bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestão de negócios: estudo de caso aplicado aos sistemas de informação do exército brasileiro
Authors: Santos Rômulo Ferreira dos , Silva Adriana Farias da
Published: April 2024

Este artigo examina a integração entre Gestão de Negócios e Sistemas de Informação dentro do Exército Brasileiro, destacando como esta confluência suporta objetivos estratégicos e operacionais em um contexto militar. Com foco na estruturação eficaz de dados e informações visando facilitar a usabilidade e acessibilidade, o estudo investiga a administração de recursos e a aplicação de sistemas de informação visando a otimização do desempenho organizacional e a melhoria contínua. Mediante uma metodologia composta por análise documental, pesquisa bibliográfica e estudos de campo, incluindo entrevistas e observações diretas, foram avaliadas a eficiência das práticas correntes e identificadas possíveis lacunas e desafios enfrentados pela instituição. A relevância deste estudo é sublinhada pela necessidade de abordagens de gestão de negócios que sejam inovadoras, sustentáveis e socialmente responsáveis, considerando especialmente as demandas específicas de segurança, sigilo e efetividade operacional inerentes às instituições militares. Além disso, o artigo propõe uma Arquitetura da Informação para o gerenciamento estratégico da informação onde os benefícios da gestão de negócios são discutidos com base nas metodologias GPD e PDCA que promovem uma abordagem sistemática e orientada por objetivos fundamentais para alcançar resultados consistentes e alinhados com as diretrizes estratégicas do Exército Brasileiro.
Hierarchical fuzzy model applied to oil trading
Authors: Andrade Gustavo Bastos de , Cosenza Carlos Alberto Nunes , Andrade Luciana Bastos de , Oliveira Antonio Carlos de Lemos , Perez Edison dos Santos Conde , Grecco Cláudio Henrique dos Santos , Krykhtine Fabio Luiz
Published: April 2024

Computer trading is currently relatively limited to quantitative trading in paper markets, such as, futures, swaps, and options, ignoring the large volume of physical commodities trading. Numerical algorithms and mathematical methods are frequently applied in the trading of non-physical commodities and stock markets. However, the physical trade of oil does not have a computer program that represents an unquestionable development that includes more complex and subjective factors that traders take into consideration when entering a transaction. Using fuzzy logic, this work proposes a new approach to base a method that can rank oils and the variables, commonly involved in the trading. It uses fuzzy logic to blend objective and subjective factors and brings in two key hierarchical steps to the process. It is shown that this model can also be useful for apprising a decision-making process, improving internal communication, and for the management of physical commodities trading. Here the options of trading are assessed accordingly to its numerical and linguistic judgments, considering even abrupt outcomes. The wide-ranging options, successive filters, and factors evaluation that mirror the technical and expert trading decision making process make it possible for the future application of artificial intelligence (AI) in physical commodities trading.
productive interdependence of tourist activities in Brazil
Authors: Santos Fernanda Rodrigues dos , Ribeiro Luiz Carlos de Santana , Takasago Milene
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the production linkages of Tourism Characteristic Activities in the Brazilian economy and breaks down the output variation of these activities into technological change and final demand effects. To do so, we use the hypothetical extraction and structural decomposition methods based on the Brazilian input-output matrices of 2010 and 2015. The main results show that the absence of tourist activities would cause a 0.83% reduction in the total output in Brazilian economy, and the impacts caused by the absence of the purchasing and selling structures of these activities were relatively low, which can be partially explained by the fact that tourist activities are oriented towards final demand. Furthermore, variations in the output of tourist activities are predominantly explained by the behavior of final demand, with a reduced impact of technical progress. Household consumption and exports are the ones that contributed the most to the variations in output.
turismo como agente promotor e protagonista de aprendizagens em cidades educadoras (AICE)
Authors: Lima Francielle de , Ferreira Luciane Todeschini
Published: April 2024

Na busca por avançar teórica e pragmaticamente resultados da dissertação de mestrado, em que se realizou  incursões reflexivas sobre o binômio “Turismo pedagógico”, as quais conduziram à construção de um conceito de turismo perspectivado pedagogicamente, ou seja, em que a dimensão pedagógica é constitutiva da essência do turismo, buscou-se associar o conceito de Turismo Essencialmente Pedagógico (TEP) a Cidades Educadoras (CE) – entendidas sob o escopo da Carta das Cidades Educadoras e da Asociación Internacional de Ciudades Educadoras (AICE), a fim de questionar se essa dimensão pedagógica intrínseca ao turismo poderia vir a ampliar a própria concepção de CE na efetivação de seus princípios. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a perspectivação da dimensão pedagógica intrínseca ao turismo no conceito de CE (no escopo delimitado), apresentando caminhos possíveis. A pesquisa se define, em forma e conteúdo, como ensaio no que tange às teorizações e aproximações interpretativas pretendidas. Entre outras razões, no âmbito do escopo da pesquisa e de seus limites teóricos e metodológicos, a essencialidade pedagógica intrínseca ao turismo permite-lhe ser promotor e protagonista de aprendizagens em CEs e, com isso, ampliar a abrangência de público atingindo (não mais restrito ao escolar e ao cidadão) e melhor atender ao princípio de inclusão expresso na Carta. E um caminho possível para a efetivação desses objetivos poderia ser via políticas públicas de turismo com viés pedagógico.
Development and Validation of the Spatial Separation Sentence Test in Kannada
Authors: Hermon Asish Mervin , Ganapathy Kanaka , Palaniswamy Hari Prakash , Muthu Arivudai Nambi Pitchai
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to develop and validate a modified version of the Speech in Noise Sentence Test in Kannada, which would be appropriate for testing the speech comprehension ability of children aged 8-12 years. Subjects and Methods: A total of 120 sentences were chosen from 200 familiar sentences and split into four lists. Continuous discourse was used as a competition or distractor. Using MATLAB, the target stimulus was presented at 0-degree azimuth while the distractor’s location varied (+90° and -90° azimuth). The test was programmed to dynamically adjust the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) based on participants’ responses. After initial validation, a pilot study was conducted with 60 typically hearing children aged 8 to 12 years. Results: The SNR50 scores significantly improved when the distractor and target sentences were spatially separated across all groups. Age had a significant influence on the spatial separation scores. The test-retest reliability was excellent. Conclusions: The developed stimuli effectively measured spatial separation, and the normative and psychometric analyses demonstrated reliable outcomes.
Sustainability Reporting and Performance of Selected Quoted Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Akinleye G.T. , Owoniya B. O.
Published: April 2024

The performance of quoted firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) is crucial for driving economic development, job creation, and wealth generation in Nigeria. Despite the growing interest in sustainability practices among Nigerian firms, there is a lack of empirical research examining the relationship between sustainability reporting and financial performance. To address this gap, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the link between sustainability reporting and the financial performance of quoted firms in Nigeria. This research employed an ex-post facto research approach, utilizing data from annual reports, financial statements, and sustainability reports of 153 publicly listed companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Through quantitative methods, the study assessed the extent and quality of sustainability reporting among Nigerian companies and its relationship with financial performance indicators. A purposive sampling method was used to select a sample of 10 firms known for their voluntary disclosure of information in financial reports. The study spanned from 2012 to 2021, totaling 10 years, and involved both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of the collected data. Using regression analysis, the study found a statistically significant positive impact of sustainability reporting metrics - including governance information disclosure, credibility information disclosure, and environmental profile disclosure - on firm performance. This suggests that companies in Nigeria that disclose information regarding governance policies, credibility, and environmental practices tend to perform better financially.This study concluded that companies that engage in transparent reporting regarding governance policies, credibility, and environmental practices demonstrate better financial performance. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Nigerian regulators and policymakers encourage and support sustainability reporting initiatives among quoted firms.
Pulmonary Infundibular Stenosis Secondary to a Mediastinal Hodgkin Lymphoma Tumor Invasion in a Young Adult Male: What a Rare Occurrence!
Authors: Mulendele P.M , Rezzouk I. , Njie M. , Bettar M.S , Timimi AL , Assklou A. , Bouziane M. , Haboub M. , Arous S. , Habbal R.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Cardiac involvement is a rare unusual localization of Hodgkin lymphoma, as it’s known that primary lymphomas of the heart are rare. They develop primarily in the right atrium, and extend to the pericardium in about one third of the cases. Pulmonary infundibular stenosis secondary to mediastinal mass Hodgkin lymphoma invasion is rare but not impossible especially in relapse cases.
Case Report: A rare case of a young adult patient diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma under chemotherapy presents a relapse of his pathology associated with heart failure; predominantly, right heart failure due to extension of the mediastinal mass tumor to the right cavities of the heart causing pulmonary infundibular stenosis which is a rare occurrence. He was put under an intense chemotherapy and symptomatic heart failure treatment with close follow-up after multi-disciplinary discussions including cardiologist, onco-hematologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. Three months later, a significant reduction of the mass was observered.
Conclusion : Pulmonary infundibular stenosis secondary to mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma invasion is a rare entity of secondary tumors of the heart. Multimodal imagery is the key tool for diagnosis. There prognosis depend on multiple factors but generally good in younger adult patients compared to aged individuals.
Novel Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Co-B-P Nanocomposites with Significantly Enhance Visible-Light Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production from Water Splitting
Authors: Kombo Miza A. , Mohamed Abdul A.J , Suleiman Suleiman A. , Xu An-Wu
Published: April 2024

As a promising metal-free photocatalyst for hydrogen (H2) production through water splitting under visible-light irradiation, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalysts decorated with CoBP was prepared via simple ultra sonification. This paper highlights the structures of the photocatalysts, their stability, rate of hydrogen evolution and the mechanism of charge transfer within the photocatalysts. The prepared C3N4/CoBP nanocomposite photocatalysts were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. After detailed analysis, the C3N4/CoBP nanocomposite photocatalysts showed excellent photocatalytic performance, which was due to the formation of the heterostructured hybrids of g-C3N4 and CoBP. The effects of C3N4/CoBP nanohybrids on H2 evolution were evaluated. The effects improved with increasing load of CoBP until the optimal level (5 wt% CoBP with visible-light irradiation at λ ≥420 nm). The maximum and remarkable photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 51.68 μmol h−1 was achieved, which was 3.8 times that obtained from pure g-C3N4. Moreover, the C3N4/CoBP heterostructured nanohybrids demonstrated extremely high photostability and recyclability for H2 evolution after visible light illumination. The composite hybrid accelerated the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers and subsequently suppressed charge recombination. Conclusively, this study offered an opportunity for the design and synthesis of highly stable and efficient C3N4/CoBP nanocomposite photocatalysts for energy conversion and utilisation.
Determinant of Eudaimonic Well Being: Case in Mimika Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Paliling Yohana , Usman Bahtiar , Kristaung Robert
Published: April 2024

Stakeholder participation and service experience are two important factors in increasing eudaimonic well-being. This research aims to examine the relationship between stakeholder participation, service experience, stakeholder empowerment, social support and eudaimonic well-being. This research used a survey method with 120 respondents consisting of village heads and community leaders spread across 18 districts in Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, Indonesia. The research results show that stakeholder participation has a positive effect on service experience, stakeholder empowerment has a positive effect on service experience, service experience has a positive effect on eudaimonic well-being, and stakeholder participation does not support eudaimonic well-being. The results of this research also show that service experience mediation positively influences stakeholder participation towards eudaimonic well-being, while stakeholder empowerment and social support cannot moderate the relationship between stakeholder participation and service experience. This research also found that to ensure a pleasant service experience, Bappeda must design and manage service processes based on a good understanding of stakeholder needs and goals, in particular, the meaning of service in organizational life. In addition, to facilitate stakeholder interaction with staff services, Bappeda can also wisely empower stakeholders by adapting to the level of stakeholder participation.
Diagnosis of Crude Oil Impacted Soil in Eleme Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: SJ Olukaejire , CC Ifiora , PA Osaro , LC Osuji , AI Hart
Published: April 2024

This study assessed the potential effects of crude oil on soil quality in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Soil samples were collected from 10 geopolitical wards of the Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.  The soil and water samples were subjected to physicochemical and microbial analyses to test for pH, heavy metal content (Cadmium, Iron, Lead, Copper, and Chromium), Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH), Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX) contents and Total Viable Count (TVC). Parameters of the soil were determined and compared to the control site and the permissible World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The soil pH varied across location, ranging from 5.5-7. TPH varied in across the different communities studied, ranging from 1.275-4889.29 mg/kg, and exceeding the WHO limit of 10mg/kg in all polluted soils. The result for the heavy metals showed that the soil samples of the studied sites showed increases in all heavy metals, when compared to the control. Cd values ranged from 0.01 - 0.32 mg/kg; Fe from 1325.23 - 9364.76 mg/kg, Pb from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.93 mg/kg and Cr from 0.001 - 5.08 mg/kg, all with WHO limits. The result for the microbial showed increases in TVC content in polluted soil. Results indicate that crude oil spillage has led to significant contamination of soil in the study area which could affect soil fertility.
Prevalence of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Horticultural Fields of Assam Agricultural University: Jorhat Campus, India
Authors: Bhuyan Prerana , Devi Gitanjali , Das Reecha T , Gogoi Sailen
Published: April 2024

A random survey of the horticultural crops was conducted to assess the nematode community structure in the Experimental field of Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat during Rabi and Kharif season, 2022-2023. Soil and root samples, representing 200 locations were examined. Analysis of 200 soil and root samples collected from the root rhizosphere of different vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops showed the presence of root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne incognita), reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), lance nematode (Hoplolaimus spp.), spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus spp.), stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) along with Criconema spp., Xiphinema spp, Longidorus spp., free-living nematodes, mycophagous nematodes and predatory nematodes. Among all the isolated plant-parasitic nematodes, root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was found to be more abundant with prominence value of 136.7, 81.3 and 76.3 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental crops, followed by Helicotylenchus spp. and Rotylenchulus reniformis. The prominence value of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) was found to be 90.5, 54.1 and 54.1 in vegetable crops, fruit crops and ornamental plants respectively.
Analisa Kecacatan pada Produk Hasil Pengelasan dengan Metode FMEA dan Diagram Pareto Studi Kasus di Perusahaan PT. Aneka Jasa Teknik Gresik
Authors: Putra Wahyu Aditya Setya , Saputra Elang Mulya , Miftakhurrohman Mochammad , Lestari Wahyu Dwi
Published: April 2024

PT. Aneka Jasa Teknik merupakan sebuah perusahaan industri yang beralokasi di jalan raya dungus km 3 cerme kabupaten Gresik dan aktif dalam bidang fabricator, general contractor, dan supplier. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis jenis serta tingkat kecacatan yang sering terjadi pada berbagai produk yang telah melewati hasil pengelasan dengan menggunakan metode FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) dan Diagram Pareto. Metode FMEA digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi serta mengevaluasi potensi terjadinya cacat produk selama proses pengelasan, sedangkan Diagram Pareto sendiri digunakan untuk memprioritaskan jumlah cacat yang paling umum. Studi penelitian ini diawali dengan mengumpulkan data kegagalan selama periode waktu tertentu. Kemudian hasil analisa digunakan sebagai pengembangan atas tindakan perbaikan yang dimana dapat membantu sebuah perusahaan dalam mengurangi resiko atas kegagalan serta meningkatkan kualitas produk, selanjutnya mengidentifikasi kembali tingkat kecacatan yang paling utama sehingga memiliki kontribusi secara signifikan terhadap hasil kecacatan secara keseluruhan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ditemukan tiga jenis serta presentase tertinggi pada kecacatan produk dimulai dari jenis kecacatan meleset sebesar 26,34%, jenis kecacatan spatter sebesar 25,19%, dan jenis cacat proses pengelasan kurang sebesar 22,90%. Adapun dari hasil RPN (Residual Risk Priority Number) tertinggi yaitu terdapat pada lubang nozzle dengan perolehan point sebesar 245. Dari berbagai penyebab kecacatan produk hasil pengelasan dapat disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor yaitu kurangnya perawatan pada alat yang digunakan sehingga berdampak pada aliran gas yang terlalu rendah saat proses pengelasan terjadi. Pada penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi dasar perbaikan berkelanjutan dan penerapan praktik terbaik dalam pengendalian kualitas di industri terutama proses pengelasan.
PENGARUH PERCEIVED EASE OF USE TERHADAP BEHAVIOR INTENTION TO USE DENGAN PERCEIVED USEFULNESS SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING PADA GOOGLE WORKSPACE FOR EDUCATION
Authors: Wijaya Sindy Natalia , Japarianto Edwin , Tandijaya Trixie Nova Bella
Published: April 2024

Sistem pendidikan pada situasi COVID-19 mengalami perubahan, dimana pelajar diharuskan beradaptasi dengan teknologi untuk bertemu dan berkomunikasi secara online. Salah satu perusahaan yang membantu pelajar untuk beradaptasi dengan teknologi pendidikan yang memberikan nuansa pembelajaran offline dialihfungsikan menjadi online adalah google workspace for education. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor kemudahan (perceived ease of use) melalui faktor manfaat (perceived usefulness) dalam menggunakan google workspace for education di masa depan (behavior intention to use). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semakin mudah peng­aplikasian fitur google workspace for education yang didukung dengan penyajian manfaat maka mahasiswa terdorong dalam pemakaian masa depan. Selain itu, variabel yang paling berpengaruh adalah pengaruh perceived ease of use terhadap perceived usefulness dan hal ini menegaskan bahwa variabel tersebut tidak dapat terpisahkan serta saling mendukung.
Enantioselective Benzylic Hydroxylation with Pseudomonas monteilii TA‐5: A Simple Method for the Syntheses of (R)‐Benzylic Alcohols Containing Reactive Functional Groups
Authors: Chen Yongzheng , Lie Felicia , Li Zhi
Published: September 2009

Highly enantioselective benzylic hydroxylations of benzene derivatives (1–4) containing reactive functional groups were achieved for the first time with Pseudomonas monteilii TA‐5 as biocatalyst, giving the corresponding (R)‐benzylic alcohols 5–8 in 93–99% ee as the only products. Preparative biotransformations were demonstrated by the biohydroxylation of 1 and 2 with resting cells of P. monteilii TA‐5 to afford (R)‐5 in 94% ee and 66% yield and (R)‐6 in 94% ee and 56% yield, respectively. The highly enantioselective biohydroxylations represent a simple access to (R)‐benzylic alcohols containing reactive functional groups that are useful pharmaceutical intermediates and versatile chiral building blocks.
Salvage therapy for acute myeloid leukemia with fludarabine, cytarabine, and idarubicin with or without gemtuzumab ozogamicin and with concurrent or sequential G‐CSF
Authors: Martin Mike G. , Augustin Kristan M. , Uy Geoffrey L. , Welch John S. , Hladnik Lindsay , Goyal Sagun , Tiwari Divya , Monahan Ryan S. , Reichley Richard M. , Cashen Amanda F. , Stockerl‐Goldstein Keith , Westervelt Peter , Abboud Camille N. , DiPersio John F. , Vij Ravi
Published: September 2009

The current salvage therapies for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are unsatisfactory. Over the past 7 years, we have used two salvage regimens: fludarabine, cytarabine, and idarubicin with (FLAG‐IM) or without gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) (9 mg/m2 on Day 8) (FLAG‐I) in relapsed/refractory AML. Three‐quarters of patients also received concurrent G‐CSF. Seventy‐one patients were treated, 23 with FLAG‐I and 48 with FLAG‐IM. The median duration of follow‐up was 30.6 months. The treatment groups were well balanced with median ages of 48 years (range 18–70) and 47 years (range 20–68), unfavorable cytogenetics in 57% and 35%, prior allogeneic stem cell transplant in 43% and 42%, and CR1 duration <1 year in 60% and 67%, respectively, for FLAG‐I and FLAG‐IM. The complete remission (CR) rate in the FLAG‐I group was 39% with an additional 13% achieving a CRp [overall response rate (ORR) 52%]; the CR rate in the FLAG‐IM group was 29% with an additional 27% achieving a CRp (ORR 56%). The median duration of response (DOR; 16.8 vs. 8.3 months), event‐free survival (EFS; 7.4 vs. 4.1 months), and overall survival (OS; 8.8 vs. 5.0 months) trended to favor FLAG‐I over FLAG‐IM. The patients who received G‐CSF concurrent with chemotherapy had superior overall response rate (ORR; 62% vs. 29%, P = 0.026), median EFS (6.2 vs. 3.4 months, P = 0.010), and OS (8.8 vs. 3.9 months, P = 0.004) when compared with those who sequentially received G‐CSF and chemotherapy, regardless of chemotherapy regimen. The addition of GO, at this dose and schedule, to FLAG‐I failed to improve the outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory AML. The patients who received G‐CSF concurrently with chemotherapy had improved outcomes. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and Supramolecular Networks on Surfaces: From Two‐Dimensional Crystal Engineering to Reactivity
Authors: Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , Lei Shengbin , De Feyter Steven
Published: September 2009

The invention of the scanning tunneling microscope has led to the visualization of molecules in real space on atomically flat conductive substrates. This has boosted research into supramolecular chemistry on surfaces. In this Review, we highlight recent developments in the design and functionality of supramolecular surface patterns, with special attention paid to those networks which are chiral or contain a high degree of porosity as well as to the reactivity, which is one of the most important recent developments in supramolecular surface chemistry.
Influence of the Weißenberg number on the stability of Oldroyd kind fluids
Authors: Scurtu N. , Bänsch E.
Published: September 2009

This paper is concerned with nonlinear rheological fluids of Oldroyd type. We present a (formal) stability analysis of the corresponding system of equations, showing stability limits on the Weißenberg number in certain cases. To this end, we proceed in several steps, thus separating the possible sources for instabilities. First, a spectral analysis of the linearized Oldroyd system is presented. Then, the influence of the βa‐term on the stability of the constitutive stress equation and of the full Oldroyd system is examined. Moreover, because this stability analysis is of formal and linear nature, we complement it by numerical simulations for the system showing that the upper limit of the Weißenberg number found by the stability analysis is fairly sharp. We thereby try to shed some light on the high Weißenberg number problem, that is, the problem why in certain cases there seem to exist no solutions to the Oldroyd problem for large Weißenberg numbers. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytoecdysteroid C2‐hydroxylase is microsomal in spinach, Spinacia oleracea L.
Authors: Bakrim Ahmed , Guittard Emilie , Maria Annick , De Virville Jacques Davy , Lafont René , Takvorian Najat
Published: September 2009

An enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of phytoecdysteroids, the C2‐hydroxylase, has been investigated in spinach, Spinacia oleracea. This enzyme is microsomal and its Km has been determined using 2‐deoxy‐20‐hydroxyecdysone as substrate (Km=3.72 µM). It is much more efficient with 2‐deoxy‐20‐hydroxyecdysone than with 2‐deoxyecdysone and, conversely, the C20‐hydroxylase is more active on 2‐deoxyecdysone than on ecdysone. These data support the conclusion that C20‐hydroxylation precedes C2‐hydroxylation. The C2‐hydroxylase is inhibited by high concentrations of 20E. Substrate specificity and subcellular localization of C2‐hydroxylase differ between plants and insects, and these data, as well as those previously reported on other biosynthetic steps, show the great difference between plant and insect ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathways and suggest an independent origin for the pathways in both kingdoms. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of alternatively spliced transcripts encoding heat shock transcription factor in cultured cells of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae
Authors: Sonoda Shoji , Tsumuki Hisaaki
Published: September 2009

A gene encoding heat shock transcription factor (HSF) was cloned and sequenced from cultured cells of the cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae. The cDNA potentially encoded a 699‐aa protein, with a calculated molecular weight of 77.8 kDa. Deduced amino acid identities to HSFs from Aedes aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster were 36 and 34%, respectively. Analysis of the genomic DNA revealed eight exons and three optional exons: a, b, and c. Exon a contained a premature in‐frame stop codon that would generate a truncated protein. When the cells were exposed to high temperature or cadmium, no particular alternative transcripts showed significant up‐ or down‐regulated expression relative to the total amount of the transcripts. These results suggest that alternative splicing may not be a principal mechanism for regulation of M. brassicae HSF gene expression in response to heat shock and cadmium. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding African easterly waves: a moist singular vector approach
Authors: Cornforth Rosalind J. , Hoskins Brian J.
Published: September 2009

Moist singular vectors (MSV) have been applied successfully to predicting mid‐latitude storms growing in association with latent heat of condensation. Tropical cyclone sensitivity has also been assessed. Extending this approach to more general tropical weather systems here, MSVs are evaluated for understanding and predicting African easterly waves, given the importance of moist processes in their development. First results, without initial moisture perturbations, suggest MSVs may be used advantageously. Perturbations bear similar structural and energy profiles to previous idealised non‐linear studies and observations. Strong sensitivities prevail in the metrics and trajectories chosen, and benefits of initial moisture perturbations should be appraised. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
The impact of climate change on daily precipitation statistics in Jordan and Israel
Authors: Black Emily
Published: September 2009

A regional climate model is used to investigate changes in Israel and Jordan precipitation at the end of the 21st century on daily to monthly timescales. The model predicts that this region will get significantly drier at the peak of the rainy season, reflecting a reduction in both the frequency and duration of rainy events. These changes may be associated with a reduction in the strength of the Mediterranean storm track. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Gestational high saturated fat diet alters C57BL/6 mouse perinatal skeletal formation
Authors: Liang Chengya , Oest Megan E. , Jones Jeryl C. , Prater M. Renee
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND:Our present work joins growing evidence that gestational environment (maternal nutrition, health, and chemical exposures) strongly influences prenatal development (www.thebarkertheory.org). The present study suggests that maternal consumption of a diet high in saturated fats (HFD), which approximates the macronutrient content of fast food, impairs perinatal skeletal development.METHODS:In this study, administration of HFD (32% saturated fat) for one month prior to conception and throughout gestation in C57BL/6J mice was associated with a marked reduction in late‐gestation fetal skeletal developmental delay that included shorter long bone lengths, decreased average bone mineral density (ABMD; 20%), lower total bone volume (TBV; 45%), and shorter crown‐to‐rump length (C‐R; 12%), as compared to controls.RESULTS:A putative mechanism linking prenatal HFD to dysregulated fetal osteogenesis is HFD‐induced oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown in our laboratory to cause placental labyrinthine vascular damage and impaired fetal signaling pathways associated with osteogenesis (Liang et al., unpublished data).CONCLUSIONS:The theory of HFD‐associated, OS‐mediated placental damage and skeletal pathogenesis was supported by demonstrating a protective effect of the dietary antioxidant quercetin (Q) against HFD‐associated fetal skeletal developmental delay. Improved understanding of the role of HFD and elevated OS in fetal skeletal development will help to more completely elucidate the importance of the prenatal environment to fetal formation, and will be applied to better understand the contribution of the fetal environment to long‐term risk of adult‐onset disease.Birth Defects Res (Part B)86:362–369, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrauterine exposure to high saturated fat diet elevates risk of adult‐onset chronic diseases in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Liang Chengya , Oest Megan E. , Prater M. Renee
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: The developmental environment is thought to determine, in part, lifelong metabolic parameters and risk of adult disease. Effects of maternal malnutrition on fetal growth have been studied extensively, and the role of poor prenatal diet in elevating lifelong risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease has been well characterized (www.thebarkertheory.com). However, the contribution of gestational high saturated fat diet (HFD) to adult‐onset metabolic disease and skeletal dysfunction has only recently been recognized, and as such is incompletely understood. METHODS: The present study evaluates the pathophysiologic mechanisms linking gestational HFD (approximating the macronutrient content of fast food) and elevated oxidative stress (OS) to adult‐onset skeletal, cardiovascular, and metabolic dysfunction. RESULTS: Results of this study demonstrate that adult offspring of dams fed HFD during pregnancy exhibited adult hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and hypertension, despite being fed healthy standard rodent chow throughout postnatal life. These offspring also showed significantly lower femoral epiphyseal average bone mineral density (ABMD) at 6 months of age, and dysregulation of distal femoral trabecular architecture at 12 months of age, characteristic of osteoporosis. Incidence of these adult‐onset adverse skeletal and metabolic effects was reduced by supplementing the pregnant dam with the antioxidant (quercetin, Q) during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these data suggest that offspring of dams who consume a diet rich in saturated fats during pregnancy are at increased risk of adult‐onset chronic disease. Additionally, these chronic diseases were determined to be in‐part OS‐mediated, and preventable by increasing a prenatal dietary antioxidant; this knowledge offers both a putative mechanism of disease pathogenesis and suggests a potential preventive strategy. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 86:377–384, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potent Fluoro‐oligosaccharide Probes of Adhesion in Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Allman Sarah A. , Jensen Henrik H. , Vijayakrishnan Balakumar , Garnett James A. , Leon Ester , Liu Yan , Anthony Daniel C. , Sibson Nicola R. , Feizi Ten , Matthews Stephen , Davis Benjamin G.
Published: September 2009

Unnatural, NMR‐ and MRI‐active fluorinated sugar probes, designed and synthesised to bind to the pathogenic protein TgMIC1 from Toxoplasma gondii, were found to display binding potency equal to and above that of the natural ligand. Dissection of the binding mechanism and modes, including the first X‐ray crystal structures of a fluoro‐oligosaccharide bound to a lectin, demonstrate that it is possible to create effective fluorinated probe ligands for the study of, and perhaps intervention in, sugar–protein binding events.
CFD Simulation of Inlet Design Effect on Deoiling Hydrocyclone Separation Efficiency
Authors: Noroozi S. , Hashemabadi S. H.
Published: September 2009

An Eulerian‐Eulerian three‐dimensional CFD model was developed to study the effect of different inlet designs on deoiling hydrocyclone separation efficiency. Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes and continuity equations were applied to solve steady turbulent flow through the cyclone with the Reynolds stress model. In addition, the modified drag correlation for liquid‐liquid emulsion with respect to the Reynolds number range and viscosity ratio of two phases was used and the simulation results were compared with those predicted by the Schiller‐Naumann correlation. Pressure profile, tangential and axial velocities and separation efficiency of the deoiling hydrocyclone were calculated for four different inlet designs and compared with the standard design. The simulation results for the standard design demonstrate an acceptable agreement with reported experimental data. The results show that all new four inlet designs offer higher efficiencies compared to the standard design. The difference between the efficiency of the LLHC, of the new inlets and the standard design can be improved by increasing the inlet velocity. Furthermore, the simulations show that the separation efficiency can be improved by about 10 % when using a helical form of inlet.
The Role of One‐Electron Reduction of Lipid Hydroperoxides in Causing DNA Damage
Authors: Crean Conor , Shao Jie , Yun Byeong Hwa , Geacintov Nicholas E. , Shafirovich Vladimir
Published: September 2009

The in vivo metabolism of plasma lipids generates lipid hydroperoxides that, upon one‐electron reduction, give rise to a wide spectrum of genotoxic unsaturated aldehydes and epoxides. These metabolites react with cellular DNA to form a variety of pre‐mutagenic DNA lesions. The mechanisms of action of the radical precursors of these genotoxic electrophiles are poorly understood. In this work we investigated the nature of DNA products formed by a one‐electron reduction of (13S)‐hydroperoxy‐(9Z,11E)‐octadecadienoic acid (13S‐HPODE), a typical lipid molecule, and the reactions of the free radicals thus generated with neutral guanine radicals, G(−H).. A novel approach was devised to generate these intermediates in solution. The two‐photon‐induced ionization of 2‐aminopurine (2AP) within the 2′‐deoxyoligonucleotide 5′‐d(CC[2AP]TCGCTACC) by intense nanosecond 308 nm excimer laser pulses was employed to simultaneously generate hydrated electrons and radical cations 2AP.+. The latter radicals either in cationic or neutral forms, rapidly oxidize the nearby G base to form G(−H).. In deoxygenated buffer solutions (pH 7.5), the hydrated electrons rapidly reduce 13S‐HPODE and the highly unstable alkoxyl radicals formed undergo a prompt β‐scission to pentyl radicals that readily combine with G(−H).. Two novel guanine products in these oligonucleotides, 8‐pentyl‐ and N2‐pentylguanine, were identified. It is shown that the DNA secondary structure significantly affects the ratio of 8‐pentyl‐ and N2‐pentylguanine lesions that changes from 0.9:1 in single‐stranded, to 1:0.2 in double‐stranded oligonucleotides. The alkylation of guanine by alkyl radicals derived from lipid hydroperoxides might contribute to the genotoxic modification of cellular DNA under hypoxic conditions. Thus, further research is warranted on the detection of pentylguanine lesions and other alkylguanines in vivo.
1‐Phenyl‐1,2‐cyclohexadiene: Astoundingly High Enantioselectivities on Generation in a Doering–Moore–Skattebøl Reaction and Interception by Activated Olefins
Authors: Christl Manfred , Fischer Hartmut , Arnone Mario , Engels Bernd
Published: September 2009

The resolution of (1α,5α,6α)‐6‐bromo‐6‐fluoro‐1‐phenylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane (rac‐5) provided the enantiomerically pure precursors (−)‐5 and (+)‐5 of 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐cyclohexadiene. On treatment of (−)‐5 with methyllithium in the presence of 2,5‐dimethylfuran, the pure (−)‐enantiomer of the [4+2] cycloadduct of 2,5‐dimethylfuran onto 1‐phenyl‐1,2‐cyclohexadiene was obtained exclusively. From this result, it is concluded that pure (M)‐1‐phenyl‐1,2‐cyclohexadiene ((M)‐7) emerged from (−)‐5 and was enantiospecifically intercepted to give the product. In the case of indene as trap for (M)‐7, the (−)‐ and the (+)‐enantiomer of the [2+2] cycloadduct were formed in the ratio of 95:5. Highly surprising, remarkable enantioselectivities were also observed, when (M)‐7 was trapped with styrene to furnish two diastereomeric [2+2] cycloadducts. Hence, the achiral conformation of the diradical conceivable as intermediate cannot play a decisive part. The enantioselective generation of (M)‐ and (P)‐7 by the β‐elimination route was tested as well. Accordingly, 1‐bromo‐2‐phenylcyclohexene was exposed to the potassium salt of (−)‐menthol in the presence of 2,5‐dimethylfuran, and the enantiomeric [4+2] cycloadducts of the latter onto (M)‐ and (P)‐7 were produced in the ratio of 55:45.
N‐Fusion Approach in Construction of Contracted Carbaporphyrinoids: Formation of N‐Fused Telluraporphyrin
Authors: Pacholska‐Dudziak Ewa , Ulatowski Filip , Ciunik Zbigniew , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław
Published: September 2009

Insertion of PCl3 into 5,10,15,20‐tetraaryl‐21‐telluraporphyrin leads to a phosphorus complex of N‐fused dihydrotelluraporphyrin with an inverted tellurophene ring. Its CNN coordination core places the macrocycle in the family of contracted carbaporphyrinoids. A cycle of direct transformations affords an elegant triangle of three mutually convertible N‐fused porphyrinoids, with distinct spectroscopic features: antiaromatic, nonaromatic and aromatic. The nonaromatic species has a dome shaped skeleton which forms in the solid state a ball and socket structure with C60.
α‐O‐Linked Glycopeptide Mimetics: Synthesis, Conformation Analysis, and Interactions with Viscumin, a Galactoside‐Binding Model Lectin
Authors: Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Dragoni Elisa , Venturi Chiara , Nannucci Federico , Ardá Ana , Fontanella Marco , André Sabine , Cañada Francisco Javier , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Nativi Cristina
Published: September 2009

Efficient cycloaddition of a silylidene‐protected galactal with a suitable heterodiene yielded the basis for a facile diastereoselective route to a glycopeptide‐mimetic scaffold. Its carbohydrate part was further extended by β1–3‐linked galactosylation. The pyranose rings retain their 4C1 chair conformation, as shown by molecular modeling and NMR spectroscopy, and the typical exo‐anomeric geometry was observed for the disaccharide. The expected bioactivity was ascertained by saturation‐transfer‐difference NMR spectroscopy by using the galactoside‐specific plant toxin viscumin as a model lectin. The experimental part was complemented by molecular docking. The described synthetic route and the strategic combination of computational and experimental techniques to reveal conformational properties and bioactivity establish the prepared α‐O‐linked glycopeptide mimetics as promising candidates for further exploitation of this scaffold to give O‐glycans for lectin blocking and vaccination.
Design and Synthesis of Urea‐Linked Aromatic Oligomers—A Route Towards Convoluted Foldamers
Authors: Mousseau James J. , Xing Liyan , Tang Nathalie , Cuccia Louis A.
Published: September 2009

Herein we report the design and synthesis of crescent‐shaped and helical urea‐based foldamers, the curvature of which is controlled by varying the constituent building blocks and their connectivity. These oligomers are comprised of two, three or five alternating aromatic heterocycles (pyridazine, pyrimidine or pyrazine) and methyl‐substituted aromatic carbocycles (tolyl, o‐xylyl or m‐xylyl) connected together through urea linkages. A crescent‐shaped conformational preference is encoded within these π‐conjugated urea‐linked oligomers based on intramolecular hydrogen bonding and steric interactions; the degree of curvature is tuned by the urea connectivity to the heterocycles and the aryl groups. NMR characterization of these foldamers confirms the intramolecular hydrogen‐bonded conformation expected (Z,E configuration of the urea bond) in both the pyridazyl and pyrimidyl foldamers in solution. An X‐ray crystal structure of the N3,N6‐diisobutylpyridazine‐4,6‐diamine–o‐tolyl urea‐linked foldamer (4) confirms the presence of NH⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds between the heterocyclic nitrogen atom and the free hydrogen of the urea linkage. Additionally, the tolyl methyl group interacts unfavourably with the urea carbonyl oxygen, thus destabilising the alternate planar conformation.
Low‐Concentration 1,2‐trans β‐Selective Glycosylation Strategy and Its Applications in Oligosaccharide Synthesis
Authors: Chao Chin‐Sheng , Li Chen‐Wei , Chen Min‐Chun , Chang Shih‐Sheng , Mong Kwok‐Kong Tony
Published: September 2009

This study develops an operationally easy, efficient, and general 1,2‐trans β‐selective glycosylation reaction that proceeds in the absence of a C2 acyl function. This process employs chemically stable thioglycosyl donors and low substrate concentrations to achieve excellent β‐selectivities in glycosylation reactions. This method is widely applicable to a range of glycosyl substrates irrespective of their structures and hydroxyl‐protecting functions. This low‐concentration 1,2‐trans β‐selective glycosylation in carbohydrate chemistry removes the restriction of using highly reactive thioglycosides to construct 1,2‐trans β‐glycosidic bonds. This is beneficial to the design of new strategies for oligosaccharide synthesis, as illustrated in the preparation of the biologically relevant β‐(1→6)‐glucan trisaccharide, β‐linked Gb3 and isoGb3 derivatives.
Sterically‐Directed Consecutive and Size‐Selective Self‐Assembly of Palladium Diphosphane Complexes with an Ar‐BIAN Ligand: Unexpected Formation of Pentameric and Hexameric Aggregates
Authors: Holló‐Sitkei Eszter , Szalontai Gábor , Lois Isabella , Gömöry Ágnes , Pollreisz Ferenc , Párkányi László , Jude Hershel , Besenyei Gábor
Published: September 2009

The coordination properties of N,N′‐bis[4‐(4‐pyridyl)phenyl]acenaphthenequinonediimine (L1) and N,N′‐bis[4‐(2‐pyridyl)phenyl]acenaphthenequinonediimine (L2) were investigated in self‐assembly with palladium diphosphane complexes [Pd(P^P)(H2O)2](OTf)2 (OTf=triflate) by using various analytical techniques, including multinuclear (1H, 15N, and 31P) NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (P^P=dppp, dppf, dppe; dppp=bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane, dppf= bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene, and dppe=bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane). Beside the expected trimeric and tetrameric species, the interaction of an equimolar mixture of [Pd(dppp)]2+ ions and L1 also generates pentameric aggregates. Due to the E/Z isomerism of L1, a dimeric product was also observed. In all of these species, which correspond to the general formula [Pd(dppp)L1]n(OTf)2n (n=2–5), the L1 ligand is coordinated to the Pd center only through the terminal pyridyl groups. Introduction of a second equivalent of the [Pd(dppp)]2+ tecton results in coordination to the internal, sterically more encumbered chelating site and induces enhancement of the higher nuclearity components. The presence of higher‐order aggregates (n=5, 6), which were unexpected for the interaction of cis‐protected palladium corners with linear ditopic bridging ligands, has been demonstrated both by mass‐spectrometric and DOSY NMR spectroscopic analysis. The sequential coordination of the [Pd(dppp)]2+ ion is attributed to the dissimilar steric properties of the two coordination sites. In the self‐assembled species formed in a 1:1:1 mixture of [Pd(dppp)]2+/[Pd(dppe)]2+/L1, the sterically more demanding [Pd(dppp)]2+ tectons are attached selectively to the pyridyl groups, whereas the more hindered imino nitrogen atoms coordinate the less bulky dppe complexes, thus resulting in a sterically directed, size‐selective sorting of the metal tectons. The propensity of the new ligands to incorporate hydrogen‐bonded solvent molecules at the chelating site was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction studies.