bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN TERMS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Authors: Allahverdiyev Elnur
Published: May 2024

This article was prepared by conducting a literature review to address the environmental effects of organic agriculture. In order to understand the environmental dimension of organic agriculture, existing information was synthesized and the findings obtained as a result of this synthesis were focused on. The article is an in-depth review of information, data and research on the environmental impacts of organic farming, highlighting important issues in this field. By synthesizing the rich content in the literature, the aim is to understand the environmental dimension of organic agriculture and evaluate its effects on the environmental sustainability of this agriculture. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of organic farming.
INNOVATIVE	INVESTMENT	ACTIVITIES	OF	ENTERPRISES:	CASE	OF	INDUSTRIAL	PARKS
Authors: Mammadova Elnura
Published: May 2024

The research aims to validate the efficacy of creative and investment endeavors undertaken by firms operating inside eco-industrial parks in the framework of a circular economy. The research is based on the use of system and synergistic approaches to study the innovation and investment activities of enterprises within the ecoindustrial park. These approaches allow for the examination of these activities as distinct subsystems, which ultimately contribute to the overall synergistic effect of the park. The consolidation of manufacturing firms inside eco-industrial parks involves a more cohesive collaboration among businesses, facilitated by cooperative investments. The proposed systematic approach for assessing the effectiveness of innovation and investment activities of enterprises within ecoindustrial parks has been approved, demonstrating the potential for achieving positive outcomes from investments and innovative projects undertaken by enterprises operating within ecoindustrial parks, within the framework of the circular economy.
From Late Prehistory to the Foundation of Early States in Inland Southeast Asia: a Debate
Authors: Higham Charles , Manly Bryan , Navarro Alberto Jorge
Published: May 2024

Mortuary data from three Iron Age sites in Northeast Thailand and three in Northwest Cambodia are here reviewed for information on social formation on the cusp of early states. It has been suggested that the three Cambodian sites present evidence for a complex polity with three social tiers and that this contrasts with the lack of any evidence for equivalent complexity in the three communities in the upper Mun Valley of Northeast Thailand. This model is examined and queried on the basis of insufficient data for the Cambodian sites, and contestable statistical analysis. In its place, an alternative is presented, that identifies a critically important climatic deterioration causing increased aridity which stimulated the development of plough-based wet rice cultivation in irrigated permanent fields. In the upper Mun Valley of Northeast Thailand, this coincided with a swift rise in social elites, interred in lineage-based nuclei in which leading individuals were accompanied by unprecedented wealth. Within a century or two, some Iron Age settlements greatly expanded into regal centers documented through texts that mentioned the state of Sri Canasapura. This transition might also have occurred in Northwest Cambodia at the same time, but evidence for this is so far unconvincing.
EARLY METAL AGE POTTERY FROM FATU AKI ANIK KNUA, TIMOR-LESTE AND THE APPEARANCE OF CERAMICS IN THE WALLACEAN ISLANDS SUPPLEMENTARY FILE 3: FAAK OPEN SITE CATALOGUE—DECORATED RIMS
Authors: Beaumont Phillip , O'Connor Sue , Leclerc Mathieu
Published: May 2024

This catalogue presents descriptions and observations on 17 diagnostic decorated rim shards from the Faak Open site.
Technology, subsistence strategies and diversity in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, during the Toalean Mid-Holocene period: recent advances in research
Authors: Perston Yinika Lotus , Burhan Basran , Newman Kim , Hakim Budianto , Oktaviana Adhi Agus , Brumm Adam
Published: May 2024

The central Indonesian island of Sulawesi has played an important role in modern and pre-modern human migration through the Southeast Asian island chain.  Over the last two decades, archaeological excavations in South Sulawesi have provided new insights into the ancient human past of this region, in particular the extensive Mid-Holocene or ‘Toalean’ sites, as well as several significant Pleistocene-age discoveries.  This paper assesses the latest research and what implications these works have for prior models of human prehistory in the region.  We show that recent studies have revealed that Toalean-era toolmakers were able to adapt to different environments and raw material sources, but would also transport desired raw materials for production of certain artefact types.  Early quarry sites have also been identified for the first time.  In addition, new excavations have revealed complex tool forms in forested highland environments, previously thought to hold only sparse and elementary assemblages, allowing us to re-assess twentieth century models of Toalean cultural subgroups and distribution.  The rich parietal art initially attributed to the Toalean has now been dated to the Late Pleistocene, roughly contemporaneous with the production of ‘portable art’ in this region, while lithic artefacts dated to between at least 194-118 thousand years ago at Talepu appear to predate modern Homo sapiens occupation.  Two newly reported highland sites have also yielded rich and deeply stratified archaeological deposits. These may offer the best opportunity to test hypotheses such as the transitional ‘Ceramic Toalean’ contact phase, as site disturbance and subsistence have formerly compromised the stratigraphic integrity of most excavations.  This review shows that, while much work is still needed particularly in obtaining a reliable body of well-stratified and reliable dates, recent research presents an image of early innovation in the region in the form of Late Pleistocene ‘art’ production and Mid-Holocene technological developments that are both earlier and more extensive that previously known.
Coastal heritage: exploring caves and associated indigenous knowledge in the Lanta Bay (Southern Thailand)
Authors: Bellina Berenice , Rotchanarat Sorathach , Tan Noel Hidalgo , Evrard Olivier
Published: May 2024

This article presents the preliminary results of community-based archaeological and ethnographic research on the maritime heritage landscape along the Lanta Bay involving the Urak Lawoi sea nomads and with a focus on caves and rock art. It documents several newly-discovered rock art sites as well as the relationships local groups entertain, or not, with these caves. By doing so, it wishes to investigate the various social groups direct or indirect involvement in regional network through time: merchants, sea nomads, fishermen, estuarine and inland forest groups, etc. In a matter of fact, until now, research has mostly focused on lowland riverine ports, foreign merchants and to long-distance connections. In comparison, much less attention has been paid to the many other local groups for whom offshore or coastal caves, islands and mangrove forest in estuaries constituted places for resource procurement, homes, landmarks, temporary shelters or ritual places. This project intends aims to document these groups’ contribution of all to maritime history and the landscape heritage.
Phylogenetic study of some major Dendrobium species of Eastern Himalaya using internal transcribed spacer marker
Authors: Mondal Animesh , De Kalyan Kumar
Published: May 2024

The entire internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing was used to determine the phylogenetic relationship of 44 Eastern Himalayan Dendrobium species using the Sanger method and MEGA 11. The combined length of ITS-I and ITS-II varies between 623 and 644 base pairs (bp). Among them, there are 403 polymorphic, 91 unique, and 223 conserved nucleotides. In addition, 337 nucleotides are parsimony informative, with a mean of 0.51 that supports the presence of genetic variation in the genome of the selected species. Overall composition distance is 0.32, transition and transversion bias (R) 1.444, and mean evolutionary divergence (d) 0.16. The length of ITS-2 sequences is bigger than that of ITS-I. ITS-II exhibits a higher G+C% content, and the K2+G model is the most suitable, with the lowest penalty for nucleotide substitutions. The average consistency, retention, composite value, and parsimony-informative sites (in parentheses) are 0.5028 (0.4571), 0.6545 (0.6545), and 0.3290 (0.2992), respectively. The mean value of the disparity indices is 0.192, which measures the variation in evolutionary trends between two sequences. In addition, the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) is −0.33 promotes purifying species selection. The prevalence of the TGT codon is abundant across the sequences, with the UCG codon exhibiting the highest relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU). Conversely, the GAC codon has the lowest RSCU value. The greatest genetic divergence occurred between Dendrobium aphyllum and Dendrobium denudans. The Breviflorus species group has the most genetic diversity, whereas Formosae has the least. Between Grastidium and Stachyobium group sequences had the highest evolutionary distance, whereas Dendrobium and Grastidium had the least. The negative value of Tajima’s D, Fu and Li’s D*, F*, and Fu’s Fs tests indicated current population is growing after facing a recent bottleneck. This study suggests that ITS sequencing could be a major focus of comparative sequencing at the generic level in Dendrobium plants and could provide valuable phylogenetic reconstruction for clarifying the evolutionary relevance of the taxa studied.
RAPSYN-Mediated Neddylation of BCR-ABL Alternatively Determines the Fate of Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Leukemia
Authors: Zhao Mengya , Dai Beiying , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Yixin , Qiao Chun , Qin Yaru , Li Zhao , Li Qingmei , Wang Shuzhen , Yang Yong , Chen Yijun
Published: May 2024

Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph
+
) leukemia is a fatal hematological malignancy. Although standard treatments with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have achieved remarkable success in prolonging patient survival, intolerance, relapse and TKI resistance remain serious issues for patients with Ph
+
leukemia. Here, we report a new leukemogenic process in which RAPSYN and BCR-ABL co-occur in Ph
+
leukemia, and RAPSYN mediates the neddylation of BCR-ABL. Consequently, neddylated BCR-ABL enhances the stability by competing its c-CBL-mediated degradation. Furthermore, SRC phosphorylates RAPSYN to activate its NEDD8 E3 ligase activity, promoting BCR-ABL stabilization and disease progression. Moreover, in contrast to
in vivo
ineffectiveness of PROTAC-based degraders, depletion of RAPSYN expression or its ligase activity decreased BCR-ABL stability and, in turn, inhibited tumor formation and growth. Collectively, these findings represent an alternative to tyrosine kinase activity for the oncoprotein and leukemogenic cells and generate a rationale of targeting RAPSYN-mediated BCR-ABL neddylation for the treatment of Ph
+
leukemia.
The enigma of cell intercalation
Authors: Clément Raphaël
Published: May 2024

Geometric criteria can be used to assess whether cell intercalation is active or passive during the convergent extension of tissue.
Advanced Fire Investigation Technique Utilizing Virtual Reality
Authors: Kim Sun Jae , Kang Min Hyeok , Woo Woo-Seung , Min Jun Sung , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an advanced technique for fire investigation via the development and application of a virtual reality (VR)-based system. After capturing a fire scene with a 360° camera, the acquired image files are processed, edited, and executed through a developed program to reconstruct the scene in VR. Currently, fire investigation methods involve writing reports based on photographed pictures. However, this 2D approach has limitations, as individuals who cannot visit the site in person lack a sense of presence and immersion. When the proposed technique is applied to scene investigations, wearing an head-mounted display allows for the investigation of scenes from a 360° 3D perspective that maximizes vivacity and immersion. This technology facilitates collaboration with experts from various fields who could not otherwise participate in a scene, thereby enabling the reliable derivation of fire causes. Additionally, the proposed method allows for the 3D digital preservation of major national disaster incidents and can therefore convey lessons from accidents to future generations. In the future, the proposed VR reconstruction system could be utilized as valid evidence in court cases.
Full-Scale Fire Extinguishing Experiments to Analyze the Adaptability of Firefighting Facilities for Electric Vehicle Fires in Underground Parking Lots
Authors: Ko Byung-Yong , Yoo Sun-Hwa , Choi Dae-Hyun , Han Kukil
Published: May 2024

Recently, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) has rapidly increased owing to an increase in international environmental problems and domestic eco-friendly policies. With the increase in the number of EVs, the number of EV fires is also increasing. However, full-scale experiments for fire risk analysis or verification studies on the adaptability of present firefighting facilities are lacking , except for EV fire suppression experiments. In this study, to analyze the adaptability of firefighting facilities to EV fires in underground parking lots, fire extinguishing experiments on EV fires were conducted by considering the conditions of firefighting facilities applied to existing buildings. The first experiment simulated a current underground parking sprinkler system (pre-action system). In the second experiment, a lower sprinkler system was added to the upper sprinkler system. Experiment #1 confirmed that preventing the spread of thermal runaway in EV battery packs was difficult but blocking fire spread to adjacent vehicles was possible. Experiment #2 confirmed that thermal runaway occurred in approximately 50% of EV battery packs. These experiments concluded that fire spread to adjacent vehicles could be blocked by the spray from the upper sprinkler system.
Fire Risk Mitigation Strategies for Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Car Parks
Authors: Lim Ohk Kun
Published: May 2024

As the use of eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen vehicles, is rapidly increasing, the related infrastructure is also expanding, and they have become common in parking areas. The fire safety design of a car park is based on the existing data of internal combustion engine vehicles; therefore, the characteristics of eco-friendly vehicles must be reflected. This study investigated the heat release rate of internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, and hydrogen vehicles using real-scale fire test data and analyzed the effects of curb weight and battery capacity. The fire growth rate and maximum heat release rate of electric and hydrogen vehicles were similar to those of internal combustion engine vehicles, except for the batteries and hydrogen gas, which are the energy sources of electric and hydrogen vehicles, respectively. When ignited from the battery of an electric vehicle, the fire grew rapidly. When the thermally activated pressure relief device was activated in the storage vessel of a hydrogen vehicle, the heat release rate instantaneously increased to 14.5 MW. To improve fire safety in car parks, the curb weight and fire resistance structure must be designed to reflect the increase in plastic interior materials and battery capacity of vehicles, and firefighting facilities must be installed based on vehicles with greater fire severity.
ACTITUDES HACIA LA DIVERSIDAD DE GÉNERO Y HOMOFOBIA EN UNIVERSITARIOS MEXICANOS DE ENFERMERÍA
Authors: López Posadas Jesús Radai , Salazar Mendoza Javier , Castellanos Contreras Edith , Onofre Santiago María de los Ángeles , Ortiz Vargas Israel , Conzatti Hernández María Esperanza
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: La diversidad sexual y de género es una expresión de identificación humana, refleja emociones, atracciones, ideologías y expresiones que en muchas ocasiones la sociedad considera atípicas. Cuando existen comportamientos enmarcados fuera de la normativa suelen presentarse respuestas humanas inadecuadas como el rechazo, discriminación, aislamiento, burlas y formas de violencia basadas en prejuicios, estereotipos, estigmas y homofobia, siendo ésta última una característica aberrante que en la actualidad impide el desarrollo integral de los grupos LGBTTTIQ+. OBJETIVO. Identificar la relación entre la diversidad de género y la homofobia en universitarios mexicanos de enfermería. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio cuantitativo, de tipo no experimental, descriptivo y correlacional, con un corte de tipo transversal, aplicando la Escala de actitudes sobre la diversidad sexual y de género y la Escala de Homofobia a 250 alumnos de una universidad de enfermería pública, ubicada en la ciudad Orizaba, Veracruz, México. RESULTADOS: El 89,6% de la población se identifica como cisgénero, 3,2% bigénero, 15,6% bisexual, y 5,2% homosexual, los jóvenes tienen una edad promedio de 20.57 años y dedican una media de 1,28 horas para actividades religiosas. Se aplicó la prueba de Rho Spearman, demostrando que existe una alta interacción entre las variables dependientes del estudio (Actitud hacia la diversidad de género, Homofobia: CRS: -0,131; Sig: 0,039<0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: Se establece que las actitudes hacia la diversidad de género se relacionan de manera directa con la homofobia, debido que, al existir un prejuicio respecto a la sexualidad, será similar la percepción de la identidad sexual de las personas. Por ello es imprescindible la implementación de actividades formativas que permitan prevenir la discriminación hacia la comunidad LGBTTTIQ+.
Correlation between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio in Diabetic Nephropathy Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rakesh BM , Pradeep N , Nischal GJ
Published: May 2024

Introduction: One of the microvascular complications of diabetes is known as Diabetic Nephropathy (DN). The clinical manifestation of DN is an increase in the amount of albumin excreted in the urine. Albuminuria is the inflammatory process that occurs before end-stage renal failure and is a diagnostic marker. The total White Blood Cell (WBC) count is a crude but sensitive measure of inflammation. It is examined as an inflammatory marker in various cardiac and non cardiac disorders, such as acute Myocardial Infarction (MI), stroke, and heart failure. Aim: To find a correlation between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (UACR) in DN patients. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study done over a period of 18 months from January 2018 to June 2019 at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. on 104 subjects diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) registered in present study. Spot albuminuria was tested by immune turbidimetry method. Urine creatinine was tested using Jaffe’s kinetic method, from which spot UACR was calculated. The patients with albuminuria and without albuminuria were grouped into cases and controls, respectively. NLR was calculated using complete blood count and correlated with UACR. The estimated Glomerulus Filtration Rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation and correlated with UACR. Cases were further subgrouped into moderately increased albuminuria and severely increased albuminuria groups. Mean and standard deviation, independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, Odds Ratio (OR) were applied to find significance. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant, and an OR more than one suggests a positive association. Results: A total of 104 diabetic subjects were registered, with 52 subjects having DN and 52 having normal urine albumin. The mean age was 56±11.3 years and 50.6±11.8 years in the case and control groups, respectively. Among the 52 subjects in the case group, 12 (23.1%) were female and 40 (76.9%) were male. In the 52 control group, 30.8% (n=16) were female, and 69.2% (n=36) were male. The mean urine albumin was 75.5±121.2 mg/dL and 1.2±1.2 mg/dL in the case and control groups, respectively (p<0.001). A correlation was calculated between UACR and NLR, with a cut-off value for NLR of 2.92. The cutoff value for NLR was calculated using the Receivers Operating Curve (ROC). The Chi-square test was applied, showing statistical significance (p<0.001), with an OR calculated at 4.34 (OR >1). Conclusion: The present study showed a significant positive correlation between NLR and UACR. Therefore, NLR may be considered a novel surrogate marker of DN, as an alternative to UACR, which is expensive and requires special equipment.
Presence of Enteric Fever with Unusual Clinical Scenarios: A Case Series
Authors: Thakar Vrushali , Mahadevan Kumar , Mehrotra Neetu , Jadhav Prajakta , Bhatawadekar Sunita
Published: May 2024

Salmonella species are associated with bacteraemia, diarrhoea, as well as focal infections. Salmonella Typhi is the most pathogenic species. Salmonella Paratyphi B commonly affects immunocompromised hosts. The present case series showcases six cases of infection caused by typhoidal Salmonellae with unusual clinical scenarios. The first case report explains a case of neonatal meningitis where the causative agent was S. Paratyphi B. A case of lumbar spondylodiscitis is also reported where the aetiology was found to be Salmonella Typhi. Case three reports S. Typhi infection in a patient with Pre-B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). S. Paratyphi B was isolated from a blood culture of a patient on haemodialysis and also from ascitic fluid from a case of Chronic Liver Disease (CLD). S. Typhi was isolated from the pleural fluid of a patient with carcinoma of the prostate.
Estimation of Crown Length, Root Length and Golden Divine Ratio in Extracted Permanent Maxillary and Mandibular Central Incisors: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Karthikeswari Venkata GV , Pandiar Deepak , Krishnan Reshma Poothakulath , Ramya R
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Human teeth serve many crucial functions, and aesthetics is one of these. Aesthetics and beauty are often correlated with the Golden Divine Ratio (GDR), a unique proportion hypothesised to exist in individuals or things with a harmonious appearance. Aim: To estimate the crown length, root length, and GDR in extracted human permanent maxillary and mandibular Central Incisors (CI) in the population of Tamil ethnicity from South India. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology at Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from January 2023 to October 2023. The study included a total of 90 extracted human teeth from the Institutional tooth repository, out of which 27 were upper permanent CIs and the remaining 63 were mandibular CIs. Crown length and root length were measured using digital vernier calipers, and golden ratios were derived. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26.0. was used for descriptive analysis and deriving means and standard deviation. Results: The average crown length, root length, and total length of upper CIs were 8.06±0.09 mm, 13.01±1.47 mm, and 21.06±2.36 mm, respectively. For the remaining 63 extracted permanent mandibular CIs, the mean crown length, root length, and total length were 7.85±0.66 mm, 12.6±0.97 mm, and 20.45±1.49 mm, respectively. The Root-to-Crown (R/C) ratio and Total Length to Root Length (T/R) ratio approximated 1.618 for both sets of teeth. Conclusion: The crown length of maxillary and mandibular CIs from the Tamil population followed the golden ratio in the present study.
Micropropagation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Large-Scale
Authors: Sang Cao , Dung Nguyen Ngoc Hanh , Hoa Bui Thanh , Diep Pham Hong , Minh Tran Van
Published: May 2024

Aim: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a slow-to-reproduce perennial herb that is propagated from ground rhizomes. Despite its well-known medicinal and culinary uses, its supply for propagation is limited due to disease susceptibility and slow rhizome development.
Methodology: To optimize turmeric bud cluster development and determined appropriate concentrations of BAP (6-benzyl aminopurin) and NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid) for enhancing shoot multiplication and rooting rates.
Results: The results indicated that MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) was basic media for turmeric; shoot clusters formation on media supplemented with 1 mg L-1BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA; for shoot multiplication was 3 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA; and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA was favored for root induction
Conclusion: This research contributed to advancing our knowledge of valuable plants in Vietnam, particularly turmeric production on large-scale.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Baghel Vikash Singh , Singh Devi
Published: May 2024

Chili peppers are fruit-bearing plants from the Capsicum genus, and they are known for their spicy and pungent flavors. Chili peppers thrive in warm climates and can be grown in various types of soil. They are typically cultivated as annual plants, although some varieties can be perennial in suitable conditions Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif 2021-22 with a view to identify the effects of different doses plant growth regulators and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety TMPH-443. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 13 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in plant growth regulators. Under this experiment, overall, 13 treatment was taken including control. Different plant growth regulators (PGRs) used comprised of NAA, GA3, 2-4 D and Triacontanol all four at different doses. According to the current research, the use of Plant growth regulators (PGRs) had a significantly positive impact on the growth and development of Chillies. Among the various treatments that were evaluated, T5 (NAA @ 40 ppm spray) yielded the most favourable results in terms of growth viz., plant height, leaf area, early flowering and maturation and yield viz., fruit weight, length of fruit, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, and yield per plant.
Thermo-physical Properties of the Clay of Balkuy Combined with Millet Pods for the Thermal Insulation of Building Envelopes
Authors: Baga Tanga , Imbga B. Kossi , Boukar Makinta
Published: May 2024

The empirical and traditional use of millet waste mixed with clay to make bricks is widespread in the Sahel region, particularly in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study is to characterize the thermal properties of these composite bricks according to the content of millet pod. Adding an insulator to a building material is one of the simplest and oldest methods to improve its thermal properties.  In this work, we report on the thermal properties of clay taken from the site of BALKUY, geographical coordinates (Latitude: 12.30 North; Longitude: -1.47 West) south of OUAGADOUGOU, which we mixed with millet pod at rates ranging from 0 to 4%, in steps of 1. The respective addition for rates ranging from 1% to 4% reduces thermal conductivity respectively by 31.57%; 41.03%; 43.49%; and 54.54%. The rate of millet also has an effect on the thermal diffusivity of the sample. Indeed, the respective addition between 1% and 4% per step of 1 reduces the thermal diffusivity by 81.51%; 93.26%; 93.46% and 94.44%. When 1% of millet pod is added to the clay, the mechanical strength increases 6.55 times. It reaches 6.95 times when 2% of millet pod is added to the clay. Then, it rises from 7.35 to 7.40 when 3% and 4% of millet pods are added to the clay. The addition of the millet pod therefore improves the compressive strength. The optimum value for the millet pod content is 3%.
Genomic Advances in Biofortification of Iron and Zinc in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Chakraborty Bhaswati , Shrivastav Shiv Prakash
Published: May 2024

Majority of population that depend on wheat are found to be deficient in iron and zinc. About 20% of calories worldwide are derived from wheat. Milling of wheat reduces the bioavaibility of Fe and Zn in wheat grains. Micronutrient deficiency is the main cause of malnutrition worldwide and hidden hunger in underdeveloped countries. To overcome this problem it becomes necessary to develop varieties that are rich in iron and zinc content. Biofortification gets around these issues by enhancing the micronutrient content of wheat. The genetic approaches of biofortification particularly the non-conventional methods have proved to be the most efficient ones. These method includes QTL mapping approach, GWAS and transgenics. Although conventional methods for a long time has been used for developing varieties of wheat rich in Fe and Zn but conventional breeding for certain traits may be inconvenient and time-consuming and are prone to errors due to their reliance on traditional phenotyping or visual assessments. Several research have been undertaken to map QTLs of Fe and Zn concentration in wheat grains and have been used in elite genetic backgrounds to improve micronutrient content. Genomic studies revealed through GWAS exhibit high QTL resolution and allele coverage, which can be used for improvement of Fe and Zn content in wheat. Genetic engineering techniques or transgenics approaches allows genetic alteration of crops to improve the nutritional quality of wheat. Genomic approach of biofortification of wheat has proved to be the most efficient methods for increasing iron and zinc content in the crop.
Hydrophilic Domain of Respiratory ComplexIfromThermus thermophilus
Authors: Sazanov Leonid
Published: December 2009

Complex I (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) plays a central role in cellular energy production, coupling electron transfer between NADH and quinone to proton translocation. It is the largest protein complex of bacterial and mitochondrial respiratory chains. Mitochondrial complex I is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may be one of the causes of aging. Dysfunction of the enzyme is implicated in many human neurodegenerative diseases. Complex I is an L‐shaped multisubunit protein assembly consisting of a hydrophilic peripheral arm and a hydrophobic membrane arm. The crystal structure of the hydrophilic domain of complex I fromThermus thermophiluswas solved recently. This subcomplex consists of eight subunits and contains all the redox centers of the enzyme, including nine iron–sulfur clusters. The electron transfer pathway through the enzyme is about 95 Å long, proceeding from the primary electron acceptor flavin mononucleotide through seven conserved iron–sulfur clusters to the quinone‐binding site at the interface with the membrane domain. The structure of the complete enzyme and the coupling mechanism are not yet known.
Potassium Channels
Authors: Lenaeus Michael J , Gross Adrian
Published: December 2009

Potassium channels are membrane proteins that allow for and regulate the passive flow of potassium ions in and out of cells. Potassium channels are often multidomain proteins consisting of a central ion‐conducting pore domain and peripheral gating domains sensitive to channel‐specific stimuli (e.g., voltage). This article deals with the structure of the pore domain, where important ion–protein interactions occur. Several structures of potassium channel pore domains have been published and these are discussed herein, along with the current hypotheses regarding channel function, gating, and ion movement.
Corrinoid Adenosyltransferases
Authors: Mera Paola E. , Rayment Ivan , Escalante‐Semerena Jorge C.
Published: December 2009

ATP corrinoid adenosyltransferase (ACA) enzymes catalyze the transfer of the adenosyl moiety from ATP to cob(I)alamin, resulting in the formation of the unique organometallic C–Co bond characteristic of coenzyme B
12
(adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl). In the last decade, our knowledge of how these enzymes catalyze the adenosylation of cobalamin has grown rapidly. ACA enzymes also facilitate the thermodynamically unfavorable reduction of cob(II)alamin. Studies with ACA enzymes revealed an unprecedented four‐coordinate square‐planar corrinoid conformation. ACA enzymes bring the reduction potential of cob(II)alamin to within physiological range by generating the four‐coordinate Co(II) corrinoid species. Recently, visual evidence of the existence of a Co(II) corrinoid species was obtained when the 3D crystal structure of the human‐type ACA enzyme was solved with ATP and cob(II)alamin bound in the active site. To date, three types of ACA enzymes have been identified, CobA, PduO, and EutT. The PduO‐type is the most widely distributed ACA enzyme and is the form found in humans where ACA enzymes play an essential role in metabolism; malfunctioning of this enzyme cause severe health defects. Detailed analyses of the catalytic mechanism of ACA enzymes have provided an understanding of how some mutations in the human ACA enzyme render it inactive.
Arsenite Oxidase
Authors: Hille Russ
Published: December 2009

The crystal structure of arsenite oxidase has been determined, and the enzyme found to represent a new subclass of the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reductase family of molybdenum‐containing enzymes. The enzyme also possesses a [3Fe–4S] iron–sulfur center in the same subunit as the molybdenum center, as well as a Rieske‐like [2Fe–2S] center in a separate, smaller, subunit. In addition to a detailed consideration of the enzyme's structure, its electrochemical and catalytic properties are discussed. Phylogenetic evidence is also discussed, suggesting that arsenite oxidase is an ancient enzyme arising before the diversification of the archaeal and eubacterial domains of life.
Field Flow Fractionation in Analysis of Polymers and Rubbers
Authors: Ratanathanawongs Williams S. Kim , Benincasa Maria‐Anna , Ashames Akram A.
Published: December 2009

Field‐flow fractionation (FFF) was conceived by Calvin Giddings in 1966 as a separation and characterization method for macromolecules, colloids, and particulates. Like chromatography, sample migration is caused by differential interaction with a field acting along an axis orthogonal to that of the transport liquid. Unlike chromatography, where separation is achieved by solutes partitioning between mobile and stationary phases, separation in FFF arises from the distribution of sample components in fluid laminae flowing at different velocities in a single phase. The different flow velocities, described by a parabolic profile, arise from the high aspect ratio of the FFF channel. Different types of fields can be used in FFF as long as they interact with some physicochemical property of the sample. The FFF channel design makes it highly suited for analyses of fragile aggregates, high‐molecular‐weight polymers, and gels. In comparison with packed columns, shear rates in the channel and the probability of plugging the channel are low. The ability of thermal FFF to differentiate polymers and latexes of different bulk and surface compositions is unique among currently used separation techniques. The FFF family of techniques can provide a great deal of information about the sample but an initial time investment is often required for methods development.

In this article, the fundamental mechanism of FFF is shown at play in the separation and characterization of polymers and rubbers by the two techniques par excellence in this field: flow FFF and thermal FFF.
Probing Biomolecular Interactions Using Nanopore Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Dudko Olga K. , Meller Amit
Published: December 2009

The ability to apply a force on individual biomolecular complexes and measure their time‐dependent response have begun to reveal their mechanical properties, interactions with other biomolecules, and self‐interactions. A number of single‐molecule methods have been developed and applied in the past decade to broad range of biological system, including proteins in the skeletal and cardiac muscle sarcomere, nucleic acid complexes, and enzymes. Nanopore force spectroscopy (NFS) is an emerging single‐molecule method that takes advantage of the native electrical charge of biomolecule to exert a localized bond‐rupture force. This article reviews the basic principles of the method and discusses two bond‐breakage modes utilizing either a constant voltage or a fixed voltage ramp, which are related quantitatively in an essentially model‐free way. A unified theoretical formalism is developed to extract kinetic information from the NFS data. The utility of this formalism is illustrated by analyzing data from nanopore unzipping of individual DNA hairpin molecules.
Spin Probes and Spin Labels
Authors: Smirnova Tatyana I. , Voinov Maxim A. , Smirnov Alex I.
Published: December 2009

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a versatile and exceptionally sensitive technique for detecting and studying molecular systems possessing unpaired electronic spins. It finds substantial use in characterizing paramagnetic metal ions and organic free radicals. The scope of EPR applications in analytical chemistry can be expanded significantly by means of spin labels and spin probes — exogenous EPR‐active species that are introduced solely for the purpose of gaining information on the system under study. These labels and probes are persistent free radicals or paramagnetic metal ions designed to be partitioned or attached to specific molecular sites. To be suitable for analytical applications, spin labels and probes should readily report on properties of interest, exhibit distinguishable from background EPR signals, and leave the system only minimally perturbed by their presence. In this article, we describe a series of spin labels and probes as well as the associated EPR methods that are tailored to specific analytical applications of EPR spectroscopy — from assessing local oxygen and proton concentration to profiling electrostatic properties of biopolymers and lipid bilayers. The primary focus is bioanalytical applications of spin label/probe methods, with an emphasis on the synergy between the rational design of spin‐bearing molecules using the tools of organic chemistry and desired analytical capabilities.
Neutron Resonance Capture and Transmission Analysis
Authors: Postma Hans , Schillebeeckx Peter
Published: December 2009

Neutrons can be used as probes to investigate and study properties of materials and objects. The deep penetration of neutrons into matter allows the study of bulk properties. One evolving activity in this field concerns the existence of resonances in neutron‐induced reaction cross sections in the neutron energy range from thermal up to a few megaelectronvolts for certain nuclides. Since these resonances appear at neutron energies, which are specific for each nuclide, they are very suitable for the determination of the elemental composition of objects and materials. Neutron resonance capture analysis (NRCA) and neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) are two methods used for exploiting the resonance structure in the neutron‐induced reaction cross sections. Both methods are nondestructive, determine the bulk elemental composition, do not require any sample preparation, and result in a negligible residual activity. NRCA is applicable to almost all stable elements, while NRTA is preferred for light elements or nuclei near a closed shell. Quantitative NRCA and NRTA have been used for the analysis of archeological objects and reference materials used for cross‐section measurements. Other applications of neutron resonance spectroscopy range from radiography of nuclear fuel (including spent fuel), detection of explosives and drugs, to thermometry and diamond mining.
Preanalytical Variation in Clinical Laboratory Testing
Authors: Setia Namrata , Nichols James H.
Published: December 2009

Laboratory testing can be divided into preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic phases. Medical errors are most frequent in the preanalytic phase of testing. Preanalytic variables can affect test results, leading to misinterpretation and inappropriate patient care. Physicians should be educated on the potential for preanalytic variation and to question test results for potential preanalytic effects whenever the result does not match the clinical symptoms. Preanalytic variables can be controllable, such as diet, exercise, and drug intake, or they can be noncontrollable, inherent to the patient's age, sex, race, or disease state.

Preanalytic variables can occur at many steps in the testing process. Physicians and clinical staff can misinterpret test names and order the wrong test or methodology. Biological factors, such as fasting, may require the patient to prepare before specimen collection or a sample may need to be collected at an appropriate time for therapeutic drug monitoring or hormone interpretation. Several sources of preanalytic variation have been related to specimen collection, including patient identification, specimen additives, order of draw, sample mixing, specimen volume, phlebotomy technique, needle size, and use of vascular access devices. Delays in transportation and inappropriate storage of samples after analysis can also adversely affect test results.

Some preanalytic variables can be detected, such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus by visual inspection of each specimen, but other sources of variation are not readily detectable. Newer analyzers can spectrophotometrically analyze each specimen for interferences due to hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus, automating the ability to comment and qualify a test result on the basis of the level of interferent. Education and awareness, however, remain an important means of managing preanalytic effects as a source of laboratory result variation.
Modifiers in Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry—Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Bulska Ewa
Published: December 2009

The graphite atomizer is a commonly used reactor where the sample undergoes various processes, leading to the formation of free atoms of the analyte of interest in gaseous phase. Thus atomic absorption of the cloud of atoms could be measured. This process is called atomization and depends strongly on the composition of the sample introduced into the atomizer. In graphite furnace, the sample is gradually heated according to the previously set time/temperature program so that various components of the sample could evaporate. The best conditions for atomic absorption measurements could be achieved when the matrix components evaporate before analyte atoms appear in the gaseous phase. The better the separation of the evaporation of matrix from the evaporation of analyte, less interference occurs during the measurement. It is clear that the efficiency of the separation depends on the volatilities of both matrix and analyte compounds. Generally speaking, the main aim of the modifiers is to provoke intended chemical reaction in order to enhance the separation of matrix and analyte, thus ensuring that the atomization process is free from interferences. Commonly, an excess of reagent—modifier—is added intentionally to the sample or atomizer. Its aim is to transfer the analyte into the less‐volatile compounds and/or to transfer the matrix compounds to more‐volatile compounds. Moreover, properly designed modification could also play its role in the interaction of the sample with graphite surface and/or unify the atomization process of analyte being present in various species.
In‐Beam Prompt γ‐Activation Analysis
Authors: Révay Zsolt
Published: December 2009

Prompt γ‐activation analysis (PGAA) is a rapidly developing nuclear analytical technique for the determination of elemental and isotopic composition. The largest neutron research centers and many smaller research reactors operate in‐beam PGAA instruments for the purpose of a wide variety of analyses. PGAA is a nondestructive analytical technique and is suitable for the analysis of light elements, especially hydrogen and boron, as well as some trace elements (e.g. rare earths and cadmium). Because of the deep penetration of both neutrons and γ‐rays, PGAA is suitable for the analysis of samples in closed containers. As the technique is nondestructive and does not require any sample preparation, it is especially useful for the investigation of precious objects (e.g. archaeological artifacts) or hazardous materials. The basic principles of the method, the instrumentation, and some basic issues of the installation, and operation of the in‐beam PGAA technique are all described in this article. A few typical applications are also introduced.
Porous Polymer Films with Gradient‐Refractive‐Index Structure for Broadband and Omnidirectional Antireflection Coatings
Authors: Li Xiao , Gao Junpeng , Xue Longjian , Han Yanchun
Published: December 2009

Porous polymer films that can be employed for broadband and omnidirectional antireflection coatings are successfully shown. These films form a gradient‐refractive‐index structure and are achieved by spin‐coating the solution of a polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA)/PMMA blend onto an octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)‐modified glass substrate. Thus, a gradient distribution of PMMA domains in the vertical direction of the entire microphase‐separated film is obtained. After those PMMA domains are removed, a PS porous structure with an excellent gradient porosity ratio in the vertical direction of the film is formed. Glass substrates coated with such porous polymer film exhibit both broadband and omnidirectional antireflection properties because the refractive index increases gradually from the top to the bottom of the film. An excellent transmittance of >97% for both visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light is achieved in these gradient‐refractive‐index structures. When the incident angle is increased, the total transmittance for three different incident angles is improved dramatically. Meanwhile, the film possesses a color reproduction character in the visible light range.
Tuning the Optoelectronic Properties of Carbazole/Oxadiazole Hybrids through Linkage Modes: Hosts for Highly Efficient Green Electrophosphorescence
Authors: Tao Youtian , Wang Qiang , Yang Chuluo , Zhong Cheng , Zhang Kai , Qin Jingui , Ma Dongge
Published: December 2009

A series of bipolar transport host materials: 2,5‐bis(2‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (o‐CzOXD) (1), 2,5‐bis(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (p‐CzOXD) (2), 2,5‐bis(3‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (m‐CzOXD) (3) and 2‐(2‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)‐5‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (op‐CzOXD) (4) are synthesized through simple aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions. The incorporation of the oxadiazole moiety greatly improves their morphological stability, with Td and Tg in the range of 428–464 °C and 97–133 °C, respectively. The ortho and meta positions of the 2,5‐diphenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole linked hybrids (1 and 3) show less intramolecular charge transfer and a higher triplet energy compared to the para‐position linked analogue (2). The four compounds exhibit similar LUMO levels (2.55–2.59 eV) to other oxadiazole derivatives, whereas the HOMO levels vary in a range from 5.55 eV to 5.69 eV, depending on the linkage modes. DFT‐calculation results indicate that 1, 3, and 4 have almost complete separation of their HOMO and LUMO levels at the hole‐ and electron‐transporting moieties, while 2 exhibits only partial separation of the HOMO and LUMO levels possibly due to intramolecular charge transfer. Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting devices fabricated using 1–4 as hosts and a green emitter, Ir(ppy)3 or (ppy)2Ir(acac), as the guest exhibit good to excellent performance. Devices hosted by o‐CzOXD (1) achieve maximum current efficiencies (ηc) as high as 77.9 cd A−1 for Ir(ppy)3 and 64.2 cd A−1 for (ppy)2Ir(acac). The excellent device performance may be attributed to the well‐matched energy levels between the host and hole‐transport layers, the high triplet energy of the host and the complete spatial separation of HOMO and LUMO energy levels.