bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population structure and diversification of Gymnospermium kiangnanense, a plant species with extremely small populations endemic to eastern China
Authors: Liu Xiangnan , Wang Meizhen , Song Shiqiang , Ma Qing , Yang Zhaoping
Published: June 2024

Background

Gymnospermium kiangnanense is the only species distributed in the subtropical region within the spring ephemeral genus Gymnospermium. Extensive human exploitation and habitat destruction have resulted in a rapid shrink of G. kiangnanense populations. This study utilizes microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic diversity and structure and to deduce historical population events of extant populations of G. kiangnanense.

Methods

A total of 143 individuals from eight extant populations of G. kiangnanense, including two populations from Anhui Province and six populations from Zhejiang Province, were analyzed with using 21 pairs of microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity indices were calculated using Cervus, GENEPOP, GenALEX. Population structure was assessed using genetic distance (UPGMA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), Bayesian clustering method (STRUCTURE), and molecular variation analysis of variance (AMOVA). Population history events were inferred using DIYABC.

Results

The studied populations of G. kiangnanense exhibited a low level of genetic diversity (He = 0.179, I = 0.286), but a high degree of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.521). The mean value of gene flow (Nm) among populations was 1.082, indicating prevalent gene exchange via pollen dispersal. Phylogeographic analyses suggested that the populations of G. kiangnanense were divided into two lineages, Zhejiang (ZJ) and Anhui (AH). These two lineages were separated by the Huangshan-Tianmu Mountain Range. AMOVA analysis revealed that 36.59% of total genetic variation occurred between the two groups. The ZJ lineage was further divided into the Hangzhou (ZJH) and Zhuji (ZJZ) lineages, separated by the Longmen Mountain and Fuchun River. DIYABC analyses suggested that the ZJ and AH lineages were separated at 5.592 ka, likely due to the impact of Holocene climate change and human activities. Subsequently, the ZJZ lineage diverged from the ZJH lineage around 2.112 ka. Given the limited distribution of G. kiangnanense and the significant genetic differentiation among its lineages, both in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies should be implemented to protect the germplasm resources of G. kiangnanense.
Unraveling the complexities of drought stress in cotton: a multifaceted analysis of selection criteria and breeding approaches
Authors: Gören Hatice Kübra , Tan Uğur
Published: June 2024

Abiotic stress tolerance breeding programs present a spectrum of perspectives, yet definitive solutions remain elusive, with each approach carrying its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This study systematically evaluates extant methodologies, comparing plant performance across varied genotypes and selection traits under optimal and stress conditions. The objective is to elucidate prevailing ambiguities. Ten homozygous lines (F8 generation) were assessed using a randomized block design alongside five control varieties, with four replicates cultivated under well-watered and deficit water conditions. It is noteworthy that six of the ten homozygous lines were cultivated exclusively under well-watered conditions (F3 to F7), while four lines experienced deficit water conditions (F3 to F7). All five control varieties underwent cultivation under both conditions. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored breeding programs attuned to specific environmental exigencies, recognizing that individual traits manifest divergent responses to varying conditions. It is evident that certain traits exhibit marked disparities under well-watered conditions, while others evince heightened differentiation under water deficit conditions. Significantly, our analysis reveals a pronounced interaction between irrigation regimes and selection traits, which serves to underscore the nuanced interplay between genotype and environmental stress.
The emerging roles of circHECTD1 in human diseases and the specific underlying regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Yuan Yiran , Zhang Xiaomin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Lei , He Jiefeng
Published: June 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of single-stranded closed-loop RNAs that have become a popular research subject in biology. Compared to linear RNAs, they are more stable, more conserved, and more widely distributed, and they play crucial biological functions in many diseases. CircHECTD1, a newly identified member of the circRNA family, is widely distributed in humans. Recent studies have shown that circHECTD1 is abnormally expressed in various human diseases, including glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, acute ischaemic stroke, silicosis, acute lung injury, ulcerative colitis, atherosclerosis, and hypertrophic scarring. In malignant tumours, circHECTD1 is thought to be an oncogene that promotes malignant tumour behaviours and influences tumour prognosis. In nontumour diseases, it plays a dual role, promoting disease in silicosis, stroke, and other diseases, while alleviating the disease process in ulcerative colitis, acute lung injury, and atherosclerosis. This article provides a review of the regulatory roles and mechanisms of action of circHECTD1 in different diseases. We also discuss and prospectively evaluate the clinical potential of circHECTD1 as a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for related diseases, providing new insights for developing new therapeutic strategies.
An Overview of the Measurements of Primordial Radionuclide Concentrations in Soil and Radon Concentrations in Water Samples
Authors: Othman Sardar Qader , Asaad Hawzhin Abdulkhaleq
Published: June 2024

Radiation physics has significantly improved health science, revealing the impact of radioactive materials on humans. These contaminants damage soil and water, leading to health issues like stomach, lung, and leukemia. Radon, a byproduct, poses a significant threat to human health, particularly lung and stomach cancer. Identifying radioactive soil sites is crucial for assessing health concerns among agriculture and construction workers, as natural radionuclides can cause radiological damage. Monitoring these materials can help to assess exposure-related health risks. The goal of this review is to overview and consolidate the works executed between 2007 and 2024 in several countries, including Romania, Turkey, Jamaica, Nigeria, Jordan, Serbia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, China, Brazil, Sudan, India, Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, Pakistan, Qatar, and Yemen. Articles commonly employ (HPGe), RAD-7, and CR-39 techniques to measure primordial radionuclides and radon levels. The latest analysis revealed that Nigeria has a significantly higher average radon measurement of 36.1 Bq/L in its drinking water, above the global benchmark threshold of 11.1 Bq/L. The article also, reviews primordial radionuclides in soil research articles in 10 nations. Serbia has the highest 226Ra and 40K soil Bq/kg, which exceeded standards of 32, and 420 Bq/kg of 226Ra and 40K, respectively, while Turkey and Jordan have the lowest values. India has the highest 232Th, and health and safety concerns are addressed. This review work shows that naturally occurring background radiation from radionuclides in soil and radon concentrations in water samples typically has a substantial health impact, posing a major radiation risk to the residents of certain areas. Consequently, our analysis showed that residents should avoid some areas due to radiological hazards. Finally, this review evaluates and elucidates the several factors that influence the elevated and reduced levels of radon in consumption water and the primordial radionuclides activity in soil samples in each country.
Risk Factors Affecting Life Expectancy Resulting in Premature Mortalities and the Accompanying Economic Losses
Authors: Putzer Gavin J. , Cooper Alan , Jaramillo Juan R.
Published: June 2024

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes often lead to increased rates of morbidity and premature mortality thereby diminishing professional productivity. Many chronic diseases are a result of combination of genetic, behavioral, lifestyle, socioeconomic, and environmental risk factors. We examined modifiable risk factors stratified by sociodemographic factors to ascertain economic losses resulting in premature mortality. Mortalities were calculated using a methodology employed by Dr. Ralph Keeney which estimates mortalities from a single underlying cause of death. The results show 2.8M deaths, of which greater than 1.1 million were attributable to risk factors with a productivity loss of $402.5 billion. Our paper showed that the leading causes of preventable deaths across gender and race during this time period had unique patterns with lifestyle factors such as smoking, accidents, and sexually transmitted infections declining, while behaviors such as alcohol, drug use and suicide increased. These findings may not be revolutionary; however, they do strongly reinforce, from an economic point of view, the need for the initiation and/or expansion of several targeted public health campaigns.
Field Efficacy and Economics of Selected Biopesticides and Chemicals against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias vittella (Fabricius) on Okra
Authors: Saichand Narishetti , Kumar Ashwani
Published: June 2024

The field trial was conducted at Central Research Field, Department of Entomology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during kharif season 2023.The experiment was laid out in in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments each replicated thrice using variety Kashi Chaman. The treatments viz., T1 Beauveria bassiana 1.5% T2 Spinosad 45%SC T3 Neem seed kernel extract 10%WP T4 Emamectin Benzoate 5SG T5 Fipronil 5SC T6 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC T7 Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 300PPM (5ml/lit) and along with untreated control T0 against Earias vittella in okra. The data on percentage of shoot and fruit infestation of okra shoot and fruit borer first and second spray mean revealed that all treatments are significantly superior over control. Among all the treatments lowest per cent shoot and fruit, infestation was recorded in T6 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (8.46) (9.44),, T2 Spinosad 45% SC (9.95) (10.44),, T4 Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (11.83) (11.85),, T5 Fipronil 5%SC (12.96) (12.91),, T3 Neem seed kernel extract 10% WP (14.82) (13.27), T1 Beauveria bassiana 1.5% (15.94) (14.62) and T7 Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 300PPM (5ml/lit) (16.97) (14.79) and is significantly superior over the control (23.78) (23.26). While The highest yield was recorded in T6 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC (210.2q/ha),as well as B:C ratio (1:6.54),  T2 Spinosad 45%SC (195.7q/ha) (1:6.02),, T4 Emamectin benzoate 5SG (163.4q/ha) (1:5.17), T5 Fipronil 5SC(149.2q/ha) (1:4.69), T3  Neem seed kernel extract10%WP (138.4q/ha) (1:4.42),, T1 Beauveria bassiana 1.5% (131.7q/ha) (1:4.00), T7  Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 300PPM (5ml/lit) (120.2q/ha) (1:3.71), as compared to T0 control (90.2q/ha) (1:2.96).
Study on Effect of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) and Training System on Growth and Yield of Cucumber
Authors: Manna Sanchari , Singh Devi
Published: June 2024

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season, in 2023 in the Horticulture research field, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P, India. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twenty treatments and replicated thrice with four cucumber varieties (TMCU-1107, TMCU-1125, TMCU-3112, SAIRA-934). The observations are vine length, days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants, days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average yield per plant, and yield per hectare. The results showed that viz., vine length (155.53 cm), days to first appearance of male flower in 50% plants (32.73), days to first appearance of female flower in 50% plants (39.20), days to first harvest (52.07), average fruit weight (245.93 g), fruit length (15.67 cm), fruit diameter (4.41 cm), number of fruits per plant (12.73), average yield per plant (3.13 kg/plant), yield per hectare (34.77 t/ha), were recorded significantly highest by the application of GA3 – 30 ppm + NAA – 75 ppm + Single head system (Treatment 3) as compared to rest of the treatments.
Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Green Gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Mehandi Suhel , Paudel Pratikshya , Subedi Mamata
Published: June 2024

Green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek), a vital legume crop widely cultivated across Asia, is a rich source of minerals and plant-based protein. Despite its nutritional and agricultural importance, green gram production is significantly affected by various biotic and abiotic stress factors. Biotic stresses include diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and insect pests. Major fungal diseases impacting green gram are anthracnose, cercospora leaf spot, and dry root rot, while viral infections are predominantly caused by the yellow mosaic virus. Insect pests such as bruchids, aphids, jassids, and whiteflies also pose serious threats to crop health.  Abiotic stresses, particularly salinity, high temperatures, and drought, are equally detrimental and are becoming increasingly prominent due to climate change. These stressors adversely affect plant growth, development, and yield, posing a significant challenge to sustainable green gram production. Understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of stress tolerance is essential for developing resilient green gram cultivars. To mitigate the adverse effects of these stressors and ensure sustainable production, integrated crop management strategies are crucial. These strategies should encompass genetic engineering, traditional breeding, marker-assisted selection, and improved agronomic practices. Genetic approaches can help develop green gram varieties with enhanced resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Additionally, agronomic practices such as optimal irrigation, soil management, and the use of bio pesticides can further support stress management. This comprehensive review highlights the critical need for a multifaceted approach to manage biotic and abiotic stresses in green gram. By integrating advanced genetic techniques with sustainable agronomic practices, it is possible to enhance the resilience and productivity of green gram, ensuring its continued contribution to global food security.
Role of Nitrogen in Wheat Production System and Nitrogen for Improving Wheat Yield and Quality: A Review
Authors: Markad Akshay
Published: June 2024

Wheat is the staple food across the different parts of the world. To increase the wheat productivity by utilizing the fertilizers. Nitrogen plays a key role in increasing productivity and the quality of the crops. In this review article, we studied the relationship between nitrogen and wheat parameters, the impact of excessive nitrogen used in wheat, NUE (Nitrogen use efficiency) in wheat production, and examined various nitrogen management strategies aimed at enhancing both yield and quality. Different nitrogen application techniques, such as broadcast and side-dressing, have been evaluated, with the rate of nitrogen showing a significant influence on wheat parameters. Key components influencing NUE in wheat farming, including soil characteristics, nitrogen application timing and rate, environmental factors, and crop genetics, are discussed. Furthermore, innovative nitrogen management practices such as precision farming techniques, cover cropping, and the use of biofertilizers as effective strategies for improving NUE and promoting sustainable wheat production. The abstract underscores the importance of balancing nitrogen application to meet crop demands at different growth stages while minimizing nitrogen losses and environmental risks. By integrating advanced technologies, agronomic practices, and scientific insights, farmers can optimize nitrogen use efficiency in wheat production systems, thereby enhancing both yield and quality outcomes.
Character Association and Path Analysis for Yield and its Attributing Traits in Urdbean Genotypes and its Triple Test Cross F1 Hybrids
Authors: Rathore Tarun , Yadav Rajendra Kumar , Shweta  , Rai Geeta , Pathak Sanjana , Mishra Aman
Published: June 2024

This research delves into the association and path coefficient analysis between yield and its attributing traits among 111 diverse lines of urdbean. 27 lines, three testers, and Eighty-one F1 hybrids were grown in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during Kharif 2023 at the Crop Experimental Research Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur (U.P.). The analysis of variance for parents (27 lines and three testers) and their 81 triple test cross hybrids indicated highly significant genotypic differences across all 12 quantitative traits under study viz., days to 50% flowering (DFF), days to 75% maturity (DM), plant height (cm) (PH), number of primary branches per plant (NPB), pods per plant (NPP), pod length (cm) (PL), seeds per pod (NSP), biological yield per plant (g) (BYPP), seed yield per plant (g) (SYPP), harvest index (%),(HI), 100-seed weight (HSW), and protein content (%) (PC). All the traits studied showed a significant positive correlation with seed yield, except for days to 50% flowering, and days to 75 % maturity at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that all the traits had high direct positive effects on seed yield except for days to 50% flowering and days to 75 % maturity at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Therefore, these traits should be the primary focus in black gram breeding programs aimed at yield improvement.
What Influences Someone to have Compulsive Buying Behavior? A Case of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Taiwan
Authors: Kharismasyah Alfato Yusnar , Randikaparsa Irawan , Anggara Ali Akbar , Auriel Salsabil
Published: June 2024

Aims: This research aims to investigate the impact of job burnout on compulsive buying behavior among a group of 210 Indonesian domestic migrant workers in Taiwan. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of ego depletion in this relationship and the moderating effect of consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence. The study employed a quantitative approach to examine the relationship between job burnout, ego depletion, consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence, and compulsive buying behavior among Indonesian domestic migrant workers in Taiwan. The data was analyzed by SEM-PLS. The findings indicate that job burnout significantly increases compulsive buying tendencies among Indonesian domestic migrant workers in Taiwan. However, ego depletion does not act as a mediating factor in this relationship. Conversely, consumer susceptibility to interpersonal influence moderates the relationship between ego depletion and compulsive buying behavior significantly, suggesting that greater susceptibility weakens the impact of ego depletion on compulsive buying behavior. These results emphasize the importance of addressing job burnout and considering interpersonal influences in interventions aimed at mitigating compulsive buying behaviors among Indonesian domestic migrant workers in Taiwan. Such interventions have the potential to improve the mental and financial well-being of this population.
Cowhides and motorcars
Authors: Cross Morag , Dalland Magnar , Moretti Debora
Published: June 2024

The proposed development at Beaverbank Place, Canonmills, Edinburgh led to the excavation of theremains of the 19th-century Beaverbank Tannery. Accompanying historical research allowed the history ofthe ownership and tenancies of the buildings and various businesses to be traced from 1807 to 1959. Thisincluded the early 19th-century Clark’s Mill linen bleachers and the 1868 tannery built by the Johnstonfamily and later leased by family firms of the Pringles and Walkers. A period of abandonment between1913 and 1915 was followed by the repurposing of the building as a sawmill and cooperage. Part of thesite changed again to become a motor garage in 1928.
The remains can be matched well with historic map evidence and appear to relate predominantly to thelate 19th-century tannery structures. Remains were found of approximately 100 tanning pits set out in a gridpattern, with further features related to drainage, paving and other structures. Very little environmental orartefactual evidence was recovered to shed light on specific practices, materials used or materials produced.
There were also scant structural remains that could be related to the earlier linen bleachers and to thelater motor garage.
4. Archaeological evidence
Authors: Cross Morag , Dalland Magnar , Moretti Debora
Published: June 2024

The proposed development at Beaverbank Place, Canonmills, Edinburgh led to the excavation of the remains of the 19th-century Beaverbank Tannery. Accompanying historical research allowed the history of the ownership and tenancies of the buildings and various businesses to be traced from 1807 to 1959. This included the early 19th-century Clark’s Mill linen bleachers and the 1868 tannery built by the Johnston family and later leased by family firms of the Pringles and Walkers. A period of abandonment between 1913 and 1915 was followed by the repurposing of the building as a sawmill and cooperage. Part of the site changed again to become a motor garage in 1928.
The remains can be matched well with historic map evidence and appear to relate predominantly to the late 19th-century tannery structures. Remains were found of approximately 100 tanning pits set out in a grid pattern, with further features related to drainage, paving and other structures. Very little environmental or artefactual evidence was recovered to shed light on specific practices, materials used or materials produced.
There were also scant structural remains that could be related to the earlier linen bleachers and to the later motor garage.
Assessing Cell Fusion and Cytokinesis Failure as Mechanisms of Clone 9 Hepatocyte Multinucleation In Vitro
Authors: Simic Damir , Euler Catherine , Thurby Christina , Peden Mike , Tannehill‐Gregg Sarah , Bunch Todd , Sanderson Thomas , Van Vleet Terry
Published: August 2012

In this in vitro model of hepatocyte multinucleation, separate cultures of rat Clone 9 cells are labeled with either red or green cell tracker dyes (Red Cell Tracker CMPTX or Vybrant CFDA SE Cell Tracer), plated together in mixed‐color colonies, and treated with positive or negative control agents for 4 days. The fluorescent dyes become cell‐impermeant after entering cells and are not transferred to adjacent cells in a population, but are inherited by daughter cells after fusion. The mixed‐color cultures are then evaluated microscopically for multinucleation and analysis of the underlying mechanism (cell fusion/cytokinesis). Multinucleated cells containing only one dye have undergone cytokinesis failure, whereas dual‐labeled multinucleated cells have resulted from fusion. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 53:14.9.1‐14.9.17. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessment of Metabolic Stability Using the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Liver S9 Fraction
Authors: Johanning Karla , Hancock Gregg , Escher Beate , Adekola Adebayo , Bernhard Mary Jo , Cowan‐Ellsberry Christina , Domoradzki Jeanne , Dyer Scott , Eickhoff Curtis , Embry Michelle , Erhardt Susan , Fitzsimmons Patrick , Halder Marlies , Hill James , Holden Dustin , Johnson Rebecca , Rutishauser Sibylle , Segner Helmut , Schultz Irvin , Nichols John
Published: August 2012

Standard protocols are given for assessing metabolic stability in rainbow trout using the liver S9 fraction. These protocols describe the isolation of S9 fractions from trout livers, evaluation of metabolic stability using a substrate depletion approach, and expression of the result as in vivo intrinsic clearance. Additional guidance is provided on the care and handling of test animals, design and interpretation of preliminary studies, and development of analytical methods. Although initially developed to predict metabolism impacts on chemical accumulation by fish, these procedures can be used to support a broad range of scientific and risk assessment activities including evaluation of emerging chemical contaminants and improved interpretation of toxicity testing results. These protocols have been designed for rainbow trout and can be adapted to other species as long as species‐specific considerations are modified accordingly (e.g., fish maintenance and incubation mixture temperature). Rainbow trout is a cold‐water species. Protocols for other species (e.g., carp, a warm‐water species) can be developed based on these procedures as long as the specific considerations are taken into account. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 53:14.10.1‐14.10.28. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Renal Transporters in Drug Disposition, Drug‐Drug Interactions, and Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Feng Bo , El‐Kattan Ayman F. , Radi Zaher A.
Published: August 2012

This unit describes in detail the in vitro methods for measuring the interaction of new chemical entities (NCEs) with human renal transporters (hOAT1, hOAT2, and hOCT2) as both a substrate and inhibitor. Renal transporter substrate assays help in the identification of renal secretion mechanisms and assessment of the potential renal drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) for NCE as a target, as well as to predict its renal clearance in humans. Human renal transporter (hOAT1, hOAT2, and hOCT2) inhibition assays characterize the inhibition potency of NCE and predict the potential for renal DDIs as a perpetrator with xenobiotics and drugs that are mainly renally cleared. In addition, such inhibition assays enable a better assessment of the potential for renal transporter‐mediated nephrotoxicity and pathology. Therefore, renal transporter substrate and inhibition assays are pivotal in drug discovery and development for renally cleared drugs and those that are co‐administered with marketed compounds mainly eliminated via the kidney. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 53:23.3.1‐23.3.15. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Self‐Assembling Doxorubicin Silk Hydrogels for the Focal Treatment of Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Seib F. Philipp , Pritchard Eleanor M. , Kaplan David L.
Published: August 2012

Standard care for early stage breast cancer includes tumor resection and local radiotherapy to achieve long‐term remission. Systemic chemotherapy provides only low locoregional control of the disease; to address this, self‐assembling silk hydrogels that can retain and then deliver doxorubicin locally are described. Self‐assembling silk hydrogels show no swelling, are readily loaded with doxorubicin under aqueous conditions, and release drug over 4 weeks in amounts that can be fine‐tuned by varying the silk content. Following successful in vitro studies, locally injected silk hydrogels loaded with doxorubicin show excellent antitumor response in mice, outperforming the equivalent amount of doxorubicin delivered intravenously. In addition to reducing primary tumor growth, doxorubicin‐loaded silk hydrogels reduce metastatic spread and are well tolerated in vivo. Thus, silk hydrogels are well suited for the local delivery of chemotherapy and provide a promising approach to improve locoregional control of breast cancer.
The Impact of Price Promotions on Producer Strategies in Markets With Large Product Heterogeneity
Authors: Panzone Luca , Tiffin Richard
Published: August 2012

Although current research indicates that increasing the number of options has negative effects on the cognitive ability of consumers, little understanding has been given to the consequences on producers and their strategic behavior. This article tests whether a large portfolio of products is beneficial to producers by observing UK consumer response to price promotions. The article shows that discounts induce mainly segment switching (74% of the total impact), with a limited effect on stockpiling (26%) and no impact on purchase incidence. Consequently, consumers prefer to “follow the discount” rather than purchase multiple units of the same wine. This result seems to explain the current structure of the market, and suggests that discounts may conflict with segment loyalty, a situation that disfavors producers, particularly in very populated segments. Results also casts doubts on the economic sustainability of competition based on an intense product differentiation in the wine sector. [EconLit Citations: C010, D120, M310].
Cinchona‐based Primary Amine Catalysis in the Asymmetric Functionalization of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Melchiorre Paolo
Published: August 2012

Asymmetric aminocatalysis exploits the potential of chiral primary and secondary amines to catalyze asymmetric reactions. It has greatly simplified the functionalization of carbonyl compounds while ensuring high enantioselectivity. Recent advances in cinchona‐based primary amine catalysis have provided new synthetic opportunities and conceptual perspectives for successfully attacking major challenges in carbonyl compound chemistry, which traditional approaches have not been able to address. This Review outlines the historical context for the development of this catalyst class while charting the landmark discoveries and applications that have further expanded the synthetic potential of aminocatalysis.
Behavioral testing in rodent models of orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain
Authors: Krzyzanowska Agnieszka , Avendaño Carlos
Published: August 2012

Orofacial pain conditions are often very debilitating to the patient and difficult to treat. While clinical interest is high, the proportion of studies performed in the orofacial region in laboratory animals is relatively low, compared with other body regions. This is partly due to difficulties in testing freely moving animals and therefore lack of reliable testing methods. Here we present a comprehensive review of the currently used rodent models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain adapted to the orofacial areas, taking into account the difficulties and drawbacks of the existing approaches. We examine the available testing methods and procedures used for assessing the behavioral responses in the face in both mice and rats and provide a summary of some pharmacological agents used in these paradigms to date. The use of these agents in animal models is also compared with outcomes observed in the clinic.
Vipera russelli venom‐induced oxidative stress and hematological alterations: Amelioration by crocin a dietary colorant
Authors: Sebastin Santhosh M. , Hemshekhar M. , Thushara R. M. , Devaraja S. , Kemparaju K. , Girish K. S.
Published: August 2012

Snakebite is a serious medical and socio‐economic problem affecting the healthy individuals and agricultural and farming populations worldwide. In India, Vipera russelli snakebite is common, ensuing high morbidity and mortality. The venom components persuade multifactorial stress phenomenon and alter the physiological setting by causing disruption of the blood cells and vital organs. The present study demonstrates the anti‐ophidian property of Crocin (Crocus sativus), a potent antioxidant against viper venom‐induced oxidative stress. The in vivo oxidative damage induced by venom was clearly evidenced by the increased oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes/molecules along with the proinflammatory cytokines including IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6. Furthermore, venom depleted the hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and platelet count in experimental animals. Crocin ameliorated the venom‐induced oxidative stress, hematological alteration and proinflammatory cytokine levels. At present, administration of antivenom is an effective therapy against systemic toxicity, but it offers no protection against the rapidly spreading oxidative damage and infiltration of pro‐inflammatory mediators. These pathologies will continue even after antivenom administration. Hence, a long‐term auxiliary therapy is required to treat secondary as well as neglected complications of snakebite. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic Nanoparticle Networks as Solid State Catalysts
Authors: Roeser Jérôme , Kronstein Martin , Litschauer Marco , Thomas Arne , Neouze Marie‐Alexandra
Published: August 2012

We report on the catalytic activity for the cycloaddition of CO2 to cyclic organic carbonates of recently developed ionic nanoparticle networks (INN). The combination of high imidazolium content and ability to coordinate to CO2 molecules within the 3D network makes the hybrid INN materials highly promising heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 activation reactions. The catalytic activity of INN powders and gels was investigated with various starting epoxides. Quantitative conversion was reached with epichlorohydrin. The influence of mono or bis(imidazolium) bridging ligands and methylation at the C2 position in the aromatic ring of the organic cation could be highlighted by evaluation of the activity with the less reactive propylene oxide as the starting epoxide. Finally, the influence of the type of inorganic nanoparticle support was also studied by preparing heterobimetallic silica‐zinc oxide nanoparticle networks. Promising results were obtained with various epoxides. Conversion or selectivity up to 100 % could be obtained. The catalyst could be reused owing to the good thermal stability of the hybrid inorganic‐organic INN. After four reaction runs the catalyst still proved to be active.
Structure and Absolute Stereochemistry of Nortriterpenoids from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill
Authors: Wang Jian‐Rong , Kurtán Tibor , Mándi Attila , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: August 2012

A varierty of previously unreported compounds, the cagelike hexacyclic schicagenin‐type nortriterpenoid 1, three pre‐schisanartane‐type nortriterpenoids 2–4, seven C29 nortriterpenoids 5–11 possessing an uncommon pentacyclic carbon skeleton characterized by a 5/5/7/7/5 fused‐ring motif bearing a C9 side chain, two highly oxygenated C28 nortriterpenoids 12 and 13 containing an unprecedented 5/5/7 ring nucleus bearing a C15 side chain, and the known C29 nortriterpenoid 14 were isolated from the leaves and stems of the Chinese medicinal plant Schisandra chinensis. The structures of these new metabolites were elucidated by means of detailed spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of 4 and 5 were determined by time‐dependent density functional theory electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT ECD) calculations, allowing the assignment of the absolute configurations of analogous compounds 1–3 and 6–13.
Stereoselective Synthesis of cis‐1,3‐Dimethyltetrahydroisoquinolines: Formal Synthesis of Naphthylisoquinoline Alkaloids
Authors: Amat Mercedes , Subrizi Fabiana , Elias Viviane , Llor Núria , Molins Elies , Bosch Joan
Published: August 2012

A synthetic route to enantiopure cis‐1,3‐dimethyltetrahydroisoquinolines, synthetic precursors of naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids, has been developed. The synthesis relies on the use of a phenylglycinol‐derived lactam as the starting enantiopure scaffold. After stereoselective opening of the oxazolidine ring, the C‐3 methyl substituent was installed, taking advantage of the lactam carbonyl group by stereoselective hydrogenation of an α‐methylenamide generated via a vinyl triflate.
Evening evapotranspirative cooling in relation to vegetation and urban geometry in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Holmer Björn , Thorsson Sofia , Lindén Jenny
Published: August 2012

Intra‐urban cooling in the city of Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso in the Sahel zone of West Africa, was studied during the dry seasons in 2003, 2004 and 2007. The aim was to see how vegetation, built structure and position within the built‐up area influenced the nocturnal cooling. Cooling was divided into two phases. In Phase 1 (16:00 –20:00 hours LST = CET), cooling was very different between the sites while in Phase 2 (20:00 –06:00 hours LST), cooling rates differed insignificantly and the whole area cooled almost at the same rate. Thus the temperature differences between the sites developed during these few hours in Phase 1 were preserved during the rest of the night. In Phase 1, Evening Evapotranspirative Cooling was intensive at vegetated sites that cooled almost twice as fast as sparsely vegetated. This was indicated by a humidity rate (increase of specific humidity per hour) that was high at a vegetated site, but considerably lower at a sparsely vegetated. In Phase 2 the humidity rate was slightly negative with little difference between the sites. After a division in vegetated and sparsely vegetated sites built structure (sky view factor) were shown to influence cooling, but no influence of the position within the built‐up area was traced. Thus, the site‐specific properties dominated cooling, giving large intra‐urban temperature differences. The study also showed the importance of considering a large enough source area to account for micro‐scale advection.
Seasonal and regional differences in the rainfall and intensity of isolated convection over South America
Authors: Rickenbach Thomas M. , Nieto‐Ferreira Rosana , Barnhill Richard P. , Nesbitt Stephen W.
Published: August 2012

Isolated precipitating convection, though a minor contributor to total rainfall in the tropics, is important to regional and seasonal climate variability because its diabatic heating structure is characteristic of the convectively inactive phase of tropical interseasonal oscillations. This study extends a previous analysis of mesoscale convective system (MCS) variability in the South America monsoon system to examine regional differences in the annual cycle of the rainfall and vertical structure of isolated convection over the 10 year period of 1998–2007. The goal is to document the annual variation of shallow and deep isolated convection in order to provide a more complete picture of monsoon onset across South America. Over the 10 year period of 1998–2007, the average rain contribution from isolated convection (compared to MCSs) ranged from 1 to 8% of the total rainfall in the four regions depending on the season. The contribution of rainfall by isolated convection was on the high end of that range during the pre‐monsoon months of June to August in the tropical regions. Of the isolated convection rainfall, 4–9% was attributable to shallow ‘warm rain’, with the largest fraction after monsoon onset (December to February) in the coastal Mouth of Amazon region. Mean annual time series of conditional rainfall, lightning activity, 85 GHz ice‐scattering signature, and radar echo depth for isolated convective features all suggested that an oceanic regime strongly influences isolated convection at the Mouth of Amazon region in northeastern Brazil. In the interior tropical regions, there was a clear pre‐monsoon (August to September) maximum in the vertical intensity of deep isolated convection as indicated by lightning, ice scattering, and radar echo depth. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
A new high resolution absolute temperature grid for the Greater Alpine Region back to 1780
Authors: Chimani Barbara , Matulla Christoph , Böhm Reinhard , Hofstätter Michael
Published: August 2012

This study presents a new gridded dataset providing absolute monthly mean temperatures across the Greater Alpine Region (GAR) of Europe at a spatial resolution of 5 arcmin (6 × 9 km in the region) from 1780 to 2008. The starting point was a set of long‐term homogenized station time series. To assure the quality of the analyses back in time, when the station density decreases, missing measurements were reconstructed by an Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis that can deal with gappy data. It is shown that the reconstructed values comprise similar statistical features to the observations and that the method produces no breaks between the reconstructions and the observations. The compound anomaly dataset was then interpolated separately for two different altitude ranges to preserve anomaly gradients between high and low elevations. This allowed for the derivation of individual anomalies at each grid point in GAR. Finally, these smooth anomalies were blended with the highly resolved monthly mean absolute temperature fields, provided by a project of the European Climate Support Network. The added value of this new high resolution and long‐term temperature dataset is shown and discussed using the examples of the height of the 0 °C altitude and vertical lapse rates. For the first time, these and other features are now available for more than two centuries in a topographically complex region like GAR.
Identifying the types of major El Niño events since 1870
Authors: Yu Jin‐Yi , Kim Seon Tae
Published: August 2012

This study develops a pattern correlation method to determine the type of major El Niño events since 1870 from a reconstructed sea surface temperature dataset. Different from other identification methods, this method allows an El Niño event to be of the Central‐Pacific (CP) type, the Eastern‐Pacific (EP) type, or the Mixed type (i.e. the both types coexist). Application of this method to the 39 major El Niño events identified by the Ocean Niño Index during the period 1870–2010 results in 8 events that are categorized to be of the EP type, 16 of the CP type, and 15 of Mixed type. Before the 1910s, the El Niño events are mostly of the EP type, but are mostly the CP type after 2000, while in between both types occurred. The consistencies and inconsistencies between the El Niño types identified by this method and other three methods, which have been proposed recently for El Niño‐type classification, are examined and discussed. All four methods consistently identify the El Niño events occurring in the following years to be of the EP types: 1876–1877, 1881, 1884–1885, 1895–1896, 1896–1897, 1918–1919, 1982–1983, and 1997–1998; and the events occurring in the following years to be of the CP type: 1968–1969, 1977–1978, 1994–1995, 2004–2005, and 2009–2010. It is evident that the characteristics of the EP type of El Niño are more robust in the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, whereas the characteristics of the CP type of El Niño is more robust in the late 20th century and the early 21st century. The list of the El Niño types produced by this study can be used for selecting El Niño events to further study the dynamics and climate impacts of the EP, CP, and Mixed types of El Niño. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Impact of proteoglycan‐4 and parathyroid hormone on articular cartilage
Authors: Novince Chad M. , Entezami Payam , Wilson Christopher G. , Wang Jason , Oh Seo , Koh Amy J. , Michalski Megan N. , Sinder Benjamin P. , Kozloff Kenneth M. , Taichman Russell S. , McCauley Laurie K.
Published: August 2012

Proteoglycan‐4 (Prg4) protects synovial joints from arthropathic changes by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), known for its anabolic actions in bone, increases Prg4 expression and has been reported to inhibit articular cartilage degeneration in arthropathic joints. To investigate the effect of Prg4 and PTH on articular cartilage, 16‐week‐old Prg4 mutant and wild‐type mice were treated with intermittent PTH (1–34) or vehicle control daily for six weeks. Analyses included histology of the knee joint, micro‐CT of the distal femur, and serum biochemical analysis of type II collagen fragments (CTX‐II). Compared to wild‐type littermates, Prg4 mutant mice had an acellular layer of material lining the surfaces of the articular cartilage and menisci, increased articular cartilage degradation, increased serum CTX‐II concentrations, decreased articular chondrocyte apoptosis, increased synovium SDF‐1 expression, and irregularly contoured subchondral bone. PTH‐treated Prg4 mutant mice developed a secondary deposit overlaying the acellular layer of material lining the joint surfaces, but PTH‐treatment did not alter signs of articular cartilage degeneration in Prg4 mutant mice. The increased joint SDF‐1 levels and irregular subchondral bone found in Prg4 mutant mice introduce novel candidate mechanisms by which Prg4 protects articular cartilage. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 183–190, 2013
Vortex‐assisted extraction combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment by high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Leng Geng , Lui Guibin , Chen Yong , Yin Hui , Dan Dezhong
Published: August 2012

A simple, rapid, and efficient method, vortex‐assisted extraction followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) has been developed for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment samples prior to analysis by high performance liquid chromatography fluorescence detection. Acetonitrile was used as collecting solvent for the extraction of PAHs from sediment by vortex‐assisted extraction. In DLLME, PAHs were rapidly transferred from acetonitrile to dichloromethane. Under the optimum conditions, the method yields a linear calibration curve in the concentration range from 10 to 2100 ng g−1 for fluorene, anthracene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene, and 20 to 2100 ng g−1 for other target analytes. Coefficients of determinations ranged from 0.9986 to 0.9994. The limits of detection, based on signal‐to‐noise ratio of three, ranged from 2.3 to 6.8 ng g−1. Reproducibility and recoveries was assessed by extracting a series of six independent sediment samples, which were spiked with different concentration levels. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied in analyses of real nature sediment samples. The proposed method extended and improved the application of DLLME to solid samples, which greatly shorten the extraction time and simplified the extraction process.
The Stochastic Goal Programming Model: Theory and Applications
Authors: Aouni Belaid , Ben Abdelaziz Fouad , La Torre Davide
Published: August 2012

Supported by a network of researchers and practitioners, the goal programming (GP) model is alive today more than ever and is continually fed with theoretical developments and new applications with resounding success. The standard formulation of the GP model was introduced in the earliest of 1960s, and since then, important extensions and numerous applications have been proposed. One of these variants is the stochastic GP model that deals with the uncertainty of some decision‐making situations by using stochastic calculus. In such a situation, the decision maker is not able to assess with certainty the different parameters. However, he or she can provide some information regarding the likelihood of occurrence of the decision‐making parameter values. The aim of this paper is to highlight the main methodological developments of the stochastic GP model and to present an overview of its applications in several domains. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.