bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leave Your Footprint
Authors: Parate Snehal , mandlekar Sarthak , Sawarkar Ganesh , Balpandey Nikhil , Sengupta Suman
Published: July 2024

Abstract—“Leave Your Footprint” is a website dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living practices. The website serves as a platform for individuals and organizations to share ideas, resources, and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and fostering positive change. Through articles, guides, and community forums, Leave Your Footprint educates visitors on various eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, and supporting conservation efforts. Additionally, the website features interactive tools and calculators to help users assess their carbon footprint and track progress towards sustainability goals. By empowering individuals to take action and make informed choices, Leave Your Footprint aims to inspire a collective effort towards building a more sustainable future for our planet. At its core, Leave Your Footprint serves as an educational hub, providing visitors with informative articles, guides, and multimedia content on various aspects of sustainability. Topics covered include renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation, eco-friendly transportation, sustainable agriculture, and much more. These resources are carefully curated to offer practical tips, insights, and actionable steps that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives to live more sustainably Keywords – Sustainability, Environmental awareness, Community engagement, Resource conservation, Eco-conscious consumerism, Energy efficiency, Social impact, Eco-friendly products.
Augmented Horizons: Development and Impact of Augmented Reality on Atmospheric Education
Authors: Rindantiya Riska Susmei , Haryanto Zeni , Setyasih Iya’
Published: July 2024

Educational media serve as a supporting component in learning, offering benefits to enhance student engagement, interactivity, and interest in learning. The media employed should align with current advancements in science and technology, one of which is Augmented Reality (3D), a medium capable of projecting virtual objects into reality. This study aims to 1) Produce an AR media design for high school geography education on atmospheric topics, 2) Determine the feasibility of using AR-based media for such geography education. The creation of the Augmented Reality (3D) educational media utilizes the Borg and Gall (1989) model, which comprises ten development steps. This media creation employs Unity 3D software and supporting applications such as Vuforia, Cinema 4D, and Corel Draw. The development of this educational media resulted in two products: a smartphone application (for Android and iOS) named Cloud AR and its accompanying book, both of which meet UNESCO standards. Based on the research findings, the developed educational media is deemed suitable for use, with a score of 85.16% and classified in the suitable category.
Pendidikan Keterampilan Dalam Al Qur’an
Authors: Nelfia Nofitri  , Wati Salmi
Published: July 2024

Abstrak
 
Pendidikan pada hakikatnya merupakan usaha manusia untuk memanusiakan atau memulihkan kemanusian manusia itu sendiri.  Sementara peran penting pendidikan dalam mempersiapkan generasi bangsa yang memiliki wawasan pengetahuan agama tinggi serta menguasai berbagai keahlian yang berkompeten. Pendidikan adalah suatu yang sangat esensial bagi manusia bisa belajar menghadapi berbagai fenomena kehidupan yang semakin kompleks. Meninjau pentingnya ilmu pengetahuan bagi kehidupan manusia agar tercipta tatanan kehidupan yang baik, Islam memberikan perhatian khusus terhadap perkembangan pendidikan bagi kelangsungan hidup manusia.
Manusia adalah satu-satunya makhluk yang menerima amanah Allah untuk menjadi khalifah di muka bumi. Ia telah diciptakan dengan sebaik-baik bentuk dan kejadian. Manusia juga dibekali dengan bermacam-macam potensi untuk dapat mengolah alam sesuai dengan amanah Allah. Sumber daya alam yang disediakan Allah, umumnya mentah. Manusia harus berfikir dan bekerja keras memanfaatkan dan mengolah alam menjadi siap pakai. Untuk itu dibutuhkan proses pembelajaran yang bertujuan  mengembangkan potensi diri peserta didik untuk memiliki kekuatan spritual keagamaan, pengendalian diri, kepribadian, kecerdasan, akhlak mulia, serta keterampilan yang diperlukan dirinya, masyarakat, bangsa, dan negara. Sehingga tercipta peserta didik yang mampu mengembangkan potensi dirinya, baik jasmani maupun rohani untuk cakap melaksanakan tugas, dan profesional dalam bidangnya, berfikir sistematis, punya kreasi yang tinggi untuk kehidupan yang lebih sempurna.
Educação inclusiva no ensino superior
Authors: Canal Sandra , Rocha Juliana dos Santos , Dos Santos Andreia Mendes
Published: July 2024

Este artigo se refere a um recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado, que versa sobre a inclusão do estudante com TEA no Ensino Superior, e se detém às análises que tratam sobre os desafios encontrados nesse nível de ensino, tendo em vista a Educação Inclusiva. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, na qual os dados foram obtidos por meio das entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados a partir da Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD). A partir das análises interpretativas, pode-se inferir que os profissionais sentem  necessidade de formação continuada para atuar com o estudante com TEA, de forma a ampliar e construir conhecimentos acerca do seu processo de ensino, aprendizagem e sociabilidade. Evidenciou-se, ainda, que os profissionais desejam fazer parte de uma rede de apoio que ouça seus anseios docentes, que auxilie a elaborar soluções e realizar encaminhamentos para os desafios que dificultam o processo de ensino-aprendizagem desse público. No que tange a Universidade, destaca-se um movimento para a criação de estratégias que visam facilitar o processo de inclusão. Porém, mostraram-se algumas contradições entre a estrutura organizacional historicamente construída e as necessidades que a realidade da inclusão dos estudantes com TEA exige, o que tenciona uma série de reestruturações fundamentais em nível institucional à educação inclusiva no Ensino Superior.
Binding of LncRNA-DACH1 to dystrophin impairs the membrane trafficking of Nav1.5 protein and increases ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility
Authors: Xue Genlong , Yang Jiming , Zhang Yang , Yang Ying , Zhang Ruixin , Li Desheng , Tian Tao , Li Jialiang , Zhang Xiaofang , Li Changzhu , Li Xingda , Yang Jiqin , Shen Kewei , Guo Yang , Liu Xuening , Yang Guohui , Xuan Lina , Shan Hongli , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng , Pan Zhenwei
Published: July 2024

Dystrophin is a critical interacting protein of Nav1.5 that determines its membrane anchoring in cardiomyocytes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of cardiac ion channels, while their influence on sodium channel remains unexplored. Our preliminary data showed that lncRNA-Dachshund homolog 1 (lncDACH1) can bind to dystrophin, which drove us to investigate if lncDACH1 can regulate sodium channel by interfering with dystrophin. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining showed that cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic overexpression of lncDACH1(lncDACH1-TG) reduced the membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, peak
I
Na
were reduced in the hearts of lncDACH1-TG mice than wild-type (WT) controls. The opposite data of western blot ,immunofluorescent staining and patch clamp were collected from lncDACH1 cardiomyocyte conditional knockout (lncDACH1-cKO) mice. Moreover, increased ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility was observed in lncDACH1-TG mice
in vivo
and
ex vivo
. The conservative fragment of lncDACH1 inhibited membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5, and promoted the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia. Strikingly, activation of dystrophin transcription by dCas9-SAM system in lncDACH1-TG mice rescued the impaired membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5, and prevented the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia. Furthermore, lncDACH1 was increased in transaortic constriction (TAC) induced failing hearts, which promoted the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia. And the expression of lncDACH1 is regulated by hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase subunit beta (hadhb), which binds to lncDACH1 and decreases its stability. The human homologue of lncDACH1 inhibited the membrane distribution of Nav1.5 in human iPS-differentiated cardiomyocytes. The findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of Nav1.5 membrane targeting and the development of ventricular arrhythmias.
PI3Kα inhibition blocks osteochondroprogenitor specification and the hyper-inflammatory response to prevent heterotopic ossification
Authors: Valer José Antonio , Deber Alexandre , Wits Marius , Pimenta-Lopes Carolina , Goumans Marie-José , Rosa José Luis , Sánchez-Duffhues Gonzalo , Ventura Francesc
Published: July 2024

Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs following mechanical trauma and burns, or congenitally in patients suffering from fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Recently, we demonstrated that inhibitors of phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) may be a useful therapy for patients undergoing HO. In this study, using the already marketed BYL719/Alpelisib/Piqray drug, we have further confirmed these results, detailed the underlying mechanisms of action, and optimized the timing of the administration of BYL719. We found that BYL719 effectively prevents HO even when administered up to three to seven days after injury. We demonstrate in cell cultures and in a mouse model of HO that the major actions of BYL719 are on-target effects through the inhibition of PI3Kα, without directly affecting ACVR1 or FOP-inducing ACVR1
R206H
kinase activities.
In vivo
, we found that a lack of PI3Kα in progenitors at injury sites is sufficient to prevent HO. Moreover, time course assays in HO lesions demonstrate that BYL719 not only blocks osteochondroprogenitor specification, but also reduces the inflammatory response. BYL719 inhibits the migration, proliferation and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes and mast cells, suggesting that BYL719 hampers the hyper-inflammatory status of HO lesions. Altogether, these results highlight the potential of PI3Kα inhibition as a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for HO.
Embryonic origins of forebrain oligodendrocytes revisited by combinatorial genetic fate mapping
Authors: Cai Yuqi , Zhao Zhirong , Shi Mingyue , Zheng Mingfang , Gong Ling , He Miao
Published: July 2024

Multiple embryonic origins give rise to forebrain oligodendrocytes (OLs), yet controversies and uncertainty exist regarding their differential contributions. We established intersectional and subtractional strategies to genetically fate map OLs produced by medial ganglionic eminence/preoptic area (MGE/POA), lateral/caudal ganglionic eminences (LGE/CGE) and dorsal pallium. We found that, contrary to the canonical view, LGE/CGE-derived OLs make minimum contributions to the neocortex and corpus callosum, but dominate piriform cortex and anterior commissure. Additionally, MGE/POA-derived OLs, instead of being entirely eliminated, make small but sustained contribution to cortex with a distribution pattern distinctive from those derived from the dorsal origin. Our study provides a revised and more comprehensive view of cortical and white matter OL origins, and established valuable new tools and strategies for future OL studies.
Neural Trajectories of Conceptually Related Events
Authors: Schafer Matthew , Kamilar-Britt Philip , Sahani Vyoma , Bachi Keren , Schiller Daniela
Published: July 2024

In a series of conceptually related episodes, meaning arises from the link between these events rather than from each event individually. How does the brain keep track of conceptually related sequences of events (i.e., conceptual trajectories)? In a particular kind of conceptual trajectory—a social relationship—meaning arises from a specific sequence of interactions. To test whether such abstract sequences are neurally tracked, we had participants complete a naturalistic narrative-based social interaction game, during functional magnetic resonance imaging. We modeled the simulated relationships as trajectories through an abstract affiliation and power space. In two independent samples, we found evidence of individual social relationships being tracked with unique sequences of hippocampal states. The neural states corresponded to the accumulated trial-to-trial affiliation and power relations between the participant and each character, such that each relationship’s history was captured by its own neural trajectory. Each relationship had its own sequence of states, and all relationships were embedded within the same manifold. As such, we show that the hippocampus represents social relationships with ordered sequences of low-dimensional neural patterns. The number of distinct clusters of states on this manifold is also related to social function, as measured by the size of real-world social networks. These results suggest that our evolving relationships with others are represented in trajectory-like neural patterns.
SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and is present in PARylation-dependent protein complexes regulating splicing, cell division, and ribosome biogenesis
Authors: Breunig Kira , Lei Xuifen , Montalbano Mauro , Guardia Gabriela DA , Ostadrahimi Shiva , Alers Victoria , Kosti Adam , Chiou Jennifer , Klein Nicole , Vinarov Corina , Wang Lily , Li Mujia , Song Weidan , Kraus W Lee , Libich David S , Tiziani Stefano , Weintraub Susan T , Galante Pedro AF , Penalva Luiz O
Published: July 2024

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) containing intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are present in diverse molecular complexes where they function as dynamic regulators. Their characteristics promote liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the formation of membraneless organelles such as stress granules and nucleoli. IDR-RBPs are particularly relevant in the nervous system and their dysfunction is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor development. Serpine1 mRNA-binding protein 1 (SERBP1) is a unique member of this group, being mostly disordered and lacking canonical RNA-binding domains. We defined SERBP1’s interactome, uncovered novel roles in splicing, cell division and ribosomal biogenesis, and showed its participation in pathological stress granules and Tau aggregates in Alzheimer’s brains. SERBP1 preferentially interacts with other G-quadruplex (G4) binders, implicated in different stages of gene expression, suggesting that G4 binding is a critical component of SERBP1 function in different settings. Similarly, we identified important associations between SERBP1 and PARP1/polyADP-ribosylation (PARylation). SERBP1 interacts with PARP1 and its associated factors and influences PARylation. Moreover, protein complexes in which SERBP1 participates contain mostly PARylated proteins and PAR binders. Based on these results, we propose a feedback regulatory model in which SERBP1 influences PARP1 function and PARylation, while PARylation modulates SERBP1 functions and participation in regulatory complexes.
Nutritional state-dependent modulation of insulin-producing cells in Drosophila
Authors: Bisen Rituja S , Iqbal Fathima Mukthar , Cascino-Milani Federico , Bockemühl Till , Ache Jan M
Published: July 2024

Insulin plays a key role in metabolic homeostasis. Drosophila insulin-producing cells (IPCs) are functional analogues of mammalian pancreatic beta cells and release insulin directly into circulation. To investigate the in vivo dynamics of IPC activity, we quantified the effects of nutritional and internal state changes on IPCs using electrophysiological recordings. We found that the nutritional state strongly modulates IPC activity. IPC activity decreased with increasing periods of starvation. Refeeding flies with glucose or fructose, two nutritive sugars, significantly increased IPC activity, whereas non-nutritive sugars had no effect. In contrast to feeding, glucose perfusion did not affect IPC activity. This was reminiscent of the mammalian incretin effect, where glucose ingestion drives higher insulin release than intravenous application. Contrary to IPCs, Diuretic hormone 44-expressing neurons in the pars intercerebralis (DH44PINs) responded to glucose perfusion. Functional connectivity experiments demonstrated that these DH44PINs do not affect IPC activity, while other DH44Ns inhibit them. Hence, populations of autonomously and systemically sugar-sensing neurons work in parallel to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Accordingly, activating IPCs had a small, satiety-like effect on food-searching behavior and reduced starvation-induced hyperactivity, whereas activating DH44Ns strongly increased hyperactivity. Taken together, we demonstrate that IPCs and DH44Ns are an integral part of a modulatory network that orchestrates glucose homeostasis and adaptive behavior in response to shifts in the metabolic state.
Structural insights into human propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) and 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC)
Authors: Zhou Fayang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhu Yuyao , Zhou Qiang , Shi Yigong , Hu Qi
Published: July 2024

Propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC) and 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCC) are biotin-dependent carboxylases (BDCs) that catalyze the metabolism of odd-chain fatty acids, cholesterol, and specific amino acids. For human PCC and MCC, only a low-resolution (15 Å) three-dimensional structure of human PCC has been reported. Here, we report high-resolution (2.29–3.38 Å) cryo-EM structures of human PCC and MCC holoenzymes in their apo and acetyl-CoA and propionyl-CoA-bound states. Propionyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA bind to PCC with almost identical binding modes, indicating that the acyl-CoA specificity of PCC is largely attributed to minor differences in interactions mediated by the acyl groups. In MCC, biotin is relocated from an exo-site to an endo-site upon acetyl-CoA binding, suggesting coordination between biotin binding and acyl-CoA binding. Our work provides insights into the substrate specificity and catalytic process of BDCs.
Literary Texts as a Source of Teaching Material in ESL/EFL Classrooms in Indian Universities
Authors: Vaishnav Pankaj B
Published: July 2024

This research article investigates the integration of literary texts as teaching materials in ESL/EFL classrooms within Indian universities. It explores the potential of literature to enhance language learning by improving vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, while also promoting cultural awareness. The study highlights practical strategies like integrating literature with language activities, using available resources. Despite these benefits, the implementation faces challenges such as selecting age-appropriate and culturally relevant texts, addressing varied student proficiency levels, and overcoming limited resources and teacher support. The study concludes that while significant obstacles exist, the incorporation of literature in ESL/EFL education holds promise for a more engaging and comprehensive language learning experience. These challenges can be addressed through curriculum reforms and professional development of teachers. If enough resources are available, higher education in Indian universities certainly looks promising and bright. Though the scope of the study is vast, the present study is restricted to the higher education in India.
Impact of Vine Management on Yield and Quality Parameters of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)
Authors: Nath Barsha , Gautam B.P. , Buragohain N. , Goswami R.K. , Bora B.
Published: July 2024

The present study was conducted at the Instructional cum Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali with an aim to study the effect of vine management on yield, yield attributing factors and quality parameters (which included nutritional factors such as vitamin A, vitamin C) of pumpkin. The treatments were: T1 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 8th node stage), T2 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 10th node stage), T3 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 12th node stage), T4(Trimming of growing tip of the secondary vine at 6th node stage), T5(Trimming of growing tip of the secondary vine at 8th node stage), T6 (Removal of all tertiary vines), T7 (Retention of two tertiary vines) and T8(control without pruning). T3 further recorded the minimum days to appearance of first male (49.17 days), female (58.15 days) flowers, fruit set to harvest duration (51.43 days) and crop duration (110.55 days) while T8 recorded the maximum days. Significant variation was observed in the yield parameters where T3 recorded the maximum number of fruits (6.27),fruit weight (2.47 kg), fruit yield per plant (15.47 kg) and yield per hectare (27.88 t/ha). Fruit characters such as fruit length, fruit diameter and number of seeds revealed no significant differences among the different treatments but with respect to quality parameters pruning revealed significant differences in terms of vitamin A and ascorbic acid content. The experiment thus concluded that the treatment T3 (Trimming of growing tip of the primary vine at 12th node stage) produced the highest yield with higher B: C ratio of 2.52 and it can be recommended to the farmers of Assam in order to maximize the production and productivity of pumpkin.
Development of a Solar-Powered Robotic Lawn Mower
Authors: P. O. Ajewole, , O. O. Koyenikan,
Published: July 2024

Lawn keeping has been a major issue in campus environment due to rising cost of diesel fuel and lack of man power to operate both tractor-mounted and motorized lawn mowers. An automated solar-powered robotic lawn mower was developed in this research work to solve this problem. The components of the mower include a frame, three caster wheels, two gear motors which provide the forward motion, a 12v DC cutter motor which rotates the cutting blade, 2202mAH limpo battery for power supply, a 16W solar panel for charging the battery, a charge controller, a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ microcontroller which controls the motors, and a VNC mobile app for setting inputs for control. The mover was locally fabricated at the Agricultural Engineering workshop of The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and it was tested in an open field. The effective field capacity and field efficiency of the machine were found to be 0.13 m2/s and 88% respectively. The total cost of producing the mower was 185,800 naira. The mower is recommended for large scale production and for usage on campuses.
Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Studies of a Spontaneous Case of Pulmonary Adenomatosis in an Adult Ram: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Rakshita , Narang Gulshan , Jangir Babu Lal , Saini Paras , Lather Deepika
Published: July 2024

Aim: The present study aimed to describe histopathological findings and immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in a spontaneous case of pulmonary adenomatosis in an adult ram. 
Case Presentation: A carcass of an adult ram was presented for necropsy in the Post-mortem Hall of the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Sciences of the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar with a history of respiratory distress. A detailed necropsy was performed. The tracheal mucosa showed mild congestion. The lungs were pale and firm in consistency. On histopathological examination, nasal turbinate and trachea both showed the vascular changes along with mild infiltration of mononuclear cells. The sections of lungs revealed pulmonary adenocarcinoma characterized by the presence of cuboidal to low columnar epithelial cells forming acinar or papillary-like structures in the parenchyma and surrounded by the normal alveoli. Areas of necrosis along with infiltration of mononuclear cells were also evident. An Immunohistochemical study of the lung sections revealed mild to moderate immunopositive reactivity for the PCNA in the nuclei of neoplastic cells of adenocarcinoma. It indicated the proliferative activity of neoplastic cells.
Conclusion: Based on histopathological examination, the present case was diagnosed as pulmonary adenomatosis. PCNA expression indicated the presence of actively proliferating neoplastic cells.
Clinical Psychologists' Experiences of Reflective Staff Groups in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Heneghan Cara , Wright John , Watson Gilli
Published: January 2013

Background

Reflective practice groups have been recommended for improving staff wellbeing and team functioning in inpatient psychiatric services, and clinical psychologists have been identified as potential leaders in this type of work. Research is limited with little information about reflective practice group guidelines, prevalence and effectiveness.

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe clinical psychologists' practice in reflective groups for staff in inpatient psychiatric services and to explore how such groups are conceptualized and implemented.

Methods

Online questionnaires and follow‐up interviews were used to gain broad descriptions of practice and in‐depth information about participants' experiences. The sample consisted of 73 clinical psychologists working in the UK, six of whom were interviewed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, content analysis and thematic analysis.

Results

Clinical psychologists regularly facilitate reflective staff groups in inpatient psychiatric settings in the UK. Common outcomes related to staff wellbeing, service culture and teamwork. Engagement, group dynamics and lack of management support were common challenges. Group experiences were influenced by the organizational context.

Conclusions

Clinical psychologists' practices regarding reflective staff groups were in line with recent professional developments. Several difficulties were described, which may be indicative of both a difficulty inherent to the task and a training gap in reflective staff group process. The study had methodological limitations but offers a useful contribution to the literature, and enables practice and training implications to be drawn. The need for further research exploring facilitator characteristics, views of group participants and the impact of reflective staff groups on patients is indicated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The term ‘reflective practice group’ encompasses a range of practices, but a typical group structure was found with common aims, outcomes and challenges.

Reflective staff groups are regularly facilitated by clinical psychologists in inpatient psychiatric settings in the UK and are influenced by practitioner experience as well as psychodynamic, systemic and group process theories.

The safety required for reflective groups to function is influenced by the organizational context, and groups can contribute to shifts in culture toward including psychosocial perspectives.

Reflective staff groups represent one type of contribution to an inpatient psychiatric service and team relationships; other processes to encourage alternative professional perspectives and values might also support change.

More research is recommended to explore facilitator characteristics, the views of staff teams on reflective staff groups and the impact of these groups on patients.
Evaluation of total and saturated monoglyceride content in biodiesel at low concentration
Authors: Bondioli Paolo , Della Bella Laura , Rivolta Gabriele
Published: January 2013

Monoglycerides represent a reaction residue in renewable biodiesel fuel. Among the possible glyceridic forms they are poorly soluble and have high melting point. For this reason during the in field use of biodiesel neat or in blend with diesel, monoglycerides can cause problems as regards to the cold stability of the fuel and the plugging of filters. The problem of quantitatively evaluating the monoglycerides content in biodiesel has been addressed and solved during the last 20 years, generally by means of GC. Recently the need for a strong reduction of total and saturated monoglycerides content appeared. In parallel with the technology changes new analytical methods have to be developed, in order to fulfill the requirement of accuracy and precision at low concentration levels. The technique presented here allows the determination of total monoglycerides content and the separate quantification of glycerol monopalmitate and stearate. The proposed method is based on acetylation of hydroxy groups of the sample, followed by micro column solid phase separation, isolation of polar fraction containing all acetylated glycerides, and GC quantification with internal standard. By using this technique a low noise GC path is obtained thus allowing the identification and the quantification of peaks. Our results are discussed in comparison to those obtained with the existing standards and demonstrated a good repeatability even at low concentration levels.

Practical applications: The results of the analytical setup of a new method for total and saturated monoglycerides in biodiesel allow to fulfill a request coming from the automotive world for the reduction of these partial glycerides in biodiesel to be used pure or in blend with diesel fuel. The currently available methods are not sufficiently precise at concentrations below 0.3% and do not allow separate evaluation of the saturated monoglycerides content. This analytical proposal might allow to overcome these problems and it is ready for a future standardization activity.
O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar sob a ótica dos alunos da rede estadual de ensino de Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Silva Camilo Adalton Mariano da , Marques Luciana Araújo , Bonomo Élido , Bezerra Olívia Maria de Paula Alves , Corrêa Margareth da Silva , Passos Letícia Siqueira Falce , Souza Anelise Andrade de , Barros Betannya França , Souza Débora Maria Soares de , Reis Joana Almeida dos , Andrade Noemi Gonçalves de
Published: January 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o Programa de Alimentação Escolar sob a ótica dos alunos atendidos na rede estadual de ensino de Minas Gerais. Trata-se de estudo transversal, quali-quantitativo, com amostra de 1500 alunos, representativa do universo da rede estadual de ensino de Minas Gerais, utilizando questionário semiestruturado analisado por meio de frequência simples, média, desvio padrão, teste exato de Fisher, teste qui-quadrado e regressão logística (p < 0,05; IC 95%). Houve efetiva aceitação de 28,8% e efetiva adesão de 45,1% ao Programa. A aceitação foi significativamente maior entre alunos do sexo masculino e entre aqueles que apresentaram menor consumo de alimentos extrainstitucionais. A aceitação e a adesão foram significativamente maiores entre alunos do grupo etário mais velho e entre aqueles que referiram participar de atividades de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional. No total, 73,5% dos alunos sugeriram melhorias para a Alimentação Escolar. Muitos princípios e diretrizes do programa não estão sendo cumpridos. A aceitação da Alimentação Escolar mostrou-se negativamente influenciada pelo consumo de alimentos extrainstitucionais e positivamente influenciada pelas ações de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional.
The First Successful StimMAP Job in the Middle East, Deep Tight Gas Exploration well in Oman
Authors: El-Gihani Mahmoud , Mahrooqi Said , Bennett Les , Chiali Mourad , Busaidi Said , Al Busaidi Hafidh
Published: January 2013

In 2011, Petroleum Development Oman LLC (PDO) drilled a deep tight gas well to test the Amin formation in northern Oman. Hydraulic fracture stimulation is necessary for production from this tight unconventional reservoir. In order to better understand and evaluate the hydraulic fracture treatment, a 3-component (3C), 8-level borehole seismic array was deployed in a nearby well for hydraulic fracture monitoring. Due to high bottom-hole temperature (BHT) of 175 º C, operational procedures were developed to successfully acquire Microseismic events generated by the hydraulic stimulation. Anisotropic velocity model calibration and sensors orientation were the key factor in the accurate location of Microseismic events in 3D space. Integration of the Microseismic event locations with hydraulic fracture pumping data, prior and post job logs lead to a successful interpretation of the Microseismic results.
Diastereoselective [2+2] Photocycloaddition of Chiral Cyclic Enones with Olefins in Aqueous Media Using Surfactants
Authors: Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Shibata Mikiko , Ishii Takuya , Morimoto Tsumoru , Tanimoto Hiroki , Tsutsumi Ken , Kakiuchi Kiyomi
Published: January 2013

We conducted diastereodifferentiating [2+2] photocycloadditions of cyclo-hexenones modified with a chiral 8-(p-methoxy phenyl)menthyl auxiliary with olefins in water. Although the photoreaction didn’t proceed at all in pure water owing to very low solubility, the use of surfactants [sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or dodecylamine hydrochloride (DAH)] and additive (organic solvent) enabled the reactions to progress with moderate to high conversions and yields. Furthermore, we synthesized a new menthol derivative substrate containing a (p-octyloxy)phenyl group for enhancing hydrophobicity, and elucidated that this new substrate was found to be a suitable chiral auxiliary in this asymmetric photoreaction in aqueous system. The additive effect of organic molecules on the yield and diastereoselectivity of the photo-adducts is also discussed.
The New Geophysics
Authors: Crampin Stuart , Gao Yuan
Published: January 2013

New Geophysics of critically microcracked rock is a new understanding of fluid‐rock deformation that matches much of the behaviour of in situ rock observed throughout the Earth's crust and uppermost mantle. The behaviour of rock in New Geophysics: is self‐similar; can be monitored, calculated, predicted, even in principle controlled; prevails in almost all rocks; and has ‘butterfly‐effect’ sensitivity. All of these remarkable features (except controllability) have been observed, in some cases many times. However, New Geophysics is innovative, controversial, and currently “ridiculed” and “violently opposed” (Schopenhauer Stages 1 and 2), and is difficult to get published via consensus‐driven peer‐review. Consequently, in the last 10 years, various aspects of New Geophysics have been published in some 20 different journals and conference proceedings making it difficult to access by the general reader. This review presents a synopsis of what is believed to be a fundamental advance in solid Earth geoscience.
Monographing micromolluscs: A case study on Scissurellidae s.l. (Vetigastropoda)
Authors: GEIGER DANIEL L.
Published: January 2013

The last taxonomic monographs of micromolluscs (size less than 5 mm) of worldwide scope date back to the turn of the 19th/20th century, prior to the invention of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In the present study, experiences from the preparation of a monograph on worldwide Scissurellidae s.l., a gastropod taxon comprising minute members plus an overview of this taxon, are provided. The literature is mercifully brief with some 650 references tracked, equal to approximately 4.6 references per species. Relying on secondary resources has proven to be problematic, and all primary taxonomic sources have to be consulted. The internet has made some searches easier, but some invalid names have surfaced. Generic concepts have often not been evaluated phylogenetically, and family-level micromollusc taxa may well be para- or even polyphyletic, which needs to be evaluated early on. Although underdetermined data matrices from shell morphology are problematic, they do provide some information on overall patterns of character evolution. The usual practice of only examining a single specimen by SEM is fraught with problems as it does not permit the identifi cation of intraspecifi c and ontogenetic variability. Old type material should be examined now that environmental and variable pressure SEMs are available. As micromolluscs are most susceptible to adverse environmental and storage conditions, upgrade of storage of micromolluscan types should be given highest priority. At least 89 species (conservative estimate) remain to be described. The Atlantic is less diverse in both species as well as genera. Tropical and temperate waters hold approximately the same number of species, while the polar oceans have a much lower diversity. The geographic coverage of available material is primarily driven by contemporary sampling initiatives, and no sampling bias due to the longer history of collecting in European can be detected. Sampling in general and available material for Scissurellidae declines with depth; only ten lots are known from greater than 3,000 m. Scissurellidae are proportionally less frequent in shallow waters, and are overrepresented on the upper slope (300–1,000 m). Labor-intensive procedures are mainly sorting of micromollusc samples, and digital processing (cut-out) of SEM images.
New techniques yield new insights on the basic biology of living microgastropods
Authors: HICKMAN CAROLE S.
Published: January 2013

Light traps, undisturbed sediment cores and emergence traps were used to pursue new knowledge of the biology of poorly-known microgastropods. These tools were used specifi cally to explore novel habitats, behavior and function. The most interesting discoveries include signifi cant interstitial populations of species previously considered rare, including epipsammic browsers and taxa that emerge from the sediment at night. Diel activity patterns include movement between sediment and water column, movement between sediment and marine plants, vertical migrations on marine plants, and movement between plants and plant epiphytes. Unsuspected behavioral correlates include active swimming and mass spawning aggregations and drifting and fl oating using mucus threads to launch into the water column from marine plants or the sides of aquaria. Ciliary locomotion is a convergent theme in microgastropods, with new examples from vetigastropod and neritopsine species that also use mucus threads in drifting. At the sediment-water interface, upside-down ciliary locomotion in the surface tension may be combined with feeding on the rich microbial ecosystem concentrated at the air-water interface.
Differential unfolded protein response during Chikungunya and Sindbis virus infection: CHIKV nsP4 suppresses eIF2α phosphorylation
Authors: Rathore Abhay P S , Ng Mah-Lee , Vasudevan Subhash G
Published: January 2013

Chikungunya (CHIKV) and Sindbis (SINV) are arboviruses belonging to the alphavirus genus within the Togaviridae family. They cause frequent epidemics of febrile illness and long-term arthralgic sequelae that affect millions of people each year. Both viruses replicate prodigiously in infected patients and in vitro in mammalian cells, suggesting some level of control over the host cellular translational machinery that senses and appropriately directs the cell’s fate through the unfolded protein response (UPR). The mammalian UPR involves BIP (or GRP78), the master sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) together with the three downstream effector branches: inositol-requiring ser/thr protein kinase/endonuclease (IRE-1), PKR-like ER resident kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF-6). Through careful analysis of CHIKV and SINV infections in cell culture we found that the former selectively activates ATF-6 and IRE-1 branches of UPR and suppresses the PERK pathway. By separately expressing each of the CHIKV proteins as GFP-fusion proteins, we found that non-structural protein 4 (nsP4), which is a RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase, suppresses the serine-51 phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor, alpha subunit (eIF2α), which in turn regulates the PERK pathway. This study provides insight into a mechanism by which CHIKV replication responds to overcome the host UPR machinery.
The Influence of Water on the Solubility of Carbon Dioxide in Imidazolium Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kerlé Daniela , Ludwig Ralf , Paschek Dietmar
Published: January 2013

We explore the influence of small amounts of water dissolved in 1-alkyl-3-methyl-imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) on the solubility of CO2 as a function of water content and temperature. We observe a decreasing solubility of CO2 as function of increasing water content in almost quantitative agreement with recent experimental data by Husson et al. [Fluid Phase Eq. 294, 98 (2010)]. In addition, a purely repulsive variant of CO2 is employed as a test-case to elucidate the solvation behavior of small sized molecules in absence of favorable interactions. We find that the decreasing solubility is about one third due to the increasing solvent number density, and about two thirds due to the change in solvation free energy. In addition, we observe that the computed solvation free energy of a purely repulsive test-molecule increases even more strongly with increasing water content, indicating that small favorable “interaction sites” within the liquid, well suited for accommodating a CO2 molecule, become increasingly rare due to the competition with the water molecules.
Effect of normal load and roughness on the nanoscale friction coefficient in the elastic and plastic contact regime
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Staedler Thorsten , Jiang Xin
Published: January 2013

The influence of applied normal load and roughness on the tribological behavior between the indenter and sample surface during nanoindentation-based scratching has been experimentally investigated by using different surfaces (fused silica and diamond-like carbon) featuring various degrees of roughness. At a sufficiently low applied normal load, wherein the contact is elastic, the friction coefficient is constant. However, at increased normal loads the contact involves plastic deformation and the friction coefficient increases with increasing normal load. The critical load range for a transition from predominantly elastic to plastic contact, between the indenter and sample surface, increases with increasing size of indenter and decreases with roughness. Distinct differences between the present experimental results and the existing theoretical models/predictions are discussed.
Effect of Occupational Exposure to Aflatoxins on Some Liver Tumor Markers in Textile Workers
Authors: Saad‐Hussein Amal , Beshir Safia , Moubarz Gehan , Elserougy Safaa , Ibrahim Mohamed I.M.
Published: January 2013

Background

In a study of textile workers, the effects of occupational exposure to cotton dust—with possible exposure to aflatoxin—on levels of some liver tumor biomarkers were explored.

Methods

The study included 58 textile workers and 64 controls. Skin prick tests, urinary Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and the tumor biomarkers (alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), alpha‐L‐fucosidase (AFU), insulin‐like growth factors (IGF‐1) were measured.

Results

Positive reactants to Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and cotton dust were significantly higher in pre‐spinning (14.3%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively) and spinning workers (25.0%, 33.3%, and 25.0%, respectively) compared to controls (4.7%, 7.8%, and 3.1%, respectively). Urinary AFM1 was significantly higher in the pre‐spinning, spinning, and weaving groups compared to controls (554.2 ± 346.2 pg/ml, 459.1 ± 781.6 pg/ml, 296.5 ± 336.5 pg/ml and 68.5 ± 136.8 pg/ml, respectively). We found a highly significant increase in levels of serum AFU in textile workers, compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Exposure to fungi had a significant effect on AFM1 measurements and tumor biomarkers, especially in allergic textile workers (with the exception of the arginase biomarker), though results were generally within normal limits. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:818–824, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Induced effect of Na+ on ganoderic acid biosynthesis in static liquid culture of Ganoderma lucidum via calcineurin signal transduction
Authors: Xu Yi‐Ning , Xia Xiao‐Xia , Zhong Jian‐Jiang
Published: January 2013

Na+/Ca2+ exchange is important to cell physiology and metabolism, but its role in the secondary metabolite biosynthesis by fungi is yet unclear. In this work, in static liquid cultures of Ganoderma lucidum, which is an efficient process for hyper‐production of anti‐tumor ganoderic acids (GAs), it was interestingly found that Na+ addition could enhance the GAs production, but K+ did not. Further investigation by intracellular Ca2+ imaging and using a calcineurin inhibitor (i.e., cyclosporin A) revealed that addition of Na+ led to the influx of Ca2+ from culture broth to the cells and calcineurin signals were also triggered. Addition of 100 mM Na+ at the beginning of the static liquid cultivation, in which the addition dosage and timing were optimized, resulted in 2.8‐fold improvement of total GAs production. Quantitative gene transcription analysis indicated that the expression levels of the genes of Ca2+ sensors and GA biosynthesis were upregulated with Na+ induction while downregulated by using the calcineurin inhibitor, implying that higher GA production might result from higher expression of those genes. This work not only provided a simple and efficient induction strategy by Na+ addition for the improved GAs production but also suggested the regulation mechanism of Na+ on the GA biosynthesis through calcineurin signaling transduction. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1913–1923. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carvedilol for preventing recurrent variceal bleeding: Waiting for convincing evidence
Authors: Bosch Jaime , Groszmann Roberto J. , Iwakiri Yasuko , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: January 2013

Background: Carvedilol has been shown to be more effective than propranolol in decreasing portal pressure. Sufficient data from controlled trials remains limited. This trial compared the relative safety and efficacy between carvedilol and nadolol plus isosorbide mononitrate in preventing variceal rebleeding. Methods: After successful control of acute esophageal variceal bleeding, eligible patients were randomized to Carvedilol group, 61 patients, using carvedilol 6.25-12.5 mg daily or N + I group, 60 patients, using nadolol 40-80 mg plus isorsorbide-5-mononitrate 20mg daily. The end points were rebleeding from varices, adverse events or death. Results: After a median follow up of 30 months, recurrent upper gastrointestinal bleeding developed in 37 patients (61%) in the Carvedilol group and 37 patients (62%) in the N + I group (p = 0.90). Recurrent bleeding from esophageal varices occurred in 31 patients (51%) in the Carvedilol group and in 26 patients (43%) in the N + I group (p = 0.46). Recurrent bleeding from gastric varices occurred in 2 patients (3%) in the Carvedilol group and in 8 patients (13%) in the N + I group (p = 0.05). Severe adverse events occurred in 1 patient in Carvedilol group and 17 patients in N + I group (p<0.0001). Fifteen patients of the Carvedilol group and 17 patients in the N + I group died (p = 0.83). Two patients in the Carvedilol group and 3 patients in N + I group died of variceal bleeding. Conclusions: Carvedilol was as effective as nadolol plus isorsorbide-5 –mononitrate mononitrate in the prevention of gastroesophageal variceal rebleeding with fewer severe adverse events and similar survival.
Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and Fluorescence Studies of Novel Porphyrin Appended Thiazoles
Authors: Mishra Bhupendra , Shekar K. P. Chandra , Kumar Anil , Phukan S. , Mitra S. , Kumar Dalip
Published: January 2013

A facile and high yielding synthesis of porphyrin appended thiazoles 5 from the reaction of 5‐(4‐thiocarboxamidophenyl)‐10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrin with α‐bromo ketones has been described. The fluorescence studies of synthesized porphyrin appended thiazoles 5 in chloroform indicate that porphyrin π system is not greatly perturbed by substitution of a thiazole moiety at meso‐phenyl ring even in the excited state.