bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possibilities of horse-breeding sustainable development
Authors: Trailović Dragiša R. , Trailović Ružica D.
Published: April 2024

Up until the middle of the 20th Century equine breeding was considered an industry that directly reflected the national wealth and status of any given country. Since then, due to the upheaval of mechanisation the number of horses gradually declined, primarily in Europe. The recorded declining numbers concerning draft horse breeds are particularly alarming, in comparison to breeds used for sport and recreation which have increased notably during the last thirty years or so. Thus it can also be remarked how the numbers and quality of horses in many European countries like Slovenia and Croatia had improved noticeably. However, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, horse breeding practices continue to deteriorate: the numbers of these magnificent creatures plummet progressively. Former state stud farms are being shut down and the once abundant population of autochthonous Bosnian mountain horses have reached a breaking point. The Arab, Lipizzan and cold blooded horse breeds have met a similar fate. Despite that, horses do hold an important position in the folk traditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially with the people of the Republic of Srpska. The people cherish numerous traditions in relation to these animals and genuinely care for horses, which is how and why the horse breeding industry lives on - nurtured by the enthusiasm of individuals. Equine breeding is not economically unsustainable, on the contrary, its economical significance is in fact great in developed countries. Sustainable development possibilities can be sought in equestrian sports certainly, but also in tourism, recreational practices, hippotherapy, landscape maintenance (pastures), the production of mare milk, etc. Observing the economic potential of the equine industry which includes trade and consumerism, employment opportunities, food production, the related pharmaceutical and equestrian equipment industry, as well as services, it becomes clear that it’s in the absolute interest of the state to stop and reverse the negative horse breeding trend. Moreover, it is essential to keep in mind that the preservation of the autochthonous horse breeds and stud farms, developed throughout the decades, is beneficial not only for the obvious economic reasons, but for the sake of heritage and culture, as well as the conservation of folkcustoms and traditional values in general. The autochthonous horse breeds could be used in all of these areas. This effort, the conservation of autochthonous genetic resources, requires state support. With the support of the state, by promoting professional equine breeding practices primarily in relation to selection and veterinary care, the decline of horse populations may be overturned which would consequently rehabilitate the horse breeding industry, and additionally contribute to the conservation of agrobiodiversity and autochthonous animal resources, environmental protection, and reverse the depopulation of rural municipalities through means of undeniable economic potential.
Biomass production from energy and fast growing plants
Authors: Ikanović Jela , Popović Vera , Dončić Dalibor , Trkulja Vojislav
Published: April 2024

The agro-ecological and soil conditions of the Republic of Srpska provide the possibility of growing many agro-energy crops, which represent a great chance for agricultural producers who own lands with less favorable physical and chemical properties. The production and spreading of bioenergy crops have been exposed to sharply critics and suspicion for their economic justification. The basic problem is the identification of the most suitable biomass and the projecting of the process by which the energy from it should be extracted. Using the produced biomass would significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, which Serbia and Republic of Srpska have in limited quantities. The great genetic potential of fertility has classified miscanthus in the group of the most important bio-energetic crops. By introducing these predominantly perennial plants into production, with slightly higher investments in the year of establishment and significantly less in the years of use, uncultivated agricultural land could be used and also the most non-agricultural areas and deposoles could be bring to purpose. Fresh above-ground biomass of miscanthus and Spanish reed plants, mowed in the panicle phenophase, is used to obtain biogas, while dry baled stalks without leaves are burned directly in cauldron plants (for example in thermal power plants) or used for the production of briquettes. The advantage of using miscanthus and Spanish reed for bio-fuel production compared to other field plants is their higher yield and higher amount of fuel obtained per unit area and, on the other hand, quantity of world food production is not reduced, because this species participates little in world needs for food of plant origin.
Strategy and legal aspects of sustainable biomass supply for biodiesel production
Authors: Popović Vera , Ikanović Jela , Mihailović Аndreja , Aćimić Remiković Мilena , Popović Dragana
Published: April 2024

Industrialization and demographic expansion have led to an increase in global energy demand. Evident climate change and high energy dependence have conditioned participation of EU in mission of transition from using fossil fuels to a low-carbon economy and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In the realization of this mission, as first-class aim was determined the production and consumption of sustainable, stable, locally produced and competitive energy from renewable sources. The world is evident trend of growth the applicability of biomass to produce liquid biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel is a fuel obtained from renewable raw materials plant and animal origin. Biodiesel of plant origin can be obtained from: oilseed rape, sunflower, soybean, maize, flax, coconut, almonds, firewood, peanuts, etc. while ani-diesel is obtained from triglycerides (fats) of animal origin. Biodiesel or methyl ester is obtained by transesterification of higher unsaturated fatty acids and alcohols in the presence of a catalyst. The by-product is trihydroxyl alcohol, glycerol, which is widely used in industry. For the production of fatty acid esters, rapeseed oil is mostly used in European countries, soybean oil in the USA, palm oil in Malaysia and others. The advantage of biodiesel is that it is biodegradable and relatively harmless to the environment. The increasing production and application of biodiesel is a consequence of its good characteristics as an environmentally friendly "fuel"; significantly lower toxicity compared to diesel of fossil origin; bioavailability; raw materials renewability for its production and the possibility of application in internal combustion engines.
Overvåking av graving i St. Olavs gate, Harstad kommune
Authors: Henriksen Jørn Erik
Published: April 2024

Arkeologisk overvåking i St, Olavs gate, Harstad k. høsten 2022 resulterte i to dokumenterte anlegg og kulturlag i grøftekant/profil, alle datert yngre jernalder. Anleggene er tolket som henholdsvis ildsted/kokegrop, og en sikker kokegrop. Kulturlaget er et mulig dyrkingslag eller fossil åker. I det øvrige av tiltaksområdet under veibanen som skulle overvåkes, var kulturlagene fjernet eller sterkt forstyrret av moderne inngrep.

Resultatene er sammenstilt med resultater fra tidligere overvåkingsprosjekter; et tidligere samme år (2022), i 2005 og i 2000. Til sammen foreligger det ni dateringer til jernalder fra forskjellige kontekster. En samlet analyse konkluderer med at anlegg og kulturlag fremkommet i dette prosjektet, overvåkingen tidligere samme år og i 2000 har romlig sammenheng, og trolig også sammenheng i funksjoner. Data fra overvåkningene typer på at området har fremstått som en «åkerholme» som kan ha tiltrukket seg aktiviteter som matlaging og produksjon e.l. Kulturlag fra jernalder som tyder på fast bosetting, for eksempel et tunområde, ble påvist og dokumentert i 2005 ca, 50 m NØ for den foreslåtte «åkerholmen».

Mest sannsynlig har overvåkingsprosjektene dokumentert spor av gårdsdrift i Id. 59383-1 datert hele yngre jernalder, og kanskje også tilbake folkevandringstid (1 datering). Disse resultatene, sett i sammenheng med en gruppe løsfunn fra merovingertid gjort innenfor et lite område i nærheten, tyder på at det eksisterte et gravfelt knyttet til en eller flere gårder i området. Verken i dette, eller andre overvåkingsprosjekt er mellomalderens kulturlag funnet bevart. Disse er fjernet av moderen inngrep, men kontinuitet i gårdsbosetting på stedet gjennom mellomalderen er overveiende sannsynlig.
Incidentally Diagnosed Disseminated Histoplasmosis among Non HIV Patients: A Series of Three Cases with Review of Literature
Authors: Purohit Priyanka , Minda Nehal , Bohra Navneet , Khan Arshad
Published: April 2024

Histoplasmosis is a rare airborne fungal infection that is soil-based and is mostly documented in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients. It is common in people living near valley regions. Hereby, authors report three cases of Asian women from different regions of Southern Rajasthan who died due to delayed diagnosis of histoplasmosis within a few days of admission. They all had complaints of fatigue and fever for one month. One presented with decreased urine output and pancytopenia, while the others had complaints of prolonged fever with pancytopenia and fatigue. In all three cases, bone marrow examination was done, and they shared the same diagnosis - disseminated histoplasmosis. It was further confirmed by special stains and microbiological investigations. Authors also reviewed recent articles based on South Asian region histoplasmosis case reports and found three case presentations with the same clinical presentation and outcomes. Treatment was started, but patients deteriorated and died within 10 days of admission. Delay in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis leads to the death of patients. Therefore, histoplasmosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for prolonged fever with pancytopenia and chronic infections.
Complete Agenesis of the Dorsal Pancreas Presenting as Uncontrolled Hyperglycaemia: A Case Report
Authors: Kothari Akshay , Shah Kiran , Jadhav Vikram , Reddy Rameswar , More Dnyaneshwar
Published: April 2024

Agenesis of the Dorsal Pancreas (ADP) is a rare anatomical manifestation of the pancreas, characterised by the total or partial absence of the dorsal pancreatic regions, body, and tail. The anatomy of the pancreas missing the pancreatic tail is considered partial agenesis, while the absence of the body and tail, with the presence of only the pancreatic head, is considered to be complete dorsal agenesis of the pancreas. Here the authors present the case of 20 years old male patient with uncontrolled blood sugars and recent onset of blurred vision. Diagnostic imaging, including Ultrasonography (USG) and Computed Tomography (CT), revealed the pancreatic head, but the body and tail were not seen. Using CT, the patient’s condition was identified as complete ADP. Treatment involved initiating basal bolus insulin therapy, leading to glycaemic control. The patient also underwent cataract surgery for diabetic-related complications. This case underscores the importance of considering congenital pancreatic anomalies in young adults and highlights the utility of advanced imaging techniques in confirming the diagnosis of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. Early recognition and intervention are crucial for optimising patient outcomes. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of ADP pathophysiology and develop effective management strategies.
СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ RЕRАМ НА БАЗЕ HIGH-K ДИЭЛЕКТРИКОВ
Authors: Макеев В.В.
Published: April 2024

Приведено сравнение некоторых ожидаемых электрических характеристик элементов резистивной энергонезависимой памяти (RЕRАМ) на базе high-k диэлектриков путём сравнительного анализа электрофизических характеристик диэлектриков. Сделан вывод о том, что наиболее быстродействующими должны быть структуры на основе оксидов тантала и гафния, наихудшие характеристики по скорости переключения должны иметь структуры на базе Al2O3.
A growing need for advocacy skills and knowledge in promoting population health and well-being
Authors: Košir Matej
Published: April 2024

Public health advocacy plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities. It involves the efforts of individuals, organizations, communities, and coalitions to influence public health policies, practices, and systems to address health disparities, improve health outcomes, and create healthier environments. Advocacy strategies used in public health include raising awareness about health issues, mobilizing communities, engaging policy- and decision-makers and media, and influencing legislation. Public health advocates utilize various communication channels, such as traditional and social media, and community forums, to disseminate information and build support for their cause. They also collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders, to amplify their impact. Public health advocacy has been successful in achieving significant improvements in health outcomes. Examples include the adoption and implementation of smoke-free policies, the adoption of evidence-based alcohol strategy and policy, such as the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan (2022-2030), and many more. However, challenges exist, such as lack of advocacy knowledge and skills among public health workforce, resistance from powerful interest groups (e.g., unhealthy industries), limited resources, and the need for sustained efforts to address complex health issues. In conclusion, public health advocacy is a vital component of efforts to improve population health. It involves advocating for policies and practices that address the social determinants of health and promote health equity. Public health advocates can create positive change and contribute to healthier communities. Continued support and investment in public health advocacy are therefore essential.
Implementation of Village Administration Service Innovation in Barru District, Indonesia
Authors: Kasmiah . , Syam Husain , Rifdan .
Published: April 2024

This research evaluates the Digital Village Application (Digides) within Barru Regency's village administration, aiming to align with public service principles to improve service delivery and achieve administrative efficiency. It explores Digides’ operational benefits and identifies challenges like insufficient transparency, limited community engagement, and rights and obligations imbalances. The study underscores the necessity of innovation in governance to meet community needs and enhance social justice. Key recommendations include Digides’ integration with other governmental platforms, IT infrastructure enhancement, digital literacy promotion, and increased transparency and community involvement. These steps are intended to maximize Digides’ utility, promoting equitable and effective public services. This contribution enriches the digital governance discourse, providing insights and recommendations to advance village administration through technological innovation.
Effect of NPK and Growth Regulators on Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Ramnath . , Verma Nagendra Kumar
Published: April 2024

The present experimental study was carried out during Rabi season 2020-21 at Instructional farm, BTC College of Agriculture and Research station, Bilaspur (C.G.). The soil of the experimental field was clay in texture. The wheat Var. HI-1544 was grown and treatments were replicated three times in randomized block design. The experiment consists of nine treatments The crop was sown on 11th November, 2020 and harvesting was done on 24th March, 2021.The result revealed that maximum yield parameters the significantly higher grain (45.55 q ha1) and straw (46.45 q ha-1) yields were observed under the treatment 150 % RDF NPK + Two spray of growth regulator at first node (35 DAS) and boot leaf stage (60 DAS) (T9). Further, among the nutrient management treatment, significantly maximum grain and straw yield up to (43.65q ha-1) and (46.35q ha-1) respectively were recorded under150 % RDF NPK (T6). However, the treatment (T9) was statically similar with the treatment (T6). The improvement in yield attributes and yield of wheat was recorded with the application of 150 % RDF NPK + Two spray of growth regulator at first node (35 DAS) and boot leaf stage (60 DAS) (T9) which was at par with the application of 150 % RDF NPK (T6). Treatment (T9) assigned yield advantage of 21.19 % and 21.52 % in grain and straw yield respectively as compared to 150 % RDF NPK (T6).
Comparative Study of Elementary School Mathematics Textbooks in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, America, Germany: A Case Study on "Fraction Division"
Authors: Yang Hao , Li Jiawen , Jia Suiju
Published: April 2024

The main purpose of this paper is to select 15 primary school mathematics textbooks from China, the United States, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Germany, take "fraction division" as an example, and clarify the characteristics and similarities and differences of its operational meaning model and revelation methods of arithmetic reasoning in Fraction Division through literature method, content analysis method and comparative research method. The results show that there are great differences in these two aspects between different versions of teaching materials. Therefore, combining the national conditions of various countries, seeking common ground while reserving differences, provides a teaching path of fraction division based on national conditions and absorbing the advantages of different countries, and provides theoretical support for the better implementation of curriculum standards and textbooks.
Adoption of Pest Management Practice Wise Green Technologies Utilization Behaviour of Trichy and Madurai District Farmers in Rice-based Ecosystem
Authors: Deepika M. , Sasitha S. Brinly , Jeevapriya A .
Published: April 2024

The current study was carried out in Madurai and Trichy districts of Tamil Nadu. Two blocks from each district were chosen. For this study, a total sample size of 240 people was used. It was seen that 52.08 per cent of the respondents had fully adopted the destruction of stubbles after harvest in which 56.67 per cent of Trichy district farmers and 47.50 per cent of Madurai district farmers had fully adopted the above practice in order to avoid yellow stem borer. More than half (51.67%) of the farmers had adopted placing of dry fish in the field in which 56.67 per cent of Trichy district farmers and 46.66 per cent of Madurai district farmers had fully adopted this practice. It was observed that 50.00 per cent of Trichy district respondents and 27.50 per cent of Madurai district respondents had partially adopted the practice of dipping the seedlings with chloropyriphos to avoid the attack of termites.
Understanding the Sustainability and Growth Dynamics of Shrimp Aquaculture in Odisha, India: A Decomposition Approach
Authors: Tripathy Pritam , Prakash Swadesh , N. Sivaramane, , Qureshi Neha W. , Sharma Arpita
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we examine the growth and decomposition trends of the area, production, and yield of the shrimp aquaculture sector in Odisha. We use annual time series data for the period 2010–11 to 2022–23, and with the help of exponential function, we evaluate growth rate and trend. CV and CDVI were used to analyze production instability. Minha’s decomposition model was used to evaluate the contributions of area and yield to change in farm production. Our findings show a commendably high compound growth rate of 11.55 per cent for area, 26.12 per cent for production, and 13.06 per cent for yield. The instability index, CV and CDVI of the area are low. The influence of the area, yield, and interaction effects accounted for 26.35 per cent, 22.18 per cent, and 51.47 per cent, respectively, of shrimp production. The analysis of decomposition and area effect stresses the need to understand shrimp production dynamics in Odisha. Monitoring land use patterns and markets and promoting research and innovation is not only securing sustainability, nutritional security, and employment but also the economic development of the state.
Verfassungs- und medienrechtliche Grenzen lokaler und regionaler Textberichterstattung des öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunks zum Schutz der Presse – Teil 2
Authors: Cornils Matthias , Herold Maximilian
Published: April 2024

Das Verbot der flächendeckenden lokalen Berichterstattung sowie das Verbot nicht sendungsbezogener presseähnlicher Angebote begrenzen den Telemedienauftrag des öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunks in Deutschland zum Schutz des publizistischen Wettbewerbs im Bereich des Lokaljournalismus. Auslegung wie Tragweite beider einfachrechtlicher Verbote sind indes aus diversen Gründen problematisch und bedürfen sowohl der Aufbereitung als auch der Weiterentwicklung.
Der Abrechnungsbetrug des Hilfsmittelerbringers bei Verstößen gegen das Depot‑, Zuwendungs- und Beteiligungsverbot
Authors: Scheller Iris
Published: April 2024

Anlass für diesen Aufsatz sind aktuelle Divergenzen in der Rechtsprechung der Strafgerichte zum Abrechnungsbetrug des Hilfsmittelerbringers bei Verstößen gegen die in § 128 Abs. 1 und Abs. 2 SGB V normierten Verbote. Zu unterschiedlichen Ergebnissen auch in der Literatur führen dabei zum einen die weiterhin bestehende Uneinigkeit über die Reichweite des formalen Schadensbegriffs im Strafrecht und zum anderen die höchstrichterlich noch nicht hinreichend geklärte Auslegung der maßgeblichen sozialrechtlichen Vorschriften. Dieser Aufsatz erläutert vor dem Hintergrund der bisherigen Rechtsprechung das Strafbarkeitsrisiko des Hilfsmittelerbringers wegen Abrechnungsbetrugs bei entsprechenden Verstößen und unterzieht dabei insbesondere die höchstrichterliche Rechtsprechung zur Auslegung des Beteiligungsverbots nach § 128 Abs. 2 S. 3 SGB V einer kritischen Betrachtung.
Der maßgebliche Zeitpunkt für die Anzeige wegen einer Verspätung von Reisegepäck
Authors: Giemulla Elmar M.
Published: April 2024

Muss die Verspätung von Gepäck dem Carrier erst (bzw. nochmals) nach der Rückgabe des Gepäcks angezeigt werden? Mit der Auslegung von Art. 31 Montrealer Übereinkommen befasst sich möglicherweise der EuGH aufgrund eines Vorlagebeschlusses des LG Frankfurt/M.
Profiles of four top biotech companies in India
Authors: Suresh Narayanan , Rao Ch. Srinivas
Published: March 2009

Serum Institute of India – India's top BioPharma company

Biocon: Aiming for innovation leadership

Rasi Seeds: Changing the face of India's bioagriculture

India's iconic biotech company: Shantha Biotechnics
Reversible acetylation of chromatin: Implication in regulation of gene expression, disease and therapeutics
Authors: Selvi Ruthrotha B. , Kundu Tapas K.
Published: March 2009

The eukaryotic genome is a highly dynamic nucleoprotein complex that is comprised of DNA, histones, nonhistone proteins and RNA, and is termed as chromatin. The dynamicity of the chromatin is responsible for the regulation of all the DNA‐templated phenomena in the cell. Several factors, including the nonhistone chromatin components, ATP‐dependent remodeling factors and the chromatin‐modifying enzymes, mediate the combinatorial post‐translational modifications that control the chromatin fluidity and, thereby, the cellular functions. Among these modifications, reversible acetylation plays a central role in the highly orchestrated network. The enzymes responsible for the reversible acetylation, the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), not only act on histone substrates but also on nonhistone proteins. Dysfunction of the HATs/HDACs is associated with various diseases like cancer, diabetes, asthma, cardiac hypertrophy, retroviral pathogenesis and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, modulation of these enzymes is being considered as an important therapeutic strategy. Although substantial progress has been made in the area of HDAC inhibitors, we have focused this review on the HATs and their small‐molecule modulators in the context of disease and therapeutics. Recent discoveries from different groups have established the involvement of HAT function in various diseases. Furthermore, several new classes of HAT modulators have been identified and their biological activities have also been reported. The scaffold of these small molecules can be used for the design and synthesis of better and efficient modulators with superior therapeutic efficacy.
Growth Mechanism and Chemical Bonding in Scandium‐Doped Copper Clusters: Experimental and Theoretical Study in Concert
Authors: Höltzl Tibor , Veldeman Nele , De Haeck Jorg , Veszprémi Tamás , Lievens Peter , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: March 2009

Size matters! The electronic structure and size‐dependent stability of neutral and cationic scandium‐doped copper clusters have been investigated by mass spectrometric studies (for the cations) and also quantum chemical computations. The proposed reaction paths ultimately lead to the most stable Frank–Kasper‐shaped Cu16Sc+ cluster (shown here), which could be the germ of a new crystallization process.

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Electronic structure and size‐dependent stability of scandium‐doped copper cluster cations, CunSc+, were investigated by using a dual‐target dual‐laser vaporization production scheme followed by mass spectrometric studies and also quantum chemical computations in the density functional theory framework. The neutral species also were studied by using computational methods. Enhanced abundances and dissociation energies were measured in the case of CunSc+ for n=4, 6, 8, 10 and 16, the last of these identified as being extraordinary stable. Neutral clusters are stable with n=5, 7, 9 and 15, which are isoelectronic with respect to the number of the valence s electrons with the stable cationic clusters; hence a simple electron count determines cluster properties to a great extent. The Cu17Sc cluster was found to be a superatomic molecule, containing Cu16Sc+ and Cu− units; however, the charge separation is not as pronounced as in the case of CuLi. Cu15Sc was found to be a stable cluster with a large dissociation energy and a closed electronic structure; hence this can be regarded as a superatom, analogous to the noble gases. The main factors determining the growth patterns of these clusters are the central position of the scandium atom and the successive filling of the shell orbitals. For smaller clusters, the reaction paths appear to diverge yielding various products; however all paths ultimately lead to the most stable Frank–Kasper shaped Cu16Sc cluster, which in turn can be the germ of the crystallization process.
Strong Adsorbability of Mercury Ions on Aniline/Sulfoanisidine Copolymer Nanosorbents
Authors: Li Xin‐Gui , Feng Hao , Huang Mei‐Rong
Published: March 2009

The highest Hg‐ion adsorbance so far, namely up to 2063 mg g−1, has been achieved by poly(aniline‐co‐5‐sulfo‐2‐anisidine) nanosorbents. Sorption of Hg ions occurs mainly by redox and chelation mechanisms (see scheme), but also by ion exchange and physisorption.

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Poly(aniline (AN)‐co‐5‐sulfo‐2‐anisidine (SA)) nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical oxidative copolymerization of AN and SA monomers, and their extremely strong adsorption of mercury ions in aqueous solution was demonstrated. The reactivity ratios of AN and SA comonomers were found to be 2.05 and 0.02, respectively. While AN monomer tends to homopolymerize, SA monomer tends to copolymerize with AN monomer because of the great steric hindrance and electron‐attracting effect of the sulfo groups, despite the effect of conjugation of the methoxyl group with the benzene ring. The effects of initial mercury(II) concentration, sorption time, sorption temperature, ultrasonic treatment, and sorbent dosage on mercury‐ion sorption onto AN/SA (50/50) copolymer nanoparticles with a number‐average diameter of around 120 nm were significantly optimized. The results show that the maximum Hg‐ion sorption capacity on the particulate nanosorbents can even reach 2063 mg of Hg per gram of sorbent, which would be the highest Hg‐ion adsorbance so far. The sorption data fit to the Langmuir isotherm, and the process obeys pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The IR and UV/Vis spectral data of the Hg‐loaded copolymer particles suggest that some mercury(II) was directly reduced by the copolymer to mercury(I) and even mercury(0). A mechanism of sorption between the particles and Hg ions in aqueous solution is proposed, and a physical/ion exchange/chelation/redox sorption ratio of around 2/3/45/50 was found. Copolymer nanoparticles may be one of the most powerful and cost‐effective sorbents of mercury ions, with a wide range of potential applications for the efficient removal and even recovery of the mercury ions from aqueous solution.
Macrocyclic Hexaureas: Synthesis, Conformation, and Anion Binding
Authors: Meshcheryakov Denys , Böhmer Volker , Bolte Michael , Hubscher‐Bruder Véronique , Arnaud‐Neu Françoise
Published: March 2009

Varied flexibility: Cyclic oligoureas are formed by using anions as templates. Linking of six xanthene and/or diphenyl ether fragments by urea groups leads to the formation of five macrocyclic compounds with a 48‐membered ring with variable flexibility (see picture). Their interaction with anions shows a strong influence of acetate and chloride ions on the cyclization from four precursor molecules.

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Five macrocylic compounds XXXXXX, XXDXXD, XDXDXD, XDDXDD, and DDDDDD with 48‐membered rings, in which six xanthene and/or diphenyl ether fragments are linked through six urea (‐NH‐C(O)‐NH‐) groups, have been synthesized. In the cyclization step, a linear diamine was allowed to react with the appropriate diisocyanate by using a [5+1] (i.e., “XDXDX+D” for XDXDXD), [4+2] (DDDDDD), or [3+3] (XDDXDD) procedure. Compounds XXXXXX and XXDXXD were prepared from two molecules of the dimeric amine XX and two molecules of the respective monomeric diisocyanate (X or D) in a [2+1+2+1] (or 2×[2+1]) reaction. The (nonoptimized) yields in the cyclization step ranged from 45 to 80 %. The linear precursor diamines or diisocyanates were obtained by analogous condensation reactions by using partial protection with a tert‐butoxycarbonyl group. All the macrocyclic compounds and synthetic intermediates were characterized by 1H NMR and mass spectra. Three different crystal structures were obtained for XDDXDD, which show the molecule in a more or less strongly folded conformation determined by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The interaction of the hexaureas with selected anions was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and UV absorption spectrophotometry.
3D electron microscopic reconstruction of segments of rat cerebellar purkinje cell dendrites receiving ascending and parallel fiber granule cell synaptic inputs
Authors: Lu Huo , Esquivel Angelica V. , Bower James M.
Published: March 2009

Growing physiological evidence suggests that there are functional differences between synapses made by the ascending and parallel fiber segments of the granule axon on cerebellar Purkinje cells. Supporting this view, our previous electron microscopic studies suggested that these synapses also contacted different regions of the Purkinje cell dendrite, and in particular that ascending segment synapses are made exclusively on the smallest diameter Purkinje cell dendrites. In the current study we used serial electron microscopic techniques to reconstruct Purkinje cell dendritic segments up to almost 10 μm in length. Using a combination of anatomical and immunological labeling techniques we identified the ascending or parallel fiber origins of the excitatory synaptic inputs onto dendritic spines, as well as the location of inhibitory synapses made directly on the dendritic shaft. The results confirmed that there are regions of the Purkinje cell dendrite receiving exclusively ascending or parallel fiber synapses and that ascending segment synapses are only found on small‐diameter dendrites. In addition, we describe for the first time small‐diameter dendritic regions contacted by both types of excitatory synapses. While our data suggest that the majority of inhibitory inputs to the Purkinje cell tree are associated with parallel fiber synaptic inputs, we also found inhibitory inputs on dendritic regions with mixed ascending and parallel fiber inputs, or exclusively parallel fiber inputs. The finding that ascending and parallel fiber inputs can be segregated on the Purkinje cell dendritic tree provides further evidence that these excitatory granule cell synaptic inputs may be functionally distinct. J. Comp. Neurol. 514:583–594, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐Association of [PtII(1,10‐Phenanthroline)(N‐pyrrolidyl‐N‐(2,2‐dimethylpropanoyl)thiourea)]+ and Non‐Covalent Outer‐Sphere Complex Formation with Fluoranthene through π–Cation Interactions: A High‐Resolution 1H and DOSY NMR Study
Authors: Kotzé Izak A. , Gerber Wilhelmus J. , Mckenzie Jean M. , Koch Klaus R.
Published: March 2009

Competing outer‐sphere self‐association of [PtII(1,10‐phenanthroline)(N‐pyrrolidyl‐N‐(2,2‐dimethylpropanoyl)thiourea)]+Cl– (M) and the hetero‐association of M with fluoranthene (F) have been investigated by means of the significant concentration dependence of 1H NMR chemical shifts as well as by diffusion coefficients obtained from DOSY NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectroscopic data is only consistent with the formation of a “dimer” M···M aggregate according to 2M [rlhar2] M2 in acetonitrile at several temperatures, with a calculated KD of ca. 46 ± 7 M–1 at 273.5 K. In the presence of the aromatic molecule fluoranthene, relatively strong, presumably π–cation‐type interactions between M and F according to M + F [rlhar2] MF (KB ≈ 67 ± 7 M–1 at 273.5 K) occur in acetonitrile. The calculated ΔrH° and ΔrS° for M···M (–25129 ± 3112 and –61 ± 11 J mol–1) and M···F (–13560 ± 3180 and –17 ± 11 J mol–1, respectively) is indicative of π–cation interactions. Interestingly any potential F···F aggregation interactions are negligible for the fluoranthene concentration range up to 0.1 M, indicating that non‐covalent π–π interactions between fluoranthene molecules 2F [rlhar2] F2 are, in contrast to π–cation interactions, negligible under these conditions in solution. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Fluoride‐Free Hiyama and Copper‐ and Amine‐Free Sonogashira Coupling in Air in a Mixed Aqueous Medium by a Series of PEPPSI‐Themed Precatalysts
Authors: Dash Chandrakanta , Shaikh Mobin M. , Ghosh Prasenjit
Published: March 2009

A new series of robust, user‐friendly, and highly active PEPPSI‐themed (pyridine‐enhanced precatalyst preparation, stabilization and initiation) (NHC)PdX2(pyridine)‐type (X = Cl, Br) precatalysts of C4–C5 saturated imidazole‐ (1–4) and triazole‐based (5 and 6) N‐heterocyclic carbenes for the Hiyama and Sonogashira couplings under amenable conditions are reported. Specifically 1–6 efficiently catalyze the fluoride‐free Hiyama coupling of aryl halides with PhSi(OMe)3 and CH2=CHSi(OMe)3 in air in the presence of NaOH as a base in a mixed aqueous medium (dioxane/H2O, 2:1 v/v). Along the same lines, these 1–6 precatalysts also promote the Cu‐free and amine‐free Sonogashira coupling of aryl bromides and iodides with phenylacetylene in air and in a mixed aqueous medium (DMF/H2O, 3/1 v/v). The complexes 1–6 were synthesized by the direct reaction of the respective imidazolinium and triazolium halide salts with PdCl2 in pyridine in the presence of K2CO3 as a base. DFT studies on the catalytically relevant palladium(0) (NHC)Pd(pyridine) precursors 1a–6a reveal significant donation from the N‐heterocyclic carbene lone pair onto the unfilled σ* orbital of the trans Pd–pyridine bond. This weakens the Pd‐bound “throwaway” pyridine ligand, and its dissociation marks the initiation of the catalytic cycle.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Mechanism for the Oxidation of Sulfides and Sulfoxides with Periodates: Reactivity of the Oxidizing Species
Authors: Ruff Ferenc , Fábián Attila , Farkas Ödön , Kucsman Árpád
Published: March 2009

DFT computations have been performed at different levels of theory to identify the mechanism for the oxidation of sulfides and sulfoxides with periodates. The periodate ion (IO4–), periodic acid (HIO4) and their hydrated derivatives all oxidize sulfides to sulfoxides in one‐step oxygen‐transfer reactions and the relative reactivities are HIO4 >> H5IO6 > IO4– > H4IO6– >> H3IO62–. The hydration and dissociation equilibria of the periodates are shifted towards IO4– in neutral and moderately acidic solutions, and sulfides are oxidized mainly with IO4– under normal experimental conditions. The oxygen atoms of the periodates attack the sulfides perpendicularly to the plane of the C–S–C atoms and the S···O···I atoms are in a linear arrangement in the very early transition state (TS). The sulfides are the electron donors and periodates are the electron acceptors in the reactions; the geometries of the TSs are determined by the overlap of the HOMO and the LUMO of the reactants. Other mechanisms can be ruled out because the attack of the sulfur atom of the substrate on the iodine atom of the reactants increases the energy of the system continuously very steeply as the S···I distance decreases. Experimentally derived ΔG‡ values are in good agreement with the ΔG‡ data computed for the oxygen‐transfer mechanism. Sulfoxides are also oxidized to sulfones with IO4– in a one‐step oxygen‐transfer reaction, and the structures of the TSs and the ΔG‡ data are similar to those obtained for the reactions of sulfides. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Amphiceramide A and B, Novel Glycosphingolipids from the Marine Sponge Amphimedon compressa
Authors: Costantino Valeria , Fattorusso Ernesto , Imperatore Concetta , Mangoni Alfonso , Teta Roberta
Published: March 2009

Glycolipid analysis of the Caribbean sponge Amphimedon compressa has shown it to contain two novel glycosphingolipids, amphiceramide A (1a) and B (2a), which possess an unusual Δ6‐phytosphingosine. The saccharide chain of amphiceramide A is composed of a β‐glucose residue glycosylated at the 6‐position by an N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosamine and has never been found before in a natural product. The saccharide chain of amphiceramide B consists of an allolactose [Gal(1β→6)Glc] residue β‐linked to the ceramide and is found here for the first time in a natural glycosphingolipid. In addition, the sponge contains a new molecular species, acetamidoglucosyl ceramide (3a), and the known glucosyl ceramide 4a (halicerebroside A) and melibiosyl ceramide 5a (amphimelibioside C). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Efficient Release of Base‐Sensitive Oligonucleotides from Solid Supports using Fluoride Ions
Authors: Lavergne Thomas , Parey Nora , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Debart Françoise
Published: March 2009

With the aim to prepare biolabile oligoribonucleotides that are partially or fully base‐sensitive 2′‐O‐pivaloyloxymethyl functionalized, we investigated the cleavage of a silyl‐type linker and a Q‐linker anchored to a solid support under several fluoride ion conditions. Thus, an original fluoride ion treatment was perfected to release oligonucleotides bearing base‐sensitive modifications from solid supports without affecting them and with high efficiency. Chimeric oligouridylates containing both 2′‐OH and 2′‐O‐PivOM groups were obtained in high yield and purity. Moreover, the conditions used to cleave the linker were extended to the release of a base‐sensitive DNA‐oligonucleotide with 4‐N‐acetylcytosine residues; the acetyl groups were maintained.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Analysis of PM10 air pollution in Brno based on generalized linear model with strongly rank‐deficient design matrix
Authors: Veselý Vítězslav , Tonner Jaromír , Hrdlivčková Zuzana , Michálek Jaroslav , Kolář Miroslav
Published: March 2009

An analysis of air pollution by suspended particulate matter (PM10) in Brno, the second largest urban agglomeration of the Czech Republic, based on generalized linear model (GLM) is presented. Average daily concentrations coming from PM10 monitoring for the period 1998–2005 have been processed. The measured meteorological factors: air temperature and humidity, direction and wind speed were considered as covariates along with some additional seasonal factors.

Three standard and six GLMs with strongly rank‐deficient design matrix have been applied. The rank deficiency is due to overparameterization which allows one more precise modeling involving, among others, identification of significant air pollution sources (PSs).

From each of them the parameter estimates were obtained using both standard estimation procedure and a new sparse parameter estimation technique based on a four‐step modification of the basis pursuit algorithm originally suggested for time‐scale analysis of digital signals.

As the standard estimation algorithms often fail due to numerical instability caused by strong overparameterization, we have applied this new computationally intensive approach allowing us to reliably identify nearly zero parameters in the model and thus to find numerically stable sparse solutions.

The goal of the analysis was to identify the model and algorithm yielding most precise 1‐day forecasts of the level of pollution by PM10 with regard to the meteorological and seasonal covariates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tryptic digest analysis by comprehensive reversed phase×two reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP‐LC×2RP‐LC) at different pH's
Authors: François Isabelle , Cabooter Deirdre , Sandra Koen , Lynen Frédéric , Desmet Gert , Sandra Pat
Published: March 2009

As an alternative to the classical approach of combining strong cation exchange SCX‐LC and RP‐LC for the separation of complex proteomic samples, this essay describes the online comprehensive RP‐LC×RP‐LC separation of BSA and human blood serum. High orthogonality and peak capacity are achieved through the application of a significantly different pH in the two dimensions. The coupling of fused‐core columns in series ensures high efficiency in the first dimension, while a previously designed interface with parallel second dimension columns further enhances the separation capability of the comprehensive system.
Characterization of high molecular weight multimeric states of human haptoglobin and hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers by high‐mass MALDI MS
Authors: Pimenova Tatiana , Pereira Claudia P. , Schaer Dominik J. , Zenobi Renato
Published: March 2009

High‐mass MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry (MS) is a novel analytical approach to study large biomolecules and their interactions. It is a powerful alternative method to gel electrophoresis (GE) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for obtaining information on the molecular weights of macromolecules and for determining protein complexes. The precision of mass measurements (mass accuracy), high sensitivity, speed of the analysis, and tolerance toward sample heterogeneity are the major features of this MS‐based approach. Remarkably, MS provides direct stoichiometric information of macromolecular protein complexes, when noncovalent interactions are stabilized during desorption/ionization by use of chemical cross‐linking reagents. In this study, high‐mass MALDI‐TOF MS was applied to characterize the multimeric state of the human plasma protein haptoglobin (Hp), which is in the mass range of 150–300 kDa. Also, higher order structures of hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and their interactions with human haptoglobin were analyzed. These investigations are of clinical importance and contribute to the overall understanding of specific toxicity and clearance of HBOCs.
Role of ubiquitin–proteasome proteolysis in muscle fiber destruction in experimental chloroquine‐induced myopathy
Authors: Kimura Noriyuki , Kumamoto Toshihide , Oniki Takahiro , Nomura Miwa , Nakamura Kenichiro , Abe Yoshitake , Hazama Yusuke , Ueyama Hidetsugu
Published: March 2009

Previous studies have documented the presence of rimmed vacuoles, atrophic fibers, and increased lysosomal cathepsin activity in skeletal muscle from animal models of chloroquine‐induced myopathy, suggesting that muscle fibers in this type of myopathy may be degraded via the lysosomal‐proteolysis pathway. Given recent evidence of abnormal ubiquitin accumulation in rimmed vacuoles, in this study we chose to examine the significance of the ubiquitin–proteasome proteolytic system in the process of muscle fiber destruction in experimental chloroquine myopathy. Expression of ubiquitin, 26S proteasome proteins, and ubiquitin ligases, such as muscle‐specific RING finger‐1 (MuRF‐1) and atrogin‐1/muscle atrophy F‐box protein (MAFbx), was analyzed in innervated and denervated rat soleus muscles after treatment with either saline or chloroquine. Abnormal accumulation of rimmed vacuoles was observed only in chloroquine‐treated denervated muscles. Ubiquitin and proteasome immunostaining, and ubiquitin, MuRF‐1, and atrogin‐1/MAFbx mRNAs were significantly increased in denervated soleus muscles from saline‐ and chloroquine‐treated rats when compared with contralateral innervated muscles. Further, ubiquitin and ubiquitin ligase mRNA levels were higher in denervated muscles from chloroquine‐treated rats when compared with saline‐treated rats. These data demonstrate increased proteasomes and ubiquitin in denervated muscles from chloroquine‐treated rats and suggest that the ubiquitin–proteasome proteolysis pathway as well as the lysosomal‐proteolysis pathway mediate muscle fiber destruction in experimental chloroquine myopathy. Muscle Nerve 39: 521–528, 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization of brominated benzoxazine monomers and thermal stability/flame retardance of the polymers generated
Authors: Li Shengfang , Huang Weidong , Liu Xianli , Yu Xin , Xiao Wensheng
Published: March 2009

Novel monofunctional brominated benzoxazine 3‐(2,4,6‐tribromophenyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazine (P‐bra) and bifunctional brominated benzoxazine 6,6′‐bis(3‐(2,4,6‐tribromophenyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazinyl) isopropane (B‐bra) were prepared and highly thermally stable polybenzoxazines were obtained by the thermal cure of the corresponding benzoxazines monomers. The chemical structures of these novel monomers were confirmed by FITR, 1H‐NMR and elemental analysis. FTIR spectra and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested that the polymerization was thermally initiated and occurred via ring‐opening of the monomer in each case. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that brominatation could have a profound effect on increasing char yield and on thermal degradation temperatures. The results of UL‐94 burn test showed that the polybenzoxazines prepared from P‐bra and B‐bra had good flame retardance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving through deprived neighbourhoods
Authors: Clark Andrew
Published: March 2009

The paper explores representations and experiences of residential mobility into and out of deprived urban neighbourhoods. It identifies a particular representation of mobility that suggests that moving in should be avoided and moving out expected. This paper considers this view by exploring experiences of mobility in two deprived urban neighbourhoods. In considering the migration biographies of two neighbouring households, the paper reveals how such biographies provide a way of understanding migration decision‐making in the context of a life‐story. It also reveals ways in which mobility can impact upon how representations of place and individual identities are interpreted and presented. In conclusion, the paper cautions against the uncritical adoption of the term ‘culture of migration’. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.