bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterocyclic Schiff Base Complexes of Bivalent Transition Metals: Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis, Structure Elucidation and Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Shalinee  , Kumar Sanjay
Published: September 2024

A heterocyclic Schiff base ligand [LH] namely {5‐[(E)‐[(1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)methylidene]amino]‐ 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiol}(NNN donor) and its divalent transition metals (Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+) mononuclear complexes were synthesised efficiently in relatively very short times (from one-two hours to 6-15 minutes) with higher yields [from 59% (conventional method) to 90% (green method)] by microwave-assisted greener process is presented here. The ligand and its complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, molar conductance, and magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectroscopic (IR, electronic, and NMR) analyses. All investigated complexes were found to be six coordinated ML2 [1:2 (metal: Ligand) ratio] type which possessed mononuclear octahedral geometry. The ligand and its metal complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity by the disc diffusion method, and the results indicate that the metal complexes are better antimicrobial agents compared to the Schiff base  and the metal complexes have followed antimicrobial trends:
Cu(II) complex > Co(II) complex > Ni(II) complex > Zn(II) complex > Schiff base
Tiny Architects of Fertile Soils: Understanding the Role of Soil Arthropods
Authors: Amogha  , T R Bhavya , A Bhavana
Published: September 2024

Soil Arthropods are a vitally important component of the ecosystem, as their diversity, abundance, and distribution pattern play a vital role in ecosystem sustainability. Soil arthropods are critical to maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem health by driving essential ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, decomposition, and soil structure formation. As decomposers, these organisms, including mites, springtails, isopods, termites, and others, break down organic matter, aiding in the recycling of key nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, vital for plant growth. By burrowing and tunnelling, arthropods improve soil aeration, water infiltration, and aggregation, contributing to soil stability and resistance to erosion. Despite their small size, soil arthropods are essential ecosystem engineers, influencing the dynamics of microbial communities and facilitating the conversion of organic material into accessible forms for other organisms. However, their populations face threats from land-use changes, unsustainable agricultural practices, and the introduction of invasive species, all of which degrade soil health. Conservation strategies focused on habitat restoration, sustainable farming, and public awareness are crucial to protecting these vital organisms and ensuring the long-term sustainability of soils. A greater understanding of the roles played by these often-overlooked organisms can enhance conservation efforts and foster more sustainable agricultural practices, thereby supporting global ecosystem health.
Effect of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Tea on Vegetative Growth of Rubber Plants under Nurseries Conditions
Authors: Essehi Jean Lopez , Sehi Zokagon Sylvain , Koffi Antoine , Konan Djézou , Obouayeba Samuel
Published: September 2024

Success in rubber growing is linked to the production of vigorous plants in the nursery. However, this cruel stage faces difficulties related to the cost of chemical fertilizer and its availability. This work carried out in 4 localities (Bimbresso, Alépé, Abengourou and Daoukro) in Côte d’Ivoire aimed to improve the production of rubber plant material in nurseries in polyethylene bags using vermicompost and vermicompost tea. The experimental design used is a Fisher block with three treatments and two repetitions. The vermicompost, vermicompost tea and control factors were compared with each other. The addition of vermicompost tea and the control for three months while the addition of vermicompost was done only once. The results indicated that vermicompost tea is the most effective treatment for the vegetative development of plants regardless of the study site. In Bimbresso, the vermicompost tea and vermicompost treatments showed the highest increases with 1.23 and 1.21 mm.month-1, compared to 1.13 mm.month-1 for the control and the  highest average values of diameter at the collar. 10.1 mm was obtained with vermicompost tea. Also, the highest rate of graftable plants, grafting success and plants transferable to the field was obtained with vermicompost tea. Likewise, the mortality rate obtained with vermicompost and vermicompost tea was less than 20%. These treatments could be recommended in the production of rubber plant material.
Influence of Genotypes and Environments on Protein Content in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Verma Preeti , Kumar Pradeep , Yadav S.L. , Jadon Chaman , Tak Yamini
Published: September 2024

An experiment was conducted to evaluate a set of chickpea genotypes for yield and protein content at four different locations during 2019-20. The results showed the differential response of chickpea genotypes and environment with respect to protein content. In general, the genotypes with low seed yield and small seed size (<20gm/100 seed) had higher protein content (>20%) as compared to those with high yield and bold seed size (>25gm/100 seed). Similarly, the protein content of all the five genotypes was observed higher (20.65, 23.06, 20.30, 20.65 and 20.76 percent, respectively) in Kota than the respective mean values (19.37, 21.03, 19.31, 19.87, 18.35 percent) while it was lower (16.35, 20.59, 17.53, 19.41, 16.32 percent) than mean values (19.37, 21.03, 19.31, 19.87, 18.35 percent) in Aklera as compared to other locations. This might be due to contrasting climatic conditions in Kota and Aklera indicating that the genotypes grown under irrigated conditions showed better quality over those grown in rainfed area. The genotypes RKG 13-515-1 and GNG 2144 showed consistent performance in terms of yield and protein content (20.65, 20.53, 19.96, 16.35, 19.37 percent and 23.06, 20.19, 20.30, 20.59, 21.03 percent, respectively) and can be used as parents in hybridization programme to develop transgressive segregants having high yield and protein content with early maturity.
Comparative Study of the Agronomic and Organoleptic Performances of Some Varieties of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Grown Outdoors and in Polyhouse in Kerala (India)
Authors: Jayachandran Anju , Bhaskar Jyothi
Published: September 2024

The present study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the performance of papaya varieties under two growing conditions (open and polyhouse) in terms of yield and quality attributes. The study was conducted in Fruits Crops Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during 2022-2023. The seedlings of seven papaya varieties, CO-3, CO-7, Arka Surya, Arka Prabhath, Coorg Honey Dew, Pusa Delicious and Red Lady were planted under both open field and polyhouse condition at a spacing of 2 m x 2 m in CRD with five plants per variety. Compared to the plants grown in open field, the plants grown under polyhouse showed an early flowering (75.68 days), minimum fruit cavity index (15.47 %), zero disease incidence to PRSV, maximum TSS (13. 67 ˚B) and total sugars (11.26 %) in CO-7 while maximum fruit length (18.84 cm) and fruit mass (2605.34g) were observed in CO 7. It was also observed that CO-7 grown under polyhouse showed an increased yield (55.20 kg/plant) as compared to the plants under open condition. Hence, it can be concluded that CO-7 can be successfully cultivated under polyhouse condition in Kerala with good yield and quality.
Effect of Insecticides on Generative Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematode, Steinernema abbasi PN-1 in Spodoptera litura Fabricius
Authors: Vireesha P. , Pavan J. S. , Gowda M. A. Prajwal , Jeevan H.
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different insecticides at varying concentrations on the progeny production of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema abbasi PN-1 in Spodoptera litura larvae, with a focus on determining the insecticides' compatibility with biological control agents. S. litura larvae were treated with a mixture of S. abbasi PN-1 and insecticides (fipronil, emamectin benzoate, cyantraniliprole, indoxacarb, and chlorantraniliprole) at three different concentrations (lower, medium, and higher). Progeny production of S. abbasi PN-1 was assessed and compared across treatments, with control groups consisting of larvae treated with S. abbasi PN-1 alone. The study found that progeny production was significantly influenced by the type and concentration of insecticides. Fipronil exhibited the least negative impact on progeny production across all concentrations, followed by emamectin benzoate, cyantraniliprole, indoxacarb, and chlorantraniliprole, with the latter showing the most significant inhibitory effects. Higher concentrations of insecticides resulted in a greater reduction in progeny production, indicating a dose-dependent relationship. The results suggest that certain insecticides, particularly at higher concentrations, can negatively affect the progeny production of S. abbasi PN-1, potentially compromising the effectiveness of EPNs in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The study highlights the importance of selecting compatible insecticides and their appropriate concentrations to enhance the success of biological control strategies involving EPNs.
Assessment of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L), Walp] Storage Technique and some Stocks Sanitary Quality in Center North Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Nebié Sibiri , Hama-Ba Fatoumata , Bougma Sibiri , Kola Véronique R. , Sawadogo Adama , Savadogo Aly
Published: September 2024

Cowpea plays an important role in food and nutritional security. Cowpea stock are subject to biotic and abiotic attack resulted stock lost that affected food security. Few research are doing on conservation techniques and stock sanitary quality. The objective of this work is to study the cowpea storage techniques and some stock sanitary quality according to producers and with laboratory analysis. A survey was conducted with 174 cowpea producers on storage techniques and 17 samples of cowpea were collected in stocks to determine aflatoxin B1 level and grain quality parameter according to official method. It was found that cowpea is preserved in the form of grains (98.28%), the house is the main storage structure (89.66%), the double-bottom bag is the most commonly used packaging material (57.71%), chemical substances are the most commonly used for preservation (52.19%), and pallets are generally used to furnish storage structure interior (73.56%). Insects and rodents (43.43% and 42.7% respectively) were the most encountered stock enemies and moisture (44.65%) the main abiotic spoilage factor. An AFTB1 contamination rate of 94% was found in the cowpea stocks sampled, 52.63% of which had levels above the maximum limit set by the European Commission for raw materials (2µg/kg). Correlation analysis showed a relationship between AFTB1 levels, moisture, pH, moldy kernels and kernel acidity. This study revealed that chemical product are more use to conserve cowpea and 94% of stocks sample were contaminated by aflatoxin B1 while half of them are levels above maximum limit.
Care and Infection Control Measures in the Intensive Care Unit with Emphasis on Nursing Roles: Narrative Review
Authors: Mendonça Giovana Vitória Guimarães , Belém Jaqueline Cristina da Silva , Pinheiro Keniellry Daris , Guedes Simone Pereira de Sousa , Aguiar Ana Karolina Oliveira dos Santos , Ambé Ana Alice Matias , Rodrigues Benedita Leida Martins , Souza Roseane do Nascimento , Coêlho Katiane Alexandre Alves , Carvalho Brena Luciana Miranda Nicolela , Teles Suellen Moura , Vasconcelos Lidiane Assunção de , Soares Tamires de Nazaré , Peixoto Ivonete Vieira Pereira , Sardinha Daniele Melo
Published: September 2024

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly those caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, represent a significant global public health concern. The prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remains a primary focus of health, safety and quality programmes. Despite the advances that have been made in the field of infection prevention, the impact of HAIs is particularly significant in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This narrative literature review aims to examine the care and infection control measures in the ICU, with an emphasis on the roles of nurses. HAIs represent a significant public health concern in Brazil and globally, with ICUs experiencing a higher incidence. Nursing plays a pivotal role in infection control within healthcare settings, particularly in the ICU context. A number of strategies have been proposed with the aim of enhancing patient safety protocol adherence. Among these, the use of technology is highlighted as a means of bolstering success in reducing infections in the ICU environment. Furthermore, it is imperative that ongoing health education be provided in order to achieve these goals. This should include the promotion of awareness among students regarding this topic by universities.
Exploiting Induced Plant Resistance for Sustainable Pest Management: Mechanisms, Elicitors, and Applications: A Review
Authors: Gaddam Nikitha Reddy , Devi Thamidela Meera , J. S. Rupali , N.S.S.S Darapureddy. , Reddy Gundreddy Raja
Published: September 2024

Plants and phytophagous (plant-eating) arthropods have coevolved over millions of years, leading to the development of both constitutive and inducible defense mechanisms in plants. Despite this long history of coexistence, it remains unclear how to precisely regulate each host-arthropod interaction to achieve an equilibrium that maximizes crop yield. The defensive chemicals produced by plants can significantly affect herbivores’ feeding behaviour, growth, and survival. These chemicals may be generated constitutively (continuously) or induced in response to herbivore damage. Induced resistance, a strategy where plants enhance their defences after being attacked, holds potential for reducing the number of insecticides needed in pest management. Chemical elicitors, which trigger the production of secondary metabolites that confer resistance to insects, can be used to manipulate host plant resistance, specifically by inducing resistance. By understanding the mechanisms underlying induced resistance, it is possible to predict which herbivores will be impacted by these responses. Applying induced response elicitors to crop plants can strengthen their natural defences against herbivore damage. Additionally, it is possible to genetically modify plants so that they constitutively produce defense chemicals, providing continuous protection in areas where herbivory is a constant threat. As part of integrated pest management, induced resistance can be used to develop crop cultivars that readily trigger an inducible response in the event of a mild infestation, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Natural Enemies as Guardians of Crop Ecosystem with Special Emphasis on Rice and Cotton
Authors: Chaitanya M. , Pavan J. S. , Vireesha P. , Nekkanti Aarthi
Published: September 2024

Natural enemies, including predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, play a crucial role in the regulation of pest populations within agricultural ecosystems. This review examines the role of these biological control agents in maintaining the health and productivity of crop systems, with a specific focus on rice and cotton. In rice ecosystems, natural enemies such as spiders, dragonflies, and various insect parasitoids help manage pest populations like the rice stem borer and the planthopper. Similarly, in cotton crops, natural predators and parasitoids contribute to the control of key pests including the cotton bollworm and aphids. By integrating these natural enemies into pest management strategies, farmers can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable agriculture. This review highlights the mechanisms through which these natural enemies operate, the benefits they provide to crop ecosystems, and case studies illustrating successful applications. The major emphasis is placed on understanding the interactions between these biological control agents and their environments, and how these relationships can be optimized to support resilient crop production systems and to manage these pests in cotton and rice crops.
Effect of Sowing Methods and Different Levels of Nitrogen on Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize
Authors: Singh Bhanu , Sachan Dhruvendra Singh , Yadav Sushil Kumar , Ahmad Shabbeer
Published: September 2024

The field experiment was carried out at Research Farm, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India during Kharif season, 2021. The experiment envisages to study the effect of Sowing methods and different Nitrogen levels on yield and attributes of maize crop. The experiment was laid down in the Split Plot Design and the treatments was replicated three times. Among the sowing methods, the maximum length of a cob (18.52 cm) was obtained in the ridge sowing method (S1) while among nitrogen levels the maximum length of cob (19.51 cm) was obtained with the application of 25% N through granular urea + 75% N through Nano-urea (N5). Among nitrogen levels highest number of grains per row (40.76) were obtained in the application of 25% N through granular urea + 75% N through Nano-urea (N5). Seed Index was achieved to be highest in ridge method of sowing(S1) with the application of 25% N through granular urea + 75% N through Nano-urea (N5). Number of grains per cob were highest (385.55) in the N5 treatment among the nitrogen levels treatments. Among sowing methods, the maximum grain yield of 51.75 q ha-1 was founded in the ridge method of sowing. Among nitrogen levels the highest grain yield of 57.76 q ha-1 was obtained in N5 treatment. However, harvest index was found to be non-significant. Ridge method of sowing was found to be most effective than broadcasted method. Application of Nano-urea alone did not give good results. Granular urea along with nano-urea was found to be more effective in maize crop under this region.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Community Pharmacists in Managing Chronic Diseases in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Javed Eman , Malik Aqsa , Iqbal Sana , Mustafa Eman , Amjad Aliza , Amir Sakeena , Fatima Noor , Safder Maryam , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: September 2024

Background: The rising number of chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a major danger to the worldwide health community. The ability of individuals to successfully manage their medical problems with the help of healthcare professionals is essential to the effective control of chronic illnesses.
Objective: The current study focuses to evaluate the knowledge of community pharmacist’s regarding chronic disease management, their attitude, and their practice to control chronic diseases.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted using random sampling method in Lahore, Pakistan. The samples collected for this study was 110. However, the final sample size was 93, the remaining forms were discarded. Data was collected by visiting community pharmacies in Lahore. The filled questionnaires were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences program software (SPSS Inc., version 21.0, IBM corp., Armonk NY, USA). P-value of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant values.
Results: The results, with a p value of 0.001, indicate a significant difference in adequacy of knowledge between the male and female groups. Majority of the participants have bachelor’s education and are unmarried. The p-value of 0.871 for level of education shows insignificant association between the higher education and better practice scores. The most important finding in this study is significant relationship between technology proficiency and adequacy of knowledge with p-value of 0.005. This shows that those who are more proficient in the technology are significantly more likely to have adequate knowledge.
Conclusion: This study concludes that the majority of community pharmacists had adequate knowledge regarding chronic disease management. But showed neutral attitude and fair practice towards the control of chronic diseases. In order to optimize the management of chronic diseases, community pharmacists need to exhibit best practices and a positive attitude.
Eco-Friendly Management of Maydis Leaf Blight (Bipolaris maydis) (Nisikado and Miyake) Shoemaker of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Choudhary Akshita , Zacharia Sunil
Published: September 2024

Maydis leaf blight is the destructive foliar fungal disease causes considerable losses in maize crop. Disease appears as young small and diamond shaped lesions, as they mature, they elongate. The present investigation was carried out in kharif season in the year 2023-2024 under field conditions. Eight treatments were tested against maydis leaf light viz. Trichoderma viride @ 5g/ha (ST) + Turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% (FS), T. viride @ 5g/ha (ST) + Garlic clove extract @ 10% (FS), T. viride @ 5g/ha (ST) + Neem leaf extract @ 10% (FS), T. viride @ 5g/ha (ST) + Eucalyptus leaf extract @ 10% (FS), T. viride @ 5g/ha (ST) + Tulsi leaf extract @ 10% (FS), T. viride @ 5g/ha (ST) + Datura leaf extract @ 10% (FS), Propiconazole 25 EC @ 0.1% as treated check and untreated control in Randomize Block Design with three replications. Among all the treatments minimum disease intensity (%) was recorded in treatment T. viride @ 5g/kg + Garlic clove extract @ 10% (26.98%) followed by T. viride @ 5g/kg + Neem leaf extract @ 10% (28.90%), T. viride @ 5g/kg +Datura leaf extract @ 10% (31.44%), T. viride @ 5g/kg + Turmeric rhizome extract @ 10% (34.32%), T. viride @ 5g/kg + Eucalyptus leaf extract @ 10% (37.88), T. viride @ 5g/kg + Tulsi leaf extract @ 10% (38.90%) as compared to control and maximum plant height (cm) (168.40), number of leaves (19.46), cob length (cm) (18.92cm), yield (t/ha) (4.25t/ha) and cost benefit ratio (1:2.4) was recorded in treatment T. viride @ 5g/kg + Garlic clove extract @ 10% compared to control.
Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds and Their Mechanistic Roles in Combating Microbial Biofilms
Authors: Nwafor Ifeoma Roseline , Alhassan Yusuf , Udoh Joseph Ifeanyi , Odanibeh David , Oyaniyi Jumoke , Efoli-Bam Victory Kokolae , Azubuike Eberechukwu Osinachi , Ojobor Jane-Frances Chinenye , Nwokafor Chibuzo Valentine
Published: September 2024

Biofilms are a group of microorganisms that exist on living or non-living surfaces, embedded within extracellular matrices produced by microbial cells. They primarily cause antimicrobial resistance and treatment failure in clinical settings. Biofilms resist conventional antimicrobials because of their polymicrobial nature, ability to evade host immune detection, and increased tolerance to antimicrobial agents. Consequently, considerable attention is given to finding alternative anti-biofilm agents. Medicinal plants contain diverse biologically active compounds reported to possess antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities. This review elucidates the mechanisms of action of plant-derived bioactive compounds (alkaloids, tannins, indoles, terpenes, and flavonoids) on in vitro microbial biofilms, shedding light on their ability to disrupt and prevent biofilm formation. Additionally, the review emphasizes current and future research directions for these phytochemicals, including synergism with conventional antibiotics and advanced drug delivery systems for treating and eradicating biofilm-associated infections.
A joint local and teleseismic tomography study of the Mississippi Embayment and New Madrid Seismic Zone
Authors: Nyamwandha Cecilia A. , Powell Christine A. , Langston Charles A.
Published: April 2016

Detailed, upper mantlePandSwave velocity (VpandVs) models are developed for the northern Mississippi Embayment (ME), a major physiographic feature in the Central United States (U.S.) and the location of the active New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). This study incorporates local earthquake and teleseismic data from the New Madrid Seismic Network, the Earthscope Transportable Array, and the FlexArray Northern Embayment Lithospheric Experiment stations. TheVpandVssolutions contain anomalies with similar magnitudes and spatial distributions. High velocities are present in the lower crust beneath the NMSZ. A pronounced low‐velocity anomaly of ~ −3%–−5% is imaged at depths of 100–250 km. High‐velocity anomalies of ~ +3%–+4% are observed at depths of 80–160 km and are located along the sides and top of the low‐velocity anomaly. The low‐velocity anomaly is attributed to the presence of hot fluids upwelling from a flat slab segment stalled in the transition zone below the Central U.S.; the thinned and weakened ME lithosphere, still at slightly higher temperatures from the passage of the Bermuda hotspot in mid‐Cretaceous, provides an optimal pathway for the ascent of the fluids. The observed high‐velocity anomalies are attributed to the presence of mafic rocks emplaced beneath the ME during initial rifting in the early Paleozoic and to remnants of the depleted, lower portion of the lithosphere.
A Four‐Component Heterometallic Cu‐Pt Quadrilateral via Self‐Sorting
Authors: Saha Manik Lal , Zhou Zhixuan , Stang Peter J.
Published: April 2016

Herein we combine the subcomponent self‐assembly and integrative self‐sorting techniques with the well‐established platinum(II)‐pyridine coordination‐driven self‐assembly to report the quantitative synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a heterometallic CuI‐PtII quadrilateral QL that is formed from a total of twelve molecular components from four unique species, including 5‐(pyridin‐4‐ylethynyl)picolinaldehyde (1), p‐toluidine (2), [Cu(CH3CN4](PF6) (3), and cis‐Pt(PEt3)2(OTf)2 (4), in a 4:4:2:2 ratio. Despite the many different entities potentially forming from these four precursor units, the clean formation of QL is mainly guided by the different coordination preferences of the metal ions 3 and 4, and the design criteria inherent in compounds 1 and 2.
Bis(haloBODIPYs) with Labile Helicity: Valuable Simple Organic Molecules That Enable Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Ray César , Sánchez‐Carnerero Esther M. , Moreno Florencio , Maroto Beatriz L. , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , Ortiz María J. , López‐Arbeloa Íñigo , Bañuelos Jorge , Cohovi Komlan D. , Lunkley Jamie L. , Muller Gilles , de la Moya Santiago
Published: April 2016

Simple organic molecules (SOM) based on bis(haloBODIPY) are shown to enable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), giving rise to a new structural design for technologically valuable CPL‐SOMs. The established design comprises together synthetic accessibility, labile helicity, possibility of reversing the handedness of the circularly polarized emission, and reactive functional groups, making it unique and attractive as advantageous platform for the development of smart CPL‐SOMs.
Growth, ethanol production, and inulinase activity on various inulin substrates by mutant Kluyveromyces marxianus strains NRRL Y-50798 and NRRL Y-50799
Authors: Galindo-Leva Luz Ángela , Hughes Stephen R , López-Núñez Juan Carlos , Jarodsky Joshua M , Erickson Adam , Lindquist Mitchell R , Cox Elby J , Bischoff Kenneth M , Hoecker Eric C , Liu Siqing , Qureshi Nasib , Jones Marjorie A
Published: April 2016

Economically important plants contain large amounts of inulin. Disposal of waste resulting from their processing presents environmental issues. Finding microorganisms capable of converting inulin waste to biofuel and valuable co-products at the processing site would have significant economic and environmental impact. We evaluated the ability of two mutant strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus (Km7 and Km8) to utilize inulin for ethanol production. In glucose medium, both strains consumed all glucose and produced 0.40 g ethanol/g glucose at 24 h. In inulin medium, Km7 exhibited maximum colony forming units (CFU)/mL and produced 0.35 g ethanol/g inulin at 24 h, while Km8 showed maximum CFU/mL and produced 0.02 g ethanol/g inulin at 96 h. At 24 h in inulin + glucose medium, Km7 produced 0.40 g ethanol/g (inulin + glucose) and Km8 produced 0.20 g ethanol/g (inulin + glucose) with maximum CFU/mL for Km8 at 72 h, 40 % of that for Km7 at 36 h. Extracellular inulinase activity at 6 h for both Km7 and Km8 was 3.7 International Units (IU)/mL.
Hydrogen Sulfide Facilitates Vaginal Lubrication by Activation of Epithelial ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
Authors: Sun Qing , Huang Jiehong , Yue Yong-jian , Xu Jian-bang , Jiang Ping , Yang Deng-liang , Zeng Yong , Zhou Wen-Liang
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a large role in female and male sexual responses characterized by a smooth muscle relaxant effect. Moreover, H2S is a novel pro-secretory neuromodulator that modulates epithelial ion transport. However, whether H2S has a role in regulating vaginal epithelial ion transport and fluid secretion has not been extensively studied.

Aim

To identify the effects of H2S on vaginal epithelial ion transport and lubrication in an exploratory investigation.

Methods

The mRNA, protein expression, and localization of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and H2S production in vaginal epithelium were examined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, H2S synthesizing activity assay, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The effect of H2S on vaginal epithelial ion transport, vaginal fluid secretion, and ionic concentration was investigated using a short-circuit current (ISC), a measurement of vaginal lubrication, and ion chromatography, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

The mRNA, protein expression, and localization of CSE, H2S formation, changes of ISC responses, vaginal lubrication, and K+ and Cl− concentrations were studied.

Results

CSE mRNA and protein were predominantly expressed in vaginal epithelium. Sodium hydrosulfide hydrate (NaHS) caused concentration-dependent changes in ISC across isolated rat vaginal epithelium, which consisted of an initial decrease phase and then an increase phase. The increase phase in ISC was mainly Cl− dependent and abolished by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitor, whereas the decrease phase was sensitive to the adenosine triphosphate–sensitive K+ (KATP) channel blocker. Furthermore, intravaginal treatment of NaHS significantly enhanced vaginal lubrication in vivo, and this effect was prevented by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and KATP channel inhibitors. In addition, the ionic concentrations of K+ and Cl− in rat vaginal fluid were significantly increased by NaHS treatment.

Conclusion

The CSE-H2S pathway participates in the regulation of vaginal epithelial K+ and Cl− ion transport to modulate lumen fluid secretion.
Vertical and lateral spreading of highly mineralized acid drainage solutions (Ur dump, Salair): electrical resistivity tomography and hydrogeochemical data
Authors: Olenchenko V.V. , Kucher D.O. , Bortnikova S.B. , Gas’kova O.L. , Edelev A.V. , Gora M.P.
Published: April 2016

Combined geophysical and geochemical investigations of drainage streams from sulfide-containing waste dumps of the Novo-Urskoe deposit allow determining two directions of highly mineralized toxic solutions. Surface drainage stream flows over the natural slope of the valley. In addition, along the natural fault, vertical penetration of drainage solutions into groundwater occurs to a depth of 20 m. Based on geophysical-data interpretation, we assume that penetration of solutions into geologic environment leads to their dilution by groundwater, followed by a six-fold decrease in total mineralization.
Hopane hydrocarbons in bitumens of Mesozoic deposits of the western Yenisei–Khatanga regional trough
Authors: Kim N.S. , Rodchenko A.P.
Published: April 2016

We performed a chromato-mass-spectrometric study of the distribution of hopane hydrocarbons in the organic matter of Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous mudstones from wells drilled in the western Yenisei–Khatanga regional trough. A series of 25-norhopanes has been first identified; these hydrocarbons, often found in naphthides, are commonly related to biodegradation processes. We consider other hypotheses of formation of 25-norhopanes. Based on the examined distribution of rare rearranged hopanes, new biomarker parameters have been introduced, which ensure a more reliable estimation of the conditions of accumulation of organic matter in rocks and of its thermal maturity.
Composition and metal contents of ore-forming fluids of the Kalguty Mo–W(Be) deposit (Gorny Altai)
Authors: Borovikov A.A. , Goverdovskiy V.A. , Borisenko A.S. , Bryanskiy N.V. , Shabalin S.I.
Published: April 2016

Based on results of study of fluid inclusions, we have established the specific fluid regime of formation of the Kalguty Mo–W(Be) deposit (Gorny Altai). Using classical thermobarogeochemistry (cryo- and thermometry) and modern microprobing methods (Raman spectroscopy and LA-ICP-MS), we studied fluid inclusions in quartz of quartz–wolframite veins (ore formation stage I), specific “quartz core” (quartz lens), and pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite paragenesis (ore formation stage II). The results of study show that the quartz–wolframite veins of the Kalguty deposit formed with the participation of reduced W-Sb-bearing fluids with a salt content of up to 5.9 wt.%. Their gas phase consisted of CO2, N2, and CH4. Formation of pyrite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite mineralization involved oxidized hot (530–420 °C) fluids with the average salt content of 9.3 wt.%. Their gas phase was of high density (up to 0.55) and consisted of CO2, N2, and H2S. The pressure of the mineral-forming environment varied from 50 to 25 MPa. The fluids contained Cu, Mo, Bi, and S. The productive greisen-vein Mo–W(Be) mineralization of the Kalguty deposit resulted from the superposition of greisen molybdenite-chalcopyrite mineralization on parageneses of earlier formed quartz-wolframite veins. Oxidized metal-bearing fluids that formed the Mo mineralization of the Kalguty deposit have high contents of S and are geochemical analogs of magmatic metal-bearing ore-forming fluids of the Central Aldan porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposits, which are genetically related to alkaline massifs. This suggests the significant influence of the mantle source on the formation of the Kalguty rare-metal ore-magmatic system. The same is evidenced from the sulfur isotope composition of chalcopyrite, molybdenite, and pyrite from ore parageneses, falling in the narrow range of δ34S‰ from –1.2 to +2.9 corresponding to the isotope composition of mantle sulfur.
Editorial
Authors: Campbell Marilyn
Published: April 2016

Welcome to the first edition of the journal for 2016. Unfortunately the special edition on Developmental Disability is delayed and will be published in the next issue. However, there are many interesting papers which I hope you will enjoy reading and be useful for your practice in this edition.
PURE SUBRINGS OF COMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: CHAKRABORTY S. , GURJAR R. V. , MIYANISHI M.
Published: April 2016

We study subalgebras $A$ of affine or local algebras $B$ such that $A{\hookrightarrow}B$ is a pure extension from algebraic and geometric viewpoints.
WILDER MCKAY CORRESPONDENCES
Authors: YASUDA TAKEHIKO
Published: April 2016

A conjectural generalization of the McKay correspondence in terms of stringy invariants to arbitrary characteristics, including the wild case, was recently formulated by the author in the case where the given finite group acts linearly on an affine space. In cases of very special groups and representations, the conjecture has been verified and related stringy invariants have been explicitly computed. In this paper, we try to generalize the conjecture and computations to more complicated situations such as nonlinear actions on possibly singular spaces and nonpermutation representations of nonabelian groups.
ON THE KÄHLER–EINSTEIN METRIC OF BERGMAN–HARTOGS DOMAINS
Authors: PAN LISHUANG , WANG AN , ZHANG LIYOU
Published: April 2016

We study the complete Kähler–Einstein metric of certain Hartogs domains ${\rm\Omega}_{s}$ over bounded homogeneous domains in $\mathbb{C}^{n}$. The generating function of the Kähler–Einstein metric satisfies a complex Monge–Ampère equation with Dirichlet boundary condition. We reduce the Monge–Ampère equation to an ordinary differential equation and solve it explicitly when we take the parameter $s$ for some critical value. This generalizes previous results when the base is either the Euclidean unit ball or a bounded symmetric domain.
AVERAGING FORMULA FOR NIELSEN NUMBERS OF MAPS ON INFRA-SOLVMANIFOLDS OF TYPE (R) – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: HA KU YONG , LEE JONG BUM
Published: April 2016

First published online by Duke University Press 15 January 2010, subsequently published online by Cambridge University Press 11 January 2016, doi:10.1017/S0027763000009818
POST-MEDIEVAL CROSS SLABS IN SOUTH-EAST WALES: CLOSET CATHOLICS OR STUBBORN TRADITIONALISTS?
Authors: Gray Madeleine
Published: April 2016

In England, crosses on commemorative carvings are unusual in the two centuries after the Reformation. In south-east Wales, however, there are numerous examples, in a range of styles, suggesting the work of several groups of stonemasons. A number have the IHS trigram, in the square capitals format popularised by Ignatius Loyola as the emblem of the Jesuits. Some of these memorials commemorate known recusants, but most seem to exemplify the characteristic Welsh combination of traditionalism and loyalism. There is plenty of other evidence for Welsh communities in the early modern period continuing with traditional ‘Catholic’ practices (pilgrimage, veneration of relics and wells) while still regarding themselves as members of the Established Church. Some similar stones are found over the border into Herefordshire, but there are very few in north and west Wales, suggesting that this was a purely local fashion.
Pan-American marine coastal distribution of the acanthocephalanProfilicollis altmanibased on morphometric and phylogenetic analyses of cystacanths from the mole crabEmerita brasiliensis
Authors: Rodríguez S.M. , D'Elía G.
Published: April 2016

Thorny-headed acanthocephalan worms of the genusProfilicollisare widely distributed in the oceans of the world and present complex life cycles with intermediate and definitive hosts. The genus is still poorly known, with an unstable taxonomy and, for most species, incompletely characterized geographical distributions. In this study, based on molecular and morphological evidence, we report that the speciesProfilicollis altmaniis also distributed along the South American Atlantic coast, using the mole crabEmerita brasiliensisas an intermediate host. As such, our record shows thatP. altmanihas a Pan-American distribution where five species ofEmeritaare utilized as intermediate hosts.
UNTYING THE GORDIAN KNOT OF MENS REA REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOMPLICES
Authors: Hurd Heidi M. , Moore Michael S.
Published: April 2016

This essay undertakes two tasks: first, to describe the differing mens rea requirements for accomplice liability of both Anglo-American common law and the American Law Institute's Model Penal Code; and second, to recommend how the mens rea requirements of both of these two sources of criminal law in America should be amended so as to satisfy the goals of clarity and consistency and so as to more closely conform the criminal law to the requirements of moral blameworthiness. Three "pure models" of the mens rea requirements for complicity are distinguished, based on the three theories of liability conventionally distinguished in the general part of Anglo-American criminal law. One of these, the vicarious responsibility model, is put aside initially because of both its descriptive inaccuracy and its normative undesirability. The analysis proceeds using the other two models: that of the mens rea requirements for principal liability for completed crimes, and that of the mens rea requirements for attempt liability. Both the common law and the Model Penal Code are seen as complicated admixtures of these two models, the common law being too narrow in the scope of its threatened liability and the Model Penal Code being both too broad and too opaque in its demands for accomplice liability. The normative recommendation of the paper is to adopt the model for the mens rea of complicity that treats it as a form of principal liability, recognizing that the overbreadth of liability resulting from adoption of that model would have to be redressed by adopting a "shopkeeper's privilege" as an affirmative defense separate from any mens rea requirement.
Challenges in Implementing the European Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs
Authors: PIETROBON ALESSANDRA
Published: April 2016

The newest convention of the Council of Europe requires states parties to criminalize all activities related to the trafficking in human organs. It is the first international agreement specifically aimed at addressing this form or criminal trade. Trafficking in human organs is mostly a transnational criminal enterprise: the article highlights how contracting states will have to face specific problems in prosecuting offences committed in foreign countries. The effectiveness of the convention depends on the parties’ determination in solving such problems and in avoiding taking advantage from some reservations that – though admitted by the convention – could undermine its possible value as a means of combating transnational crime.
Post-Mongol States and Early Modern Chronology in Iran and China
Authors: CROSSLEY PAMELA KYLE , GARTHWAITE GENE R.
Published: April 2016

In the aftermath of the Mongol occupations of the largest and most populous societies of Eurasia, greater visibility of popular religion, more widespread vernacular language use, rising literacy, and fundamental shifts in the structure of rulership and the relationship of state and society could all be observed. Many historians have related these changes to a broader chronology of early modernity. This has been problematic in the case of Iran, whose eighteenth-century passage has not been adequately explored in recent scholarship. Our comparative review of ‘post-Mongol’ Iran and China suggests that this period marks as meaningful a break between a schematic medieval and schematic early modern history in Iran as it does in China. Here, we first consider both societies in the post-Mongol period as empires with secular rulerships and increasingly popular cultural trends, and look at the role of what Crossley has called “simultaneous rulership”—rulership in which the codes of legitimacy of civilisations recognised by the conquest authority are given distinct representation in the rulership — in marking the transition away from religious-endorsed rule to self-legitimating rule as a mark of comparative early modernity.
Scripting Mamlūk Cities: Insider's Look. Explorations into Landscape Narratives
Authors: LUZ NIMROD
Published: April 2016

In a memorial lecture for Charles Beckingham, David Morgan1evoked one of this prolific travel literature scholar's astute observations: “[T]he study of travel narratives, especially travel narratives about a culture quite different from the traveller's own, can be very revealing, not only about the culture he observed, but about the culture to which he belonged”.2This insight indeed undergirds my own approach to the descriptions of cities by both insiders and outsiders. Narratives of cities, indeed of any landscape, are but interpretative and hermeneutics texts which can be surely used to narrate the very landscape, but also as texts which may be used to understand the culture and perceptions of the narrator. Over the course of this paper, I examine two accounts (texts) of residents of Mamlūk provincial cities inal-Shām. These texts will be placed under the scrutiny of the data and the existing literature of those cities. In other words, the ‘conceptualised city’ as narrated by the sources will be compared with the ‘tangible city’. The latter we may unearth from various other sources (mostly texts) as well as the city's built environment. Thus, this chapter examines the ways in which Mamlūk cities ofal-Shāmwere scripted and narrated by two local ‘storytellers’ and ‘image-makers’ of the city.3In this context, ‘storyteller’ is an umbrella term for those who left us with a narrated legacy of their city. I decided to call them storytellers for the purpose of accentuating their inherent subjectivity. Informed and accurate as some of these narrators may have been, all of their experiences with and accounts of the urban landscape were guided by a personal understanding and their own cultural background. Since each of these texts is about spatial practices and spatial arrangement (landscape) of the city, the argument can be made that they all fall under the heading of travel writing.4What is more, any narrative with a spatial dimension (Michel de Certeau would argue that there is no such thing as a narrative without one) is a story that organises space. Against this backdrop, the objective of this chapter, above and beyond presenting ‘spatial stories’ of cities of Syria, is to demonstrate the complexity of the reading landscape and particularly the ways landscape descriptions need always be taken as subjective, culture-based, culturally constructed, and a constant negotiation between the traveller/story-teller/source narration, the ‘actual’ built environment and the political context.
Identification of syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria in anaerobic digesters by combined protein-based stable isotope probing and metagenomics
Authors: Mosbæk Freya , Kjeldal Henrik , Mulat Daniel G , Albertsen Mads , Ward Alastair J , Feilberg Anders , Nielsen Jeppe L
Published: April 2016

Inhibition of anaerobic digestion through accumulation of volatile fatty acids occasionally occurs as the result of unbalanced growth between acidogenic bacteria and methanogens. A fast recovery is a prerequisite for establishing an economical production of biogas. However, very little is known about the microorganisms facilitating this recovery. In this study, we investigated the organisms involved by a novel approach of mapping protein-stable isotope probing (protein-SIP) onto a binned metagenome. Under simulation of acetate accumulation conditions, formations of 13C-labeled CO2 and CH4 were detected immediately following incubation with [U-13C]acetate, indicating high turnover rate of acetate. The identified 13C-labeled peptides were mapped onto a binned metagenome for improved identification of the organisms involved. The results revealed that Methanosarcina and Methanoculleus were actively involved in acetate turnover, as were five subspecies of Clostridia. The acetate-consuming organisms affiliating with Clostridia all contained the FTFHS gene for formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, a key enzyme for reductive acetogenesis, indicating that these organisms are possible syntrophic acetate-oxidizing (SAO) bacteria that can facilitate acetate consumption via SAO, coupled with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis (SAO-HM). This study represents the first study applying protein-SIP for analysis of complex biogas samples, a promising method for identifying key microorganisms utilizing specific pathways.