bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EEG-fMRI in awake rat and whole-brain simulations show decreased brain responsiveness to sensory stimulations during absence seizures
Authors: Stenroos Petteri , Guillemain Isabelle , Tesler Federico , Montigon Olivier , Collomb Nora , Stupar Vasile , Destexhe Alain , Coizet Veronique , David Olivier , Barbier Emmanuel L
Published: July 2024

In patients suffering absence epilepsy, recurring seizures can significantly decrease their quality of life and lead to yet untreatable comorbidities. Absence seizures are characterized by spike-and-wave discharges on the electroencephalogram associated with a transient alteration of consciousness. However, it is still unknown how the brain responds to external stimuli during and outside of seizures. This study aimed to investigate responsiveness to visual and somatosensory stimulation in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), a well-established rat model for absence epilepsy. Animals were imaged under non-curarized awake state using a quiet, zero echo time, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sequence. Sensory stimulations were applied during interictal and ictal periods. Whole-brain hemodynamic responses were compared between these two states. Additionally, a mean-field simulation model was used to explain the changes of neural responsiveness to visual stimulation between states. During a seizure, whole-brain responses to both sensory stimulations were suppressed and spatially hindered. In the cortex, hemodynamic responses were negatively polarized during seizures, despite the application of a stimulus. The mean-field simulation revealed restricted propagation of activity due to stimulation and agreed well with fMRI findings. Results suggest that sensory processing is hindered or even suppressed by the occurrence of an absence seizure, potentially contributing to decreased responsiveness during this absence epileptic process.
Distractor effects in decision making are related to the individual’s style of integrating choice attributes
Authors: Wong Jing Jun , Bongioanni Alessandro , Rushworth Matthew FS , Chau Bolton KH
Published: July 2024

It is widely agreed that people make irrational decisions in the presence of irrelevant distractor options. However, there is little consensus on whether decision making is facilitated or impaired by the presence of a highly rewarding distractor or whether the distraction effect operates at the level of options’ component attributes rather than at the level of their overall value. To reconcile different claims, we argue that it is important to incorporate consideration of the diversity of people’s ways of decision making. We focus on a recent debate over whether people combine choice attributes in an additive or multiplicative way. Employing a multi-laboratory dataset investigating the same decision making paradigm, we demonstrated that people used a mix of both approaches and the extent to which approach was used varied across individuals. Critically, we identified that this variability was correlated with the effect of the distractor on decision making. Individuals who tended to use a multiplicative approach to compute value, showed a positive distractor effect. In contrast, in individuals who tended to use an additive approach, a negative distractor effect (divisive normalisation) was prominent. These findings suggest that the distractor effect is related to how value is constructed, which in turn may be influenced by task and subject specificities. Our work concurs with recent behavioural and neuroscience findings that multiple distractor effects co-exist.
Human promoter directionality is determined by transcriptional initiation and the opposing activities of INTS11 and CDK9
Authors: Eaton Joshua D , Board Jessica , Davidson Lee , Estell Chris , West Steven
Published: July 2024

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription initiates bidirectionally at many human protein-coding genes. Sense transcription usually dominates and leads to messenger RNA production, whereas antisense transcription rapidly terminates. The basis for this directionality is not fully understood. Here, we show that sense transcriptional initiation is more efficient than in the antisense direction, which establishes initial promoter directionality. After transcription begins, the opposing functions of the endonucleolytic subunit of Integrator, INTS11, and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) maintain directionality. Specifically, INTS11 terminates antisense transcription, whereas sense transcription is protected from INTS11-dependent attenuation by CDK9 activity. Strikingly, INTS11 attenuates transcription in both directions upon CDK9 inhibition, and the engineered recruitment of CDK9 desensitises transcription to INTS11. Therefore, the preferential initiation of sense transcription and the opposing activities of CDK9 and INTS11 explain mammalian promoter directionality.
Differential conformational dynamics in two type-A RNA-binding domains drive the double-stranded RNA recognition and binding
Authors: Parvez Firdousi , Sangpal Devika , Paithankar Harshad , Amin Zainab , Chugh Jeetender
Published: July 2024

TAR RNA binding protein (TRBP) has emerged as a key player in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, wherein it binds to different pre-miRNAs and siRNAs, each varying in sequence and/or structure. We hypothesize that TRBP displays dynamic adaptability to accommodate heterogeneity in target RNA structures. Thus, it is crucial to ascertain the role of intrinsic and RNA-induced protein dynamics in RNA recognition and binding. We have previously elucidated the role of intrinsic and RNA-induced conformational exchange in the double-stranded RNA-binding domain 1 (dsRBD1) of TRBP in shape-dependent RNA recognition. The current study delves into the intrinsic and RNA-induced conformational dynamics of the TRBP-dsRBD2 and then compares it with the dsRBD1 study carried out previously. Remarkably, the two domains exhibit differential binding affinity to a 12 bp dsRNA owing to the presence of critical residues and structural plasticity. Further, we report that dsRBD2 depicts constrained conformational plasticity when compared to dsRBD1. Although, in the presence of RNA, dsRBD2 undergoes induced conformational exchange within the designated RNA-binding regions and other residues, the amplitude of the motions remains modest when compared to those observed in dsRBD1. We propose a dynamics-driven model of the two tandem domains of TRBP, substantiating their contributions to the versatility of dsRNA recognition and binding.
Mapping patterns of thought onto brain activity during movie-watching
Authors: Wallace Raven Star , Mckeown Bronte , Goodall-Halliwell Ian , Chitiz Louis , Forest Philippe , Karapanagiotidis Theodoros , Mulholland Bridget , Turnbull Adam , Vanderwal Tamara , Hardikar Samyogita , Gonzalez Alam Tirso RJ , Bernhardt Boris C , Wang Hao-Ting , Strawson Will , Milham Michael , Xu Ting , Margulies Daniel S , Poerio Giulia L , Jefferies Elizabeth , Skipper Jeremy I , Wammes Jeffrey D , Leech Robert , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Movie-watching is a central aspect of our lives and an important paradigm for understanding the brain mechanisms behind cognition as it occurs in daily life. Contemporary views of ongoing thought argue that the ability to make sense of events in the ‘here and now’ depend on the neural processing of incoming sensory information by auditory and visual cortex, which are kept in check by systems in association cortex. However, we currently lack an understanding of how patterns of ongoing thoughts map onto the different brain systems when we watch a film, partly because methods of sampling experience disrupt the dynamics of brain activity and the experience of movie-watching. Our study established a novel method for mapping thought patterns onto the brain activity that occurs at different moments of a film, which does not disrupt the time course of brain activity or the movie-watching experience. We found moments when experience sampling highlighted engagement with multi-sensory features of the film or highlighted thoughts with episodic features, regions of sensory cortex were more active and subsequent memory for events in the movie was better—on the other hand, periods of intrusive distraction emerged when activity in regions of association cortex within the frontoparietal system was reduced. These results highlight the critical role sensory systems play in the multi-modal experience of movie-watching and provide evidence for the role of association cortex in reducing distraction when we watch films.
DTX3L ubiquitin ligase ubiquitinates single-stranded nucleic acids
Authors: Dearlove Emily L , Chatrin Chatrin , Buetow Lori , Ahmed Syed F , Schmidt Tobias , Bushell Martin , Smith Brian O , Huang Danny T
Published: July 2024

Ubiquitination typically involves covalent linking of ubiquitin (Ub) to a lysine residue on a protein substrate. Recently, new facets of this process have emerged, including Ub modification of non-proteinaceous substrates like ADP-ribose by the DELTEX E3 ligase family. Here, we show that the DELTEX family member DTX3L expands this non-proteinaceous substrate repertoire to include single-stranded DNA and RNA. Although the N-terminal region of DTX3L contains single-stranded nucleic acid binding domains and motifs, the minimal catalytically competent fragment comprises the C-terminal RING and DTC domains (RD). DTX3L-RD catalyses ubiquitination of the 3’-end of single-stranded DNA and RNA, as well as double-stranded DNA with a 3’ overhang of two or more nucleotides. This modification is reversibly cleaved by deubiquitinases. NMR and biochemical analyses reveal that the DTC domain binds single-stranded DNA and facilitates the catalysis of Ub transfer from RING-bound E2-conjugated Ub. Our study unveils the direct ubiquitination of nucleic acids by DTX3L, laying the groundwork for understanding its functional implications.
Predictive models for secondary epilepsy in patients with acute ischemic stroke within one year
Authors: Liu Jinxin , He Haoyue , Wang Yanglingxi , Du Jun , Liang Kaixin , Xue Jun , Liang Yidan , Chen Peng , Tian Shanshan , Deng Yongbing
Published: July 2024

Background:

Post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) is a critical complication that worsens both prognosis and quality of life in patients with ischemic stroke. An interpretable machine learning model was developed to predict PSE using medical records from four hospitals in Chongqing.

Methods:

Medical records, imaging reports, and laboratory test results from 21,459 ischemic stroke patients were collected and analyzed. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses identified key predictive factors. The dataset was split into a 70% training set and a 30% testing set. To address the class imbalance, the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique combined with Edited Nearest Neighbors was employed. Nine widely used machine learning algorithms were evaluated using relevant prediction metrics, with SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) used to interpret the model and assess the contributions of different features.

Results:

Regression analyses revealed that complications such as hydrocephalus, cerebral hernia, and deep vein thrombosis, as well as specific brain regions (frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes), significantly contributed to PSE. Factors such as age, gender, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and laboratory results like WBC count and D-dimer levels were associated with increased PSE risk. Tree-based methods like Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM showed strong predictive performance, achieving an AUC of 0.99.

Conclusions:

The model accurately predicts PSE risk, with tree-based models demonstrating superior performance. NIHSS score, WBC count, and D-dimer were identified as the most crucial predictors.

Funding:

The research is funded by Central University basic research young teachers and students research ability promotion sub-projec t(2023CDJYGRH-ZD06), and by Emergency Medicine Chongqing Key Laboratory Talent Innovation and development joint fund project (2024RCCX10).
Single turnover transient state kinetics reveals processive protein unfolding catalyzed by Escherichia coli ClpB
Authors: Banwait Jaskamaljot Kaur , Islam Liana , Lucius Aaron L
Published: July 2024

Escherichia coli ClpB and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp104 are AAA+ motor proteins essential for proteome maintenance and thermal tolerance. ClpB and Hsp104 have been proposed to extract a polypeptide from an aggregate and processively translocate the chain through the axial channel of its hexameric ring structure. However, the mechanism of translocation and if this reaction is processive remains disputed. We reported that Hsp104 and ClpB are non-processive on unfolded model substrates. Others have reported that ClpB is able to processively translocate a mechanically unfolded polypeptide chain at rates over 240 amino acids (aa) per second. Here, we report the development of a single turnover stopped-flow fluorescence strategy that reports on processive protein unfolding catalyzed by ClpB. We show that when translocation catalyzed by ClpB is challenged by stably folded protein structure, the motor enzymatically unfolds the substrate at a rate of ~0.9 aa s−1 with a kinetic step-size of ~60 amino acids at sub-saturating [ATP]. We reconcile the apparent controversy by defining enzyme catalyzed protein unfolding and translocation as two distinct reactions with different mechanisms of action. We propose a model where slow unfolding followed by fast translocation represents an important mechanistic feature that allows the motor to rapidly translocate up to the next folded region or rapidly dissociate if no additional fold is encountered.
Proteomic landscape of tunneling nanotubes reveals CD9 and CD81 tetraspanins as key regulators
Authors: Notario Manzano Roberto , Chaze Thibault , Rubinstein Eric , Penard Esthel , Matondo Mariette , Zurzolo Chiara , Brou Christel
Published: July 2024

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are open actin- and membrane-based channels, connecting remote cells and allowing direct transfer of cellular material (e.g. vesicles, mRNAs, protein aggregates) from the cytoplasm to the cytoplasm. Although they are important especially, in pathological conditions (e.g. cancers, neurodegenerative diseases), their precise composition and their regulation were still poorly described. Here, using a biochemical approach allowing to separate TNTs from cell bodies and from extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs), we obtained the full composition of TNTs compared to EVPs. We then focused on two major components of our proteomic data, the CD9 and CD81 tetraspanins, and further investigated their specific roles in TNT formation and function. We show that these two tetraspanins have distinct non-redundant functions: CD9 participates in stabilizing TNTs, whereas CD81 expression is required to allow the functional transfer of vesicles in the newly formed TNTs, possibly by regulating docking to or fusion with the opposing cell.
A direct neural signature of serial dependence in working memory
Authors: Fischer Cora , Kaiser Jochen , Bledowski Christoph
Published: July 2024

Our perception is biased towards sensory input from the recent past. While this “serial dependence” has been well established in behavior, a direct neural correlate of the phenomenon has not been determined. Applying multivariate analyses to magnetoencephalographic data during a visual working memory task, we found an attraction of neural representations to previous stimuli, which was consistent with behavioral responses. This is the first evidence for a direct neural signature of serial dependence. In addition, the present task, together with the high temporal resolution of magnetoencephalography, allowed us to identify the timing of serial dependence. In line with current theoretical models, we found serial dependence to emerge at late, post-encoding stages of information processing in working memory.Serial dependence describes the phenomenon that current object representations are attracted to previously encoded and reported representations. While attractive biases have been observed reliably and across various modalities in behavioral reports, a direct neural correlate has not been established. Previous studies have either shown a reactivation of past information without observing a neural signal related to the bias of the current information, or a repulsive distortion of current neural representations contrasting the behavioral bias. The present study recorded neural signals with magnetoencephalography during a working memory task to identify neural correlates of serial dependence. Participants encoded and memorized two sequentially presented motion directions per trial, one of which was later retro-cued for report. Multivariate analyses provided reliable reconstructions of both motion directions. Importantly, the reconstructed directions in the current trial were attractively shifted towards the target direction of the previous trial. This neural bias mirrored the behavioral attractive bias, thus reflecting a direct neural signature of serial dependence. The use of a retro-cue task in combination with magnetoencephalography allowed us to determine that this neural bias emerged at later, post-encoding time points. This timing suggests that serial dependence in working memory affects memorized information during read-out and reactivation processes that happen after the initial encoding. Taken together, we identified a direct neural signature of serial dependence, which occurs during later processing stages of working memory representations.
Green nanobiocatalysts: enhancing enzyme immobilization for industrial and biomedical applications
Authors: Khafaga Doaa S. R. , Muteeb Ghazala , Elgarawany Abdullrahman , Aatif Mohammad , Farhan Mohd , Allam Salma , Almatar Batool Abdulhadi , Radwan Mohamed G.
Published: July 2024

Nanobiocatalysts (NBCs), which merge enzymes with nanomaterials, provide a potent method for improving enzyme durability, efficiency, and recyclability. This review highlights the use of eco-friendly synthesis methods to create sustainable nanomaterials for enzyme transport. We investigate different methods of immobilization, such as adsorption, ionic and covalent bonding, entrapment, and cross-linking, examining their pros and cons. The decreased environmental impact of green-synthesized nanomaterials from plants, bacteria, and fungi is emphasized. The review exhibits the various uses of NBCs in food industry, biofuel production, and bioremediation, showing how they can enhance effectiveness and eco-friendliness. Furthermore, we explore the potential impact of NBCs in biomedicine. In general, green nanobiocatalysts are a notable progression in enzyme technology, leading to environmentally-friendly and effective biocatalytic methods that have important impacts on industrial and biomedical fields.
Expression profile analysis of cotton fiber secondary cell wall thickening stage
Authors: Liu Li , Grover Corrinne E. , Kong Xianhui , Jareczek Josef , Wang Xuwen , Si Aijun , Wang Juan , Yu Yu , Chen Zhiwen
Published: July 2024

To determine the genes associated with the fiber strength trait in cotton, three different cotton cultivars were selected: Sea Island cotton (Xinhai 32, with hyper-long fibers labeled as HL), and upland cotton (17–24, with long fibers labeled as L, and 62–33, with short fibers labeled as S). These cultivars were chosen to assess fiber samples with varying qualities. RNA-seq technology was used to analyze the expression profiles of cotton fibers at the secondary cell wall (SCW) thickening stage (20, 25, and 30 days post-anthesis (DPA)). The results showed that a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the three assessed cotton cultivars at different stages of SCW development. For instance, at 20 DPA, Sea Island cotton (HL) had 6,215 and 5,364 DEGs compared to upland cotton 17–24 (L) and 62–33 (S), respectively. Meanwhile, there were 1,236 DEGs between two upland cotton cultivars, 17–24 (L) and 62–33 (S). Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment identified 42 functions, including 20 biological processes, 11 cellular components, and 11 molecular functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified several pathways involved in SCW synthesis and thickening, such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, galactose metabolism, propanoate metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathway, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, fatty acid elongation pathways, and plant hormone signal transduction. Through the identification of shared DEGs, 46 DEGs were found to exhibit considerable expressional differences at different fiber stages from the three cotton cultivars. These shared DEGs have functions including REDOX enzymes, binding proteins, hydrolases (such as GDSL thioesterase), transferases, metalloproteins (cytochromatin-like genes), kinases, carbohydrates, and transcription factors (MYB and WRKY). Therefore, RT-qPCR was performed to verify the expression levels of nine of the 46 identified DEGs, an approach which demonstrated the reliability of RNA-seq data. Our results provided valuable molecular resources for clarifying the cell biology of SCW biosynthesis during fiber development in cotton.
A comparative review of financial corruption prevention strategies in the republic of Iraq
Authors: Mazhari Mohammad , Mulaee Ayat , Hashjin Seyed Hossein Malakooti , Mustafa Karwan Abdullah
Published: July 2024

Corruption is a systemic issue that impacts every aspect of human activity with financial violations and corruption. It stands among the most crucial of issues which due to its historical roots, has expanded in our societies. Administrative and financial corruption is an unlawful action carried out by a group of employees. It manifests wherever it can and takes various forms such as bribery, fraud, cheating, complicity in government tasks entrusted to government employees, and abuse of influence in departments. This problem occurs in both developing and developed countries. When countries deviate from religious and moral values, lack effective anti-corruption laws, and also grapple with weak governments and regimes unable to enforce anti-corruption mechanisms or when they face severe economic crises such as wars or imposed economic pressure, corruption flourishes. This undermines political legitimacy, exacerbates poverty, and leads to economic and political instability. By misusing and illegally benefiting from authority, influence, and public resources for personal enrichment, administrative and financial corruption leads to illegal actions by officials and violates fundamental human rights. Therefore, financial corruption impacts the economic and social structures of both developing and developed countries in the same manner. This article aims to address this question: What are the methods that can be employed to prevent corruption, and its examples in the legal frameworks of Iraq? The current research employed a descriptive-analytical approach. The information was gathered through specialized books and articles in this field, laws, regulations, ongoing plans and bills, and international documents.
Hearing Screening for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Limkitisupasin Patcharaorn , Jongpradubgiat Piyawat , Utoomprurkporn Nattawan
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: Hearing loss is the largest potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. Early evaluation and intervention are crucial for older adults with cognitive impairment. However, pure-tone audiometry (PTA), the gold standard, may have limitations. This study reviewed auditory tests for detecting hearing loss in this population, comparing to PTA.Materials and Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Ten studies (1,071 participants) comparing auditory tests and PTA in patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment were included.Results: Electrophysiological and behavioral tests demonstrated strong correlation and accurate hearing impairment detection compared to PTA. Conversely, self-reported assessment showed weaker correlations when aligned with hearing thresholds.Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of electrophysiological and behavioral auditory tests in detecting hearing impairment in older adults with cognitive impairment, emphasizing the need for further research to develop practical screening protocols for this vulnerable population.
Does Cognitive Function Affect Performance and Listening Effort During Bilateral Wireless Streaming in Hearing Aid Users?
Authors: Chang Young-Soo , Kim Jong Sei , Park Suyeon , Hong Sung Hwa , Moon Il Joon
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: Wireless streaming technology (WT), designed to transmit sounds directly from a mobile phone to hearing aids, was developed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. However, the advantages of WT during phone use and the specific demographic that can fully benefit from this technology has not been thoroughly evaluated. We aimed to investigate the benefits and identify predictive factors associated with bilateral wireless streaming among hearing aid users.Subjects and Methods: Eighteen adults with symmetrical, bilateral hearing loss participated in the study. To assess the benefits of wireless streaming during phone use, researchers assessed sentence/word recognition and listening effort in two scenarios: a noisy background with WT turned “OFF” or “ON.” Listening effort was evaluated through self-reported measurements. Cognitive function was also assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score.Results: Participant mean age was 57.3 years (range 27-70), and the mean MoCA score was 27.0 (23-30). The activation of WT demonstrated a significant improvement in the sentence/word recognition test and reduced listening effort. The MoCA score showed a significant correlation with WT (ρ=0.59, p=0.01), suggesting a positive association between cognitive function and the benefits of WT.Conclusions: Bilateral wireless streaming may enhance sentence/word recognition and reduce listening effort during phone use in hearing aid users, with these benefits potentially linked to cognitive function.
Impacts Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge in Using Pesticides on Agricultural Productivity in Bugesera District, Rwanda
Authors: Mugemanyi Védaste , Ndokoye Pancras , Niyomugaba Francois Régis
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, the use of pesticides in modern agriculture has increased due to the heightened strain from insects and weeds on animal and crop health. This study aimed to assess the impacts of farmers' knowledge in using pesticides on agricultural productivity in the Bugesera district, the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Data were collected from the fifteen sectors of the study area using questionnaires, with 399 respondents selected through random and purposive sampling techniques. SPSS software was used for data analysis, which was summarized using contingency tables and graphs. Correlation analysis was done to assess the link between farmers' knowledge of pesticide use and agricultural productivity in across sub-locations.
The study revealed that the level of pesticide use in the Bugesera district was very low, at just 17%, and only 22% of farmers had good level of knowledge about pesticide use. Vegetables were the first crops sprayed by farmers, accounting for 82% of the total crop types to which pesticides were applied in the Bugesera district. Moreover, vegetable yields increased from 9t/ha to 9.475 t/ha following pesticide application. The study found a significant positive correlation between farmers’ knowledge of pesticide use and agricultural productivity at the 0.01 level (r=0.509,p<0.01).
Enhanced farmers’ knowledge of pesticide use and the proper application of pesticides can reduce yield loss and boost agricultural productivity. It is recommended that the Bugesera district can provide the incentive scheme to the innovative farmers and encourage them to serve as role models for others.
This would promote the adoption of appropriate pesticide use practices and adherence to sound agricultural principles in chemical pesticide application.
Assessment of Soil-site Suitability for Major Horticulture Crops in Chikkumbi-3 Micro-watershed (4D7C5O2f), Karnataka Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Authors: Vyas R. Devi Veda , Patil P. L. , Hebbara M. , S Rajkumara
Published: July 2024

Detailed soil resource inventorization was carried out at 1:7,920 scale in Chikkumbi-3 micro watershed, savadatti taluk, Belagavi district with an objective to assess the land suitability for various horticultural crops in the watershed. The soils of Chikkumbi-3 micro-watershed are characterized and classified into 3 soil series (CLK, CKB and HNL) comprising of 5 mapping units. The soil site characteristics and climatic factors were evaluated for its suitability for major horticultural crops viz., tomato, cabbage, chilli, rose, jasmine and coconut. The analysis revealed that the soil series CLK (Chulki), CKB (Chikkumbi), and HNL (Hanchinal) are presently not suitable for growing coconut due to significant limitations in physical conditions, rooting, and moisture. However, the region is deemed moderately to marginally suitable for the cultivation of tomato, cabbage, chilli, rose and jasmine. The main limitations in all the soil series found to be texture, CaCO3 content and climatic factors. These findings serve as foundational data for identifying specific soil constraints, aiding in the development of sustainable strategies for crop production in the study area.
Catalysis of Enantioselective Strecker Reaction in the Synthesis of D‐Homophenylalanine Using Recyclable, Chiral, Macrocyclic MnIII–Salen Complexes
Authors: Saravanan S. , Khan Noor‐ul H. , Bera Prasanta K. , Kureshy Rukhsana I. , Abdi Sayed H. R. , Kumari Prathibha , Bajaj Hari C.
Published: April 2013

A convenient approach to the asymmetric Strecker reaction was established by synthesizing chiral, mono‐ and dinuclear, macrocyclic MnIII–salen complexes possessing achiral and chiral linkers (trigol, piperazine, and diethyl tartarate). This group of macrocyclic complexes has emerged as improved metal‐based catalysts for the enantioselective Strecker reaction of aldimines, giving high enantioselectivity (up to 99 %) for a wide range of substrates. The macrocylic complex 6 a with trigol linker works very well with TMSCN (trimethylsilyl cyanide) as a source of cyanide, using 4‐phenyl pyridine N‐oxide (4‐PPyNO) as a co‐catalyst in toluene at −40 °C. However, the macrocyclic complex 6 b with diethyl tartarate as a linker affected excellent chiral induction for both aromatic and aliphatic imines with a safer cyanide source (ethyl cyanoformate) in toluene at −20 °C in the presence of N,N‐diisopropylimine as a co‐catalyst. Complexes 6 a and 6 b used in the present study were recoverable and recyclable (five times) with retention of their performance at gram level. The kinetic study with complex 6 a for the enantioselective Strecker reaction of N‐benzyl benzylimine revealed a first‐order dependence on catalyst, substrate, and TMSCN concentration. This protocol with catalyst 6 b was further extended for the synthesis of D‐homophenyl alanine, an important analogue in factor Xa inhibitors.
Climate change impact on seaweed meadow distribution in the North Atlantic rocky intertidal
Authors: Jueterbock Alexander , Tyberghein Lennert , Verbruggen Heroen , Coyer James A. , Olsen Jeanine L. , Hoarau Galice
Published: April 2013

The North‐Atlantic has warmed faster than all other ocean basins and climate change scenarios predict sea surface temperature isotherms to shift up to 600 km northwards by the end of the 21st century. The pole‐ward shift has already begun for many temperate seaweed species that are important intertidal foundation species. We asked the question: Where will climate change have the greatest impact on three foundational, macroalgal species that occur along North‐Atlantic shores: Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus, and Ascophyllum nodosum? To predict distributional changes of these key species under three IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) climate change scenarios (A2, A1B, and B1) over the coming two centuries, we generated Ecological Niche Models with the program MAXENT. Model predictions suggest that these three species will shift northwards as an assemblage or “unit” and that phytogeographic changes will be most pronounced in the southern Arctic and the southern temperate provinces. Our models predict that Arctic shores in Canada, Greenland, and Spitsbergen will become suitable for all three species by 2100. Shores south of 45° North will become unsuitable for at least two of the three focal species on both the Northwest‐ and Northeast‐Atlantic coasts by 2200. If these foundational species are unable to adapt to the rising temperatures, they will lose their centers of genetic diversity and their loss will trigger an unpredictable shift in the North‐Atlantic intertidal ecosystem.
Monogamy, strongly bonded groups, and the evolution of human social structure
Authors: Chapais Bernard
Published: April 2013

Human social evolution has most often been treated in a piecemeal fashion, with studies focusing on the evolution of specific components of human society such as pair‐bonding, cooperative hunting, male provisioning, grandmothering, cooperative breeding, food sharing, male competition, male violence, sexual coercion, territoriality, and between‐group conflicts. Evolutionary models about any one of those components are usually concerned with two categories of questions, one relating to the origins of the component and the other to its impact on the evolution of human cognition and social life. Remarkably few studies have been concerned with the evolution of the entity that integrates all components, the human social system itself. That social system has as its core feature human social structure, which I define here as the common denominator of all human societies in terms of group composition, mating system, residence patterns, and kinship structures. The paucity of information on the evolution of human social structure poses substantial problems because that information is useful, if not essential, to assess both the origins and impact of any particular aspect of human society.
LED illumination affects bioactive compounds in romaine baby leaf lettuce
Authors: Samuolienė Giedrė , Brazaitytė Aušra , Sirtautas Ramūnas , Viršilė Akvilė , Sakalauskaitė Jurga , Sakalauskienė Sandra , Duchovskis Pavelas
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

The effect of light quality on phytochemicals in romaine baby leaf lettuce ‘Thumper’ was investigated in (I) a closed environment and (II, III) a greenhouse (16 h, 21/17 °C): (I) basal (638, 455, 660, 735 nm) LEDs supplemented with UV (380 nm), green (510 nm), yellow (595 nm) or orange (622 nm) LEDs (PPFD of ∼175 µmol m−2 s−1); (II) high‐pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (90 µmol m−2 s−1) supplemented with blue (455, 470nm) or green (505, 530nm) LEDs (30 µmol m−2 s−1); (III) at 3 days before harvesting, HPS lamps (90 µmol m−2 s−1) supplemented with red (638 nm) LEDs (210 µmol m−2 s−1).

RESULTS

(I) Supplemental UV or orange light enhanced phenolic compounds, supplemental UV or green light enhanced α‐carotene, and supplemental green light enhanced anthocyanins. All supplemental LED colours had a negative effect on tocopherol and ascorbic acid levels. (II) HPS lighting supplemented with different LEDs was not efficient, since the increase in some compounds did not compensate the decrease in major tested phytochemicals. (III) Short‐term irradiation with supplemental 638 nm LEDs before harvesting in the greenhouse did not have a significant effect on phytochemical contents, apart from enhancing tocopherols.

CONCLUSION

Wavelength control using LED technology affects the production of secondary metabolites, as the metabolism of many nutrients is light‐dependent. The narrow‐bandwidth supplemental light effects were diminished by broader‐spectrum HPS light or natural daylight in the greenhouse. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of a novel organophosphorus flame retardant and its application in polypropylene
Authors: Tian Nana , Wen Xin , Gong Jiang , Ma Li , Xue Jian , Tang Tao
Published: April 2013

A novel organophosphorus containing spiro and caged bicyclic phosphate, 3,9‐Bis‐(1‐oxo‐2,6,7‐trioxa‐1‐phospha‐bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐4‐ylmethoxy)‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxa‐3,9‐diphospha‐spiro[5.5]undecane 3, 9‐dioxide (SBCPO), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and phosphorus‐31 NMR. The flame retardancy of polypropylene (PP) containing the novel intumescent flame retardant (IFR) based on the combination between SBCPO and melamine (MA) was studied by limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 test and cone calorimeter test. Results indicated that this combination showed the excellent flame retardancy for PP at appropriate proportions (with the total loading of 30 wt. % and SBCPO: MA = 4:1). The value of LOI was as high as 31.6, and the rating in UL94 reached to V‐0. Moreover, the HRR and THR of IFR/PP decreased significantly in comparison with that of neat PP. The scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the incorporation of SBCPO could induce the formation of intumescent char layer, which retarded the degradation and combustion process of PP. The thermal oxidative degradation of the PP samples at different temperature was analyzed by FTIR. The thermal stabilities of the composites were further investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the amount of residues was increased greatly with the addition of SBCPO that remained in the form of polyaromatic stacks and phosphoric or polyphosphoric acid at the residual chars. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3Drefine: Consistent protein structure refinement by optimizing hydrogen bonding network and atomic‐level energy minimization
Authors: Bhattacharya Debswapna , Cheng Jianlin
Published: April 2013

One of the major limitations of computational protein structure prediction is the deviation of predicted models from their experimentally derived true, native structures. The limitations often hinder the possibility of applying computational protein structure prediction methods in biochemical assignment and drug design that are very sensitive to structural details. Refinement of these low‐resolution predicted models to high‐resolution structures close to the native state, however, has proven to be extremely challenging. Thus, protein structure refinement remains a largely unsolved problem. Critical assessment of techniques for protein structure prediction (CASP) specifically indicated that most predictors participating in the refinement category still did not consistently improve model quality. Here, we propose a two‐step refinement protocol, called 3Drefine, to consistently bring the initial model closer to the native structure. The first step is based on optimization of hydrogen bonding (HB) network and the second step applies atomic‐level energy minimization on the optimized model using a composite physics and knowledge‐based force fields. The approach has been evaluated on the CASP benchmark data and it exhibits consistent improvement over the initial structure in both global and local structural quality measures. 3Drefine method is also computationally inexpensive, consuming only few minutes of CPU time to refine a protein of typical length (300 residues). 3Drefine web server is freely available at http://sysbio.rnet.missouri.edu/3Drefine/. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrete time output feedback sliding mode tracking control for systems with uncertainties
Authors: Govindaswamy S. , Floquet T. , Spurgeon S.K.
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a method for designing discrete time static output feedback sliding mode tracking controllers for uncertain systems that are not necessarily minimum phase or of relative degree one. In this work, a procedure for realizing discrete time controllers via a particular set of extended outputs is presented for systems with uncertainties. The conditions for existence of a sliding manifold guaranteeing a stable sliding motion are given. A procedure to synthesize a control law that minimizes the effect of the disturbance on the sliding mode dynamics and the augmented outputs is given. The proposed control law is then applied to a benchmark aircraft problem taken from the literature that represents the lateral dynamics of a F‐14 aircraft under powered approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Influence of Friction on the Texture Formation of a IF Steel during Hot Rolling in the Ferrite Region
Authors: Jia Ming Xia , Lü Ya Ping , Xu Ling Feng , Song Yue Peng
Published: April 2013

The effect of friction on evolution of the microstructure and texture during hot rolling in the ferrite region was studied with secondary electromicroscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffractometer, and FEM simulation. The friction between a roll and a steel sheet surface leads to the formation of notable through‐thickness texture gradients. The finite element method (FEM) simulation shows that the large friction coefficient between a roll and sample results in a pronounced variation of ${\dot {\varepsilon }}_{13} $ (shear strain rate) and large ε13/ε11 value which accounts for strong {110}<001> texture components and weak γ‐fiber components at rolled sheet surface; whereas the friction condition do not exert notable effect on texture formation at the sheet center.
Prophylactic Mesh Placement in High‐Risk Patients Undergoing Elective Laparotomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nachiappan Subramanian , Markar Sheraz , Karthikesaligam Alan , Ziprin Paul , Faiz Omar
Published: April 2013

Background

Incisional hernia is a significant complication in patients undergoing elective laparotomy. Its incidence is increased in patients with risk factors, such as obesity and chronic respiratory disease. The purpose of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the use of prophylactic mesh placement following laparotomy in high‐risk patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane database was conducted. Outcome measures were incidence of postoperative incisional hernia, seroma, and wound infection rates.

Results

Five randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and four comparative studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. In total, 464 patients who underwent laparotomy closure with mesh placement and 755 patients who underwent conventional laparotomy closure were included. A reduced incidence of incisional hernia was observed when laparotomy was combined with prophylactic mesh placement in pooled analysis of RCTs (pooled odds ratio = 0.32; 95 % confidence interval = 0.12–0.83; P = 0.02) and comparative studies (pooled odds ratio = 0.11; 95 % confidence interval = 0.04–0.33; P < 0.001) respectively. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of seroma or wound infection following prophylactic mesh placement.

Conclusions

The results of this pooled analysis suggest a benefit to prophylactic mesh placement during laparotomy closure in high‐risk patients with a significantly reduced incidence of incisional hernia without any significant differences in seroma formation and wound infection rates. Further studies must evaluate the incidence of mesh‐specific complications, including foreign body sensation and chronic pain, before strong recommendations can be made.
Development and Scale‐up of Aqueous Surfactant‐Assisted Extraction of Canola Oil for Use as Biodiesel Feedstock
Authors: Tuntiwiwattanapun Nattapong , Tongcumpou Chantra , Haagenson Darrin , Wiesenborn Dennis
Published: April 2013

Aqueous surfactant‐assisted extraction (ASE) has been proposed as an alternative to n‐hexane for extraction of vegetable oil; however, the use of inexpensive surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the effect of ASE on the quality of biodiesel from the oil are not well understood. Therefore, the effects on total oil extraction efficiency of surfactant concentration, extraction time, oilseed to liquid ratio and other parameters were evaluated using ASE with ground canola and SDS in aqueous solution. The highest total oil extraction efficiency was 80 %, and was achieved using 0.02 M SDS at 20 °C, solid–liquid ratio 1:10 (g:mL), 1,000 rpm stirring speed and 45 min contact time. Applying triple extraction with three stages reduced the amount of SDS solution needed by 50 %. The ASE method was scaled up to extract 300 g of ground canola using the best combination of extraction conditions as described above. The extracted oil from the scale‐up of the ASE method passed the recommendation for biodiesel feedstock quality with respect to water content, acid value and phosphorous content. Water content, kinematic viscosity, acid value and oxidative stability index of ASE biodiesel were within the ASTM D6751 biodiesel standards.
The CYP2E1 inhibitor DDC up-regulates MMP-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells via an ERK1/2- and Akt-dependent mechanism
Authors: Liu Tianhui , Wang Ping , Cong Min , Xu Youqing , Jia Jidong , You Hong
Published: April 2013

DDC (diethyldithiocarbamate) could block collagen synthesis in HSC (hepatic stellate cells) through the inhibition of ROS (reactive oxygen species) derived from hepatocyte CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1). However, the effect of DDC on MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1), which is the main collagen degrading matrix metalloproteinase, has not been reported. In co-culture experiments, we found that DDC significantly enhanced MMP-1 expression in human HSC (LX-2) that were cultured with hepatocyte C3A cells either expressing or not expressing CYP2E1. The levels of both proenzyme and active MMP-1 enzyme were up-regulated in LX-2 cells, accompanied by elevated enzyme activity of MMP-1 and decreased collagen I, in both LX-2 cells and the culture medium. H2O2 treatment abrogated DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation and collagen I decrease, while catalase treatment slightly up-regulated MMP-1 expression. These data suggested that the decrease in ROS by DDC was partially responsible for the MMP-1 up-regulation. ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), Akt (protein kinase B) and p38 were significantly activated by DDC. The ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and Akt inhibitor (T3830) abrogated the DDC-induced MMP-1 up-regulation. In addition, a p38 inhibitor (SB203580) improved MMP-1 up-regulation through the stimulation of ERK1/2. Our data indicate that DDC significantly up-regulates the expression of MMP-1 in LX-2 cells which results in greater MMP-1 enzyme activity and decreased collagen I. The enhancement of MMP-1 expression by DDC was associated with H2O2 inhibition and coordinated regulation by the ERK1/2 and Akt pathways. These data provide some new insights into treatment strategies for hepatic fibrosis.
A morphological assessment of the Olearia phlogopappa complex (Asteraceae: Astereae)
Authors: Messina Andre , Walsh Neville G. , Hoebee Susan E. , Green Peter T.
Published: April 2013

A morphometric study of the Olearia phlogopappa species complex from throughout south-eastern Australia has confirmed species boundaries and resolved the infraspecific taxonomy of two species. It has shown O. phlogopappa (Labill.) DC., O. stellulata (Labill.) DC., O. lirata (Sims) Hutch., O. rugosa (F.Muell. ex W.Archer bis) Hutch. and O. brevipedunculata N.G.Walsh to be non-overlapping entities with unique morphological characters. O. stellulata is circumscribed to include only southern and western Tasmanian populations and those from the Otways and Wilsons Promontory in southern Victoria. O. rugosa is restricted to Victoria and a few isolated populations on Flinders Island and northern Tasmania. Four previously noted variants of O. rugosa from Victoria are here described as subspecies, along with the description of a fifth subspecies from northern Tasmania. Infraspecific boundaries of O. phlogopappa are here revised to include nine subspecies, six of which were previously included as varieties, and descriptions are made of three new subspecies.