bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed Extracts on Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters in Thompson Seedless Grapes
Authors: Ramteke S. D. , Langote Amruta , Gavali A. H. , Khalate Snehal , Bhagwat S. R. , Kalbhor J. N.
Published: October 2024

The experiment was conducted on Thompson Seedless grafted on Dogridge rootstock planted at ICAR- National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune during the year 2021-2022. The experiments was carried out in completely randomized block design. Standard cultural practices were followed during the experimentation. The A. nodosum was applied with different concentration varies from 0.25 kg/ha to 1.25 kg/ ha at 4-6 inch cane growth, 8-14 inch cane growth (14 days after 1st spray), 10 days after fruit set, 2 weeks after 3rd spray, 2 weeks after 4th spray and Version Stage. The result obtained from this study showed that the chlorophyll content index (44.30 µmol/m²), leaf area index (1.88 cm2), bunch weight (216.16 g), berry diameter (14.83 mm), berry length (19.81 mm), yield/ha (16.86 ton), TSS (21.050 Brix) and Acidity (0.66%) were recorded higher in treatment treated with A.nodosum @ 0.75kg/ha. From this study, it is concluded that foliar application of A. nodosum @ 0.75 kg/ha recorded higher chlorophyll content in leaf and chlorophyll content index also helpful for improving and increasing yield and quality parameters in Grapes.
Effect of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations on Productivity and Profitability of Redgram in Karimnagar District, Telangana, India
Authors: Vijay J , Rao N Venkateshwar , Reddy D Sreenivasa , Mahesh L , Venugopal G , Prabhakar G , Prashanthi A
Published: October 2024

Between 2017-18 and 2019-20, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jammikunta conducted frontline demonstrations on Redgram during the Kharif season across 90 hectares, encompassing 225 demonstrations in six villages within six clusters in Karimnagar district, Telangana, India. The improved technologies included the use of high-yielding varieties, seed treatment with bio-fertilizers, integrated nutrient and weed management, as well as pest and disease management. The results indicated that the demonstrated plots achieved the highest average grain yield of 1350 kg/ha, compared to 1115 kg/ha from traditional farmer practices. Demonstration plots also yielded higher average net returns of Rs. 49,731/ha, in contrast to Rs. 34,815/ha from the farmers’ practices. Overall, the demonstrations showed a 23.79% increase in yield and a 42.81% increase in net returns compared to conventional methods. The average technology gap was 216 kg/ha, the average extension gap was 235 kg/ha, and the average technology index was 13.54%.
Optimizing Touchless Fingerprint Identification: A Machine Learning Approach to Modelling and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Effiong Otobong J. , Obot Akaninyene B. , Udofia Kingsley M. , Udofia Kufre M.
Published: October 2024

This paper explored the modelling and performance analysis of a smartphone-based fingerprint identification system using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). The research developed a theoretical framework to validate picture-based fingerprint identification as a feasible alternative to traditional touch-based methods. A modified Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) model served as the study's foundation. To enhance the model's capabilities, data from two databases, IIT India and SOCOFing, were utilized. The evaluation of the CNN architecture focused on mobile device fingerprint recognition. It emphasized key processes such as data pre-processing, model training, and the optimization of the CNN through a Siamese-CNN approach to boost accuracy and efficiency. Python scripts developed for this purpose were converted to Android code using TensorFlow for deployment on Android devices. Performance metrics, including identification accuracy, processing speed, and resource utilization, were analysed to determine the system's feasibility. The results demonstrated that CNN-based fingerprint identification systems hold significant promise for delivering robust and reliable biometric authentication on smartphones, highlighting both their practical applications and limitations. decrease medical as well as financial burden, hence improving the management of cirrhotic patients. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.
Farmers' Perception on the Functioning of FPC-NRMFPCL in the Zaheerabad Region of Sanga Reddy District, Telangana, India
Authors: Basha Shaik Habibulla , Challa Srilatha , P Radhika , A Meena
Published: October 2024

Indian agriculture is predominantly comprised of small and marginal farmers, who face significant challenges in accessing modern resources and markets. To address these issues, the government has promoted Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to enhance market access. This study assesses farmers' perceptions of the Narinja Rythu Mithra Farmers Producer Company Limited (NRMFPCL) in Zaheerabad Mandal, Telangana, using systematic random sampling of 80 farmers and a Likert scale for evaluation. Findings indicate high satisfaction with the quality of seeds and market information, reflecting the effectiveness of the services provided. The results underscore the importance of FPCs in improving farmers' livelihoods and accessing vital resources, suggesting a promising future for collective agricultural initiatives in enhancing market participation and overall rural development.
Pengaruh Customer Perceived Risk, Product Quality, dan Service Standard Terhadap Purchase Intention pada Kalangan Masyarakat Jepang di Surabaya
Authors: Setiabudi Mellisa , Leoparjo Fabiola , Soediro Moses , Irtanto Devina
Published: October 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan pengaruh persepsi risiko konsumen, kualitas produk, dan standar layanan terhadap minat beli produk kuliner Jepang di Surabaya. Penelitian ini melibatkan semua orang Jepang yang tinggal di Surabaya dan pernah membeli makanan Jepang. Purposive sampling dipilih sebagai teknik pengambilan sampel. Penelitian ini mengumpulkan 156 orang, 130 di antaranya valid dan dapat digunakan untuk proses analisis data. Proses penjaringan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan instrumen kuesioner elektrik (google form) yang berisikan pernyataan dalam Bahasa Inggris dan Bahasa Jepang. Instrumen ini dipilih karena kemudahannya untuk dapat disebarkan dan menjaring data yang dibutuhkan. Sebanyak 13 indikator digunakan pada kuesioner dan diukur menggunakan skala likert. Jawaban responden yang masuk dianalisis dengan menggunakan program Windows SPSS 20. Hasil olah data menunjukkan bahwa persepsi risiko dan kualitas produk pelanggan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat masyarakat Jepang di Surabaya untuk membeli makanan Jepang, sedangkan standar layanan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat beli makanan Jepang.
Understanding The Productivity and Loyalty of Millennial Employees in The Hotel Business: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Wahyuni Nenny , Wachyuni Suci Sandi , Wiweka Kadek , Teviningrum Shinta , Saputra Nicko Gana
Published: October 2024

The company's ability to survive in a highly competitive environment relies heavily on employee productivity and loyalty. Contemporary millennial culture in the hotel industry is a topic of current societal discussion. Therefore, researchers have a keen interest in this area. The population for this study consists of all the employees belonging to the millennial generation working in the Front Office department of a 4-star hotel in Jakarta. The approach employs a combination of two distinct variables using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A total of 18 millennial employees from the front office department were surveyed, along with three interviewees consisting of the front office manager, assistant front office manager, and front office supervisor. Based on data collected through interviews, observations, and surveys, researchers have discovered that the millennial generation's front office department exhibits excellent employee productivity, characterised by a strong sense of enthusiasm and ambitious goals. However, the loyalty of the millennial generation towards their work is distinct. These employees frequently switch companies not due to a dislike for corporations, declining performance, or a poor work environment, but rather because they seek to gain extensive experience, build strong professional networks, and aspire to attain higher positions at a faster pace.
Coordination of the third step of protein splicing in two cyanobacterial inteins
Authors: Ramsoomair Christian K. , Yakely Anthony E. , Urbanski Laura M. , Karanja Kevin , Giaccone Zachary T. , Siegart Nicolle M. , Wang Chunyu , Gomez Alvin V. , Reitter Julie N. , Mills Kenneth V.
Published: June 2017

The third step of protein splicing is cyclization of Asn coupled to peptide bond cleavage. In two related cyanobacterial inteins, this step is facilitated by Asn or Gln. For a Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 intein, the isolated third step of protein splicing is more efficient with its native Asn than with substitution to Gln. For a Trichodesmium erythraeum intein, its native Gln facilitates the third step as efficiently as with Asn. Despite these differences, the yield of splicing is not affected, suggesting that the third step is influenced by mechanism‐linked conformational changes. A conserved catalytic His and the penultimate residue also play roles in promoting side‐chain cyclization.
Lacto‐ghrestatin, a novel bovine milk‐derived peptide, suppresses ghrelin secretion
Authors: Aoki Hayato , Nakato Junya , Mizushige Takafumi , Iwakura Hiroshi , Sato Masaru , Suzuki Hideyuki , Kanamoto Ryuhei , Ohinata Kousaku
Published: June 2017

Ghrelin, an endogenous peptide isolated from the stomach, is known to stimulate food intake after peripheral administration. We found that the enzymatic digest of β‐lactoglobulin decreases ghrelin secretion from the ghrelin‐producing cell line MGN3‐1. The peptides present in the digest were comprehensively analyzed using the nanoLC‐OrbitrapMS. Among them, we identified that the nonapeptide LIVTQTMKG, corresponding to β‐lactoglobulin(1–9), suppresses ghrelin secretion from MGN3‐1 cells. We named LIVTQTMKG ‘lacto‐ghrestatin’. We found that lacto‐ghrestatin decreases intracellular cAMP levels and mRNA expression levels of ghrelin production‐related genes in MGN3‐1 cells. Orally administered lacto‐ghrestatin decreases plasma ghrelin levels and food intake in fasted mice. Lacto‐ghrestatin is the first food‐derived peptide to suppress ghrelin secretion in vitro and in vivo.
Genotranscriptomic meta‐analysis of the CHD family chromatin remodelers in human cancers – initial evidence of an oncogenic role for CHD7
Authors: Chu Xiaofang , Guo Xuhui , Jiang Yuanyuan , Yu Huimei , Liu Lanxin , Shan Wenqi , Yang Zeng‐Quan
Published: June 2017

Chromodomain helicase DNA binding proteins (CHDs) are characterized by N‐terminal tandem chromodomains and a central adenosine triphosphate‐dependent helicase domain. CHDs govern the cellular machinery's access to DNA, thereby playing critical roles in various cellular processes including transcription, proliferation, and DNA damage repair. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that mutation and dysregulation of CHDs are implicated in the pathogenesis of developmental disorders and cancer. However, we know little about genomic and transcriptomic alterations and the clinical significance of most CHDs in human cancer. We used TCGA and METABRIC datasets to perform integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses of nine CHD genes in more than 10 000 primary cancer specimens from 32 tumor types, focusing on breast cancers. We identified associations among recurrent copy number alteration, gene expression, clinicopathological features, and patient survival. We found that CHD7 was the most commonly gained/amplified and mutated, whereas CHD3 was the most deleted across the majority of tumor types, including breast cancer. Overexpression of CHD7 was more prevalent in aggressive subtypes of breast cancer and was significantly correlated with high tumor grade and poor prognosis. CHD7 is required to maintain open, accessible chromatin, thus providing fine‐tuning of transcriptional regulation of certain classes of genes. We found that CHD7 expression was positively correlated with a small subset of classical oncogenes, notably NRAS, in breast cancer. Knockdown of CHD7 inhibits cell proliferation and decreases gene expression of several CHD7 targets, including NRAS, in breast cancer cell lines. Thus, our results demonstrate the oncogenic potential of CHD7 and its association with poor prognostic parameters in human cancer.
On the choice of the demand and hydraulic modeling approach to WDN real‐time simulation
Authors: Creaco Enrico , Pezzinga Giuseppe , Savic Dragan
Published: June 2017

This paper aims to analyze two demand modeling approaches, i.e., top‐down deterministic (TDA) and bottom‐up stochastic (BUA), with particular reference to their impact on the hydraulic modeling of water distribution networks (WDNs). In the applications, the hydraulic modeling is carried out through the extended period simulation (EPS) and unsteady flow modeling (UFM). Taking as benchmark the modeling conditions that are closest to the WDN's real operation (UFM + BUA), the analysis showed that the traditional use of EPS + TDA produces large pressure head and water discharge errors, which can be attenuated only when large temporal steps (up to 1 h in the case study) are used inside EPS. The use of EPS + BUA always yields better results. Indeed, EPS + BUA already gives a good approximation of the WDN's real operation when intermediate temporal steps (larger than 2 min in the case study) are used for the simulation. The trade‐off between consistency of results and computational burden makes EPS + BUA the most suitable tool for real‐time WDN simulation, while benefitting from data acquired through smart meters for the parameterization of demand generation models.
Suspended sediment and turbidity after road construction/improvement and forest harvest in streams of the Trask River Watershed Study, Oregon
Authors: Arismendi Ivan , Groom Jeremiah D. , Reiter Maryanne , Johnson Sherri L. , Dent Liz , Meleason Mark , Argerich Alba , Skaugset Arne E.
Published: June 2017

Transport of fine‐grained sediment from unpaved forest roads into streams is a concern due to the potential negative effects of additional suspended sediment on aquatic ecosystems. Here we compared turbidity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) dynamics in five nonfish bearing coastal Oregon streams above and below road crossings, during three consecutive time periods (“before”, “after road construction/improvement”, and “after forest harvest and hauling”). We hypothesized that the combined effects of road construction/improvement and the hauling following forest harvest would increase turbidity and SSC in these streams. We tested whether the differences between paired samples from above and below road crossing exceeded various biological thresholds, using literature values of biological responses to increases in SSC and turbidity. Overall, we found minimal increases of both turbidity and SSC after road improvement, forest harvest, and hauling. Because flow is often used as a surrogate for turbidity or SSC we examined these relationships using data from locations above road crossings that were unaffected by roads or forest harvest and hauling. In addition, we examined the association between turbidity and SSC for these background locations. We found a positive, but in some cases weak association between flow and turbidity, and between flow and SSC; the relationship between turbidity and SSC was more robust, but also inconsistent among sites over time. In these low order streams, the concentrations and transport of suspended sediment seems to be highly influenced by the variability of local conditions. Our study provides an expanded understanding of current forest road management practice effects on fine‐grained sediment in streams and introduces alternative metrics using multiple thresholds to evaluate potential indicators of biological relevance.
Giant Bandgap Renormalization and Exciton–Phonon Scattering in Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Saran Rinku , Heuer‐Jungemann Amelie , Kanaras Antonios G. , Curry Richard J.
Published: June 2017

Understanding the interactions between photoexcited charge carriers (electrons and holes) with lattice vibrations (phonons) in quantum confined semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) is of fundamental interest and a prerequisite for their use in fabricating high‐performance optoelectronic devices. Such interactions have a significant impact on their optoelectronic properties including their charge carrier mobility and photoluminescence. Here, these interactions are investigated in cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, where X is Cl, Br, or I) NC perovskites. It is shown that a wide broadening of the excitonic linewidth in these NCs arises from strong exciton–phonon coupling, which is substantially dominated by longitudinal optical phonons via the Fröhlich interaction. Unlike the behavior of conventional semiconductors these NCs display a general redshift of their emission energy peak with reducing temperature. Interestingly, the CsPbCl3 NCs also display an initial blueshift and undergo at structural phase transition at ≈175–200 K. The anomalous redshift observed is modeled and analyzed using a Bose–Einstein two‐oscillator model to interpret the interaction of excitons with acoustic and optical phonons which induce a renormalization of the bandgap. The net renormalization due to zero point motion (T = 0 K) is found to be ≈41.6 and ≈94.9 meV for CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 NCs, respectively.
Interface‐resolved simulations of normal collisions of spheres on a wet surface
Authors: Tang Yali , Kuipers J. A. M. (Hans) , Buck Britta , Heinrich Stefan , Deen Niels G.
Published: June 2017

Detailed knowledge of micromechanics of individual particle collisions with the presence of liquid is crucial for modelling/understanding of wet granular flows that are omnipresent in nature and industrial applications. Despite many reported studies, very limited detailed interface‐resolved modeling of such collision problems has been conducted. This article presents an improved model for direct numerical simulations of normal impacts of spheres on wet surfaces. This model combines the immersed boundary method and the volume‐of‐fluid method supplemented with a model describing gas‐liquid‐solid contact line. It is demonstrated that our model not only correctly describes the collision dynamics of wet particles, but also well captures the dynamics of the liquid bridge formed during the collision. Quantitative agreement is obtained between the simulation results and the experimental data. It is concluded that the developed model constitutes a powerful tool to complement experimental studies, which are challenging for more complex wet collision systems in practice. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2017
Chemical Structures of Specific Sodium Ion Battery Components Determined by Operando Pair Distribution Function and X‐ray Diffraction Computed Tomography
Authors: Sottmann Jonas , Di Michiel Marco , Fjellvåg Helmer , Malavasi Lorenzo , Margadonna Serena , Vajeeston Ponniah , Vaughan Gavin B. M. , Wragg David S.
Published: June 2017

To improve lithium and sodium ion battery technology, it is imperative to understand how the properties of the different components are controlled by their chemical structures. Operando structural studies give us some of the most useful information for understanding how batteries work, but it remains difficult to separate out the contributions of the various components of a battery stack (e.g., electrodes, current collectors, electrolyte, and binders) and examine specific materials. We have used operando X‐ray diffraction computed tomography (XRD‐CT) to study specific components of an essentially unmodified working cell and extract detailed, space‐resolved structural information on both crystalline and amorphous phases that are present during cycling by Rietveld and pair distribution function (PDF) methods. We illustrate this method with the first detailed structural examination of the cycling of sodium in a phosphorus anode, revealing surprisingly different mechanisms for sodiation and desodiation in this promising, high‐capacity anode system.
Human versus Robots in the Discovery and Crystallization of Gigantic Polyoxometalates
Authors: Duros Vasilios , Grizou Jonathan , Xuan Weimin , Hosni Zied , Long De‐Liang , Miras Haralampos N. , Cronin Leroy
Published: June 2017

The discovery of new gigantic molecules formed by self‐assembly and crystal growth is challenging as it combines two contingent events; first is the formation of a new molecule, and second its crystallization. Herein, we construct a workflow that can be followed manually or by a robot to probe the envelope of both events and employ it for a new polyoxometalate cluster, Na6[Mo120Ce6O366H12(H2O)78]⋅200 H2O (1) which has a trigonal‐ring type architecture (yield 4.3 % based on Mo). Its synthesis and crystallization was probed using an active machine‐learning algorithm developed by us to explore the crystallization space, the algorithm results were compared with those obtained by human experimenters. The algorithm‐based search is able to cover ca. 9 times more crystallization space than a random search and ca. 6 times more than humans and increases the crystallization prediction accuracy to 82.4±0.7 % over 77.1±0.9 % from human experimenters.
Adsorptive Separation of CO2 from Flue Gas by Temperature Swing Adsorption Processes
Authors: Salazar Duarte Gabriel , Schürer Benedikt , Voss Christian , Bathen Dieter
Published: June 2017

CO2 capture from fossil fueled power stations plays a major role in balancing environmental protection with economic growth. Besides absorption and membrane processes, adsorption processes allow for the removal of CO2 from flue gases and the recovery of the adsorbed CO2 with high purity. In recent years, several pressure swing adsorption as well as temperature adsorption processes have been postulated for carbon capture. In this work, an overview of the different adsorptive methods is exposed with a focus on thermally regenerated adsorption processes. Since the classical temperature swing adsorption process shows some drawbacks, indirectly heated temperature swing adsorption processes have been postulated, which can be categorized into two groups: electro‐thermal swing adsorption and indirect heat transfer.
Diastereoselective Self‐Assembly of a Neutral Dinuclear Double‐Stranded Zinc(II) Helicate via Narcissistic Self‐Sorting
Authors: Jarzebski Andreas , Tenten Christina , Bannwarth Christoph , Schnakenburg Gregor , Grimme Stefan , Lützen Arne
Published: June 2017

A new bis(salicylimine) ligand based on the Tröger's base scaffold was synthesized in racemic and enantiomerically pure form. Upon coordination to zinc(II) ions this ligand undergoes highly diastereoselective self‐assembly into neutral dinuclear double‐stranded helicates as proven by XRD analysis and via comparison of experimental ECD spectra with those simulated with quantum‐chemical methods. When the racemic ligand was used, self‐assembly occurs under narcissistic self‐sorting resulting in the formation of a racemic pair of helicates as revealed by NMR spectroscopy and XRD analysis.
Study of fluid dynamic conditions in the selected static mixers part I‐ research of pressure drop
Authors: Stec Magdalena , Synowiec Piotr Maria
Published: June 2017

In the process industry the use of static mixers is constantly rising. Notwithstanding, due to the multitude of available types, the selection of a proper construction is not as simple and requires the knowledge of complete description of a device. In the performed research there was an attempt to present the complete fluid‐dynamic characteristics of two static mixers: Kenics, well known and commonly used, and Koflo, which has not yet been described in the relevant literature. The empty pipe was also studied as a background for comparison. However, according to the huge amount of gathered data, the report was divided into separate parts, dedicated to pressure drops, residence time distributions, and mixture homogeneity, respectively. The presented paper is focused on the pressure drop analysis which contains the experimental study, the validation of the obtained data on the basis of manufacturer's correlations, as well as computational values and the presentation of new pressure drop relations that enable the pressure drop predictions from Eu or Ne number. As a result of the accomplished study, a good accuracy between the values calculated form given equations and those achieved in the experimental manner was confirmed. It was also shown that due to smaller energy consumption Koflo static mixer can be successfully used instead of Kenics. What is more, the presented report clearly states that static mixers require a huge power demand which leads to the increased maintenance costs and that information should be considered during the system design.
Neuronal aromatase expression in pain processing regions of the medullary and spinal cord dorsal horn
Authors: Tran May , Kuhn Julia A. , Bráz João M. , Basbaum Allan I.
Published: June 2017

In both acute and chronic pain conditions, women tend to be more sensitive than men. This sex difference may be regulated by estrogens, such as estradiol, that are synthesized in the spinal cord and brainstem and act locally to influence pain processing. To identify a potential cellular source of local estrogen, here we examined the expression of aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Our studies focused on primary afferent neurons and on their central targets in the spinal cord and medulla as well as in the nucleus of the solitary tract, the target of nodose ganglion‐derived visceral afferents. Immunohistochemical staining in an aromatase reporter mouse revealed that many neurons in laminae I and V of the spinal cord dorsal horn and caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus and in the nucleus of the solitary tract express aromatase. The great majority of these cells also express inhibitory interneuron markers. We did not find sex differences in aromatase expression and neither the pattern nor the number of neurons changed in a sciatic nerve transection model of neuropathic pain or in the Complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory pain. A few aromatase neurons express Fos after cheek injection of capsaicin, formalin, or chloroquine. In total, given their location, these aromatase neurons are poised to engage nociceptive circuits, whether it is through local estrogen synthesis or inhibitory neurotransmitter release.
Inferior olivary projection to the zebrin II stripes in lobule IXcd of the pigeon flocculus: A retrograde tracing study
Authors: Wylie Douglas R. , Gutiérrez‐Ibáñez Cristián , Corfield Jeremy R. , Craciun Iulia , Graham David J. , Hurd Peter L.
Published: June 2017

Zebrin II (ZII; a.k.a. aldolase C) is expressed heterogeneously in Purkinje cells (PCs) such that there are sagittal stripes of high expression (ZII+) interdigitated with stripes of little or no expression (ZII−). The pigeon flocculus receives visual‐optokinetic information and is important for generating compensatory eye movements. It consists of 4 sagittal zones based on PC complex spike activity (CSA) in response to rotational optokinetic stimuli. There are two zones where CSA responds best to rotation about the vertical axis (VA), interdigitated with two zones where CSA responds best to rotation about an horizontal axis (HA). These optokinetic zones relate to the ZII stripes in folium IXcd of the flocculus, such that an optokinetic zone spans a ZII+/− pair: the HA zones span the P5+/− and P7+/− ZII stripe pairs, whereas the VA zones correspond to ZII stripe pairs P4+/− and P6+/−. In the present study, we used fluorescent retrograde tracing to determine the olivary inputs to the ZII+ and ZII− stripes within the functional pairs. We found that separate but adjacent areas of the medial column of the inferior olive (mcIO) project to the ZII+ and ZII− stripes within each of the functional pairs. Thus, although a ZII+/− stripe pair represents a functional unit in the pigeon flocculus insofar as the CSA of all PCs in the stripe pair encodes similar sensory information, the olivary inputs to the ZII+ and ZII− stripes arise from different, although adjacent, regions of the mcIO.
Unconventional Nonlinear Input–Output Response in a Luminescent Molecular Switch by Inner Filtering Effects
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Semeraro Monica , Credi Alberto
Published: June 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by Massimo Baroncini. The image depicts a phenomenon known as inner filter effect, in which the light emitted in solution by 8‐methoxyquinoline in its basic form is reabsorbed by the acid form of the same fluorophore. The combination of inner filtering with acid–base switching leads to a nonlinear input–output response. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201700046.
Biomass‐Derived Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Sahoo Basudev , Formenti Dario , Topf Christoph , Bachmann Stephan , Scalone Michelangelo , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2017

Development of catalytically active materials from biowaste represents an important aspect of sustainable chemical research. Three heterogeneous materials were synthesized from inexpensive biomass‐based chitosan and abundant Co(OAc)2 using complexation followed by pyrolysis at various temperatures. These materials were applied in the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes using molecular hydrogen. A variety of diversely functionalized nitroarenes including some pharmaceutically active compounds were converted into aromatic amines in high yields, with high selectivity, and with excellent functional group tolerance. This green protocol has also been implemented for the synthesis of a biologically important TRPC3 inhibitor.
Isl1 Controls Patterning and Mineralization of Enamel in the Continuously Renewing Mouse Incisor
Authors: Naveau Adrien , Zhang Bin , Meng Bo , Sutherland McGarrett T , Prochazkova Michaela , Wen Timothy , Marangoni Pauline , Jones Kyle B , Cox Timothy C , Ganss Bernhard , Jheon Andrew H , Klein Ophir D
Published: June 2017

Rodents are characterized by continuously renewing incisors whose growth is fueled by epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells housed in the proximal compartments of the tooth. The epithelial stem cells reside in structures known as the labial (toward the lip) and lingual (toward the tongue) cervical loops (laCL and liCL, respectively). An important feature of the rodent incisor is that enamel, the outer, highly mineralized layer, is asymmetrically distributed, because it is normally generated by the laCL but not the liCL. Here, we show that epithelial-specific deletion of the transcription factor Islet1 (Isl1) is sufficient to drive formation of ectopic enamel by the liCL stem cells, and also that it leads to production of altered enamel on the labial surface. Molecular analyses of developing and adult incisors revealed that epithelial deletion of Isl1 affected multiple, major pathways: Bmp (bone morphogenetic protein), Hh (hedgehog), Fgf (fibroblast growth factor), and Notch signaling were upregulated and associated with liCL-generated ectopic enamel; on the labial side, upregulation of Bmp and Fgf signaling, and downregulation of Shh were associated with premature enamel formation. Transcriptome profiling studies identified a suite of differentially regulated genes in developing Isl1 mutant incisors. Our studies demonstrate that ISL1 plays a central role in proper patterning of stem cell–derived enamel in the incisor and indicate that this factor is an important upstream regulator of signaling pathways during tooth development and renewal. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Inducible Activation of FGFR2 in Adult Mice Promotes Bone Formation After Bone Marrow Ablation
Authors: Xu Wei , Luo Fengtao , Wang Quan , Tan Qiaoyan , Huang Junlan , Zhou Siru , Wang Zuqiang , Sun Xianding , Kuang Liang , Jin Min , Su Nan , Jiang Wanling , Chen Liang , Qi Huabing , Zhu Ying , Chen Bo , Chen Hangang , Chen Shuai , Gao Yu , Xu Xiaoling , Deng Chuxia , Chen Lin , Xie Yangli , Du Xiaolan
Published: June 2017

Apert syndrome is one of the most severe craniosynostoses, resulting from gain-of-function mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). Previous studies have shown that gain-of-function mutations of FGFR2 (S252W or P253R) cause skull malformation of human Apert syndrome by affecting both chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, underscoring the key role of FGFR2 in bone development. However, the effects of FGFR2 on bone formation at the adult stage have not been fully investigated. To investigate the role of FGFR2 in bone formation, we generated mice with tamoxifen-inducible expression of mutant FGFR2 (P253R) at the adult stage. Mechanical bone marrow ablation (BMX) was performed in both wild-type and Fgfr2 mutant (MT) mice. Changes in newly formed trabecular bone were assessed by micro-computed tomography and bone histomorphometry. We found that MT mice exhibited increased trabecular bone formation and decreased bone resorption after BMX accompanied with a remarkable increase in bone marrow stromal cell recruitment and proliferation, osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, and enhanced Wnt/β-catenin activity. Furthermore, pharmacologically inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling can partially reverse the increased trabecular bone formation and decreased bone resorption in MT mice after BMX. Our data demonstrate that gain-of-function mutation in FGFR2 exerts a Wnt/β-catenin-dependent anabolic effect on trabecular bone by promoting bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption at the adult stage. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Evaluation of the URiSCAN 2 ACR Strip to estimate the urine albumin/creatinine ratios
Authors: Lim Sangeun , Yu Hui‐Jin , Lee Seungjun , Park Hyosoon , Kwon Min‐Jung , Woo Hee‐Yeon
Published: June 2017

Background

The urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) test is used to screen patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases that put them at an increased risk of developing kidney disease. Here, we evaluated the performance of the URiSCAN 2 ACR Strip (URiSCAN; YD diagnostics, Yongin, Korea), a semiquantitative point‐of‐care testing (POCT) assay, and we compared to an existing POCT assay and a quantitative assay.

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,020 random urine specimens were analyzed using the semiquantitative URiSCAN 2 ACR Strip and semiquantitative CLINITEK Microalbumin 2 Strip (CLINITEK; Siemens, New York, USA). We evaluated the precision of the URiSCAN 2 ACR Strip and compared the results of the ACR obtained from URiSCAN to those of CLINITEK with the quantitative results of a quantitative assay as a reference.

Results

The precision evaluation of the URiSCAN revealed a range between the cutoff (C50)−20% and C50+20% bounds, the C5‐C95 interval, with 85.8% confidence. URiSCAN and CLINITEK showed sensitivity and specificity of 87.7% and 72.2%, and 90.2% and 83.0%, respectively. The concordance rates of URiSCAN with CLINITEK and the quantitative assay were 75.6% and 79.1%, respectively. The concordance rate in the abnormal range (≥30 mg/g) between URiSCAN and the quantitative assay were higher than that between CLINITEK and the quantitative assay (78.8% vs 75.4%).

Conclusions

URiSCAN showed good precision and comparable sensitivity with lower specificity than those of CLINITEK.
Reconstruction using a perforator free flap after malignant melanoma resection of the ankle and foot
Authors: Suh Young C. , Suh Hyunsuk P. , Lee Jong S. , Chang Jee S. , Hong Joon P. (Jp)
Published: June 2017

Background

Surgical excision with adequate margin is the treatment of choice to provide best chance for survival. However, tumors located on distal lower extremity may require reconstruction to salvage the limb which may affect prognosis and quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of free flap on overall outcomes of patients with primary malignant melanoma located on the foot and ankle.

Methods

Patients with primary malignant melanoma on the leg and foot who required free flap coverage between August 2005 and January 2014 were evaluated. The reconstruction and oncological outcomes were assessed.

Results

The cohort of 59 patients showed 96.7% successful reconstructive outcomes. The mean duration from surgery to partial weight bearing was 9 days. The 5‐year overall survival and 5‐year progression‐free survival rates were 73.2% and 44%, respectively. The overall VAS‐FA score was 94.1 implying excellent functional recovery.

Conclusion

The use of free flaps to close defects after cancer resection can help preserve maximal extremity length and function. This approach does not have negative impact on overall outcome and further provide an increased quality of life with better function. Reconstruction using free flaps should be considered primarily when defects cannot be covered by conventional methods.
A matched pair analysis of multicenter longterm follow‐up after split‐liver transplantation with extended right grafts
Authors: Ross Mitchell W. , Cescon Matteo , Angelico Roberta , Andorno Enzo , Rossi Giorgio , Pinna Antonio , De Carlis Luciano , Baccarani Umberto , Cillo Umberto , Colledan Michele , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Tisone Giuseppe , Rossi Massimo , Tuzzolino Fabio , Pagano Duilio , Gruttadauria Salvatore , Mazariegos George , Gridelli Bruno , Spada Marco
Published: June 2017

Split‐liver transplantation has been proposed as an alternative to whole liver (WL) transplantation to expand the donor pool, but studies comparing adult longterm outcomes between the 2 methods are conflicting and limited. This is the first Italian multicenter study that retrospectively analyzed 119 matched‐pair recipients of whole and extended right grafts (ERGs) for longterm survival outcomes. In the overall population, WL recipients showed higher patient survival at 1 (93% versus 73%), 5 (87% versus 65%), and 10 years (83% versus 60%) after transplantation compared with split‐liver recipients (P < 0.001); graft survivals of WL recipients were also superior at 1 (90% versus 76%), 5 (84% versus 57%), and 10 years (81% versus 52%) posttransplant (P < 0.001). However, among the 81 matched pairs that survived the first posttransplant year, 5‐ and 10‐year patient survivals were 90% and 81% for split recipients and 99% and 96% for whole recipients, respectively (P = 0.34). The 5‐ and 10‐year graft survivals were also comparable: 87% and 77% for split recipients, and 86% and 82% for whole recipients (P = 0.86). Cox regression analysis identified donor age >50, donor‐to‐recipient weight ratio < 1, retransplantation status, and United Network for Organ Sharing I‐IIA status as risk factors for partial graft use. There were no significant differences in 5‐year outcomes based on center volume. In conclusion, we demonstrate that adult liver transplantation with ERGs can achieve longterm success comparable with that of whole grafts in appropriate patients but should be selectively used in patients with risk factors. Liver Transplantation 23 1384–1395 2017 AASLD.
Synergistic Modulation of Inflammatory but not Metabolic Effects of High‐Fat Feeding by CCR2 and CX3CR1
Authors: Zhang Hanrui , Hinkle Christine C , O'Neill Sean M. , Shi Jianting , Caughey Jennifer , Lynch Emma , Lynch Gina , Gerelus Mark , Tsai Andrew S. D. , Shah Rachana , Ferguson Jane F. , Ahima Rexford S. , Reilly Muredach P.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of dual targeting of C‐C motif chemokine receptor‐2 (CCR2) and fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) on the metabolic and inflammatory consequences of obesity induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methods

C57BL/6J wild‐type, Cx3cr1−/−, Ccr2−/−, and Cx3cr1−/−Ccr2−/− double‐knockout male and female mice were fed a 45% HFD for up to 25 weeks starting at 12 weeks of age.

Results

All groups gained weight at a similar rate and developed a similar degree of adiposity, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and impairment of insulin sensitivity in response to HFD. As expected, the circulating monocyte count was decreased in Ccr2−/− and Cx3cr1−/−Ccr2−/− mice but not in Cx3cr1−/− mice. Flow cytometric analysis of perigonadal adipose tissue of male, but not female, mice revealed trends to lower CD11c+MGL1− M1‐like macrophages and higher CD11c−MGL1+ M2‐like macrophages as a percentage of CD45+F4/80+CD11b+ macrophages in Cx3cr1−/−Ccr2−/− mice versus wild‐type mice, suggesting reduced adipose tissue macrophage activation. In contrast, single knockout of Ccr2 or Cx3cr1 did not differ in their adipose macrophage phenotypes.

Conclusions

Although CCR2 and CX3CR1 may synergistically impact inflammatory phenotypes, their joint deficiency did not influence the metabolic effects of a 45% HFD‐induced obesity in these model conditions.
Saw Damage Gettering for industrially relevant mc‐Si feedstock
Authors: Shaw Eleanor C. , Hamer Phillip , Collett Katherine A. , Bourrett‐Sicotte Gabrielle , Bonilla Ruy S. , Wilshaw Peter R.
Published: June 2017

The silicon photovoltaic industry is currently shifting towards lightly doped emitters. These have electrical properties that benefit solar cells, compared to the traditional heavily doped emitters. This move brings new challenges, as gettering efficiencies of impurities are lowered as the doping reduces. This is particularly problematic in multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) since cell performance is typically boosted by the effective gettering of such impurities. In prior work, we proposed the novel gettering technique, saw damage gettering (SDG), which improved effective carrier lifetime of standard performance mc‐Si red zone material. In this work, we expand the study of SDG to various types of industrially relevant mc‐Si: upgraded metallurgical grade (UMG), high performance bottom red zone (HPRZ), and diamond sawn high performance (DHP). The optimal condition for SDG is found to be an annealing temperature of 850 °C. With this condition it was demonstrated that the effective carrier lifetime can be increased in all silicon types upon SDG. The largest increase was observed for HPRZ material by a factor of 10, and the largest final effective lifetime post SDG was that of UMG, with τeff = 61.3 µs. SDG is a potentially viable gettering method to work in conjunction with lightly doped emitters in removing the impurities of mc‐silicon feedstock and thus, improving the efficiency of the cells made therefrom.
pH‐Responsive Interaction of Fluorogenic Antimalarial Drug Quinine with Macrocyclic Host Cucurbit[7]uril: Modulations in Photophysical and Acid‐Base Properties
Authors: Boraste Deepak R. , Chakraborty Goutam , Ray Alok K. , Shankarling Ganapati S. , Pal Haridas
Published: June 2017

Intriguing changes in photophysical and acid‐base properties of fluorogenic antimalarial drug, quinine (QN), are presented on its interaction with macrocyclic cucurbit[7]uril (CB7)host. While dicationic QNH22+ form shows large enhancement in both steady state and time‐resolved fluorescence, monocationic QNH+ and neutral QN forms show significant reductions. The pKa(1) and pKa(2) values of the drug undergo ∼1 and ∼1.7 units of upward shifts, respectively, on its binding to CB7 host, substantiating the differential binding strengths of various prototropic forms. Whereas the QNH22+ and QNH+ forms undergo 1:2 (dye to CB7) inclusion complex formation, the neutral QN is suggested to form 1:1 inclusion complex with CB7.Interestingly, the observed results in the present study are substantially different and in some cases quite contrasting to the results reported in a recently published paper (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 30520). In the present study we could unequivocally establish that there were many serious inconsistencies in the above paper, which we could now convincingly rectify, designing appropriate experimental and sample conditions. With the intriguing modulations observed in the photophysical and acid‐base properties, the quinine‐CB7 system is suggested to act as an improved fluorimetric standard than the free quinine system. Additionally, the modulations have implications in drug stabilization, drug delivery, sensors and other applications.
Genetik der angeborenen Herzfehler
Authors: Kahlert Anne-Karin , Hoff Kirstin , Hitz Marc-Phillip
Published: June 2017

Strukturelle Herzfehler sind eine der häufigsten menschlichen Fehlbildungen. Es lassen sich mehrere morphologische Gruppen unterscheiden, wobei auch Überlappungen mit verschiedenen Formen der Kardiomyopathien, unter anderem mit der Non-Compaction Kardiomyopathie, beobachtet werden. Zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt liegt nur ein sehr eingeschränktes Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden genetischen Ursachen vor. Dies liegt zum einen an einer „komplexen Genetik“, bei welcher häufig reduzierte Penetranz und variable Expressivität vorliegen, zum anderen aber auch an heterogenen Literaturangaben, bei denen nur unzureichende genetische Evidenzen bestehen. Der Fokus dieses Reviews ist es, anhand von stringenten Evidenzkriterien die bekannten Gene für strukturelle Herzfehler darzustellen. Speziell durch die Nutzung von Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) können zunehmend mehr relevante genetische Zusammenhänge geklärt werden. Dies gilt nicht nur für die Validierung von Genotyp-Phänotyp-Assoziationen, sondern auch für die Identifizierung neuer Gene für angeborene Herzfehler (AHF), was besonders wegen des seltenen Vorkommens rekurrenter AHF-assoziierter Mutationen im gleichen Gen in Zukunft notwendig sein wird. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, ist es notwendig, große deutschlandweite oder internationale Studien zu etablieren und bereits publizierte Datensätze öffentlich zugänglich zu machen. Dies sollte auch für diagnostische Datensätze gelten. Mit einem derartigen Ansatz könnte nicht nur eine Gen-Panel-Diagnostik, sondern auch die Eingruppierung der Herzfehler in therapeutische Subgruppen erreicht werden.
Do‐Not‐Resuscitate Orders in the Perioperative Environment: A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Baumann Malgorzata , Killebrew Shelley , Zimnicki Katherine , Balint Katherine
Published: June 2017

Do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders in the perioperative environment must be managed according to national and institutional guidelines. Health care professionals, including perioperative nurses, may be unfamiliar with the guidelines and unsure of their role in reevaluating a DNR order. We conducted a multidisciplinary quality improvement project at a metropolitan community hospital that aimed to improve health care providers’ compliance with the institutional policy, nursing involvement in DNR reevaluation, and communication between providers. The project intervention was an educational fair preceded and followed by a survey measuring knowledge about DNR orders, institutional policy, and national guidelines; attitude toward and comfort with the reevaluation process; and the effectiveness of the communication processes. Knowledge of DNR orders improved (P < .0001) for three of four survey questions. Attitude, comfort, and communication also improved (P < .01). A chart audit two months after the intervention showed that compliance with the institutional policy increased by 75%.
The Rise of Sectorally Differentiated Contract Law
Authors: Karton Joshua
Published: June 2017

This essay identifies an underappreciated side-effect of the increasing influence of industry associations in the development of transnational law. As the law governing commercial contracts harmonizes across territorial boundaries, it will increasingly split along boundaries between industry sectors, a phenomenon I call “sectoral differentiation.” Sectoral differentiation is largely a by-product of the growth of transnational legal orders in an environment where state laws and networks may be unable to keep pace with commercial globalization. Industry associations are not the sole drivers of sectoral differentiation, but their activities often promote it, either directly through rulemaking activities related to their particular industries, or indirectly through influence on treaty drafting and other national and international rulemaking processes.