bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Internal Audit Effectiveness in Local Government Authorities (LGAs): Evidence from Morogoro Region of Tanzania
Authors: George Aliko , Meela Davis
Published: September 2024

This study examines the determinants of internal audit effectiveness in Local Government Authorities (LGAs), addressing the growing importance of robust Internal Audit Function (IAF) in public sector governance. The study employed the descriptive research design based on a mixed research approach integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 45 purposively selected respondents with extensive auditing experience. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the impact of these factors on internal audit effectiveness. The empirical results indicate that the four factors account for 65.7% of the variance in internal audit effectiveness, with IT utilization being the most significant contributor (R² = 0.657, Adjusted R² = 0.616). The ANOVA results further validate the model, showing a statistically significant F-statistic of 3.2976 with a p-value of 0.001, indicating the robustness of the findings. Top management support was found to be critical in fostering a culture of accountability, while the independence of internal audit ensures objectivity and unbiased assessments. IT utilization was identified as a key driver in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of audit processes. Finally, the competence of internal auditors was shown to significantly influence the quality and accuracy of audit outcomes. The study recommends the need for institutionalizing top management support, safeguarding auditor independence, advancing IT utilization, and promoting continuous professional development for auditors. These measures are essential for improving governance and accountability within LGAs, thereby contributing to more effective and reliable internal audit practices.
Geoelectrical Evaluation of Contamination in and around Ori-Ile Battery Wastes Dumpsite in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Akinlabi Ismaila Abiodun , Babajide Mary Oladepe
Published: September 2024

Geoelectrical surveys involving vertical electrical sounding (VES) and 2D resistivity imaging were integrated to assess subsurface contamination by heavy metals in and around Orile Battery Waste Dumpsite, Kumapayi in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. The objectives are to determine the lateral and vertical variations of resistivity/conductivity in and around the dumpsite, determine the nature and thickness of the overburden, determine the depth to bedrock, and delineate subsurface zones of anomalously high conductivity/low resistivity which may have resulted from contamination by heavy metals.
Thirty-three VES stations were occupied using the Schlumberger electrode array with electrode spacing (AB/2) varied from 1 m to 100 m. The 2D resistivity survey was carried out along six East–West trending traverses established across and around the dumpsite using the Dipole-Dipole electrode array with station spacing of 10 m and expansion factor, n=1-5. The VES data were quantitatively interpreted using initial partial curve matching technique and 1D forward modelling while the dipole-dipole data were interpreted using 2D inversion procedures.
The geoelctric sections delineated three layers comprising topsoil with layer resistivity ranging from 18 Ωm to 264 Ωm and thickness varying from 0.4 m to 1.4 m, weathered layer with resistivity and thickness ranging from 1 Ωm to 219 Ωm and 0.6 m to 9.4 m respectively, and weathered/fractured/fresh bedrock with resistivity ranging from 132 Ωm and 6500 Ωm. The 2D inverted resistivity sections revealed anomalous resistivity lows suggesting contamination at depths ranging from 5 m to 10 m beneath the traverses. The contamination zones are characterized by resistivity values less than 10 Ωm.
The study revealed that the soil beneath the study area has been contaminated by the battery wastes. The suspected fractures and relatively shallow water table observed in the study area may have predisposed the groundwater to contamination which could constitute serious health risk to the inhabitants.  It is recommended that geochemical analysis for heavy metals be conducted on the soil and groundwater from wells in the study area to assess the level of contamination.
Water Quality Assessment and its Impact on Shrimp in the Rupnarayan River: A Comparative Study from February to May of 2022-2024
Authors: Ghosh Rajrupa , Maity Subhomay
Published: September 2024

The Rupnarayan River is the heart of the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, as it is the habitat of a large number of aquatic species and the main drinking, agricultural, irrigation, and cultivation resource. We collected river water samples from the Kolaghat, Alinan, Siuri and Deemari villages near Tamluk in the Purba Medinipur district. Then, we assessed different water quality parameters, such as temperature, turbidity, pH, DO, BOD, salinity, alkalinity, and hardness. We studied the premonsoon phase (Feb-May) and assessed the impact of these parameters on the production of shrimp species. We identified M. rosenbergi, M. brevicornis, M. monoceros, and Penaeus vannamei as shrimp species. We also compared the data from 2022 to 2024 (Feb-May) and observed yields of 40%, 60%, and 30% in 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Trend Analysis and Change Point Detection of Climatic Parameters in Ambedkar Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Yadav Vijay Shankar , Galkate R. V. , Chandola V.K. , Panda Samikshya , Patel Ankit
Published: September 2024

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges confronting humanity today, and its effects can be seen all over the world. The assessment of changes in the long-term weather trend is critical for developing water resource management strategies under climate change scenarios. Long-term trends for annual, monsoon, non-monsoon rainfall, rainy days, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature of Akbarpur, Allapur, Bhiti, Jalalpur, and Tanda stations in Uttar Pradesh's Ambedkar Nagar district were examined in this study. The Mann-Kendall test revealed a non-significant decreasing trend for annual and monsoon rainfall at Akbarpur, Bhiti, and Jalalpur stations with an average rate of 1.64 mm/year whereas, it shows a non-significant increasing trend for annual and monsoon rainfall at the Allapur and Tanda stations with an average rate of 3.168 mm/year. Non-monsoon rainfall showed an in-significant decreasing trend at Allapur and Jalalpur stations with an average rate of 0.415 mm/year, whereas a non-significant increasing trend was shown at Akbarpur, Bhiti, and Tanda stations with an average rate of 0.197 mm/year. Annual rainy days shows non-significant decreasing trend for all stations of Akbarpur district with an average rate of 0.117 day/year (one day decrease with in nine year). It indicates seasonal shift and increased possibility of high intensity rainfall. The impact of extreme events of rainfall on the trend was evaluated on the whole and partial series before and after the break point and it was observed that there was no significant climate change in Ambedkar Nagar district and non-significant changing year of precipitation data series was found in 1995. A significant increasing trend in maximum temperature was observed for all stations in the months of August and December, with an average rate of 0.02 0C per year, while Allapur station also shows a significant increasing trend in maximum temperature in September, with a rate of 0.012 0C per year. However, a significant decreasing trend was observed in minimum temperature in the month of May at Akbarpur, Allapur, Jalalpur, Tanda station with an average rate of 0.027 0C per year. Rainfall and temperature are a principal climatic parameter which regulates the environmental condition of a particular region by directly influencing the agricultural productivity and water resources.
Genetics and Epigenetic in Mental Health
Authors: Anbalagan Siddharth
Published: September 2024

Genetics and epigenetics play critical roles in mental health, offering insights into the complex interplay between biological predisposition and environmental influences in the development and progression of mental disorders. Genetic studies have identified numerous risk loci associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, highlighting the polygenic nature of these illnesses. However, the presence of genetic risk factors alone does not fully account for the variability in disease onset, severity, or response to treatment. This gap is increasingly understood through the lens of epigenetics, which involves heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence itself but are influenced by environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and exposure to toxins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, can modulate gene activity in response to external stimuli, leading to long-lasting effects on brain function and behavior. These processes are particularly important during critical periods of brain development, where epigenetic modifications can shape neural circuits involved in emotion regulation, cognition, and stress response. Emerging research suggests that the interaction between genetic predisposition and epigenetic changes contributes to the heterogeneity observed in mental health disorders, explaining why individuals with similar genetic risks can have different outcomes. Understanding these intricate genetic and epigenetic networks is essential for developing personalized therapeutic strategies, which could revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Advances in this field hold the promise of identifying biomarkers for early intervention and creating targeted interventions that consider an individual’s unique genetic and epigenetic profile, ultimately improving mental health outcomes on a global scale.
Morphological Evaluation of Locally Available Cultivated Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Cultivars for Growth and Yield Attributes in Kokrajhar, Assam, India
Authors: Basumatary Puja , Dutta Shourov , Gogoi Parkey , Gogoi Bhoirab , Neog Manoranjan
Published: September 2024

Taro probably is one of the world’s oldest crop and important crop species in the district but its cultivation and consumption still lie within the less privileged farmers in Kokrajhar district of Assam, India. It is cultivated for its tubers, tender leaves and inflorescence. It is also observed that several morphological types are found in upland and hilly slopes of the district, but their identification and morphological studies are not very clear, and their agronomic potentiality further needs to be analysed. Under such situations, a study has been taken to evaluate all the local varieties namely Pehle, Abor, Daomasar, Deraduma and Tharun gubwi in terms of yield and other agronomic parameters for proper documentation of genetic diversity and differentiation in the district.
The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
The study was conducted in Debitola and Kachugaon blocks of Kokrajhar district.
The results indicated significant differences for all the characteristics studied. ‘Tharun gubwi’ recorded highest value for plant height (134.4cm), leaf size (2244.0 cm2), corm breadth (8.10cm), average corm weight (2036.00g) and average yield (2248.33g/plant). Petiole length was recorded highest in Cv. Deraduma (95.23 cm). Cv. Daomasar was recorded with maximum plant spread of 144.5 cm and numbers of side shoots (5.67 nos.). Highest corm length (20.23cm), cormel length (13.24cm) and cormel weight (98.25g) was recorded maximum in Cv. Abor.
Results revealed that all these local cultivars have good agronomic importance therefore, various developmental programmes are need to be undertaken for popularizing it to every corner of the state and country
Double Primary Cancer: Breast Cancer and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sarwwotatwadhiko Handito , Yarso Kristanto Yuli
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Breast carcinoma is the most prevalent malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, while multiple primaries are conditions where there is more than one synchronous or metachronous cancer in one individual. Double primary between breast carcinoma and colon cancer is a primary tumor with a high incidence, while breast carcinoma metastasis to the colon is a rare entity except for lobular histotype breast carcinoma. In this case report, a woman with double primary breast cancer is reported.
Case Report: A 50-year-old woman came with complaints pain of the entire abdomen since 2 days before go to hospital, worsening when starting to eat, accompanied by nausea. The patient had a history of modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for indications of right breast carcinoma cT3N0M0. In addition, a history of ovarian carcinoma that had undergone chemotherapy was also found. On esophagogastroduodenoscopy examination, a gastric mass was found with ulceration and necrosis and a biopsy showed high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion:  Breast malignancy can be invasive or non-invasive and can undergo metastasis. In addition to metastasis, cancer can also appear in two different places but histologically or morphologically different. This condition is called multiple primaries due to host, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Antioxidant and DNA Damaging Protection of Some Herbal Supplements: In vitro & In silico Approach
Authors: Abdul-Jabar Rafeef Amer , Fadal Sabaa Ali Mohammed Al.
Published: September 2024

Botanical dietary supplements, also known as herbal supplements, are products derived from plants. They can be used to enrich diets, treat diseases, and promote overall health. The current study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity as well as DNA damage protection capacity for three types of supplements that were supplied commercially and tried to test their total antioxidant activity (TAC), and the ability to directly protect human genomic DNA from damage was tested for each supplement, an In-silico docking study of the supplements into the DNA was performed. The TAC values for the supplements were 3.196, 0.005, and 679.2 µg of Vitamin C equivalent /mg of the Artemisinin, Hesperidin, and Theaflavin supplements respectively. Also, Artemisinin shows the highest DNA protection capacity from damaging factors with a 100% protection percentage, while Theaflavin and Hesperidin had less ability to protect the DNA from damaging factors with 77.7% and 48.2% respectively. the docking study showed the ability of each supplement to bind with the human DNA. That means the different herbal supplements show different antioxidant activity as well as different DNA protection capacities from damaging factors and that may be related to the active compounds in each supplement or the way of extraction and purification.
Kök Aile İşlevselliği, Benlik Ayrımlaşması ve İlişki Doyumu: Nişanlı ve Evli Bireylerde Bir Aracılık Modeli
Authors: Öselemiş Fikriye Eylem , Türkdoğan Turgut
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı; kök aile işlevselliği ile romantik ilişki doyumu arasındaki ilişkide benlik ayrımlaşmasının aracılık rolünü bir yapısal eşitlik modeli çerçevesinde incelemektir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu, evlilik hazırlığı içinde bulunan nişanlı bireylerden ve de evlilik ilişkisinin henüz ilk beş yıllık döneminde bulunan bireylerden oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma kapsamında 532 katılımcıdan Aile Uyum Yeteneğini ve Birliğini Değerlendirme Ölçeği – IV, Benliğin Ayrımlaşması Ölçeği ve İlişkilerde Mutluluk Ölçeği aracılığıyla veri toplanmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda nişanlı ve yeni evli bireylerin kök aile deneyimlerinin mevcut ilişkilerinden aldıkları doyumu öngördüğü, kök aile işlevselliği yüksek olan bireylerin romantik ilişkilerinden aldıkları doyum düzeylerinin de yüksek olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca, aile işlevselliğinin yüksek olması bireylerin özerk bir birey olarak yetişmelerini desteklemekte, aileden benliklerini ayrımlaştırmalarını sağlayabilmektedir. Öte yandan, mevcut çalışmada bireylerin benlik ayrımlaşma düzeyleri arttıkça yakın romantik ilişkiler kurma ve sürdürme olasılıklarının ve ilişkilerinden aldıkları doyum düzeyinin artacağı hipotezi desteklememiştir. Kültüre özgü bir bulgu olarak, Türk kültüründe bireyin benlik sınırlarını koruyacak şekilde hareket etmesinin, romantik ilişki doyumunun ve çift uyumunun gelişimindeki beklentilerden biri olarak algılanmadığı anlaşılmaktadır. Sonuçlar ilgili alan yazını dikkate alınarak tartışılmış, bu doğrultuda uygulayıcılara ve araştırmacılara bazı öneriler sunulmuştur.
Identification of seco‐clavilactone B as a small‐molecule actin polymerization inhibitor
Authors: Miyazaki So , Sasazawa Yukiko , Mogi Takuma , Suzuki Takehiro , Yoshida Keisuke , Dohmae Naoshi , Takao Ken‐ichi , Simizu Siro
Published: March 2016

Phenotype‐based chemical screening is an attractive strategy for the identification of bioactive compounds. We searched for a compound that induces cellular morphological change and identified a novel compound that we named seco‐clavilactone B (Seco‐CB). Treatment with Seco‐CB decreased the ratio of filament actin (F‐actin) to globular actin (G‐actin). An in vitro actin polymerization assay revealed that Seco‐CB inhibited actin polymerization directly. Further analysis demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of Seco‐CB on actin polymerization was associated with Seco‐CB binding to either Thr5 or Cys285 of actin. These data indicate that Seco‐CB is a novel actin polymerization inhibitor.
Global response of the upper thermospheric winds to large ion drifts in the Jovian ovals
Authors: Majeed T. , Bougher S. W. , Ridley A. J. , Waite J. H. , Gladstone G. R. , Bell J. M.
Published: March 2016

We use our fully coupled 3‐D Jupiter Thermosphere General Circulation Model (JTGCM) to quantify processes which are responsible for generating neutral winds in Jupiter's oval thermosphere from 20 µbar to 10−4 nbar self‐consistently with the thermal structure and composition. The heat sources in the JTGCM that drive the global circulation of neutral flow are substantial Joule heating produced in the Jovian ovals by imposing high‐speed anticorotational ion drifts (~3.5 km s−1) and charged particle heating from auroral processes responsible for bright oval emissions. We find that the zonal flow of neutral winds in the auroral ovals of both hemispheres is primarily driven by competition between accelerations resulting from Coriolis forcing and ion drag processes near the ionospheric peak. However, above the ionospheric peak (<0.01 µbar), the acceleration of neutral flow due to pressure gradients is found to be the most effective parameter impacting zonal winds, competing mainly with acceleration due to advection with minor contributions from curvature and Coriolis forces in the southern oval, while in the northern oval it competes alone with considerable Coriolis forcing. The meridional flow of neutral winds in both ovals in the JTGCM is determined by competition between meridional accelerations due to Coriolis forcing and pressure gradients. We find that meridional flow in the lower thermosphere, near the peak of the auroral ionosphere, is poleward, with peak wind speeds of ~0.6 km s−1 and ~0.1 km s−1 in the southern and northern oval, respectively. The corresponding subsiding flow of neutral motion is ~5 m s−1 in the southern oval, while this flow is rising in the northern oval with reduced speed of ~2 m s−1. We also find that the strength of meridional flow in both auroral ovals is gradually weakened and turned equatorward near 0.08 µbar with wind speeds up to ~250 m s−1 (southern oval) and ~75 m s−1 (northern oval). The corresponding neutral motion in this region is upward, with wind speeds up to 4 m s−1 in both ovals.
Turbulent boundary layers under irregular waves and currents: Experiments and the equivalent‐wave concept
Authors: Yuan Jing
Published: March 2016

A full‐scale experimental study of turbulent boundary layer flows under irregular waves and currents is conducted with the primary objective to investigate the equivalent‐wave concept by Madsen (1994). Irregular oscillatory flows following the bottom‐velocity spectrum under realistic surface irregular waves are produced over two fixed rough bottoms in an oscillatory water tunnel, and flow velocities are measured using a Particle Image Velocimetry. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) value and representative phase lead of wave velocities have vertical variations very similar to those of the first‐harmonic velocity of periodic wave boundary layers, e.g., the RMS wave velocity follows a logarithmic distribution controlled by the physical bottom roughness in the very near‐bottom region. The RMS wave bottom shear stress and the associated representative phase lead can be accurately predicted using the equivalent‐wave approach. The spectra of wave bottom shear stress and boundary layer velocity are found to be proportional to the spectrum of free‐stream velocity. Currents in the presence of irregular waves exhibit the classic two‐log‐profile structure with the lower log‐profile controlled by the physical bottom roughness and the upper log‐profile controlled by a much larger apparent roughness. Replacing the irregular waves by their equivalent sinusoidal waves virtually makes no difference for the coexisting currents. These observations, together with the excellent agreement between measurements and model predictions, suggest that the equivalent‐wave representation adequately characterizes the basic wave‐current interaction under irregular waves.
Wet meadow ecosystems contribute the majority of overwinter soil respiration from snow‐scoured alpine tundra
Authors: Knowles John F. , Blanken Peter D. , Williams Mark W.
Published: March 2016

We measured soil respiration across a soil moisture gradient ranging from dry to wet snow‐scoured alpine tundra soils throughout three winters and two summers. In the absence of snow accumulation, soil moisture variability was principally determined by the combination of mesotopographical hydrological focusing and shallow subsurface permeability, which resulted in a patchwork of comingled ecosystem types along a single alpine ridge. To constrain the subsequent carbon cycling variability, we compared three measures of effective diffusivity and three methods to calculate gradient method soil respiration from four typical vegetation communities. Overwinter soil respiration was primarily restricted to wet meadow locations, and a conservative estimate of the rate of overwinter soil respiration from snow‐scoured wet meadow tundra was 69–90% of the maximum carbon dioxide (CO2) respired by seasonally snow‐covered soils within this same catchment. This was attributed to higher overwinter soil temperatures at wet meadow locations relative to fellfield, dry meadow, and moist meadow communities, which supported liquid water and heterotrophic respiration throughout the winter. These results were corroborated by eddy covariance‐based measurements that demonstrated an average of 272 g C m−2 overwinter carbon loss during the study period. As a result, we updated a conceptual model of soil respiration versus snow cover to express the potential for soil respiration variability from snow‐scoured alpine tundra.
Free phase gas processes in a northern peatland inferred from autonomous field‐scale resistivity imaging
Authors: Terry Neil , Slater Lee , Comas Xavier , Reeve Andrew S. , Schäfer Karina V. R. , Yu Zhongjie
Published: March 2016

The mechanisms that control free phase gas (FPG) dynamics within peatlands, and therefore estimates of past, present, and future gas fluxes to the atmosphere remain unclear. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is capable of autonomously collecting three‐dimensional data on the centimeter to tens of meter scale and thus provides a unique opportunity to observe FPG dynamics in situ. We collected 127 3‐D ERI data sets as well as water level, soil temperature, atmospheric pressure, and limited methane flux data at a site in a northern peatland over the period July–August 2013 to improve the understanding of mechanisms controlling gas releases at a hitherto uncaptured field scale. Our results show the ability of ERI to image the spatial distribution of gas accumulation and infer dynamics of gas migration through the peat column at high (i.e., hourly) temporal resolution. Furthermore, the method provides insights into the role of certain mechanisms previously associated with the triggering of FPG releases such as drops in atmospheric pressure. During these events, buoyancy‐driven gas release primarily occurs in shallow peat as proposed by the “shallow peat model.” Releases from the deeper peat are impeded by confining layers, and we observed a large loss of FPG in deep peat that may likely represent a rupture event, where accumulated FPG escaped the confining layer as suggested by the “deep peat model.” Negative linear correlations between water table elevation and resistivity result from hydrostatic pressure regulating bubble volume, although these variations did not appear to trigger FPG transfer or release.
Storm time dynamics of ring current protons: Implications for the long‐term energy budget in the inner magnetosphere
Authors: Gkioulidou Matina , Ukhorskiy A. Y. , Mitchell D. G. , Lanzerotti L. J.
Published: March 2016

Our investigation of the long‐term ring current proton pressure evolution in Earth's inner magnetosphere based on Van Allen Probes data shows drastically different behavior of the low‐ and high‐ energy components of the ring current proton population with respect to the SYM‐H index variation. We found that while the low‐energy component of the protons (<80 keV) is strongly governed by convective timescales and is very well correlated with the absolute value of SYM‐H index, the high‐energy component (>100 keV) varies on much longer timescales and shows either no correlation or anticorrelation with the absolute value of SYM‐H index. Our study also shows that the contributions of the low‐ and high‐ energy protons to the inner magnetosphere energy content are comparable. Thus, our results conclusively demonstrate that proton dynamics, and as a result the energy budget in the inner magnetosphere, do not vary strictly on storm time timescales as those are defined by the SYM‐H index.
Postseismic gravity change after the 2006–2007 great earthquake doublet and constraints on the asthenosphere structure in the central Kuril Islands
Authors: Han Shin‐Chan , Sauber Jeanne , Pollitz Fred
Published: March 2016

Large earthquakes often trigger viscoelastic adjustment for years to decades depending on the rheological properties and the nature and spatial extent of coseismic stress. The 2006 Mw8.3 thrust and 2007 Mw8.1 normal fault earthquakes of the central Kuril Islands resulted in significant postseismic gravity change in Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) but without a discernible coseismic gravity change. The gravity increase of ~4 μGal, observed consistently from various GRACE solutions around the epicentral area during 2007–2015, is interpreted as resulting from gradual seafloor uplift by ~6 cm produced by postseismic relaxation. The GRACE data are best fit with a model of 25–35 km for the elastic thickness and ~1018 Pa s for the Maxwell viscosity of the asthenosphere. The large measurable postseismic gravity change (greater than coseismic change) emphasizes the importance of viscoelastic relaxation in understanding tectonic deformation and fault‐locking scenarios in the Kuril subduction zone.
Lid mobility in lipase SMG1 validated using a thiol/disulfide redox potential probe
Authors: Guo Shaohua , Popowicz Grzegorz Maria , Li Daoming , Yuan Dongjuan , Wang Yonghua
Published: March 2016

Most lipases possess a lid domain above the catalytic site that is responsible for their activation. Lipase SMG1 from Malassezia globose CBS 7966 (Malassezia globosa LIP1), is a mono‐ and diacylglycerol lipase with an atypical loop‐like lid domain. Activation of SMG1 was proposed to be solely through a gating mechanism involving two residues (F278 and N102). However, through disulfide bond cross‐linking of the lid, this study shows that full activation also requires mobility of the lid domain, contrary to a previous proposal. The newly introduced disulfide bond makes lipase SMG1 eligible as a ratiometric thiol/disulfide redox potential probe, when it is coupled with chromogenic substrates. This redox‐switch lipase could also be of potential use in cascade biocatalysis.
Sulfated Hydrogel Matrices Direct Mitogenicity and Maintenance of Chondrocyte Phenotype through Activation of FGF Signaling
Authors: Öztürk Ece , Arlov Øystein , Aksel Seda , Li Ling , Ornitz David M. , Skjåk‐Bræk Gudmund , Zenobi‐Wong Marcy
Published: March 2016

Deciphering the roles of chemical and physical features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital for developing biomimetic materials with desired cellular responses in regenerative medicine. Here, it is demonstrated that sulfation of biopolymers, mimicking the proteoglycans in native tissues, induces mitogenicity, chondrogenic phenotype, and suppresses catabolic activity of chondrocytes, a cell type that resides in a highly sulfated tissue. Through tunable modification of alginate it is shown that increased sulfation of the microenvironment promotes fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling‐mediated proliferation of chondrocytes in a 3D matrix independent of stiffness, swelling, and porosity. Furthermore, for the first time it is shown that a biomimetic hydrogel acts as a 3D signaling matrix to mediate a heparan sulfate/heparin‐like interaction between FGF and its receptor leading to signaling cascades inducing cell proliferation, cartilage matrix production, and suppression of dedifferentiation markers. Collectively, this study reveals important insights on mimicking the ECM to guide self‐renewal of cells via manipulation of distinct signaling mechanisms.
Highly Hydrophobic and Chemically Rectifiable Surface‐Anchored Metal‐Organic Framework Thin‐Film Devices
Authors: Rana Shammi , Rajendra Ranguwar , Dhara Barun , Jha Plawan Kumar , Ballav Nirmalya
Published: March 2016

Functionalizing various surfaces with metal‐organic frameworks (SURMOFs) are promising platforms for a variety of technological applications. Herein, liquid‐phase epitaxy has been employed to grow oriented and uniform SURMOF thin‐films of Cu ion and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) ligand on self‐assembled monolayer templates. The SURMOF thin‐films of Cu‐TCNQ on fluorine doped tin oxide, Au, and polyethyleneterephthalate substrates are realized to be highly hydrophobic exhibiting contact angle of water ≈140°. SURMOF thin‐film devices of Cu‐TCNQ have been fabricated by employing electron‐beam lithography technique. Room‐temperature current–voltage (I–V) characteristics consistently showed non‐Ohmic semiconductivity in the range of ≈10−5 S cm−1. A remarkable rectification in the electrical conductance of SURMOF thin‐film device with rectification factor of ≈100 was achieved upon exposing iodine (I2) vapor at ambient conditions whereas bulk‐Cu‐TCNQ remains nonrectified. Even, highly hydrophobic surface nature is retained in course of gaining electrical rectification. The unusual rectifying thin‐film phenomenon induced by I2 is attributed to structural and electronic reorganization in the SURMOF and the rectification follows standard Shockley diode equation. The here presented results demonstrate a new avenue of research on MOFs where electronic and magnetic properties in particular can be efficiently explored and controlled in SURMOF thin‐film device configurations (also mechanically flexible) for various technological applications.
A molecular design method based on the COSMO‐SAC model for solvent selection in ionic liquid extractive distillation
Authors: Fang Jing , Zhao Rui , Su Weiyi , Li Chunli , Liu Jing , Li Bo
Published: March 2016

In this study, a molecular design method was used to select solvents for extractive distillation. A COSMO‐SAC model was used to screen for prospective solvents from a wide variety of ionic liquids for extractive distillation. Based on the COSMO‐SAC model, the σ‐profile database of ILs was established. Selectivity and solubility were used as the indexes for solvent screening. According to the molecular design method, three suitable extractive distillation solvents were determined for acetonitrile‐water and ethanol‐cyclohexane systems. Vapor ‐ liquid equilibrium experiment were used to test chosen ILs. This study showed that the experimental and design results were consistent with each other. Therefore, this method is effective and applicable to pick ILs solvents for extractive distillation, and the results could provide a theoretical foundation for industrial production. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2853–2869, 2016
Dual‐bed catalyst system for the direct synthesis of high density aviation fuel with cyclopentanone from lignocellulose
Authors: Sheng Xueru , Li Guangyi , Wang Wentao , Cong Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Huber George W. , Li Ning , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2016

In this article, we demonstrated an integrated process for the direct production of tri(cyclopentane) with cyclopentanone which can be obtained from lignocellulose. The reaction was carried out in a dual‐bed continuous flow reactor. In the first bed, cyclopentanone was selectively converted to 2,5‐dicyclopentylcyclopentanol over the Pd‐MgAl‐HT (hydrotalcite) catalyst. Under solvent‐free and mild conditions (443 K, 0.1 MPa H2), high carbon yield (81.2%) of 2,5‐dicyclopentylcyclopentanol was achieved. Subsequently, the 2,5‐dicyclopentylcyclopentanol was further hydrodeoxygenated to tri(cyclopentane) in the second bed. Among the investigated catalysts, the Ni‐Hβ‐DP prepared by deposition‐precipitation (DP) method exhibited the highest activity for the hydrodeoxygenation step. By using Pd‐MgAl‐HT as the first bed catalyst and Ni‐Hβ‐DP as the second bed catalyst, tri(cyclopentane) was directly produced at high carbon yield (80.0%) with cyclopentanone as feedstock. This polycycloalkane has high density (0.91 kg/L) and can be used as additive to improve the density and volumetric heating value of bio‐jet fuel. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2754–2761, 2016
Respiratory and gastrointestinal dysfunctions associated with auriculo‐condylar syndrome and a homozygous PLCB4 loss‐of‐function mutation
Authors: Leoni Chiara , Gordon Christopher T. , Marca Giacomo Della , Giorgio Valentina , Onesimo Roberta , Perrino Francesca , Cianfoni Alessandro , Cerchiari Antonella , Amiel Jeanne , Zampino Giuseppe
Published: March 2016

Auriculo‐Condylar Syndrome (ACS) is a craniofacial malformation syndrome characterized by external ear anomalies, hypoplasia of the mandibular condyle, temporomandibular joint abnormalities, micrognathia, and microstomia. Glossoptosis, masticatory abnormalities, orthodontic problems, and malocclusion occur in a majority of affected subjects. The clinical diagnosis is usually suggested by the pathognomonic ear appearance (“question mark ear”), consisting of a variable degree of clefting between the helix and earlobe. The genetic mechanisms underlying ACS have recently been identified. Both autosomal dominant and recessive inheritance of mutations in phospholipase C, beta 4 (PLCB4) and endothelin 1 (EDN1) have been reported along with autosomal dominant mutations in guanine nucleotide‐binding protein (G protein) α inhibiting activity polypeptide 3 (GNAI3). We report 6 years of follow‐up of a child with a clinical phenotype consistent with ACS due to a homozygous frameshift mutation in PLCB4. The baby presented feeding difficulties associated with failure to thrive and a complex sleep‐related respiratory disorder, characterized by central and obstructive apnoeas. Our observations of this case further delineate the phenotype of ACS associated with autosomal recessive PLCB4 loss‐of‐function mutations, underscoring gastrointestinal dysfunction and severe sleep‐related breathing abnormalities as additional features when compared to patients with heterozygous mutations with a presumed dominant negative effect. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide significant schizophrenia risk variation on chromosome 10q24 is associated with altered cis‐regulation of BORCS7, AS3MT, and NT5C2 in the human brain
Authors: Duarte Rodrigo R. R. , Troakes Claire , Nolan Matthew , Srivastava Deepak P. , Murray Robin M. , Bray Nicholas J.
Published: March 2016

Chromosome 10q24.32‐q24.33 is one of the most robustly supported risk loci to emerge from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of schizophrenia. However, extensive linkage disequilibrium makes it difficult to distinguish the actual susceptibility gene(s) at the locus, limiting its value for improving biological understanding of the condition. In the absence of coding changes that can account for the association, risk is likely conferred by altered regulation of one or more genes in the region. We, therefore, used highly sensitive measures of allele‐specific expression to assess cis‐regulatory effects associated with the two best‐supported schizophrenia risk variants (SNP rs11191419 and indel ch10_104957618_I/rs202213518) on the primary positional candidates BORCS7, AS3MT, CNNM2, and NT5C2 in the human brain. Heterozygosity at rs11191419 was associated with increased allelic expression of BORCS7 and AS3MT in the fetal and adult brain, and with reduced allelic expression of NT5C2 in the adult brain. Heterozygosity at ch10_104957618_I was associated with reduced allelic expression of NT5C2 in both the fetal and adult brain. Comparisons between cDNA ratios in heterozygotes and homozygotes for the risk alleles indicated that cis‐effects on NT5C2 expression in the adult dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could be largely accounted for by genotype at these two risk variants. While not excluding effects on other genes in the region, this study implicates altered neural expression of BORCS7, AS3MT, and NT5C2 in susceptibility to schizophrenia arising from genetic variation at the chromosome 10q24 locus. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly Stable Double‐Stranded DNA Containing Sequential Silver(I)‐Mediated 7‐Deazaadenine/Thymine Watson–Crick Base Pairs
Authors: Santamaría‐Díaz Noelia , Méndez‐Arriaga José M. , Salas Juan M. , Galindo Miguel A.
Published: March 2016

The oligonucleotide d(TX)9, which consists of an octadecamer sequence with alternating non‐canonical 7‐deazaadenine (X) and canonical thymine (T) as the nucleobases, was synthesized and shown to hybridize into double‐stranded DNA through the formation of hydrogen‐bonded Watson–Crick base pairs. dsDNA with metal‐mediated base pairs was then obtained by selectively replacing W‐C hydrogen bonds by coordination bonds to central silver(I) ions. The oligonucleotide I adopts a duplex structure in the absence of Ag+ ions, and its stability is significantly enhanced in the presence of Ag+ ions while its double‐helix structure is retained. Temperature‐dependent UV spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry were used to confirm the selective formation of the silver(I)‐mediated base pairs. This strategy could become useful for preparing stable metallo‐DNA‐based nanostructures.
Smart Electronic Textiles
Authors: Weng Wei , Chen Peining , He Sisi , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: March 2016

This Review describes the state‐of‐the‐art of wearable electronics (smart textiles). The unique and promising advantages of smart electronic textiles are highlighted by comparing them with the conventional planar counterparts. The main kinds of smart electronic textiles based on different functionalities, namely the generation, storage, and utilization of electricity, are then discussed with an emphasis on the use of functional materials. The remaining challenges are summarized together with important new directions to provide some useful clues for the future development of smart electronic textiles.
A Smart Photosensitizer–Manganese Dioxide Nanosystem for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy by Reducing Glutathione Levels in Cancer Cells
Authors: Fan Huanhuan , Yan Guobei , Zhao Zilong , Hu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Wenhan , Liu Hui , Fu Xiaoyi , Fu Ting , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Tan Weihong
Published: March 2016

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been applied in cancer treatment by utilizing reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells. However, a high concentration of glutathione (GSH) is present in cancer cells and can consume reactive oxygen species. To address this problem, we report the development of a photosensitizer–MnO2 nanosystem for highly efficient PDT. In our design, MnO2 nanosheets adsorb photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), protect it from self‐destruction upon light irradiation, and efficiently deliver it into cells. The nanosystem also inhibits extracellular singlet oxygen generation by Ce6, leading to fewer side effects. Once endocytosed, the MnO2 nanosheets are reduced by intracellular GSH. As a result, the nanosystem is disintegrated, simultaneously releasing Ce6 and decreasing the level of GSH for highly efficient PDT. Moreover, fluorescence recovery, accompanied by the dissolution of MnO2 nanosheets, can provide a fluorescence signal for monitoring the efficacy of delivery.
Cooperative Lewis Acid/Cp*CoIII Catalyzed C−H Bond Activation for the Synthesis of Isoquinolin‐3‐ones
Authors: Kim Ju Hyun , Greßies Steffen , Glorius Frank
Published: March 2016

A facile route toward the synthesis of isoquinolin‐3‐ones through a cooperative B(C6F5)3‐ and Cp*CoIII‐catalyzed C−H bond activation of imines with diazo compounds is presented. The inclusion of a catalytic amount of B(C6F5)3 results in a highly efficient reaction, thus enabling unstable NH imines to serve as substrates.
Intense Ground‐State Charge‐Transfer Interactions in Low‐Bandgap, Panchromatic Phthalocyanine–Tetracyanobuta‐1,3‐diene Conjugates
Authors: Sekita Michael , Ballesteros Beatriz , Diederich François , Guldi Dirk M. , Bottari Giovanni , Torres Tomás
Published: March 2016

A cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reaction between tetracyanoethylene and two zinc phthalocyanines (ZnIIPcs) bearing one or four anilino‐substituted alkynes has been used to install a strong, electron‐accepting tetracyanobuta‐1,3‐diene (TCBD) between the electron‐rich ZnIIPc and aniline moieties. A combination of photophysical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical investigations with the ZnIIPc‐TCBD‐aniline conjugates, which present panchromatic absorptions in the visible region extending all the way to the near infrared, show that the formal replacement of the triple bond by TCBD has a dramatic effect on their ground‐ and excited‐state features. In particular, the formation of extremely intense, ground‐state charge‐transfer interactions between ZnIIPc and the electron‐accepting TCBD were observed, something unprecedented not only in Pc chemistry but also in TCBD‐based porphyrinoid systems.
On–off Bodipy chemosensor for recognition of iron(III) ion based on the inner filter effect and its applications in cellular and bacterial imaging
Authors: Kong Lingcan , Lu Keyu , Ma Guangyuan , Yao Yuyang , Ling Xia , Liu Wenwei
Published: March 2016

One strong fluorescent Bodipy‐containing derivative was synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Its electrochemical and photophysical properties were investigated. In addition, the Bodipy derivative could be used as an on–off fluorescent probe for the detection of Fe3+ ions based on the inner filter effect because the absorption band of the Fe3+ ion overlaps the excitation band of Bodipy very well upon irradiation with UV light. Furthermore, the Bodipy‐based sensor has obvious advantages including simplicity, rapid response, high selectivity, sensitivity and a detection limit of 1.2 μmol/L, and has been demonstrated in real water samples including tap water, mineral water and water from Lake Tai. Moreover, the fluorescent probe could also be used as a probe for the determination of Fe3+ in cellular and bacterial imaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Albumin–bilirubin versus Child–Pugh score as a predictor of outcome after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Y-Y , Zhong J-H , Su Z-Y , Huang J-F , Lu S-D , Xiang B-D , Ma L , Qi L-N , Ou B-N , Li L-Q
Published: March 2016

Background

The Child–Pugh (CP) score is used widely to assess liver function and predict postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score has been validated as a predictor of overall survival in these patients. This study aimed to compare the ability of the ALBI and CP scores to predict outcomes in patients with HCC after liver resection with curative intent.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent liver resection with curative intent for HCC between January 2007 and July 2013 were included in this retrospective study. The performance of the ALBI score in predicting postoperative liver failure (PHLF) and long-term survival was compared with that of the CP score.

Results

A total of 1242 patients were enrolled. Of these, 166 (13·4 per cent) experienced PHLF. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the ALBI score for predicting PHLF was greater than that of the CP score (0·723 versus 0·607; P < 0·001). Similar to findings for CP grade, the incidence and severity of PHLF increased with increasing ALBI grade. The ALBI grade stratified patients into at least two distinct overall survival cohorts (P < 0·001), whereas the CP grade did not. The ALBI grade also classified patients with CP grade A disease into two distinct overall survival cohorts (P < 0·001), and overall survival rates in the group with poorer survival were similar to those in the majority of patients with CP grade B disease. Both CP and ALBI scores had low power in predicting disease-free survival.

Conclusion

The ALBI grade predicted PHLF and overall survival in patients with HCC undergoing liver resection with curative intent more accurately than the CP grade.
Learning‐oriented assessment increases performance and written skills in a second year metabolic biochemistry course
Authors: Vanderlelie Jessica J. , Alexander Heather. G.
Published: March 2016

Assessment plays a critical role in learning and teaching and its power to enhance engagement and student outcomes is still underestimated in tertiary education. The current project considers the impact of a staged redesign of an assessment strategy that emphasized relevance of learning, formative assessment, student engagement, and feedback on student performance, failure rates and overall engagement in the course. Significant improvements in final grades (p < 0.0001) and written performance (p < 0.0001) in the final examination were noted that coincided with increased lecture attendance and overall engagement in the course. This study reinforces the importance of an integrated approach to assessment that includes well developed formative tasks and a continuous summative assessment strategy. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(4):412–420, 2016.