bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Introducing Plastic Waste Enzymatic Recycling for Sustainable Waste Management in Latvia
Authors: Rudnicka Darja , Milbreta Ulla , Gusca Julija
Published: May 2024

Economic growth, urbanisation, and consumer consumption habits have contributed to the yearly increase in the municipal solid waste amount. A significant portion of household waste consists of plastic materials and packaging, which currently cannot be fully and endlessly recycled, does not decompose in nature, and degrades into micro- and nanoparticles entering the soil, air, aquatic environments, and organisms. According to an OECD report from 2022, the amount of plastic waste produced globally is expected to triple by 2060, with around half being landfilled and less than one-fifth being recycled. As waste volumes are going to increase, the need to ensure appropriate waste recycling technology is addressed in this study by introducing enzymatic plastic waste recycling in Latvia. Enzymatic recycling has an advantage over mechanical recycling technology because it can depolymerise plastics without degrading the quality of the material. The methodology applied in this study includes data analysis of the waste amount in Latvia, analysis of the existing plastic recycling plant operation, life cycle assessment of existing and proposed methods, and socio-economic impact evaluation. The proposed solution meets the objectives of promoting sustainable plastic waste recycling through the introduction of enzymatic recycling; therefore, it aligns with the European Union’s targets to follow circular economy principles.
Understanding Municipal Green Initiatives and Citizen Habits in Four Baltic Sea Region Countries: Survey Results
Authors: Barisa Aiga , Safronova Alīna , Zvejniece Katrīna Leila
Published: May 2024

The need to reach climate neutrality is addressed in this study by highlighting activities including boosting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and putting laws and incentives in place for the adoption of low-emission technology. Importantly, it is recognized that there is another important key factor in determining the success of sustainability projects which is an individual's willingness to change their behavior and accept new guidelines. This cross-cultural research examines the everyday routines of people from Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland and how these residents evaluate their municipalities. The research investigates the connections between citizens' behaviors in waste management, energy conservation, and transportation by considering the inhabitants' age, location of residence, and personal views. This study aims to collect the necessary data for creating focused, culturally appropriate sustainability projects. The study promotes international cooperation on environmental issues, supports sustainable practices adapted to various cultural settings, and gives policymakers useful information. Using a survey, this study takes a thorough approach to comprehending and resolving sustainability issues. The findings demonstrate that interventions need to be tailored to specific characteristics and cultural contexts to effectively encourage durable behaviors. All things considered, this study adds to the current conversation on sustainability by providing information and suggestions for encouraging environmentally friendly behavior in a variety of cultural contexts.
Analysis of science journalism reveals gender and regional disparities in coverage
Authors: Davidson Natalie R , Greene Casey S
Published: May 2024

Science journalism is a critical way for the public to learn about and benefit from scientific findings. Such journalism shapes the public’s view of the current state of science and legitimizes experts. Journalists can only cite and quote a limited number of sources, who they may discover in their research, including recommendations by other scientists. Biases in either process may influence who is identified and ultimately included as a source. To examine potential biases in science journalism, we analyzed 22,001 non-research articles published by Nature and compared these with Nature-published research articles with respect to predicted gender and name origin. We extracted cited authors’ names and those of quoted speakers. While citations and quotations within a piece do not reflect the entire information-gathering process, they can provide insight into the demographics of visible sources. We then predicted gender and name origin of the cited authors and speakers. We compared articles with a comparator set made up of first and last authors within primary research articles in Nature and a subset of Springer Nature articles in the same time period. In our analysis, we found a skew toward quoting men in Nature science journalism. However, quotation is trending toward equal representation at a faster rate than authorship rates in academic publishing. Gender disparity in Nature quotes was dependent on the article type. We found a significant over-representation of names with predicted Celtic/English origin and under-representation of names with a predicted East Asian origin in both in extracted quotes and journal citations but dampened in citations.
Stable sequential dynamics in prefrontal cortex represents subjective estimation of time
Authors: Li Yiting , Yin Wenqu , Wang Xin , Li Jiawen , Zhou Shanglin , Ma Chaolin , Yuan Peng , Li Baoming
Published: May 2024

Time estimation is an essential prerequisite underlying various cognitive functions. Previous studies identified ‘sequential firing’ and ‘activity ramps’ as the primary neuron activity patterns in the medial frontal cortex (mPFC) that could convey information regarding time. However, the relationship between these patterns and the timing behavior has not been fully understood. In this study, we utilized in vivo calcium imaging of mPFC in rats performing a timing task. We observed cells that showed selective activation at trial start, end, or during the timing interval. By aligning long-term time-lapse datasets, we discovered that sequential patterns of time coding were stable over weeks, while cells coding for trial start or end showed constant dynamism. Furthermore, with a novel behavior design that allowed the animal to determine individual trial interval, we were able to demonstrate that real-time adjustment in the sequence procession speed closely tracked the trial-to-trial interval variations. And errors in the rats’ timing behavior can be primarily attributed to the premature ending of the time sequence. Together, our data suggest that sequential activity maybe a stable neural substrate that represents time under physiological conditions. Furthermore, our results imply the existence of a unique cell type in the mPFC that participates in the time-related sequences. Future characterization of this cell type could provide important insights in the neural mechanism of timing and related cognitive functions.
DNAH3 deficiency causes flagellar inner dynein arm loss and male infertility in humans and mice
Authors: Wang Xiang , Shen Gan , Yang Yihong , Jiang Chuan , Ruan Tiechao , Yang Xue , Zhuo Liangchai , Zhang Yingteng , Ou Yangdi , Zhao Xinya , Long Shunhua , Tang Xiangrong , Lin Tingting , Shen Ying
Published: May 2024

Axonemal protein complexes, including the outer and inner dynein arms (ODA/IDA), are highly ordered structures of the sperm flagella that drive sperm motility. Deficiencies in several axonemal proteins have been associated with male infertility, which is characterized by asthenozoospermia or asthenoteratozoospermia. Dynein axonemal heavy chain 3 (DNAH3) resides in the IDA and is highly expressed in the testis. However, the relationship between DNAH3 and male infertility is still unclear. Herein, we identified biallelic variants of DNAH3 in four unrelated Han Chinese infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia through whole-exome sequencing (WES). These variants contributed to deficient DNAH3 expression in the patients’ sperm flagella. Importantly, the patients represented the anomalous sperm flagellar morphology, and the flagellar ultrastructure was severely disrupted. Intriguingly, Dnah3 knockout (KO) male mice were also infertile, especially showing the severe reduction in sperm movement with the abnormal IDA and mitochondrion structure. Mechanically, nonfunctional DNAH3 expression resulted in decreased expression of IDA-associated proteins in the spermatozoa flagella of patients and KO mice, including DNAH1, DNAH6, and DNALI1, the deletion of which has been involved in disruption of sperm motility. Moreover, the infertility of patients with DNAH3 variants and Dnah3 KO mice could be rescued by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Our findings indicated that DNAH3 is a novel pathogenic gene for asthenoteratozoospermia and may further contribute to the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prognosis of male infertility.
Target-specific requirements for RNA interference can arise through restricted RNA amplification despite the lack of specialized pathways
Authors: Knudsen-Palmer Daphne R. , Raman Pravrutha , Ettefa Farida , De Ravin Laura , Jose Antony M.
Published: May 2024

Since double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is effective for silencing a wide variety of genes, all genes are typically considered equivalent targets for such RNA interference (RNAi). Yet, loss of some regulators of RNAi in the nematode
C. elegans
can selectively impair the silencing of some genes. Here we show that such selective requirements can be explained by an intersecting network of regulators acting on genes with differences in their RNA metabolism. In this network, the Maelstrom domain-containing protein RDE-10, the intrinsically disordered protein MUT-16, and the Argonaute protein NRDE-3 work together so that any two are required for silencing one somatic gene, but each is singly required for silencing another somatic gene, where only the requirement for NRDE-3 can be overcome by enhanced dsRNA processing. Quantitative models and their exploratory simulations led us to find that (1) changing
cis
-regulatory elements of the target gene can reduce the dependence on NRDE-3, (2) animals can recover from silencing in non-dividing cells and (3) cleavage and tailing of mRNAs with UG dinucleotides, which makes them templates for amplifying small RNAs, is enriched within ‘pUG zones’ matching the dsRNA. Similar crosstalk between pathways and restricted amplification could result in apparently selective silencing by endogenous RNAs.
Multimodal sensorimotor assessment of hand and forearm asymmetries: a reliability and correlational study
Authors: Bellosta-López Pablo , Blasco-Abadía Julia , Andersen Lars L. , Vinstrup Jonas , Skovlund Sebastian V. , Doménech-García Víctor
Published: May 2024

Background

Effective rehabilitation of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders requires multimodal assessment to guide clinicians’ decision-making. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment must include reliable tests. Nevertheless, the interrelationship among various upper limb tests remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of easily applicable upper extremity assessments, including absolute values and asymmetries of muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain threshold, active range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and manual dexterity. A secondary aim was to explore correlations between different assessment procedures to determine their interrelationship.

Methods

Thirty healthy subjects participated in two experimental sessions with 1 week between sessions. Measurements involved using a digital myotonometer, algometer, inclinometer, dynamometer, and the Nine-Hole Peg test. Intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of the mean, and minimum detectable change were calculated as reliability indicators. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the interrelationship between tests.

Results

For the absolute values of the dominant and nondominant sides, reliability was ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ for muscle mechanical properties, pressure pain thresholds, active range of motion, maximal isometric strength, and manual dexterity. Similarly, the reliability for asymmetries ranged from ‘moderate’ to ‘excellent’ across the same parameters. Faster performance in the second session was consistently found for the Nine-Hole Peg test. No systematic inter-session errors were identified for the values of the asymmetries. No significant correlations were found between tests, indicating test independence.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the sensorimotor battery of tests is reliable, while monitoring asymmetry changes may offer a more conservative approach to effectively tracking recovery of upper extremity injuries.
Impact of biological manure substitution on grain yield, nitrogen recovery efficiency, and soil biochemical properties
Authors: Sun Zhili , Wang Chengshun , Wang Jiabao , Wu Gang , Yuan Manman , Zou Haiming , Sun Yixiang
Published: May 2024

Fertilization plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security and ecological balance. This study investigated the impact of substituting innovative biological manure for chemical fertilization on rice (Oryza sativa L) productivity and soil biochemical properties based on a three-year experiment. Our results suggested rice yield and straw weight were increased under manure addition treatment. Specifically, 70% of total nitrogen (N) fertilizer substituted by biological manure derived from straw, animal waste and microbiome, led to a substantial 13.6% increase in rice yield and a remarkable 34.2% boost in straw weight. In comparison to the conventional local farmer practice of applying 165 kg N ha−1, adopting 70% of total N plus biological manure demonstrated superior outcomes, particularly in enhancing yield components and spike morphology. Fertilization treatments led to elevated levels of soil microbial biomass carbon and N. However, a nuanced comparison with local practices indicated that applying biological manure alongside urea resulted in a slight reduction in N content in vegetative and economic organs, along with decreases of 10.4%, 11.2%, and 6.1% in N recovery efficiency (NRE), respectively. Prudent N management through the judicious application of partial biological manure fertilizer in rice systems could be imperative for sustaining productivity and soil fertility in southern China.
Estimating body volumes and surface areas of animals from cross-sections
Authors: Zhao Ruizhe Jackevan
Published: May 2024

Background

Body mass and surface area are among the most important biological properties, but such information is lacking for some extant organisms and most extinct species. Numerous methods have been developed for body size estimation of animals for this reason. There are two main categories of mass-estimating approaches: extant-scaling approaches and volumetric-density approaches. Extant-scaling approaches determine the relationships between linear skeletal measurements and body mass using regression equations. Volumetric-density approaches, on the other hand, are all based on models. The models are of various types, including physical models, 2D images, and 3D virtual reconstructions. Once the models are constructed, their volumes are acquired using Archimedes’ Principle, math formulae, or 3D software. Then densities are assigned to convert volumes to masses. The acquisition of surface area is similar to volume estimation by changing math formulae or software commands. This article presents a new 2D volumetric-density approach called the cross-sectional method (CSM).

Methods

The CSM integrates biological cross-sections to estimate volume and surface area accurately. It requires a side view or dorsal/ventral view image, a series of cross-sectional silhouettes and some measurements to perform the calculation. To evaluate the performance of the CSM, two other 2D volumetric-density approaches (Graphic Double Integration (GDI) and Paleomass) are compared with it.

Results

The CSM produces very accurate results, with average error rates around 0.20% in volume and 1.21% in area respectively. It has higher accuracy than GDI or Paleomass in estimating the volumes and areas of irregular-shaped biological structures.

Discussion

Most previous 2D volumetric-density approaches assume an elliptical or superelliptical approximation of animal cross-sections. Such an approximation does not always have good performance. The CSM processes the true profiles directly rather than approximating and can deal with any shape. It can process objects that have gradually changing cross-sections. This study also suggests that more attention should be paid to the careful acquisition of cross-sections of animals in 2D volumetric-density approaches, otherwise serious errors may be introduced during the estimations. Combined with 2D modeling techniques, the CSM can be considered as an alternative to 3D modeling under certain conditions. It can reduce the complexity of making reconstructions while ensuring the reliability of the results.
Reconstruindo a abordagem do mercado de crédito de carbono sob a perspectiva construtivista
Authors: Rocha Júnior Paulo Roberto de Souza , Rosa Andréia Alves , Santos Wallace Fabio Rodrigues , Silva Douglas Pereira , Moreira Ivaldo de Sousa
Published: May 2024

O agronegócio é um dos maiores setores econômicos do mundo, desempenhando um papel crucial na economia brasileira, representando quase um quarto do PIB em 2022. No entanto, seu crescimento trouxe desafios, como o impacto ambiental e as mudanças climáticas, exigindo práticas sustentáveis. A pesquisa foi conduzida por meio de uma análise bibliográfica de natureza qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, utilizando artigos de periódicos nacionais indexados à plataforma da CAPES e no Google Scholar. E teve como objetivo, compreender a importância do mercado de crédito de carbono como uma ferramenta para mitigar as emissões de gases do efeito estufa no setor agrícola brasileiro, além de identificar lacunas no conhecimento científico sobre o tema. Os resultados destacaram a relevância do mercado de crédito de carbono, mas também evidenciaram a limitada adoção dessa prática no Brasil, bem como uma lacuna significativa no conhecimento científico sobre o assunto. Em suma, pôde ser observado que o agronegócio brasileiro enfrenta desafios ambientais e climáticos, requerendo práticas sustentáveis, como o mercado de crédito de carbono, para garantir seu crescimento econômico de forma sustentável. Isso demanda um esforço conjunto do governo, das empresas e da sociedade civil para promover o desenvolvimento sustentável do setor.
Utilization of Parthenium Leaf Extract for the Effective Management of Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus)
Authors: Rajeev Megha V , Iyarin Thanka Mahil E  , Mohanapriya R  , Vishnuvardhan Reddy K
Published: May 2024

Quick emergence of Cyperus create competition in the crop production which reduces the crop yield. Nowadays, the more importance is given to sustainable agriculture. Application of allelochemicals can control the Cyperus sustainably. With this notion, field experiment was conducted at The Indian Agriculture College, Radhapuram during summer 2023 to evaluate utilization of Parthenium leaf extract (PLE) for the effective management of Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design (CRD) having three replications and seven treatments viz., PLE @ 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, PLE @ 10% + Glyphosate @ 1.5%, Glyphosate @ 1.5% alone and Control.  Application of PLE @ 11% on 3, 10 and 20 DAP, significantly reduces the Cyperus rotundus germination percentage, dry weight, Vigour Index, total Cyperus length, tuber weight, moisture content, chlorophyll content and also improved the Cyperus control efficiency due to the presence of allelochemicals.
Performance of Blackgram as Influenced by Water Soluble Fertilizers and PGPR under Rainfed Situation
Authors: Chethan Babu, R. T  , Mavarkar Narayana S , Praveen, B. R  , Dileep, R  , Melavanki Manjunath S
Published: May 2024

Lower production potential of blackgram grown under rainfed situation due to lack of proper nutrition during critical crop growth stages. So, investigation was carried out with an objective to study the effect of water-soluble fertilizers and PGPR on performance of blackgram during Kharif-2019, a field study was carried out at University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga which comes under Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka. Experimental design was laid out in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. Treatments include combination of 19:19:19, monopotassium phosphate @ different dosage foliar spray with and without PGPR treatment along with package of practices. Water soluble fertilizers viz., 19:19:19 (N: P: K) and mono potassium phosphate (0:52:34) were used in treatment combinations along with PGPR. The Results revealed that, foliar application of 19:19:19 and mono potassium phosphate @ 1 per cent each at 30 and 45 days after sowing + PGPR along with a package of practice recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf and stem dry weight, crude protein (26.54 %), seed yield (1167 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2019 kg ha-1) over package of practice treatment and also positive correlation was found between growth and yield parameters with seed yield and haulm yield.
Effects of Different Qualities of Light and Phytohormones on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Establishment of Papaya (Carica papaya) cv. Pusa Nanha
Authors: Singh Alan Evon , Topno Samir E. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: May 2024

The present study was undertaken to study the effects of different qualities of light and phytohormones (GA3 @ 200ppm) on papaya seed germination, seedling growth, and establishment. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design. The experiment comprises of eight treatments viz. T0 {Natural Light (95000 lux)}, T1{Shade Net/Green House (Light 21500 lux)}, T2 {Polyhouse (light 7750 lux)}, T3 {Partially shaded area (light 2800 lux)}, T4 {Fully shaded area (light 880 lux)}, T5 {Incandescent Light (290 lux)}, T6 {Fluorescent Light (3000 lux)}, T7 {Growth Chamber Light (light 2500 lux)}. Among different treatments T6 performed best in terms of Seed germination, Seedling growth and Establishment of Papaya. The findings revealed that treatment T6 {Fluorescent Light (3000 lux)} + GA3 (200 ppm) performed best in term of Days to Germination (8 Days), Germination percentage (94.44%), Number of leaves (9.6), Plant height (16.23 cm), stem vigour index (1444.93), Leaf area (394.4 cm2), Chlorophyll content (41.47 SPAD value) and stem girth (0.37 cm), Establishment Percentage (93.33%). The highest B:C ratio was found in the same Treatment, T6 {Fluorescent Light (3000 lux)} + GA3 (200 ppm), with 3.5.
Analysis of the Functional Kinetic Performance of Mmii of a Group of Amateur Runners from the Municipality of Gurupi, Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Eloisa Steffany Deodato de Souza , Silva Tatiane Rodrigues Milhomem , Araujo Warly Neves de , Alves Rafaela de Carvalho , Takada Jacqueline Aparecida Philipino , Pereira Adelma Martins , Ribeiro Myllena da Silva , Sales Marcella Soares Carreiro
Published: May 2024

Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional kinetic performance of a group of amateur runners from the municipality of Gurupi-To through the application of the passive stiffness test of the lateral rotators of the hip, Y Balance Test, dorsiflexion lunge test, Navilicular drop test, and sit-and-reach test (Wells bank test).
Study Design:  This was a cross-sectional, quantitative field research.
Place and Duration of Study: Data collection was carried out from February 2024 to March 2024.
Methodology: The research was carried out at the Clinical School of Physiotherapy of the University of Gurupi (UnirG) in the municipality of Gurupi with amateur runners associated with Tonello Assessorial Sportive.
Results: The research revealed that the sample presents a balance deficit in the lower limbs, bilateral hypomobility of the ankle, low flexibility of the posterior chain, overweight and obesity, preserved hip and ankle mobility and physiological plantar arch for normality.
Conclusion: Therefore, overweight and low scores in injury incidence tests in the group of runners.
An Analysis of Goldfish Hatchtery Business in the Situjaya Group of Situraja Village, Sumedang Regency, West Java
Authors: Aritonang Rian Fajar , Gumilar Iwang , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka
Published: May 2024

The purposes of this study were (1) To analyze the prospect of goldfish hatchery business in Situ Jaya Group, judged from the financial aspect. (2) To formulate any goldfish hatchery alternative strategy in Situjaya Group. The eligibility analysis criteria that is applied to analyze the business feasibility are Net Benefit Cost Ratio (Net B / C), and Payback Period (PP). Furthermore, the methods which are applied to identify the factors that influenced the business development using Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrix, the EFE matrix, the Strategic Matrix, and the Matrix Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), on the final phase resulted in creating alternative development strategies. Data collection method was conducted by using census method. The number of respondents were 8 people in all members of the Situ Jaya Group. Based on the non-financial feasibility analysis, the hatchery business is still weak on all non-financial aspects. Based on the results of financial analysis, it yields worth 100%. The entire value of Net B / C that obtained is greater than 1, i.e. 1.67. All PP value that obtained is 6 years 11 months 27 days. Based on the Matrix Strategy analysis that can be applied is market penetration and product development. Based on the SWOT analysis, the strategy that needs to be done is aggressive strategy which means that the business is in steady and excellent condition so it is possible to continue to expand, enlarge the growth and achieve maximum progress. While the Alternative Strategy for business development is the application of Weaknesses-Opportunities Strategy.
Physicochemically Stable Polymer‐Coupled Oxide Dielectrics for Multipurpose Organic Electronic Applications
Authors: Kim Se Hyun , Jang Mi , Yang Hoichang , Anthony John E. , Park Chan Eon
Published: April 2011

A chemically coupled polymer layer is introduced onto inorganic oxide dielectrics from a dilute chlorosilane‐terminated polystyrene (PS) solution. As a result of this surface modification, hydrophilic‐oxide dielectrics gain hydrophobic, physicochemically stable properties. On such PS‐coupled SiO2 or AlOx dielectrics, various vacuum‐ and solution‐processable organic semiconductors can develop highly ordered crystalline structures that provide higher field‐effect mobilities (μFETs) than other surface‐modified systems, and negligible hysteresis in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). In particular, the use of PS‐coupled AlOx nanodielectrics enables a solution‐processable triethylsilylethynyl anthradithiophene OFET to operate with μFET ∼ 1.26 cm2 V−1 s−1 at a gate voltage below –1 V. In addition, a complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor‐like organic inverter with a high voltage gain of approximately 32 was successfully fabricated on a PS‐coupled SiO2 dielectric.
Strain Anisotropies and Self‐Limiting Capacities in Single‐Crystalline 3D Silicon Microstructures: Models for High Energy Density Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Goldman Jason L. , Long Brandon R. , Gewirth Andrew A. , Nuzzo Ralph G.
Published: April 2011

This study examines the crystallographic anisotropy of strain evolution in model, single‐crystalline silicon anode microstructures on electrochemical intercalation of lithium atoms. The 3D hierarchically patterned single‐ crystalline silicon microstructures used as model anodes were prepared using combined methods of photolithography and anisotropic dry and wet chemical etching. Silicon anodes, which possesses theoretically ten times the energy density by weight compared to conventional carbon anodes, reveal highly anisotropic but more importantly, variably recoverable crystallographic strains during cycling. Model strain‐limiting silicon anode architectures that mitigate these impacts are highlighted. By selecting a specific design for the silicon anode microstructure, and exploiting the crystallographic anisotropy of strain evolution upon lithium intercalation to control the direction of volumetric expansion, the volume available for expansion and thus the charging capacity of these structures can be broadly varied. We highlight exemplary design rules for this self‐strain‐limited charging in which an anode can be variably optimized between capacity and stability. Strain‐limited capacities ranging from 677 mAhg−1to 2833 mAhg−1were achieved by constraining the area available for volumetric expansion via the design rules of the microstructures.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Ammonia Adsorption Properties of Mesoporous Metal–Organic Framework (MIL(Fe))–Graphite Oxide Composites: Exploring the Limits of Materials Fabrication
Authors: Petit Camille , Bandosz Teresa J.
Published: April 2011

Composites of MIL‐100(Fe) and graphite oxide (GO) were prepared with various ratios of the two components and tested for ammonia removal in dynamic conditions. The initial and exhausted samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, thermal analysis, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the formation of well‐defined MIL‐100(Fe)/GO composites is not favored. This is linked to the specific geometry of MIL‐100(Fe). The attachment of the GO carbon layers to the spherical cages of MIL‐100(Fe) (via coordination between the oxygen groups of GO and the metallic sites of the metal–organic framework) prevents the proper formation of the MIL‐100(Fe) structure. Therefore, the composite with the highest GO content has a lower porosity and smaller ammonia adsorption capacity than those calculated for the physical mixture of MIL‐100(Fe) and GO. The main mechanism of ammonia retention is via Brönsted interactions between ammonia and the water molecules present in MIL‐100(Fe). Nevertheless, the presence of excess water in the system lowers the acidity of the MIL material, and consequently causes a decrease in the ammonia adsorption. The Lewis interactions between ammonia and the metal centers in MIL also take place during the adsorption process.
Mesoporous Structures Confined in Anodic Alumina Membranes
Authors: Platschek Barbara , Keilbach Andreas , Bein Thomas
Published: April 2011

The synthesis of nanoporous membranes based on different concepts and materials is a field of active research. This review focuses on the synthesis strategies, mesophase evolution mechanisms and potential applications of mesoporous materials confined within anodic alumina membranes (AAM). Following a rapid evolution of synthetic techniques, a significant number of different mesoporous materials (e.g., silica, titania, and carbon) with highly regular structures can now be prepared within these membranes. In recent years, efforts have also been made to understand the formation mechanisms of these hierarchical mesophases. The resulting organized nanoporous membranes open up a wide range of potential applications in fields such as templating oriented nanowires and controlled separation and release of molecules. For example, while various synthesis strategies can be used for the preparation of membrane‐embedded nanowires, the latter can also be obtained as isolated objects after dissolution of the alumina host matrix. The review also discusses issues such as control of structural defects or integrity of interfaces that should be addressed in future research in order to fully exploit the potential of these hierarchical mesoporous channel structures.
Effect of microwave processing on the spectral, mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of sustainable resource based castor oil Epoxy/PVA blends
Authors: Ahmad Sharif , PK Nijas , Riaz Ufana
Published: April 2011

In recent years, the development of ecofriendly biodegradable packaging materials from natural polymers particularly agricultural products has received increasing attention in an attempt to substitute the existing nonbiodegradable petro‐based polymers. The need for new polymeric materials with tailored properties has driven the interest of industry and academia toward polymer blends. Vegetable oils are known to possess varying amounts of triglycerides having different unsaturation in their chains. Blending of commercial polymers with vegetable oil derived polymers is, therefore, expected to show synergetic behavior in terms of compatibility, physical, and mechanical characteristics with the latter. In an attempt to develop a biodegradable packaging material, blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and castor oil epoxy (COE) were synthesized in the weight ratios of 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, and 30/70 by a microwave method. The effect of COE component as well as microwave irradiation on the compatibility and microstructural properties of the blends was investigated using spectral, viscometric, thermal, and morphological techniques. We observed tremendous improvement in mechanical properties after microwave irradiation for 120 s in COE/PVA 70/30 blend due to optimum cross‐linking through hydrogen bond formation among the blend components. These results were supported by the SEM as well the TEM data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 30: 96–109, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20207
Two Iranian families with a novel mutation in GJB2 causing autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Bazazzadegan Niloofar , Sheffield Abraham M. , Sobhani Masoomeh , Kahrizi Kimia , Meyer Nicole C. , Van Camp Guy , Hilgert Nele , Abedini Seyedeh Sedigheh , Habibi Farkhondeh , Daneshi Ahmad , Nishimura Carla , Avenarius Matthew R. , Farhadi Mohammad , Smith Richard J.H. , Najmabadi Hossein
Published: April 2011

Mutations in GJB2, encoding connexin 26 (Cx26), cause both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) at the DFNA3 and DFNB1 loci, respectively. Most of the over 100 described GJB2 mutations cause ARNSHL. Only a minority has been associated with autosomal dominant hearing loss. In this study, we present two families with autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by a novel mutation in GJB2 (p.Asp46Asn). Both families were ascertained from the same village in northern Iran consistent with a founder effect. This finding implicates the D46N missense mutation in Cx26 as a common cause of deafness in this part of Iran mandating mutation screening of GJB2 for D46N in all persons with hearing loss who originate from this geographic region. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive effects of cellular phones: A possible role of non‐radiofrequency radiation factors
Authors: Hareuveny Ronen , Eliyahu Ilan , Luria Roy , Meiran Nachshon , Margaliot Menachem
Published: April 2011

Some studies found that cognitive functions of human beings may be altered while exposed to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by cellular phones. In two recent studies, we have found that experiment duration and exposure side (i.e., phone's location—right or left) may have a major influence on the detection of such effects. In this brief follow‐up experiment, 29 right‐handed male subjects were divided into two groups. Each subject had two standard cellular phones attached to both sides of his head. The subjects performed a spatial working memory task that required either a left‐hand or a right‐hand response under one of the two exposure conditions: left side of the head or right side. Contrary to our previous studies, in this work external antennas located far away from the subjects were connected to the cellular phones. This setup prevents any emission of RFR from the internal antenna, thus drastically reducing RFR exposure. Despite that, the results remain similar to those obtained in our previous work. These results indicate that some of the effects previously attributed to RFR can be the result of some confounders. Bioelectromagnetics 32:585–588, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New insights on the roles of BMP signaling in bone—A review of recent mouse genetic studies
Authors: Kamiya Nobuhiro , Mishina Yuji
Published: April 2011

It is well known that Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce bone formation and that some BMPs, including BMP2 and BMP7, are clinically used in orthopedics. Signaling by BMPs plays an important role in a variety of cell‐types in bone such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts. It is recently reported using an osteoblast‐targeted deletion of BMP signaling that BMP signaling in osteoblasts physiologically induces bone resorption by enhancing osteoclastogenesis via the RANKL‐OPG pathway and reduces bone mass. In this review, The physiological function of BMP signaling in bone will be focused, and the current outcomes from mouse genetic studies will be discuss.
Absorption and metabolism of dietary carotenoids
Authors: Nagao Akihiko
Published: April 2011

A number of carotenoids with diverse structures are present in foods and have beneficial effects on human health due to their common antioxidant activity and their respective biological activities. The major carotenoids found in human tissues, however, are limited to several including such as β‐carotene, lycopene, and lutein. We have little knowledge of whether carotenoids are selectively absorbed in intestine and metabolized discriminately in the body. Moreover, the metabolic transformation of carotenoids in mammals other than vitamin A formation has not been fully elucidated. Here, the intestinal absorption and oxidative metabolism of dietary carotenoids are reviewed with a focus on dietary xanthophylls.
Unerwünschte Besucher der Zellkultur
Authors: Schrödel Andrea
Published: April 2011

Zellkulturmedien stellen neben optimalen Bedingungen der für den Laborbedarf zu kultivierenden Zellen auch für Mikroorganismen ausgezeichnete Nährböden dar. Das unerwünschte Wachstum von Bakterien, Mykoplasmen, Pilzen und Hefen führt dazu, dass wichtige Nährstoffe der Kultur völlig verbraucht werden und durch die gebildeten Abfallprodukte die Kultur meist irreversibel geschädigt wird. Wenn man bedenkt, dass ein einziges Bakterium von einem Tag auf den anderen eine Kolonie von 100 Millionen Nachkommen hervorbringen kann und dass ein Schnapsglas voll Bakterien 30.000mal mehr Mikroorganismen enthalten würde, als auf der ganzen Welt Menschen leben, fragt sich so mancher, wie man diese mikrobielle Kontaminationsgefahr in den Griff bekommen soll.
Increase in future remnant liver function after preoperative portal vein embolization
Authors: de Graaf W , van Lienden K P , van den Esschert J W , Bennink R J , van Gulik T M
Published: April 2011

Background

Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is performed in patients with insufficient future remnant liver (FRL) to allow safe resection. Although many studies have demonstrated an increase in FRL volume after PVE, little is known about the increase in FRL function. This study evaluated the increase in FRL function after PVE using 99mTc-labelled mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and compared this with the increase in FRL volume.

Methods

In 24 patients, computed tomography volumetry and 99mTc-labelled mebrofenin HBS with SPECT were performed before and 3–4 weeks after PVE to measure FRL volume, standardized FRL and FRL function. A hypothetical model was used to assess safe resectability after PVE. The limit for safe resection for FRL function was set at an uptake of 2·69 per cent per min per m2. For FRL volume and standardized FRL, 25 or 40 per cent of total liver volume was used, depending on the presence of underlying liver disease.

Results

After PVE, FRL function increased significantly more than FRL volume. The correlation between the increase in FRL volume and FRL function was poor. Using the hypothetical model, seven patients did not achieve a sufficient increase in FRL function to allow safe resection 3–4 weeks after PVE, compared with 12 and nine patients based on FRL volume and standardized FRL respectively.

Conclusion

The increase in FRL function after PVE is more pronounced than the increase in FRL volume, suggesting that the necessary waiting time until resection may be shorter than indicated by volumetric parameters.
Hypothermic machine perfusion after static cold storage does not improve the preservation condition in an experimental porcine kidney model
Authors: Hosgood S A , Mohamed I H , Bagul A , Nicholson M L
Published: April 2011

Background

Combining hypothermic techniques, as a more practical approach to preservation, may enhance the condition of kidneys donated after cardiac death.

Methods

Porcine kidneys were retrieved after 10 min in situ warm ischaemia, then preserved by either 18 h static cold storage (CS), hypothermic machine perfusion for 18 h (HMP) or 14 h static CS followed by 4 h HMP (4HMP). Kidneys were reperfused for 3 h with oxygenated autologous blood on an isolated organ perfusion system to assess renal function and injury.

Results

Intrarenal resistance was significantly higher in the 4HMP group than in the CS and HMP groups: mean(s.d.) area under the curve (AUC) 8·48(2·97), 3·41(1·80) and 3·78(1·68) mmHg/min.h respectively (P = 0·011). Creatinine clearance was lower after 4HMP and CS: AUC 2·3(0·6) and 2·2(1·7) ml per min per 100g.h respectively versus 9·8(7·3) ml per min per 100g.h in the HMP group (P = 0·022). Levels of endothelin 1 were higher in the 4HMP and CS groups: mean(s.d.) 21·6(4·0) and 24·2(2·3) pg/ml respectively versus 11·4(4·6) pg/ml in the HMP group (P = 0·002). Morphological damage was increased in the 4HMP group.

Conclusion

This porcine kidney study demonstrated no advantage to the addition of 4 h of HMP after CS.
Realistic, fast, and controllable simulation of solid combustion
Authors: Zhu Jian , Chang Yuanzhang , Wu Enhua
Published: April 2011

We present a realistic, fast, and controllable model to simulate fire propagation on solid objects with the object decomposition process involved. A hybrid structure of grids is employed to simulate the whole process efficiently. An improved burning surface update scheme based on level set and a novel method for visualizing the burning surface are proposed to produce convincing results. To achieve interactive simulation speed, a few acceleration techniques are employed, including a moving grid generated to dynamically track the fire propagation, a refined Marching Cubes method to reconstruct the burning surface, and a hardware‐implemented fluid solver. By controlling a few physical and geometric parameters, we are able to simulate various solid combustion phenomena. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Easy acquisition and real‐time animation of facial wrinkles
Authors: Dutreve Ludovic , Meyer Alexandre , Bouakaz Sada
Published: April 2011

Facial animation details like wrinkles or bulges are very useful for the analysis and the interpretation of facial emotions and expressions. However, outfitting a virtual face with expression details for real‐time applications is a difficult task. In this paper, we propose a mono‐camera acquisition technique of facial animation details and a technique which add a wrinkle map layer (fine‐scale animation) to a skinning layer (large‐scale animation) for real‐time rendering of a virtual 3D face. The acquisition is based on ratio image computed from two pictures of a same face, with and without expression. The real‐time dynamic wrinkles technique is based on a small set of reference poses. These two methods offer an easy and low‐cost way to capture facial animation details and use it for real‐time facial animation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new approach to haptic rendering of guidewires for use in minimally invasive surgical simulation
Authors: Huang D. , Tang W. , Wan T. R. , John N. W. , Gould D. , Ding Y. , Chen Y.
Published: April 2011

Guidewire insertion is an imperative task of minimally invasive medical procedures. During the procedure, surgeons need to steer long flexible thin wires through patient's blood vessels to reach a clinical target. In this paper, we present a novel approach to model haptics of guidewire insertion process for training simulation. The algorithm also allows for the analysis of the insertion process through subtle physical behaviours of guidewires via force feedbacks. The method includes a 6‐DoF dynamic coupling between a rigid body, i.e. the virtual tool and the deformation of the wire simulated as an elastic rod. Instead of using the frictional contact force or the acceleration of the guidewire tip for haptic feedbacks, we compute constrained forces by directly connecting the virtual tool to the end of the guidewire. Therefore, the coupling scheme transmits haptic interactions through constrained dynamics between the virtual tool and the guidewire. Both positional and rotational control modes are implemented and evaluated with respect to the dynamics of the guidewire, user inputs and feedback forces. Experiments highlight the usability of our algorithm for an insertion procedure simulation with complex blood vessel structures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple and Stereoselective Preparation of an 4‐(Aminomethyl)‐1,2,3‐triazolyl Nucleoside Phosphoramidite
Authors: Kolganova Natalia A. , Florentiev Vladimir L. , Chudinov Alexander V. , Zasedatelev Alexander S. , Timofeev Edward N.
Published: April 2011

A simple and stereoselective synthesis of a protected 4‐(aminomethyl)‐1‐(2‐deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranosyl)‐1,2,3‐triazole cyanoethyl phosphoramidite was developed for the modification of synthetic oligonucleotides. The configuration of the 1,2,3‐triazolyl moiety with respect to the deoxyribose was unambiguously determined in ROESY experiments. The aminomethyl group of the triazolyl nucleotide was fully functional in labelling reactions. Furthermore, the hybridization behavior of 5′ triazole‐terminated oligonucleotide was similar to that of 5′ aminohexyl‐terminated oligomer with the same sequence. Internal modifications of the oligonucleotide strands resulted in significant decrease of duplex stability.
Two New Lignans and Anti‐HBV Constituents from Illicium henryi
Authors: Liu Ji‐Feng , Jiang Zhi‐Yong , Geng Chang‐An , Zhang Quan , Shi Yao , Ma Yun‐Bao , Zhang Xue‐Mei , Chen Ji‐Jun
Published: April 2011

Two new lignans, dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9‐O‐β‐D‐(3″‐O‐acetyl)‐xylopyranoside (1) and threo‐4,9,9′‐trihydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxy‐8‐O‐4′‐neolignan 7‐O‐α‐rhamnopyranoside (2) were isolated from Illicium henryi, together with ten known compounds, 3–12. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses. The anti‐hepatitis B virus (anti‐HBV) activity of compounds 1–12 inhibiting HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg) secretion on Hep G2.2.15 cell line was evaluated. (−)‐Dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (4) showed moderate inhibitory activity on both HBsAg and HBeAg secretion with IC50 values of 0.06 and 0.53 mM, respectively.