bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from southern China based on morphology and complete mitogenomes
Authors: Zhang Ni , Wang Jinqiu , Pu Tianyi , Li Can , Song Yuehua
Published: February 2024

Erythroneurine leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae, Erythroneurini) are utilized to resolve the relationship between the four erythroneurine leafhopper (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae, Erythroneurini): Arboridia (Arboridia) rongchangensis sp. nov., Thaia (Thaia) jiulongensis sp. nov., Mitjaevia bifurcata Luo, Song & Song, 2021 and Mitjaevia diana Luo, Song & Song, 2021, the two new species are described and illustrated. The mitochondrial gene sequences of these four species were determined to update the mitochondrial genome database of Erythroneurini. The mitochondrial genomes of four species shared high parallelism in nucleotide composition, base composition and gene order, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and an AT control region, which was consistent with majority of species in Cicadellidae; all genes revealed common trait of a positive AT skew and negative GC skew. The mitogenomes of four species were ultra-conservative in structure, and which isanalogous to that of others in size and A + T content. Phylogenetic trees based on the mitogenome data of these species and another 24 species were built employing the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The results indicated that the four species belong to the tribe Erythroneurini, M. diana is the sister-group relationship of M. protuberanta + M. bifurcata. The two species Arboridia (Arboridia) rongchangensis sp. nov. and Thaia (Thaia) jiulongensis sp. nov. also have a relatively close genetic relationship with the genus Mitjaevia.
Representações e estereótipos da carreira do Secretariado no cinema
Authors: Soares Willis de Araújo , De Melo Stella Maria Carvalho , Sousa Gabriel da Silva
Published: February 2024

O cinema tem retratado uma variedade de profissões de várias maneiras, apresentando diferentes perspectivas do mundo do trabalho. A inclusão do Secretariado nas telas despertou o interesse acadêmico ao evidenciar as percepções sociais dessa profissão e a construção de estereótipos e discursos a ela associados. Nesse sentido, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a representação do Secretariado no cinema, tanto como foco principal quanto em situações relevantes, explorando estereótipos e visões predominantes. Para isso, foi utilizado um método de pesquisa exploratório e descritivo, aliado a uma análise cinematográfica, a fim de examinar a representatividade do Secretariado na indústria do cinema, enfocando a identificação e análise dos estereótipos associados a essa profissão. Foram examinados cinco filmes que destacam profissionais de Secretariado em papéis de destaque ou coadjuvantes, com o objetivo de compreender como as representações do Secretariado afetam a percepção pública, incluindo estereótipos, habilidades e valor no contexto organizacional. O estudo concluiu que os estereótipos sobre secretários, retratados nos filmes analisados, oferecem uma visão simplista e distorcida da profissão. Estes estereótipos frequentemente reforçam a ideia de secretários como assistentes submissos e limitados a tarefas simples, desvalorizando o papel essencial que desempenham nas organizações, incluindo a coordenação, comunicação e organização de informações importantes.
As energias renováveis para o desenvolvimento sustentável organizacional
Authors: Rossi Vivian Santa Lúcia , Triches Divanildo , Camargo Maria Emília , Da Motta Marta Elisete Ventura , Priesnitz Mariane Camargo
Published: February 2024

O artigo tem como objetivo investigar a influência da geração de energia fotovoltaica no desempenho sustentável organizacional. A maior parte da demanda mundial de energia é suprida por meio de combustíveis fósseis, os quais estão associados a problemas ambientais, como emissão de gases poluentes, além de serem apontados como responsáveis pelo efeito estufa e aquecimento global, por esse motivo está aumentando de forma considerável a procura por energias renováveis e limpas como a fotovoltaica. A metodologia utilizada foi uma pesquisa aplicada de caráter exploratória a partir de um estudo qualitativo. A coleta de dados foi feita através de entrevistas em profundidade aos profissionais da área e os consumidores da energia solar fotovoltaica. Os resultados identificaram que que a geração de energia fotovoltaica tem grande influência no desempenho sustentável organizacional, à medida que a literatura e as análises das entrevistas revelaram que existe uma relação do uso da energia solar com o desempenho ambiental, social, mas principalmente econômico.
Socio-emotional Skills in consumers of psychoactive substances
Authors: Serafim Ana Luísa , Veloso Cláudia Miranda , Fernandes Sara Veiga , Rivera-Navarro Jesús
Published: February 2024

Nowadays people increasingly deal with stress in their day-to-day and the way they adapt involves intrapersonal (emotional relationship), interpersonal and environmental factors, when this adaptation develops in a negative way it can lead to the consumption of psychoactive substances, hence the relevance of the study's theme.  The objective of this investigation is to know the profile of emotional competence in consumers of psychoactive substances, making use of an anonymous and confidential questionnaire applied to consumers of psychoactive substances, divided in two parts: the first part, considering variables of sociodemographic and professional character and one second part consisting of the "Veiga Scale of Emotional Competence" (EVCE) (Veiga-Branco, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). The sample is made up of 78 consumers of psychotic substances, of whom 48 were female, most of the respondents are over 30 years old, are single, have no children, have higher education, live with the family and have a social life.  The results obtained reveal that there is no influence of sociodemographic variables nor on the characteristics of substance use on the profile of emotional competence or on the dimensions of the same of consumers of psychoactive substances.
Integrating learning styles and popularity in learning objects recommendations
Authors: Aguiar Janderson Jason Barbosa , De Araújo Joseana Macêdo Fechine Régis , Costa Evandro de Barros
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a knowledge management strategy in the educational context, emphasizing the integration of Learning Styles (LS) and the Popularity of Learning Objects (LO) in Recommender Systems. Considering that specific characteristics of LO can influence students' learning processes, given their varied LS, this study aims to analyze the incorporation of these styles to enhance LO recommendations. Given the widespread availability of LO in various repositories, this work presents a hybrid model that personalizes recommendations, taking into account not only students' LS but also the popularity of LO in the educational environment. An experiment conducted with 55 students and involving 25 variations of LO highlighted the model's utility, outperforming traditional recommendation approaches.
The impacts of the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) on information security: a literature review
Authors: De Araújo Neto Reinaldo Juvino , Aguiar Janderson Jason Barbosa
Published: February 2024

The information age has brought significant transformations to modern life, including task automation and widespread access to services. As the utilization of diverse platforms continues to grow, safeguarding information has become paramount to protecting the data shared by individuals and organizations. In Brazil, the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) was created to ensure the protection of personal data. This paper presents a literature review on the LGPD and its intricate connection with information security. We conducted the research using Google Scholar, resulting in the selection of 62 papers for analysis. We observed a predominance of studies published in the field of Law, while only a few publications originate from computer science. Most of these studies adopt an exploratory approach, employing bibliographic procedures, and the course completion works predominated. In summary, the results provide insights for those interested in data protection in compliance with the LGPD.
Coronary Arteries and Their Variations: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kandavadivelu Manicka Vasuki Anaimalai , Saminathan Suganya , Rajendran G , Jamuna M , Hepzibah Deborah Joy
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Anatomic variations in coronary circulation are commonly identified during dissection and angiographic procedures. The right and left coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, originate from the corresponding aortic sinuses. Occlusion of the coronary artery can lead to heart ischaemia, resulting in myocardial infarction and death. Understanding such variations is crucial for cardiac catheterisation, coronary artery bypass surgery, and the identification of fistulous communication, dissection, and rupture of the coronary artery. Aim: To identify the branching pattern of coronary arteries, their origin, dominance in the heart, and variations in angiographic images. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective cross-sectional study analysed 100 angiographic pictures collected from the Cardiology Department at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, between November 2017 and April 2018. The data were analysed from March 2022 to June 2022 to determine the origin, branching pattern, and variations of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries and their branches were carefully traced and followed to their termination, and normal and variant anatomy were analysed. Descriptive statistics were used, and the results were expressed in frequency and percentage. Results: A total of 100 patients presented with chest pain/dyspnoea and underwent diagnostic coronary artery catheterisation in the PSG Cardiology Department. Among them, 75% were males and 25% were females, with ages ranging from 14 to 82 years (mean age of 48 years). The dominant form of coronary circulation was found to be right dominance (42%), followed by co-dominance (30%). In one study, a higher origin of the right coronary artery from the ascending aorta was observed. An anomalous vessel arising from the right coronary artery was identified in an angiogram. Separate origins of the circumflex artery and left anterior descending artery from the left coronary artery were observed in another angiogram. Fistulous communications were found in two angiograms: one between the pulmonary artery and the diagonal branch of the left anterior descending artery, and the other between the right coronary artery and the septal branch of the left anterior descending artery. Additionally, two other studies identified dissection and spontaneous rupture of the coronary artery. Conclusion: Identifying anomalous vessels and recognising other variations are crucial for appropriate intervention, treatment, and improved outcomes. Angiography can help identify and treat variations in the course and branching pattern of the coronary artery as early as possible to avoid complications.
Marginal Cost of Public Funds under the Presence of Informality
Authors:   Bogazici University, Elgin Ceyhun S. , Torul Orhan ,   Bogazici University, Turk Tugce ,   University of Chicago
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate the behavior of the marginal cost of public funds (MCF) for different taxes under the presence of informality. We build a dynamic general equilibrium model with formal and informal sectors and allow the government to use consumption, capital, and labor income taxes to raise revenue. Using country-level data on taxes, we calibrate and measure MCF for a cross-section of economies. Our results show that different taxes have distinct cost responses to changes in the informal sector size in each country: while MCF of the consumption tax decreases with the increase in the informal sector size, the MCF of the income taxes, capital and labor, display an opposite behavior. Moreover, omitting the informal sector results in an underestimation in the MCF of capital income tax and overestimation in that of the consumption tax.
A Framework for Data Collection and Management to Support the Comprehensive Development of African Agriculture
Authors: Kouévi Tèko Augustin , Dagnon Gaïane Naïla , Djossouvi Céphas O. E. A. , Tossa Laured Marin , Mama Adi , Tossou Rigobert Cocou , Vodouhê Davo Simplice
Published: February 2024

Agriculture is a key source of food and health for humanity. However, the hazardous way this activity is still cared for in some developing countries like the Republic of Benin, with poor quality farming data collection mechanisms, can guarantee neither quality and sustainability of production, nor comprehensiveness and efficiency of agricultural interventions. Such shortcomings ineluctably contribute to the limited success of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) promoted by the African Union and its regional chapters, in most African countries. Based on these preliminary remarks, this paper suggests a systematic and automated monitoring, evaluation, learning, and adaptation (MEL) framework that will further be tested, consolidated, validated, and promoted, first in the Republic of Benin, and later in other African countries. This framework is made of local, regional, and national geographic information systems (GIS) which will further serve as databases for planning and interventions in the agricultural sector. The proposed GIS superposes lands’ details (sizes, soils’ characteristics, rainfall data, etc.), stakeholders’ details (demographics, crops, livestock, agricultural practices, etc.), and agricultural value chains’ details. Local, regional, and national agricultural value chains’ development platforms will bring stakeholders together, and serve as sources and co-users of the GIS data. Local, regional, and national MEL and GIS management skilled AEAS agents will facilitate systematic data collection and GIS database management. The data collection and treatment tools should allow the use of all kinds of data formats, including voice and image records, given the oral orientation of most agricultural stakeholders. This original idea emerged from observations during national and regional field experiences, and from the literature that revealed the efficiency of automated real-time and quality data for comprehensive and evidence-based decision-making in development interventions.
Is Prone Positioning Worth the Turn in Pediatrics? Unraveling the Oxygenation Mystery in Ventilated Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Observational Study Introducing a Novel SF Ratio Method for Non-Invasive Monitoring in Children
Authors: Nizar Adil , Mandaland Asok Kumar , Mondal Gobinda
Published: February 2024

Background: Respiratory illnesses are prevalent among children, attributed to factors such as immature immune systems, anatomical variations, and increased susceptibility to infections. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating various forms of respiratory support in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Prone positioning has emerged as a strategy to improve oxygenation in ARDS, but its effectiveness and correlation with non-invasive monitoring parameters remain underexplored.

Subjects and Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted in the PICU of Dr. B.C Roy PGIPS, Kolkata, aimed to assess the impact of prone ventilation on oxygenation in children diagnosed with ARDS. The study, spanning 18 months, included 40 patients aged 3 months to 12 years requiring mechanical ventilation. Parameters such as oxygenation index (OI), oxygen saturation index (OSI), PF ratio, and SF ratio were monitored at different time points during supine and prone ventilation. Prone positioning's effectiveness was evaluated based on improvements in these parameters.

Results: The study revealed a significant improvement in oxygenation status after four hours of prone ventilation compared to supine ventilation. Oxygenation index, OSI, SF ratio, and PF ratio showed statistically significant changes favoring prone positioning. A strong positive correlation between SF ratio and PF ratio was observed at various time points, emphasizing the potential of SF ratio as a non-invasive alternative. Responders and non-responders to prone positioning were identified based on predefined criteria, highlighting individual variability in treatment response.

Conclusion: Prone ventilation demonstrated significant improvements in oxygenation parameters in children with ARDS. The study supports the use of non-invasive SF ratio as a reliable substitute for PF ratio, simplifying monitoring without invasive arterial sampling. This finding has implications for improving ARDS management strategies in pediatric patients, offering a less cumbersome alternative for assessing oxygenation status.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silica Nanoparticles Derived from Tea Factory Generated Wood Ash
Authors: Nivaethaa C. , Rajkishore S. K. , Maheswari M. , Sritharan N. , Moorthy Pon. Sathya , Prasanthrajan M. , Subramanian P. , Ravendran M. , Rajamanickam Usha , Bhuyan Rana Pratap , Raveena R. , Premalatha V.
Published: February 2024

India is the second most prolific tea producing nation in the world, which consumes 82% of its tea production, accounting for 19.5% of global tea consumption. Despite the improvement in technology, employing wood to produce heat has been a vital element of tea processing for generations. Many tea specialists experience that it adds a particular fragrant touch to the finished tea product. However, the management of wood ash generated by tea factories is a significant concern due to the large amount of wood burned during tea processing. Therefore, transportation and effective disposal of these large quantities of wood ash is a great challenge. Hence, this study aimed to effectively transform wood ash into a valuable product, nano silica particles so as to explore the scope for its better utilization in various applications. A series of experiments were carried out to optimize the parameters in the sol-gel technique for synthesizing silica nanoparticles from wood ash. Further, the synthesized nano silica particles were characterized by employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The standard operational protocol developed through this study demonstrated that wood ash can be effectively converted to silica nanoparticles in the size range of 20-50 nm, spherical in form with crystalline properties. Overall, the results of this work highlights the possibility of utilizing tea factory generated wood ash into silica nanoparticles with an immense potential for varied applications without environmental hazards.
Uncovering the Driving Forces behind Succession Planning in Namibian Commercial Public Enterprises: A Look at Executive Leadership
Authors: Maseke Bernardus Franco , Muadinohamba Jeremia Lucas
Published: February 2024

A robust succession plan for executive leadership is vital for organizational growth. This study examines challenges faced by Namibian human resource managers in maintaining effective executive leadership within Commercial Public Enterprises (CPEs). Employing a constructivist approach, it explores managers' perspectives on succession planning as a crucial tool for learning and development among Namibia's CPE managerial cadre. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Simple random sampling determines the quantitative sample, while purposive sampling selects the qualitative sample, involving 210 participants from 22 CPEs, resulting in a sample of 63 participants. Findings highlight the importance of education, mentoring, and training in shaping executive leadership succession planning in CPEs. Charismatic Chief Executive Leadership and a transactional leadership style emerge as pivotal for sustained organizational success. The study recommends strategic focus on educational programs, mentorship, and training to enhance succession planning in Namibia's CPEs, contributing to broader discussions on organizational leadership and succession planning, particularly in African nations.
Adverse childhood experiences among California student pharmacists
Authors: Smith Shawn R. , Banuelos Leslie , Trujillo Nalea , Farihi Destiny , Lee Stephanie , Truong Sharon , Ly Tracy , Dadiomov David , Kawahara Nancy , Gavaza Paul
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with higher mental and physical illness and substance use disorders in adulthood. However, little is known about the prevalence of ACEs among student pharmacists and the factors associated with exposure. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of ACEs, resilience, and maladaptive coping strategies among student pharmacists in California.

Methods

Student pharmacists from 14 California pharmacy schools completed a 24-item online survey in 2020. This survey instrument comprised the ACEs questionnaire and collected data on the students’ demographic characteristics, coping strategies, and resilience.

Results

Most respondents were Asian/Pacific Islander (n = 186, 61.0%), female (n = 216, 70.8%), and aged between 25 and 31 years (n = 154, 50.7%). Many (n = 137, 44.9%) students had more than 1 ACE exposure; 66 students (21.6%) had more than 3 ACEs. Many students indicated that they were diagnosed or suspected to be diagnosed with a mental health condition (n = 105, 34.4%) and agreed/strongly agreed that they struggled to manage the workload of pharmacy school (n = 119, 39.9%). Respondents with higher ACE scores (> 3) were more likely to report struggling with managing the workload of pharmacy school, have or suspect having a mental health condition, drink alcohol in the last 12 months, and/or have multiple sexual partners than students with lower ACE scores.

Discussion

More than 1 in 5 student pharmacists in this study were exposed to more than 3 ACEs. The student pharmacists’ ACE exposure was associated with higher likelihood of mental health conditions and high-risk health behaviors. Further studies are needed to investigate this topic among student pharmacists.
Impact of COVID-19 quarantines on clozapine-induced constipation: Experience of utilizing a clozapine-induced constipation protocol at a state forensic psychiatric facility
Authors: Gleisner Bridgette M. , Deardorff O. Greg , Liu Yifei , Trout Megan G. , Wood Joshua R. , Sommi Roger W. , Beck Niels C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Since 2017, Fulton State Hospital (FSH) has implemented a clozapine-induced constipation protocol. In March 2020, FSH initiated unit quarantines to minimize the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of these quarantines on medical referrals for constipation, the Bristol Stool Chart ratings, utilization of as-needed (PRN) laxatives, and adherence rates with scheduled constipation medication regimens.

Methods

Patients on the clozapine-induced constipation protocol from May 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020, were included, with 10-month pre- and mid-quarantine implementation. Data collected included patient demographics, primary psychiatric diagnosis, and outcome variables. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were performed.

Results

A total of 31 patients were included. Most were male (93.5%), with a median age of 40 years. The most common primary diagnosis was schizophrenia. Compared with the pre-quarantine implementation period, there were fewer medical referral contacts per person, less use of PRN laxatives, and slightly lower adherence rates to scheduled constipation medication regimens during the mid-quarantine implementation period.

Conclusion

Compared with the pre-quarantine implementation period, there were fewer medical referrals per person during the mid-quarantine implementation period.
Tax Service Quality and Digital Tax Implementation for MSME Tax Compliance in Surabaya
Authors: Kusumawardhani Adhityawati , Gunawan Felix Kristanto , Sany Sany , Tjondro Elisa , Eoh Tonny Stephanus
Published: February 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of e-Registration, e-Filing, e-Billing, and Tax Service Quality for MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) Tax Compliance in Surabaya. This study uses multiple linear regression model with a total sample of 150 MSMEs in Surabaya. The results obtained are e-Registration, e-Filing, e-Billing, and tax service quality have a positive effect on tax compliance. This is because taxpayers find it easy to report their taxes with the e-system and also feel good service from tax officials. The findings in this study result in tax compliance with the application of e-Registration, e-Filing, e-Billing, and tax service quality due to the fact that taxpayers are more assisted by system changes in tax reporting. Conversely, this study supports attribution theory which explains that taxpayers can be influenced by their social environment in acting and behaving.
Investigating the Influence of Treated Sewage on Groundwater and Surface Water Using Wastewater Indicators in Berlin, Germany
Authors: Massmann Gudrun , Knappe Andrea , Richter Doreen , Pekdeger Asaf
Published: December 2004

Around 70 % of Berlin's drinking water derives from bank filtration or artificial recharge. A major advantage of bank filtration is the capability of the subsurface to remove contaminants and save natural groundwater resources. Because the surface water contains eleÍvated amounts of treated sewage, Berlin's system is a semi‐closed water cycle relying partly on indirect wastewater reuse. A number of wastewater residues can be traced in the groundwater and serve as a tool to characterise the bank filtration systems. Conservative tracers such as some wastewater indicators and stable isotopes are used to estimate flow velocities and proportions of bank filtrate in the abstraction wells prior to reactive transport evaluations. Examples of tracer applications in the Berlin system are presented in this paper. In addition, an overview is given of results of various studies conducted on contaminant transport and their removal during underground passage of the bank filtrate in Berlin.
Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Kienle P , Z'graggen K , Schmidt J , Benner A , Weitz J , Büchler M W
Published: December 2004

Background

Restorative proctocolectomy is increasingly being performed using minimally invasive surgery. In published series laparoscopically assisted techniques have usually included a suprapubic incision to enable major parts of the operation to be done openly.

Methods

Fifty consecutive patients with familial adenomatous polyposis or ulcerative colitis underwent laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy using only a small perumbilical incision of 4 cm or less for vascular dissection and pouch formation; all other steps were performed entirely laparoscopically. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.

Results

In four patients (8 per cent) the operation was converted to an open procedure. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was associated with a higher overall rate of complications (P = 0·011), and an increased body mass index (BMI) with a higher rate of major complications (P = 0·050). The occurrence of wound infection was related to the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (P = 0·049). Conversion resulted in greater blood loss (P = 0·004), but not in a higher complication rate. No patient required a blood transfusion. Patients with an increased BMI and those taking immunosuppressive therapy had a longer hospital stay (P = 0·043).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy is technically feasible. Patients with ulcerative colitis and increased BMI have a higher risk of complications. This minimally invasive technique may reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusion.
Anatomical variation at the saphenofemoral junction
Authors: Donnelly M , Tierney S , Feeley T M
Published: December 2004

Background

This study was designed to document the surgical anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ).

Methods

The anatomy of the SFJ was recorded diagrammatically in 2089 consecutive groin dissections performed to treat primary varicose veins. The number of primary tributaries, bifid systems, junctional tributaries and the relationship of the external pudendal artery (EPA) to the long saphenous vein (LSV) were recorded.

Results

The LSV was bifid in 18·1 per cent of legs. The number of tributaries at the SFJ varied from one to ten. In 33·4 per cent one or more (junctional) tributaries joined the LSV or common femoral vein deep to the deep fascia. The EPA crossed anterior to 16·8 per cent of LSVs. In 4·6 per cent it passed posterior to one large tributary or trunk of a bifid LSV and anterior to the second trunk, making identification of the second trunk particularly difficult.

Conclusion

A thorough understanding of the anatomical variations of the SFJ is important in ensuring that the junction is managed safely and adequately in patients with varicose veins. Failure to appreciate these variations may account for a significant proportion of inadequate primary varicose vein surgery.
Bcl‐2 regulatory pathway is functional in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Goolsby Charles , Paniagua Mary , Tallman Martin , Gartenhaus Ronald B.
Published: December 2004

Background

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of clonal, malignant CD5+, CD23+ B cells. In vivo, these cells have an antiapoptotic phenotype (high levels of Bcl‐2 and low levels of proapoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins, such as Bax). Abnormal B cells accumulate due to altered apoptosis regulation rather than to increased proliferation. However, it is unclear whether there are inherent Bcl‐2 apoptotic pathway defects. With in vitro culture, these B cells rapidly apoptosis.

Methods

To investigate apoptosis regulation, Bcl‐2, Bax, mitochondrial membrane potential, annexin V, and caspase activation were simultaneous monitored in individual cells during in vitro apoptosis.

Results

With in vitro culture, 30% to 50% of B cells were apoptotic at 24 h compared with fewer than 10% of T cells. Apoptotic B cells showed dramatic Bax upregulation and slight Bcl‐2 decreases accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased activated caspase‐3 protein levels. Caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activities were increased 18‐ to 51‐fold and 6‐ to 11‐fold, respectively, after 24 h of culture. Caspase‐8 showed limited or no activation (less than fourfold).

Conclusions

These data show that in vitro apoptosis of CLL B cells occurs through a well‐characterized Bcl‐2 regulatory pathway consistent with that pathway being functional. Further, these cells' antiapoptotic phenotype is dependent on the in vivo environment, potentially involving paracrine/autocrine interactions. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The central residues of a T cell receptor sequence motif are key determinants of autoantigen recognition in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Huang Jason C. , Ober Raimund J. , Ward E. Sally
Published: December 2004

The autoreactive response in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is dominated by an oligoclonal expansion of Vβ8+ CD4+ T cells. These T cells recognize the immunodominant N‐terminal nonapeptide of myelin basic protein (MBP1–9) associated with the MHC class II molecule, I‐Au. Amongst the autoreactive cells, T cells bearing TCR containing the CDR3β motif Asp‐Ala‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Tyr (DAGGGY) play a dominant role in the disease process. Here we have investigated the molecular basis for antigen recognition by a representative TCR (172.10) that contains the DAGGGY motif. The roles of the three glycines in this motif in the corresponding TCR‐peptide‐MHC interactions have been analyzed using a combination of site‐directed mutagenesis and surface plasmon resonance. Our data show that mutation of either of the first two glycines (G97, G98) to alanine results in soluble, recombinant TCR that do not bind to recombinant antigen at detectable levels. Mutation of the third glycine (G99) of the 172.10 TCR results in a substantial decrease in affinity. The importance of the triple glycines for antigen recognition provides an explanation at the molecular level for the recruitment of T cells bearing the DAGGGY motif into the responding repertoire during EAE induction.
Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene Complexes of Titanocenes and Zirconocenes: Their Recent Chemistry and Reactions with Lewis Acids
Authors: Rosenthal Uwe , Burlakov Vladimir V. , Arndt Perdita , Baumann Wolfgang , Spannenberg Anke , Shur Vladimir B.
Published: December 2004

The chemistry of the metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes [Cp2M(L)(η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3)] [M = Ti, without L (1); M = Zr, L = THF (2a); M = Zr, L = pyridine (2b)], the pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes [Cp*2M(η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3)] [M = Ti (3), Zr (4)], and the ethylenebis(tetrahydroindenyl) (ebthi) complexes rac‐[(ebthi)M(η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3)] [M = Ti (5), Zr (6)] has been described in several reviews. A fine‐tuning of the reactions is possible by varying the Cp ligands (Cp, Cp*, ebthi), additional the co‐ligands (THF, pyridine), and/or metals (Ti, Zr), and it has been pointed out that these complexes offer a number of compelling advantages over other, similar, widely used metallocene reagents. In this microreview recent (2000−2004) examples of the chemistry of complexes 1−6 are summarized, and some special interactions with Lewis acids are described. In these reactions the metallocene cores “Cp′2Ti” and “Cp′2Zr” (Cp′ = substituted Cp ligands) are mostly formed after dissociation of the alkyne. As examples of this, a new selective zirconocene coupling route to large, functionalized macrocycles has been established from 2b and polyynes, complex 1 catalyses the first anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination of terminal alkynes, complexes 1 and 3 selectively form polynuclear titanium complexes by C−C coupling of N‐containing heterocycles, and complexes 1, 2b, 3, and 6 promote selective C−H and C−F bond‐cleavage reactions of fluorinated N‐containing heterocycles. Beside this recent chemistry, this microreview also focuses on the reactions of the above‐mentioned complexes with the Lewis acids diisobutylaluminum hydride and tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. For example, complexes 1, 2b, and 6 react with iBu2AlH to give heterodimetallic complexes containing tetracoordinate planar carbon atoms. The titanium complex 1 reacts with B(C6F5)3 with elimination of the alkyne and gaseous hydrogen to give an electrophilic substitution of the Cp or Cp* ligand in which zwitterionic TiIII complexes are formed. The zirconium complexes 4 and 6 do not liberate hydrogen in the reaction with B(C6F5)3, although, after C−H activation of one methyl group of the Cp* or Cp part of the ebthi ligand and a B−C bond formation, zwitterionic complexes containing alkylidene groups with agostic interactions with the metal center are obtained. Complex 5 reacts with B(C6F5)3 with Si−C bond cleavage of the alkyne and formation of an alkynylboranate [Me3SiC≡CB(C6F5)3]−, which is complexed by the “rac‐(ebthi)Ti” fragment to give a zwitterionic complex. Some of the formed heterodinuclear complexes and the zwitterionic complexes are active catalysts in the ring‐opening polymerization of lactones, cyclic carbonates, and epoxides, as well as the polymerization of ethylene. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
A secure authentication watermarking for halftone and binary images
Authors: Kim Hae Yong , Afif Amir
Published: December 2004

An authentication watermark is a hidden data inserted into an image that can be used to detect any accidental or malicious alteration in the image. Many authentication‐watermarking techniques for continuous‐tone images are described in the literature, but only a quite small number of secure authentication watermarking techniques are available for binary/halftone images. This article proposes a simple solution for inserting a secure authentication watermark in binary/halftone images. It consists of choosing a set of pseudo‐random pixels in the image, clearing them, computing the message authentication code (or the digital signature) of the now‐cleared image, and inserting the resulting code into the selected random pixels. Dispersed‐dot halftone images watermarked by the proposed technique present better visual quality than do watermarked generic binary images. However, in practice, the visual degradation is hardly noticeable in either case. The proposed technique seems to be the only binary/halftone watermarking scheme that can detect even a single pixel alteration in the host image. It can be used with secret‐key or public‐key ciphers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 14, 147–152, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ima.20018
GABA alters the metabolic fate of [U‐13C]glutamate in cultured cortical astrocytes
Authors: McKenna Mary C. , Sonnewald Ursula
Published: December 2004

The effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) on glutamate metabolism was studied by 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Cerebral cortical astrocytes were incubated with 0.5 mM [U‐13C]glutamate and 5 mM glucose in the presence or absence of 0.2 mM GABA for 2 hr. 13C‐Labeled glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate were observed in cell extracts, and 13C‐labeled glutamine and lactate were present in the media. Both uniformly labeled glutamate and [1,2,3‐13C]glutamate derived from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were present in the cells. The consumption of [U‐13C]glutamate and glucose was unchanged in the presence of GABA; however, the formation of [U‐13C]lactate and [U‐13C]aspartate from metabolism of [U‐13C]glutamate was increased in cells incubated with GABA. The total concentration of aspartate was increased to the same extent as the 13C‐labeled aspartate, suggesting increased entry of [U‐13C]glutamate into the TCA cycle to allow for the transamination of GABA. Although the concentrations of unlabeled glucose and lactate in the media were unchanged in the presence of GABA, the concentration of alanine was decreased, indicating that there was decreased transamination of the unlabeled pyruvate from glucose metabolism. The amount of [U‐13C]glutamate converted to [U‐13C]glutamine and [U‐13C]lactate was increased in the presence of GABA. However, since the overall consumption of [U‐13C]glutamate was not different, it can be concluded that the amount of [U‐13C]glutamate used for energy was decreased. This suggests that exogenous GABA could substitute for glutamate as an energy source for astrocytes. The results indicate that the presence of GABA influences the metabolic fate of both glutamate and glucose in astrocytes, suggesting that fluctuations in the concentration of GABA in normal and pathological conditions can alter the compartmentation of glial metabolism in brain. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship of climate and genotype to seasonal variation in the glucosinolate–myrosinase system. I. Glucosinolate content in ten cultivars of Brassica oleracea grown in fall and spring seasons
Authors: Charron Craig S , Saxton Arnold M , Sams Carl E
Published: December 2004

Two cultivars each of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var italica), Brussels sprouts (B oleracea var gemmifera), cabbage (B oleracea var capitata), cauliflower (B oleracea var botrytis) and kale (B oleracea var acephala) were grown during two fall seasons and two spring seasons to determine whether significant seasonal effects on glucosinolate (GS) concentrations could be explained by mean temperature, photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) and daylength during the growing seasons. Concentrations of total GSs, indole GSs and glucoraphanin differed by genotype and season. Total GS concentrations at harvest had a negative linear but positive quadratic relationship with temperature and daylength over the 2 weeks preceding harvest and a positive linear but negative quadratic relationship with PPF over the same 2 weeks. The regression model for indole GS concentrations similarly varied with mean temperature, daylength and PPF over the 4 weeks prior to harvest. Glucoraphanin concentrations at harvest decreased linearly with mean PPF from transplanting to harvest and had a negative linear but positive quadratic relationship with daylength from transplanting to harvest. Because glucoraphanin and other GSs in cruciferous crops are important for cancer chemoprotection, climatic conditions should be considered when planning planting dates or when making breeding selections for GS concentration. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Unmalted triticale cultivars as brewing adjuncts: effects of enzyme activities and composition on beer wort quality
Authors: Glatthar Jens , Heinisch Jürgen J , Senn Thomas
Published: December 2004

The applicability of three selected triticale cultivars (Trinidad, Lamberto, Fidelio) for use as brewing adjuncts was investigated in comparison with wheat adjunct and barley malt. Fermentable substance, crude protein and arabinoxylan levels of starchy materials were determined as well as their native potencies (amylolytic, proteolytic, pentosolytic) to solubilise and degrade grain components during mashing. Laboratory‐scale experiments were performed to evaluate the influence of the adjuncts (composition, enzyme potency) on beer wort quality by mashing mixed (1:1) grists of malt and adjunct. Barley malt was rated as the superior raw material, possessing considerably higher enzyme activities and yielding the lowest wort viscosity. Among the triticale cultivars cv Trinidad was identified as the most suitable to serve as a brewing adjunct due to its improved starch solubilisation properties and its ability to generate low wort viscosities. Compared with the potent malt enzymes, the enzyme activities of unmalted triticale (such as amylases, pentosanases and proteases) had little affect on the composition of the sweet worts. In contrast, the contents of crude protein and fermentable substance of the triticale varieties greatly affected wort quality. Furthermore, the adjunct moiety determined the level of wort viscosity when mashing a combination of malt and triticale. In general, the brewing properties of triticale cv Trinidad were comparable with those of wheat. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of vacuum packed cold‐smoked salmon during refrigerated storage as affected by high‐pressure processing
Authors: Lakshmanan R , Miskin David , Piggott John R
Published: December 2004

Effects of high pressure on the shelf life of vacuum‐packed cold‐smoked salmon during refrigerated storage were analysed with respect to changes associated with sensory, chemical (thiobarbituric acid reacting substances; TBARS), cutting strength and colour parameters. High pressure at higher levels (300 MPa) gave lighter products (p < 0.001), and both pressure and storage time significantly affected the cutting strength (p < 0.001) of samples irrespective of process time and temperature. TBARS values increased with increase in pressure and storage time (p < 0.001). The samples clearly formed three clusters based on the pressure levels applied in principal component analysis of descriptive sensory data. The present experimental design yielded optimal process variables, ie, pressure not greater than 200 MPa produces an organoleptically acceptable product, with 20 min as the processing time to suit commercial production costs. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of mechanical stress distributions in a cross section of cucumber fruits: bisector reference line represents tissue anatomy
Authors: Dan Haruka , Okuhara Kazutake , Kohyama Kaoru
Published: December 2004

This study sought to statistically analyze the difference of planar stress distribution in a cross section of cucumber cultivars. The method dealt with statistically comparable data, incorporating both the stress magnitude and their positional information, and was developed to reduce complexity without losing anatomical information. Utilizing the trigonal symmetry of cross‐sectioned cucumbers, a reference line bisecting the cross section was introduced on the rupture frame for referencing the relative locations of stress‐sensing points to the underlying anatomical tissue distribution. The stress–location curves on the reference line statistically differed among the cultivars, especially at the center of the cross section. The corresponding tissue for the center of the curve was the seed cavity, so the cultivar differences arise from mainly the mechanical differences in this tissue. The stress–strain analysis of definite tissues revealed flesh stiffness to exceed the seed cavity stiffness, but both differed from the average stiffness of the whole cross section in all cultivars. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Emulsifying properties of gelatin conjugated to pectin under alkaline conditions
Authors: Diftis Nickolaos G , Pirzas Themis A , Kiosseoglou Vassilios D
Published: December 2004

Gelatin–pectin mixed solution incubated under mild alkaline conditions for a period of 4 h exhibited an improvement of emulsion stability in terms of both droplet coalescence and serum separation. Application of SDS–PAGE provided evidence for gelatin–pectin hybrid formation possibly due to amide bonds between the lysine group residues of protein and the esterified carboxyl groups of the polysaccharide. The superior stabilizing properties of the heat‐treated protein–polysaccharide conjugate is attributed to the enhancement of the repulsive steric forces operating between emulsion oil droplets, as a result of conjugate adsorption through their protein moiety. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Extractive components of boiled–dried scallop adductor muscle and effect on the taste of soup after mixing with chicken leg meat
Authors: Yoneda Chie , Okubo Kumiko , Kasai Midori , Hatae Keiko
Published: December 2004

The extractive components of raw and boiled–dried scallop adductor muscle were examined. On a dry weight basis the levels of total free amino acids, total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and related compounds, and betaines in the boiled–dried sample were lower than those in the raw muscle, which may have been due to the outflow of these compounds during boiling. Soup prepared from the boiled–dried scallop and chicken leg meat was assessed by sensory evaluation. This soup cooked with the scallop and chicken was stronger in sweetness, umami and body and rated higher in overall preference than the soup containing these ingredients after cooking separately. The inosine monophosphate (IMP) level in the former soup was 4.4 times higher than that in the latter. The adenosine monophosphate (AMP) deaminase (EC 3.5.4.6) activity in the crude extract from the chicken meat was 9.16 units l−1, whereas no activity could be detected in the crude extract from the boiled–dried scallop. It is concluded that AMP, which was mainly derived from the boiled–dried scallop, was converted to IMP by AMP deaminase from the chicken meat during the preparation of the soup, resulting in an improvement in the taste. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry