylalanine from the conserved FxxA interaction motif found in BRCA2. This represents the first report of fragments or any small molecule binding at this protein–protein interaction site.
Formation and Properties of a Hybrid Organosilica with a p‐Phenylene Vinylene Polymer Partially Grafted to the Walls
Authors: Buaki‐Sogo Mireia , de Miguel Maykel , Atienzar Pedro , Álvaro Mercedes , García Hermenegildo
Published: January 2013

The present manuscript reports a mesoporous organosilica (mpSiO2) containing a p‐phenylene vinylene (PPV) co‐polymer partially grafted to the walls of the hybrid material (PPV${ \subset }$mpSiO2). This material was obtained by using a bis‐silylated 2,5‐bis(chloromethylphenylene) as the silicon precursor in combination with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) as the surfactant. The final polymer was formed by adding appropriate amounts of 2,2′‐{[2,5‐bis(chloromethyl)‐1,4‐phenylene]bis(oxy)}diethanol as the co‐monomer and KtBuO as the base. The resulting PPV${ \subset }$mpSiO2 was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and magic angle spinning 29Si NMR spectroscopy; all spectroscopic data were in agreement with the presence of a conducting polymer. The resulting PPV${ \subset }$mpSiO2 material exhibits electrical conductivity, particularly after I2 doping, an electrochemical response, and electroluminescence. Laser flash photolysis studies of PPV${ \subset }$mpSiO2 indicate that this material can form PPV.+ polarons that could be responsible for the electrochemical and electroluminescent response.
Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation and Deoxygenation of Glucose on Solid Metal Electrodes
Authors: Kwon Youngkook , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: January 2013

This Full Paper addresses the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of glucose to sorbitol or 2‐deoxysorbitol on solid metal electrodes in neutral media. Combining voltammetry and online product analysis with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), provides both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the reaction products as a function of potential. Three groups of catalysts clearly show affinities toward: (1) hydrogen formation [on early transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, We, and Re) and platinum group metals (Ru, Rh, Ir, and Pt)], (2) sorbitol formation [on late transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, Au, and Ag) and Al (sp metal)], and (3) sorbitol and 2‐deoxysorbitol formation [on post‐transition metals (In, Sn, Sb, Pb, and Bi), as well as Zn and Cd (d metals)]. Ni shows the lowest overpotential for the onset of sorbitol formation (−0.25 V) whereas Pb generates sorbitol with the highest yield (<0.7 mM cm−2). Different from a smooth Pt electrode, a large‐surface‐area Pt/C electrode hydrogenates glucose to sorbitol from −0.21 V with relatively low current. This emphasizes the importance of the active sites and the surface area of the catalyst. The mechanism to form 2‐deoxysorbitol from glucose and/or fructose is discussed according to the observed reaction products. The yield and selectivity of hydrogenated products are highly sensitive to the chemical nature and state of the catalyst surface.
A liquid‐phase sensor using shear horizontal surface acoustic wave devices
Authors: Kondoh Jun
Published: January 2013

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) is perturbed due to physical and/or chemical changes in an adjacent medium. If a liquid‐phase sensor is to be realized, a shear horizontal SAW (SH‐SAW) must be used. SH‐SAW sensors have been investigated since 1987. Objects measured using an SH‐SAW sensor include not only immunoreactions but also liquid properties. The advantage of an SH‐SAW sensor is the simultaneous detection of the mechanical and electrical properties of liquids. In this paper, first, the theory behind the SH‐SAW sensor is described. Then experimental results using the SH‐SAW sensor on 36YX‐LiTaO3 are introduced. In addition, the sensor sensitivities of the SH‐SAW sensors that have been fabricated on piezoelectric substrates are theoretically compared. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(2): 41–49, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10407
Tissue accumulation and species-specific metabolism of technical pentabrominated diphenyl ether (DE-71) in two predator fish
Authors: Zeng Yan-Hong , Yu Le-Huan , Luo Xiao-Jun , Chen She-Jun , Wu Jiang-Ping , Mai Bi-Xian
Published: January 2013

The tissue-specific accumulation and species-specific metabolism of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in two predator fish species (redtail catfish and oscar fish) feeding on the same prey (tiger barb) that was exposed to technical pentabrominated diphenyl ether (DE-71) in the laboratory were investigated. The trends in the wet-weight tissue concentration of PBDEs in two predatory fish species suggested that the tissue distribution of PBDEs occurs through a series of events involving passive diffusion to the lipid compartment. A comparison of the fugacities of PBDEs in various tissues and in the serum revealed that the liver, gill, and perivisceral adipose tissue readily achieved equilibrium with the serum, but the muscle, kidney, and intestine exhibited the potential to accumulate PBDEs. The lower fugacities of PBDEs in the intestine may have significance in the transportation of PBDEs from prey to predatory fish. No tissue-specific differences in PBDE congener profiles were found, while interspecies differences in PBDE profiles were evident. The difference in profiles between two species could be attributed to species-specific debromination of PBDE. No metabolic debromination of PBDE was observed in redtail catfish, but extensive debromination of PBDEs occurred in oscar fish. Several hydroxylated PBDEs (OH-PBDEs) were detected in serum samples from the two fish species, but no methoxylated PBDEs were found. The similarities in the OH-PBDE congener profile and the ratio of OH-PBDEs to total PBDEs between the two fish species indicated that the hydroxylation of PBDEs might not be species-specific. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:757–763. © 2013 SETAC
The molecular profile of adult T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Mutations in RUNX1 and DNMT3A are associated with poor prognosis in T‐ALL
Authors: Grossmann Vera , Haferlach Claudia , Weissmann Sandra , Roller Andreas , Schindela Sonja , Poetzinger Franziska , Stadler Kathrin , Bellos Frauke , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Torsten , Schnittger Susanne , Kohlmann Alexander
Published: January 2013

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous disease. The diagnosis is predominantly based on immunophenotyping. In addition to known cytogenetic abnormalities molecular mutations were recently identified. Here, 90 adult T‐ALL cases were investigated for mutations in NOTCH1, FBXW7, PHF6, CDKN2A, DNMT3A, FLT3, PTEN, and RUNX1 using 454 next‐generation amplicon sequencing and melting curve analyses. These data were further complemented by FISH, chromosome banding, array CGH, and CDKN2B promoter methylation analyses. NOTCH1 was the most frequently mutated gene with a 71.1% frequency followed by FBXW7 (18.9%), PHF6 (39.5%), DNMT3A (17.8%), RUNX1 (15.5%), PTEN (10.0%), CDKN2A (4.4%), FLT3‐ITD (2.2%), and FLT3‐TKD (1.1%). In total, 84/90 (93.3%) cases harbored at least one mutation. Combining these data with CDKN2A/B deletions and CDKN2B methylation status, we detected minimum one aberration in 89/90 (98.9%) patients. Survival analyses revealed the subtype as defined by the immunophenotype as the strongest independent prognostic factor. When restricting the survival analysis to the early T‐ALL subtype, a strong association of RUNX1 (P = 0.027) and DNMT3A (P = 0.005) mutations with shorter overall survival was observed. In conclusion, RUNX1 and DNMT3A are frequently mutated in T‐ALL and are associated with poor prognosis in early T‐ALL. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Freedom of Expression and the Verification of Identity Policy in Korea
Authors: Choi Yu Jung , Choi Setbyol , Lee Myoung‐Jin
Published: January 2013

This study investigates the Korean Government's Verification of Identity Policy by looking at the discourse surrounding its introduction and using a survey to determine the extent to which the policy was a success. While the Internet allows unprecedented freedom of expression and public opinion gathering, it also facilitates anonymity and facelessness, which increases the possibility of damage caused by deviant online behavior. The Verification of Identity Policy was aimed at fostering a more responsible Internet culture. At the beginning, it faced fierce resistance from civic groups but media coverage of innocent and high‐profile victims has changed public opinion and facilitated the implementation of the policy in 2006. Although arguments about freedom of anonymous expression and relief of damage by restrictions on freedom continue, the Verification of Identity Policy is evaluated here as a partial success, having maintained public support despite the possibility of restrictions on freedom of expression. Nevertheless, this policy perspective recommends that the Korean Government should invest in a broader and long‐term Internet usage plan than the development of just one universal policy.
Reassessing the type I dehydroquinate dehydratase catalytic triad: Kinetic and structural studies of Glu86 mutants
Authors: Light Samuel H. , Anderson Wayne F. , Lavie Arnon
Published: January 2013

Dehydroquinate dehydratase (DHQD) catalyzes the third reaction in the biosynthetic shikimate pathway. Type I DHQDs are members of the greater aldolase superfamily, a group of enzymes that contain an active site lysine that forms a Schiff base intermediate. Three residues (Glu86, His143, and Lys170 in the Salmonella enterica DHQD) have previously been proposed to form a triad vital for catalysis. While the roles of Lys170 and His143 are well defined—Lys170 forms the Schiff base with the substrate and His143 shuttles protons in multiple steps in the reaction—the role of Glu86 remains poorly characterized. To probe Glu86′s role, Glu86 mutants were generated and subjected to biochemical and structural study. The studies presented here demonstrate that mutant enzymes retain catalytic proficiency, calling into question the previously attributed role of Glu86 in catalysis and suggesting that His143 and Lys170 function as a catalytic dyad. Structures of the Glu86Ala (E86A) mutant in complex with covalently bound reaction intermediate reveal a conformational change of the His143 side chain. This indicates a predominant steric role for Glu86, to maintain the His143 side chain in position consistent with catalysis. The structures also explain why the E86A mutant is optimally active at more acidic conditions than the wild‐type enzyme. In addition, a complex with the reaction product reveals a novel, likely nonproductive, binding mode that suggests a mechanism of competitive product inhibition and a potential strategy for the design of therapeutics.
Metal binding sites of human H‐chain ferritin and iron transport mechanism to the ferroxidase sites: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Laghaei Rozita , Evans Deborah G. , Coalson Rob D.
Published: January 2013

We study via all atom classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation the process of uptake of ferrous ions (Fe2+) into the human ferritin protein and the catalytic ferroxidase sites via pores (“channels”) in the interior of the protein. We observe that the three‐fold hydrophilic channels serve as the main entrance pathway for the Fe2+ ions. The binding sites along the ion pathway are investigated. Two strong binding sites, at the Asp131 and Glu134 residues and two weak binding sites, at the His118 and Cys130 are observed inside the three‐fold channel. We also identify an explicit pathway for an ion exiting the channel into the central core of the protein as it moves to the ferroxidase site. The diffusion of an Fe2+ ion from the inner opening of the channel to a ferroxidase site located in the interior region of the protein coat is assisted by Thr135, His136 and Tyr137. The Fe2+ ion binds preferentially to site A of the ferroxidase site. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structure and function of an acetyl xylan esterase (Est2A) from the rumen bacterium Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus
Authors: Till Marisa , Goldstone David C. , Attwood Graeme T. , Moon Christina D. , Kelly Willam J. , Arcus Vickery L.
Published: January 2013

Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus is a significant component of the microbial population of the rumen of dairy cattle. It is a xylan‐degrading organism whose genome encodes a large number of open reading frames annotated as fiber‐degrading enzymes. We have determined the three‐dimensional structure of Est2A, an acetyl xylan esterase from B. proteoclasticus, at 2.1 Å resolution, along with the structure of an inactive mutant (H351A) at 2.0 Å resolution. The structure reveals two domains—a C‐terminal SGNH domain and an N‐terminal jelly‐roll domain typical of CE2 family structures. The structures are accompanied by experimentally determined enzymatic parameters against two model substrates, para‐nitrophenyl acetate and para‐nitrophenyl butyrate. The suite of fiber‐degrading enzymes produced by B. proteoclasticus provides a rich source of new enzymes of potential use in industrial settings. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adsorption and folding dynamics of MPER of HIV‐1 gp41 in the presence of dpc micelle
Authors: Hartono Yossa Dwi , Mun Yip Yew , Zhang Dawei
Published: January 2013

Membrane‐proximal ectodomain region (MPER) of HIV‐1 gp41 is known to have several epitopes of monoclonal antibodies. It also plays an important role in the membrane fusion process that is well‐evidenced, though not well‐elucidated. There are also disputes over the true structure of MPER. In this study, MPER NMR structure in the presence of dodecylphosphatidylcholine micelle is used in the molecular dynamic simulation to elucidate structural dynamics and adsorption to model MPER interaction in a membrane environment. Polarized protein‐specific charge derived from its NMR structure is found to better preserve the helical structure found in the NMR structure compared to AMBER03 calculation. The preserved helical structure also adsorb to the micelle using the hydrophobic side‐chains, consistent to the NMR structure. Ab initio folding of MPER predicts a structure quite in well agreement with the NMR structure (RMSd 3.9 Å) and shows that the micelle plays a role in the folding process. Proteins 2013; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using a Genetic Algorithm to Generate D‐optimal Designs for Mixture Experiments
Authors: Limmun Wanida , Borkowski John J. , Chomtee Boonorm
Published: January 2013

We propose and develop a genetic algorithm (GA) for generating D‐optimal designs where the experimental region is an irregularly shaped polyhedral region. Our approach does not require selection of points from a user‐defined candidate set of mixtures and allows movement through a continuous region that includes highly constrained mixture regions. This approach is useful in situations where extreme vertices (EV) designs or conventional exchange algorithms fail to find a near‐optimal design. For illustration, examples with three and four components are presented with comparisons of our GA designs with those obtained using EV designs and exchange‐point algorithms over an irregularly shaped polyhedral region. The results show that the designs produced by the GA perform better than, if not as well as, the designs produced by the exchange‐point algorithms; however, the designs produced by the GA perform better than the designs produced by the EV. This suggests that GA is an alternative approach for constructing the D‐optimal designs in problems of mixture experiments when EV designs or exchange‐point algorithms are insufficient. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photosensitizer‐Incorporated Quadruplex DNA‐Gated Nanovechicles for Light‐Triggered, Targeted Dual Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Cuie , Zhou Li , Geng Jie , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: January 2013

A novel light‐operated vehicle for targeted intracellular drug delivery is constructed using photosensitizer‐incorporated G‐quadruplex DNA‐capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Upon light irradiation, the photosensitizer generates ROS, causing the DNA capping to be cleaved and allowing cargo to be released. Importantly, this platform makes it possible to develop a drug‐carrier system for the synergistic combination of chemotherapy and PDT for cancer treatment with spatial/temporal control. Furthermore, the introducing of targeting ligands further improves tumor targeting efficiency. The excellent biocompatibility, cell‐specific intracellular drug delivery, and cellular uptake properties set up the basis for future biomedical application that require in vivo controlled, targeted drug delivery.
Medium-induced gluon branching
Authors: Blaizot Jean-Paul , Dominguez Fabio , Iancu Edmond , Mehtar-Tani Yacine
Published: January 2013

Abstract

We study the evolution of an energetic jet which radiates gluons while propagating through a dense QCD medium modeled as a random distribution of color sources. Motivated by the heavy ion experimental program at the LHC, we focus on the medium induced radiation of (relatively) soft gluons, which are abundantly emitted at large angles and thus can transport a small fraction of the jet energy far away from the jet axis. We perform a complete calculation of the medium-induced gluon branching in the regime where the gluons that take part in the branching undergo multiple soft scattering with the medium. We extend the BDMPSZ theory of radiative energy loss by including the transverse momentum dependence in the kernel that describes the branching and by analyzing the correlations between the two offspring gluons. We demonstrate that these gluons lose color coherence with respect to each other over a time scale that is comparable to the duration of the branching. It follows that interference effects between successive emissions are suppressed, a necessary ingredient for a description of multiple emission of soft gluons by a probabilistic, branching process.
Complex Hepatectomy under Total Vascular Exclusion of the Liver: Impact of Ischemic Preconditioning on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Jeon JangYong , Watkins Anthony , Wagener Gebhard , Samstein Benjamin , Guarrera James , Goldstein Michael , Meltzer Joseph , Kato Tomoaki , Emond Jean C.
Published: January 2013

Background

Hepatic inflow clamping during hepatectomy introduces ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury, and many authors regard the addition of caval occlusion as adding increased risk. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is one of the protective strategies employed to reduce I/R injury in animal experiments and limited clinical series. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of systematic adoption of IPC in patients undergoing complex hepatectomy under total hepatic vascular exclusion (TVE) based on outcomes review.

Methods

The records of 93 patients who underwent major hepatectomy involving TVE at our center from February 1998 to December 2008 were reviewed. These patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 55, TVE alone) and group 2 (n = 38, TVE with IPC). IPC was performed by portal triad clamping for 10 min followed by 3–5 min of reperfusion prior to TVE and resection.

Results

The two groups were comparable regarding demographics, underlying liver diseases, indications for hepatectomy, duration of TVE, and preoperative liver and kidney function tests. Overall postoperative laboratory results of liver function tests were not significantly different between the two groups. Creatinine levels and prothrombin times were not significantly different between the groups. The use of IPC had no impact on the duration of the operation, blood loss, or hospital stay. The morbidity rates were 37.5 and 34.2 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Our adoption of IPC as a protective strategy against I/R injury under TVE did not affect operative or laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes when compared to continuous clamping for comparable ischemic periods.
Glioma infiltration of the corpus callosum: early signs detected by DTI
Authors: Kallenberg K. , Goldmann T. , Menke J. , Strik H. , Bock H. C. , Stockhammer F. , Buhk J. H. , Frahm J. , Dechent P. , Knauth M.
Published: January 2013

The most frequent primary brain tumors, anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and glioblastomas (GBM): tend to invasion of the surrounding brain. Histopathological studies found malignant cells in macroscopically unsuspicious brain parenchyma remote from the primary tumor, even affecting the contralateral hemisphere. In early stages, diffuse interneural infiltration with changes of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) is suspected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of DTI as a possible instrument of depicting evidence of tumor invasion into the corpus callosum (CC). Preoperatively, 31 patients with high-grade brain tumors (8 AA and 23 GBM) were examined by MRI at 3 T, applying a high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequence. ADC- and FA-values were analyzed in the tumor-associated area of the CC as identified by fiber tracking, and were compared to matched healthy controls. In (MR-)morphologically normal appearing CC the ADC values were elevated in the tumor patients (n = 22; 0.978 × 10−3 mm²/s) compared to matched controls (0.917 × 10−3 mm²/s, p < 0.05), and the corresponding relative FA was reduced (rFA: 88 %, p < 0.01). The effect was pronounced in case of affection of the CC visible on MRI (n = 9; 0.978 × 10−3 mm²/s, p < 0.05; rFA: 72 %, p < 0.01). Changes in diffusivity and anisotropy in the CC can be interpreted as an indicator of tumor spread into the contralateral hemisphere not visible on conventional MRI.
Successful Treatment of a Recalcitrant Pleural Effusion with Rib Fracture Fixation
Authors: Taylor Benjamin C. , French Bruce G.
Published: January 2013

Pulmonary complications of rib fractures typically occur in the immediate postinjury period, as a result of the forces causing the injury or subsequent rib fracture displacement. Pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusions, or parenchymal lacerations are frequently seen with significant chest wall trauma. Hemopneumothorax is typically treated with tube thoracostomy, and full resolution of the pleural injury is expected; continued pleural fluid accumulation despite these measures is unanticipated, rare, and quite problematic. We report a case of hemorrhagic pleural effusion after rib fractures that were recurrent despite several tube thoracostomies and computed tomography-guided aspirations. The patient subsequently underwent operative fixation of her rib fractures, with successful resolution of her symptomatic pleural effusion.