bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Nano-fertilizers Applications on Growth Parameters and Flowering Dynamics in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Authors: Goyal Ankit Kumar , Rajiv  , Nirankar  , Singh Dharmendra Bahadur , Kishor Braj , Sindhesh  , Maurya Brijesh Kumar
Published: September 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar nano-fertilizers on the growth and flowering of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) during the Zaid seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. A Factorial Randomized Block Design with 15 treatment combinations and three replications was employed, utilizing five major nutrients and three levels of micronutrients.  The combination of 75% recommended soil applied NPK with foliar nano NPK (4 ml/L) and nano Zn and Fe (1g/4L) showed maximum improvements in growth parameters, including  plant height (120.35cm), number of leaves/plant (55.38), number of nodes/plant (15.30), number of branches/plant (4.61), stem diameter (2.77cm) and minimum inter-nodal length (7.67cm) and flowering traits such as earlier first flowering (39.88 days), days to 50% flowering (44.36days) and  increased flower production (22.60 flowers/plant).
Assessment of Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Related Traits under Different Dates of Sowing of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Singh Pankaj Kumar , Singh Lokendra , Patel Vinay Kumar , Pandey Aman , Chaudhary Birendra Kumar , Kuswaha Chandramani
Published: September 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a self-pollinating annual plant extensively grown as staple food source in the world. Information on the extent of heritability and genetic advance among different traits of bread wheat genotypes is essential to designing breeding strategies with the objective to estimate heritability and genetic advance for different characters of bread wheat genotypes. A total of 10 bread wheat genotypes were evaluated for 15 traits sown, three at different dates in 10 days interval The first on 30 November 2022, second on 10 December 2022, and third 20 December 2022 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications at Student Instruction Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208002 (U.P.) during Rabi, 2022-23. in Randomized Block Design. High PCV and GCV were observed from biological yield, grain yield, plant height and productive tiller per plant high heritability estimate were recorded for grain yield per plant followed by biological yield per plant, plant height, days to 50% heading, days to maturity, number of productive tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight and number of grains per ear in both generations on individual and grain yield per plant followed by biological yield, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, seed hardness, days to maturity in both generations on pooled basis. High genetic advance was observed for grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation; seed hardness, number of productive tillers per plant in F1 generation and grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant in both the generation on pooled basis. Consequently, since additive gene action controls the phenotypic manifestation of certain features, those traits should receive special attention in wheat breeding programs. Grain yield will therefore be increased by direct selection for these features.
The IoT-Based Early Warning System for Detecting High Tide Floods (ROB-EWS) in Tambak Lorok, Semarang Indonesia
Authors: Damayanti Marsha Alvina , Wahyuningtyas Sri Hapsari , Balistyadhana Dilean Zeva , Hapsari Aprelia Dwi , Shammah Aleikhem El , Yusa Nur Cholish Ahmad , Adi Fajar Purnomo , Yanuar Muhammad Rifqi Wily , Isabella Fransiska Laudya , Wulandari Anisa Dwi , Jannah Alfia Miftachul , Putri Meisa Isnaina , Pratama Jauza Alwan Surya , Nur’alifah Siti , Cherliyawati Hugi , Kusumawati Nugraheni , Abiyasa Maulana Tomy , Pebriyanto Dwiferi , Isworo Slamet
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives: The Tambaklorok fishing village area, located on the northern coast of Semarang City, Indonesia, is susceptible to sea level fluctuations, which often lead to tidal flooding and seawater encroaching into residential areas. Consequently, a seawater flood detector (rob) is needed for effective disaster mitigation for affected communities. This study aims to implement a disaster mitigation system by installing an IoT-based Seawater Flood (Rob) Early Warning System to reduce disaster risks and their impacts on the community.  
Methods: The IoT-based Early Warning System is designed to detect floods by monitoring sea level height parameters. 
Results:  IoT-based devices measure sea level using ultrasonic sensors, with the readings processed by a microprocessor. The data is then periodically analyzed and transmitted to an application in real-time. This technology allows for real-time information dissemination through web applications and alerts in the form of sirens. These warnings enable residents to evacuate and move to safer areas. The siren alerts are categorized into two levels: Alert 1 indicates that seawater is approaching the land boundary, while Alert 2 signals that water has begun to enter residential areas. Additionally, designated evacuation zones will guide affected communities to safer areas.
Conclusion: The installation of an IoT-based Early Warning System delivers real-time information to help mitigate the impact of rising sea levels (rob) in the Tambak Lorok fishing village community.
In silico Study with Antioxidant Activity and α-Amylase Inhibitory Potential in Ethanolic Extract of Melilotus indicus
Authors: Fadal Sabaa Ali Mohammed Al. , Abul-Jabar Rafeef Amer , Almousawei Ula Mohamad Noor
Published: September 2024

Building upon the long history of plants as natural remedies, this study investigated the presence and content of flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, in an ethanolic extract of Melilotus indicus. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also evaluated. The Melilotus genus is renowned for its diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. As anticipated, flavonoids were the primary phenolic constituents identified in M. indicus. The extract exhibited a flavonoid content of 0.49 ± 3.818 mg/g and demonstrated comparable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 1.6 mg/mL) to vitamin C (IC50 = 0.01 mg/mL). A docking study against human salivary amylase (1C8Q), revealed promising binding scores for chlorogenic acid and kaempferol (-6.09196091 and -5.45953274 kcal/mol, respectively) compared to the acarbose drug (-8.8864727 kcal/mol). These findings suggest that M. indicus may be a valuable source of natural antioxidants with potential health benefits.
Internationale Rechnungslegung als Grundlage der steuerlichen Gewinnermittlung aus Sicht des BMF
Authors: Albrecht Anett
Published: September 2024

Maßgeblich für die Steuerbilanz sind nach aktueller Rechtslage gem. § 5 Abs. 1 Satz 1 EStG die handelsrechtlichen Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung (GoB). Dahinter steht die Idee der sog. Einheitsbilanz, deren derzeitige gesetzliche Ausgestaltung durch eine große Anzahl steuerlicher Durchbrechungen immer wieder in die Kritik geraten ist. Spätestens nach Einführung der Globalen Mindestbesteuerung mit dem Mindeststeuergesetz ist die handelsrechtliche Rechnungslegung nach den International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) auch im Steuerrecht relevant. Hieran anknüpfend wird auf EU-Ebene mit dem Vorschlag vom 12.9.2023 „Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)“ nunmehr diskutiert, IFRS als Grundlage der steuerlichen Gewinnermittlung zu etablieren. Damit würde die national über Jahrzehnte ausgeformte HGB-basierte steuerliche Gewinnermittlung bilanzierender Betriebe von Grund auf neu konzipiert werden müssen.
Gewerberaummiete – Die Entwicklungen der Rechtsprechung im 2. Halbjahr 2023
Authors: Burbulla Rainer
Published: September 2024

Während das 1. Halbjahr 2023 v. a. durch „Hiobsbotschaften“ am Bau gekennzeichnet war, „beruhigten“ sich die Entwicklungen in der Gewerberaummiete im 2. Halbjahr 2023 ein wenig. So waren vermehrt „Vermietungsaktivitäten“, wie neue Vertragsschlüsse oder aber der Abschluss von Nachträgen zu bestehenden Mietverträgen zu verzeichnen, und auch die Rechtsprechung zur Gewerberaummiete blieb im 2. Halbjahr 2023 durchaus „überschaubar“. Gleichwohl waren wiederum praxisrelevante Entscheidungen zu den „mietrechtlichen Dauerbrennern“ wie der Schriftform, Betriebs- und Nebenkosten und Gewährleistungsrechten sowie prozessuale Themen zu beobachten.
Aktuelle Zweifelsfragen zur Wegzugsbesteuerung natürlicher Personen – Teil 2 — Zugleich kritische Analyse des neugefassten AEAStG
Authors: Hübner Hendrik , Köring Nils , Schildmann Henning
Published: September 2024

Nachdem im ersten Teil des Beitrags (Ubg 2024, 430) zunächst die Problematik von Mitarbeiteroptionen im Kontext der Wegzugsbesteuerung aufgearbeitet worden ist und zwei konkrete Praxisfälle unter Berücksichtigung des neugefassten AEAStG kritisch analysiert wurden, werden im zweiten Teil des Beitrags zwei weitere Praxisfälle genauer analysiert, bevor abschließend der aktuelle Stand der (noch immer nicht beendeten) Diskussion um die Gewährung einer dauerhaften zinslosen Stundung bei einem Wegzug in die Schweiz aufgearbeitet und erörtert wird.
Die „tatsächliche Durchführung“ eines Ergebnisabführungsvertrags in „angemessener Zeit“
Authors: Kilincsoy Ege-Aksel , Jochimsen-von Gfug Claus
Published: September 2024

Durch die höchstrichterliche Finanzrechtsprechung ist noch nicht geklärt worden, ob Ansprüche aus Ergebnisabführungsverträgen bei Organschaften „zeitnah“ erfüllt werden müssen. In den beiden Urteilen des FG Köln sowie des FG Hamburg ist dieses Erfordernis nunmehr im Grundsatz bejaht worden. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift diese Rechtsprechung auf, um aufzuzeigen, wie das Kriterium der „Zeitnähe“ über die beiden Fälle hinaus auszulegen sein sollte.
Abrupt Bølling warming and ice saddle collapse contributions to the Meltwater Pulse 1a rapid sea level rise
Authors: Gregoire Lauren J. , Otto‐Bliesner Bette , Valdes Paul J. , Ivanovic Ruza
Published: August 2016

Elucidating the source(s) of Meltwater Pulse 1a, the largest rapid sea level rise caused by ice melt (14–18 m in less than 340 years, 14,600 years ago), is important for understanding mechanisms of rapid ice melt and the links with abrupt climate change. Here we quantify how much and by what mechanisms the North American ice sheet could have contributed to Meltwater Pulse 1a, by driving an ice sheet model with two transient climate simulations of the last 21,000 years. Ice sheet perturbed physics ensembles were run to account for model uncertainties, constraining ice extent and volume with reconstructions of 21,000 years ago to present. We determine that the North American ice sheet produced 3–4 m global mean sea level rise in 340 years due to the abrupt Bølling warming, but this response is amplified to 5–6 m when it triggers the ice sheet saddle collapse.
Ranking the strongest ENSO events while incorporating SST uncertainty
Authors: Huang Boyin , L'Heureux Michelle , Hu Zeng‐Zhen , Zhang Huai‐Min
Published: August 2016

The strength of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is often measured using a single, discrete value of the Niño index. However, this method does not consider the sea surface temperature (SST) uncertainty associated with the observations and data processing. On the basis of the Niño3.4 index and its uncertainty, we find that the strength of the three strongest ENSO events is not separable at 95% confidence level. The monthly peak SST anomalies in the most recent 2015–2016 El Niño is tied with 1997–1998 and 1982–1983 El Niño as the strongest. The three most negative monthly Niño values occur within the 1955–1956, 1973–1974, and 1975–1976 La Niña events, which cannot be discriminated by rank. The histograms of 1000‐member ensemble analysis support the conclusion that the strength of the three strongest ENSO events is not separable. These results highlight that the ENSO ranking has to include the SST uncertainty.
Thermodynamic and elastic properties of pyrope at high pressure and high temperature by first‐principles calculations
Authors: Hu Yi , Wu Zhongqing , Dera Przemyslaw K. , Bina Craig R.
Published: August 2016

Pyrope is an Mg end‐member garnet, which constitutes up to ~15% of the upper mantle. Thermodynamic and thermoelastic properties of garnet at high pressure and high temperature are important for understanding the composition and structure of the Earth. Here we report the first‐principles calculations of vibrational properties, thermodynamic properties, and elasticity of pyrope over a wide pressure and temperature range. The calculated results exhibit good consistency with the available experimental results and provide values up to the pressure and temperature range that are challenging for experiments to achieve and measure. Pyrope is almost isotropic at high pressure. The elastic moduli, especially the shear modulus of pyrope, exhibit nonlinear pressure and temperature dependences. Density and seismic velocities of pyrope along with piclogite, pyrolite, and eclogite are compared with seismic models along the normal upper mantle and the cold subducting lithospheric plate geotherms. Pyrope has the highest density and seismic velocities among the major minerals of the upper mantle along these geotherms. Eclogite with 30% pyrope and 70% clinopyroxene is denser than the surrounding mantle even along the normal upper mantle geotherm and becomes still denser along the cold slab geotherm. Seismic velocities of eclogite with 30% pyrope along the normal upper mantle geotherm are slower than the surrounding mantle but along the cold slab geotherm are faster than the surrounding mantle.
New perspectives on self‐similarity for shallow thrust earthquakes
Authors: Denolle Marine A. , Shearer Peter M.
Published: August 2016

Scaling of dynamic rupture processes from small to large earthquakes is critical to seismic hazard assessment. Large subduction earthquakes are typically remote, and we mostly rely on teleseismic body waves to extract information on their slip rate functions. We estimate the P wave source spectra of 942 thrust earthquakes of magnitude Mw 5.5 and above by carefully removing wave propagation effects (geometrical spreading, attenuation, and free surface effects). The conventional spectral model of a single‐corner frequency and high‐frequency falloff rate does not explain our data, and we instead introduce a double‐corner‐frequency model, modified from the Haskell propagating source model, with an intermediate falloff of f−1. The first corner frequency f1 relates closely to the source duration T1, its scaling follows
for Mw<7.5, and changes to
for larger earthquakes. An elliptical rupture geometry better explains the observed scaling than circular crack models. The second time scale T2 varies more weakly with moment,
, varies weakly with depth, and can be interpreted either as expressions of starting and stopping phases, as a pulse‐like rupture, or a dynamic weakening process. Estimated stress drops and scaled energy (ratio of radiated energy over seismic moment) are both invariant with seismic moment. However, the observed earthquakes are not self‐similar because their source geometry and spectral shapes vary with earthquake size. We find and map global variations of these source parameters.
A novel approach to validate satellite soil moisture retrievals using precipitation data
Authors: Karthikeyan L. , Kumar D. Nagesh
Published: August 2016

A novel approach is proposed that attempts to validate passive microwave soil moisture retrievals using precipitation data (applied over India). It is based on the concept that the expectation of precipitation conditioned on soil moisture follows a sigmoidal convex‐concave‐shaped curve, the characteristic of which was recently shown to be represented by mutual information estimated between soil moisture and precipitation. On this basis, with an emphasis over distribution‐free nonparametric computations, a new measure called Copula‐Kernel Density Estimator based Mutual Information (CKDEMI) is introduced. The validation approach is generic in nature and utilizes CKDEMI in tandem with a couple of proposed bootstrap strategies, to check accuracy of any two soil moisture products (here Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–EOS sensor's Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam‐NASA (VUAN) and University of Montana (MONT) products) using precipitation (India Meteorological Department) data. The proposed technique yields a “best choice soil moisture product” map which contains locations where any one of the two/none of the two/both the products have produced accurate retrievals. The results indicated that in general, VUA‐NASA product has performed well over University of Montana's product for India. The best choice soil moisture map is then integrated with land use land cover and elevation information using a novel probability density function‐based procedure to gain insight on conditions under which each of the products has performed well. Finally, the impact of using a different precipitation (Asian Precipitation‐Highly‐Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources) data set over the best choice soil moisture product map is also analyzed. The proposed methodology assists researchers and practitioners in selecting the appropriate soil moisture product for various assimilation strategies at both basin and continental scales.
Observational constraints on glyoxal production from isoprene oxidation and its contribution to organic aerosol over the Southeast United States
Authors: Li Jingyi , Mao Jingqiu , Min Kyung‐Eun , Washenfelder Rebecca A. , Brown Steven S. , Kaiser Jennifer , Keutsch Frank N. , Volkamer Rainer , Wolfe Glenn M. , Hanisco Thomas F. , Pollack Ilana B. , Ryerson Thomas B. , Graus Martin , Gilman Jessica B. , Lerner Brian M. , Warneke Carsten , de Gouw Joost A. , Middlebrook Ann M. , Liao Jin , Welti André , Henderson Barron H. , McNeill V. Faye , Hall Samuel R. , Ullmann Kirk , Donner Leo J. , Paulot Fabien , Horowitz Larry W.
Published: August 2016

We use a 0‐D photochemical box model and a 3‐D global chemistry‐climate model, combined with observations from the NOAA Southeast Nexus (SENEX) aircraft campaign, to understand the sources and sinks of glyoxal over the Southeast United States. Box model simulations suggest a large difference in glyoxal production among three isoprene oxidation mechanisms (AM3ST, AM3B, and Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) v3.3.1). These mechanisms are then implemented into a 3‐D global chemistry‐climate model. Comparison with field observations shows that the average vertical profile of glyoxal is best reproduced by AM3ST with an effective reactive uptake coefficient γglyx of 2 × 10−3 and AM3B without heterogeneous loss of glyoxal. The two mechanisms lead to 0–0.8 µg m−3 secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from glyoxal in the boundary layer of the Southeast U.S. in summer. We consider this to be the lower limit for the contribution of glyoxal to SOA, as other sources of glyoxal other than isoprene are not included in our model. In addition, we find that AM3B shows better agreement on both formaldehyde and the correlation between glyoxal and formaldehyde (RGF = [GLYX]/[HCHO]), resulting from the suppression of δ‐isoprene peroxy radicals. We also find that MCM v3.3.1 may underestimate glyoxal production from isoprene oxidation, in part due to an underestimated yield from the reaction of isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) peroxy radicals with HO2. Our work highlights that the gas‐phase production of glyoxal represents a large uncertainty in quantifying its contribution to SOA.
Measurements and models of reactive transport in geological media
Authors: Berkowitz Brian , Dror Ishai , Hansen Scott K. , Scher Harvey
Published: August 2016

Reactive chemical transport plays a key role in geological media across scales, from pore scale to aquifer scale. Systems can be altered by changes in solution chemistry and a wide variety of chemical transformations, including precipitation/dissolution reactions that cause feedbacks that directly affect the flow and transport regime. The combination of these processes with advective‐dispersive‐diffusive transport in heterogeneous media leads to a rich spectrum of complex dynamics. The principal challenge in modeling reactive transport is to account for the subtle effects of fluctuations in the flow field and species concentrations; spatial or temporal averaging generally suppresses these effects. Moreover, it is critical to ground model conceptualizations and test model outputs against laboratory experiments and field measurements. This review emphasizes the integration of these aspects, considering carefully designed and controlled experiments at both laboratory and field scales, in the context of development and solution of reactive transport models based on continuum‐scale and particle tracking approaches. We first discuss laboratory experiments and field measurements that define the scope of the phenomena and provide data for model comparison. We continue by surveying models involving advection‐dispersion‐reaction equation and continuous time random walk formulations. The integration of measurements and models is then examined, considering a series of case studies in different frameworks. We delineate the underlying assumptions, and strengths and weaknesses, of these analyses, and the role of probabilistic effects. We also show the key importance of quantifying the spreading and mixing of reactive species, recognizing the role of small‐scale physical and chemical fluctuations that control the initiation of reactions.
New capabilities of the upgraded EISCAT high‐power HF facility
Authors: Rietveld M. T. , Senior A. , Markkanen J. , Westman A.
Published: August 2016

The high‐power HF (high‐frequency) facility (commonly known as Heating) near Tromsø, Norway, which is an essential part of the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association, has been upgraded in certain key areas in recent years. It is one of only four similar facilities in the world operating at present. An updated description of the facility is given, together with scientific motivation and some results. The main high‐power parts such as transmitters, feed‐system, and antennas remain essentially the same as built in the late 1970s. The improvements are in the areas of radio frequency waveform generation, computer control, and monitoring. In particular, fast stepping in frequency is now possible, an important aspect in examining features close to harmonics of the electron gyrofrequency. One antenna array has been modified to allow reception to implement an HF radar mode for mesospheric and magnetospheric probing. More realistic modeling of the antenna gain gives improved estimates of the total effective radiated power for both wanted and unwanted circular polarizations. Results are presented by using these new capabilities, but their full scientific potential has yet to be achieved.
Accessing the High‐Q Dark Plasmonic Fano Resonances in Superconductor Metasurfaces
Authors: Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Manjappa Manukumara , Krishnamoorthy Harish N. S. , Singh Ranjan
Published: August 2016

Superconducting metamaterials at terahertz frequencies has provided a platform for designing switchable plasmonic metamaterial devices. However, since metals at terahertz frequencies are excellent conductors, the superior role of superconductors in designing low‐loss, high quality factor metamaterials remains unclear. In this work, a low asymmetry Fano resonant split‐ring‐resonator is considered in which a regime of extremely low radiative loss is identified where the high temperature yttrium barium copper oxide superconductor meta‐atom supports a sharp high quality factor Fano resonance while an identical metallic resonator does not show the resonance behavior. The radiative and the nonradiative losses are comparable in low asymmetry Fano resonant meta‐atoms. The observation of high quality factor Fano resonance behavior clearly establishes the utility of superconductors over metals in designing lower loss plasmonic metamaterials at terahertz frequencies that may have multifunctional applications in areas that require strong light–matter interactions.
Indium‐Catalyzed Formal N‐Arylation and N‐Alkylation of Pyrroles with Amines
Authors: Yonekura Kyohei , Oki Kenji , Tsuchimoto Teruhisa
Published: August 2016

Under indium Lewis acid catalysis, a nitrogen atom of N‐unsubstituted pyrroles was replaced with a nitrogen atom of primary amines, thereby producing N‐aryl‐ and N‐alkylpyrroles. This system formally introducing such carbon frameworks to the pyrrole nitrogen atom shows unique selectivity: only the H−N(pyrrolyl) unit undergoes the N‐arylation and N‐alkylation even in the coexistence of a similar H−N(indolyl) part; and an aryl–halogen bond remains intact. These are clearly different from the typical method depending on the C−N(pyrrolyl) bond‐forming reaction with organic halides as substrates. From a viewpoint of pyrrole N‐protection–deprotection chemistry, worth noting is that a methyl group on the pyrrole nitrogen atom can be removed, albeit in a formal way.

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Reduced Recombination in High Efficiency Molecular Nematic Liquid Crystalline: Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Armin Ardalan , Subbiah Jegadesan , Stolterfoht Martin , Shoaee Safa , Xiao Zeyun , Lu Shirong , Jones David J. , Meredith Paul
Published: August 2016

Bimolecular recombination in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells is the process by which nongeminate photogenerated free carriers encounter each other, and combine to form a charge transfer (CT) state which subsequently relaxes to the ground state. It is governed by the diffusion of the slower and faster carriers toward the electron donor–acceptor interface. In an increasing number of systems, the recombination rate constant is measured to be lower than that predicted by Langevin's model for relative Brownian motion and the capture of opposite charges. This study investigates the dynamics of charge generation, transport, and recombination in a nematic liquid crystalline donor:fullerene acceptor system that gives solar cells with initial power conversion efficiencies of >9.5%. Unusually, and advantageously from a manufacturing perspective, these efficiencies are maintained in junctions thicker than 300 nm. Despite finding imbalanced and moderate carrier mobilities in this blend, strongly suppressed bimolecular recombination is observed, which is ≈150 times less than predicted by Langevin theory, or indeed, more recent and advanced models that take into account the domain size and the spatial separation of electrons and holes. The suppressed bimolecular recombination arises from the fact that ground‐state decay of the CT state is significantly slower than dissociation.
Trade‐Off between Trap Filling, Trap Creation, and Charge Recombination Results in Performance Increase at Ultralow Doping Levels in Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Shang Zhengrong , Heumueller Thomas , Prasanna Rohit , Burkhard George F. , Naab Benjamin D. , Bao Zhenan , McGehee Michael D. , Salleo Alberto
Published: August 2016

Doping of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells has the potential to improve their power conversion efficiency (PCE). Deconvoluting the effect of doping on charge transport, recombination, and energetic disorder remains challenging. It is demonstrated that molecular doping has two competing effects: on one hand, dopant ions create additional traps while on the other hand free dopant‐induced charges fill deep states possibly leading to V
OC and mobility increases. It is shown that molar dopant concentrations as low as a few parts per million can improve the PCE of organic bulk heterojunctions. Higher concentrations degrade the performance of the cells. In doped cells where PCE is observed to increase, such improvement cannot be attributed to better charge transport. Instead, the V
OC increase in unannealed P3HT:PCBM cells upon doping is indeed due to trap filling, while for annealed P3HT:PCBM cells the change in V
OC is related to morphology changes and dopant segregation. In PCDTBT:PC70BM cells, the enhanced PCE upon doping is explained by changes in the thickness of the active layer. This study highlights the complexity of bulk doping in organic solar cells due to the generally low doping efficiency and the constraint on doping concentrations to avoid carrier recombination and adverse morphology changes.
Diagnostic conundrums in antenatal presentation of a skeletal dysplasia with description of a heterozygous C‐propeptide mutation in COL1A1 associated with a severe presentation of osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Marshall Charlotte J. , Arundel Paul , Mushtaq Talat , Offiah Amaka C. , Pollitt Rebecca C. , Bishop Nicholas J. , Balasubramanian Meena
Published: August 2016

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias can play a crucial role in ensuring appropriate counseling and management (both antenatal and postnatal). When a skeletal dysplasia is detected during the antenatal period, especially early in the pregnancy, it can be associated with a poor prognosis. It is important to make a diagnosis in antenatal presentation of skeletal dysplasias to inform diagnosis, predict prognosis, provide accurate recurrence risks, and options for prenatal genetic testing in future pregnancies. Prenatal ultrasound scanning is a useful tool to detect several skeletal dysplasias and sonographic measurements serve as reliable indicators of lethality. The lethality depends on various factors including gestational age at which features are identified, size of the chest and progression of malformations. Although, it is important to type the skeletal presentation as accurately as possible, this is not always possible in an antenatal presentation and it is important to acknowledge this uncertainty. In the case of a live birth, it is always important to reassess the infant. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by fragile bones. Here, we report an infant with severe OI born following a twin pregnancy in whom the bone disease is caused by a heterozygous pathogenic mutation, c.4160C >T, p.(Ala1387Val) located in the C‐propeptide region of COL1A1. An assumption of lethality antenatally complicated his management in early life. We discuss this patient with particular emphasis on the neonatal presentation of a severe skeletal dysplasia and the lessons that may be learned in such situations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors impacting cerebrospinal fluid leak rates in endoscopic sellar surgery
Authors: Karnezis Tom T. , Baker Andrew B. , Soler Zachary M. , Wise Sarah K. , Rereddy Shruthi K. , Patel Zara M. , Oyesiku Nelson M. , DelGaudio John M. , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G. , Woodworth Bradford A. , Riley Kristen O. , Lee John , Cusimano Michael D. , Govindaraj Satish , Psaltis Alkis , Wormald Peter John , Santoreneos Steve , Sindwani Raj , Trosman Samuel , Stokken Janalee K. , Woodard Troy D. , Recinos Pablo F. , Vandergrift W. Alexander , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: August 2016

Background

In patients undergoing transnasal endoscopic sellar surgery, an analysis of risk factors and predictors of intraoperative and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) would provide important prognostic information.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing endoscopic sellar surgery for pituitary adenomas or craniopharyngiomas between 2002 and 2014 at 7 international centers was performed. Demographic, comorbidity, and tumor characteristics were evaluated to determine the associations between intraoperative and postoperative CSF leaks. Correlations between reconstructive and CSF diversion techniques were associated with postoperative CSF leak rates. Odds ratios (OR) were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Data were collected on 1108 pituitary adenomas and 53 craniopharyngiomas. Overall, 30.1% of patients had an intraoperative leak and 5.9% had a postoperative leak. Preoperative factors associated with increased intraoperative leaks were mild liver disease, craniopharyngioma, and extension into the anterior cranial fossa. In patients with intraoperative CSF leaks, postoperative leaks occurred in 10.3%, with a higher postoperative leak rate in craniopharyngiomas (20.8% vs 5.1% in pituitary adenomas). Once an intraoperative leak occurred, craniopharyngioma (OR = 4.255, p = 0.010) and higher body mass index (BMI) predicted postoperative leak (OR = 1.055, p = 0.010). In patients with an intraoperative leak, the use of septal flaps reduced the occurrence of postoperative leak (OR = 0.431, p = 0.027). Rigid reconstruction and CSF diversion techniques did not impact postoperative leak rates.

Conclusion

Intraoperative CSF leaks can occur during endoscopic sellar surgery, especially in larger tumors or craniopharyngiomas. Once an intraoperative leak occurs, risk factors for postoperative leaks include craniopharyngiomas and higher BMI. Use of septal flaps decreases this risk.
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy reduces chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with antibody deficiency
Authors: Walsh Jarrett E. , Gurrola Jose G. , Graham Scott M. , Mott Sarah L. , Ballas Zuhair K
Published: August 2016

Background

Patients with primary antibody deficiencies have an increased frequency of sinonasal and pulmonary infections. Immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement is a standard therapy for common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and other antibody deficiency diseases. Although there is convincing evidence that Ig replacement reduces pulmonary infections, there is little evidence that it reduces sinus infections or abates chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This study aims to identify the impact of Ig replacement on CRS in antibody deficiencies.

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective chart review of adult patients from 1995 to 2015 was performed. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of CVID or specific antibody deficiency (SAD), history of CRS requiring medical and/or surgical management within the year prior to presentation, treatment with Ig replacement therapy, and follow‐up interval of at least 1 year after initiating Ig replacement. Patients with secondary immune deficiencies were excluded. Thirty‐one patients met criteria. Data collected included pretreatment and posttreatment Lund‐Mackay scores, and frequency of sinusitis and pulmonary infections requiring rescue antibiotics. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests.

Results

A significant decline in the Lund‐Mackay score was evidenced from pretreatment to posttreatment (p < 0.01). Treatment also resulted in significantly lower rates of sinusitis (p < 0.01) and pulmonary infections (p < 0.01). Additionally, 56% of patients who were on prophylactic antibiotics prior to Ig replacement were able to discontinue their use.

Conclusion

We present objective evidence showing that Ig replacement therapy has a positive impact on the frequency of sinusitis and confirm its positive impact on pulmonary infections in adult patients with CVID and SAD.
Poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hybrids: Crystallization behavior and thermal degradation
Authors: Xia Sainan , Liu Qingsheng , Shen Ying , Yao Pengfei , Deng Bingyao
Published: August 2016

Biodegradable organic–inorganic hybrids based on poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with 5.3–21.3 wt % POSS were synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). Chemical structures of the polymers were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis illustrated that both POSS and PCL segment in POSS/PCL hybrids could crystallize and form two well‐separated crystalline phases except in the one with low content of POSS (5.3 wt %). Melting behavior and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of POSS/PCL hybrids were studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results indicated that the POSS segment suppressed crystallization of the PCL segment to some extent. Polarizing optical microscope (POM) images showed that POSS/PCL hybrids with the highest POSS loading (21.3 wt %) possessed “snowflake” shape crystals whereas the ones with relatively low POSS loading exhibited classic spherulites. Thermogravimetry (TG) measurement revealed that thermal degradation of POSS/PCL hybrids proceeded by four‐step while PCL homopolymers degraded by a single step. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44113.
C−H Bond Activation/Arylation Catalyzed by Arene–Ruthenium–Aniline Complexes in Water
Authors: Binnani Chinky , Tyagi Deepika , Rai Rohit K. , Mobin Shaikh M. , Singh Sanjay K.
Published: August 2016

Water‐soluble arene–ruthenium complexes coordinated with readily available aniline‐based ligands were successfully employed as highly active catalysts in the C−H bond activation and arylation of 2‐phenylpyridine with aryl halides in water. A variety of (hetero)aryl halides were also used for the ortho‐C−H bond arylation of 2‐phenylpyridine to afford the corresponding ortho‐ monoarylated products as major products in moderate to good yields. Our investigations, including time‐scaled NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry studies, evidenced that the coordinating aniline‐based ligands, having varying electronic and steric properties, had a significant influence on the catalytic activity of the resulting arene–ruthenium–aniline‐based complexes. Moreover, mass spectrometry identification of the cycloruthenated species, {(η6‐arene)Ru(κ2‐C,N‐phenylpyridine)}+, and several ligand‐coordinated cycloruthenated species, such as [(η6‐arene)Ru(4‐methylaniline)(κ2‐C,N‐phenylpyridine)]+, found during the reaction of 2‐phenylpyridine with the arene–ruthenium–aniline complexes further authenticated the crucial roles of these species in the observed highly active and tuned catalyst. At last, the structures of a few of the active catalysts were also confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Long non‐coding RNAs in cancer metabolism
Authors: Xiao Zhen‐Dong , Zhuang Li , Gan Boyi
Published: August 2016

Altered cellular metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancer. Accumulating recent evidence links long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a still poorly understood class of non‐coding RNAs, to cancer metabolism. Here we review the emerging findings on the functions of lncRNAs in cancer metabolism, with particular emphasis on how lncRNAs regulate glucose and glutamine metabolism in cancer cells, discuss how lncRNAs regulate various aspects of cancer metabolism through their cross‐talk with other macromolecules, explore the mechanistic conceptual framework of lncRNAs in reprogramming metabolism in cancers, and highlight the challenges in this field. A more in‐depth understanding of lncRNAs in cancer metabolism may enable the development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies targeting cancer metabolism.
Validation of the alternating conditional estimation algorithm for estimation of flexible extensions of Cox's proportional hazards model with nonlinear constraints on the parameters
Authors: Wynant Willy , Abrahamowicz Michal
Published: August 2016

Standard optimization algorithms for maximizing likelihood may not be applicable to the estimation of those flexible multivariable models that are nonlinear in their parameters. For applications where the model's structure permits separating estimation of mutually exclusive subsets of parameters into distinct steps, we propose the alternating conditional estimation (ACE) algorithm. We validate the algorithm, in simulations, for estimation of two flexible extensions of Cox's proportional hazards model where the standard maximum partial likelihood estimation does not apply, with simultaneous modeling of (1) nonlinear and time‐dependent effects of continuous covariates on the hazard, and (2) nonlinear interaction and main effects of the same variable. We also apply the algorithm in real‐life analyses to estimate nonlinear and time‐dependent effects of prognostic factors for mortality in colon cancer. Analyses of both simulated and real‐life data illustrate good statistical properties of the ACE algorithm and its ability to yield new potentially useful insights about the data structure.
Interaction of polyethyleneimine‐anchored copper(II) complexes with tRNA studied by spectroscopy methods and biological activities
Authors: Lakshmipraba Jagadeesan , Arunachalam Sankaralingam , Gandi Devadas A. , Thirunalasundari Thyagarajan , Vignesh Sivanandham , James Rathinam A.
Published: August 2016

Ultraviolet–visible, emission and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods were used in transfer RNA (tRNA) interaction studies performed for polyethyleneimine–copper(II) complexes [Cu(phen)(l‐Tyr)BPEI]ClO4 (where phen =1,10‐phenanthroline, l‐Tyr = l‐tyrosine and BPEI = branched polyethyleneimine) with various degrees of coordination (x = 0.059, 0.149, 0.182) in the polymer chain. The results indicated that polyethyleneimine–copper(II) complexes bind with tRNA mostly through surface binding, although other binding modes, such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, might also be present. Dye‐exclusion, sulforhodamine B and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays of a polyethyleneimine–copper(II) complex with a higher degree of coordination against different cancer cell lines proved that the complex exhibited cytotoxic specificity and a significant cancer cell inhibition rate. Antimicrobial screening showed activity against some human pathogens.
Orange‐red emitting europium doped strontium ortho‐silicate phosphor prepared by a solid state reaction method
Authors: Sahu Ishwar Prasad
Published: August 2016

In the present article we report europium‐doped strontium ortho‐silicates, namely Sr2SiO4:xEu3+ (x = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 mol%) phosphors, prepared by solid state reaction method. The crystal structures of the sintered phosphors were consistent with orthorhombic crystallography with a Pmna space group. The chemical compositions of the sintered phosphors were confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Thermoluminescence (TL) kinetic parameters such as activation energy, order of kinetics and frequency factors were calculated by the peak shape method. Orange‐red emission originating from the 5D0–7FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3) transitions of Eu3+ ions could clearly be observed after samples were excited at 395 nm. The combination of these emissions constituted orange‐red light as indicated on the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity diagram. Mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increasing impact velocity of the moving piston that suggests that these phosphors can also be used as sensors to detect the stress of an object. Thus, the present investigation indicates that the piezo‐electricity was responsible for producing ML in the prepared phosphor.
Micellar liquid chromatographic determination of metformin hydrochloride using fluorimetric detection after pre‐column derivatization: application to pharmacokinetic parameters in immediate and sustained release formulations
Authors: Wahba Mary E.K.
Published: August 2016

An accurate and selective method using micellar liquid chromatography was developed to determine metformin hydrochloride both in its pharmaceutical dosage forms and human plasma. Separation was conducted using a Zorbax SB‐Phenyl (250 × 4.6 mm id) stainless steel column at ambient temperature after pre‐column derivatization with 9,10‐phenanthraquinone. A mobile phase composed of 0.1 M sodium dodecyl sulfate, 10% 1‐propanol and triethylamine (0.3%) in 0.02 M phosphoric acid, adjusted to pH 2.5, was used at a flow rate of 1 ml/min with fluorimetric detection at 450 nm after excitation at 306 nm. The proposed method showed high sensitivity with limit of quantification of 0.35 μg/ml and limit of detection of 0.23 μg/ml, being linear from 0.5 to 3.0 μg/ml. Being highly sensitive, the method could be applied to spiked human plasma, and also to follow the pharmacokinetic parameters of the studied drug in healthy volunteers after administration of both its immediate and sustained release tablet formulations. Such procedures were carried out without any extraction steps, which improves the accuracy and precision of the proposed method when applied to human plasma. Detailed validation procedures were also carried out giving results in accordance with the comparison method. The proposed method has also the advantage of being environmentally safe, where the use of organic solvents is highly limited in comparison with other traditional chromatographic separation methods that depend mainly on a high proportion of organic modifiers. This concept, in turn, emphasizes the application of green chemistry in the analysis of pharmaceutical products. The simplicity, relatively low cost and short analysis time of the suggested method makes it a candidate for routine quality control work.
President's Page
Authors: Caidi Nadia
Published: August 2016

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

ASIS&T president Nadia Caidi announces incoming board members for the positions of president‐elect, treasurer and directors‐at‐large and recognizes the volunteer service of dedicated members in a variety of activities. The search for a director to succeed Dick Hill and interviews with applicants for the position of communications officer continue, while the steadfast team at ASIS&T headquarters maintains operations and member services. The Association's first Meet the Authors webinar, exploring search engine manipulation, was stimulating, and doctoral students' videos on their research will soon be viewable online. Google Scholar metrics for June 2016 reaffirm the leading position of ASIS&T publications for the information science community. The upcoming ASIS&T Annual Meeting in Copenhagen and other fall 2016 meetings in Europe offer valuable opportunities for learning, networking and career growth.
The ineffectiveness of counterclaim advertising for increasing consumer sentiment
Authors: Coker Brent
Published: August 2016

When a brand is disliked, one strategy used to improve consumer sentiment is to make counter‐claims against the reason for dislike. But little is known about the effectiveness of this strategy, or the effect this strategy has on differential judgements towards the brand. Two experimental studies are conducted to shed light on the effectiveness of counterclaim advertising. The results find evidence to suggest that counter‐claim advertising may actually worsen sentiment towards the brand, when the brand is already disliked. The findings suggest that brands do not try to directly counter known reasons for dislike, but instead formulate alternative ways to rebuild trust. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemical and Cytogenetic Characterization ofCentaurea solstitialisL. (Asteraceae) from Croatia
Authors: Carev Ivana , Ruščić Mirko , Skočibušić Mirjana , Maravić Ana , Siljak‐Yakovlev Sonja , Politeo Olivera
Published: August 2016

The cytogenetic characterization ofCentaurea solstitialisL. (Asteraceae) showed a chromosome number of 2n = 16. Karyotype is composed by four pairs of metacentric, two pairs of submetacentric and two pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes. Physical mapping of tworDNAprobes revealed two loci of 35S and one locus of 5SrRNAgenes. Chromomycin fluorochrome banding revealed that allrDNAloci wereGCrich. The genome size (2C‐value) of 1.95 pg classes this species in the group of very small genomes. Chemical composition ofC. solstitialisvolatile oil (VO) from Croatia, studied with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed dominant components as it follows: hexadecanoic acid,α‐linolenic acid, germacrene D and heptacosane. Antioxidant capacity, measured by ferric reducing power assay and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl methods, as well as inhibition of acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase of VO was lower comparing to a standard solutions. Volatile oil tested with disc diffusion method showed good inhibitory potential againstPseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coliand all tested fungi:Candida albicans,Penicillium funiculosumandAspergillus fumigatus. The microdilution method showed best activity againstChronobacter sakazakiiandA. fumigatus.