bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycotoxins in food and the risk to consumer health
Authors: Kos Jovana J
Published: April 2024

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi mainly produced by Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Presence of mycotoxins in food and feed may have numerous health consequences, for both human and animals. Furthermore, occurrence of fungi and mycotoxins in food and feed can cause great economic losses. Therefore, in the recent decades mycotoxins are recognized as significant worldwide concern. Although several hundred different mycotoxins are known, obligatory control as well as maximum levels are defined only for the following mycotoxins: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins and patulin. However, in the recent years, scientific attention is increasingly focused on many new mycotoxins and their involvement in different adverse effects on human and animals health. Furthermore, climate changes are recognized as important factors that seriously affect recent increases in fungi and mycotoxins occurrence worldwide. Based on everything stated above it could be noticed that mycotoxins, as one of the most toxic and the most frequent chemical contaminants of food chain, represent serious concerns and a growing global problem. However, due to non-implementation of continuous control and permanent monitoring of mycotoxins, there is still lack of data related to the occurrence of mycotoxins in the Republic of Srpska. There is a need for Republic of Srpska to enhance the control strategy of mycotoxins which would begreatly contribute to the increase of available data and further improvement of food and feed quality and safety, as well as decrease of economic losses. The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of the most significant and most recent researches related to the occurrence of mycotoxins in food.
Establishment of the presence of biological and chemical contaminents in food
Authors: Cvetković Dragan , Petrović Sanja , Zvezdanović Jelena , Savić Saša , Cakić Milorad
Published: April 2024

The importance and necessity of food quality control can be observed from two aspects at least – the safety and reliability of the certain foodstaff consumption as well as the rising of consumers' confidence in the producers. Bearing this in mind, it is not necessary to emphasize the importance of continuous improvement of existing and development of new spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques dealing with food quality control. In order to sumarizе modern-day achievements, the aim of this chapter was to review the newest technical and technological modifications of existing spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques just used in food testing and control. As the most commonly exploited techniques – infrared, Raman, fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy are selected from a rich spectroscopic arsenal, as well as gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry from the group of chromatographic techniques.
Plants – an invaluable wealth of the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Janjić Vaskrsija
Published: April 2024

This chapter discusses the global importance of plants not only in the Republic of Srpska but also in the surrounding countries and in the world as a whole. The importance of plants is considered through their role in the formation of organic matter using solar energy. The role of man in the process of education of organic matter is considered, and then an overview of the biodiversity of the plant world in different regions of the Earth as well as the floristic richness in certain countries of the world is given. The importance of using plants in the creation of new varieties and hybrids is especially considered, and the importance of wild relatives for selection, hybridization and theoretical scientific research is especially pointed out. In the Republic of Srpska, not enough, systematic and planned work has been done on the study of floridiversity and the creation of new varieties and hybrids, which represents great damage, but also the obligation to start comprehensive work on this, for the country, very important program in the near future. Selection and creation of new varieties and hybrids is not a novelty of our time. For centuries, people have been selecting and sowing the best seeds. But the creation of new varieties and hybrids is impossible without wild relatives. Wild relatives represent an invaluable natural resource, a source of genes for specific adaptations, an inexhaustible gene pool for new crosses and selection, a biological resource from which a selectively depleted strain, variety or variety can be quickly realized by genetic engineering and other biotechnological methods. Wild species from our flora are of inestimable importance for selection, hybridization, plantation as well as theoretical scientific research. Various restrictions on crop production, such as the use of mineral fertilizers, the damage caused to plant production by plant diseases, pests and weeds, and the various problems arising from the use of pesticides, have been specifically addressed. Problems with the cultivation of genetically modified plants have been briefly addressed among the challenges in plant production. Small and underdeveloped countries, which include Republika Srpska to a significant extent, were spared from such negative consequences. Therefore, this century will be characterized by the need for effective protection of agroecosystems, plants and other living world.
Current situation and challenges in production, use and control of the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the world, European Union and Republic of Srpska
Authors: Trkulјa Vojislav , Janjić Vaskrsija , Pržulj Novo
Published: April 2024

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genome has been engineered in a way that could never happen in normal reproduction or natural recombination of existing genes within species, which means in a way that would never happen in nature. First generation of genetically modified plants have been engineered in order to facilitate their cultivation and varieties and hybrids of herbicide tolerant genetically modified plants dominated as well as plants resistant to various harmful organisms (insects and phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses). These days there is rapid work on further research and gradual introduction of the so-called second and third generation of GM plants with improved nutritional quality and new technological and other traits, such as delayed fruit ripening, stress resistance as well as drought, salinity and low soil fertility tolerance, which all together open up new approaches and opportunities to overcome the well-known limitations of tropical agriculture. However, biotechnology is currently under the light of internal debate between the supportive ones and those who are bitter opponents of GMOs. This debate includes not only scientific but also political, economic, social, health, ethical and philosophical issues. For scientists, but also for all of us, this is a great challenge that requires much more extensive, transparent and engaging research, including the allocation of decision-making and profit in a completely new way. The paper describes the current situation of production, legislation and use of GMOs in the world, European Union and in our country, as well as the most significant challenges production, approval, use and control of genetically modified organisms face today.
Vietnamese-Chinese tourism Cooperation 1991-2022
Authors: Hoang Van Tham , Bui Thi Hoang Yen , Vo Truc Ly Thi
Published: April 2024

The study is devoted to the cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism from 1991 to 2022. The relevance of the topic is considered due to the long-term historical relations between the two countries, which play a key role in the regional context. With the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950 and their normalization in 1991, relations have become stronger and more stable, covering various fields, including tourism. The object of the study is the cooperation between Vietnam and China in the field of tourism, and the subject includes directions, formats, mechanisms and prospects of cooperation over the specified period. The purpose of the work is to identify the specifics and analyze trends in the development of this cooperation, highlighting the historical background, formats of cooperation, directions of tourist flows, mechanisms of interaction and development prospects. This study is based on the theory of international relations, in particular, liberalism, to analyze the dynamics of Vietnamese-Chinese relations in the context of tourism in the period from 1991 to 2022. The study was conducted using systemic and socio-cultural approaches, as well as using mixed methods, including data analysis, interviews and a literature review. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the modern international context on Vietnamese-Chinese cooperation in the field of tourism. The main focus is on the prospects for sustainable development of the tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of qualitative and quantitative improvements. The findings of the study point to the active development of tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China over the past 30 years, noting the constant growth in the number of tourists. Cooperation is expanding and deepening through the use of various mechanisms, such as improving the legal framework, improving the quality of services, developing new routes, developing tourism products, introducing smart tourism and protecting cultural heritage. Thus, the article provides a comprehensive look at Vietnamese-Chinese tourism cooperation, emphasizing its importance for both countries in the context of integration and development of the region.
SUMOylation of zebrafish transcription factor Zbtb21 affects its transcription activity
Authors: Fang Zhou , Deng Yun , Wang Haihong , Zhou Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

Post-translational modification by Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) is an important mechanism to regulate protein activity, protein stability, and localization of substrates. Zbtb21 is a zinc finger and BTB (Broad-complex, Tram-track and Bric à brac) domain-containing transcription factor. Bioinformatic prediction suggests several putative SUMOylated sites in Zbtb21 protein.

Methods

Two evolutionarily conserved lysine residues in Zbtb21 protein were mutated alone or in combination to disrupt the binding with SUMO molecules. Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation analyses were performed to detect the SUMOylation state of wild type and mutant Zbtb21 proteins, respectively. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to evaluate their transcription activities. Meanwhile, immunofluorescence staining was carried out to show their sub-nuclear localizations. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation was performed to detect the interaction between Zbtb21 and its partners.

Results

Phylogenetically conserved lysines 419 and 845 of zebrafish Zbtb21 protein can be conjugated with SUMO molecules. SUMOylation does not affect the subcellular localization and protein stability of Zbtb21, as well as the interaction with Zbtb14 or Zbtb21. Nevertheless, luciferase reporter assays revealed that Zbtb21 is a dual-function transcription factor which exerts activation or repression effect on different promoters, and SUMOylation can modulate the transcriptional activity of Zbtb21 in regulating downstream target genes. Hence, Zbtb21 is identified as a novel substrate of SUMOylation, which would be important for its function.

Conclusions

Zebrafish Zbtb21 protein can be SUMOylated on lysines 419 and 845, which is evolutionary conserved. SUMOylation affects the dual role of Zbtb21 on transcription.
Current Global Occurrence of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) Infections in Hospitalized Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: Silva Martinair Santana da , Prado Júlio César Sousa , Oliveira Maria Walcleanes Magalhães de , Quelemes Patrick Veras , Barbosa Francisco Cesar Barroso
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global issue. One of the primary resistance mechanisms is the ability of microbes to deactivate antimicrobial drugs through the production of expanded-spectrum β-lactamases enzymes (ESBL), such as carbapenemases. Among the pathogens associated with multidrug resistance, Klebsiella pneumoniae has a high frequency, particularly in hospital settings. This study presents a narrative review of the literature from the scientific databases of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and the Cochrane Library on the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in hospitalized patients, identifying current studies that may contribute to understand the spread of resistant bacteria. The review was conducted in September 2023 with the aim of summarizing evidence. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and 20 articles were included, covering the continents of the America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, to select the most recent studies about CRKP. In the studies analyzed, nosocomial isolates predominantly originated from sputum samples, followed by urine and blood. Molecular analysis revealed that most microorganisms exhibiting resistance to carbapenems harbored the blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaOXA-48 genes. However, there is epidemiological variation among continents, underscoring the need for more knowledge about genetic diversity and the implementation of active surveillance culture programs to facilitate prompt action with appropriate therapy and minimal patient risk. These findings indicate a necessity for heightened vigilance by hospital infection control committees to prevent potential spread and outbreaks of bacteria carrying carbapenem resistance genes.
Energizing the Next Generation and Strengthening the Agriculture Sector: Validating Key Indicators for Farm Exit in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasinghe M.G.M.G.C. , Rajapakshe Wasantha
Published: April 2024

Rural farmers in Sri Lanka face considerable challenges that often lead to the abandonment of farming activities, posing significant implications for agricultural sustainability and rural livelihoods. This study aims to explore the critical risk factors associated with farmers ceasing agricultural activities in Sri Lanka, addressing a gap in existing literature by focusing specifically on rural areas within the country. Employing in-depth interviews conducted across three subregions of Sri Lanka, a series of 14 comprehensive interviews is conducted until data saturation is achieved. Thematic analysis of the interview data reveals 14 sub-themes and four interconnected main themes: the unpredictable nature of farming, scarcity of agricultural land, and social perception of farming, along with the lack of government assistance. Additionally, insights into why younger generations are increasingly leaving agriculture were uncovered. The findings underscore the urgent need for policymakers' involvement in addressing these issues to enhance farmers’ well-being and mitigate attrition in the rural agricultural sector. This study contributes to the understanding of the factors determining farmer exit from rural agriculture in Sri Lanka and highlights the importance of targeted interventions to support sustainable rural livelihoods.
Optimizing Nutrient Recommendations for Bottle Gourd Crop by Formulation of Targeted Yield Equations in an Inceptisol of Odisha, India
Authors: Revathi Badireddi , Saren Subhashis , Dash Prava Kiran , Mishra Antaryami , Sethy Srikanta Kumar , Pattnaik Truptimayee , Dey Pradip
Published: April 2024

A field experiment was conducted to formulate targeted yield equations for bottle gourd under a rice-vegetable cropping system in an Inceptisol of Odisha. The experiment started with the creation of three soil fertility gradient stripes by applying no fertilizer, recommended dose and double the recommended dose of fertilizer in rice (cv. Lalat) during the kharif season. Each fertility gradient strip was divided into 24 sub-plots and superimposed with 21 different combinations of nutrients containing N, P, and K; FYM in two plots at 5t and 10t ha-1 and one plot was kept as absolute control following which, bottle gourd was grown during the rabi season. The highest yield (116.3q ha-1) of bottle gourd was achieved in S-III with an application of 70, 100, and 100 kg N, P2O5, and K2O per hectare, respectively. The nutrient requirement (NR) for producing one quintal of bottle gourd yield was 0.30, 0.20, and 0.30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. The effect of graded doses of fertilizers on nutrient requirement, yield and nutrient uptake of bottle gourd were studied and subsequently, fertilizer prescription equations were derived for targeted yield of bottle gourd. A ready reckoner chart has also been prepared for facilitating farmers to achieve the desired yield target of bottle gourd by applying the required quantity of plant nutrients in the existing soil fertility level. The equations provide a basis for site-specific nutrient management based on desired yield targets under varying soil fertility conditions.
Effect of NPS Rates and Row Spacing on Production of Faba Bean (Viciafaba L.) at High-land of North Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Biri Alemayehu , Sefera Gashaw , Feyisa Abreham , Kinati Name , Bedada Endale
Published: April 2024

Plant density and poor soil fertility are among the major factors that limit faba bean production in the study areas. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum NPS (nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur with the ratio of 19% N, 38% P2O5, and 7% S) rate and appropriate inter-row spacing for faba bean production in the highlands of the north Shewa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Factorial combination of four rates of NPS (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (30, 40, 50, 60cm) were laid out in a Randomized Compete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The result of the study indicated that the soil required amending with organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. Both the main and the interaction effects of NPS and inter-row spacing significantly influenced the faba bean phenological and growth parameters. However, NPS had more profound effects in enhancing the growth response of the crop than inter-row spacing. Increasing the rate of NPS from nil to 100 kg ha-1 resulted in a 30% increase in grain yield, with no further increases noted beyond this level. However, the result revealed that increased inter-row spacing from 30cm to 60cm decreased grain yield. Decreasing inter-row spacing implies high plant density, which consequently correlates with high yield. The total yield per unit area depends not only on the performance of individual plants but also on the density of plants per unit area, as confirmed in this study. The maximum net benefit of 91,639.5 ETB ha-1 with an acceptable marginal rate of return 486.3% was obtained from the application of 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate and 30 cm inter-row spacing. Thus, this rate and inter-row spacing are suggested for faba bean production in the north shewa zone.
Molecular and Morphological Profiling of Rice Cultivars Using Hypervariable Microsatellite Markers and DUS Descriptors
Authors: Veeraghattapu Roja , Modugu Tushara , Badugu Krishnaveni , Jallu Pranaya , KalCluru Sudhamani , Chapara Rani
Published: April 2024

Identification and protection of varieties is one of the most important tasks in the plant breeding programme. As the number of new varieties increasing year by year, there is a need to protect and maintain the purity of the varieties. DNA fingerprinting studies allows us to identify the plant varieties with high precision as it is not influenced by environment and other factors. In this context, the present study has been taken up for morphological and molecular profiling of 20 rice genotypes using 39 DUS descriptors and SSR markers. The field experiment was conducted during the year Kharif 2021 and Kharif 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, Bapatla and molecular profiling studies were conducted at RARS, Lam, Guntur.  Significant variations were observed for 16 morphological traits at different growth stages, which are relatively more informative in the identification and characterization of rice genotypes. A total of 45 polymorphic SSR markers were used to screen 20 rice genotypes, which produced 336 alleles. The number of alleles produced by these markers ranged from 3 (RM1048) to 15 (RM124) with an average number of alleles of 7.46 per marker. The PIC values of these markers ranged from 0.54 (RM1048) to 0.92 (RM124) with an average PIC value of 0.75. SSR based molecular profiles were developed using 12 highly polymorphic SSR markers viz., RM495, RM6933, RM489, RM6006, RM3351, RM510, RM418, RM3215, RM105, RM6364, RM144 and RM2972 for discrimination of each genotype as well as easy identification.
Effect of Nitrogen, Zinc and Iron Fertilization on the Economic Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L)
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Pardeep , Qidwai Sidra , Yadav Vikas , Kaushik Shivam , Kumar Praveen
Published: April 2024

The experiment was carried out entitled “Effect of nitrogen fertilizer and Ferti-fortification through zinc and iron on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum)” at the Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, (U.P.) during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The soil of the experimental area was sandy clay loam with low organic matter, available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron and slightly alkaline in reaction. The result of the experiment revealed that the maximum grain yield (52.83 q ha-1 and 51.44 q ha-1), straw yield (66.06 q ha-1 and 65.40 q ha-1), net returns (₹ 106,008 ha-1 and ₹ 112,155 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.27 & 3.26) was recorded with recommended nitrogen (150 kg N ha-1) + foliar zinc (0.5%) + foliar iron (0.5 %) treatments during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.
Taxonomic Distribution of Major Insect Pest of Rabi Season at Jhansi (U.P.) Using Solar Powered Light Traps
Authors: Chaturvedi Kushal , Vaishampayan Sanjay , Kumar Naveen , Rai Ankit , Akanksha . , Seervi Sitaram
Published: April 2024

The experiment was conducted at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (UP) during the period March and April, 2021 to study the taxonomic distribution of insect pest species collected in Solar powered Light Traps model SMV- 8 and SMV- 9 using low energy light source i.e. 7w UV LED.  According to taxonomic analysis, 8 insect species were recorded and they belong to four orders and eight families. Based on the number of species collected, the order Lepidoptera had the biggest collection (42 per cent), followed by the order Coleoptera with 3 species (40 per cent). The pyraliidae family has the most insect pests (25 per cent), followed by the Scarabaeidae family (19 per cent).
Effect of Biofertilizers and Zinc Micronutrients on yield and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Raj Kumar , Singh Rajesh , Pradhan Akankhya
Published: April 2024

The research work was done out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj U.P( India), to study the effect of biofertilizers and zinc sulphate on growth and yield of Maize. The treatments consist of Bio-fertilizers PSB, Azotobacter,( PSB) + Azotobacter and ZnSO4 (20, 25, 30 kg/ha) done under RBD with ten treatments and replicated three times. The soil of research trial plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). The outcomes showed that the taller plants (159.03 cm), higher plant dry weight (162.70 g/plant), maximum crop growth rate (26.250 g/m2/day), number of cobs/plant (1.8), higher number of rows/cob (16.8), number of seeds per cob (553.4),were achieved by the application of PSB + Azotobacter + ZnSO4 30 kg/ha. Higher gross return (INR 1,49,119.5/ha), higher net return (INR 1,08,439.5.00/ha) and higher Benefit Cost ratio (2.66) were also obtained by the using of (Azotobacter 25 g/kg + PSB: 25 g/kg + 1% Zn+B 1 %).
Economic Viability and Financial Feasibility of Secondary Processing Unit of Turmeric in Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India
Authors: B. M. Navyashree, , Vedamurthy K. B. , Vaishnavi . , M. N. Venkataramana, , B. Ujjwal,
Published: April 2024

Turmeric is an important commercial crop with both domestic and international demand facing challenges due to the absence of organized processing units at production centres. Addressing this gap requires a thorough analysis of the economic viability and financial feasibility of establishing turmeric processing units to empower stakeholders and foster agricultural advancement in the study area. The study was conducted in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, by collecting primary data on establishment and annual processing costs and secondary data on market prices of turmeric rhizome and powder. Financial feasibility analysis revealed positive Net Present Value (NPV) of ₹1,714.36 lakh and ₹623.56 lakh, Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.37 and 1.76, Internal Rate of Returns (IRR) of 76 and 57 per cent at current and constant market prices, respectively. The findings showed that the establishment of turmeric processing units are both economically viable and financially feasible. Emphasizing this potential through extension systems can empower farmers to maximize benefits through mechanized value addition. These insights provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs, Farmers Producers Organizations, Self Help Groups and cooperatives facilitating informed decisions on establishing small-scale turmeric processing units.
Size Effect on Properties of Varistors Made From Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Through Low Temperature Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Macary Léna Saint , Kahn Myrtil L. , Estournès Claude , Fau Pierre , Trémouilles David , Bafleur Marise , Renaud Philippe , Chaudret Bruno
Published: April 2009

Conditions for the elaboration of nanostructured varistors by spark plasma sintering (SPS) are investigated, using 8‐nm zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized following an organometallic approach. A binary system constituted of zinc oxide and bismuth oxide nanoparticles is used for this purpose. It is synthesized at room temperature in an organic solution through the hydrolysis of dicyclohexylzinc and bismuth acetate precursors. Sintering of this material is performed by SPS at various temperatures and dwell times. The determination of the microstructure and the chemical composition of the as‐prepared ceramics are based on scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The nonlinear electrical characteristics are evidenced by current–voltage measurements. The breakdown voltage of these nanostructured varistors strongly depends on grain sizes. The results show that nanostructured varistors are obtained by SPS at sintering temperatures ranging from 550 to 600 °C.
Synthesis, Mechanism, and Gas‐Sensing Application of Surfactant Tailored Tungsten Oxide Nanostructures
Authors: Pokhrel Suman , Simion Cristian E. , Teodorescu Valentin S. , Barsan Nicolae , Weimar Udo
Published: April 2009

Widely applicable nonaqueous solution routes have been employed for the syntheses of crystalline nanostructured tungsten oxide particles from a tungsten hexachloride precursor. Here, a systematic study on the crystallization and assembly behavior of tungsten oxide products made by using the bioligand deferoxamine mesylate (DFOM) (product I), the two chelating ligands hexadecyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) (II) and poly(alkylene oxide) block copolymer (Pluronic P123) (III) is presented. The mechanistic pathways for the material synthesis are also discussed in detail. The tungsten oxide nanomaterials and reaction solutions are characterized by Fourier transform IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopies, powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, and selected‐area electron diffraction. The indexing of the line pattern suggests WO3 is in its monoclinic structure with a = 0.7297 nm, b = 0.7539 nm, c = 0.7688 nm, and β‐i; = 90.91 °. The nanoparticles formed have various architectures, such as chromosomal shapes (product I) and slates (II), which are quite different from the mesoporous one (III) that has internal pores or mesopores ranging from 5 to 15 nm. The nanoparticles obtained from all the synthetic procedures are in the range of 40–60 nm. The investigation of the gas‐sensing properties of these materials indicate that all the sensors have good baseline stability and the sensors fabricated from material III present very different response kinetics and different CO detection properties. The possibility of adjusting the morphology and by that tuning the gas‐sensing properties makes the preparation strategies used interesting candidates for fabricating gas‐sensing materials.
Hierarchic Nanostructure for Auto‐Modulation of Material Release: Mesoporous Nanocompartment Films
Authors: Ji Qingmin , Acharya Somobrata , Hill Jonathan P. , Vinu Ajayan , Yoon Suk Bon , Yu Jong‐Sung , Sakamoto Kazutami , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: April 2009

The preparation of mesoporous nanocompartment films composed of both hollow silica capsules and silica particles by using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) adsorption is described. The resultant nanocompartment films exhibit stepwise release of encapsulated water molecules without application of external stimuli. The hollow hierarchic pore structure of the silica capsules, including their internal void and mesoporous walls, is a key factor for the regulation and stepwise release of water, and is probably caused by the non‐equilibrated concurrent evaporation of material from the mesopore and capillary penetration into the mesopores. The number of release steps and rate of release can be tuned by variation of several parameters including water content, ambient temperature, layer multiplicity, and co‐adduct particle size. Application of the mesoporous nanocompartment films for the release of substances, including therapeutic agents and fragrances, indicates that the stepwise material release can be applied for a wide range of liquid substances. The films should lead to a novel material release system useful even for biomedical applications capable of controlled and sustained delivery of drug molecules.
The DRD3 rs6280 polymorphism and prevalence of tardive dyskinesia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsai Huei‐Ting , North Kari E. , West Suzanne L. , Poole Charles
Published: April 2009

To elucidate a widely suspected but inconclusive association between rs6280 in the dopamine receptor 3 gene (DRD3) and prevalence of tardive dyskinesia (TD), we conducted a meta‐analysis of studies obtained in a systematic search of several bibliographic systems. We conducted several analyses of funnel plot asymmetry, overall heterogeneity, and study characteristics in analyses analogous to general, dominant and recessive inheritance models with the prevalence odds ratio (POR) as the measure of association. Thirteen eligible studies were identified with publication dates between 1997 and 2008. Evidence of funnel plot asymmetry was discerned in the dominant and general model analyses, but not in the recessive model analysis. Stratified analyses indicated that publication year, TD assessment method (Schooler–Kane criteria or other) and TD assessment frequency (single or repeated) were important study characteristics associated with heterogeneous PORs across studies. Studies conducted among patients with older age, fewer women or European (compared with Asian) ancestry reported stronger average PORs. Summary POR estimates under the dominant and general inheritance models were not warranted due to funnel plot asymmetry and heterogeneity. Under the recessive model, the summary estimate was POR = 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–1.23). We conclude that there is no or little association between DRD3 rs6280 polymorphisms and prevalence of TD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: “Pathological” deformation in the skull of LB1, the type specimen of Homo floresiensis
Authors: Kaifu Yousuke , Baba Hisao , Kurniawan Iwan , Sutikna Thomas , Saptomo E. Wahyu , Jatmiko  , Awe Rokhus Due , Kaneko Tsuyoshi , Aziz Fachroel , Djubiantono Tony
Published: April 2009

If the holotype of Homo floresiensis, LB1, suffered from a severe developmental pathology, this could undermine its status as the holotype of a new species. One of the proposed pathological indicators that still remains untested is asymmetric distortion in the skull of LB1 (Jacob et al.: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 103 (2006) 13421–13426). Here, we present evidence that LB1 exhibits antemortem craniofacial deformities that are consistent with posterior deformational (positional) plagiocephaly. This is a relatively common condition in modern people with no serious associated health problems and does not represent a severe developmental abnormality in LB1. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extreme value analysis in biometrics
Authors: Hüsler Jürg
Published: April 2009

We review some approaches of extreme value analysis in the context of biometrical applications. The classical extreme value analysis is based on iid random variables. Two different general methods are applied, which will be discussed together with biometrical examples. Different estimation, testing, goodness‐of‐fit procedures for applications are discussed. Furthermore, some non‐classical situations are considered where the data are possibly dependent, where a non‐stationary behavior is observed in the data or where the observations are not univariate. A few open problems are also stated.
Faecal occult blood test-based screening programme with high compliance for colonoscopy has a strong clinical impact on colorectal cancer
Authors: Parente F , Marino B , DeVecchi N , Moretti R
Published: April 2009

Background

The results of a pilot colorectal cancer screening programme by biennial immunochemical faecal occult blood test (FOBT) are reported.

Methods

All residents aged between 50 and 69 years in the Italian province of Lecco were invited to have a FOBT. Those with a positive result were offered colonoscopy. FOBT uptake and compliance with colonoscopy were assessed. Detection rate and positive predictive value (PPV) for cancer and adenoma were calculated. Tumour stages were compared between screen-detected cancers and other colorectal cancers diagnosed within the target age group.

Results

Some 38 693 (49·6 per cent) of 78 083 individuals had a FOBT and 2392 (6·2 per cent) had a positive result. Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 4·6 per cent and advanced adenoma in 32·7 per cent. PPVs were 4·0 per cent for cancer, 28·1 per cent for advanced adenoma and 36·6 per cent for any adenoma. There was a significant difference in incidence of stage III/IV disease between screened and non-screened cohorts. Compliance for colonoscopy was 92·0 per cent. Major determinants of compliance were age less than 59 years, female sex, high education level and non-manual work.

Conclusion

These results justify extension of colorectal cancer screening to other regions of Italy.
Enantioselective separation and determination of adrafinil and modafinil on Chiralcel OJ‐H column in rat serum and urine using solid‐phase extraction followed by HPLC
Authors: Rao R. Nageswara , Shinde Dhananjay D.
Published: April 2009

A simple and rapid normal‐phase HPLC method for enantiospecific separation of a psychostimulant, adrafinil (ADL), and its metabolite modafinil (MDL) in rat serum and urine was developed. The separation was accomplished on a normal‐phase polysaccharide stationary phase Chiralcel OJ‐H using n‐hexane–ethanol (62:38 v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection was carried out at 225 nm using a photo diode array (PDA) detector. The elution order of the enantiomers was determined by a polarimeter connected in series with the PDA. ADL and its metabolite were recovered from rat serum and urine by solid phase extraction using Oasis HLB cartridges and the mean recoveries were ≥80%. The enantiomers were eluted within 15 min without any interference from endogenous substances. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.998) in the concentration range of 1.20–500 µg/mL for ADL and MDL. The assay was specific, accurate, precise and reproducible (intra‐ and inter‐day precisions RSDs <7.2%). ADL in rat serum was stable over three freeze–thaw cycles at ambient temperature for 4 h. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of adrafinil after an oral administration to rats. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid separation and identification of 54 major constituents in Buyang Huanwu decoction by ultra‐fast HPLC system coupled with DAD‐TOF/MS
Authors: Liu E‐Hu , Qi Lian‐Wen , Peng Yong‐Bo , Cheng Xiao‐Lan , Wu Qian , Li Ping , Li Chang‐Yin
Published: April 2009

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), is a well‐known traditional Chinese preparation consisting of Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Radix paeoniae Rubra, Flos Carthami, Semen Persicae and Lumbricus. An ultra‐fast high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method coupled with diode array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF/MS) has been developed for rapid separation and structural identification of constituents in BYHWD. Using an ultra‐fast HPLC system with short columns (4.6 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm), the total analysis time for this complex prescription is less than 30 min. With various fragmentor voltages in TOF/MS, accurate mass measurements (less than 5 ppm error) for molecular ions and characteristic fragment ions could represent reliable identification criteria for these compounds. Fifty‐four major constituents from BYHWD sample, including four C‐glycosyl quinochalcones, four flavonoid O‐glycosides, sixteen isoflavones, six monoterpene glycosides, eight saponins, four organic acids and five amino acids, were identified or tentatively characterized based on their retention times, DAD and TOF/MS data. All the compounds were further assigned in the seven individual crude drugs. In conclusion, the ultra‐fast HPLC with DAD‐TOF/MS is a highly useful and efficient technique to separate and identify constituents in complex matrices of herbal medicines or preparations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of risperidone and 9‐Hydroxyrisperidone using HPLC, in plasma of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural disorders
Authors: Jones Tanya , Van Breda Karin , Charles Bruce , Dean Angela J. , McDermott Brett M. , Norris Ross
Published: April 2009

A simple, rapid, selective, accurate and precise method is described for the determination of risperidone and its active metabolite, 9‐hydroxyrisperidone, in plasma using a chemical derivative of risperidone (methyl‐risperidone) as the internal standard. The sample workup involved a single‐step extraction of 1 mL plasma, buffered to pH 10, with heptane–isoamyl alcohol (98:2 v/v), then evaporation of the heptane phase and reconstitution of the residue in mobile phase. HPLC separation was carried out at on C18column using a mobile phase of 0.05 mdipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate (containing 0.3% v/v triethylamine) adjusted to pH 3.7 with orthophosphoric acid (700 mL), and acetonitrile (300 mL). Flow rate was 0.6 mL/min and the detection wavelength was 280 nm. Retention times were 2.6, 3.7 and 5.8 min for 9‐hydroxy risperidone, risperidone and the internal standard, respectively. Linearity in spiked plasma was demonstrated from 2 to 100 ng/mL for both risperidone and 9‐hydroxyrisperidone (r≥ 0.999). Total imprecision was less than 13% (determined as co‐efficient of variation) and the inaccuracy was less than 12% at spiked concentrations of 5 and 80 ng/mL. The limit of detection, determined as three times the baseline noise, was 1.5 ng/mL. Clinical application of the assay was demonstrated for analysis of post‐dose (0.55–4.0 mg/day) samples from 28 paediatric patients (aged 6.9–17.9 years) who were taking risperidone orally for behavioural and emotional disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolite analysis in Curcuma domestica using various GC‐MS and LC‐MS separation and detection techniques
Authors: Herebian Diran , Choi Jeong‐Heui , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Shim Jae‐Han , Spiteller Michael
Published: April 2009

The metabolic profile of polar (methanol) and non‐polar (hexane) extracts of Curcuma domestica, a widely used medicinal plant, was established using various different analytical techniques, including GC‐FID, GC‐MS, HR‐GC‐MS and analytical HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS by means of LTQ‐Orbitrap technology. The major non‐volatile curcuminoids curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin were identified when their chromatographic and precursor ion masses were compared with those of authentic standard compounds. In this paper we describe for the first time a GC/MS‐based method for metabolic profiling of the hydrophilic extract. We also identified 61 polar metabolites as TMS derivatives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐controlled air‐conditioning experimental apparatus
Authors: Abu‐Mulaweh Hosni I.
Published: April 2009

A portable experimental setup for demonstrating air‐conditioning processes was designed, developed and constructed by a multidisciplinary capstone senior design team. This experimental apparatus is currently being used to demonstrate to undergraduate students air‐conditioning processes such as cooling, heating, and humidification. The level of cooling, heating, or humidification is being monitored and controlled using a PC‐based control system which consists of LabVIEW and data acquisition unit. This article provides details about the integration of the electrical/electronic component and the control system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 458–468, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20185
QSAR studies on imidazothienopyrazines as IKK‐β inhibitors: from 2D to 3D
Authors: Long Wei , Liu Peixun , Li Xinru , Xu Yang , Yu Jie , Ma Shitang , Yu Lingling , Zou Zhongmei
Published: April 2009

This paper presents the investigation of quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) for imidazothienopyrazines from 2D to 3D, for assistance of developing new IKK‐β inhibitors. In 2D‐QSAR, we built linear and nonlinear models by heuristic method (HM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) methods, respectively. The results (R2HM(training set) = 0.8775, R2SVM(training set) = 0.9356, R2HM(test set) = 0.6452, R2SVM(test set) = 0.8736) showed that the nonlinear model is more precise to predict the activities of imidazothienopyrazines. In 3D‐QSAR, Phase methodology was employed, resulting in a successful model for prediction of imidazothienopyrazines' bioactivities, and this model (R2(training set) = 0.9717, R2(test set) = 0.9209) is better than any one of 2D‐QSAR models, linear or nonlinear. In addition, the discussion of 2D descriptors from 2D‐QSAR and the 3D plots from Phase results provided suggestions and guidance to develop new compounds which may present better bioactivities against IKK‐β. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Achievable sum‐rate analysis of correlated two‐antenna MIMO uplink channels
Authors: Lee Jin‐Woo , Lee Yong‐Hwan
Published: April 2009

This paper analyzes the achievable sum‐rate of correlated two‐antenna multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) uplink channels. Most of previous works have considered the case when a single user has multiple transmit antennas (i.e. multi‐antenna single‐user scenario). This paper considers the case when two‐antenna MIMO uplink channels comprise two users with a single transmit antenna (i.e. single‐antenna two‐user scenario). The analytic and simulation results show that the achievable sum‐rate of correlated single‐antenna two‐user MIMO uplink channels highly depends on the angle difference between the receive correlation coefficients of two users. It is also shown that the achievable sum‐rate of correlated single‐antenna two‐user MIMO uplink channels is larger than that of correlated two‐antenna single‐user MIMO uplink channels and can even be larger than that of independent and identically distributed Rayleigh two‐antenna MIMO uplink channels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal glucose metabolism in heterozygous mutant mice for a type I receptor required for BMP signaling
Authors: Scott Gregory J. , Ray Manas K. , Ward Toni , McCann Kelly , Peddada Shyamal , Jiang Fang‐Xu , Mishina Yuji
Published: April 2009

BMPRIA and its high‐affinity ligand BMP4 have recently been shown to be expressed in the β‐cells of the pancreas. Here, we report the abnormalities of heterozygous mice for Bmpr1a in glucose metabolism during the course of intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. The heterozygous mice had increased blood glucose levels throughout the first 2.5 h after the administration of glucose. Analysis of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) indicates that insulin secretion in the heterozygous mice is compromised, and induction of secreted insulin by stimulation is substantially lower compared with the wild‐type controls. No apparent abnormalities in pancreas, thyroid, and liver were seen upon histological examination. Real‐time PCR results of selected genes showed an increase in the mRNA level of Ins1 and Ins2 in the heterozygous group. These results indicate that the glucose‐sensing pathway in these heterozygous mice is altered because of the heterozygosity in Bmpr1a. Together, our data suggest that BMP signaling through BMPRIA plays an important role in glucose metabolism and possibly working through the GSIS pathway. genesis 47:385–391, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of the Reactions between Aqua[1‐(2‐aminoethyl)piperazine]palladium(II) and Biologically Relevant Nucleophiles
Authors: Soldatović Tanja , Shoukry Mohamed , Puchta Ralph , Bugarčić Živadin D. , van Eldik Rudi
Published: April 2009

The kinetics and mechanism of the complex‐formation reactions of [Pd(AEP)(H2O)]2+, where AEP stands for 1‐(2‐aminoethyl)piperazine, with biologically relevant ligands were studied as a function of selected nucleophiles and pH. The reactivity of the ligands follows the sequence L‐methionine > guanosine‐5′‐monophosphate > glycine > inosine >> glutathione. The substitution reactions with glutathione showed two reaction steps in which the first step involves coordination through nitrogen and depends on the nucleophile concentration, whereas the second step involves intramolecular isomerization from N‐ to S‐bonded glutathione and does not depend on the nucleophile concentration. The stoichiometry and stability constants of the formed complexes are also reported, and the concentration distribution of the various complex species was evaluated as a function of pH. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanism of antitumor activity of related platinum complexes.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Chemistry of Ring‐Fused Oxazine‐2,4‐diones
Authors: Brouillette Yann , Martinez Jean , Lisowski Vincent
Published: April 2009

Isatoic anhydride has attracted a great deal of attention in the last decades. Substitution of its benzene moiety by many different ring systems has given rise to a large array of analogues. A review on the methods of preparation of all known ring‐fused oxazine‐2,4‐diones is given herein. The different reactivity of these analogues is exhaustively depicted andillustrates the rich versatility of this class of starting material.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)