bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise dos riscos ocupacionais na indústria de placas de gesso acartonado na região do Cariri, Ceará
Authors: Sá Filipe Marlon Ribeiro de , Araújo Filho José Gonçalves de , Figueirêdo Sheilla da Silva Melo , Oliveira Esdras Alex Freire de
Published: August 2024

A cadeia produtiva do gesso envolve desde a extração da gipsita até seu uso industrial, destacando-se o drywall como uma tecnologia de construção que não requer água para montagem. A presente pesquisa analisou as condições de trabalho no acabamento de placas de gesso acartonado (drywall) em uma unidade industrial na região do Cariri, no Ceará. O objetivo foi fornecer subsídios para desenvolver medidas preventivas e corretivas em termos de Saúde e Segurança no Trabalho (SST). O estudo de caso, de natureza quali-quantitativa, abrangeu etapas de pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo, com a finalidade de identificar os impactos na saúde do trabalhador decorrentes do processo produtivo envolvendo o processamento da gipsita. A caracterização das condições de trabalho foi obtida por meio da observação das atividades durante as visitas in loco no chão de fábrica e da coleta de informações, incluindo registro fotográfico, assim como pela aplicação de um questionário semiestruturado entre os operários. Dessa forma, foi possível traçar o perfil do corpo técnico de operários e constatar que, apesar das medidas já adotadas pela empresa, ainda existe um elevado risco de que as atividades desempenhadas pelos trabalhadores nesse ambiente fabril desencadeiem graves doenças ocupacionais, tanto físicas quanto psicológicas. Destaca-se também a exposição desses trabalhadores a um ritmo de trabalho intenso, levantamento de pesos e condições de trabalho inseguras, como máquinas desprotegidas e sinalização inadequada. Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de ações voltadas para a saúde e segurança ocupacional dos trabalhadores nesse setor industrial.
Neurourbanismo e neurociência: transformando o ambiente escolar com a natureza
Authors: Monteiro Bruna Freitas , Barbosa Antonio Pires
Published: August 2024

A escola é um ambiente crucial na vida das crianças, sendo o segundo mais frequente após suas casas. Portanto, deve ser um espaço rico em estímulos positivos e inclusivo para alunos com deficiências ou transtornos de aprendizagem, abrangendo práticas pedagógicas inclusivas e acessibilidade física. Este artigo explora a relação entre arquitetura e o cérebro humano, destacando como essa interação influencia o aprendizado e a integração social das crianças. Ele enfoca a conexão entre neurourbanismo, neurociência e ambiente escolar, com ênfase na incorporação de elementos naturais nas escolas. Através de uma revisão da literatura científica, investiga o impacto positivo do ambiente natural nas escolas no desenvolvimento cognitivo, emocional e acadêmico dos alunos. O artigo também discute estratégias de design e planejamento urbano que podem ser aplicadas para criar ambientes educacionais mais saudáveis e propícios à aprendizagem, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento pleno das crianças.
Feedback of Employers on the Performance of BS Mathematics Graduates of the College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines
Authors: Unay Olga D.
Published: August 2024

Employers' feedback on the performance of graduates is an essential piece of information that Universities and colleges must consider to determine the relevance and responsiveness of their curriculum, programs, and services. This study aimed to assess employers' satisfaction with the performance of BS Mathematics graduates at the University of Eastern Philippines. It employed a descriptive research design. The questionnaire was adapted from research by Sannadan et al. [1]. Employer respondents were requested to give their assessment of the performance of the graduates and their views on the importance of the attributes for the post held by the graduates. Sixty-eight employers answered the survey form, mainly in the academe. The employers rated and gave feedback on the competency of their employed BS Mathematics graduates. The graduates were perceived to 'Sometimes exceed the employers' required standard' in 86% of the performance attributes. The results showed that the employers involved in this survey are delighted with the competency of the hired employee in the workplace. The performance rating of the nine essential skills and attributes is 3.71, implying that the graduates performed better than the required employer's standard. The University may consider programs to strengthen the students' soft skills through continued linkage and collaboration with partner industries to prepare the students for a more diverse and modern world of work. The University may create a Career and Development Office, Alumni, and Placement to promote an environment that encourages higher acquisition and development of student skills, knowledge, and attitude through a planned, deliberate, and systematic learning process to improve personal and professional effectiveness.
Model of Teachers’ Performance in Public Schools of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines: Teacher's Performance Triad- Exploring the Nexus of Job Design, Commitment, and Satisfaction
Authors: Pacaña Jywell C. , Pedriña Jeanette G.
Published: August 2024

In the realm of educational management, teachers' performance is a crucial component in fulfilling the school’s objectives, as it directly influences the quality of education provided to students. Performing teachers contribute significantly to achieving the institution’s goals by ensuring students receive a high-quality education and reach their full potential. This study aimed to develop a best-fit model of job design characteristics, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction in line with teachers’ performance at the Schools Division of Panabo City. It examined the variables that best predict teachers’ performance and determined the best fit structural model. It utilized descriptive, correlational, and causal-comparative research design. This study is significant to Human Resource Management considering that findings were good inputs on developing a framework in improving teacher’s performance. This framework would also be appropriate tool in identifying intervention programs like training, seminar-workshops and other related activities in line with human resource development program. It involved 490 elementary school teachers and utilized 4 sets of modified questionnaires on job design characteristics, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, and teacher performance, which were subjected to validity and reliability. The findings indicated a positive relationship between job design characteristics, and job satisfaction and are predictors of teacher performance with the equation TP = 5.810 + 0.155 (JDC-M) + 0.168 (JS-TS). Moreover, the result concluded that the best fit structural model on teacher’s performance is greatly anchored on these variables: job satisfaction and job design characteristics. It is recommended to have a policy framework in identifying the appropriate intervention programs in job satisfaction and job design characteristics to improve teacher’s performance of Panabo City Division. Additionally, this recommends that the HRMO, Regional, Division and school Administrators as the implementing unit must have the capacity to identify appropriate tasks and offer technical assistance to the teachers of the school that falls under the jurisdiction of the department to organize informative workshops and seminars aimed at boosting the teachers' motivation and effectively addressing their concerns, particularly regarding promotions and benefits. Further, it needs to have a depth exploration of identifying factors on job satisfaction and job design characteristics for the improvement of the performance of teachers.
Length-weight Relationships and Condition Factors of Three Commercially Important Fish Species from Roseires Reservoir, Blue Nile, Sudan
Authors: Shuaib Mujtaba El Khair , Hamid Abdalla Mustafa , Khalid Abdel Moneim , Adam Ahmed El Bedawi , Alttagi Zeinab El Amin Alsharif , Abdalla Mutasim Yousif Mohamed
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigating the length-weight relationships and condition factors of three commercially important fish species in Roseires Reservoir on the Blue Nile, Sudan. A total number of 387 specimens of Labeo senegalensis, 285 of Alestes dentex, and 318 Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from four sampling sites on the Roseires Reservoir, using gillnets with varying mesh sizes (4, 8, 10, and 12 cm) from November 2015 to October 2016; The total and standard lengths of each fish were measured to the nearest 1.0 mm, using measuring board; the body weight was recorded to the nearest 1.0 gm, using a digital weighing balance, version FRUIT 2000B. The results showed that the three species exhibited negative allometric growth (b < 3) in all sites, except Labeo senegalensis in Wad El Mahi site which showed positive allometric growth (b’ value 3.182), and moderate to high correlation coefficient (r = 0.442 - 0.998) The condition factor displayed average values ranged from 1.963- 3.751 (Labeo senegalensis) to 2.080 - 3.287 (Alestes dentex) and 2.336 - 3.287 (Oreochromis niloticus), indicating good health conditions and wellbeing of the three species investigated in the study area. The results of this investigation provide baseline data and valuable information on the growth pattern and health status of three fish species in the Roseires reservoir and can used as a basis for effective management measures of the three fish species in the Reservoir.
Overview of Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors
Authors: Davidson George , Davidson Darlington U. , Okoye Osinachi K. , Mensah Linda S. , Ukaegbu Emeka C. , Agbor Divine B. Arrey , Adegbola Michael O. , Eneyo Ucheawaji S. , Osuluku Baraladou A. , Dinyain Tamarakomboye O. , Okeke Arinze A. , Okah Minichimso John , Owulu Alexandra I. , Peterson Jesse C. , Onyekweli Samuel O. , Omoruyi Gloria O. , Adebiyi Olalekan S. , Atoyebi Funmilayo A. , Omeje Arinze C. , Ogbueli Onyedikachukwu J. , Odobulu Ogechukwu B. , Uche Chiagoziem J.
Published: August 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, exacerbated by factors such as drug resistance, co-infections, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive review examines various aspects of TB, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB and primarily affects the lungs, although it can also affect other organs. Risk factors for TB include poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and immunocompromised states such as HIV/AIDS. Symptoms of TB include cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats, but can vary depending on the site of infection. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and microbiological testing, with rapid molecular tests such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay revolutionizing TB diagnostics. Treatment consists of multidrug therapy for six to nine months, with drug-resistant TB requiring longer and more complex regimens. Prevention and control efforts focus on early case detection, treatment adherence, infection control measures, and Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine vaccination. TB research and innovation aim to develop new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines to improve TB control and treatment outcomes. Challenges to TB control include stigma, healthcare access barriers, and the rise of drug-resistant TB strains. Collaboration and advocacy efforts are essential for addressing TB in special populations, high-risk settings, and co-infection scenarios. Integrating a One Health approach, harnessing technology, and addressing climate change impacts is critical for advancing TB control efforts and achieving the goal of ending the global TB epidemic.
Investigating Boswellia serrata and Boswellic Acid for Huntington's Disease: Therapeutic Prospects
Authors: Bhosle Pallavi V. , Wadher Shailesh J.
Published: August 2024

Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD), pose significant challenges to global healthcare systems due to their progressive nature and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, natural compounds have garnered attention for their potential neuroprotective effects. Boswellic acid, derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata, has emerged as a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This comprehensive review explores the therapeutic potential of boswellic acid in AD, PD, and HD. The review begins by elucidating the neuroprotective mechanisms of boswellic acid, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotrophic properties. Preclinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of boswellic acid in mitigating neurodegenerative processes are summarized, highlighting its ability to modulate key signaling pathways involved in neuronal survival and apoptosis. Furthermore, the review discusses the therapeutic implications and future perspectives of boswellic acid in neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing the need for further research to validate its clinical efficacy. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the neuroprotective effects of boswellic acid and its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects may pave the way for the development of novel treatment strategies targeting these devastating conditions.
Advancements in Newcastle Disease Vaccination: Evaluating Traditional and Thermostable Vaccines for Enhanced Control and Efficacy
Authors: Ahmed Rofique , Das Sangeeta , Sharma Abhilasha , Deka Pankaj , Nath Mrinal Kumar , Lahkar Deepa , Arif Syed Abdul , Brahma Derhasar , Hazarika Ritam
Published: August 2024

Newcastle disease (ND) is a critical viral disease in poultry, affecting various avian species worldwide and causing substantial economic losses annually in commercial and backyard poultry operations. Despite its global prevalence, ND can be controlled through proper vaccination and biosecurity management. Over the past 60-65 years, both live attenuated and inactivated ND virus vaccines have been extensively used to mitigate the economic impact of ND. Although live vaccines demonstrate high efficacy against the disease, achieving comprehensive control of ND outbreaks and their financial consequences remains challenging. The primary limitation of most commercially available live vaccines is their heat sensitivity, necessitating a cold chain for quality maintenance, which poses difficulties in village conditions or remote areas of developing tropical countries. This review discusses various methods of ND vaccine administration, their efficacy, and immunogenicity, focusing on the efficacy and stability of thermostable ND vaccines. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for the long-term control and eradication of ND.
Suitability of Different Ovipositional Trap for Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Raman S. , Srinivasan G. , Shanthi M. , Saravanan S. , Mini M. L.
Published: August 2024

The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) has garnered significant attention as a sustainable and nutrient-rich option for poultry feed, due to its high protein and fat content. This study assesses the oviposition preference of female black soldier flies among different ovipositional traps like cardboard, wood, corrugated plastic tubes, and an outside area within a controlled environment. Employing a completely randomized block design, we assessed a range of parameters, including ovipositional trap selection, oviposition duration, egg count, fertility, offspring development, and mortality rate. The findings revealed that plastic tubes were the most favoured ovipositional trap, attracting 142.67 female visits, with an impressive average egg-laying duration of 13 minutes and an egg fertility rate of 85.33%. Such preference may be due to the optimal microenvironment plastic material provides for oviposition of the Soldier fly females. Cardboard traps garnered 122.67 visits, with a notable 10.67-minute egg-laying duration and a fertility rate of 72.67%. Interestingly, wood traps were the least attractive, with only 52.33 visits, the shortest egg-laying duration (6 minutes), and a fertility rate of 33.67%. These results demonstrate the significant role that material choice plays in the reproductive success of Hermetia illucens. The corrugated plastic tubes are the best ovipositional traps for the efficient mass-rearing of black soldier flies for both research and commercial requirements.
The Registration of Medical Device in FDA, EU and CDSCO: Overview
Authors: S. Priyadharshini , Sivaranjani P. S. , Nagalakshmi S.
Published: August 2024

This comprehensive summary provides a detailed look into the regulatory processes for registering medical devices in three major jurisdictions: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union (EU), and India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Each regulatory agency plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and quality standards of medical devices in their respective markets. The FDA, as the regulatory authority in the United States, has a stringent registration system in place to evaluate and approve medical devices before they can be marketed and sold. Manufacturers must adhere to specific procedures and programs to comply with FDA regulations, which are designed to safeguard patient health and promote innovation in the medical device industry. In the European Union, medical device registration is regulated by the EU's Medicinal Products for Human Use Directive, which sets forth stringent requirements for safety and quality standards. Manufacturers must undergo a thorough review process and obtain a CE Mark certification before their devices can be introduced to the European market. The EU's regulatory framework aims to harmonize standards across member states and ensure consistency in device registration procedures. In India, the CDSCO oversees the registration of medical devices and plays a key role in evaluating the safety and efficacy of products before they can be launched in the Indian market. Manufacturers must comply with CDSCO regulations and submit detailed documentation to demonstrate the safety and performance of their devices.
Paleomagnetic evidence for vertical‐axis rotations of crustal blocks in the Woodlark Rift, SEPapua New Guinea: Miocene to present‐day kinematics in one of the world's most rapidly extending plate boundary zones
Authors: Cairns Elizabeth A. , Little Timothy A. , Turner Gillian M. , Wallace Laura M. , Ellis Susan
Published: May 2015

The continental Woodlark Rift, in SE Papua New Guinea lies west of a propagating oceanic spreading center in the Woodlark Basin and is currently one of few places on Earth where active continental breakup is thought to be occurring. Here north‐south extension is localized on a few major normal faults. We determined characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) components from demagnetization profiles of >300 individual specimens. From these, 157 components contribute to paleomagnetic directions for six formations. We compare Early Miocene (∼20 Ma) to Late Pliocene (3.0 ± 0.5) ChRM mean directions, at four localities, with contemporaneous expected field directions corresponding to the Australian Plate. Time‐varying finite rotations from Cape Vogel Peninsula (28–12°) suggest anticlockwise rotation had begun by ∼15 Ma. This rotation may have been accompanied by rifting, ∼7 Ma earlier than previously inferred. Furthermore, that early extension may have occurred south of the present rift, and that deformation later migrated north of the Peninsula. Pliocene vertical‐axis rotations are consistent with GPS‐determined plate motions, suggesting that contemporary rift kinematics were established by ∼3 Ma. Finite anticlockwise rotation (10.1 ± 7.6°) in the Amphlett Islands is accordant with seafloor spreading in the Woodlark Basin, suggesting this locality has seen the full Woodlark plate motion since 3 Ma. Clockwise rotation of the Goodenough Bay Block (−6.5 ± 11.2°) since the Late Miocene has accomplished transfer of deformation between major extensional corridors, and an especially rapid local rotation (−16.3 ± 9.5°) in NW Normanby Island may suggest an incipient dextral transfer fault.
Subsurface plankton layers in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Churnside James H. , Marchbanks Richard D.
Published: May 2015

The first synoptic measurements of subsurface plankton layers were made in the western Arctic Ocean in July 2014 using airborne lidar. Layers were detected in open water and in pack ice where up to 90% of the surface was covered by ice. Layers under the ice were less prevalent, weaker, and shallower than those in open water. Layers were more prevalent in the Chukchi Sea than in the Beaufort Sea. Three quarters of the layers observed were thinner than 5 m. The presence of these layers, which are not adequately captured in satellite data, will influence primary productivity, secondary productivity, fisheries recruitment, and carbon export to the benthos.
Studying atmospheric and ionospheric variabilities from long‐term spectrometric and radio sounding measurements
Authors: Medvedeva Irina , Ratovsky Konstantin
Published: May 2015

We investigated the variability in the neutral upper atmosphere and ionosphere parameters over East Siberia. The analysis is based on 2008–2014 data set of mesopause temperature (Tm) obtained from spectrometric measurements of the OH emission (834.0 nm, band (6–2)) at the Institute of Solar‐Terrestrial Physics Geophysical Observatory (51.8°N, 103.1°E), and the data of F2 peak electron density (NmF2) from Irkutsk DPS‐4 Digisonde (52.3°N, 104.3°E). The seasonal patterns of the NmF2 and Tm variability in different period ranges were analyzed and compared. The period range included day‐to‐day (periods T > 24 h) and tidal (8 h ≤ T ≤ 24 h) variations as well as variations in the internal gravity wave period range (T < 8 h). The comparison revealed both common features and distinctions in the seasonal patterns of the ionospheric and atmospheric variabilities. The main common feature is that the winter variability exceeds the summer one. In both atmospheric and ionospheric day‐to‐day variability seasonal variations, there are maxima in winter months and an additional maximum around the autumn equinox. The main distinction is that the equinox peaks observed in the seasonal variations of the diurnal atmospheric variability are not seen in the ionospheric seasonal pattern. The physical reasons of the obtained features are discussed. The revealed similarities in the seasonal behaviors may indicate that planetary waves propagating from the lower atmosphere layers have a significant impact on the mesopause temperature regime and ionospheric day‐to‐day variations.
A systems‐level “misunderstanding”: the plasma metabolome in Huntington's disease
Authors: Rosas Herminia D. , Doros Gheorghe , Bhasin Swati , Thomas Beena , Gevorkian Sona , Malarick Keith , Matson Wayne , Hersch Steven M.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by the expansion of an N‐terminal repeat in the huntingtin protein. The protein is expressed in all cells in the body; hence, peripheral tissues, such as blood, may recapitulate processes in the brain. The plasma metabolome may provide a window into active processes that influence brain health and a unique opportunity to noninvasively identify processes that may contribute to neurodegeneration. Alterations in metabolic pathways in brain have been shown to profoundly impact HD. Therefore, identification and quantification of critical metabolomic perturbations could provide novel biomarkers for disease onset and disease progression.

Methods

We analyzed the plasma metabolomic profiles from 52 premanifest (PHD), 102 early symptomatic HD, and 140 healthy controls (NC) using liquid chromatography coupled with a highly sensitive electrochemical detection platform.

Results

Alterations in tryptophan, tyrosine, purine, and antioxidant pathways were identified, including many related to energetic and oxidative stress and derived from the gut microbiome. Multivariate statistical modeling demonstrated mutually distinct metabolomic profiles, suggesting that the processes that determine onset were likely distinct from those that determine progression. Gut microbiome‐derived metabolites particularly differentiated the PHD metabolome, while the symptomatic HD metabolome was increasingly influenced by metabolites that may reflect mutant huntingtin toxicity and neurodegeneration.

Interpretation

Understanding the complex changes in the delicate balance of the metabolome and the gut microbiome in HD, and how they relate to disease onset, progression, and phenotypic variability in HD are critical questions for future research.
Near‐Infrared Emitting and Pro‐Angiogenic Electrospun Conjugated Polymer Scaffold for Optical Biomaterial Tracking
Authors: Wickham Abeni , Sjölander Daniel , Bergström Gunnar , Wang Ergang , Rajendran Vijayalakshmi , Hildesjö Camilla , Skoglund Karin , Nilsson K. Peter R. , Aili Daniel
Published: May 2015

Noninvasive tracking of biomaterials is vital for determining the fate and degradation of an implant in vivo, and to show its role in tissue regeneration. Current biomaterials have no inherent capacity to enable tracing but require labeling with, for example, fluorescent dyes, or nanoparticles. Here a novel biocompatible fully conjugated electrospun scaffold is described, based on a semiconducting luminescent polymer that can be visualized in situ after implantation using fluorescence imaging. The polymer, poly [2,3‐bis‐(3‐octyloxyphenyl)quinoxaline‐5,8‐diyl‐alt‐thiophene‐2,5‐diyl] (TQ1), is electrospun to form a fibrous mat. The fibers display fluorescence emission in the near‐infrared region with lifetimes in the sub‐nanosecond range, optimal for in situ imaging. The material shows no cytotoxic behaviors for embryonic chicken cardiomyocytes and mouse myoblasts, and cells migrate onto the TQ1 fibers even in the presence of a collagen substrate. Subcutaneous implantations of the material in rats show incorporation of the TQ1 fibers within the tissue, with limited inflammation and a preponderance of small capillaries around the fibers. The fluorescent properties of the TQ1 fibers are fully retained for up to 90 d following implantation and they can be clearly visualized in tissue using fluorescence and lifetime imaging, thus making it both a pro‐angiogenic and traceable biomaterial.
Understanding Strain‐Induced Phase Transformations in BiFeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Dixit Hemant , Beekman Christianne , Schlepütz Christian M. , Siemons Wolter , Yang Yongsoo , Senabulya Nancy , Clarke Roy , Chi Miaofang , Christen Hans M. , Cooper Valentino R.
Published: May 2015

Experiments demonstrate that under large epitaxial strain a coexisting striped phase emerges in BiFeO3 thin films, which comprises a tetragonal‐like (T′) and an intermediate S′ polymorph. It exhibits a relatively large piezoelectric response when switching between the coexisting phase and a uniform T′ phase. This strain‐induced phase transformation is investigated through a synergistic combination of first‐principles theory and experiments. The results show that the S′ phase is energetically very close to the T′ phase, but is structurally similar to the bulk rhombohedral (R) phase. By fully characterizing the intermediate S′ polymorph, it is demonstrated that the flat energy landscape resulting in the absence of an energy barrier between the T′ and S′ phases fosters the above‐mentioned reversible phase transformation. This ability to readily transform between the S′ and T′ polymorphs, which have very different octahedral rotation patterns and c/a ratios, is crucial to the enhanced piezoelectricity in strained BiFeO3 films. Additionally, a blueshift in the band gap when moving from R to S′ to T′ is observed. These results emphasize the importance of strain engineering for tuning electromechanical responses or, creating unique energy harvesting photonic structures, in oxide thin film architectures.
Flexible, Stretchable and Wearable Multifunctional Sensor Array as Artificial Electronic Skin for Static and Dynamic Strain Mapping
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Hua Qilin , Yu Ruomeng , Zhang Yan , Pan Caofeng
Published: May 2015

Artificial electronic skin consists of mechanically flexible and stretchable sensor networks that can accommodate irregular surfaces and spatially map/quantify various stimuli, such as strains, pressures, and temperatures to imitate the human somatosensory system. Here, a flexible/wearable multifunctional sensor array is designed and fabricated in a cost‐effective manner through simple fabrication procedures for highly‐sensitive contact/pressure/strain detections. Composed of PET‐based Ag serpentine‐shaped electrodes, the sensor array is implemented for static and dynamic mapping of spatial contact/pressure/strain distributions in large‐scale, with a detection limit of 6 Pa (corresponding to 0.5 mg). By attaching the flexible/wearable devices on human body, different motions are recognized/distinguished for gesture control applications. Combining the easy‐fabricated and low‐cost features, these sensor arrays may become promising candidate for highly‐sensitive force detections, gesture controls, imaging of spatial pressure distributions, and find potential applications in advanced robotics, human‐machine interfaces, next‐generation prosthetics and healthcare monitoring devices.
KITD816V and JAK2V617F mutations are seen recurrently in hypereosinophilia of unknown significance
Authors: Schwaab Juliana , Umbach Roland , Metzgeroth Georgia , Naumann Nicole , Jawhar Mohamad , Sotlar Karl , Horny Hans‐Peter , Gaiser Timo , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Schnittger Susanne , Cross Nicholas C.P. , Fabarius Alice , Reiter Andreas
Published: May 2015

Myeloproliferative neoplasms with eosinophilia are commonly characterized by a normal karyotype and remain poorly defined at the molecular level. We therefore investigated 426 samples from patients with hypereosinophilia of unknown significance initially referred for screening of the FIP1L1‐PDGFRA (FP) fusion gene also for KIT D816V and JAK2 V617F mutations. Overall, 86 (20%) patients tested positive: FP+ in 55 (12%), KIT D816V+ in 14 (3%), and JAK2 V617F+ in 17 (4%) patients, respectively. To gain better insight into clinical characteristics, we compared these cases with 31 additional and well‐characterized KIT D816V+ eosinophilia‐associated systemic mastocytosis (SM‐eo) patients enrolled within the “German Registry on Disorders of Eosinophils and Mast cells.” Significant differences included younger age, male predominance, and higher eosinophil counts for FP+ cases while abdominal lymphadenopathy, ascites, and serum tryptase levels >100 μg/l were characteristic for those with KIT D816V. Leukocytes, hemoglobin, and splenomegaly did not differ significantly. A median of three additional mutations, most frequently TET2 and SRSF2, were identified in 12/13 KIT D816V+ SM‐eo patients with available material indicating a more complex molecular pathogenesis. Median survival was not reached for FP+ cases but was only 26 and 41 months for KIT D816V+ SM and JAK2 V617F+ MPN‐eo, respectively. Eosinophilia of ≥2 × 109/l was identified as discriminator for inferior survival in KIT D816V+ and/or JAK2 V617F+ patients (median survival 20 months vs. not reached, P = 0.002). Thus, there is a clear prognostic and therapeutic rationale for detection of KIT D816V and JAK2 V617F in the diagnostic work up of eosinophilia. Am. J. Hematol. 90:774–777, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Innate Immunity to Campylobacter jejuni in Guillain‐Barré Syndrome
Authors: Huizinga Ruth , van den Berg Bianca , van Rijs Wouter , Tio‐Gillen Anne P. , Fokkink Willem Jan R. , Bakker‐Jonges Liesbeth E. , Geleijns Karin , Samsom Janneke N. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Laman Jon D. , Jacobs Bart C.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious neuropathy most frequently caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Lipo‐oligosaccharides (LOS), expressed by C. jejuni induce antibodies that cross‐react with self‐glycolipids in peripheral nerves, causing neuropathy. Less than 1 in 1,000 persons infected with C. jejuni develop GBS, and the factors that determine GBS susceptibility are poorly understood. We hypothesized that these persons have a high intrinsic dendritic cell (DC) response to C. jejuni LOS through Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation.

Methods

Intrinsic DC responsiveness to C. jejuni LOS was investigated first in 20 healthy controls at three time points with a 3‐month interval, and second in patients, who previously developed GBS after a C. jejuni infection (n = 27) and controls (n = 26).

Results

The DC response to C. jejuni LOS was highly variable between, but not within, healthy individuals, suggesting that intrinsic factors determine the magnitude of TLR4‐mediated innate response. High responsiveness to C. jejuni LOS by former GBS patients was evidenced by increased expression of CD38 and CD40. Frequency of CD38, CD40 and type I interferon high responders was significantly increased in the GBS group.

Interpretation

These results suggest that a strong response to TLR4 stimulation is a critical host condition for the development of GBS after an infection with C. jejuni. Ann Neurol 2015;78:343–354
Correlation between low FAT1 expression and early affected muscle in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mariot Virginie , Roche Stephane , Hourdé Christophe , Portilho Debora , Sacconi Sabrina , Puppo Francesca , Duguez Stephanie , Rameau Philippe , Caruso Nathalie , Delezoide Anne‐Lise , Desnuelle Claude , Bessières Bettina , Collardeau Sophie , Feasson Leonard , Maisonobe Thierry , Magdinier Frederique , Helmbacher Françoise , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Mouly Vincent , Dumonceaux Julie
Published: May 2015

Objective

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to either contraction of D4Z4 repeats on chromosome 4 or to mutations in the SMCHD1 gene, both of which result in the aberrant expression of the transcription factor DUX4. However, it is still difficult to correlate these genotypes with the phenotypes observed in patients. Because we have recently shown that mice with disrupted Fat1 functions exhibit FSHD‐like phenotypes, we have investigated the expression of the human FAT1 gene in FSHD.

Methods

We first analyzed FAT1 expression in FSHD adult muscles and determined whether FAT1 expression was driven by DUX4. We next determined FAT1 expression levels in 64 muscles isolated from 16 control fetuses. These data were further complemented with analysis of Fat1 expression in developing mouse embryos.

Results

We demonstrated that FAT1 expression is independent of DUX4. Moreover, we observed that (1) in control fetal human biopsies or in developing mouse embryos, FAT1 is expressed at lower levels in muscles that are affected at early stages of FSHD progression than in muscles that are affected later or are nonaffected; and (2) in adult muscle biopsies, FAT1 expression is lower in FSHD muscles compared to control muscles.

Interpretation

We propose a revised model for FSHD in which FAT1 levels might play a role in determining which muscles will exhibit early and late disease onset, whereas DUX4 may worsen the muscle phenotype. Ann Neurol 2015;78:387–400
Eine Iod‐katalysierte Hofmann‐Löffler‐Reaktion
Authors: Martínez Claudio , Muñiz Kilian
Published: May 2015

Iodreagentien werden als ökonomisch und ökologisch ansprechende Alternativen zu Übergangsmetallen aufgefasst, obgleich ihr Einsatz als molekulare Katalysatoren in anspruchsvollen C‐H‐Oxidationen weitgehend ausgeblieben ist. Hier wird eine attraktive Iodoxidationskatalyse vorgestellt, die eine bequeme Umwandlung von Kohlenstoff‐Wasserstoff‐ in Kohlenstoff‐Stickstoff‐Bindungen mit bislang unerreichter vollständiger Selektivität ermöglicht. Die Reaktion verläuft innerhalb zweier miteinander verflochtener Katalysezyklen, die eine durch sichtbares Licht als Energiequelle initiierte Radikalkettenreaktion einschließen. Diese unorthodoxe Synthesestrategie zur direkten oxidativen Aminierung von Alkanen hat keine biosynthetischen Vorbilder und eröffnet einen effizienten und direkten Zugang zu gesättigten Stickstoffheterocyclen.
Ligand‐Free Copper‐Catalyzed Negishi Coupling of Alkyl‐, Aryl‐, and Alkynylzinc Reagents with Heteroaryl Iodides
Authors: Thapa Surendra , Kafle Arjun , Gurung Santosh K. , Montoya Adam , Riedel Patrick , Giri Ramesh
Published: May 2015

Reported herein is an unprecedented ligand‐free copper‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of alkyl‐, aryl‐, and alkynylzinc reagents with heteroaryl iodides. The reaction proceeds at room temperature for the coupling of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkylzinc reagents with heteroaryl iodides without rearrangement. An elevated temperature (100 °C) is required for aryl–heteroaryl and alkynyl–heteroaryl couplings.
Optimization of bus allocation to depots by minimizing dead kilometers
Authors: Mahadikar Jagadish , Mulangi Raviraj H. , Sitharam Thallak G.
Published: May 2015

In metropolitan cities, public transportation service plays a vital role in mobility of people, and it has to introduce new routes more frequently due to the fast development of the city in terms of population growth and city size. Whenever there is introduction of new route or increase in frequency of buses, the non‐revenue kilometers covered by the buses increases as depot and route starting/ending points are at different places. This non‐revenue kilometers or dead kilometers depends on the distance between depot and route starting point/ending point. The dead kilometers not only results in revenue loss but also results in an increase in the operating cost because of the extra kilometers covered by buses. Reduction of dead kilometers is necessary for the economic growth of the public transportation system. Therefore, in this study, the attention is focused on minimizing dead kilometers by optimizing allocation of buses to depots depending upon the shortest distance between depot and route starting/ending points. We consider also depot capacity and time period of operation during allocation of buses to ensure parking safety and proper maintenance of buses. Mathematical model is developed considering the aforementioned parameters, which is a mixed integer program, and applied to Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) routes operating presently in order to obtain optimal bus allocation to depots. Database for dead kilometers of depots in BMTC for all the schedules are generated using the Form‐4 (trip sheet) of each schedule to analyze depot‐wise and division‐wise dead kilometers. This study also suggests alternative locations where depots can be located to reduce dead kilometers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fensterlüfter in der Gebäudesanierung
Authors: Hoffmann Caroline , Geissler Achim , Huber Heinrich
Published: May 2015

Bei der energetischen Gebäudeerneuerung werden oftmals nur die Fenster ausgetauscht. Wird keine mechanische Lüftungsanlage eingebaut, die einen kontinuierlichen Luftaustausch gewährleistet, können mit dichteren Fenstern Feuchtigkeitsprobleme entstehen. Abhilfe wäre mit dem Einbau von Fensterlüftern möglich. Dabei entsteht einerseits die Frage, ob diese allein in der Lage sind, den Feuchteschutzluftwechsel zu gewährleisten. Andererseits ist ungeklärt, wie hoch die möglichen Einsparungen sind, wenn man die Fensterlüfter mit einer Zu‐ und Abluftanlage mit Wärmerückgewinnung (WRG) vergleicht. Der Aufsatz behandelt Fensterlüfter ohne WRG in querbelüfteten Wohnungen. Thermische Simulationen einer typischen Wohnung im Mehrfamilienhaus zeigen, dass der Feuchteschutzluftwechsel allein mit Fensterlüftern nur schwer zu gewährleisten ist. In Kombination mit einer zeitgesteuerten Bedarfslüftung in Küche und Bad ist eine Deckung möglich. Allerdings müssen Fensterlüfter mit einem genügend großen Luftdurchlass eingesetzt werden (ca. 15 m3/h bei 2 Pa). Wird statt der Fensterlüfter eine Zu‐ und Abluftanlage mit WRG eingesetzt, so lassen sich beim ungedämmten Gebäude rund 20 % Heizenergie einsparen, beim gedämmten Gebäude sogar knapp 60 %.

Passive window ventilation openings for building refurbishment. A thorough building refurbishment generally includes window replacement and thermal insulation of the opaque building envelope. However, quite often only a window replacement is done and the building envelope is left uninsulated. If there is no mechanical ventilation system installed which ensures continuous air exchange, new airtight windows usually lead to a reduced infiltration air exchanged and subsequently there may be moisture damage. A possible solution could be the integration of passive window ventilation openings (PWVO). This raises two questions: Firstly, can PWVOs guarantee the necessary ventilation rate to avoid moisture damage? Secondly, how do PWVOs compare to a ventilation system with heat recovery in terms of heating demand? This Article deals with passive window ventilation openings without heat recovery in flats with cross ventilation. Based on transient building simulation of a typical dwelling unit it is shown that the PWVOs by themselves cannot guarantee a sufficient ventilation rate for moisture control. With additional exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom(s) the required ventilation rate can be achieved. However, PWVOs with high air flow rates (approx. 15 m3/h at 2 Pa) must be used. Compared to PWVOs the installation of a ventilation system with heat recovery leads to energy savings of approx. 20 % in an uninsulated building. In a building where the building envelope has also been insulated, the savings would be approx. 60 %.
Developments in our understanding of the genetic basis of birth defects
Authors: Webber Daniel M. , MacLeod Stewart L. , Bamshad Michael J. , Shaw Gary M. , Finnell Richard H. , Shete Sanjay S. , Witte John S. , Erickson Stephen W. , Murphy Linda D. , Hobbs Charlotte
Published: May 2015

Birth defects are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been much progress in understanding the genetic basis of familial and syndromic forms of birth defects. However, the etiology of nonsydromic birth defects is not well‐understood. Although there is still much work to be done, we have many of the tools needed to accomplish the task. Advances in next‐generation sequencing have introduced a sea of possibilities, from disease‐gene discovery to clinical screening and diagnosis. These advances have been fruitful in identifying a host of candidate disease genes, spanning the spectrum of birth defects. With the advent of CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing, researchers now have a precise tool for characterizing this genetic variation in model systems. Work in model organisms has also illustrated the importance of epigenetics in human development and birth defects etiology. Here we review past and current knowledge in birth defects genetics. We describe genotyping and sequencing methods for the detection and analysis of rare and common variants. We remark on the utility of model organisms and explore epigenetics in the context of structural malformation. We conclude by highlighting approaches that may provide insight into the complex genetics of birth defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:680–691, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlling the morphology of metal‐triggered collagen peptide assemblies through ligand alteration
Authors: Kotha Raghavendhar R. , Chmielewski Jean
Published: May 2015

A number of methods have been explored to promote the higher order assembly of collagen peptide triple helices. In one case, NCoH, a complex hierarchical metal‐promoted assembly was observed to form micron‐scaled florettes with a ruffled surface topology at the nanoscale. In an effort to elucidate the role of the ligands in this collagen peptide assemblage, we reduced the number of carboxylates within the N‐terminal ligand to produce a new peptide, ICoH. A striking difference in the morphology of the metal‐triggered material was observed with ICoH, with stacked arrays of nanofibrils predominating. As the peptide to metal ion ratio was increased, the length of the stacks of fibrils was also observed to increase. These data demonstrate that a significantly less complex assembly process occurs with the removal of a single carboxylate moiety from the metal binding ligand at the termini of the collagen peptide. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 379–383, 2015.
Biotransformation and metabolic profile of caudatin‐2,6‐dideoxy‐3‐O‐methy‐β‐d‐cymaropyranoside with human intestinal microflora by liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Wei , Peng Yun‐ru , Ding Yong‐fang
Published: May 2015

In our previous studies, caudatin‐2,6‐dideoxy‐3‐O‐methy‐β‐d‐ cymaropyranoside (CDMC) was for the first time isolated from Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wightand and was reported to possess a wide range of biological activities. However, the routes and metabolites of CDMC produced by intestinal bacteria are not well understood. In this study, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) technique combined with MetabolynxTMsoftware was applied to analyze metabolites of CDMC by human intestinal bacteria. The incubated samples collected for 48 h in an anaerobic incubator and extracted with ethyl acetate were analyzed by UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS within 12 min. Eight metabolites were identified based on MS and MS/MS data. The results indicated that hydrolysis, hydrogenation, demethylation and hydroxylation were the major metabolic pathways of CDMC in vitro. Seven strains of bacteria including Bacillus sp. 46, Enterococcus sp. 30 and sp. 45, Escherichia sp. 49A, sp. 64, sp. 68 and sp. 75 were further identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing owing to their relatively strong metabolic capacity toward CDMC. The present study provides important information about metabolic routes of CDMC and the roles of different intestinal bacteria in the metabolism of CDMC. Moreover, those metabolites might influence the biological effect of CDMC in vivo, which affects the clinical effects of this medicinal plant. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ontology engineering in the era of linked data
Authors: Corcho Oscar , Poveda‐Villalón María , Gómez‐Pérez Asunción
Published: May 2015

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

Ontology engineering encompasses the method, tools and techniques used to develop ontologies. Without requiring ontologies, linked data is driving a paradigm shift, bringing benefits and drawbacks to the publishing world. Ontologies may be heavyweight, supporting deep understanding of a domain, or lightweight, suited to simple classification of concepts and more adaptable for linked data. They also vary in domain specificity, usability and reusabilty. Hybrid vocabularies drawing elements from diverse sources often suffer from internally incompatible semantics. To serve linked data purposes, ontology engineering teams require a range of skills in philosophy, computer science, web development, librarianship and domain expertise.