bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Role of Lower-Level Local Government Leaders in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Smallholder Farmers
Authors: Kazimshara Hamza Abdul , Anselmi Fredius
Published: July 2024

The agricultural sector remains the main source of livelihoods for rural communities in Tanzania, but faces the challenge of changing climate. This study aimed at assessing the roles played with local government leaders towards smallholder farmers escaping from climate change effects. Specifically, the study examined the influence of Climate change information Adoptive strategies, Updated farming knowledge from local government leaders on smallholders’ ability to escape from climate change effects. The study employed a cross-sectional research design on 200 smallholder farmers. Data collection methods included survey, key informants’ interview (KIIs) and focus group discussions. The study collected and analysed both qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources. Quantitative data were analysed using a multiple regression model while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. findings revealed that local government leaders are not effectively supporting smallholders farmers escaping from climate change effects since the result under this study reveal that local government leaders are not providing supporting knowledge to smallholder farmers on climate change and strategies towards its adoptions, it can be concluded that local government leaders has a slight influence on supporting smallholders farmers to escape from climate change effects in the study area since observed that local leaders are not providing adequate climate and its adoption strategies. The study concludes that local government leaders have less knowledge on climate issues hence negatively influencing smallholder farmers to escape from climate change effects due to the absence of local government employees development program particularly to wards and village executive officers who are directly closely to local natives by increasing the ability of the smallholders’ farmers to have good wellbeing performance. The study recommends to the Moshi District Council particularly to local government leaders and ministry of agricultural to establish capacity building program to local government employees working at lower levels and local government leaders have to include climate change information agenda in their assembly to ensure farmers are updated with climate change issues.
Study on Genetic Variability for Forage Yield and Quality Traits in Forage Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench]
Authors: Santosh  , Pandey P. K.
Published: July 2024

The initial research related to germplasm screening was carried out in the experimental area of Instructional Dairy Farm, GBPUAT Pantnagar during kharif season 2018. The experimental material for this experiment consisted of two hundreds and eighty diverse germplasm lines of sorghum along with six checks viz., SSG 59-3, Pant Chari- 5, Pant Chari- 6, CSV-21 F, CSH-22S, and CSV-24SS. The germplasm lines were evaluated in Augmented Block Design for nineteen forage yield related traits and thirteen quality traits. The statistical analysis for genetic variability was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), heritability (h2), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), and genetic advance (GA). The analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes and checks were showing a highly significant differences for all the traits under study indicated existence of inherent genetic differences among genotypes for different characters. Mean performance of forage yield and quality related traits exhibited a wide range of variability. GCV and PCV values were observed low for most of the characters whereas high for anthracnose, zonate leaf spot and shoot fly incidence. The value of genetic advance was observed high for leaf area, green fodder yield per plant, dry fodder yield per plant, hydrocyanic acid content, plant height, anthracnose, and shoot fly incidence were relatively more than other characters. Genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed low for days to maturity, dry matter per cent, in-vitro dry matter disappearance, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose content whereas high for leaf area, flag leaf width, panicle length, panicle width, 1000-grains weight, grain yield per plant, green fodder yield per plant, dry fodder yield per plant, total soluble solids, silica content, anthracnose, zonate leaf spot and shoot fly incidence. Heritability values were found high for all the traits under study. The genotypes bearing the desired values for different genetic variability parameters and mean performance for can be exploited in future breeding programmes for the improving forage genotypes. These genotypes can be used as donor parents in crop improvement programme for improving forage yield and quality related traits along with improved resistance against anthracnose, shooty fly and zonate leaf spot.
Dengue Reinfection and Co-infection: A Study of Incidence and Outcomes in Adults Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Hanif Sadaf , Jamal Aisha , Aijaz Rameen , Iqbal Rodaba
Published: July 2024

Aim: To determine the occurrence of re-infection and co-infection with dengue among the adult population in Karachi, Pakistan. In addition, to determine the frequency of various medical complications among dengue patients with or without co-infection and reinfection. And to identify possible risk factors associated with dengue reinfection.
Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, between January 2022 and August 2022.
Methodology: A total of 500 adult patients aged 18 years or above; admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of dengue were included in the study. Information was collected regarding clinical and demographic data using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: The current study reported an incidence of 3.8% for dengue re-infection and an incidence of 19% for co-infection among adult dengue patients. The most common clinical symptoms were fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain while bleeding, acute kidney injury, and nosocomial infection were the most common complications with a proportion of 10.6% (n=53), 7.8% (n=39) and 4.2% (n=21). The study could not find any statistical association between the socio-demographic factors and disease-related characteristics.
Conclusion: This study determines a low incidence proportion of dengue re-infection and co-infection among adult patients admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of dengue infection at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi. Bleeding, nosocomial infection, and acute kidney injury were identified as the most frequent medical complications among hospitalized dengue patients. The study did not show any statistically significant risk factors associated with dengue re-infection. Large scale multi-center studies are warranted with sufficient sample size and objective assessment methods to determine the incidence of dengue re-infection and co-infection as well as for the identification of risk factors associated with dengue re-infection among the adult population of Pakistan.
Stereo‐PIV experiments and large eddy simulations of flow fields in stirred tanks with Rushton and curved‐Blade turbines
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Song Ge , Bao Yuyun , Gao Zhengming
Published: April 2013

The flow characteristics in pilot‐scale stirred tanks with Rushton and curved‐blade turbines were investigated by using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) experiments and large eddy simulation (LES) methods. The velocity and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the impeller discharge regions were carefully resolved with a high resolution SPIV system, and the detailed phase‐resolved velocity and TKE profiles were used to validate the LES results. The effects of Reynolds number and blade shape on the flow characteristics were discussed. The LES results of velocity, TKE, and the evolution of trailing vortices were compared with the SPIV experimental data, and good agreement was obtained at various phase angles. The effects of subgrid scale model and hybrid grid with different mesh resolutions on the LES results were investigated. LES is a computationally affordable method for the accurate predictions of the complex flow fields in pilot‐scale stirred tanks is presented. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3986–4003, 2013
Total Synthesis of Tubulysin U and Its C‐4 Epimer
Authors: Yang Xiu‐dong , Dong Chang‐ming , Chen Jian , Ding Ya‐hui , Liu Qi , Ma Xiao‐yan , Zhang Quan , Chen Yue
Published: April 2013

The Tup fragments of tubulysins were synthesized with a tandem reaction as the key step, and unexpected diastereoselectivity was observed in the first Grignard addition stage. The coupling of the enolate of a thiazolyl ketone with chiral sulfinimines furnished the backbone of the Tuv fragment with over 100:1 d.r. and high yield. Thus, tubulysin U and C‐4 epi‐tubulysin U were prepared in a highly selective and efficient manner. The results of the MTT assay furthermore indicated that C‐4 epi‐tubulysin U maintained significant growth inhibition activities against several cancer cell lines.
L2‐Gain Analysis for Synchronization of Stochastic Complex Network with Switched Topology and Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Chun‐Xi , Lin Zhi‐Li
Published: April 2013

We investigate the exponential stability and L2‐gain analysis for the synchronization of stochastic complex networks under average dwell time switched topology with consideration of external disturbance, internal noise and fast time‐varying delay in the synchronized process. Based on the proposed stochastic network, a new L2‐gain synchronization is proposed to solve the mean‐square exponential stable under switched topology with an H∞ performance from the extrinsic disturbances to the synchronization error. The obtained results are applicable for the fast time‐varying case with larger‐than‐1 delay derivative. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our strategies.
General Stability of Stochastic Markov Jump Linear Systems Based on the Spectrum Technique
Authors: Sheng Li , Gao Ming , Zhang Weihai
Published: April 2013

This paper applies the spectrum technique to investigate the general stability of stochastic Markov jump linear systems (SMJLSs). First, the notion of spectrum for SMJLSs is defined and the relationship between the spectrum and the asymptotical mean square stability is revealed. Second, by analyzing the spectrum distribution in the complex plane, some new concepts of stability, such as critical stability, regional stability, and essential instability, are introduced for SMJLSs. Necessary and sufficient conditions on such general stability are established. Finally, several numerical examples are carried out to illustrate the developed theory.
The effects of gender on group work process and achievement: an analysis through self‐ and peer‐assessment
Authors: Takeda Sachiko , Homberg Fabian
Published: April 2013

The importance of teamwork skills as part of employability has been widely acknowledged and accompanied by active research on successful cooperative learning. However, relatively few studies have focused on the effects of gender on students' group work, and only a limited number of empirical studies exist that examine students' group work process and performance through the results of self‐ and peer‐assessment. This study examines the effects of gender on group work process and performance using the self‐ and peer‐assessment results of 1001 students in British higher education formed into 192 groups. The analysis aggregates all measures on the group level in order to examine the overall group performance. Further, a simple regression model is used to capture the effects of group gender compositions. Results suggest that students in gender balanced groups display enhanced collaboration in group work processes. The enhanced collaboration could be associated with less social loafing behaviours and more equitable contributions to the group work. However, the results imply that this cooperative learning environment does not lead to higher student performance. Students' comments allow us to explore possible reasons for this finding. The results also indicate underperformance by all‐male groups and reduced collaborative behaviours by solo males in male gender exception groups (i.e., groups consisting of one male student and other members being female). The results thus have implications for the composition of groups. The pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
If microbial ecosystem therapy can change your life, what's the problem?
Authors: Ettinger Grace , Burton Jeremy P. , Reid Gregor
Published: April 2013

The increased incidence of morbidity and mortality due to Clostridium difficile infection, had led to the emergence of fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) as a highly successful treatment. From this, a 32 strain stool substitute has been derived, and successfully tested in a pilot human study. These approaches could revolutionize not only medical care of infectious diseases, but potentially many other conditions linked to the human microbiome. But a second revolution may be needed in order for regulatory agencies, society and medical practitioners to accept and utilize these interventions, monitor their long term effects, have a degree of control over their use, or at a minimum provide guidelines for donors and recipients.
Kein Grün ohne Umbau der Proteinimport‐Maschinerie
Authors: Krupinska Karin
Published: April 2013

Chloroplasten sind die bekanntesten Vertreter der Plastiden, den charakteristischen Organellen der Pflanzenzelle. Chloroplasten findet man in den grünen Geweben der Pflanzen, und Wachstum und Produktivität von Pflanzen hängt von der Photosynthese in den Chloroplasten ab. Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, dass die für den Import von Photosynthese‐Proteinen verantwortlichen ”Türsteher“ in der Hüllmembran der Plastiden während des Ergrünens deutlich umstrukturiert werden müssen.
Eine Frage des Geschmackes
Authors: Kronberg Inge
Published: April 2013

“Aroma” oder “gusto” heißt es auf Spanisch, “flavor” oder “taste” auf Englisch – im Deutschen sprechen wir einfach vom “Geschmack”, ohne uns genau festzulegen, ob wir von der Geschmacksqualität eines Nahrungsmittels oder vom Geschmacksempfinden des Genießers sprechen. Die Geschmacksqualität hängt von molekularen Bestandteilen des Nahrungsstoffes ab, das Geschmacksempfinden von der neuronalen Verarbeitung und subjektiven Wahrnehmung. Geschmacksrezeptoren gibt es nicht nur auf der Zunge, sie sind auch in anderen Körperbereichen für die Signalvermittlung zwischen Zelläußerem und Zellinnerem zuständig.
Front‐Loading Natural‐Product‐Screening Libraries for log P: Background, Development, and Implementation
Authors: Camp David , Campitelli Marc , Carroll Anthony R. , Davis Rohan A. , Quinn Ronald J.
Published: April 2013

In the period from January 1981 to December 2010, 1068 small‐molecule new chemical entities (NCEs) were introduced, of which ca. 34% are either a natural product or a close analogue. While this metric reflects the impact natural products have played in delivering new chemical starting points (leads) for the pharmaceutical industry, it does not capture the decline this approach has suffered over the last 20 years as the high‐throughput screening (HTS) of pure compound libraries has become more popular. An impediment to natural‐product drug discovery in the HTS paradigm is the lack of a clear strategy that enables front‐loading of an extract or fraction's chemical constituents so that they are compliant with lead‐ and drug‐like chemical space. To address this imbalance, an approach based on lipophilicity, as measured by clog P has been developed that, together with advances being made in isolation and structural elucidation, can afford natural product leads in timelines compatible with pure compound screening.
Comprehensive Analysis of Fragment Orbital Interactions to Build Highly π‐Conjugated Thienylene‐Substituted Phenylene Oligomers
Authors: Florès Jean‐Charles , Lacour Marie‐Agnès , Sallenave Xavier , Serein‐Spirau Françoise , Lère‐Porte Jean‐Pierre , Moreau Joël J. E. , Miqueu Karinne , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc , Flot David
Published: April 2013

π‐Conjugated thienylenephenylene oligomers with fluorinated and dialkoxylated phenylene fragments have been designed and prepared to understand the interactions in fragment orbitals, the influence of the substituents (F, OMe) on the HOMO–LUMO gap, and the role of intramolecular non‐covalent cumulative interactions in the construction of π‐conjugated nanostructures. Their strong conjugation was also evidenced in the gas phase by UV photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. These results can be explained by the crucial role of the relative energetic positions of the π orbitals of the dimethoxyphenylene, which was used to model the dialkoxyphenylene entity, in determining the π/π*orbital levels of the fluorinated phenylene entity. Dialkoxyphenylenes raise the HOMO orbitals, whereas fluorinated phenylenes lower the LUMO orbitals in the oligomers. In addition, the presence of S⋅⋅⋅F and H⋅⋅⋅F interactions in the fluorinated phenylenethienylene compounds add to the S⋅⋅⋅O interactions in the mixed targets and contribute to the full conjugation in the oligomer, inducing weak inter‐ring angles between the involved aromatic cycles. These results, which showed extended conjugation of the π system, were corroborated by a narrow HOMO–LUMO gap (according to DFT calculations) and by a relatively strong maximum wavelength (as obtained by TD‐DFT calculations and experimental UV/Vis measurements). The crystallographic data of two mixed thienylene(fluorinated and dialkoxylated phenylene) five‐ring oligomers agree with the above results and show the formation of quasi‐planar conformations with non‐covalent S⋅⋅⋅O, H⋅⋅⋅F, and S⋅⋅⋅F interactions. These studies in the solid and gas phases show the relevance of associating dialkoxyphenylene and fluorinated phenylene fragments with thiophene to lead to oligomers with improved electronic delocalization for electronic or optoelectronic devices.
Receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline‐concordant prostate cancer care among African American and Caucasian American men in North Carolina
Authors: Ellis Shellie D. , Blackard Bonny , Carpenter William R. , Mishel Merle , Chen Ronald C. , Godley Paul A. , Mohler James L. , Bensen Jeannette T.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

African Americans have a higher incidence of prostate cancer and experience poorer outcomes compared with Caucasian Americans. Racial differences in care are well documented; however, few studies have characterized patients based on their prostate cancer risk category, which is required to differentiate appropriate from inappropriate guideline application.

METHODS

The medical records of a population‐based sample of 777 North Carolina men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer were studied to assess the association among patient race, clinical factors, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline‐concordant prostate cancer care.

RESULTS

African Americans presented with significantly higher Gleason scores (P = .025) and prostate‐specific antigen levels (P = .008) than did Caucasian Americans. However, when clinical T stage was considered as well, difference in overall risk category only approached statistical significance (P = .055). Across risk categories, African Americans were less likely to have surgery (58.1% versus 68.0%, P = .004) and more likely to have radiation (39.0% versus 27.4%, P = .001) compared with Caucasian Americans. However, 83.5% of men received guideline‐concordant care within 1 year of diagnosis, which did not differ by race in multivariable analysis (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval  = 0.54‐1.25). Greater patient‐perceived access to care was associated with greater odds of receiving guideline‐concordant care (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.01‐1.12).

CONCLUSIONS

After controlling for NCCN risk category, there were no racial differences in receipt of guideline‐concordant care. Efforts to improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes should focus on improving access to the health care system. Cancer 2013;2282–2290. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
The effect of copy number variation in the phase II detoxification genes UGT2B17 and UGT2B28 on colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Angstadt Andrea Y. , Berg Arthur , Zhu Junjia , Miller Paige , Hartman Terryl J. , Lesko Samuel M. , Muscat Joshua E. , Lazarus Philip , Gallagher Carla J.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Genetic polymorphisms in combination with the Western‐style diet, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity have been hypothesized to affect colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Metabolizers of environmental carcinogenic and endogenous compounds affecting CRC risk include the phase II detoxification UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes UGT2B17 and UGT2B28, which are 2 of the most commonly deleted genes in the genome.

METHODS

To study the effect of UGT2B17 and UGT2B28 copy number variation (CNV) on CRC risk, 665 Caucasian CRC cases and 621 Caucasian controls were genotyped who had completed extensive demographics and lifestyle questionnaires.

RESULTS

A significant association between the UGT2B17 deletion genotype (0/0) and decreased CRC risk was found when the entire population was analyzed (P = .044). Stratification by sex yielded a decreased risk (P = .020) in men with the UGT2B17 deletion (0/0), but no association was observed in women (P = .724). A significant association between UGT2B17 (0/0) and decreased risk for rectal (P = .0065) but not colon cancer was found. No significant association was found between UGT2B28 CNV and CRC risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The UGT2B17 deletion genotype (0/0) was associated with a decreased CRC risk in a Caucasian population. After sex stratification, the association was observed in men but not in women, which is consistent with previous findings that men have higher UGT2B17 expression and activity than women. Because UGT2B17 metabolizes certain nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and flavonoids with antioxidative properties, individuals with a gene deletion may have higher levels of these protective dietary components. Cancer 2013;119:2477‐2485. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Cumulative family risk predicts sibling adjustment to childhood cancer
Authors: Long Kristin A. , Marsland Anna L. , Alderfer Melissa A.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Prolonged, intensive treatment regimens often disrupt families of children with cancer. Siblings are at increased risk for distress, but factors underlying this risk have received limited empirical attention. In this study, the authors examined associations between the family context and sibling distress.

METHODS

Siblings of children with cancer (ages 8‐18 years; N = 209) and parents (186 mothers and 70 fathers) completed measures of sibling distress, family functioning, parenting, and parent post‐traumatic stress. Associations between sibling distress and each family risk factor were evaluated. Then, family risks were considered simultaneously by calculating cumulative family risk index scores.

RESULTS

After controlling for sociodemographic covariates, greater sibling distress was associated with more sibling‐reported problems with family functioning and parental psychological control, lower sibling‐reported maternal acceptance, and lower paternal self‐reported acceptance. When risk factors were considered together, the results supported a quadratic model in which associations between family risk and sibling distress were stronger at higher levels of risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings support a contextual model of sibling adjustment to childhood cancer in which elevated distress is predicted by family risk factors, both alone and in combination. Cancer 2013;119:2503‐2510. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Biochemical and structural characterization of non‐glycosylated Yarrowia lipolytica LIP2 lipase
Authors: Aloulou Ahmed , Bénarouche Anaïs , Puccinelli Delphine , Spinelli Silvia , Cavalier Jean‐François , Cambillau Christian , Carrière Frédéric
Published: April 2013

The LIP2 lipase from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica (YLLIP2) is assumed to be a good drug candidate for enzyme replacement therapy in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Understanding and improving its biochemical properties are essential for its oral administration. YLLIP2 is a highly glycosylated protein, with glycan chains accounting for about 13% of the molecular mass of the native protein. Two potential N‐glycosylation sites (N113IS and N134NT) can be identified from YLLIP2 amino acid sequence. YLLIP2 mutants with single (N113Q or N134Q) or combined (N113Q/N134Q) substitutions of these glycosylation sites were expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris, purified and characterized. Lipase specific activity and adsorption at the lipid–water interface were found to be decreased in the absence of N‐glycosylation. It was thus shown that the glycosylated enzyme had a better ability to bind and penetrate a DLPC monolayer than the non‐glycosylated N113Q/N134Q mutant. Comparison of wild‐type glycosylated and non‐glycosylated YLLIP2 shows that the N‐glycosylation clearly contributes to the high stability of YLLIP2 in the presence of pepsin in vitro, and to a lower extent in the presence of chymotrypsin. The X‐ray structure of the YLLIP2 N113Q/N134Q double mutant was obtained at 2.6 Å resolution and was found to be identical to that of wild‐type YLLIP2, with the lid in a closed conformation. Glycosylation is therefore not essential for a proper folding of YLLIP2.

Practical applications: The LIP2 lipase from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is one of the most active lipases identified so far. Among the various applications envisioned for this enzyme, it seems particularly well adapted for enzyme replacement therapy in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. It is active and stable at low pH values, resistant to bile salts, and its glycosylation allows a high resistance to pepsin. All these properties are important for developing the oral administration of digestive enzymes used as drugs.
Inpatients with Severe Anorexia Nervosa and Their Siblings: Non‐shared Experiences and Family Functioning
Authors: Dimitropoulos Gina , Freeman Victoria E. , Bellai Kaitlin , Olmsted Marion
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aims of this study were the following: to identify perceptions of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their siblings regarding differential experiences within and external to the family including sibling interactions, parental treatment, relationships with peers and events that are unique to each sibling; (2) to compare how patients and their siblings perceive eating disorder symptoms, parental affection/control, social support and stigma; and (3) to test associations with family functioning for patients with AN and their siblings.

Method

A total of 26 patients paired with their siblings were recruited from an Eating Disorder Program and administered standardized instruments measuring different experiences within and external to the family, the impact of eating disorder behaviours, stigma, social support and family functioning.

Results

Patients rated high on the differential experience of jealousy in contrast to their siblings. Patients scored higher than their siblings on eating symptoms, whereas siblings scored higher on social support. The impact of AN on the family, stigma towards the individual and family, and social support accounted for 37% of the variance in family functioning from the sibling perspective after controlling for age and gender. Of these variables, impact of AN on the family made the largest contribution.

Discussion

Family‐based and sibling‐based interventions that aim to reduce the effects of the illness on the sibling relationship and the family are recommended. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Synthesis, Characterization of Novel Bisheteroaryl Bisazo Dyes, and Their Dyeing and Solvatochromic Behavior
Authors: Modi Visha P. , Patel Hasmukh S.
Published: April 2013

4‐Phenyl‐2‐aminothaizole was diazotized and coupled with N‐(alkyl)‐2‐oxo‐3‐cyano‐4‐methyl‐6‐hydroxypyridine (2‐pyridone). The resultant dyes were named as N‐(alkyl)‐6‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐5‐((4‐phenylthiazole‐2‐yl)diazenyl)‐1,2‐dihydro pyridine‐3‐carbonitrite and duly characterized. The diazotized aryl amines were then coupled to a moiety of above‐mentioned dyes at 5‐position of thiazole. The obtained bisheteroaryl azo dyes were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral studies. Solvent effects on the visible absorption spectra of the dyes were evaluated. The color of the dyes is discussed with respect to the nature of the heterocyclic ring, aromatic amines, and substituents present therein. All these dyes were applied as disperse dyes on to polyester fabrics, and their fastness properties were evaluated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 24:208–220, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21085
Spatial scale and place field stability in a grid‐to‐place cell model of the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus
Authors: Lyttle David , Gereke Brian , Lin Kevin K. , Fellous Jean‐Marc
Published: April 2013

The rodent hippocampus and entorhinal cortex contain spatially modulated cells that serve as the basis for spatial coding. Both medial entorhinal grid cells and hippocampal place cells have been shown to encode spatial information across multiple spatial scales that increase along the dorsoventral axis of these structures. Place cells near the dorsal pole possess small, stable, and spatially selective firing fields, while ventral cells have larger, less stable, and less spatially selective firing fields. One possible explanation for these dorsoventral changes in place field properties is that they arise as a result of similar dorsoventral differences in the properties of the grid cell inputs to place cells. Here, we test the alternative hypothesis that dorsoventral place field differences are due to higher amounts of nonspatial inputs to ventral hippocampal cells. We use a computational model of the entorhinal‐hippocampal network to assess the relative contributions of grid scale and nonspatial inputs in determining place field size and stability. In addition, we assess the consequences of grid node firing rate heterogeneity on place field stability. Our results suggest that dorsoventral differences in place cell properties can be better explained by changes in the amount of nonspatial inputs, rather than by changes in the scale of grid cell inputs, and that grid node heterogeneity may have important functional consequences. The observed gradient in field size may reflect a shift from processing primarily spatial information in the dorsal hippocampus to processing more nonspatial, contextual, and emotional information near the ventral hippocampus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Cerebrosides Isolated from the Fermentation Mycelia of Tuber indicum
Authors: Li Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Ping , Tang Yang , Li Hong‐Mei , Tang Ya‐Ling , Liang Xin‐Hua , Tang Ya‐Jie
Published: April 2013

The four new cerebrosides 1–4 possessing a unique C18 9‐methylsphinga‐4,8‐dienine‐related moiety and a cyclic octapeptide, 5, possessing alternating proline and glycine moietes were isolated from the Tuber indicum fermentation mycelium. Their structures were established on the basis of a spectroscopic analysis including NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS, as well as an acidic methanolysis experiment. To the best of our knowledge, the cerebrosides identified in the present study are quite different from those isolated from Tuber indicum fruiting bodies. Additionally, it was the first time that a cyclic peptide was isolated from the Tuber genus.
Synthesis of the Major Oxepane Segment of Zoapatanol
Authors: Yadav Jhillu S. , Dash Uttam , Guguloth Nagesh , Mohapatra Debendra K.
Published: April 2013

A linear synthesis of the major oxepane fragment of zoapatanol, showing the induction of uterine contractions, and cervical dilation and uterine bleeding (by the concentrated zoapatle tea) in early human pregnancy, isolated from the leaves of Mexican zoapatle plant Montanoa tomentosa, is described from known intermediate involving Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, bis‐epoxide opening reaction with CoreyChaykovsky reagent, ring‐closing metathesis reaction, and HornerWadsworthEmmons olefination reaction as key steps.
Triazoles and Other N‐Containing Metabolites from the Marine‐Derived Endophytic Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum EN‐118
Authors: An Chun‐Yan , Li Xiao‐Ming , Li Chun‐Shun , Gao Shu‐Shan , Shang Zhuo , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: April 2013

Two new triazoles, chrysotriazoles A and B (1 and 2, resp.), along with two known quinazolinones, 3 and 4, two known 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetamides, 5 and 6, and two known N‐(4‐hydroxystyryl)formamides, 7 and 8, were isolated and identified from the culture extract of Penicillium chrysogenum EN‐118, an endophytic fungus obtained from the marine brown alga Sargassum pallidium. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR‐spectroscopic analysis, and that of compound 1 was confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis of its p‐bromobenzoate derivative. Compounds 4, 5, and 7 showed moderate cytotoxicities against Du145, A‐549, and HeLa cell lines.
New method for purifying histidine‐rich glycoprotein from human plasma redefines its functional properties
Authors: Patel Kruti K. , Poon Ivan K. H. , Talbo Gert H. , Perugini Matthew A. , Taylor Nicole L. , Ralph Troy J. , Hoogenraad Nicholas J. , Hulett Mark D.
Published: April 2013

Histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a relatively abundant plasma protein that has been implicated in multiple biological processes including immunity, tumor progression, and vascular biology. However, current protocols for purifying HRG from plasma result in the copurification of contaminating proteins and raise questions over the validity of biological activities ascribed to HRG. In this study, we describe a two‐step protocol for the large‐scale purification of HRG from human plasma using a combination of metal affinity and ion exchange chromatography. The protocol employs a rapid and simple strategy to isolate highly purified HRG that minimizes proteolytic cleavage of the protein. The purification of HRG was assessed at each stage by measuring the amount of HRG immunoreactive protein using a specific monoclonal antibody against total protein, and demonstrated ∼1,000‐fold purification with an overall yield of ∼32%. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that plasma‐derived HRG was free of contaminating proteins and gel electrophoresis showed it to have minimal proteolytic degradation. Characterization of protein by physical method showed that the protein exists as a single, monodisperse species. In contrast to the previous studies of HRG purified by different methods, HRG purified using the new procedure demonstrated a reduced profile of functions. Although the HRG retained binding to heparin and phosphatidic acid, it did not interact with necrotic cells or other cellular lipids. These data demonstrate that HRG does not exhibit the broad interactive properties that have been reported previously, suggesting that copurification of HRG‐binding partners or other impurities are responsible for some of the reported functional properties. The findings in this study demonstrate that the new purification procedure can provide a ready source of pure HRG to assess ligand specificity and biological function of this important plasma protein. ©2013 IUBMB Life, 65(6):550–563, 2013
Student Athletes' Perceived Barriers to and Preferences for Seeking Counseling
Authors: López Renée L. , Levy Jacob J.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate attitudes of intercollegiate student athletes regarding their use of counseling services. The authors assessed student athletes’ perceived barriers to seeking counseling services and their preferred characteristics of a helping professional. Several barriers to counseling were identified. Results suggest student athletes have strong preferences for counselor characteristics, including familiarity with sports, gender, and age. Practical applications of these findings are discussed.
Effects of Asian sand dust particles on the respiratory and immune system
Authors: Honda Akiko , Matsuda Yugo , Murayama Rumiko , Tsuji Kenshi , Nishikawa Masataka , Koike Eiko , Yoshida Seiichi , Ichinose Takamichi , Takano Hirohisa
Published: April 2013

Epidemiologic studies have reported that Asian sand dust (ASD) particles can affect respiratory health; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of ASD on airway epithelial cells and immune cells, and their contributing factors to the effects. Human airway epithelial cells were exposed to ASD collected on 1–3 May (ASD1) and on 12–14 May (ASD2) 2011 in Japan and heat‐treated ASD1 for excluding heat‐sensitive substances (H‐ASD) at a concentration of 0, 3, 30 or 90 µg ml–1 for 4 or 24 h. Furthermore, bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) from atopic prone mice were differentiated by culture with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) then these BMDC were exposed to the ASD for 24 h. Also splenocytes as mixture of immune cells were exposed to the ASD for 72 h. All ASD dose dependently reduced viability of airway epithelial cells. Non‐heated ASD showed a dose‐dependent increase in the protein release of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8. The raises induced by ASD1 were higher than those by ASD2. ASD1 and ASD2 also elevated ICAM‐1 at the levels of mRNA, cell surface protein and soluble protein in culture medium. In contrast, H‐ASD did not change most of these biomarkers. Non‐heated ASD showed enhancement in the protein expression of DEC205 on BMDC and in the proliferation of splenocytes, whereas H‐ASD did not. These results suggest that ASD affect airway epithelial cells and immune cells such as BMDC and splenocytes. Moreover, the difference in ASD events and components adhered to ASD can contribute to the health effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 2‐Blocking Number and the Upper Chromatic Number of PG(2,q)
Authors: Bacsó Gábor , Héger Tamás , Szőnyi Tamás
Published: April 2013

A twofold blocking set (double blocking set) in a finite projective plane Π is a set of points, intersecting every line in at least two points. The minimum number of points in a double blocking set of Π is denoted by τ2(Π). Let PG(2,q) be the Desarguesian projective plane over GF(q), the finite field of q elements. We show that if q is odd, not a prime, and r is the order of the largest proper subfield of GF(q), then τ2PG(2,q))≤ 2(q+(q‐1)/(r‐1)). For a finite projective plane Π, let denote the maximum number of classes in a partition of the point‐set, such that each line has at least two points in some partition class. It can easily be seen that (⋆) for every plane Π on v points. Let , p prime. We prove that for , equality holds in (⋆) if q and p are large enough.
Trend and variability of China's summer precipitation during 1955–2008
Authors: Ye Jian‐Sheng
Published: April 2013

Trend and variability of China's summer precipitation during 1955–2008 are examined. The results show that (1) summer precipitation has significantly increased in South China and significantly decreased in North China, while there are no significant trends in the West and China overall; (2) interannual variability is greatly intensified all over China with more wet and dry extreme years in the second bin (1977–2008) than in the first bin (1955–1976). Covariability between China's summer precipitation and the Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) is analysed using singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. The first mode of SVD displays an El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐like SST pattern, the associated precipitation shows negative anomalies in North China; the second mode exhibits SST fluctuations in the western and central Pacific that corresponding to positive anomalies in South China. In addition, cooling over the mid‐lower reaches of Yangtze River basin (i.e. South‐central China) might also contribute to decreased (increased) summer precipitation in North (South) China. The percentages of variance of summer precipitation and SST explained by each mode suggest that the increased variability of the second SVD mode in the second bin is consistent with intensified variability of China's summer precipitation in the same period. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering assessment of DNA from leaf tissues adsorbed on silver colloidal nanoparticles
Authors: Muntean C. M. , Leopold N. , Halmagyi A. , Valimareanu S.
Published: April 2013

In this work, the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of seven genomic DNAs from leaves of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Ramat.), common sundew (Drosera rotundifolia L.), edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass), Epilobium hirsutum L., Hypericum richeri ssp. transsilvanicum (Čelak) Ciocârlan, rose (Rosa x hybrida L.) and redwood (Sequoia sempervirens D. Don. Endl.), respectively, have been analyzed in the wavenumber range 200–1800 cm−1. The surface‐enhanced Raman vibrational modes for each of these cases, spectroscopic band assignments and structural interpretations of genomic DNAs are reported. A high molecular structural information content can be found in the SERS spectra of these DNAs from leaf tissues. Based on this work, specific plant DNA–ligand interactions or accurate local structure of DNA might be further investigated using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Besides, this study will generate information which is valuable in the development of label‐free DNA detection for chemical probing in living cell. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well posedness of sudden directional diffusion equations
Authors: Mucha Piotr Bogusław , Rybka Piotr
Published: April 2013

Our goal is to establish existence with suitable initial data of solutions to general parabolic equation in one dimension, ut = L(ux)x, where L is merely a monotone function. We also expose the basic properties of solutions, concentrating on maximal possible regularity. Analysis of solutions with convex initial data explains why we may call them almost classical. Some qualitative aspects of solutions, such as facets (flat regions of solutions), are studied too. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled/living copolymerization of styrene and acrylamide in DMF with Fe/TMEDA complex as catalyst
Authors: Wang Guo‐Xiang , Lu Mang , Hou Zhao‐Hui , Li Jing , Zhong Ming , Wu Hu
Published: April 2013

In this work, Fe(0)‐mediated single electron‐living radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and acrylamide (AM) was investigated at ambient temperature in N,N‐dimethylformamide using carbon tetrachloride as initiator and tetramethylethylenediamine as ligand. Kinetic studies showed that the copolymerization followed the first‐order kinetics model. The resulting copolymers of St and AM possessed predetermined molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distribution, which agreed with the character of controlled/living polymerization. On the basis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the monomer reactivity ratios were calculated. The amount of ligand played an important role in copolymerization. The obtained polymer was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. The living characteristics were demonstrated by chain extension experiment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2919–2924
RAFT polymerization of a novel allene‐derived asymmetrical divinyl monomer: A facile strategy to alkene‐functionalized hyperbranched vinyl polymers with high degrees of branching
Authors: Bao Youmei , Shen Guorong , Liu Xiaohui , Li Yuesheng
Published: April 2013

Hyperbranched vinyl polymers with high degrees of branching (DBs) up to 0.43 functionalized with numerous pendent allene groups have been successfully prepared via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of a state‐of‐art allene‐derived asymmetrical divinyl monomer, allenemethyl methacrylate (AMMA). The gelation did not occur until high monomer conversions (above 90%), as a result of the optimized reactivity difference between the two vinyl groups in AMMA. The branched structure was confirmed by a combination of a triple‐detection size exclusion chromatography (light scattering, refractive index, and viscosity detectors) and detailed 1H NMR analyses. A two‐step mechanism is proposed for the evolution of branching according to the dependence of molecular weight and DB on monomer conversion. Controlled radical polymerization proceeds until moderate conversions, mainly producing linear polymers. Subsequent initiation and propagation on the polymerizable allene side chains as well as the coupling of macromolecular chains generate numerous branches at moderate‐to‐high monomer conversions, dramatically increasing the molecular weight of the polymer. AMMA was also explored as a new branching agent to construct poly(methyl methacrylate)‐type hyperbranched polymers by its copolymerization with methyl methacrylate. The DB can be effectively tuned by the amount of AMMA, showing a linear increase trend. The pendent allene groups in the side chains of the copolymers were further functionalized by epoxidation and thiol‐ene chemistry in satisfactory yields. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2959–2969
Effect of thermal history on the ionic conductivity of block copolymer electrolytes
Authors: Mullin Scott A. , Teran Alexander A. , Yuan Rodger , Balsara Nitash P.
Published: April 2013

We have studied the effect of thermal history on ionic conductivity of block copolymer electrolytes. Previous work on block copolymer electrolytes composed of polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone) imide (LiTFSI) salt was restricted to lamellar morphologies. This study addresses both cylindrical and lamellar morphologies. The conductivity of low molecular weight samples decreases after they are annealed. In contrast, the conductivity of high molecular weight samples is generally unaffected by annealing. These results are explained in the context of connectivity and composition of the conducting phase. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 927–934
Joint modeling compliance and outcome for causal analysis in longitudinal studies
Authors: Gao Xin , Brown Gregory K. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: April 2013

This article discusses joint modeling of compliance and outcome for longitudinal studies when noncompliance is present. We focus on two‐arm randomized longitudinal studies in which subjects are randomized at baseline, treatment is applied repeatedly over time, and compliance behaviors and clinical outcomes are measured and recorded repeatedly over time. In the proposed Markov compliance and outcome model, we use the potential outcome framework to define pre‐randomization principal strata from the joint distribution of compliance under treatment and control arms, and estimate the effect of treatment within each principal strata. Besides the causal effect of the treatment, our proposed model can estimate the impact of the causal effect of the treatment at a given time on future compliance. Bayesian methods are used to estimate the parameters. The results are illustrated using a study assessing the effect of cognitive behavior therapy on depression. A simulation study is used to assess the repeated sampling properties of the proposed model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.