bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Callisthenic Exercises vs Yoga on Health Related Quality of Life, Lipid Profile, Anthropometric Measurements and ultrasonography Findings in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Research Protocol
Authors: Bulbuli Ashwini , Kage Vijay , Hukkeri Manjunath , Bellad MB
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, and individuals with this condition are at a risk of developing complications like metabolic syndromes throughout their lifetime. Not much is known about studies reporting the combined effects of calisthenic exercise with either aerobic exercise or progressive resistive exercises that have shown positive outcomes in PCOS. Need for the study: Extensive literature search has revealed gaps in reporting the individualised effects of calisthenic exercise in PCOS and its comparative effects with yoga. The present research article presents a study protocol comparing calisthenic exercises and yoga protocols prescribed for women with PCOS. Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the effects of calisthenic exercises and yoga in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This research protocol is planned to conduct a randomised clinical trial in Belagavi, Karnataka, India, and will employ a randomised, open-label, parallel-armed, double-blinded clinical experimental design. The duration of the study will be near bout four years, from June 2022 to August 2026. A total of 102 females with PCOS, aged between 18 and 35, will be randomly allocated to either a yoga group (N=51) or a calisthenic exercise group (N=51). For a period of 1½ months (i.e., six weeks), group therapy sessions will be held five times a week. Ultrasonography scans, which will assess ovarian cyst count and size, ovarian volume, and total lipid profile, will be conducted twice (pre- and post-intervention). The PCOS Questionnaire (PCOSQ-26) will be utilised to assess healthrelated quality of life, as well as anthropometric measurements such as waist-hip ratio and Body Mass Index (BMI). These measurements will be assessed prior to the intervention, six weeks following the intervention, and at the 12-week followup. Inferential as well as statistical methods will be used to analyse the gathered data. A test for normal distribution will be conducted, depending on whether parametric tests (Z test and/ or ANOVA) or non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test) will be performed. A probability value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.
Prevalence and Outcome of Malaria at the Tombel Health District: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Anyinkeng Achanga Bill Smith , Joseph Mukete Obasemoiyo , Ameck Mbah Nadine , Ophundem Tambi Arrey Nellybel , Joseph Elone Tataw , Njualem Anyileke Florence Noela
Published: July 2024

Background: World Health Organisation World Malaria Report estimates that 247 million malaria cases occurred in 2021 with 84 malaria endemic countries, an increase from 245 million (0.033%) in 2020. Malaria in Africa still account for the leading cause of under five mortality, leading to over two-third of malaria death in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study that utilized one year hospital data spanning from July 2022 to July 2023 extracted from the hospital out patients department register for all patients received at the Tombel Health District during that time. Administrative consent was given by the Director of the district hospital as these study did not required an ethical approval. Age, presumptive diagnosis, laboratory investigations, definitive diagnosis and treatment status were the data collected from the registers.
Results: The study had 1177 hospital files (individualized) with majority of the files from 2022 (52.4%) and October 2022, having the highest representation (23.4%). Majority of the participant being female (61.3%). The prevalence of hospital-malaria was 28% with 47.1% of the confirmed cases of malaria requiring admission.
Conclusion: Malaria is still a burden among inhabitants in the Tombel Health District, due to risk factors such as: economic status, poor road, low health personnel, swampy areas, nature of jobs and as well negatively impact their socio-economic status. More actions are needed to be made among inhabitants at the Tombel Health District to reduce this outcome and prevalence observed.
Gendered Impact of Climate Change among Paddy Farmers of Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, Tanzania
Authors: Lunyelele Samwel P. , Zellah Adili Y.
Published: July 2024

The study presents the findings on the research which examined gendered impacts of climate change among the paddy farmers of Kahama District, Shinyanga Region. Specifically, the study assessed gendered desegregated effects of climate change among the paddy farmers and the implications on the effects of climate change among women farmers of Kahama District. The study adopted a cross sectional research design on which 312 randomly selected farm households were interviewed. The study employed a triangulation approach whereby primary data were collected through household surveys, field observation and key informants’ interviews. The findings revealed that women and men farmers disproportionally affected by climate change. These effects include the prevalence pests and diseases over a period of 30 years and the general decrease in crop yields to due to the changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. These effects pose negative implications in increasing women’s workload and time burden, health and safety risks, and livelihood and food security respectively. The study concluded that women bear a disproportionate burden of the challenges of climate change due to existing social and economic inequalities. This negatively subject women farmers into health, livelihoods and overall additional household burden of the households’ activities.  The study recommends to the Government to enforce gender-sensitive policies and interventions. Furthermore, it is recommended to the Government to ensure that effective strategies prioritize gender equity and inclusivity so as to build a more adaptive farming community.
A Critical Review on Fostering Community Involvement in Sustainable Horticulture Initiatives
Authors: P Srinivasu , S Parkavi , P Ragul , Panotra Narinder , D Thrilekha , Upadhyay Lalit , Meghana Bhavanasi Sai , Sakhamo Khrüzho
Published: July 2024

Community engagement and participation play pivotal roles in advancing sustainable horticultural development. This study explores the impact of community involvement in horticulture, emphasizing collaborative efforts that drive sustainable practices and innovation. Engaging communities in horticultural activities fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to improved environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices. Key strategies include participatory planning, local knowledge integration, and inclusive decision-making processes. These approaches enhance resource management, boost productivity, and ensure the long-term viability of horticultural projects. Furthermore, community participation in horticulture promotes social cohesion and empowers marginalized groups by providing economic opportunities and fostering resilience against climate change. This paper highlights successful case studies where community-driven horticultural initiatives have led to significant environmental and socio-economic benefits. The findings underscore the necessity of fostering strong community networks and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations to support sustainable horticultural development. By actively involving community members in the planning and implementation stages, horticultural projects can be tailored to meet local needs and preferences, thereby enhancing their sustainability and effectiveness. This research advocates for policies that encourage community participation and provide the necessary support and resources for communities to actively engage in horticultural activities. In conclusion, community engagement is not merely an auxiliary component but a fundamental driver of sustainable horticultural development, essential for achieving environmental sustainability and social well-being.
Genetic Tests: Clinical Validity and Clinical Utility
Authors: Burke Wylie
Published: April 2014

When evaluating the appropriate use of new genetic tests, clinicians and health care policymakers must consider the accuracy with which a test identifies a patient's clinical status (clinical validity) and the risks and benefits resulting from test use (clinical utility). Genetic tests in current use vary in accuracy and potential to improve health outcomes, and these test properties may be influenced by testing technology and the clinical setting in which the test is used. This unit defines clinical validity and clinical utility, provides examples, and considers the implications of these test properties for clinical practice. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 81:9.15.1‐9.15.8. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mitochondrial Genome Interrogation for Forensic Casework and Research Studies
Authors: Roby Rhonda K. , Sprouse Marc , Phillips Nicole , Alicea‐Centeno Alessandra , Shewale Shantanu , Shore Sabrina , Paul Natasha
Published: April 2014

This unit describes methods used in the analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for forensic and research applications.
UNIT

here describes procedures specifically for forensic casework where the DNA from evidentiary material is often degraded or inhibited. In this unit, protocols are described for quantification of mtDNA before amplification; amplification of the entire control region from high‐quality samples as well as procedures for interrogating the whole mitochondrial genome (mtGenome); quantification of mtDNA post‐amplification; and, post‐PCR cleanup and sequencing. The protocols for amplification were developed for high‐throughput databasing applications for forensic DNA testing such as reference samples and population studies. However, these same protocols can be applied to biomedical research such as age‐related disease and health disparities research. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 81:14.9.1‐14.9.23. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The relation between transpolar potential and reconnection rates during sudden enhancement of solar wind dynamic pressure: OpenGGCM‐CTIM results
Authors: Connor H. K. , Zesta E. , Ober D. M. , Raeder J.
Published: April 2014

This study investigates how solar wind energy is deposited into the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system during sudden enhancements of solar wind dynamic pressure (Psw), using the coupled Open Geospace General Circulation Model–Coupled Ionosphere Thermosphere Model (OpenGGCM‐CTIM) 3‐D global magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere model. We simulate three unique events of solar wind pressure enhancements that occurred during negative, near‐zero, and positive interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz. Then, we examine the behavior of the dayside and nightside reconnection rates and quantify their respective contributions to cross polar cap potential (CPCP), a proxy of ionospheric plasma convection strength. The modeled CPCP increases after a Psw enhancement in all three cases, which agrees well with observations from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft and predictions from the assimilative mapping of ionospheric electrodynamics technique. In the OpenGGCM‐CTIM model, dayside reconnection increases within 9–13 min of the pressure impact, while nightside reconnection intensifies about 13–25 min after the pressure increase. As the strong Psw compresses the dayside magnetosheath and, subsequently, the magnetotail, their magnetic fields intensify and activate stronger antiparallel reconnection on the dayside magnetopause first and near the central plasma sheet second. For southward IMF, dayside reconnection contributes to the CPCP enhancement 2–4 times more than nightside reconnection. For northward IMF, the dayside contribution weakens, and nightside reconnection contributes more to the CPCP enhancement. We find that high‐latitude magnetopause reconnection during northward IMF produces sunward ionospheric plasma convection, which decreases the typical dawn‐to‐dusk ionosphere electric field. This results in a weaker dayside reconnection contribution to the CPCP during northward IMF.
Microwave interferometric radiometry in remote sensing: An invited historical review
Authors: Martín‐Neira M. , LeVine D. M. , Kerr Y. , Skou N. , Peichl M. , Camps A. , Corbella I. , Hallikainen M. , Font J. , Wu J. , Mecklenburg S. , Drusch M.
Published: April 2014

The launch of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission on 2 November 2009 marked a milestone in remote sensing for it was the first time a radiometer capable of acquiring wide field of view images at every single snapshot, a unique feature of the synthetic aperture technique, made it to space. The technology behind such an achievement was developed, thanks to the effort of a community of researchers and engineers in different groups around the world. It was only because of their joint work that SMOS finally became a reality. The fact that the European Space Agency, together with CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) and CDTI (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico e Industrial), managed to get the project through should be considered a merit and a reward for that entire community. This paper is an invited historical review that, within a very limited number of pages, tries to provide insight into some of the developments which, one way or another, are imprinted in the name of SMOS.
Fine structure of subauroral electric field and electron content
Authors: Makarevich Roman A. , Bristow W. A.
Published: April 2014

Small‐scale structure of the plasma convection and electron content within the subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) is investigated. We present ionospheric observations during the main phase of the geomagnetic storm on 17 March 2013, during which a sequence of intense, highly localized, and fast‐moving electric field (EF) structures within SAPS was observed by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network Christmas Valley West (CVW) radar. The CVW EF measurements at 60 s resolution are analyzed in context of coincident GPS measurements of the total electron content (TEC) at 30 s resolution. The strong and narrow feature of the subauroral ion drift (SAID) was observed poleward of the TEC trough, with a TEC enhancement (peak) seen in the SAPS (SAID) region. The SAPS wave activity commenced ~2 h (15 min) after first appearance of SAPS (SAID). The SAPS structures appeared near the poleward edge of the trough, propagated westward, and merged with SAID near TEC peak. The propagation velocity was comparable with convection velocity within each EF structure. The SAPS TEC exhibited a general decrease toward the end of the period. On a smaller time scale, TEC exhibited a small but appreciable decrease within EF structures. The wavelet spectra of EF and TEC showed similar variations, with wave period of ~5 min period near onset and increasing to 8–10 min toward the end of the period with significant wave activity. A scenario is discussed, in which the SAPS wave activity may modify the ionospheric conductance and TEC at small scales, with large‐scale magnetosphere‐ionosphere feedback acting to continuously deplete TEC where/when such activity does not occur.
Impact of pollution on the optical properties of trans‐Pacific East Asian dust from satellite and ground‐based measurements
Authors: Yi Bingqi , Yang Ping , Baum Bryan A.
Published: April 2014

We investigate changes in the optical properties of a large dust plume originating from East Asian deserts during its transport over the northwestern Pacific Ocean in March 2013. The study makes use of observational products from two sensors in the NASA A‐Train satellite constellation, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization. Forward trajectory clustering analysis and satellite observations show that dust initiating from the Taklimakan and Gobi deserts experienced thorough mixing with industrial pollution aerosols shortly after leaving the source region and were lofted by a strong midlatitude weather system to more than 4 km in height. The dust plume accompanied the weather system and reached the east coast of the North American continent within 7–10 days. The dust aerosols became spectrally absorptive during transport due to mixing with other aerosol types such as soot. Furthermore, a decrease in the depolarization ratio suggests that the complexities in aerosol particle morphologies were reduced during transport over the ocean. More than half of the dust aerosol layers surviving the trans‐Pacific transport were polluted and exhibited different optical properties and radiative effects from those of pure dust.
Natural history and galsulfase treatment in mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI, Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome)—10‐year follow‐up of patients who previously participated in an MPS VI survey study
Authors: Giugliani Roberto , Lampe Christina , Guffon Nathalie , Ketteridge David , Leão‐Teles Elisa , Wraith James E. , Jones Simon A. , Piscia‐Nichols Cheri , Lin Ping , Quartel Adrian , Harmatz Paul
Published: April 2014

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI) is a clinically heterogeneous and progressive disorder with multiorgan manifestations caused by deficient N‐acetylgalactosamine‐4‐sulfatase activity. A cross‐sectional Survey Study in individuals (n = 121) affected with MPS VI was conducted between 2001 and 2002 to establish demographics, urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels, and clinical progression of disease. We conducted a Resurvey Study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387854) to obtain 10‐year follow‐up data, including medical histories and clinical assessments (n = 59), and survival status over 12 years (n = 117). Patients received a mean (SD) of 6.8 (2.2) years of galsulfase ERT between baseline (Survey Study) and follow‐up. ERT patients increased in height by 20.4 cm in the 4–7‐year‐old baseline age group and by 16.8 cm in the 8–12‐year‐old baseline age group. ERT patients <13 years‐old demonstrated improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC) by 68% and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) by 55%, and those ≥13 years‐old increased FVC by 12.8% and maintained FEV1. Patients with >200 µg/mg baseline uGAG levels increased FVC by 48% in the <13‐year‐old baseline age group and by 15% in the ≥13‐year‐old baseline age group. ERT patients who completed the 6‐min walk test demonstrated a mean (SD) increase of 65.7 (100.6) m. Cardiac outcomes did not significantly improve or worsen. Observed mortality rate among naïve patients was 50% (7/14) and 16.5% (17/103) in the ERT group (unadjusted hazard ratio, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10–0.59). Long‐term galsulfase ERT was associated with improvements in pulmonary function and endurance, stabilized cardiac function and increased survival. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ein neues goldenes Zeitalter in der Chemie Donor‐Akzeptor‐substituierter Cyclopropane
Authors: Schneider Tobias F. , Kaschel Johannes , Werz Daniel B.
Published: April 2014

Ringspannung gewinnbringend zu nutzen, ist seit jeher für den Aufbau komplexer Systeme von großem Vorteil. Schnell richtet sich somit der Blick auf Cyclopropane als Bausteine für die organische Synthese. Auch wenn die Thermodynamik dabei auf der Seite des Synthesechemikers steht, ermöglicht erst ein spezielles Substitutionsmuster am Cyclopropan besonders milde, effiziente und selektive Umsetzungen. Die erforderliche Absenkung der Aktivierungsbarriere wird durch die Kombination von zueinander vicinal stehendem Elektronendonor und ‐akzeptor erreicht. Dieser Aufsatz beleuchtet die richtigen Hilfsmittel, um mit Donor‐Akzeptor‐substituierten Cyclopropanen Ringöffnungen, Cycloadditionen und Umlagerungen durchzuführen.
Whispering‐Gallery‐Mode Microlaser Based on Self‐Assembled Organic Single‐Crystalline Hexagonal Microdisks
Authors: Wang Xuedong , Liao Qing , Kong Qinghua , Zhang Yi , Xu Zhenzhen , Lu Xiaomei , Fu Hongbing
Published: April 2014

Whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) resonators of semiconductor microdisks have been applied for achieving low‐threshold and narrow‐linewidth microlasers, but require sophisticated top‐down processing technology. Organic single‐crystalline hexagonal microdisks (HMDs) of p‐distyrylbenzene (DSB) self‐assembled from solution can function as WGM microresonators with a cavity quality factor (Q) of 210. Both multiple‐ and single‐mode lasing had been achieved using DSB HMDs with an edge length of 4.3 and 1.2 μm, respectively. These organic microdisks fabricated by bottom‐up self‐assembly approach may offer potential applications as low‐threshold microlaser sources for photonic circuit integration.
Quantification of Zinc Atoms in a Surface Alloy on Copper in an Industrial‐Type Methanol Synthesis Catalyst
Authors: Kuld Sebastian , Conradsen Christian , Moses Poul Georg , Chorkendorff Ib , Sehested Jens
Published: April 2014

Methanol has recently attracted renewed interest because of its potential importance as a solar fuel.1 Methanol is also an important bulk chemical that is most efficiently formed over the industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. The identity of the active site and, in particular, the role of ZnO as a promoter for this type of catalyst is still under intense debate.2 Structural changes that are strongly dependent on the pretreatment method have now been observed for an industrial‐type methanol synthesis catalyst. A combination of chemisorption, reaction, and spectroscopic techniques provides a consistent picture of surface alloying between copper and zinc. This analysis enables a reinterpretation of the methods that have been used for the determination of the Cu surface area and provides an opportunity to independently quantify the specific Cu and Zn areas. This method may also be applied to other systems where metal–support interactions are important, and this work generally addresses the role of the carrier and the nature of the interactions between carrier and metal in heterogeneous catalysts.
Laboratory Real‐Time and In Situ Monitoring of Mechanochemical Milling Reactions by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Gracin Davor , Štrukil Vjekoslav , Friščić Tomislav , Halasz Ivan , Užarević Krunoslav
Published: April 2014

Mechanistic understanding of mechanochemical reactions is sparse and has been acquired mostly by stepwise ex situ analysis. We describe herein an unprecedented laboratory technique to monitor the course of mechanochemical transformations at the molecular level in situ and in real time by using Raman spectroscopy. The technique, in which translucent milling vessels are used that enable the collection of a Raman scattering signal from the sample as it is being milled, was validated on mechanochemical reactions to form coordination polymers and organic cocrystals. The technique enabled the assessment of the reaction dynamics and course under different reaction conditions as well as, for the first time, direct insight into the behavior of liquid additives during liquid‐assisted grinding.
Silver‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Trifluoromethylthiolation of Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids in Aqueous Emulsion
Authors: Hu Feng , Shao Xinxin , Zhu Dianhu , Lu Long , Shen Qilong
Published: April 2014

A silver‐catalyzed decarboxylative trifluoromethylthiolation of secondary and tertiary carboxylic acids under mild conditions tolerates a wide range of functional groups. The reaction was dramatically accelerated by its performance in an aqueous emulsion, which was formed by the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate to water. It was proposed that the radical, which was generated from the silver‐catalyzed decarboxylation in the “oil‐in‐water” droplets, could easily react with the trifluoromethylthiolating reagent to form the product.
Biosynthesis of the Structurally Unique Polycyclopropanated Polyketide–Nucleoside Hybrid Jawsamycin (FR‐900848)
Authors: Hiratsuka Tomoshige , Suzuki Hideaki , Kariya Ryo , Seo Takashi , Minami Atsushi , Oikawa Hideaki
Published: April 2014

The biosynthetic gene cluster of antifungal agent jawsamycin (FR‐900848) has been identified by heterologous expression. A series of gene inactivations and in vitro and in vivo analysis of key enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway established their functions. A novel mechanism involving a radical S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM) cyclopropanase collaborating with an iterative polyketide synthase is proposed for the construction of the unique polycyclopropanated backbone. Our reconstitution system sets the stage for studying the catalytic mechanism of this intriguing contiguous cyclopropanation.
Significant Structural Differences between Transient Amyloid‐β Oligomers and Less‐Toxic Fibrils in Regions Known To Harbor Familial Alzheimer′s Mutations
Authors: Sarkar Bidyut , Mithu Venus Singh , Chandra Bappaditya , Mandal Arghya , Chandrakesan Muralidharan , Bhowmik Debanjan , Madhu Perunthiruthy K. , Maiti Sudipta
Published: April 2014

Small oligomers of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, rather than the monomers or the fibrils, are suspected to initiate Alzheimer′s disease (AD). However, their low concentration and transient nature under physiological conditions have made structural investigations difficult. A method for addressing such problems has been developed by combining rapid fluorescence techniques with slower two‐dimensional solid‐state NMR methods. The smallest Aβ40 oligomers that demonstrate a potential sign of toxicity, namely, an enhanced affinity for cell membranes, were thus probed. The two hydrophobic regions (residues 10–21 and 30–40) have already attained the conformation that is observed in the fibrils. However, the turn region (residues 22–29) and the N‐terminal tail (residues 1–9) are strikingly different. Notably, ten of eleven known Aβ mutants that are linked to familial AD map to these two regions. Our results provide potential structural cues for AD therapeutics and also suggest a general method for determining transient protein structures.
Organic acids and protein compounds causing the photoluminescence properties of natural rubber membranes and the quenching phenomena from Au nanoparticle incorporation
Authors: Cabrera Flávio C. , Agostini Deuber L. S. , Dos Santos Renivaldo J. , Guimarães Francisco E. G. , Guerrero Ariel R. , Aroca Ricardo F. , Job Aldo E.
Published: April 2014

Natural rubber membranes were fabricated using latex from Hevea brasiliensis trees (clone RRIM 600) by casting, and controlling the time and temperature of thermal treatment. Three temperatures were used: 65, 80 and 120 °C and the corresponding annealing times of 6, 8, 10 and 12 h. The centrifugation of the latex produces the constituent phases: solid rubber (F1), serum or protein components (F2) and bottom fraction (F3). The photoluminescence properties could be correlated with organic acid components of latex. Natural rubber membranes were used as the active substrate (reducing agent) for the incorporation of colloidal Au nanoparticles synthesized by in situ reduction at different times. The intensity of photoluminescence bands assigned to the natural rubber decreases with the increase in amount of nanoparticles present on the membrane surface. It can be assumed that Au nanoparticles may be formed by reduction of the Au cation reacting with functional groups that are directly related to photoluminescence properties. However, the quenching of fluorescence may be attributed to the formation of a large amount of metal nanostructures on the natural rubber surface. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of luminescence and effect of Dy3+ on NaMgSO4Cl:Ce chlorosulphate phosphor
Authors: Choubey Sureshkumar R. , Gedam Sharadkumar C. , Dhoble Sanjay J.
Published: April 2014

Chlorosulphate NaMgSO4Cl phosphor doped with Ce3+ and co‐doped by Dy3+ prepared by the wet chemical method was studied for its photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. The emission spectrum of Ce3+ shows dominant peaks at 346 nm (excitation 270 nm) due to 5d → 4f transition. Efficient energy transfer occurs from Ce3+ → Dy3+ ions. Dy3+ emission at 485 nm and 576 nm is due to 4 F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4 F9/2 → 6H13/2 transitions of Dy3+ ion respectively. The TL glow curves of NaMgSO4Cl:Ce and Ce,Dy have been recorded for various concentrations at a heating rate of 2 °C/s irradiated by γ‐rays at a dose rate of 0.995 kGy/h for 1 Gy, which peaks at about 241 °C and 247‐312 °C respectively. Further, in changing the concentration level, the general structure of the intensity is found to increase. The main property of this phosphor is its sensitivity even for low concentrations of rare earth ions and low γ‐ray dose. There is still scope for higher doses of γ‐radiation. The phosphor presented may be used as a lamp phosphor as well as for TL studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An HPLC method for the quantitation of 3‐pentylbenzo[c]thiophen‐1(3H)‐one in dog plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Hua Kai , Sheng Xiao , Liu Ling , Tan Jia‐Ni , Wang Lin‐Na , Wei Bo , Ji Hui , Zhang Yi‐Hua
Published: April 2014

A simple, sensitive and reproducible high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay method was developed for the estimation of 3‐pentylbenzo[c]thiophen‐1(3H)‐one (S5), a potential anti‐ischemic stroke agent, in dog plasma. The analytical procedure involves protein precipitation of S5 and nobiletin (internal standard) from dog plasma with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved on Sapphire C18 analytical column with methanol–water (80:20, v/v) as mobile phase. The eluate was monitored using a UV detector set at 260 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.2–20 µg/mL. Absolute recoveries of S5 were 79.2–86.1% from dog plasma. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviation precisions were <7 and 5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of S5 in beagle dogs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Expanded Set of Fluorogenic Sulfatase Activity Probes
Authors: Smith Elizabeth L. , Bertozzi Carolyn R. , Beatty Kimberly E.
Published: April 2014

Fluorogenic probes that are activated by an enzymatic transformation are ideally suited for profiling enzyme activities in biological systems. Here, we describe two fluorogenic enzyme probes, 3‐O‐methylfluorescein‐sulfate and resorufin‐sulfate, that can be used to detect sulfatases in mycobacterial lysates. Both probes were validated with a set of commercial sulfatases and used to reveal species‐specific sulfatase banding patterns in a gel‐resolved assay of mycobacterial lysates. The fluorogenic probes described here are suitable for various assays and provide a starting point for creating new sulfatase probes with improved selectivity for mycobacterial sulfatases.
Modulating the pKa of a Tyrosine in KlenTaq DNA Polymerase that Is Crucial for Abasic Site Bypass by in Vivo Incorporation of a Non‐canonical Amino Acid
Authors: Blatter Nina , Prokup Alexander , Deiters Alexander , Marx Andreas
Published: April 2014

It is estimated that about 10 000 abasic sites are formed per day per cell. Abasic sites impose a significant challenge for bypass synthesis by DNA polymerases. Recently, a tyrosine in KlenTaq DNA polymerase has been highlighted as being crucial for nucleotide selection opposite abasic sites. Structural data indicated a hydrogen bond between the tyrosine's hydroxy group and the N3 of an incoming ddATP opposite the abasic site. In order to further investigate abasic site bypass, we incorporated the unnatural amino acid 2,3,5‐trifluorotyrosine at the position of the crucial tyrosine of KlenTaq DNA polymerase. Fluorine substitution at the tyrosine decreased the pka value of the tyrosine's hydroxy group and allowed its protonation state to be modulated. Single‐nucleotide‐incorporation experiments revealed reduced activity for the KlenTaq mutant compared to the wild‐type when bypassing an abasic site analogue. The finding stresses the involvement of this tyrosine and its hydrogen bonding in abasic site bypass.
Combined Mutagenesis and Kinetics Characterization of the Bilin‐Binding GAF Domain of the Protein Slr1393 from the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Xu Xiu‐Ling , Gutt Alexander , Mechelke Jonas , Raffelberg Sarah , Tang Kun , Miao Dan , Valle Lorena , Borsarelli Claudio D. , Zhao Kai‐Hong , Gärtner Wolfgang
Published: April 2014

The gene slr1393 from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 encodes a protein composed of three GAF domains, a PAS domain, and a histidine kinase domain. GAF3 is the sole domain able to bind phycocyanobilin (PCB) as chromophore and to accomplish photochemistry: switching between a red‐absorbing parental and a green‐absorbing photoproduct state (λmax=649 and 536 nm, respectively). Conversions in both directions were followed by time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy with the separately expressed GAF3 domain of Slr1393. Global fit analysis of the recorded absorbance changes yielded three lifetimes (3.2 μs, 390 μs, and 1.5 ms) for the red‐to‐green conversion, and 1.2 μs, 340 μs, and 1 ms for the green‐to‐red conversion. In addition to the wild‐type (WT) protein, 24 mutated proteins were studied spectroscopically. The design of these site‐directed mutations was based on sequence alignments with related proteins and by employing the crystal structure of AnPixJg2 (PDB ID: 3W2Z), a Slr1393 orthologous from Anabaena sp. PCC7120. The structure of AnPixJg2 was also used as template for model building, thus confirming the strong structural similarity between the proteins, and for identifying amino acids to target for mutagenesis. Only amino acids in close proximity to the chromophore were exchanged, as these were considered likely to have an impact on the spectral and dynamic properties. Three groups of mutants were found: some showed absorption features similar to the WT protein, a second group showed modified absorbance properties, and the third group had lost the ability to bind the chromophore. The most unexpected result was obtained for the exchange at residue 532 (N532Y). In vivo assembly yielded a red‐absorbing, WT‐like protein. Irradiation, however, not only converted it into the green‐absorbing form, but also produced a 660 nm, further‐red‐shifted absorbance band. This photoproduct was fully reversible to the parental form upon green light irradiation.
Selective DNA‐Binding by Designed Bisbenzamidine‐Homeodomain Chimeras
Authors: Mosquera Jesús , Rodríguez Jéssica , Vázquez M. Eugenio , Mascareñas José L.
Published: April 2014

We report the construction of conjugates between three variants of the helix 3 region of a Q50K engrailed homeodomain and bisbenzamidine minor‐groove DNA binders. The hybrid featuring the sequence of the native protein failed to bind to DNA; however, modifications that increased the α‐helical folding propensity of the peptide allowed specific DNA binding by a bipartite (major/minor groove) interaction.
Superior Catalytic Activity of Sub‐5 μm‐Thick Pt/SiC Films as Counter Electrodes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Yun Sining , Hagfeldt Anders , Ma Tingli
Published: April 2014

Dye‐sensitized solar cells with sub‐5 μm‐thick Pt/SiC‐P (1.79 at. % Pt), Pt/SiC‐M (0.45 at. % Pt), and Pt/SiC‐R (0.39 at. % Pt) counter electrode (CE) films fabricated by using three different processes produced power conversion efficiencies of 6.82, 7.64, and 7.04 % that reached 86.5, 97.0, and 89.3 %, respectively, of the level obtained by using a print‐Pt CE (7.88 %). These materials can reduce the cost of CEs and solve challenges involving Pt.
UV‐Assisted Removal of Inactive Peroxide Species for Sustained Epoxidation of Cyclooctene on Anatase TiO2
Authors: Yang Changjun , Lang Xianjun , Ma Wanhong , Chen Chuncheng , Ji Hongwei , Zhao Jincai
Published: April 2014

Epoxidation of olefins with H2O2 is one of the most important reactions in organic synthesis. We found that anatase TiO2 can be a good catalyst for the epoxidation of cyclooctene with H2O2 at room temperature. However, the catalyst deactivated quickly in the presence of excess amount of H2O2 because of the formation of inactive side‐on Ti‐η2‐peroxide species on the surface of TiO2, the presence of which was confirmed by isotope‐labelled resonance UV Raman spectroscopy and kinetics studies. Interestingly, the epoxidation reaction could be dramatically accelerated under irradiation of UV light with λ≥350 nm. This phenomenon is attributed to the photo‐assisted removal of the inactive peroxide species, through which the active sites on the surface of anatase TiO2 are regenerated and the catalytic epoxidation of cyclooctene with H2O2 is resumed. This finding provides an alternative for sustained epoxidation reactions on TiO2 at room temperature. Moreover, it also has significant implications on the deactivation pathway and possible solutions in Ti‐based heterogeneous catalysis or photocatalysis.
Performance of a Grey Water Pilot Plant Using a Multi‐Layer Filter for Agricultural Purposes in the Jordan Valley
Authors: Ghrair Ayoup M. , Al‐Mashaqbeh Othman A. , Megdal Sharon B.
Published: April 2014

A pilot grey water treatment system and collection network were designed, installed, and operated in Jordan Valley using natural filtration materials. Grey water from showers and washing sinks was collected from four houses. In order to evaluate the performance of multi‐layer filter (MLF) ability to remove the pollutants from the collected grey water, the quality of treated and untreated grey water was examined and the suitability of treated grey water for irrigation was assessed. The results revealed that the efficiency removal of organic material before UV disinfection stage for BOD5, COD, and TSS was about 88.6, 83, and 92.2%, respectively. The efficiency removal rates for nutrients by MLF were a bit low as 32.5% of total phosphorous and 19.8% of total nitrogen were removed, whereas the removal efficiency of heavy metals Zn, Fe, and Ba were 94.8, 81.2, and 15.7%, respectively. The results showed that the pilot plant has efficiently reduced the coliform organisms, thermo‐tolerance coli count, and Escherichia coli by more than 99.9% removal efficiency by the double‐filter stage and 100% after disinfection stage. The current MLF system has the transferability potential to other locations of the developing world.
The Australia urban research gateway
Authors: Sinnott Richard O. , Bayliss Christopher , Bromage Andrew , Galang Gerson , Grazioli Guido , Greenwood Philip , Macaulay Angus , Morandini Luca , Nogoorani Ghazal , Nino‐Ruiz Marcos , Tomko Martin , Pettit Christopher , Sarwar Muhammad , Stimson Robert , Voorsluys William , Widjaja Ivo
Published: April 2014

The $20m Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN) project (www.aurin.org.au) began in July 2010. AURIN has been tasked with developing a secure, Web‐based virtual environment (e‐Infrastructure) offering seamless, secure access to diverse, distributed and extremely heterogeneous data sets from numerous agencies with an extensive portfolio of targeted analytical and visualization tools. This is being provisioned for Australia‐wide urban and built environment researchers – itself a highly heterogeneous collection of research communities with diverse demands, through a unified urban research gateway. This paper describes these demands and how the e‐Infrastructure and gateway is being designed and implemented to accommodate this diversity of requirements, both from the user/researcher perspective and from the data provider perspective. The scaling of the infrastructure is presented and the way in which it copes with the spectrum of big data challenges (volume, veracity, variability and velocity) and associated big data analytics. The utility of the e‐Infrastructure is also demonstrated through a range of scenarios illustrating and reflecting the interdisciplinary urban research now possible. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrically Controlled Eight‐Spin‐Qubit Entangled‐State Generation in a Molecular Break Junction
Authors: Chattopadhyaya Mausumi , Alam Md. Mehboob , Sarkar Debasis , Chakrabarti Swapan
Published: April 2014

The generation of spin‐based multi‐qubit entangled states in the presence of an electric field is one of the most challenging tasks in current quantum‐computing research. Such examples are still elusive. By using non‐equilibrium Green′s function‐based quantum‐transport calculations in combination with non‐collinear spin density functional theory, we report that an eight‐spin‐qubit entangled state can be generated with the high‐spin state of a dinuclear Fe(II) complex when the system is placed in a molecular break junction. The possible gate operation scheme, gating time, and decoherence issues have been carefully addressed. Furthermore, our calculations reveal that the preservation of the high spin state of this complex is possible if the experimentalists keep the electric‐field strength below 0.78 V nm−1. In brief, the present study offers a unique way to realize the first example of a multi‐qubit entangled state by electrical means only.
Polyphase filter bank based multi‐band spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems
Authors: Zhang Haijian , Ruyet Didier Le , Roviras Daniel , Sun Hong
Published: April 2014

Spectrum sensing has been identified as an essential enabling functionality for cognitive radio (CR) systems to guarantee that CR users could share the spectrum resource with licensed users on a non‐interfering basis. Recently, simultaneous sensing of multi‐band licensed user activity has been attracting more and more research interest. Generally, the multi‐band sensing is implemented through energy detection by estimating power spectral density. In this paper, we investigate a multi‐band energy detection architecture based on different polyphase filter banks (PFBs), which aim to reliably sense multiple active bands by exploiting the low power leakage property of PFB. We have theoretically derived the closed‐form expressions of detection probability and false alarm probability for PFBs and fast Fourier transform based detectors, respectively. Theoretical detection thresholds are therefore computed, which ensures a fair comparison for different detectors. Final experimental results are presented to verify our theoretical analysis and demonstrate that PFBs based sensing architecture exhibits better sensing performance than the conventional FFT.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotypic‐specific variance inCaenorhabditis eleganslifetime fecundity
Authors: Diaz S. Anaid , Viney Mark
Published: April 2014

Organisms live in heterogeneous environments, so strategies that maximze fitness in such environments will evolve. Variation in traits is important because it is the raw material on which natural selection acts during evolution. Phenotypic variation is usually thought to be due to genetic variation and/or environmentally induced effects. Therefore, genetically identical individuals in a constant environment should have invariant traits. Clearly, genetically identical individuals do differ phenotypically, usually thought to be due to stochastic processes. It is now becoming clear, especially from studies of unicellular species, that phenotypic variance among genetically identical individuals in a constant environment can be genetically controlled and that therefore, in principle, this can be subject to selection. However, there has been little investigation of these phenomena in multicellular species. Here, we have studied the mean lifetime fecundity (thus a trait likely to be relevant to reproductive success), and variance in lifetime fecundity, in recently‐wild isolates of the model nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. We found that these genotypes differed in their variance in lifetime fecundity: some had high variance in fecundity, others very low variance. We find that this variance in lifetime fecundity was negatively related to the mean lifetime fecundity of the lines, and that the variance of the lines was positively correlated between environments. We suggest that the variance in lifetime fecundity may be a bet‐hedging strategy used by this species.
Design and Synthesis of a Monofluoro‐Substituted Aromatic Amino Acid as a Conformationally Restricted 19F NMR ­Label for Membrane‐Bound Peptides
Authors: Tkachenko Anton N. , Mykhailiuk Pavel K. , Radchenko Dmytro S. , Babii Oleg , Afonin Sergii , Ulrich Anne S. , Komarov Igor V.
Published: April 2014

A monofluoro‐substituted amino acid was designed to serve as a conformationally restricted label for solid‐state 19F NMR distance measurements in membrane‐bound peptides. The aromatic cis and trans isomers of 1‐amino‐3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)cyclobutanecarboxylic acid were synthesized in five steps from diethyl 2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)propanedioate. They were incorporated into the antimicrobial peptide gramicidin S to replace a native DPhenylalanine residue. Because the Cα‐tetrasubstituted amino acid cannot racemize, it showed full compatibility with solid‐phase peptide synthesis protocols. According to circular dichroism analysis and molecular modeling, the 19F‐labeled analogues of the known helix‐inducing amino acid (1‐aminocyclobutane‐1‐carboxylic acid) do not disrupt the peptide conformation when substituted for Phe, neither in a β‐turn nor in an α‐helix.
Enantioselective Fluorination of 2‐Oxind­oles by Structure‐Micro‐Tuned N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonamides
Authors: Wang Fajie , Li Juli , Hu Qingyang , Yang Xianjin , Wu Xin‐Yan , He Haoming
Published: April 2014

We describe our attempts to fine‐tune the reactivity and selectivity of N‐fluorobenzenesulfonamide in fluorination reactions by changing the substituents on its phenyl rings. A series of N‐fluorobenzenesulfonamides bearing substituents at the ortho, meta, and para positions were prepared, and were used in the enantioselective fluorination of 2‐oxindoles catalysed by chiral palladium complexes. Fluorinating reagents 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1h, 1i, and 1j gave similar results to 1a, while 1f, 1g, and 1n gave worse yields and selectivities. Under mild reaction conditions, a series of 3‐fluoro‐2‐oxindoles were obtained in excellent yields (up to 98 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) using N‐fluoro‐4,4′‐difluoro‐benzenesulfonamide as the fluorination agent.
Enantiospecific Synthesis and Biological Investigations of a Nuphar Alkaloid: Proposed Structure of a Castoreum Component
Authors: Seki Hajime , Georg Gunda I.
Published: April 2014

An enantiospecific synthesis of a nuphar alkaloid was achieved in nine steps from N‐Boc‐(L)‐proline. The alkaloid is a minor component of castoreum, which is secreted from the dried scent glands of a beaver. During the course of our study, the stereochemistry of three synthetic intermediates was verified by X‐ray crystal structure analysis, which helped to resolve the existing discrepancies among reports regarding the structure of this particular compound. On the basis of our synthesized alkaloid, we proposed the structure of the natural product. Also, intrigued by the therapeutic uses of castoreum, which was employed for gynecological purposes in ancient Greece and Rome, we conducted a biological screening and found that the alkaloid has affinity for the oxytocin receptor.