bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Hindering Youth Participation in Agribusiness at Mbarali District in Mbeya Region
Authors: Pesambili Peter George.
Published: June 2024

Aims: This study was set to examine factors hindering youth participation in agribusiness in Mbarali district in Mbeya region. Specifically, the study intended to determine the influence of youth perspectives towards participation in agri-business, identify socio-economic factors hindering youth participation in agri-business, and analyse the measures established to support youth participation in agri-business
Methodology: The study adopted a mixed method approach involving both primary and secondary sources of data. The information was obtained through interviews, questionnaires, and documentary reviews. A sample of 384 youths aged 15-35 was adopted drawn from the total population using Krejci and Morgan table for a Finite Population.
Results: Results in this study show that age, marital status, and training and development have a favourable and significant effect on youth engagement in agriculture and most of the youths perceive agriculture to be less profitable revealing that the perceptions of both male and female youths towards agricultural activity and agribusiness as a branch are still a hindrance towards youth engagement in agribusiness activities. Moreover, the youths in Mbarali district face several socio-economic hindrances in getting involved in agri-preneurship and business such as lack of adequate working capital, low knowledge in agribusiness, land access problems, restrictive bank landing conditions, subsidized Govt inputs not reaching the youth, unfavourable commodity markets and lack of youths’ platforms to channel their views. These factors have been echoed by most of the participants in this study along with some key informants who were visited to offer their insights on the subject under study.
Conclusion: The youth in Africa mostly have a negative perception concerning agriculture. This influences their intention and participation in Agriculture. There is a lack of access to land; finance; technology; education and skills in agribusiness. However mixed findings on access to finance and its influence on the engagement of the youth in agriculture. More studies should look at the influence of access to finance and other resources on youth engagement in agriculture. Youth involvement in agriculture is crucial, but experts may not regard it as a serious threat to long-term agricultural practices.
Micronutrients in the Plant-Soil-Environment Continuum: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tiwari Himanshu , Bhatt Rajan , Singh P. K. , Das Dhritiman , Vihan Shivam , Tomar Tarun , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Suneel
Published: June 2024

Though mostly ignored, micronutrients are most important. Reducing the negative effects of micronutrient shortages requires the use of effective techniques like vitamin supplements and dietary diversification. It is known that when agricultural yields are reduced because of inadequate soil micronutrient concentration, malnutrition may result. Deficits in soil micronutrients can result from a number of variables, such as the use of intensive cropping practices, micronutrient leaching, soil characteristics, and decreased use of farmyard waste. The availability of micronutrients in the soil is determined by a number of factors, including soil pH, and status of the soil organic matters. Numerous factors, including the structure of root hairs, the release of organic acids, sugar, and several root enzymes, as well as interactions between microorganisms and plants, affect how well plants absorb and use micronutrients. Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the soil's micronutrient absorption and bioavailability. In order to improve crop utilisation of soil nutrients, the discussion also included an analysis of the relationships between plant functions and soil nutrients.
Impact of Biofertilizers and Inorganic Fertilizers on Micronutrient Content and Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L)
Authors: Janardhan S. , Prasad P.R.K. , Venkatasubbaiah P. , Ramesh D.
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the effect of fertilizers mixed with biofertilizers on maize crop micronutrient uptake. The study was conducted on clay loam soils at Agriculture College Farm, Bapatla, during both kharif 2020 and 2021. The results indicated that application of 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB recorded highest micronutrient content and lowest recorded with the control, but non-significantly influenced by the imposed treatments at kneehigh, tasseling and harvest stage (straw and grain) of maize crop. The application of 100% RDF +VAM + Azospirillum + PSB recorded significantly (P<0.05) highest iron, manganese, copper and zinc uptake at kneehigh, tasseling and harvest stage of maize crop. The results revealed that application of biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers significantly increased plant nutrient content and uptake of maize crop. In conclusion, the study suggested that integrated use of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers improves the nutrient content and uptake of maize crop.
A Review of the Effect of Vaping on the Plasma Levels of Clozapine and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Harry Nkechinyere Mary , Folorunsho Ibrahim L. , Anona Kenechukwu , Okafor Nnenna , Anugwom Gibson O.
Published: June 2024

Background: Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication essential for treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Its plasma levels are influenced by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, particularly CYP1A2. Vaping and traditional smoking may impact clozapine metabolism.
Objective: This study aims to explore how vaping affects the plasma levels of clozapine, focusing on the pharmacokinetic interactions between clozapine and vaping constituents, and the implications for clinical practice.
Methods: A literature review was conducted to examine the interactions between nicotine smoking, CYP450 enzymes, and clozapine metabolism. Additionally, case reports were analyzed to understand the clinical implications for patients on clozapine who switch from smoking to vaping.
Results: Unlike traditional smoking, vaping lacks combustion products like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), leading to reduced CYP1A2 induction. Case reports showed that switching from smoking to vaping often results in elevated plasma clozapine levels due to decreased CYP1A2 activity, causing adverse effects from toxicity. However, some vape products containing combustible products like aldehydes and carbonyls can induce CYP450 enzymes, leading to subtherapeutic plasma clozapine level.
Conclusion: Vaping may affect clozapine metabolism primarily through de-induction of CYP1A2 activity in patients who switch from smoking to vaping. Switching from smoking to vaping can reduce CYP1A2 induction, thereby raising the risk of toxicity due to increased serum clozapine levels. Hence, health professionals should carefully monitor plasma clozapine levels in patients who switch from smoking to vaping and adjust dosages as needed to maintain therapeutic efficacy and minimize adverse effects.
Effect of Potting Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) under Pryagraj Agro Climatic Condition
Authors: Chaudhary Karan , Topno Samir E. , Josehp Annjoe V.
Published: June 2024

The present study aims to investigate the Effect of potting media on seed germination and seedling growth of jackfruit at the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, during the period 2023-24. The experiment was laid in completely randomized block design with three replications and ten treatment combinations. viz, T0 Control(soil), T1 (Soil + FYM + cocopeat)(3:1:1), T2 (Soil + vermicompost + cocopeat) (2:1:2), T3 (Soil + FYM + cocopeat)(1:1:3), T4 (Soil + FYM + vermicompost) (1:2:1), T5 (Soil + vermicompost)(1:1), T6 (Soil + FYM + vermicompost)(1:1:1) T7 (Soil + FYM + vermicompost) (2:2:2), T8 (Soil + FYM)(2:2), T9 (Soil + vermicompost)(2:2). The seeds were kept in moist area so seed do not dry. The seeds were then sown in the pre-filled polybags and various parameters related to Germination Parameters, Growth Parameters, Economics and Survival were evaluated. Present investigation found that treatment T9 (Soil + vermicompost) (2:2). Performed best in term of Germination percentage, Number of leaves, Plant height, Leaf length, Chlorophyll content and stem Diameter. The lowest observation was recorded in T1 (Control)(soil). The highest B:C Ratio (2.23) was found in the same treatment
Soil Test Crop Response on Soil Health Parameters and Yield Attributes of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Kuber
Authors: Singh Anamika , David Arun Alfred , Thomas Tarence , Toppo Neha , Kumari Sneha , Singh Manveer , Dessai Bhushan R. Sawant , Bhinchar Sudhir
Published: June 2024

The investigation was conducted on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS) technology, where the fertilizer doses are customized according to the anticipated crop yield, considering the crop's nutrient requirements and the contributions from soil, fertilizers, and organic manures. The field trial took place at the Soil Science research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, during the zaid season of 2023. The soil under experimentation had a sandy loam texture. The setup followed a randomized block design with varying levels of NPK (0%, 50%, & 100%), FYM (20, 25, & 30 t ha-1), Fe and Zn (15, 20, & 25 kg ha-1) respectively. The outcomes from the T9 treatment - [115:112:75 Kg ha-1 + 25 t ha-1 FYM + 25 kg ha-1 Fe and Zn] exhibited superior plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plants-1, number of fruits plant-1, and overall fruit yield. No significant differences were noted in the yield and growth of okra under the control conditions. The application of organic manures alone or in combination with full NPK substantially enhanced the growth and total yield parameters of okra. Among all treatments, the simultaneous application of 100% NPK, 100% FYM, and 100% Fe & Zn displayed the most remarkable influence on the growth of okra.
The Interdependence of the Kinematic and Intrinsic Parameters of a HIT Cell: The Effect of Charge Carrier Mobility
Authors: Ngom Ousmane , Badiane Amaky , Faye Modou , Mbow Cheikh , Ba Bassirou
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses the dependence of the kinematic and intrinsic parameters of a silicon heterojunction solar cell, highlighting mobility phenomena.
First, a three-dimensional schematic of a HIT (Heterojunctions with Intrinsic Thin layer) cell is established to highlight mobility phenomena at the texturized hydrogenated indium oxide ( ) contact layer and active layers where charge carriers move.
Next, mathematical equations linking the interacting physical parameters are developed, and the numerical resolution of these mathematical equations has led to results.
The discussion of these results is based on charge carrier transport, more specifically the photocurrent densities of free electrons and excitons, and their contribution in terms of the photovoltaic cell's energy production efficiency.
In Vivo Assessment of Mouse Hindlimb Muscle Force, Contractile, and Fatigue Characteristics, and Motor Unit Number
Authors: Kalmar Bernadett , Greensmith Linda
Published: March 2012

The use of rodents to model neuromuscular diseases necessitates assessment of neuromuscular function to monitor disease progression. Muscle function can be assessed by determining muscle force, and the contraction's contractile and fatigue characteristics. Assessment of motor units gives a measure of motoneuron health. Thus, assessment of these parameters can reveal the degree and nature of neuromuscular pathology. A reduction in muscle force may result either from loss of motoneurons and a concomitant denervation of muscles or as a result of primary muscle pathology. Estimation of the number of functional motor units may identify whether the deficit is neural in origin. Here, we give a detailed description of the assessment of muscle force, contractile characteristics, and muscle fatigue, as well as a method that gives a direct and accurate readout on the number of motor units in individual mouse hindlimb muscles in mice—now widely used to model a variety of neuromuscular disorders. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:89‐101 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Brief communication: Reevaluating osteoporosis in human ribs: The role of intracortical porosity
Authors: Agnew Amanda M. , Stout Sam D.
Published: March 2012

Osteoporosis is a major health concern in modern society and is continually being evaluated in past populations by quantifying bone loss. Cortical area measures are commonly used in anthropological analyses to assess bone loss in the ribs, but these values are typically based on endosteal expansion and do not account for intracortical bone loss. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using absolute cortical area, compared to traditional cortical area measures to describe global bone loss in elderly ribs. Transverse sections were prepared from sixth ribs of ten elderly subjects, and bone area measurements were made from 100× magnification composites of each rib for calculation of cortical area (Ct.Ar) and percent cortical area (% C/T). In addition, all areas of intracortical porosity were measured and percent porosity area (% Po.Ar) calculated. Absolute cortical area (Ct.ArA) was calculated by subtracting porosity area from cortical area, and a percent absolute cortical area (% CA/T) calculated. ANOVA results reveal significant interindividual variation in percent porosity area (% Po.Ar). Percent cortical area and percent absolute cortical area values were compared and results show a mean difference of 4.08% exists across all subjects, with a range of 1.19–11.73%. This suggests that intracortical porosity is variable and does play a role in age‐associated bone loss in the rib. All future investigations of osteoporosis should account for intracortical porosity in bone loss. Am J Phys Anthropol 148:462–466, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tensile properties of phenol–formaldehyde nanoclay reinforced composites: A pilot study
Authors: Ku H. , Yap Y. S. , Lee T. S. , Trada M
Published: March 2012

Phenol–formaldehyde was filled with nanoclay to increase the tensile properties of the composite for structural applications by the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fiber Composites, University of Southern Queensland, Australia. In this project, we manufactured samples with different percentages by weight of the nanoclay in the composites in steps of 1%; these were then postcured in an oven or microwaves. The samples were then subjected to tensile tests. The results show that the composite with 5 wt % nanoclay produced the highest yield, tensile strength, and Young's modulus, combined with a reasonable fluidity for casting. From 0 to 3 wt % nanoclay, the yield strengths of the samples postcured in an oven were higher than their counterparts postcured in microwaves. After this, the opposite was true. By extrapolation to 5 wt % nanoclay, it was also found that the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the samples postcured in an oven were lower than their counterparts postcured in microwave irradiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Surface modification of siloxane containing polyurethane polymer by dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Kostov K. G. , dos Santos A. L. R. , Nascente P. A. P. , Kayama M. E. , Mota R. P. , Algatti M. A.
Published: March 2012

Surface treatment of polymers by discharge plasmas is of great and increasing industrial application because it can uniformly modify the surface of treated samples without changing the material bulk properties. Present work deals with surface modification of siloxane‐containing polyurethane (PU‐Si) by air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure. Material characterization was carried out by contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface energy of the polymer surface was calculated from contact angle data using Owens‐Wendt‐Kaeble method. The plasma‐induced chemical modifications are associated with incorporation of polar oxygen containing groups on the polymer surface. The AFM analysis of DBD‐treated samples revealed that the surface roughness decreased with increasing the time of treatment. Because of the plasma exposure the surface of DBD‐treated polymers became hydrophilic resulting in enhanced adhesion properties. Aging behavior of the treated samples revealed that all polymer surfaces were prone to hydrophobic recovery; however, they did not completely recover their original hydrophobic characteristics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Microbial manipulation of host sex determination
Authors: Beukeboom Leo W.
Published: March 2012

A recent study in the lepidopteranOstrinia scapulalisshows that endosymbionts can actively manipulate the sex determination mechanism of their host.Wolbachiabacteria alter the sex‐specific splicing of thedoublesexmaster switch gene. In ZZ males of this female heterogametic system, the female isoform ofdoublesexis produced in the presence of the bacteria. The effect is a lethal feminization of genotypic males. Curing of ZW females leads to males that die, indicating that the bacteria have an obligate role in proper sex determination and development of their host. Microbial intervention with host sex determination may be a driving force behind the evolutionary turnover of sex determination mechanisms.
Retinoids for treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lerner Alan J. , Gustaw‐Rothenberg Kasia , Smyth Shawn , Casadesus Gemma
Published: March 2012

Retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives involved in cellular regulatory processes including cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth and defense against oxidative stress. Retinoids may also influence Amyloid beta processing upregulation of alpha secretase via ADAM10. Vitamin A and other retinoids also directly inhibit formation of Amyloid fibrils in vivo. These properties of retinoids are relevant to theories of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Retinoids are already used in treatment of acne vulgaris, psoriasis, neuroblastoma and acute promyelocytic leukemia. Clinical studies involving in cognitively impaired older adults with Alzheimer's disease are beginning with a variety of retinoids. These studies need to address safety issues of retinoids in older populations, and hold hope for demonstrating efficacy in translating these basic mechanisms to treatment of a widespread dementing illness.
Closure of the patent ductus arteriosus with the new duct occluder II additional sizes device
Authors: Agnoletti Gabriella , Marini D. , Villar A.M. , Bordese R. , Gabbarini F.
Published: March 2012

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the new device Amplatzer duct occluder II additional sizes (ADO II AS) for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Background: Transcatheter device closure is the standard care for PDA. Currently available technology is not designed for closure of small PDA in young children.

Methods

From April to July 2011, seven children (five females, median age 1.5 years, median weight 11.4 kg) underwent PDA closure with the ADO II AS. Six had isolated PDA, one had PDA associated with preductal coarctation. We evaluated early and short‐term results.

Results

All but one PDA was closed via an antegrade approach. Mean fluoroscopy and procedural times were 8.0 ± 3.9 and 49.8 ± 27.9 min, respectively. No complications occurred. Immediate trivial residual shunt was present in one patient. In all devices, the retention disks laid flat against the walls of the pulmonary artery and aorta, without protrusion into the vessel lumen. The echocardiography performed after 24 hr did not show any residual shunt. At a median follow‐up of 2 months, the PDAs were completely occluded without obstruction of the pulmonary arteries or aorta.

Conclusions

The new device ADO II AS was safely deployed with complete resolution of the PDA shunt. The lower profile and symmetry of this device allows for venous or arterial approach and smaller delivery catheter size. The ADO II AS might be a preferable alternative for closure of small‐moderate PDAs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of bias for single‐point calibration
Authors: Bánfai Balázs , Kemény Sándor
Published: March 2012

The applicability of single‐point calibration is usually decided by testing the hypothesis of zero intercept. It is flawed, first, because the zero intercept does not infer that it is true, and second, accepting a zero intercept does not imply a low bias in the estimated concentration of the unknown sample. Instead, a method is proposed based on the two one‐sided tests (interval hypothesis) for the bias. The test is performed by comparing a confidence interval for the bias to an allowable limit, defined in concentration units. Fieller's theorem was used for the ratio of two normally distributed random variables to construct the confidence interval for the bias. The proposed method is appropriate for judging the extent of bias in case of single‐point calibration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bonding in a Borylene Complex Investigated by Photoionization and Dissociative Photoionization
Authors: Fischer Kathrin H. , Schneider Michael , Fischer Ingo , Pfaffinger Bernd , Braunschweig Holger , Sztáray Bálint , Bodi Andras
Published: March 2012

The borylene complex [(OC)5CrBN(SiMe3)2] has been investigated by using threshold photoelectron–photoion coincidence spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation. The ionization energy of the parent complex and the 0 K appearance energies of the sequential CO loss channels have been determined. The derived bond‐dissociation energies are used to discuss bonding and energetics in this compound.
ChemInform Abstract: Studies of the Synthesis of Nicotinamide Nucleoside and Nucleotide Analogues and Their Inhibitions Towards CD38 NADase.
Authors: Chen Zhe , Kwong Anna Ka Yee , Yang Zhenjun , Zhang Liangren , Lee Hon Cheung , Zhang Lihe
Published: March 2012

Phosphorylation of nicotine amid nucleosides as (III) or (VI) lowers the inhibitory activity towards CD 38 NADase.
ChemInform Abstract: Heuristic Chemistry—Elimination Reactions
Authors: Graulich Nicole , Hopf Henning , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: March 2012

Review: 42 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Past, Present, and Future of the Biginelli Reaction — A Critical Perspective
Authors: Suresh Suresh , Sandhu Jagir S.
Published: March 2012

Review: 625 refs.
Efficient Copper(I)‐Catalyzed S‐Arylation of KSCN with Aryl Halides in PEG‐400
Authors: Li Xiaokang , Yuan Tangjun , Chen Junmin
Published: March 2012

A simple and efficient protocol for CuI‐catalyzed CS bond formation of aryl halides with KSCN to symmetrical diaryl sulfides was reported in PEG‐400 without any other additives. A variety of aryl halides were converted to the corresponding diaryl sulfides in good to excellent yields. The present procedure tolerated a variety of functional groups and the steric hindrance of ortho‐substituents on aryl halides did not affect the outcome.
Density Functional Theory Study of the Interaction between Thymine and Luteolin
Authors: Wang Xiaolan , Cai Wanfei , Zheng Yan , Li Laicai , Tian Anmin
Published: March 2012

The density function B3LYP method has been used to optimize the geometries of the luteolin, thymine and luteolin‐thymine complexes at 6‐31+G∗︁ basis. The vibrational frequencies have been studied at the same level to analyze these seventeen complexes, respectively. Theories of atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) have been utilized to investigate the hydrogen bonds involved in all the systems. The interaction energies of the complexes corrected by basis set superposition error are between −93.00–−76.69 kJ/mol. The calculating results indicate that strong hydrogen bonding interactions have been found in the luteolin‐thymine complexes.
Dinuclear MnIII Compounds [{Mn(bpy)(H2O)}2(μ‐4‐RC6H4COO)2(μ‐O)](NO3)2 (R = Me, F, CF3, MeO, tBu): Effect of the R Group on the Magnetic Properties and the Catalase Activity
Authors: Corbella Montserrat , Fernández Gema , González Patricia , Maestro Miguel , Font‐Bardia Mercè , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen
Published: March 2012

Five new dinuclear MnIII compounds [{Mn(bpy)(H2O)}2(μ‐4‐RC6H4COO)2(μ‐O)](NO3)2 [R = Me (1), F (2), CF3 (3), MeO (4) and tBu (5); bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine] have been synthesized; compounds 1–3 have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, a few crystals of the MnIII compound[{Mn(bpy)(H2O)}(μ‐4‐FC6H4COO)(μ‐O){Mn(NO3)(bpy)(H2O)}](NO3)2 (6) have been obtained. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility data of 1–5 were recorded; all compounds show ferromagnetic behaviour with J = 1.48 cm–1 for 1, 1.44 cm–1 for 2, 5.66 cm–1 for 3, 3.22 cm–1 for 4 and 2.68 cm–1 for 5 (H = –JS1·S2); and |DMn| = 1.5 cm–1 and |EMn| = 0.5 cm–1 for all compounds except for 2, for which these values are 2.85 and 0.7 cm–1, respectively. The coordination octahedron around the MnIII ions shows a rhombic distortion due to the coordination of a water molecule. This kind of distortion and the R group of the benzoato–derivative bridge in a para position favour ferromagnetic behaviour. Moreover, the presence of an electron‐withdrawing substituent increases this magnetic character. All compounds show catalase activity with a conversion range between 20 and 55 % of the initial H2O2 within 10 min. Compounds 4, 5 and 3 with an electron‐donating R group are more efficient than 2, 3 with electron‐withdrawing groups.
Label‐Free Electrochemical Imaging of Latent Fingerprints on Metal Surfaces
Authors: Qin Gang , Zhang Meiqin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Yang , McIntosh Mike , Li Xiao , Zhang Xueji
Published: March 2012

A label‐free electrochemical method based on scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has been developed to image latent fingerprints with high resolution on five kinds of metal surfaces (platinum, gold, silver, copper and stainless steel), as it could measure the minor conductivity differences of the substrate surface and avoid the interference of the background‐color. The images of sebaceous fingerprints on clean metals were revealed by SECM with ferrocene methanol acting as a redox mediator to detect the topology of the fingerprint deposits in constant‐height feedback mode. Inhibition of electrochemical processes on areas of the surface masked by the insulating fingerprint residues generated a negative image of the fingerprint.
A ZFN/ piggyBac step closer to autologous liver cell therapy
Authors: Mattis Aras N. , Willenbring Holger
Published: March 2012

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a unique opportunity for regenerative medicine because they offer the prospect of generating unlimited quantities of cells for autologous transplantation, with potential application in treatments for a broad range of disorders. However, the use of human iPSCs in the context of genetically inherited human disease will require the correction of disease-causing mutations in a manner that is fully compatible with clinical applications. The methods currently available, such as homologous recombination, lack the necessary efficiency and also leave residual sequences in the targeted genome. Therefore, the development of new approaches to edit the mammalian genome is a prerequisite to delivering the clinical promise of human iPSCs. Here we show that a combination of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and

piggyBac

technology in human iPSCs can achieve biallelic correction of a point mutation (Glu342Lys) in the α1-antitrypsin (

A1AT
, also known as

SERPINA1

) gene that is responsible for α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Genetic correction of human iPSCs restored the structure and function of A1AT in subsequently derived liver cells

in vitro

and

in vivo
. This approach is significantly more efficient than any other gene-targeting technology that is currently available and crucially prevents contamination of the host genome with residual non-human sequences. Our results provide the first proof of principle, to our knowledge, for the potential of combining human iPSCs with genetic correction to generate clinically relevant cells for autologous cell-based therapies.
Prognostic influence of BCL2 expression in breast cancer
Authors: Hwang Ki‐Tae , Woo Jung Woo , Shin Hee Chul , Kim Han Suk , Ahn Soo Kyung , Moon Hyeong‐Gon , Han Wonshik , Park In Ae , Noh Dong‐Young
Published: March 2012

Although BCL2 has occasionally been suggested as a candidate prognostic factor for breast cancer, it is still not accepted as a prognostic factor. We attempted to validate the role of BCL2 as a prognostic factor of breast cancer. Data on 7,230 primary breast cancer patients from the Seoul National University Hospital Breast Care Center were analyzed. Three current prognostic models, including the St. Gallen model, the Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) model and the TNM model, were used for analysis of the prognostic influence of BCL2. The positive BCL2 group showed more favorable features with regard to clinicopathologic parameters than the BCL2 negative group and a strong correlation was observed between BCL2 and the hormonal receptor. The positive BCL2 group showed better prognosis in overall survival and disease free survival (log‐rank test, both p < 0.001), even in all subgroups, than the BCL2 negative group. BCL2 was a significant prognostic factor in both univariate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.361; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.306–0.426; p < 0.001) and multivariate analyses (HR, 0.417; 95% CI, 0.417–0.705; p < 0.001). BCL2 had a strong influence on the established prognostic models, including the St. Gallen model, the NPI model and the TNM model. BCL2 was a powerful independent prognostic factor for breast cancer and had a strong influence on the current prognostic models. Favorable clinicopathologic features and a strong correlation with the hormonal receptor are suggested as the causes of superior survival in patients with BCL2 positive breast cancer.
Diagnosis of the performance of the state‐specific multireference coupled‐cluster method with different truncation schemes
Authors: Mahapatra Uttam Sinha , Chattopadhyay Sudip
Published: March 2012

We have tested the linked version of a iterative (partial) triples correction for the Jeziorski‐Monkhorst ansatz based state‐specific multireference coupled cluster (SS‐MRCC) approach with singles and doubles (SD) excitations [abbreviated as SS‐MRCCSDT‐1a and SS‐MRCCSDT‐1a+d]. The assessments of SS‐MRCCSDT‐1a and SS‐MRCCSDT‐1a+d schemes have been performed on the ground potential energy surface (PES) of P4, ${\rm Li}_2$, and ${\rm Be}_2$ systems which demand the MR description, and on study of the excitation energy between the ground and first excited state for P4 system. Illustrations in the isomerization of cyclobutadiene also show the power of the schemes. One of the designed features of the SS‐MRCCSDT‐n methods introduced here is that they do not require storage of the triples amplitudes. In the entire range of geometries, we found a definite improvement provided by SS‐MRCC with SDT‐1a and SDT‐1a+d schemes over the standard SD one. In the nondegenerate regions of PES, the closeness of the performance of the single‐reference CC to the SS‐MRCC methods increases after inclusion of even partial triple excitations. Generally, the performance of the SS‐MRCCSDT‐1a+d approach is closer to the corresponding full configuration interaction (FCI) one than to the SS‐MRCCSDT‐1a specially in the degenerate geometries (as is evident from nonparallelism error). The deviation from FCI for the first excited state of the P4 model using various SS‐MRCC theories with different truncation schemes obtained by converging on the second root of the effective Hamiltonian has also been reported. We also compare our results with the current generation state‐of‐the‐art single and multireference CC calculations to envisage the usefulness of the present approach. Initial implementation indicates that the SS‐MRCCSDT‐n formalism can provide not only reliable excitation energies and barrier height even when used in a relatively small model space, but also offers a considerable promise in generating the entire energy surface with low nonparallelity error. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing a Model of Research Intention Among U.K. Clinical Psychologists: A Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Eke Gemma , Holttum Sue , Hayward Mark
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Previous research highlights barriers to clinical psychologists conducting research, but has rarely examined U.K. clinical psychologists. The study investigated U.K. clinical psychologists’ self‐reported research output and tested part of a theoretical model of factors influencing their intention to conduct research.

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to 1,300 U.K. clinical psychologists.

Results

Three hundred and seventy‐four questionnaires were returned (29% response‐rate). This study replicated in a U.K. sample the finding that the modal number of publications was zero, highlighted in a number of U.K. and U.S. studies. Research intention was bimodally distributed, and logistic regression classified 78% of cases successfully. Outcome expectations, perceived behavioral control and normative beliefs mediated between research training environment and intention.

Conclusions

Further research should explore how research is negotiated in clinical roles, and this issue should be incorporated into prequalification training.
Surrogate modeling of microwave structures using kriging, co‐kriging, and space mapping
Authors: Couckuyt Ivo , Koziel Slawomir , Dhaene Tom
Published: March 2012

Space mapping (SM) is one of the most popular techniques for creating computationally cheap and reasonably accurate surrogates of electromagnetic‐simulated microwave structures (so‐called fine models) using underlying coarse models, typically equivalent circuits. One of the drawbacks of SM is that although good modeling accuracy can be obtained using a limited number of training points, SM is not capable of efficiently utilizing larger amount of fine model information, even if it is available. In this paper, we consider various ways of enhancing SM surrogates by exploiting additional training data as well as two function approximation methodologies, kriging and co‐kriging. To our knowledge, it is the first application of co‐kriging for microwave circuit modeling. With three examples of microstrip filters, we present a comprehensive numerical study in which we compare the accuracy of the basic SM models as well as SM enhanced by kriging and co‐kriging. Direct kriging interpolation of fine model data is used as a reference. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphorylation of serine 774 of the neural cell adhesion molecule is necessary for cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein activation and neurite outgrowth
Authors: Pollscheit Juliane , Glaubitz Nicole , Haller Hannes , Horstkorte Rüdiger , Bork Kaya
Published: March 2012

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) plays a fundamental role during development and regeneration. NCAM is expressed in three major isoforms, two of them with intracellular domains of different length and one without any intracellular domain. The cytoplasmic domain of NCAM contains, depending on the isoform, up to 49 phosphorylation sites, and it has been demonstrated previously by phosphoproteomic analysis that NCAM is phosphorylated on serine 774. However, the impact of NCAM phosphorylation is unclear. Here we have analyzed the phosphorylation of serine 774 in more detail and found that phosphorylation of this site is crucial for NCAM‐mediated signal transduction. A serine‐to‐alanine exchange at position 774 (NCAM140‐S774A) resulted in decreased activation of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) after NCAM stimulation and, as a consequence, in decreased neurite outgrowth of NCAM140‐S774A‐transfected B35 neuroblastoma cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocrystallisation of (perylene)2[M(mnt)2] salts
Authors: Afonso Mónica L. , Silva Rafaela A. L. , Matos Manuel , Henriques Rui T. , Almeida Manuel
Published: March 2012

The study of the family of compounds α‐(Per)2[M(mnt)2], (M = Cu, Au, Ni, Pd, Pt, Co, Fe) has started more than 30 years ago with the report of first members, but has been always limited by difficulties in the growth of high quality and large single crystals. These compounds can be obtained by oxidation of perylene in the presence of anion salts, either with iodine or electrochemically. The electrocrystallisation, which usually yields better quality crystals than the chemical oxidation route, has however several limitations and it is significantly more difficult to apply to these perylene compounds, which may present different stoichiometries and polymorphs, than to charge transfer salts of many other donors. These difficulties are associated with the low solubility of perylene and the instability of its radical cation in solution. The results of a systematic study to optimise the growth conditions of these compounds by electrocrystallisation and to identify key factors governing the formation of their different phases are presented. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of multiple exposures in the case‐crossover design via sparse conditional likelihood
Authors: Avalos Marta , Grandvalet Yves , Adroher Nuria Duran , Orriols Ludivine , Lagarde Emmanuel
Published: March 2012

We adapt the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) and other sparse methods (elastic net and bootstrapped versions of lasso) to the conditional logistic regression model and provide a fullRimplementation. These variable selection procedures are applied in the context of case‐crossover studies. We study the performances of conventional and sparse modelling strategies by simulations, then empirically compare results of these methods on the analysis of the association between exposure to medicinal drugs and the risk of causing an injurious road traffic crash in elderly drivers. Controlling the false discovery rate of lasso‐type methods is still problematic, but this problem is also present in conventional methods. The sparse methods have the ability to provide a global analysis of dependencies, and we conclude that some of the variants compared here are valuable tools in the context of case‐crossover studies with a large number of variables. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A standards‐based model of system maintainability requirements
Authors: Al‐Sarayreh Khalid T. , Abran Alain , Cuadrado‐Gallego Juan J.
Published: March 2012

The nonfunctional requirements (NFR) are often captured only generically at a fairly high level, and they do not include the levels of detail necessary at this stage for the system engineers to allocate them as specific functionalities to be handled either by the software or the hardware, or a specific combination of the two. The European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) series of standards for the aerospace industry includes maintainability requirements as one of 16 types of NFR for embedded and real‐time software. A number of maintainability‐related concepts are dispersed throughout the ECSS, ISO 9126, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards to describe, at varying levels of detail, the various types of candidate maintainability requirements at the system, software, and hardware levels. This paper organizes these dispersed maintainability concepts into a standards‐based reference model of system maintainability requirements. The availability of this reference model can facilitate the early identification of the system maintainability‐NFR and their detailed allocation as specific maintainability functions to be handled by the specified allocation to hardware or software, or a specific combination of the two. In the absence of such a reference model, these NFR are typically handled in practice much later on in the software development life cycle, when at system testing time, users and developers find out that a number of maintainability requirements have been overlooked and additional effort has to be expended to implement them. The approach adopted in this research for the structure of this reference NFR model is based on the generic model of software functional requirements proposed in the COSMIC – ISO 19761 model, thereby allowing the functional size of such maintainability requirements allocated to software to be measured. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution from symbol‐level space–time coded MIMO to chip‐level space–time coded MIMO: a review
Authors: Sun Si‐Yue , Yu Qi‐Yue , Meng Wei‐Xiao , Chen Hsiao‐Hwa
Published: March 2012

Space–time coded multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) technology is an important technique that improves the performance of wireless communication systems significantly without consuming bandwidth resource. This paper first discusses the characteristics and limitations of traditional symbol‐level space–time coding schemes, which work largely on the basis of an assumption that signals are sent to a block‐fading channel. Therefore, the symbol‐level space–time coding schemes rely on symbol‐level signal processing. Taking advantage of orthogonal complementary codes, we propose a novel MIMO scheme, in this paper, based on chip‐level space–time coding that is different from the traditional symbol‐level space–time coding. With the help of space–time–frequency complementary coding and multicarrier modem, the proposed scheme is able to achieve multipath interference‐free and multiuser interference‐free communications with simple a correlator detector. The proposed chip‐level space–time coded MIMO works well even in a fast fading channel in addition to its flexibility to achieve diversity and multiplexing gains simultaneously in varying channel environments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Game‐theoretic computing in risk analysis
Authors: Sahinoglu Mehmet , Cueva‐Parra Luis , Ang David
Published: March 2012

Risk analysis, comprising risk assessment and risk management stages, is one of the most popular and challenging topics of our times because security and privacy, and availability and usability culminating at the trustworthiness of cybersystems and cyber information is at stake. The precautionary need derives from the existence of defenders versus adversaries, in an everlasting Darwinian scenario dating back to early human history of warriors fighting for their sustenance to survive. Fast forwarding to today's information warfare, whether in networks or healthcare or national security, the currently dire situation necessitates more than a hand calculator to optimize (maximize gains or minimize losses) risk due to prevailing scarce economic resources. This article reviews the previous works completed on this specialized topic of game‐theoretic computing, its methods and applications toward the purpose of quantitative risk assessment and cost‐optimal management in many diverse disciplines including entire range of informatics‐related topics. Additionally, this review considers certain game‐theoretic topics in depth historically, and those computationally resourceful such as Neumann's two‐way zero‐sum pure equilibrium and optimal mixed strategy solutions versus Nash equilibria with pure and mixed strategies. Computational examples are provided to highlight the significance of game‐theoretic solutions used in risk assessment and management, particularly in reference to cybersystems and information security. WIREs Comput Stat 2012, 4:227–248. doi: 10.1002/wics.1205

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Linear Programming

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Networks and Security
A virtual-reality subtotal tonsillectomy simulator
Authors: Ruthenbeck G S , Tan S B , Carney A S , Hobson J C , Reynolds K J
Published: March 2012

Objectives:

To develop a virtual-reality subtotal tonsillectomy simulation for surgical training.

Materials and Methods:

Computer models of a male patient's head and throat, and the surgical instrument, were created. These models were combined with custom-built simulation software. Recently developed tissue simulation technology that exploits recent developments in programmable graphics processing units was used to model tonsillar tissue in a way that allows surgical interaction whilst providing accurate tactile feedback. Current real-time rendering techniques were used to provide realistic visuals. Iterative refinements were made to the simulation, and in particular the tissue simulation, in consultation with relevantly experienced surgeons.

Results:

We have used newly developed tissue simulation technology to developed a novel virtual-reality subtotal tonsillectomy simulation for surgical training, the first of its kind.

Conclusion:

Early feedback suggests that this simulator can help surgeons to rapidly acquire subtotal tonsillectomy surgical skills in a risk-free and realistic virtual environment.
Supplemental relative clauses: Internal and external syntax
Authors: LEE-GOLDMAN RUSSELL
Published: March 2012

The internal syntactic structures of restrictive and non-restrictive relative clauses are largely identical. This paper argues that despite a uniform internal structure, the external distributions – specifically, linearization with respect to the head – of non-restrictive relative clauses are subject to several conditions. In particular, sentential non-restrictive relative clauses withwhichandwhatcan appear to the left of their heads in limited (and distinct) syntactic contexts. These lexical and syntactic constraints are represented within the framework of Sign-based Construction Grammar. In light of these observations, the paper revisits claims about the internal structure of parentheticalas-clauses. Prior claims thatascannot be a relativizer are shown to be unfounded, and new data are presented in favor of treating them as relative clauses with the external distribution of sentential adverbials. This is possible given the ability to state separately specifications of construction-internal syntactic structure and construction-external linear-order constraints.
Rapid identification of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in NSW using terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism
Authors: ASHER A. J. , WALDRON L. S. , POWER M. L.
Published: March 2012

Humans are infected by 2 genetic assemblages (A and B) of Giardia duodenalis, a protozoan parasite that causes gastro-intestinal disease. Sub-assemblages AI, AII, BIII and BIV are commonly identified in human cases. Detection requires amplification of G. duodenalis loci. Subsequent DNA sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) identifies sub-assemblages but is expensive (DNA sequencing) or insensitive (RFLP). This study investigated a fluorescence-based detection method, using terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene to characterize human infections. Clinical samples (n=73), positive for Giardia were collected in New South Wales, Australia, and were used to evaluate T-RFLP detection. The accuracy and sensitivity of T-RFLP detection was established by comparison to DNA sequencing and RFLP. Sub-assemblage assignment by T-RFLP identified BIV as the common subtype in N.S.W cases, whilst AI, AII and BIII were also detected. When compared to DNA sequencing and RFLP, analysis by T-RFLP was a reliable and reproducible method. Automated fluorescent detection enabled accurate sizing of restriction fragments and provided a sensitive alternative to RFLP. Discrimination of sub-assemblages by T-RFLP was comparable to DNA sequencing, but was efficient and inexpensive. The protocol described here provides a rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool for routine sample screenings in epidemiological research.