bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking Demographic Factors with Family Financial Management Competence and Community Lifestyle
Authors: Aisyah Esy Nur
Published: July 2024

Financial issues often arise in families due to debts and receivables, limited purchasing power, and an imbalance between expenses and income. This research examines family income, financial management competence, and people's lifestyles after the pandemic. We used an accidental sampling technique to collect data from 160 wives in Malang. The correlation test results show that education level and employment status positively correlate with family income. Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between management competency and lifestyle. The multivariate test shows that family income and education level influence financial management competence and lifestyle. We expect a wife to have strong financial management skills to manage family finances and enhance family welfare effectively.
Impact of Various IBA Concentrations on Rooting in Apical Shoot Cutting and Stem Cuttings of Callistemon lanceolatus (Sm.) Sweet in Polytunnel Conditions
Authors: M Packialakshmi, , Naveena N. , Vishnuprabha R. Sangeetha , S Benisha , K Harshavardhini , J.S. Jayapradha , Rajput Nikhil Balu
Published: July 2024

The study was undertaken to identify the optimal concentration of IBA and type of cuttings suitable for propagation of Callistemon lanceolatus and it was conducted at the Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi, Coimbatore, India from December 2022 to September 2023. The experiment addressed the challenges of seed propagation, such as their seed capsules need to be activated by fire and the unpredictable nature of seed germination, which results in high progeny diversity due to genetic recombination. The investigation focused on apical and stem cuttings subjected to fifteen different treatments with three replications each; the Tukey test was used for statistical analysis; the cuttings were treated with various concentrations of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and placed under polytunnel conditions; observations were made after 45 days, measuring sprouting percentage, rooting percentage, mean number of leaves, shoot length, mean number of roots, and root length per cutting. In light of these issues, the study explored clonal propagation as an alternative for mass multiplication of elite trees. The results of the study depicted that the maximum rooting percentage and root length were observed in T6 (73.28±8.87%) and (12.54±0.00cm) due to the exogenous application of auxin. On the whole, the result of this investigation suggest that apical shoot cuttings with IBA at 6000ppm can be made to induce maximum rooting and to produce high quality planting stock material for clonal propagation in Callistemon lanceolatus.
From Soil to Oil: The Crucial Roles of Potassium and Sulphur in Enhancing Oilseed Crop Quality
Authors: Karmakar Kuntal , Patil Sushant Sukumar , Kundu Bidisha
Published: July 2024

Oilseed crops play a pivotal role in global agriculture, serving as primary sources for edible oils and biodiesel. The quality and productivity of these crops are profoundly influenced by soil nutrient availability, particularly potassium and sulphur. Potassium regulates essential physiological processes such as photosynthesis and nutrient transport, impacting oil accumulation and fatty acid composition in seeds. Conversely, sulphur is integral to protein synthesis, oil biosynthesis, and seed maturation, directly influencing oil content and overall quality. Effective management of these nutrients through optimized fertilization strategies and soil amendments enhances oilseed crop yield, improves oil composition, and bolsters resistance to environmental stresses. This review integrates insights from various studies to underscore the critical roles of potassium and sulphur in oilseed crop production. It explores the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying nutrient uptake and utilization by oilseed crops, emphasizing the genetic and molecular adaptations that facilitate efficient absorption from soil. The environmental implications of optimizing soil potassium and sulphur levels are also examined, considering impacts on ecological balance and groundwater quality. The paper highlights the economic significance of oilseed crops, not only as essential components in human diets and industrial processes but also as biofuel sources promoting sustainable energy alternatives. Moreover, oilseed cultivation contributes to soil health and conservation efforts through nitrogen fixation and conservation tillage practices, mitigating soil erosion and supporting biodiversity. By elucidating the multifaceted roles of potassium and sulphur in enhancing oilseed crop quality and productivity, this review provides a comprehensive perspective for stakeholders in agriculture, including farmers, policymakers, and researchers. It underscores the importance of nutrient management strategies in achieving sustainable agricultural practices that optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact.
Towards Effective Healthcare Delivery: An Assessment of Public Perception of Pharmacist’s Role in Nigeria
Authors: Ugboma Evaristus Jideofor , Amaechi Victor Chikaodiri , Asumah Onyeka Milicent , Okoye Olisaeloka Ivy , Nwiyi Chimaobi Jude , Odimgbe Ezekiel Izudike , Njoku Chukwuemeka Chidindu
Published: July 2024

Background: Pharmacists have a vital function in the healthcare system, acting as intermediaries between patients and the intricate realm of pharmaceutical administration. Pharmacists have a range of tasks that go beyond simply giving out prescriptions. These include providing guidance to patients, managing medication therapy, resolving issues related to drug therapy, and educating people about healthcare, which is known as pharmaceutical care.
Aim: This study aims to assess the public perception of pharmacists' roles in healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect data from a representative sample of the Nigerian population. The collected data was coded into Microsoft Excel 2016 and subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize the data, providing an overview of the demographic characteristics and key findings.
Key Findings: The findings reveal that while a majority of respondents recognize the importance of pharmacists in healthcare, significant gaps in awareness and utilization were identified. Approximately 65% of participants expressed trust in pharmacists' professional advice, yet only 45% reported regularly consulting pharmacists for health-related issues.
Conclusion and Implications: The study concludes that enhancing public awareness and trust in pharmacists could significantly improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational campaigns and policy interventions to better integrate pharmacists into the healthcare system.
Determining the Effect of Rooting Media and Different Polythene Wrappers on Air Layering of Grape Fruit (Citrus paradisi)
Authors: Saket Kumar , Joseph Annjoe V. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: July 2024

The present study aims to investigate the “EFFECT OF ROOTING MEDIA AND DIFFERENT POLYTHENE WRAPPERS ON AIR LAYERING OF GRAPE FRUIT (Citrus paradisi’)”at The Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during the period 2023-24. The experiment was laid in completely randomized block design with three replications and ten treatment combinations. viz, T1 (BA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS) ,T2 (IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SAWDUST), T3 (IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL+ SPHAGNUM MOSS),T4 (IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS+ SAWDUST), T5(IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL+ SAWDUST), T6 (IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS), T7 (IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + SAWDUST),T8(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL + SPHAGNUMMOSS), T9(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL + SAWDUST),T10(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS + SAWDUST). On the basis of present experimental findings, it is concluded that treatmentT4(IBA1000PPM + BLACK POLYTHENE + SPHAGNUM MOSS+ SAWDUST) was found to be best in terms of Number of days to root formation (initial rooting), Root length(cm), Root thickness(mm), Number of roots per layer, Survival percentage, Number of new sprouts per layered plant, Number of new leaves per layered plant and length of new shoot(cm) in Grape fruit.Whereas T9(IBA1000PPM + WHITE POLYTHENE + GARDEN SOIL + SAWDUST) was found to be least in terms of Number of days to root formation (initial rooting), Root length(cm), Survival percentage, Number of new sprouts per layered plant, Number of new leaves per layered plant and Length of new shoots(cm) whereas in Root thickness(mm) and number of roots per layer in Grape fruit.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Practices: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sabirali K P
Published: July 2024

Corporations utilise a significant portion of environmental and human resources for production and related processes. Profit maximisation was the only motive behind any business in the past. However, its long-term existence depends on its involvement with the environment and society, which shows the importance of sustainable practices. This study attempts to analyse the prevailing status of research on corporate sustainability to find the literature gap for future research. Using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 114 articles published in the Scopus database were selected for in-depth review and analysis. Analysis indicates that the publication trend was tailed towards recent years. Most of the available literature was found to have been undertaken in developed countries. The most considered themes are the determinants of sustainability, sustainability and firm performance, and compliance level of sustainability. Stakeholder theory is the widely used theory for explaining corporate sustainability. Future studies need a shift towards other aspects like the impact on earnings management, cost of capital, market risk, and the like. The unavailability of an exact measurement scale compelled the researchers to use different proxies to measure corporate sustainability. More efforts are required to find the correct indicator of absolute sustainability level instead of the ESG score provided by different databases.
Extended lateral heating of the nighttime ionosphere by ground‒based VLF transmitters
Authors: Graf K. L. , Spasojevic M. , Marshall R. A. , Lehtinen N. G. , Foust F. R. , Inan U. S.
Published: November 2013

The effects of ground‒based very low frequency (VLF) transmitters on the lower ionosphere are investigated. Controlled modulation experiments are performed with the 21.4 kHz, 424 kW VLF transmitter NPM in Lualualei, Hawaii, and physical effects of the NPM transmissions are studied with a subionospherically propagating VLF probe signal. Observed perturbations to the probe signal are consistent neither with expectations from transmitter‒induced electron precipitation nor to off‒path scattering from a concentrated heating region near the transmitter but rather appear to be the result of scattering from extended lateral heating of the ionosphere by the NPM transmitter. A large‒scale computational modeling framework confirms theoretically that this form of ionospheric heating can account for the observed probe signal modulations, establishing that the lateral extent of ionospheric heating due to VLF transmitters is several thousand kilometers, significantly greater than previously recognized.
Extreme Thermophiles
Authors: Grogan Dennis W
Published: November 2013

Extreme thermophiles are microorganisms adapted to temperatures normally found only in hot springs, hydrothermal vents and similar sites of geothermal activity. These unicellular organisms include diverse archaea and bacteria, and they span a wide range of metabolic strategies. Various molecular features enable the cells of extreme thermophiles to function optimally at temperatures that kill other cells. These features include low‐molecular weight compounds that stabilise the conformations of proteins and nucleic acids, enzymes with intrinsically stable folding of the polypeptide and unusual lipids that form highly impermeable membranes. The intrinsically stable enzymes of extreme thermophiles offer advantages for industrial and diagnostic processes ranging from ore processing to molecular genotyping.

Key Concepts:

Bacteria and archaea consist of very simple (prokaryotic) cells but vary greatly with respect to metabolic capabilities, physiological limits and other fundamental properties.

Diverse bacteria and archaea require the temperatures found in geothermal environments for optimal growth, and are classified as extreme thermophiles.

Geothermal activity typically provides chemical energy and nutrients that microorganisms can utilise.

Extreme thermophiles use two basic strategies to avoid thermal denaturation of their enzymes: extrinsic stabilisation, conferred by certain small molecules, and intrinsic stabilisation, conferred by the specific structure and conformation of the enzyme itself.

Intrinsically thermostable enzymes of extreme thermophiles allow certain chemical reactions to be catalysed with high specificity at high temperatures or under other harsh conditions.
Bacterial Cell Differentiation
Authors: Chater Keith F
Published: November 2013

Four bacterial developmental systems are described. In the dimorphic cell cycle of

Caulobacter crescentus

, differences in the proteins assembled at cell poles cause cell division to generate a stalked cell rich in regulator DivK‐P, and competent for continued proliferation, and a swarmer cell rich in regulator CtrA‐P, and unable to proliferate until it discards its flagellum and grows a stalk. The other three systems all lead to the formation of spores, but by completely different routes. In

Bacillus subtilis

, an endospore forms inside a mother cell; in the mycelial

Streptomyces coelicolor

, long hyphae grow into the air and then turn into chains of spores; whereas in

Myxococcus xanthus

, which hunts in motile swarms to prey on other bacteria, the swarm aggregates into a mound to form a fruiting body, inside which cells change into spores. The regulatory cascades leading to differentiation evolved completely independently in the four systems, but show some common strategies.

Key Concepts

Bacterial cells can be both organisationally and developmentally complex.

Bacterial development is usually driven forward by positively acting regulatory cascades, often reinforced by positive feedback loops.

Cascades activating bacterial differentiation often respond to environmental or physiological information through the action of repressors or other negatively acting mechanisms.

Diverse extracellular signals are often employed to allow communication between cells, leading to coordination of bacterial development.

Sporulation has evolved completely independently in different groups of bacteria.

Some kinds of protein recur frequently in bacterial developmental systems, including sigma factors, phosphoproteins and proteases.
Cetacea (Whales, Porpoises and Dolphins)
Authors: Fordyce R Ewan
Published: November 2013

Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are streamlined aquatic mammals that spend all their lives in water. They are all carnivorous, taking either many small prey by bulk filter‐feeding (Mysticeti, baleen whales), or larger prey by echolocation‐assisted hunting (Odontoceti, dolphins and toothed whales). The main living groups, Mysticeti and Odontoceti, arose from archaic whales – Archaeoceti – some 35 Mya. Cetaceans have been distinct for more than 50 My. Their closest relatives are the hoofed mammals, artiodactyls, such as hippos and cows. Cetaceans include the largest living animals, and range through all oceans and into some rivers. Their active aquatic lifestyle makes them difficult to study. Developments in electronic data‐gathering, tissue analyses, genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, and discoveries of new fossils, have hugely expanded recent understanding. Most of the diversity of living cetaceans (currently 87 species) is concentrated in the oceanic dolphins – Delphinidae (36 species), Ziphiidae (beaked whales, 21 species) and Balaenopteridae (rorquals, 8 species).

Key Concepts:

Cetaceans form a monophyletic group of marine mammals, with three divisions: the living mysticetes (filter‐feeders), odontocetes (echolocators) and the extinct archaeocetes.

Currently, 87 species are recognised: 14 mysticetes (baleen whales) and 73 odontocetes (dolphins, porpoises and toothed whales).

Cetaceans are difficult to study because of their habits, size and rarity, so that, in terms of conservation status, many species are data‐deficient and of uncertain population trend.

As a group, cetaceans range through all oceans, and into some estuaries and rivers; individual species tend to be regionally or hemispherically restricted.

Molecular (genetic) studies of phylogeny will continue to change concepts of relationships, leading to revised classifications at species and genus level.

The earliest known fossil cetaceans lived more than 50 Mya, in what is now India and Pakistan.

Cetaceans are related closely to hoofed mammals (artiodactyls), particularly the hippopotamus.
Plant Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Sparkes Imogen A
Published: November 2013

The plant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for the synthesis and often storage of a large group of proteins and lipids that enter the secretory pathway. This multifunctional organelle, which also represents one of the calcium storage compartments in plant cells, has currently received considerable attention from the research community because of features unique to plants that make it particularly interesting for biotechnology. Here, the principles behind ER dynamics in plants, and the molecular factors that control the rapid remodelling and network configuration of the organelle are discussed. Correlations between ER morphology and function indicate the potential to enhance protein storage by merely increasing the capacity of the organelle through altering its shape.

Key Concepts:

The endoplasmic reticulum in plants rapidly changes ‘shape’.

The ER is composed of a polygonal network of tubules and cisternae that readily interconvert.

The ER membrane shaping proteins, reticulons, affect ER curvature whereas root hair defective 3 (RHD3) may affect tubule fusion.

ER network movement is driven by actin and myosin in plants.

The ER is physically connected to Golgi bodies in plant cells.
Identifying Regions of the Human Genome that Exhibit Evidence of Positive Selection
Authors: Kimura Ryosuke , Ohashi Jun
Published: November 2013

The recent availability of genomic data from humans has driven genome‐wide scans for natural selection; these scans use several approaches based on comparative genetics and population genetics. Such studies have identified many possible occurrences of positive selection in the human genome, but the results should be interpreted with caution because false positives are unavoidable. Here, we review approaches for identifying positive selection in the human genome, and explain in detail an approach designed to detect recent positive selection; this approach is based on haplotype variation and linkage disequilibrium. Signatures of positive selection in the human genome offer clues on how biological features of humans have evolved and on how humans have genetically adapted to their environments and own lifestyles – including climate, diet and pathogens.

Key Concepts:

Comparative genetics approaches identify human‐specific constraint or accelerated gene evolution, but have a methodological limitation.

Population genetics approaches based on haplotype variation effectively detect recent positive selection.

Genome‐wide scans for selection have identified a number of candidate loci; these findings enable us to reconstruct the history of human genetic adaptation.

The results of scans for selection have to be interpreted with caution since the occurrence of false positives and false negatives is inevitable.

Further improvements in statistical analysis and establishment of functional analysis are required for future studies to validate variants associated with adaptive phenotypes.
Non‐Classical
MHC
Class I Molecules (
MHC
‐Ib)
Authors: Allen Rachel L , Hogan L
Published: November 2013

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecules are a family of structurally related proteins that were first characterised through their central role in adaptive immunity. Classical MHC class I (MHC‐Ia) molecules comprise a heavy chain complexed with β
2
m to display short peptide fragments on the surface of all nucleated cells. As antigen‐presenting proteins, the classical role of MHC‐Ia is to present these peptides for recognition by T‐cell receptors expressed by cytotoxic T‐cells. MHC‐Ia are also recognised by innate immune receptors on other leukocyte subsets. A diverse group of structurally related proteins, collectively termed nonclassical MHC class I molecules or MHC‐Ib, exists to perform a range of alternative immune roles. Here, the authors describe the biology of human MHC‐Ib molecules and their recognition as antigen‐presenting and antigen‐independent ligands for various immune receptors.

Key Concepts:

Classical MHC class I (MHC‐Ia) are highly polymorphic proteins which, together with β
2
m, form a structure that presents short peptide antigens for recognition by the classical αβ T‐cell receptor (TCR) on CD8+ T‐cells.

MHC‐Ia proteins also exist in nonclassical forms – MHC‐I heavy chain structures lacking β
2
m are found on the surface of activated immune cells, where they are recognised by alternative immune receptors such as members of the leukocyte Ig‐like (LILR) family.

Nonclassical MHC‐Ib are usually nonpolymorphic and tend to show a more restricted pattern of expression than their MHC‐Ia counterparts.

MHC‐Ib may be recognised by specific subsets of T‐cell receptors or by innate immune receptors.

Owing to their recognition by a more restricted set of receptors, MHC‐Ib are able to elicit a rapid response from immune cells and are, therefore, regarded as part of the innate immune system.

Some MHC‐Ib act as antigen presenting structures, whereas others are recognised as direct ligands for immune receptors.
Genetics of Panic Disorder
Authors: Maron Eduard , Shlik Jakov
Published: November 2013

The molecular genetic research on panic disorder (PD) has grown tremendously in the past decade. To date, several hundreds of candidate genes have been examined in association studies, but most of the results have been negative, inconsistent or awaiting replication. Perhaps most intriguing have been findings involving the genes of biological systems known to be pertinent to anxiety phenotypes, such as serotonin, cholecystokinin and adenosine. An array of other genes related to hormonal, neurotrophic and intracellular systems has also been implicated in disposition to PD. The recent advances in bioinformatics and genotyping technologies, including genome‐wide association and gene expression methods, promise more comprehensive discovery in PD. Preliminary findings point to a number of novel gene targets with still unknown pathogenetic relationship to PD. The progress in clinical and neurobiological concepts of PD may further guide genetic research through the current ambiguity to more definitive findings.

Key Concepts:

The linkage and candidate gene association studies have so far showed only weak success to identify reliable and replicated evidence for the genetic substrate of PD.

The genetic research in PD to date has been mostly restricted to small phenotypically and ethnically diverse datasets with genotyping of limited numbers of SNPs.

An improved understanding of neurobiological pathways of PD could contribute to a more effective identification of candidate genes.

Novel conceptual and analytic approaches, such as pathways‐based analyses, may help to advance GWA studies in PD.

Laboratory panic challenge models may provide clues to genetic predisposition to PD.

The understanding of genetic underpinnings of PD will not be of full value without a conceptual integration of the clinical phenomena of PD with psychological models and neurobiological or molecular substrates underlying its development and course.

The course of PD may depend on the balance between pathogenetic and compensatory or recovery processes, accompanied by activation or inhibition of relevant genes.

PD might exist in many distinct genetic forms, each with a different set of genes, but also in one form with certain genes reflecting broader vulnerability to panicogenesis.

The heterogeneity in PD phenotypes, age of onset, subtypes and severity of panic attacks, gender and familial aggregation were not sufficiently accounted for in most of published studies and should be more carefully addressed in further analyses.

Other comprehensive genetic approaches, including GWA, the analysis of copy number variants and the study of regulatory small noncoding RNAs, may lead to uncovering new genomic mechanisms of PD.
Expectations and Outcomes of Genetics Services
Authors: McAllister Marion
Published: November 2013

Measuring outcomes from clinical genetics services is difficult because the interventions offered focus on provision of information, counselling and genetic testing, and are unlikely to improve patient health status. Furthermore, patients are not always clear what to expect from a clinical genetics service. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) have recently gained prominence in healthcare evaluation worldwide. Although PROMs have often been used in research, the PROMs approach to service evaluation is new to clinical genetics, which have historically been evaluated using process measures, for example, number of genetic tests done, waiting times and number of patients attending. A range of PROMs is available for evaluating clinical genetics services, but few suitable PROMs have been robustly validated. Furthermore, PROMs use in this context is likely to be influenced by patients' changing expectations as they navigate their journey through clinical genetics services.

Key Concepts:

Measuring outcomes from clinical genetics services is difficult and there is no consensus about the best way to do this.

Patient expectations may influence satisfaction with healthcare in general and responses to interventions provided in clinical genetics in particular.

Health services are increasingly expected to demonstrate that they are delivering patient benefits.

To this end, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are of growing importance in healthcare evaluation.

Although PROMs have their limitations, they can be a useful supplement to traditional quality measures used in healthcare.

It is timely for the clinical genetics community to work together in order to develop a standardised core set of quality outcome measures to evaluate services and interventions in research and clinical practice.
Molecular Genetics of LEOPARD Syndrome
Authors: Martínez‐Quintana Efrén , Rodríguez‐González Fayna
Published: November 2013

LEOPARD syndrome (LS) is an acronym for the cardinal features lentigines, electrocardiogram conduction abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonic stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retardation of growth and sensorineural deafness. However, other disorders, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, occur frequently and represent a potentially life‐threatening problem. PTPN11 mutations, located on chromosome 12q24, are observed in up to 90% of patients with LS. Meanwhile, mutations in the RAF1 gene on chromosome 3p25.2 and mutations in the BRAF gene on chromosome 7q34 occur in 5% of the cases. Eleven different missense PTPN11 mutations, characterised by a decrease in physiological activity of the mutated protein (Tyr279Cys/Ser, Ala461Thr, Gly464Ala, Thr468Met/Pro, Arg498Trp/Leu, Gln506Pro and Gln510Glu/Pro) have been reported, two of which (Tyr279Cys and Thr468Met) occur in approximately 65% of the cases.

Key Concepts:

LEOPARD syndrome (LS) (OMIM #151100) and Noonan syndrome (NS) (OMIM #163950) are two disorders that are part of a newly classified family of autosomal dominant syndromes termed ‘RASopathies’, which are caused by germline mutations in components of the RAS‐MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinases) signal transduction pathway that is involved in the regulation of normal cell proliferation, survival and differentiation.

LS is an acronym for the cardinal features lentigines, electrocardiogram conduction abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonic stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retardation of growth and sensorineural deafness.

The diagnosis of LS is made on clinical grounds by observation of key features.

PTPN11, RAF1 and BRAF are the genes known to be associated with LS. Molecular genetic testing of the three genes identifies mutations in approximately 95% of affected individuals.

LS may be sporadic (de‐novomutation) or inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

Lentigines are the most prominent manifestation of LS and are found in more than 90% of the patients.

On the whole, 85% of patients with LS have heart defects. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most frequent cardiac anomaly observed, representing a potentially life‐threatening problem in these patients.

To date, it is unclear whether the genotype may influence the clinical course in LS patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Although some haematologic tumours have been reported in patients with LS the association is inconclusive.

Genetic counselling helps families and patients to understand and cope with the diagnosis of their genetic condition and its implications.
Functionally modified, melt‐electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane mats for wound‐dressing applications
Authors: Hacker Christoph , Karahaliloglu Zeynep , Seide Gunnar , Denkbas Emir Baki , Gries Thomas
Published: November 2013

The electrospinning of a polymer melt is an interesting process for medical applications because it eliminates the cytotoxic effects of solvents in the electrospinning solution. Wound dressings made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), particularly as a porous structured electrospun membrane, are currently the focus of scientific and commercial interest. In this study, we developed a functionalized fibrillar structure as a novel antibacterial wound‐dressing material with the melt‐electrospinning of TPU. The surface of the fibers was modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and silver nanoparticles (nAg's) to improve their wettability and antimicrobial properties. TPU was processed into a porous, fibrous network of beadless fibers in the micrometer range (4.89 ± 0.94 μm). The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results and scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the successful incorporation of nAg's onto the surface of the fiber structure. An antibacterial test indicated that the PEG‐modified nAg‐loaded TPU melt‐electrospun structure had excellent antibacterial effects against both a Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus strain and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli compared to unmodified and PEG‐modified TPU fiber mats. Moreover, modification with nAg's and PEG increased the water‐absorption ability in comparison to unmodified TPU. The cell viability and proliferation on the unmodified and modified TPU fiber mats were investigated with a mouse fibroblast cell line (L929). The results demonstrate that the PEG‐modified nAg‐loaded TPU mats had no cytotoxic effect on the fibroblast cells. Therefore, the melt‐electrospun TPU fiber mats modified with PEG and nAg have the potential to be used as antibacterial, humidity‐managing wound dressings. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40132.
Variable Time Impulse System Optimization with Continuous Control and Impulse Control
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Huang Yao , Wang Hua , Balakrishnan S.N.
Published: November 2013

Optimal control of a variable time impulse system is considered in this study. Besides impulse control, the system is assumed to operate with continuous control also. Necessary conditions for the optimization of such system are derived using the calculus of variations. A reinforcement based solution technique called a single network adaptive critic (SNAC) method is developed in this paper to obtain an optimal solution. Details of the SNAC‐based algorithm are presented. Simulation examples are also presented for illustrative purposes.
Justice, belonging and trust among Israeli middle school students
Authors: Resh Nura , Sabbagh Clara
Published: November 2013

Contending that justice experiences at school transmit messages about the wider society and affects students' attitudes and behaviour, we investigated the effects of students' sense of distributive and (school) procedural justice on their sense of belonging to school and on their social and institutional trust. The study was carried out among about 5000 eighth and ninth graders in a national sample of 48 middle schools in Israel in the 2010–2011 school year. The two‐level data—individual and school—were analyzed by HLM7 (Hierarchical Linear Model). Findings basically support our hypotheses: sense of distributive justice, especially, with regard to teachers'–students' relation positively affected students' sense of belonging and their trust in people and formal institutions; and school (aggregate) sense of procedural justice added to these positive effects. However, these attitudes were also dependent on sectorial affiliation (Jewish secular, Jewish religious, Arab), which explained a considerable portion of between‐school variation in student attitudes.
Huge thymoma obstructing view of mediastinal cervical vessels
Authors: Nakagiri Tomoyuki , Okumura Meinoshin
Published: November 2013

Key Clinical Message

The 3D‐computed tomography (CT) image helped to make the operation strategy for the resection of huge thymoma obstruction large mediastinal vessels. Even in the rare situation, preoperatively enhanced 3D‐CT image is useful for a safe operation.
A Chemical–Biological Evaluation of Rhodium(I) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Prospective Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Oehninger Luciano , Küster Laura Nadine , Schmidt Claudia , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Prokop Aram , Ott Ingo
Published: November 2013

Rhodium(I) complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been widely used in catalytic chemistry, but there are very few reports of biological properties of these organometallics. A series of RhI‐NHC derivatives with 1,5‐cyclooctadiene and CO as secondary ligands were synthesized, characterized, and biologically investigated as prospective antitumor drug candidates. Pronounced antiproliferative effects were noted for all complexes, along with moderate inhibitory activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and efficient binding to biomolecules (DNA, albumin). Biodistribution studies showed that the presence of albumin lowered the cellular uptake and confirmed the transport of rhodium into the nuclei. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed as well as DNA fragmentation in wild‐type and daunorubicin‐ or vincristine‐resistant Nalm‐6 leukemia cells. Overall, these studies indicated that RhI‐NHC fragments could be used as partial structures of new antitumor agents, in particular in those drugs designed to address resistant malignant tissues.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants and Atrial Fibrillation: Efficacy and Safety Considerations
Authors: Apostolakis Stavros
Published: November 2013

Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing

For almost six decades, vitamin K antagonists (e.g., warfarin) were the only available oral drugs for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. Recently, novel oral anticoagulants that target thrombin (dabigatran) or activated factor X (rivaroxaban and apixaban) have successfully completed clinical development and received approval for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Novel oral anticoagulants have been shown to be noninferior, or in some cases superior to warfarin in both safety and efficacy aspects. Their advanced pharmacological properties result to rapid, consistent anticoagulation at fixed dosing without need for laboratory monitoring. As with any antithrombotic therapy, novel oral anticoagulants should be used with caution, for the appropriate clinical indications and with an awareness of their limitations and contraindication.
The Utility of Platelet and Coagulation Testing of Antithrombotics: Fusing Science with Patient Care
Authors: Jennings Lisa K. , Kotha Jayaprakash
Published: November 2013

Clinical Development Phases I‐III Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing

There is an increasing need for the standardization of platelet function and coagulation testing for the assessment of antithrombotic therapies. Investigators continue to strive to identify ideal laboratory testing and monitoring procedures for acquired and inherited platelet function defects as well as for evaluating patient status when treated with existing or emerging antithrombotics. These therapies are used primarily in the treatment of ischemic complications. In patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, the balance between hemostasis and thrombosis is a challenge as there is an ongoing risk for bleeding when patients are receiving antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants to lessen their risk for secondary thrombotic events. There are several diverse tests for monitoring anticoagulant therapy; however, as new agents are developed, more specific tests will be required to directly assess these agents in relationship to overall coagulation status. Research in the platelet biology field is ongoing to provide point‐of‐care methodologies for the assessment of platelet reactivity in terms of both bleeding and thrombosis risk. Currently there are no instruments that reliably assess the risk of bleeding. The challenges that routinely faced are the complexity of physiology, the need for standardization of platelet testing methodology, and the necessity for appropriate interpretation of the test results.
Synthesis and Crystal Packing of trans‐Bis(2‐aminotroponato)palladium(II) Complexes Bearing Linear Alkyl Chains – Hard Lamellar Structures Self‐Locked by Cross‐Shaped Molecular Units
Authors: Komiya Naruyoshi , Hori Takao , Naito Masaya , Naota Takeshi
Published: November 2013

The synthesis, structure, and three‐dimensional lamellar array of a series of trans‐bis(2‐aminotroponato‐κN,κO)palladium(II) complexes bearing linear alkyl chains (1a: n = 5; 1b: n = 8; 1c: n = 14; 1d: n = 16; 1e: n = 18, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the chain) attached to trans nitrogen donor atoms are described. The trans‐coordination of the ligands, the cross‐shaped molecular structures, and the crystal packing of 1b and 1c have been unequivocally established from single‐crystal XRD studies. Highly regulated multilayered lamellar structures are observed for 1b and 1c, where every lamellar layer in the crystallographic ab plane, formed by π‐stacking interactions of metal cores and van der Waals interactions between alkyl chains, is laminated alternately on the c axis with an orthogonal lamellar array of the identical unit. Powder XRD analysis showed that 1b–1e exhibit diffraction peaks attributed to periodic (n00) reflections of a typical lamellar structure. A linear correlation between the d‐spacing and chain lengths in these compounds indicates that they form the same type of three‐dimensional layer‐by‐layer structure of lamellar aggregates. The correlation between the cross‐shaped molecular structures of 1b–1e and the dimensionality of molecular constraint in the crystal packing is discussed by comparison with those of rod‐shaped analogues that exhibit high liquid crystallinity.
Synthesis, Skeletal Rearrangement, and Biological Activities of Spirooxindoles: Exploration of a Stepwise C‐Piancatelli Rearrangement
Authors: Huang Li , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Jing , Ding Ke , Li Xuehui , Zheng Wenxu , Yin Biaolin
Published: November 2013

Based on our previous studies, the scope of the transformation of 2‐furylcarbinols into spirofurooxindoles, and also the skeletal rearrangements of spiro[furo‐oxindoles] and spiro[thieno‐oxindoles] were studied. The spiro[furo‐oxindoles] thermally rearranged into spiro[pentenone‐oxindoles] by a mechanism involving the conrotatory electrocyclization of the 4π‐electron system. The free energy of the electrocyclization step was calculated to interpret the stereochemical outcomes. In contrast, the spiro[thieno‐oxindoles] were rearranged under acidic conditions into thieno[2,3‐c]quinolin‐4‐ones, involving an interesting dienone–phenol‐like mechanism. The transformation of 2‐furylcarbinols into spiro[pentenone‐oxindoles] seems to be the first stepwise C‐Piancatelli rearrangement. The spirooxindole products were biologically evaluated, and some of them showed promising cytotoxic activities against DU145 and LNCaP tumor cell lines.
Syntheses of Heteraphosphacyclanes: Follow the Guide!
Authors: Brewster Richard , Vandergeten Marie‐Christine , Montel Florian
Published: November 2013

Phosphorus heterocycles have been extensively studied over the past 100 years, yet for many chemists some of the most useful synthetic routes to these cycles remain unknown. These phosphorus‐containing compounds have long been seen as the “holy grail” for the chemical industries, promising not only better physical‐chemical properties and novelty in terms of intellectual property, but also for academic researchers intrigued by their challenging accessibility. Every chemist who has worked with phosphorus derivatives knows that this heteroatom is always a great source of surprises and can often lead to ground‐breaking findings. This review aims to guide readers through the various synthetic routes for the formation of monocyclic pentavalent phosphorus heterocycles of key importance in the development of future new and original chemical entities.
Asymmetric Synthesis of cis‐ and trans‐2‐Aryl‐6‐methylpyrans from D‐Glucose by Arylation and Inversion of Configuration at the C‐2 Position
Authors: Michigami Kyosuke , Shimazaki Atsuko , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: November 2013

Asymmetric synthesis of optically active cis‐ and trans‐2‐aryl‐6‐methylpyrans from commercially available tetra‐O‐acetyl‐D‐glucopyranosyl bromide has been developed. The reaction proceeds by two important steps. One is the arylation, and the other is deoxygenation at the C‐3 position and inversion of configuration at the C‐2 position during the preparation of the cis‐isomer, when 2‐aryl‐3‐hydroxy‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)pyrans were treated with trimethylsilyl chloride and sodium iodide.
Electrochemical Detection and Characterisation of Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou X.‐F. , Cheng W. , Batchelor‐McAuley C. , Tschulik K. , Compton R. G.
Published: November 2013

We report the detection and characterisation of polymer nanoparticles using electrochemistry using poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) nanoparticles (PVK NPs) as a model system. These were synthesised using the reprecipitation method. The number of electrons (n=2) transferred per PVK monomer was characterised by drop‐casting method. Sticking and sensing experiments were then conducted, which involve PVK nanoparticle immobilisation on the electrode surface and subsequent oxidative sensing, to enable rapid detection of polymer nanoparticles in aqueous solution. It is shown for the first time, that using this “stick and sense” method, polymer nanoparticles in aqueous solution can be immobilised, preconcentrated and quantified.
Effects of sodium benzoate on storage stability of previously improved beverage from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)
Authors: Adeola Abiodun A. , Aworh Ogugua C.
Published: November 2013

The effect of sodium benzoate on the quality attributes of improved tamarind beverage during storage was investigated. Tamarind beverages were produced according to a previously reported improved method, with or without chemical preservatives (100 mg/100 mL sodium benzoate). Tamarind beverage produced according to traditional processing method served as the control. The tamarind beverages were stored for 4 months at room (29 ± 2°C) and refrigerated (4–10°C) temperatures. Samples were analyzed, at regular intervals, for chemical, sensory, and microbiological qualities. Appearance of coliforms or overall acceptability score of 5.9 was used as deterioration index. The control beverages deteriorated by 2nd and 10th days at room and refrigerated temperatures, respectively. Improved tamarind beverage produced without the inclusion of sodium benzoate was stable for 3 and 5 weeks at room and refrigerated temperatures, respectively. Sodium benzoate extended the shelf life of the improved tamarind beverage to 6 and 13 weeks, respectively, at room and refrigerated temperatures.
Temporal geochemical variations in lavas from Kīlauea's Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption (1983–2010): Cyclic variations from melting of source heterogeneities
Authors: Greene Andrew R. , Garcia Michael O. , Pietruszka Aaron J. , Weis Dominique , Marske Jared P. , Vollinger Michael J. , Eiler John
Published: November 2013

Geochemical time series analysis of lavas from Kīlauea's ongoing Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō eruption chronicle mantle and crustal processes during a single, prolonged (1983 to present) magmatic event, which has shown nearly two‐fold variation in lava effusion rates. Here we present an update of our ongoing monitoring of the geochemical variations of Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lavas for the entire eruption through 2010. Oxygen isotope measurements on Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lavas show a remarkable range (δ18O values of 4.6–5.6‰), which are interpreted to reflect moderate levels of oxygen isotope exchange with or crustal contamination by hydrothermally altered Kīlauea lavas, probably in the shallow reservoir under the Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō vent. This process has not measurably affected ratios of radiogenic isotope or incompatible trace elements, which are thought to vary due to mantle‐derived changes in the composition of the parental magma delivered to the volcano. High‐precision Pb and Sr isotopic measurements were performed on lavas erupted at ∼6 month intervals since 1983 to provide insights about melting dynamics and the compositional structure of the Hawaiian plume. The new results show systematic variations of Pb and Sr isotope ratios that continued the long‐term compositional trend for Kīlauea until ∼1990. Afterward, Pb isotope ratios show two cycles with ∼10 year periods, whereas the Sr isotope ratios continued to increase until ∼2003 and then shifted toward slightly less radiogenic values. The short‐term periodicity of Pb isotope ratios may reflect melt extraction from mantle with a fine‐scale pattern of repeating source heterogeneities or strands, which are about 1–3 km in diameter. Over the last 30 years, Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō lavas show 15% and 25% of the known isotopic variation for Kīlauea and Mauna Kea, respectively. This observation illustrates that the dominant time scale of mantle‐derived compositional variation for Hawaiian lavas is years to decades.
A New Taraxastane‐Type Triterpene from Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yu , Zhong Lin‐Jing , Xie Jie‐Ming , Wang Fei , Zhang Yong‐Hong
Published: November 2013

3‐Oxotaraxer‐14‐en‐30‐al (1), a new taraxastane‐type triterpene, together with 14 known compounds, taraxerone (2), 3‐epiursolic acid (3), 2α,3β‐dihydroxyurs‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid (4), lupeol (5), betulinic acid (6), casticin (7), artemetin (8), luteolin (9), 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (10), docosanoic acid (11), tetracosanoic acid (12), cerotic acid (13), β‐sitosterol (14), and β‐daucosterol (15), was isolated from the leaves and twigs of Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia . Compounds 2–6 were found for the first time in this plant. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis, including 2D‐NMR techniques. Cytotoxic activities of compounds 3, and 5–10 were tested on the three cancer cell lines, PANC‐1, K562, and BxPC‐3. Results revealed that 7 exhibited cytotoxicity against PANC‐1, K562, and BxPC‐3, with IC50 values of 4.67, 0.72, and 4.01 μg/ml, respectively, whereas 8 was inactive against these cancer cell lines. The structureactivity relationship of compound 7 and 8 indicated that the 3′‐OH group in polymethoxyflavonoids is essential for antitumor activity.