bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Salinity and Substrate on the Emergence and Growth of Propagules of the Mangrove Species Rhizophora racemosa in the Sassandra-Dagbego Ramsar Complex, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Amenoudji Cossi Irénée , Sanogo Souleymane , Djogli Khévine Robaverge , Adanve Jean-Fabrice , Sodedji Kpedetin Frejus Ariel
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the behaviour of seeded propagules of Rhirophora racemosa (R. racemosa) on different substrates and under different salinity levels. Three substrates including sand, mud and a mixture of the two were tested together with tree salinity levels (low 5%, moderate 10% and high 25%). R. racemosa seedlings were more likely to emerge and grow under moderate and low salinity conditions. The propagules had significant early growth in mud compared to sand and mud-sand mixture. The combined effect of salt and substrate influenced significantly propagules performance in nursery (p<0.001). High propagules emergence and growth were observed in the combination mud and salt treatments as compared to sand and san-mud mixture substrates. These results provide valuable information for the management and restoration of mangroves, highlighting the optimal environmental conditions for the successful regeneration of this species.
A Comprehensive Review on Protected Cultivation: Importance, Scope and Status
Authors: Banjare Chetna , Mahanta Dibyajyoti , Sahu Premlal , Choudhary Rishika
Published: June 2024

The practice of protected cultivation of horticultural crops has become increasingly important in contemporary agriculture, providing a host of advantages including higher yields, improved quality, and defence against pests and unfavourable weather. This thorough analysis seeks to illustrate protected cultivation practices as they stand today and investigate their potential in horticulture going forward. The examination starts out by going over the many kinds of protected production buildings and their benefits and drawbacks, such as greenhouses, high tunnels, and shade houses. The importance of protected farming in addressing issues related to global food security is then emphasised by maintaining crop output all year round and minimising reliance on seasonal changes. The impact of protected cultivation techniques which include enhanced crop morphogenesis, precipitation control, and the optimisation of environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels on the growth and development of horticultural crops is further examined in this review. In addition, the application of cutting-edge technologies such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and vertical farming in protected growing systems is discussed and its potential to maximise crop output while consuming the least amount of resources is highlighted. The study also explores the difficulties and limitations associated with adopting protected cultivation, such as the need for synthetic inputs, energy requirements, and financial issues. It talks about environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to reduce these problems and support ecological balance, like using renewable energy sources and switching to organic farming methods. The investigation concludes that discussing some potential developments and trends in protected cultivation going forward, including as the application of artificial intelligence, the integration of precision agriculture methods, and the uptake of smart farming technologies. These developments could lead to increased yield and quality improvements in the production of horticulture crops by further optimising resource utilisation, enhancing automation, and improving crop monitoring and management.
Effect of Organic Sources on Properties of Soil on the Cultivation of Greengram (Vigna radiate L.) in Sandy Loam Soil of Middle Gujrat Region
Authors: Lakshman  , Raval C.H. , Patel H. K. , Yadav Suwa Lal , Birla Devilal , Choudhary Priyanka , Choudhary Manju
Published: June 2024

Background: The organic manures (FYN, Vermicompost and Castor cake) has potential to play the role in promoting growth and providing immunity in the plant system, resulting in increase overall yields and improve soil fertility. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the fertilization effect of organic sources on available nutrients (N, P2O5, K2O), microbial count, organic carbon, EC, pH of soil after cultivation of greengram.
Methods: During semi rabi season 2021, a field experiment was undertaken at the Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, comprising ten nutrient management strategies, laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replications.
Results: Application of 100% Nitrgen through FYM in greengram resulted in significantly higher available nitrogen and organic carbon of soil while significantly higher microbial count found under the application of 75% N through FYM + ST (5ml/kg seed) of Rhizobium + Bio NPK consortium 1L/ha to others.
Evaluation Trial of IVY Gourd (Coccinia grandis L.) Varieties in Prayagraj Agro Climatic Condition
Authors: Suranjana Subhashree Smruti , Singh Devi , Wesley C. John , Dawson Joy , Bahadur Vijay
Published: June 2024

The current trial on commenced in February 2023 at the Horticulture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
This experiment employed a Random Block Design (RBD) with seven varieties replicated three times. The varieties, namely V₁ (Arka Neelachal Khunki), V₂ (Arka Neelachal Sabuja), V₃ (Local Geda), V₄ (Local Denga), V₅ (Surekha), V₆ (CHIV-8), and V₇ (CHIV-9), were assessed based on various growth, yield, and quality parameters. These parameters included vine length, petiole length, appearance of the first female flower anthesis, internode length, fruit length, fruit diameter, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield in tonnes per hectare, total soluble solids (TSS), ascorbic acid content, fruit shape, and colour.
From the different parameters it was concluded that all the seven varieties showed significant performance in almost all the characters.
The variety V₂, Arka Neelachal Sabuja, exhibited superior characteristics in various parameters, including vine length (310.66 cm), internode length (12.71 cm), fruit length (6.11 cm), average fruit weight (21.07g), number of fruits per plant (422), number of seeds per fruit (122), fruit yield per plant (8.53 kg), fruit yield per hectare (17.36t/ha), total soluble solids (TSS - 4.31), and had the minimum days taken for the first female flower anthesis (32.67 days). It featured an ovoid-shaped fruit with dark green fractured strips.
On the other hand, variety V₁, Arka Neelachal Khunki, demonstrated maximum petiole length (8.03 cm) and ascorbic acid content (15.30 mg/100g of fruit pulp). The fruit was uniform and cylindrical in shape with light green colour and white stripes.
Suitability of Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation in Transplanted and Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Haryana, India
Authors: Ram Mangat , Kamboj B. R. , Sharma Neeraj
Published: June 2024

On-farm trials on rice crop were conducted at farmer field over a span of three years (2018, 2019 and 2020) to assess the effectiveness of micro-irrigation methods (specifically drip and sprinkler irrigation) on water usage and crop yield in rice cultivation. The aim was to compare these methods with the conventional surface irrigation (flooding) method both in transplanted (manually or mechanically) and direct seeded rice so as to determine the feasibility of micro-irrigation in rice to tackle the problem of groundwater depletion in Haryana. In transplanted rice (TPR), grain yield obtained with drip and sprinkler irrigation was statistically similar to that obtained with conventional method. But the yield of direct seeded rice (DSR) increased significantly (15.1- 21.1% increase) when it was irrigated by drip or sprinkler methods than by conventional method. The yield of DSR was significantly lower than that of TPR when it was irrigated by conventional surface flooding method but the DSR yielded at par with TPR when irrigated by drip or sprinkler method. The grain yield of the crop obtained with drip and sprinkler irrigation was at par, irrespective of the crop establishment techniques.  Over the conventional irrigation, the drip and sprinkler irrigation saved 54.4-57.2% and 47.4-49.0% of irrigation water, respectively in TPR whereas the saving of irrigation water over the conventional method in DSR was 52.5-53.9% and 38.3-39.3%, respectively. Irrespective of establishment techniques, the highest water use efficiency was achieved with drip irrigation (6.73-9.46 kg/ha/mm), followed by sprinkler irrigation (5.66-7.85 kg/ha/mm) whereas it was the lowest with the conventional irrigation (3.28-3.55 kg/ha/mm). It is evident from the findings that it is feasible to adopt sprinkler irrigation in rice (both in TPR and DSR) as it saved substantial quantity of irrigation water without any penalty in yield and net profit in TPR and even increased the yield and net profit in DSR over the conventional irrigation method. Therefore, sprinkler irrigation can be an effective strategy to manage the depletion of groundwater in Haryana. On the other hand, the drip irrigation, despite saving more water and being comparable to the sprinkler irrigation in respect of its effect on yield, may not be economically viable due to its higher initial cost.
Combining Ability Studies for Grain Yield and Its Component Traits in Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)
Authors: Rajasekar  , Kumar Ajay , Narayan Ashish , Nilanjaya  , Singh Santosh Kumar
Published: June 2024

Using 15 sweet corn inbreds, a line x tester design was made to perform combining ability analysis for yield and its contributing traits. For every character under study, the interaction between Line x Tester was highly significant, with the exception of days to 50% tasseling. For every attribute studied, the variation resulting from sca exceeded the variance resulting from gca. Which indicates the presence of non-additive gene action between the parents. As a result of their high per se performance combined with high gca effects for the majority of the yield and yield contributing traits, such as ear weight without husk, number of kernels per row, total soluble solids, 100 kernel weight, cob yield per plot and total sugar, the lines L6, L12 and testers T1, T2 were determined to be the best general combiners. The hybrid L3×T1, which had the highest per se performance and sca for cob yield per plot, 100 kernel weight and ear weight without husk, was determined to be the best hybrid out of the 36 hybrids examined.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Autoimmune Mechanisms and Treatment
Authors: Moazam Mustafa , Khan Shazain , Quiroga Issac , Parra Karen , Flores Paulina , Fatima Eman , Amato Andrea , Tahera Syeda I. , Mirza Muhammad Sohail S.
Published: June 2024

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), highlighting the autoimmune origins of the illness and its therapeutic options. It discusses the role of insulin in metabolism and highlights the fact that the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells is the primary characteristic of type 1 diabetes. Environmental triggers such as viral infections, cow's milk proteins, and insufficient vitamin D are studied in addition to genetic factors such as specific alleles associated with the disease's susceptibility. The report discusses the global epidemiology of T1DM and its increasing incidence, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to treatment. Various treatment options are evaluated, emphasizing the need for customized approaches to treat this complex autoimmune disease. These options include gene therapy, insulin treatment, immunomodulatory medications, and vaccination. All things considered, the study adds to our understanding of T1DM and highlights the ongoing need to develop effective treatment modalities.
Significance of ECG in Acute Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis in Absence of Chest Pain at Emergency Department
Authors: Kabir Chowdhury Md Navim
Published: June 2024

Epigastric discomfort with/without chest pain is a common scenario in emergency/outdoor patient department. Patients having mild to moderate epigastric discomfort without retrosternal chest pain showing maiden ECG abnormalities like ST segment elevation/ depression. That’s why importance of ECG have been proven undoubtedly as life saving emergency investigation. 35 male and 28 female patient with age group of 32-67 years of old participated in this cross sectional study. Average age of male patients was 43+_ 2 and 49+_2 in female years.23 male and 19 female had history of repeated epigastric discomfort which was subsided by injectable Esomeprazole, anti emetics. Rest of patients have minor discomfort which was subsided by oral anti ulcerants. 10 male and 11 female patients who came in emergency & OPD department for relieving epigastric discomfort without having chest pain. 7 male patients having ST segment elevation /depression and followed by Troponin- I (according to post ECG advice for confirmed heart attack) in 2 male patients.5 females diagnosed as MI after getting ECG followed by Troponin-I result. Emergency and OPD should have ECG facility for it's specificity in early MI diagnosis. This early diagnosis can reduce cardiac mortality in middle ages to elderly patients in grass root level.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Physiological Growth Parameters of Perennial Fodder Crops in Custard Apple Based Horti-Pastoral System
Authors: Jhonsonraju S. , Krishna A. , Madhavilata A. , Chaitanya T.
Published: June 2024

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management practices on perennial fodders within a custard apple based horti-pastoral system during the Rabi season of 2021 at the Agroforestry Research Block of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The study featured two main plots dedicated to the fodder species Cenchurus ciliaris (Anjan grass) and Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass), while six nutrient management practices along with a control were implemented as sub plots in a split-plot design. Results revealed that M. maximus has recorded significantly higher Physiological growth parameters viz., CGR, RGR at different growth stages in first cut. Among the integrated nutrient management practices, higher CGR values were recorded at 45 DAI with the application of75% RDN + 25% N through PGLM (13.47 g m-2 day-1) which was on par with –the application of 75% RDN + 25% N Through PM (12.78 g m-2 day-1) and RGR found non-significant. The experiment concludes that M. maximus found best for horti-pastoral system with PGLM or PM supplemental nutrient management.
Phenoxyl Radical–Metal Complexes
Authors: Shimazaki Yuichi
Published: September 2012

The redox chemistry of metal complexes has been widely developed in recent years, affording deep insights into the reaction mechanisms for many useful homogeneous catalytic reactions and enzymatic reactions at the active site of metalloenzymes. During the course of the studies, a large number of novel complexes have been born and well characterized; species formed as a result of redox reactions such as organic and other radicals are especially important not only in inorganic but also in other fields of chemistry.

In the early 1990s, it was discovered that the phenoxyl radical can bind with a metal ion as an open‐shell ligand performing a role of an organic radical cofactor in a metalloenzyme, galactose oxidase (GO), which is a single copper oxidase catalyzing two‐electron oxidation of the primary alcohol to the aldehyde. After the discovery of the radical coordination in the active center, many metal?phenoxyl radical complexes have been synthesized and characterized for understanding the detailed mechanism of GO and the properties of the metal complexes with the coordinated phenoxyl radical.

This chapter focuses on the synthesis, structures, properties and reactivity of almost all of the metal‐phenoxyl radical complexes. The first few sections describe historical aspects and general properties of the metal‐phenoxyl radical complexes, including a comparison of their properties with those of the high valent metal‐phenolate complexes which are iso‐electronic with the phenoxyl radical complexes. In later sections, the properties of the metal coordinated phenoxyl radical are described in the order of the periodic table.
Colloidal Occlusion Template Method for Micromanufacturing of Omniphobic Surfaces
Authors: Grigoryev Anton , Roiter Yuri , Tokarev Ihor , Luzinov Igor , Minko Sergiy
Published: September 2012

An efficient strategy to produce forests of aligned nanowires and nail‐like micrometer‐sized structures, whose density can be tuned in a broad range, is reported in this study. It relies on a combination of two template‐assisted nanofabrication/patterning methods: electrochemical growth of metal nanowires in nanoporous sacrificial templates and partial masking of a surface with a self‐assembled colloidal monolayer. A great potential of this novel approach, termed here colloidal occlusion template method, is demonstrated on the example of the fabrication of omniphobic surfaces comprised of nickel micronails whose density is varied to approach highest possible contact angles. After chemical modification to reduce their surface tension, these microstructures with reentrant geometry support the non‐wetting Cassie state for both high‐surface‐tension water and low‐surface‐tension hexadecane. In particular, superhydrophobic behavior (contact angles exceeding 150°) is found for water, while oleophobicity (contact angles approaching 110°) is observed for hexadecane. The proposed approach can be exploited for the fabrication of a large variety of supported high‐aspect‐ratio nano/microstructures in applications where a surface density of features has to be several orders of magnitude lower than can be obtained with conventional template methods.
Improving Spin‐Transport by Disorder
Authors: Chadov Stanislav , Kiss Janos , Felser Claudia
Published: September 2012

A new scheme dedicated to improving spin‐transport characteristics by applying random disorder as a constructive agent is reported. The approach paves the way for the construction of novel systems with a surprising combination of properties, which are either extremely rare or even entirely absent within the known classes of ordered materials: half‐metals with no net magnetization and magnetic semiconductors. As a real case example for the applicability of the scheme, it is shown that a series of such materials can be derived from the tetragonal Heusler compound Mn3Ga by substituting Mn with a 3d‐transition metal.
The relationship between relative deprivation and adult nutritional status in rural Zambia
Authors: Cole Steven M.
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

To explore statistically the relationship between adult short‐run nutritional status [body mass index (BMI)] and a measure of relative deprivation [subjective socioeconomic status (SES)] using panel data collected in a developing country where there is a high degree of poverty and a very uneven distribution of income.

Methods:

Study participants included men and women from a random sample of households located in a rural setting in Zambia. The data were collected during two waves of survey interviews in 2009. A multilevel model was used to estimate the relationship between subjective SES and adult BMI and controlled for individual absolute income as well as other correlates of adult health. The sample size included 254 observations.

Results:

A positive relationship was established between individual absolute income and adult BMI at the 1% level. A negative and statistically significant association was found at the 1% level between lower subjective SES and adult BMI. Lower perception of place within the socioeconomic hierarchy was on average associated with a 0.44 decrease in adult BMI.

Conclusions:

This study found that, independent of individual absolute income, lower subjective SES was negatively related with adult BMI in rural Zambia. The result provides evidence that lower perception of place within the local socioeconomic hierarchy matters to health. Future studies should continue exploring the relationship between subjective and objective measures of relative deprivation and health in developing countries, where the bulk of the research focuses on material not relative deprivation as a key determinant of individual health. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is skinfold thickness as good as DXA when measuring adiposity contributions to insulin resistance in adolescents?
Authors: Addo O. Yaw , Pereira Mark A. , Himes John H.
Published: September 2012

Objective:

We compared adiposity from triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness (SF) with total body fat from dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in their associations with HOMA insulin resistance for a large sample of US adolescents.

Methods:

We analyzed cross‐sectional data from 1496 adolescents, ages 12.0–17.99 year examined as part of the US national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) cycles 2001–04. Data collected included skinfold thicknesses, DXA‐based total body fat (DXF), serum insulin and fasting glucose for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). Regression models adjusting for complex survey design effects and correspondence analyses were used to study associations with HOMA‐IR and concordance between the two measures of adiposity.

Results:

SF and DXA models had identical precisions for estimating continuous HOMA‐IR, based on bootstrap estimations. For boys, RMSEs = 0.53 (95% CI: 0.49–0.58) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.48–0.57) for SF and DXA models respectively; and for girls RMSEs were SF = 0.45 (95% CI: 0.41–0.48) and DXA = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.42–0.48). Both adiposity models identified high proportions of the same individuals (positive percent agreement: 80–81%) with exact agreements exceeding 92% for identifying adolescents at elevated risk of IR in both sexes.

Conclusions:

Triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses estimate HOMA‐IR and identify those at highest risk for insulin resistance as well as total body fat from DXA. Skinfold thickness provides an inexpensive and widely applicable measure of fatness that is appropriate for studies of insulin resistance and perhaps other metabolic variables in adolescents. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The pupillographic sleepiness test in adults: Effect of age, gender, and time of day on pupillometric variables
Authors: Eggert Torsten , Sauter Cornelia , Popp Roland , Zeitlhofer Josef , Danker‐Hopfe Heidi ,   on behalf of the working group “Vigilance” of the German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine (DGSM)
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

The Pupillographic Sleepiness Test (PST) measures the level of alertness based on spontaneous oscillations in pupillary size. Reference data are available for male and female adults within the age range 20–60 years. The aim of the present multicenter study was to extend the age range for reference data from 20 to 79 years.

Methods:

A total of 239 healthy subjects, selected from three different centers (Berlin, Regensburg, and Vienna), were administered the PST. Data were analyzed with respect to possible effects of age, gender, and time of day on the pupillary unrest index (PUI) and the pupil diameter (PD).

Results:

Reliable data were available in 85.8% of the entire study sample and in 82.4% of elderly subjects (60+ years). Age‐related changes were identified for the PUI and PD. There was no effect of gender on pupillometric variables as revealed by univariate analysis. The PD was found to be smaller in the afternoon compared with the morning. However, if subjects aged 60+ years were excluded from the analyses, the age‐related changes disappeared and a time‐of‐day effect regarding the PUI became apparent.

Conclusions:

PUI and PD were found to decrease with increasing age. In addition, the present data show that nonreliable PST data occur more frequently in the elderly probably because of dry eyes, inadequate testing conditions, and technical resolution limitations. Thus, the PST results obtained here from elderly subjects are limited and have to be interpreted with caution. Additional research on elderly specific assessment tools is needed. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Katalytische selektive Synthese
Authors: Mahatthananchai Jessada , Dumas Aaron M. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: September 2012

Der Verlauf und das Produkt einer Reaktion lassen sich gezielt über die Katalysatorstruktur steuern, selbst bei nahezu identischen Reaktionsbedingungen. Katalysatorkontrollierte Selektivität ist in der enantioselektiven Synthese gut etabliert, in katalytischen regio‐, chemo‐ und produktselektiven Reaktionen aber wenig verbreitet. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt, wie eine Ausgangsverbindung lediglich durch die Auswahl des Katalysators selektiv in zwei oder mehr unterschiedliche Produkte umgewandelt werden kann. Wir stellen Beispiele selektiver Katalysen vor und hoffen, dass die bisher erzielten Fortschritte ermutigend für das Gebiet sind. Zugleich wollen auch die noch offenen Fragen beim Entwurf und dem mechanistischen Verständnis selektiver Katalysatoren thematisieren.
Katalytische asymmetrische Halogenfunktionalisierung von Alkenen – eine kritische Betrachtung
Authors: Denmark Scott E. , Kuester William E. , Burk Matthew T.
Published: September 2012

Obwohl die Halogenierung von Alkenen seit Jahrhunderten bekannt ist, wurden enantioselektive Varianten dieser Reaktion erst vor kurzem entwickelt. Die in den vergangenen drei Jahren beschriebenen katalytischen enantioselektiven Varianten von Halogenfunktionalisierungen mit den vier gängigen Halogenen sind wichtige Durchbrüche, stellen aber erst die Anfänge eines im Entstehen begriffenen Gebiets dar. Dieser Kurzaufsatz bietet eine kritische Betrachtung der Herausforderungen, die mit der Entwicklung allgemein anwendbarer und hoch enantioselektiver Halogenfunktionalisierungen einhergehen. Zudem liegt der Schwerpunkt hier anders als bei früheren Übersichten zu diesem Gebiet darauf, die verschiedenen Katalysearten und Strategien zur asymmetrischen Induktion aufzuzeigen.
Pyrene‐Based Y‐shaped Solid‐State Blue Emitters: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoluminescence
Authors: Feng Xing , Hu Jian‐Yong , Yi Liu , Seto Nobuyuki , Tao Zhu , Redshaw Carl , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Yamato Takehiko
Published: September 2012

A series of pyrene‐based Y‐shaped blue emitters, namely, 7‐tert‐butyl‐1,3‐diarylpyrenes 4 were synthesized by the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction of 7‐tert‐butyl‐1,3‐dibromopyrene with a variety of p‐substituted phenylboronic acids in good to excellent yields. These compounds were fully characterized by X‐ray crystallography, UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, DFT calculations, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that the Y‐shaped arylpyrenes exhibited a low degree of π stacking owing to the steric effect of the bulky tert‐butyl group in the pyrene ring at the 7‐position, and thus, the intermolecular π–π interactions were effectively suppressed in the solid state. Despite the significantly twisted nonplanar structures, these molecules still displayed efficient intramolecular charge‐transfer emissions with clear solvatochromic shifts on increasing solvent polarity. An intriguing fact is that all of these molecules show highly blue emissions with excellent quantum yields in the solid state. Additionally, the two compounds containing the strongest electron‐accepting groups, CN (4d) and CHO (4f), possess high thermal stability, which, together with their excellent solid‐state fluorescence efficiency, makes them promising potential blue emitters in organic light‐emitting device applications.
Multiple Lyapunov Functions with Blending for Induced L2‐norm Control of Switched LPV Systems and its Application to an F‐16 Aircraft Model
Authors: He Xu , Zhao Jun
Published: September 2012

This paper studies the induced L2‐norm problem for switched linear parameter varying (LPV) systems using a blending method. For a switched LPV system where the parameters are grouped into slow‐varying and fast‐varying parameters, the blending method is used to construct blended Lyapunov functions based on the multiple Lyapunov functions conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The proposed method is applied to an F‐16 aircraft longitudinal model and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Consensus for Agents with Double Integrator Dynamics in Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Goldin D. , Raisch J.
Published: September 2012

This paper studies the convergence properties of consensus algorithms for agents with double integrator dynamics communicating over networks modelled by undirected graphs. The positions and velocities of the agents are shared along heterogeneous, i.e. different, undirected communication networks. The main result is that consensus can be achieved, even though the networks along which position and velocity information are shared are different, and not even connected. Insights on the consensus rate are given based only on the topological properties of the network.
A stage‐wise approach for the analysis of multi‐environment trials
Authors: Piepho Hans‐Peter , Möhring Jens , Schulz‐Streeck Torben , Ogutu Joseph O.
Published: September 2012

Plant breeders and variety testing agencies routinely test candidate genotypes (crop varieties, lines, test hybrids) in multiple environments. Such multi‐environment trials can be efficiently analysed by mixed models. A single‐stage analysis models the entire observed data at the level of individual plots. This kind of analysis is usually considered as the gold standard. In practice, however, it is more convenient to use a two‐stage approach, in which experiments are first analysed per environment, yielding adjusted means per genotype, which are then summarised across environments in the second stage. Stage‐wise approaches suggested so far are approximate in that they cannot fully reproduce a single‐stage analysis, except in very simple cases, because the variance–covariance matrix of adjusted means from individual environments needs to be approximated by a diagonal matrix. This paper proposes a fully efficient stage‐wise method, which carries forward the full variance–covariance matrix of adjusted means from the individual environments to the analysis across the series of trials. Provided the variance components are known, this method can fully reproduce the results of a single‐stage analysis. Computations are made efficient by a diagonalisation of the residual variance–covariance matrix, which necessitates a corresponding linear transformation of both the first‐stage estimates (e.g. adjusted means and regression slopes for plot covariates) and the corresponding design matrices for fixed and random effects. We also exemplify the extension of the general approach to a three‐stage analysis. The method is illustrated using two datasets, one real and the other simulated. The proposed approach has close connections with meta‐analysis, where environments correspond to centres and genotypes to medical treatments. We therefore compare our theoretical results with recently published results from a meta‐analysis.
Ubiquitin‐Based Probes Prepared by Total Synthesis To Profile the Activity of Deubiquitinating Enzymes
Authors: de Jong Annemieke , Merkx Remco , Berlin Ilana , Rodenko Boris , Wijdeven Ruud H. M. , El Atmioui Dris , Yalçin Zeliha , Robson Craig N. , Neefjes Jacques J. , Ovaa Huib
Published: September 2012

Epitope‐tagged active‐site‐directed probes are widely used to visualize the activity of deubiquitinases (DUBs) in cell extracts, to investigate the specificity and potency of small‐molecule DUB inhibitors, and to isolate and identify DUBs by mass spectrometry. With DUBs arising as novel potential drug targets, probes are required that can be produced in sufficient amounts and to meet the specific needs of a given experiment. The established method for the generation of DUB probes makes use of labor‐intensive intein‐based methods that have inherent limitations concerning the incorporation of unnatural amino acids and the amount of material that can be obtained. Here, we describe the total chemical synthesis of active‐site‐directed probes and their application to activity‐based profiling and identification of functional DUBs. This synthetic methodology allowed the easy incorporation of desired tags for specific applications, for example, fluorescent reporters, handles for immunoprecipitation or affinity pull‐down, and cleavable linkers. Additionally, the synthetic method can be scaled up to provide significant amounts of probe. Fluorescent ubiquitin probes allowed faster, in‐gel detection of active DUBs, as compared to (immuno)blotting procedures. A biotinylated probe holding a photocleavable linker enabled the affinity pull‐down and subsequent mild, photorelease of DUBs. Also, DUB activity levels were monitored in response to overexpression or knockdown, and to inhibition by small molecules. Furthermore, fluorescent probes revealed differential DUB activity profiles in a panel of lung and prostate cancer cells.
Rationale and design of the MGuard for acute ST elevation reperfusion MASTER trial
Authors: Costa J. Ribamar , Abizaid Alexandre , Dudek Dariusz , Silber Sigmund , Leon Martin B. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: September 2012

Background

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves survival compared with thrombolytic therapy in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), with much of the benefit attributable to greater rates of normal epicardial and myocardial perfusion resulting in enhanced myocardial salvage. However, reduced tissue reperfusion after primary PCI may occur from distal thromboemboli with capillary plugging. The MGuard stent consists of a balloon‐expandable metallic scaffold with mesh sleeve fibers of polyethylene terephthalate attached to its outer surface to trap friable debris/thrombi and reduce distal embolization. The MGuard for Acute ST Elevation Reperfusion (MASTER) trial has been designed to evaluate the MGuard stent in patients with STEMI.

Study Design

The MASTER trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized study designed to compare the incidence of complete (=70%) ST‐segment resolution with PCI using bare metal or drug‐eluting stents (the control arm) versus PCI with the MGuard stent, measured 60 to 90 min after the last angiogram (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints include the rates of TIMI flow and myocardial blush, and clinical outcomes through 1‐year follow‐up. The study has enrolled 432 patients with STEMI undergoing primary or rescue angioplasty within 12 hr of symptom onset and includes substudies with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and quantitative coronary angiography to evaluate infarct size, microvascular obstruction, and angiographic restenosis.

Conclusions

Distal embolization is common during primary PCI and results in reduced myocardial perfusion and lack of reduction of infarct size. The MASTER trial is a prospective, randomized trial designed to assess the potential of the novel MGuard stent with protective mesh net to reduce embolization and enhance myocardial reperfusion compared with routine PCI in the setting of STEMI. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single‐center comparative outcomes of the edwards SAPIEN and medtronic melody transcatheter heart valves in the pulmonary position
Authors: Faza Nadeen , Kenny Damien , Kavinsky Clifford , Amin Zahid , Heitschmidt Mary , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: September 2012

Background

Two transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) systems (Edwards SAPIEN and Medtronic Melody) are available; however, comparative studies evaluating outcome data are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare short‐ with medium‐term outcome data of these valves in the pulmonary position from a single institution.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis of all patients undergoing tPVR from April 2008 until April 2012. Pre‐procedural investigations, patient demographics, procedural hemodynamics, and clinical and echocardiographic follow‐up data were included. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.

Results

Thirty‐three patients underwent successful tPVR (SAPIEN (S) n = 20, Melody (M) n = 13). Patient age and weight were similar between the two groups. Primary indication included regurgitation (S (n = 2), M (n = 3)), stenosis (S (n = 13), M (n = 7)), or mixed (S (n = 5), M (n = 3)). There was no difference in pre‐procedural peak Doppler gradients across the pulmonary outflow (S = 47.73 ± 21.14 mm Hg, M = 42.62 ± 15.59 mm Hg, P = 0.46). All but one patient underwent pre‐stenting prior to valve implantation. Immediately following valve deployment, the transvalvar gradient was not statistically different between the two groups (S = 11.5 ± 8.07 mm Hg, M = 8.15 ± 4.56 mm Hg, P = 0.18). There were no procedural deaths. Follow‐up mean pulmonary Doppler gradients were higher with the SAPIEN cohort (18.43 ± 9.06 mm Hg (S) and 11.17 ± 5.24 mm Hg (M), P = 0.016); however, no differences were seen when similar procedural epochs were assessed. All but one patient remained with PR grade = 2.

Conclusions

In a single‐center series, the SAPIEN and Melody valves demonstrated comparable medium‐term valve function. Greater residual gradients with the SAPIEN valve may represent a more conservative early pre‐stenting approach with this valve. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent Advances in Asymmetric Counteranion‐directed Catalysis (ACDC)
Authors: Ávila Eloah P. , Amarante Giovanni W.
Published: September 2012

As expected, chemists have dedicated efforts in the development of asymmetric catalytic reactions based on lessons from nature. The decisive presence of the chiral anions in many natural chiral catalysts inspires the design of new asymmetric catalytic systems based on them. Thus, in this Minireview the recent contributions of asymmetric counteranion‐directed catalysis (ACDC) are reported. Discussions about development of new concepts, designed of catalysis and application of them in different reactions also are exposed.
Modeling of CO2‐Hydrate Formation at the Gas‐Water Interface in Sand Sediment
Authors: Takahashi T. , Sato T. , Inui M. , Hirabayashi S. , Brumby P. E.
Published: September 2012

Sub‐seabed geological storage of CO2 in the form of gas hydrate is attractive because clathrate hydrate stably exists at low temperature and high pressure, even if a fault occurs by diastrophism like a big earthquake. For the effective design of the storage system it is necessary to model the formation of CO2‐hydrate. Here, it is assumed that the formation of gas hydrate on the interface between gas and water consists of two stages: gas diffusion through the CO2‐hydrate film and consequent CO2‐hydrate formation on the interface, between film and water. Also proposed is the presence of a fresh reaction interface, which is part of the interface between the gas and aqueous phases and not covered with CO2‐hydrate. Parameters necessary to model the hydrate formation in sand sediment are derived by comparing the results of the present numerical simulations and the measurements in the literature.
Optimal Integration of Directly Combined Hydrophobic Interaction and Ion Exchange Chromatography Purification Processes
Authors: Helling C. , Borrmann C. , Strube J.
Published: September 2012

Hydrophobic interaction and ion exchange chromatography are basic steps in purification of fermentative biopharmaceuticals. An optimization by statistical design of experiments requires a huge amount of feed. An alternative approach is the combination of model parameter determination using small scale experimental model parameter determination (1‐mL columns) and rigorous process modeling. Applicability for the prediction of the separation of a fermentation mixture of CHO mammalian cell culture is validated and hence IgG is purified from cell culture supernatant. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography directly combined with ion exchange chromatography is optimized. Any direct integration of those two main unit operations in purification processes is a methodological first step towards total process optimization. The potential for cost reduction and overall yield improvement is demonstrated and this leads to the conclusion that single step optimization is a feigned and not a real optimum.
Uptake and Speciation of Inorganic Arsenic with Cellulose Fibre Coated with Yttrium Hydroxide Layer as a Novel Green Sorbent
Authors: An Myong‐Il , Zhang Xiaoxing , Yang Ting , Chen Mingli , Wang Jianhua
Published: September 2012

A novel adsorbent was developed by coating yttrium hydroxide precipitate layer on cellulose fibre. This material takes upca. 98% of 5 µg·L−1As(III) and As(V) at low pH (pH<7), while a favorable selectivity for As(V) was achieved within pH 11–12. In practice, a mini‐column packed with Y(OH)3precipitate layer coated cellulose fibre particles was incorporated into a sequential injection system for selective uptake of arsenate at pH 11.5. The retained arsenate was afterwards recovered with 50 µL of 0.8 mol·L−1NaOH solution as eluent, followed by hydride generation in a reaction medium of 2.0 mol·L−1HCl and 1.0% NaBH4solution (W/V, in 0.5% NaOH) after pre‐reduction of arsenate to arsenite by KI‐ascorbic acid (5%,W/V), with detection by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Total inorganic arsenic was quantitatively taken up at pH 6.0 by following the same procedure and arsenic speciation was performed by difference. With a sample volume of 1.0 mL, an enrichment factor of 16.4 was derived with a detection limit of 17 ng·L−1within a linear range of 0.05–2.0 µg·L−1. A relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.6% (0.5 µg·L−1,n=11) was achieved. The procedure was validated by analyzing arsenic in a certified reference material GBW 09101 (human hair), and speciation of inorganic arsenic in natural water samples. The entire process requires no organic solvents, thus Y(OH)3coated cellulose fibre provides a green adsorbent.
Synthesis and Pressure‐induced Reversible Phase Transition of a Crystalline Solid Europium Germanate NaEuGeO4
Authors: Zhao Xinguang , Wang Kai , Yan Tingting , Yan Yan , Zou Bo , Yu Jihong , Xu Ruren
Published: September 2012

The crystalline solid europium germanate NaEuGeO4 was prepared under hydrothermal conditions. The in‐situ photoluminescence spectroscopic measurement and the synchrotron X‐ray diffraction analysis in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) under high pressure were performed to study the pressure‐induced phase transition of NaEuGeO4 as well as changes of the luminescent properties of Eu3+ ions. Photoluminescence spectroscopic studies revealed that a phase transition occurred at a pressure range of 6.5–10 GPa and the high‐pressure phase of NaEuGeO4 (NaEuGeO4‐HP) was still stable when the pressure raised up to about 20 GPa. As the pressure was released, the spectra returned to the original state, revealing that the pressure‐induced phase transition is a completely reversible process. The synchrotron X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the structure of NaEuGeO4 transformed to an unidentified phase NaEuGeO4‐HP at a pressure higher than 10 GPa, and the phase transition is reversible. This result is consisted with that obtained by photoluminescence spectra analysis.
Suzuki Reactions in Water Catalyzed by an Active and Reusable PMO‐Type Pd(II) Organometal Catalyst with Cage‐Like Mesoporous Structure
Authors: Zhu Fengxia , Li Hexing
Published: September 2012

A novel Pd(II) organometal catalyst with three‐dimensional (3D) cage‐like Ia3d cubic mesoporous structure and high surface area was prepared. In comparison with the corresponding catalyst with two‐dimensional (2D) P6mm hexagonal mesoporous structure, the as‐prepared catalyst exhibited higher activities in the water‐medium Suzuki coupling reactions owing to the diminished diffusion limit. It showed comparable efficiencies with the Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 homogeneous catalyst and could be easily recycled and reused for five times without significant loss of activity.
Perfectly Green Organocatalysis: Quaternary Ammonium Base Triggered Cyanosilylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Wen Yeqian , Liang Mengwei , Wang Yiming , Ren Weimin , Lü Xiaobing
Published: September 2012

Quaternary ammonium bases, such as aqueous (CH3)4NOH, were found to be an extraordinarily efficient catalyst for cyanosilylation of aldehydes. The addition reaction of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to equivalent aldehydes could proceed smoothly with turnover frequency (TOF) up to 3000000 h−1and in near 100% yield under solvent‐free conditions. These organic catalysts also tolerated various aldehydes including aromatic, aliphatic andα,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. This process perfectly conforms to the features of green chemistry: no waste regarding side‐products and unconverted reactants, solvent‐free, excellent catalytic activity, and no requirement for separation.
Enhanced Ionization of Phosphatidylcholines during MALDI Mass Spectrometry Using DCTB as Matrix
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lu Haojie
Published: September 2012

Phosphatidylcholines (PCs) are the most abundant phospholipids constituents of the cellular membrane, which exhibit a variety of biological functions. The distinct critical roles in cellular function make their analysis quite demanding. Although MALDI‐MS is one of the most powerful tools for biomolecules identification, it is still limited to phospholipids studies. The ionization of phosphatidylcholines is insufficient, and signals of PCs are frequently confused and suppressed by matrix clusters occurring in the same mass range. As an alternative matrix, T‐2‐(3‐(4‐t‐butyl‐phenyl)‐2‐methyl‐2‐propenylidene) malononitrile (DCTB) was introduced to overcome these problems in our study. Specifically, the signal intensity of phosphatidylcholines from soybean was enhanced more than several ten‐folds using DCTB during positive ion MALDI‐TOFMS. Peak overlaps caused by the wide distributions of series fatty acid residues from phospholipids were separated by introducing cesium cation. The occurred mass shift of 131.90 Da between [M+Cs]+ and [M+H]+ ("M" represents the molecular weight of the corresponding neutral hosphatidylcholine) was approved to be helpful in the assignments of ambiguous peaks of PCs from soybean. For real sample analysis, employing cesium chloride as an auxiliary reagent successfully facilitated the profiling and characterizing of PCs extracted from mouse lung and egg yolk followed by analysis with MALDI‐TOFMS using DCTB as matrix.
Synthesis and Characterization of Comb‐like P(MPEGA‐co‐AM) Copolymer as Phase Change Materials
Authors: Xiang Hengxue , Chen Shaohua , Wang Shichao , Peng Cheng , Zhu Meifang
Published: September 2012

Comb‐like acrylic acid poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether ester (MPEGA)‐co‐acrylamide (AM) copolymer [P(MPEGA‐co‐AM)] as novel phase change materials (PCMs) was successfully synthesized via free‐radical water solution polymerization. The structures of P(MPEGA‐co‐AM) was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR). The experimental results showed that P(MPEGA‐co‐AM) copolymer possessed high molecular weight (Mn=66 kg/mol), narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI≈1.14). The phase transition temperature of copolymer decreases to 31 °C, which is very much appreciated and urgently needed for smart PCM related to human body. Moreover, P(MPEGA‐co‐AM) had good thermal stability even at 380°C.