bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis of Diaspora and Local Businesses in the Grooming Industry in the Lagos Metropolis: Policy implications for wealth creation
Authors:   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Apotemole E. , Adejuwon O. ,   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Akarakiri J. ,   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Published: October 2024

The recent global economic crisis has caused a downturn in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows from Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) to developing countries. This has resulted in limited opportunities for job creation and capital accumulation in those countries. Development practitioners have however suggested developing countries advance strategies to attract diaspora investment as a solution to this problem. There is however limited information for policy formulation due to the dearth of studies on diaspora investment in the Nigerian context. This study attempts to bridge this gap by documenting characteristics of diaspora investment in businesses and investors in the grooming industry in Nigeria and providing information on the potentials of diaspora businesses if any by a comparative analysis of diaspora and local businesses on performance indicators such as job creation, capital and profits. The study shows that most of the diaspora that have invested in the study area are from Europe and the US. Majority of the diaspora wholly owned the businesses established. It also shows significant differences between diaspora and local businesses in capital investments, profits, turnover and labour employed, revealing that diaspora businesses excelled over local ones in these indices. While local businesses excelled in number of product innovations, diaspora related firms implemented more process, organisational and marketing innovations, ostensibly to adjust to the Nigeria business climate. In addition, the motive behind the establishment for most Diasporas was love for homeland while locals were more or less motivated by profits. There were however no significant differences in the educational qualifications of owners of the businesses, sector of the grooming business invested in and age of businesses of both groups. The study concludes that there are significant potentials for wealth creation by encouraging the establishment of firms by diaspora and recommends appropriate policy mechanisms.
Effect of Agricultural Output on Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors:   Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria, Mayuku J. , Mayor A. ,   Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria, Ekperiware M. ,   National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Published: October 2024

Agriculture has been a prominent economic sector in the Nigerian economy. Overtime, its contribution to economic development in relation with other competing sectors has been a source of scholarly debate. This study examines the pattern of the agricultural sector’s activities and the effect of the sector on Nigeria’s economic growth in this new democratic dispensation from 1999. The descriptive analysis revealed that the agricultural sector’s contributions peaked at 37 per cent in 2002 and it is the highest contributor to economic output driven by crop production. The empirical inquiry using the Multiple Ordinary Least Square (MOLS) method with secondary data (between 1999-2018) from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) further indicates that the agricultural output positively impacted on economic growth significantly. However, trade output impacted negatively while the manufacturing sector’s output impact was not statistically significant on the country’s economic growth. The study recommends that the positive impact of agricultural output through crop production should be made to reflect on trade and the manufacturing sectors by the agricultural value chain in the Nigerian economy.
Effects of Project Human Resources Management on Project Success: A study of Toptech Contractors Nigeria Ltd
Authors:   Department of Management Technology, Lagos State University, Nigeria, Lawal Y. , Olateju O. ,   Department of Management Technology, Lagos State University, Nigeria
Published: October 2024

The study examines the effect of project human resources on project success of Toptech Contractors Nigeria Ltd. A review of current literature showed that different studies used key indicators of human resources such as recruitment, selection, performance and appraisal as a determinant of project success without considering the role of leadership. This study assesses the situation by evaluating the extent to which leadership and recruitment account for changes in stakeholders’ satisfaction. To assess the situation, the study adopted a survey research design. 120 questionnaires were administered to staff of Toptech Contractors Nigera Ltd., Ikeja branch. Using simple random sampling techniques, the data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically correlation analysis. The findings revealed that there is a strong and positive relationship between recruitment and stakeholders’ satisfaction, and both leadership and recruitment account for changes in stakeholders’ satisfaction. The study made clear from the analysis that leadership, if properly executed, will bring about the desired response from stakeholders, thus eliciting a favourable perception. It was therefore recommended among others that the organisation should always put in place sound leadership training persuasive enough to sweep in a large volume of good leaders into its employee database and also to improve on their recruitment process as it influences stakeholders’ engagement and satisfaction.
Ethical Thinking and Project Success in Nigerian Gas Company
Authors:   Department of Management Technology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria, Bakare A. , Olateju O. ,   Department of Management Technology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Nigeria
Published: October 2024

The study examined the impact of ethical thinking on project success in the Nigerian Gas Company. A review of the literature showed that dimensions of ethical thinking had been used as criteria for project success qualitatively without any empirical piece of evidence. This study filled this gap by considering the project management code of ethics and professional conduct, namely responsibility, respect, fairness and honesty, and its application to the accomplishment of the project within the approved baselines. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprised the staff of Nigerian Gas Company currently working in the project management office (PMO) of the Gas Transmission Pipeline (OB3) Project. The population consists of one hundred and forty-four (144) employees. The sample size was determined using Survey Monkey Sample Size Determination to obtain a sample of one hundred and five (105) respondents. Primary data were used for the study and were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using multiple regression analysis in Structural Equation Modelling. The findings from the study revealed that ethical thinking dimensions (such as responsibility, respect, fairness and honesty) have a better effect on both attaining the agreed specification level and the agreed budget when exhibited holistically. The unethical behaviour in organisations costs millions and billions of naira of taxpayers’ money every year. The study recommended among others that as a project management professional, it is a responsibility not only to uphold high standards of ethical behaviour at the workplace but also to foster an environment of high ethics in organisations they work.
Technological and Economic Perspective to the Modular Refinery Alternative
Authors:   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Odunmorayo M. , Ogundari I. ,   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife., Akarakiri J. ,   African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Published: October 2024

Many countries have employed effective refinery planning for profitability and efficient utilization. In an attempt to stimulate similar achievements in Nigeria, the modular refinery alternative (MRA) was proposed. This study identified the critical technological factors influencing MRA in Southwestern Nigeria, assessed its engineering economy viability and determined the appropriate site location for the MRA in the region. This was with a view to achieving sustainable petroleum refining in Southwestern Nigeria. The study obtained data from thirty purposively selected energy industry experts’ from academic institutions, commercial banks, government energy management agencies and energy management advisory firms in Southwestern Nigeria. Data obtained include technological specifications for modular refinery installation like refinery output capacity, refinery configurations, and crude oil specifications. Data for techno-economic feasibility of the project included capital, operating costs, interest rates, time and product selling prices. Data for the project location included locational factors, initial investment, raw materials and utility expenses, and other expenses. The data obtained were analyzed using energy planning and engineering economy methodology. The results showed that the most critical technology issues influencing MRA development in Southwestern Nigeria include refinery configuration, crude oil input characteristics, storage capacity, refiner’s/investor’s margin, and government incentives. These were all ranked 8 out of 10 on a 10-point Likert-like scale. The three modular plant sizes analysed (20,000, 40,000 and 60,000 barrels per day, respectively) gave positive Net Present Values (NPVs) of $5.96 Million, $39.48 Million, and $60.82 Million showing that the three options were economically viable. The Break-even Periods were estimated to be 14, 9, and 8 years, respectively, with Returns on Investment of 8.5, 37.2 and 37.3% respectively. Estimated plant site distances from the crude oil supply in Delta State were Ekiti (309.98 Km); Ondo (247.93 Km); Osun (388.7 Km); Oyo (408.46 Km); Lagos (424.51 Km) and Oyo (309.98 Km). The study concluded that 60,000 barrels per day MRA located in Ondo State was the most appropriate for Southwestern Nigeria (NPV = $60.82M, Break-even Period = 8 years, ROI = 27.2%).
Research and Analysis on the Development of New Energy Vehicles in the Context of Low-Carbon Environmental Protection
Authors: Hang Lei
Published: October 2024

Driven by the global wave of low-carbon and environmental consciousness, the new energy vehicle industry is poised for unprecedented development opportunities. As environmental challenges become increasingly severe, governments worldwide have implemented a series of policies to encourage the research and promotion of new energy vehicles. These vehicles not only play a crucial role in alleviating environmental pressures but also foster technological innovation and the transformation of economic structures. This paper, from the perspective of low-carbon and environmental protection, examines the current development status and technological pathways of new energy vehicles, explores the impact of policy support and industry chain construction on their advancement, and provides a forecast of the market outlook. Through a thorough analysis, a better understanding of the role and significance of new energy vehicles in low-carbon environmental protection can be gained, offering scientific foundations for future policy-making and industrial development.
Evavaltion of the Rotundin content of Stephania brachyandra (Diels) gene sources in Thai Nguyen province
Authors: Dương Văn Thảo
Published: October 2024

The Stephania  brachyandra plant, naturally found  in Thai Nguyen, is scientifically known as Stephania brachyandra. It belongs to the genus Stephania Lour., family Menispermaceae, order Menispermaceae. This plant is used as a raw material to extract L-tetrahydropalmatine (the active ingredient known as Rotundin) with the chemical formula C21H25NO4. Rotundin is an alkaloid with sedative, sleep-inducing, and memory-reducing effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tof Rotundin content in the Stephania  brachyandra  species and analyze the correlation between the size of the specíe tubers and the content of Rotudin in Stephania  brachyandra  naturally distributed in Thai Nguyen province. The analysis results show that the content of Rotundin in 160 samples of naturally distributed Stephania  brachyandra  in Thai Nguyen province ranges from 90.4 to 981 mg/100g. The analysis of the correlation coefficient between tuber diameter and Rotundin content shows a strong relationship between Rotundin content and tuber diameter. This demonstrates diversity in active ingredient content among natural Stephania  brachyandra  plant samples, thereby confirming their significant potential as a medicinal resource.
NGHIÊN CỨU TẠO CÂY BẠCH ĐÀN LAI UP (EUCALYPTUS UROPHYLLA x EUCALYPTUS PELLITA) TỨ BỘI BẰNG PHƯƠNG PHÁP XỬ LÝ COLCHICINE IN VITRO
Authors: Mai Thị Phương Thúy , Lưu Thị Quỳnh , Ngô Thu Hảo , Nguyễn Thị Việt Hà , Lê Sơn , Harbard Jane
Published: October 2024

Nghiên cứu này sử dụng colchicine để tạo dòng bạch đàn lai đa bội phục vụ cho chương trình cải thiện giống để trồng rừng gỗ lớn ở Việt Nam. Thí nghiệm được tiến hành trên 2 dòng bạch đàn lai UP54 và UP99 do Viện NC Giống và CNSH Lâm nghiệp chọn tạo. Vật liệu thí nghiệm là đoạn thân mang mắt ngủ của cây in vitro và được xử lý tạo đột biến bằng dung dịch colchicine ở các nồng độ 0% (đối chứng); 0,25; 0,5 và 0,75% trong thời gian 1,2,3,4 và 5 ngày. Kết quả cho thấy: đối với dòng bạch đàn lai UP54, xử lý colchicine ở nồng độ 0,5% trong 3 ngày là thích hợp nhất để tạo cây bạch đàn đột biến tứ bội với tỉ lệ 33,33%; đối với dòng bạch đàn lai UP99, nồng độ và thời gian xử lý colchicine thích hợp để tạo cây bạch đàn đột biến tứ bội là 0,25% trong 4 ngày với tỉ lệ tạo đột biến là 24%. Quan sát hình thái cho thấy lá của cây tứ bội có kích thước lớn hơn, dày hơn và màu xanh đậm hơn so với cây nhị bội.
MỘT SỐ ĐẶC ĐIỂM CẤU TRÚC RỪNG TỰ NHIÊN NƠI CÓ LOÀI XOAN MỘC (Toona sureni (Blume) Merr.) PHÂN BỐ TẠI TỈNH ĐIỆN BIÊN VÀ TỈNH SƠN LA
Authors: Nguyễn Duy Khánh , Nguyễn Văn Hùng , Hà Văn Tiệp , Lò Thị Kiều , Vũ Văn Tuân , Tòng Việt Tùng , Nguyễn Tùng Lâm , Nguyễn Thị Hương Ly , Phan Thị Thanh Huyền
Published: October 2024

Xoan mộc (Toona surenii (Blume) Merr.) là loài cây gỗ lớn, chất lượng gỗ tốt, đã và đang bị khai thác mạnh. Để góp phần bảo tồn và phát triển loài cây này, bài báo cung cấp kết quả nghiên cứu đặc điểm cấu trúc rừng tự nhiên nơi có loài Xoan mộc phân bố tại Điện Biên và Sơn La. Bằng phương pháp điều tra trên 6 tuyến và 18 ô tiêu chuẩn điển hình, tạm thời có diện tích mỗi ô là 2.500m2 ở trạng thái rừng nghèo, rừng nghèo kiệt, rừng trung bình. Kết quả cho thấy: Mật độ tầng cây cao khá thấp, chỉ từ 124 – 267 cây/ha, trong khi đó mật độ Xoan mộc từ 12 – 29 cây/ha. Khu vực nghiên cứu khá đa dạng với nhiều loài cây khác nhau, dao động từ 30 – 48 loài, trong đó có 6 – 7 loài tham gia vào công thức tổ thành theo chỉ số IV%. Chỉ số IV% của Xoan mộc dao động từ  9,34 – 15,97%. Cấu trúc tầng tán có 3 tầng chính, số cây trong lâm phần tập chung chủ yếu ở tầng tán chính (84 – 184 cây/ha), Xoan mộc phân bố chủ yếu ở tầng tán chính và tầng vượt tán; Độ tàn che trung bình từ 0,45 – 0,7. Hàm khoảng cách phù hợp nhất để mô phỏng quy luật phân bố số cây theo cấp đường kính và hàm Weibull phù hợp nhất để mô phỏng quy luật phân bố số cây theo cấp chiều cao. Trong tự nhiên Xoan mộc thường đi kèm với mội số loài Dẻ gai, Nhội, Giổi găng, Xoan nhừ, Du sam núi đất,… những loài này nên chọn trồng hỗn giao hoặc làm giàu rừng với loài Xoan mộc.
KHẢ NĂNG PHỤC HỒI SAU KHAI THÁC KIỆT CỦA KIỂU RỪNG LÁ RỘNG THƯỜNG XANH TẠI CÔNG TY LÂM NGHIỆP KRÔNG PA, HUYỆN KBANG, TỈNH GIA LAI
Authors: Le Canh Nam , Hồ Ngọc Thọ , Nguyễn Thế Hiển , Nguyễn Bá Trung , Huỳnh Nhân Trí , Ngô Văn Cầm , Trương Xuân Hinh , Phạm Trọng Nhân , Nguyễn Văn Thiết
Published: October 2024

Rừng tự nhiên sản xuất sau nhiều năm khai thác gỗ và kiểm soát thiếu chặt chẽ đã trở nên suy thoái nghiêm trọng vì vậy đang được quan tâm quản lý, bảo vệ nghiêm ngặt để phục hồi và phát triển. Đánh giá khả năng phục hồi của rừng tự nhiên suy thoái sau khai thác là một nhiệm vụ cấp bách và cần thiết làm cơ sở đề xuất các biện pháp kỹ thuật lâm sinh phù hợp nhằm thúc đẩy quá trình phục hồi và góp phần nâng cao chất lượng rừng để đưa rừng tự nhiên quay trở lại đóng góp vào sự phát triển bền vững. Nghiên cứu này được thực hiện tại Công ty Lâm nghiệp Krông Pa, tỉnh Gia Lai, với mục tiêu đánh giá khả năng phục hồi tự nhiên của kiểu rừng lá rộng thường xanh nghèo sau 12 năm khai thác kiệt thông qua các đặc điểm lâm học như cấu trúc mật độ, tổ thành tầng cây gỗ và lớp cây tái sinh; cấu trúc tầng thứ, các chỉ tiêu sinh trưởng; và đặc điểm phân bố N/D1.3, N/Hvn. Đã thiết lập 7 ô tiêu chuẩn hình tròn (R = 17,84 m) có diện tích 1000 m2 theo phương pháp ngẫu nhiên để đo đếm các chỉ tiêu sinh trưởng. Kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy khả năng phục hồi tự nhiên của các lâm phần nghiên cứu diễn ra nhanh và rất ổn định tuân theo qui luật tự nhiên, thể hiện qua các chỉ tiêu: mật độ tầng cây gỗ biến động từ 350 - 830 cây/ha, tổ thành tầng cây gỗ tương đối đa dạng, giao động từ 9 - 44 loài, trong đó có 4 loài tham gia vào công thức tổ thành. Nhìn chung các lâm phần nghiên cứu đều có 3 tầng tán, chiều cao trung bình tầng cây gỗ là 12,3 m, đường kính ngang ngực là 22,1 cm và trữ lượng bình quân đạt 256,099 m3/ha. Phân bố N/D1.3 và N/Hvn có dạng giảm.
APOS Framework Didactize Equivalence Linear Simultaneous Equations in Senior High School Mathematics
Authors: Morkle Chris Eric , Ali Clement Ayarebilla
Published: October 2024

Many students followed rote-learned procedural rules without thinking about the meaning of quadratic equations, and the Chief examiners’ reports attributed the trend to poor teaching methods. In certain instances, candidates cannot use even the conventional methods to factorize quadratics equations due to a lack of understanding of the zero-product property in graphing, factorizing, and completing the squares or quadratic formula. In the worst circumstances, the candidates failed to scaffold higher-order quadratic equations using the Conjugale and Equivalence Linear Simultaneous Equation methods. However, the action, process, object, and schema theory which came out of the constructivist learning theory and created by Dubinsky can be applied to teach mathematics. With the aid of the APOS framework, this study sought to digitize the Equivalence Linear Simultaneous Equations in senior high schools. In this mixed-method embedded design, there were 286 first-year students selected from one school. All the students received four phases of the APOS framework. The four phases were collected based on the Actions for Factorization, Processes for Quadratic Formula, Object for Conjugale, and Schema for ELSE method. The data, which was both qualitatively and quantitatively, was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26) deterministic analytics software. The data collection covered four contact periods of a total duration of four hours. The results showed that students in the Actions and Processes were not statistically significant. However, the results were statistically significant at the Object and Schema phases. It was concluded that students’ learning through the APOS framework improved their academic performance. The positive effect was the triumphant mental constructions involving encapsulation and interiorization in the conjugale and ELSE methods. It was, therefore, recommended that the framework be promoted to find solutions to many other complex mathematics problems.
Le Violon en France du XIXe siècle à nos jours
Authors: Fritz Claudia , Moraly Stéphanie
Published: October 2024

Le violon est étudié depuis de nombreux siècles, sous différents angles et au sein de différents champs disciplinaires, sans toutefois jamais voir ces regards pourtant complémentaires se rencontrer. Il était donc important de dédier un ouvrage pluridisciplinaire au sujet, le premier en langue française, regroupant des travaux récents qui illustrent la multiplicité des approches. Dirigé par Claudia Fritz (acousticienne à Sorbonne Université) et Stéphanie Moraly (violoniste concertiste, musicologue et pédagogue), cet ouvrage est consacré au violon en France du XIXe siècle à nos jours et couvre des aspects aussi divers que les caractéristiques mécaniques de l’instrument, sa lutherie, sa restauration, sa conservation et les innovations qu’il suscite. Y sont également étudiés la place des violonistes dans la société de leur temps, le traitement du violon dans le répertoire orchestral ainsi que dans la musique des XXe et XXIe siècles, les méthodes d’enseignement dont il est le sujet, la réception de sa sonorité, ainsi que sa présence dans la littérature et la presse.
From challenges to implementation and acceptance: Addressing key barriers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning
Authors: Rane Nitin Liladhar , Mallick Suraj Kumar , Kaya Ömer , Rane Jayesh
Published: October 2024

Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have transformed different industries by facilitating sophisticated data analysis, predictive modeling, and autonomous decision-making. Despite the ability to greatly change things, there are many obstacles preventing their widespread use and impact. A major obstacle is the challenge of data quality and quantity; ML and DL models need large amounts of high-quality, labeled data, which can be hard and expensive to acquire. Moreover, the innate intricacy of these models frequently results in a dearth of clarity and visibility, posing difficulties in comprehending and having faith in their decision-making procedures. This has caused worries about ethical ramifications and favoritism, since models may unknowingly continue current biases found in the data used for training. Moreover, the fast rate of technological progress leads to a constantly changing environment, requiring practitioners and organizations to continuously learn and adapt. Security and privacy concerns are significant challenges due to the susceptibility of ML and DL models to attacks and breaches, jeopardizing the security of private data. Additionally, incorporating ML and DL into current systems and processes presents challenges such as requiring unique knowledge and ensuring that technological solutions align with business goals.
3D Reconstruction of Neuronal Allometry and Neuromuscular Projections in Asexual Planarians Using Expansion Tiling Light Sheet Microscopy
Authors: Lu Jing , Xu Hao , Wang Dongyue , Chen Yanlu , Inuoe Takeshi , Gao Liang , Lei Kai
Published: October 2024

The intricate coordination of the neural network in planarian growth and regeneration has remained largely unrevealed, partly due to the challenges of imaging the central nervous system (CNS) in three dimensions (3D) with high resolution and within a reasonable timeframe. To address this gap in systematic imaging of the CNS in planarians, we adopted high-resolution, nanoscale imaging by combining tissue expansion and tiling light-sheet microscopy, achieving up to 4-fold linear expansion. Using a semi-automatic 3D cell segmentation pipeline, we quantitatively profiled neurons and muscle fibers at the single-cell level in over 400 wild-type planarians during homeostasis and regeneration. We validated previous observations of neuronal cell number changes and muscle fiber distribution. We found that the rate of neuron cell proliferation tends to lag behind the rapid expansion of somatic cells during the later phase of homeostasis. By imaging the planarian with up to 120 nm resolution, we also observed distinct muscle distribution patterns at the anterior and posterior poles. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of
β-catenin
RNAi on muscle fiber distribution at the posterior pole, consistent with changes in anterior-posterior polarity. The glial cells were observed to be close in contact with dorsal-ventral muscle fibers. Finally, we observed disruptions in neural-muscular networks in
inr-1
RNAi planarians. These findings provide insights into the detailed structure and potential functions of the neural-muscular system in planarians and highlight the accessibility of our imaging tool in unraveling the biological functions underlying their diverse phenotypes and behaviors.
Membrane potential modulates ERK activity and cell proliferation
Authors: Sasaki Mari , Nakahara Masanobu , Hashiguchi Takuya , Ono Fumihito
Published: October 2024

The plasma membrane potential has been linked to cell proliferation for more than 40 years. Here we experimentally showed that membrane depolarization upregulates cell mitosis, and that this process is dependent on voltage-dependent activation of ERK. ERK activity exhibits a membrane potential-dependency that is independent from the growth factor. This membrane potential dependence was observed even close to the resting membrane potential, indicating that small changes in resting membrane potential can alter cell proliferative activity. The voltage-dependent ERK activity is derived from changed dynamics of phosphatidylserine which is present in the plasma membrane and not by extracellular calcium entry. The data suggests that crucial biological processes such as cell proliferation are regulated by the physicochemical properties of the lipid. This study suggests that membrane potential may have diverse physiological functions beyond the action potential, which is well-established in the neural system.
Valence and salience encoding in the central amygdala
Authors: Kong Mi-Seon , Ancell Ethan , Witten Daniela M , Zweifel Larry S
Published: October 2024

The central amygdala (CeA) has emerged as an important brain region for regulating both negative (fear and anxiety) and positive (reward) affective behaviors. The CeA has been proposed to encode affective information in the form of valence (whether the stimulus is good or bad) or salience (how significant is the stimulus), but the extent to which these two types of stimulus representation occur in the CeA is not known. Here, we used single cell calcium imaging in mice during appetitive and aversive conditioning and found that majority of CeA neurons (~65%) encode the valence of the unconditioned stimulus (US) with a smaller subset of cells (~15%) encoding the salience of the US. Valence and salience encoding of the conditioned stimulus (CS) was also observed, albeit to a lesser extent. These findings show that the CeA is a site of convergence for encoding oppositely valenced US information.
Distinct gradients of cortical architecture capture visual representations and behavior across the lifespan
Authors: Chen Xiayu , Liu Xingyu , Hoyos Patricia Maria , Hertz Edan Daniel , Yao Jewelia K , Zhen Zonglei , Gomez Jesse
Published: October 2024

The microstructure of cells within human cerebral cortex varies across the cortical ribbon, where changes in cytoarchitecture and myeloarchitecture are thought to endow each region of cortex with its unique function. While fine-scale relative to a cell, these changes at population level impact architectural properties of cortex measurable in vivo by noninvasive MRI, such as the thickness and myelin content of cortex. This raises the question of whether or not we can use these in vivo architectural measures to understand cortical organization, function, and development more broadly. Using human visual cortex as a test bed, we demonstrated two architectural gradients, one in which cytoarchitecture and myeloarchitecture converge and another in which they diverge. These two gradients underlie the structural and functional topography of visual cortex, even predicting the presence of new visual field maps. Moreover, the two gradients show distinct visual behavior relevance and lifespan trajectory. These findings provide a more general framework for understanding human cortex, showing that architectural gradients are a measurable fingerprint of functional organization and ontogenetic routines in the human brain.
Salmonella-induced SIRT1 and SIRT3 are crucial for maintaining the metabolic switch in bacteria and host for successful pathogenesis
Authors: Hajra Dipasree , Rajmani Raju S , Chaudhary Ayushi Devendrasingh , Gupta Shashi Kumar , Chakravortty Dipshikha
Published: October 2024

Sirtuins are the major players in host immuno-metabolic regulation. However, the role of sirtuins in the modulation of the immune metabolism pertaining to Salmonellosis is largely unknown. Here, our investigation focussed on the role of two important sirtuins, SIRT1 and SIRT3, shedding light on their impact on intracellular
Salmonella
’s metabolic switch and pathogenesis establishment. Our study indicated the ability of the live
Salmonella
Typhimurium to differentially regulate the levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 for maintaining the high glycolytic metabolism and low fatty acid metabolism in
Salmonella
. Perturbing SIRT1 or SIRT3 through knockdown or inhibition, resulted in a remarkable shift in the host metabolism to low fatty acid oxidation and high glycolysis. This switch led to decreased proliferation of
Salmonella
in the macrophages. Further,
Salmonella
-induced higher levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 led to a skewed polarization state of the macrophages from a pro-inflammatory M1 state toward an immunosuppressive M2 making it more conducive for the intracellular life of
Salmonella
. Alongside, governing immunological functions by modulating p65 NF-κB acetylation, SIRT1, and SIRT3 also skew
Salmonella-
induced host metabolic switch by regulating the acetylation status of HIF-1α and PDHA1. Interestingly, though knock-down of SIRT1/3 attenuated
Salmonella
proliferation in macrophages, in
in vivo
mice-model of infection, inhibition or knockdown of SIRT1/3 led to more dissemination and higher organ burden which can be attributed to enhanced ROS and IL-6 production. Our study hence reports for the first time that
Salmonella
modulates SIRT1/3 levels to maintain its own metabolism for successful pathogenesis.
Metastasis of colon cancer requires Dickkopf-2 to generate cancer cells with Paneth cell properties
Authors: Shin Jae Hun , Park Jooyoung , Lim Jaechul , Jeong Jaekwang , Dinesh Ravi K , Maher Stephen E , Kim Jeonghyun , Park Soyeon , Hong Jun Young , Wysolmerski John , Choi Jungmin , Bothwell Alfred LM
Published: October 2024

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Paneth cells provide stem cell niche factors in homeostatic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms of cancer stem cell niche development are unclear. Here we report that Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) is essential for the generation of cancer cells with Paneth cell properties during colon cancer metastasis. Splenic injection of
Dkk2
-knockout (KO) cancer organoids into C57BL/6 mice resulted in a significant reduction of liver metastases. Transcriptome analysis showed reduction of Paneth cell markers such as lysozymes in KO organoids. Single cell RNA sequencing analyses of murine metastasized colon cancer cells and patient samples identified the presence of lysozyme positive cells with Paneth cell properties including enhanced glycolysis. Further analyses of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility suggested Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4A) as a downstream target of DKK2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing analysis revealed that HNF4A binds to the promoter region of
Sox9
, a well-known transcription factor for Paneth cell differentiation. In the liver metastatic foci, DKK2 knockout rescued HNF4A protein levels followed by reduction of lysozyme positive cancer cells. Taken together, DKK2-mediated reduction of HNF4A protein promotes the generation of lysozyme positive cancer cells with Paneth cell properties in the metastasized colon cancers.
Microbiota from young mice counteracts susceptibility to age-related gout through modulating butyric acid levels in aged mice
Authors: Song Ning , Gao Hang , Li Jianhao , Liu Yi , Wang Mingze , Ma Zhiming , Zhang Naisheng , Zhang Wenlong
Published: October 2024

Gout is a prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to high levels of uric acid in the blood leading to the formation of urate crystals in and around the joints, particularly affecting the elderly. Recent research has provided evidence of distinct differences in the gut microbiota of patients with gout and hyperuricemia when compared to healthy individuals. However, the link between gut microbiota and age-related gout remained underexplored. Our study found that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in determining susceptibility to age-related gout. Specifically, we observed that age-related gut microbiota regulated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and modulated uric acid metabolism. More scrutiny highlighted the positive impact of “younger” microbiota on the gut microbiota structure of old or aged mice, enhancing butanoate metabolism and butyric acid content. Experimentation with butyrate supplementation indicated that butyric acid exerts a dual effect, inhibiting inflammation in acute gout and reducing serum uric acid levels. These insights emphasize the potential of gut microbiome rejuvenation in mitigating senile gout, unraveling the intricate dynamics between microbiota, aging, and gout. It potentially serves as a therapeutic target for senile gout-related conditions.
Contribution of TB-LAM Urine Test to Tuberculosis Diagnosis in HIV-infected Adult Patients in Burkina Faso
Authors: Diallo Ismaël , Zoungrana Jacques , Sawadogo Abdoulaye , Diendéré Eric A. , Zonon Hamado , Ouédraogo Abdoul G. A. , Savadogo M. , Ouedraogo Smaïla
Published: October 2024

Aims: With the aim of improving the diagnosis of tuberculosis in patients living with HIV, we set out to evaluate the contribution of the TB-LAM urine test to the diagnosis of tuberculosis in PLWHA in Burkina Faso, in real life.
Methodology: The study was conducted in the Infectious Diseases Departments of the Yalgado OUEDRAOGO (CHU-YO), Souro SANOU (CHU-SS) and Bogodogo (CHU-B) University Hospitals. These 03 centers are among the most important reference centers in Burkina Faso. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection over 12 months, from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023, and involved PLWH inpatients and outpatients. Data were collected using the KoBoCollect v1.30.1 application and analyzed using STATA 16 software. Binary uni and multivariate logistic regression with a statistical significance level of 0.05 was used to identify associated factors.
Results: A total of 113 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 43 ± 1.35 years, with a sex ratio of 0.85. The TB-LAM urine test was positive in 76 patients, for a positivity rate of 67.26%. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by bacteriology in accordance with the national tuberculosis management protocol in 18/113 (15.93%) patients. Bacilloscopy and the Xpert test performed on all biological fluids, combined with the TB-LAM urine test, enabled the diagnosis of 81/113 (71.68%) patients in the study. Patients already on antiretroviral therapy (ORa=0.06 [0.06-0.73], p=0.02) were less likely to test positive for urinary TB-LAM, and those with unexplained asthenia (ORa=15.76 [1.19-20.66], p=0.03) were more likely to test positive.
Conclusion: The TB-LAM urine test, combined with other tuberculosis diagnostic tools, increases the diagnostic yield of tuberculosis in PLWHA.
Revealing the Atomic Defects of WS2 Governing Its Distinct Optical Emissions
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chang , Li Shisheng , Komsa Hannu‐Pekka , Chang Li‐Jen , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Eda Goki , Suenaga Kazu
Published: November 2017

Defects and their spatial distribution are crucial factors in controlling the electronic and optical properties of semiconductors. By using scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy, the type of impurities/defects in WS2 subdomains with different optical properties is successfully assigned. A higher population of Cr impurities is found in the W‐terminated edge domain, while the S‐terminated domain contains more Fe impurities, in accordance with the luminescence characteristics of chemical‐vapor‐grown WS2 of a hexagonal shape. In agreement with the first‐principles calculations, the domains with Cr substitutional dopants exhibit strong trion emission. Fe atoms tend to gather into trimer configuration and introduce deep acceptor levels which compensate the n‐type doping and suppress trion emission. It is also discovered that the domain with higher luminescence but smaller defect concentration tends to get oxidized more rapidly and degrade the 2D structure with many triangular holes. Excitons tend to accumulate at the edges of the oxidized triangular holes and results in enhanced PL emission. The findings indicate that choosing stable elements as dopant and controlling the number of specific edge structures within a crystal domain of 2D transitional metal dichalcogenides can be a new route to improve the optical properties of these materials.
Synthesis of Highly Luminescent SnO2 Nanocrystals: Analysis of their Defect‐Related Photoluminescence Using Polyoxometalates as Quenchers
Authors: Pramata Azzah Dyah , Suematsu Koichi , Quitain Armando Tibigin , Sasaki Mitsuru , Kida Tetsuya
Published: November 2017

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), called quantum dots (QDs), have been intensively studied because of their excellent photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields. However, commercial QDs such as CdSe and InP contain toxic or expensive rare elements, limiting their sustainable use. This study focuses on nontoxic, stable, and cheap tin oxides, and synthesized luminescent SnO2 NCs of ≈2 nm in size by a heating‐up method. Tin precursors and diols in a high‐boiling point solvent with oleylamine as the surfactant are heated at 240 °C. SnO2 NCs show defect‐related photoluminescence at 400–460 nm by excitation at 370 nm, achieving a high quantum yield of more than 60%. The PL intensity is stable even when the NCs are stored in atmospheric air at room temperature for over 1 year. The defect‐related emissions of the SnO2 NCs are studied using polyoxometalates (POMs) as the PL quencher. POMs efficiently quench the PL emissions by extracting excited electrons from the conduction band and shallow surface defects. The results reveal that PL emissions from SnO2 NCs are associated with radiative charge recombination via shallow defect levels on the surface and in the bulk, demonstrating the effectiveness of the PL quenching technique using POMs in studying the PL emission mechanism in QDs.
Immune function of a Rab‐related protein by modulating the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Chen Chen , Eldein Salah , Zhou Xiaosan , Sun Yu , Gao Jin , Sun Yuxuan , Liu Chaoliang , Wang Lei
Published: November 2017

The Rab‐family GTPases mainly regulate intracellular vesicle transport, and play important roles in the innate immune response in invertebrates. However, the function and signal transduction of Rab proteins in immune reactions remain unclear in silkworms. In this study, we analyzed a Rab‐related protein of silkworm Bombyx mori (BmRABRP) by raising antibodies against its bacterially expressed recombinant form. Tissue distribution analysis showed that BmRABRP mRNA and protein were high expressed in the Malpighian tubule and fat body, respectively. However, among the different stages, only the fourth instar larvae and pupae showed significant BmRABRP levels. After challenge with four pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, BmNPV, Beauveria bassiana, Micrococcus luteus), the expression of BmRABRP mRNA in the fat body was significantly upregulated. In contrast, the BmRABRP protein was significantly upregulated after infection with BmNPV, while it was downregulated by E. coli, B. bassiana, and M. luteus. A specific dsRNA was used to explore the immune function and relationship between BmRABRP and the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway. After BmRABRP gene interference, significant reduction in the number of nodules and increased mortality suggested that BmRABRP plays an important role in silkworm's response to bacterial challenge. In addition, four key genes (BmHOP, BmSTAT, BmSOCS2, and BmSOCS6) of the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway showed significantly altered expressions after BmRABRP silencing. BmHOP and BmSOCS6 expressions were significantly decreased, while BmSTAT and BmSOCS2 were significantly upregulated. Our results suggested that BmRABRP is involved in the innate immune response against pathogenic microorganisms through the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway in silkworm.
Assessing Parental Capacity when there are Concerns about an Unborn Child: Pre‐Birth Assessment Guidance and Practice in England
Authors: Lushey Clare J. , Barlow Jane , Rayns Gwynne , Ward Harriet
Published: November 2017

Assessment where there are concerns that an unborn child is likely to suffer significant harm is one of the most difficult tasks that social workers undertake; the legal and ethical context makes the process of assessment and intervention during this period complex. This paper explores pre‐birth assessment guidance and practice in England. Local safeguarding guidance in 147 English localities was accessed and analysed, and interviews were conducted with 22 practitioners involved in pre‐birth assessments. The findings showed that while most local safeguarding guidance was more detailed and explicit than the national guidance, legal and ethical issues were rarely addressed. Interview data showed that, in general, guidance to support social work assessments during the pre‐birth period was insufficient, and that few practitioners used standardised tools to aid assessment. Some practitioners regarded pre‐birth assessments as less urgent than cases involving infants/older children, thereby increasing delays in decision‐making. It is concluded that existing guidance and practice with regard to pre‐birth assessment are inadequate. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Explores pre‐birth assessment guidance and practice in England’

Key Practitioner Messages

Existing guidance regarding pre‐birth assessment are inadequate with regards to providing practitioners with the necessary information about the assessment process or tools with which to undertake the assessment.

Practitioners undertaking pre‐birth assessment should be provided with better training regarding the assessment process.

There is a need for practitioners undertaking pre‐birth assessment to use standardised tools alongside professional judgement.

‘Practitioners undertaking pre‐birth assessment should be provided with better training regarding the assessment process’
Perfluoroalkyltricyanoborate and Perfluoroalkylcyanofluoroborate Anions: Building Blocks for Low‐Viscosity Ionic Liquids
Authors: Landmann Johannes , Sprenger Jan A. P. , Hennig Philipp T. , Bertermann Rüdiger , Grüne Matthias , Würthner Frank , Ignat'ev Nikolai V. , Finze Maik
Published: November 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Maik Finze at the Julius‐Maximilians University in Würzburg. The image depicts low‐viscosity ionic liquids, flowing from one container to another. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201703685.
Cu6S6 Clusters as a Building Block for the Stabilization of Coordination Polymers with NiAs, NaCl, and Related Structures: Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Studies
Authors: Jana Ajay Kumar , Natarajan Srinivasan
Published: November 2017

Four new three‐dimensional heterometallic coordination polymers (CPs), [{Zn3(Hen)(OH)}{Cu6(6‐mna)6}·(H2O)6] (I), [{Zn2(OH)(en)}{Cu6(6‐mna)6}0.5·(H2O)2·EtOH] (II), [{Zn3(dap)3(H2O)}{Cu6(6‐mna)6}·(H2O)4] (III), and [{Zn2(4,4′‐bpy)0.5(OH)(H2O)}{Cu6(6‐mna)6}0.5·(H2O)] (IV) (en = ethylenediamine, 6‐H2mna = 6‐mercaptonicotinic acid, dap = 1,2‐diaminopropane, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized and their structures determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The compounds consist of Cu6S6 octahedral clusters linked through the carboxylates to different zinc–oxo clusters. Thus, the compounds contain CuI‐ and ZnII‐based clusters, which are not commonly observed in coordination polymer structures. Compound I stabilizes in a NiAs‐related structure, compounds II and IV in a NaCl‐related structure, and compound III is a new type of network structure. All the compounds were active catalysts in the heterogeneous nitroaldol reaction.
Hexafluoroisopropanol and Acetyl Chloride Promoted Catalytic Hydroarylation with Phenols
Authors: Roy Sudeshna , Motiwala Hashim F. , Koshlap Karl M. , Aubé Jeffrey
Published: November 2017

We report a catalytic hydroarylation method to convert phenols to dihydrocoumarins in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) using acid generated from sub‐stoichiometric amounts of acetyl chloride as catalyst. Attractive elements include easy set‐up and isolation, and applicability to a range of phenols including natural product substrates.
Relationship between Hammett's parameters and in silico density functional with tandem mass ESI‐CID fragmentation: Dihydropyridines as prototypes
Authors: dos Santos P.R. , Pereira C.M.P. , Ritter M. , de Paula F.R. , Moura S.
Published: November 2017

Over the years, with the instrumental analysis evolution, the relationships between the carried‐out results with the data of theoretical analysis in silico and the Hammett's parameters have been reported. They have been very useful for chemical characterization of small organic molecules. Thus, this work aims at showing the feasibility and limitations for Hammett's and density functional theory applications in electrospray ionization–collision‐induced dissociation (ESI‐CID) fragmentation provision. For this, 13 dihydropyrimidinones para, meta, and orto monosubstituted were studied using ESI and CID in positive mode. As a result, it was observed that the main fragmentation includes the isocyanate and ethanol loses at low energy. Nevertheless, at higher energies, radical ions formed by McLafferty rearrangement were observed. The Hammett plots were correlated fragmentation profiles, showing good linearity for the [M + H]+, which does not occur to radical ions and carbocation's. These tendencies had demonstrated that the stability of protonate and activation energy of secondary ions changes with the pKa. The density functional theory studies indicated that, both nitrogen atoms in the dihydropyrimidinone's prototypes are capable of being protonated. However, the activation energy of fragmentation products is not changed. Therefore, this work has shown information, which can be useful to understand tandem mass spectrometry in ESI‐CID conditions for small organic molecules series. This is the first step for normalization of fragmentation pathway.