bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Servant Leadership: A Discussion between Managerial Competencies and Managerial Values
Authors:   Faculty of Management, University of Warsaw, Poland, Postuła Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Purpose: The goal of this article is explore the intricacies of servant leadership, the evolving expectations of new generations, the importance of managerial competencies and values, and the empirical findings from the comprehensive research conducted. This exploration aims to provide valuable insights into the multifaceted world of leadership and management in contemporary organizations. Design/methodology/approach: This article is grounded in the findings of comprehensive ethnographic research. Data were collected mainly with open interviews conducted within four main groups: undergraduate students, final-year students, graduates and participants in postgraduate studies, and managers. In total, 53 interviews were conducted. For the purposes of this article, statements from managers (with varying levels of tenure and experience) were utilized. Interviews were transcribed, coded, categorized and interpreted. The second part of the research consisted of a literature analysis. Findings: Research findings indicate that both competencies and values are important in leadership, as they each bring unique benefits to a leader’s ability to effectively lead and influence others. Competencies are skills and abilities that enable a leader to effectively perform their job duties, while values are principles or beliefs that guide a leader’s decision-making and actions. Thus, a leader with strong decision-making and problem-solving skills can help navigate complex issues and make more informed decisions. Servant leaders should strive to develop both skills and values in order to effectively lead and influence others. Research limitations: The data collected through qualitative methods, may be subject to individual perceptions and biases. Participants may interpret servant leadership differently, influencing the accuracy of the findings. The dynamic nature of workplaces suggests that servant leadership characteristics may vary over time. Research implications: Managers’ values play a crucial role in shaping workplace dynamics and can extend their influence to broader societal contexts. A values-driven approach has the potential to create positive social impacts, contributing to ethical business practices, trustful relationships, and overall societal well-being. Originality/value: The paper has the potential to enrich scholarly discourse on leadership by offering a nuanced exploration of the interplay between competencies and values within the context of servant leadership, while also providing practical insights for organizational leaders and managers.
Neonatal sensitivity to vocal emotions: A developmental change at 37 weeks of gestational age
Authors: Hou Xinlin , Zhang Peng , Mo Licheng , Peng Cheng , Zhang Dandan
Published: August 2024

Emotional responsiveness in neonates, particularly their ability to discern vocal emotions, plays an evolutionarily adaptive role in human communication and adaptive behaviors. The developmental trajectory of emotional sensitivity in neonates is crucial for understanding the foundations of early social-emotional functioning. However, the precise onset of this sensitivity and its relationship with gestational age (GA) remain subjects of investigation. In a study involving 120 healthy neonates categorized into six groups based on their GA (ranging from 35 and 40 weeks), we explored their emotional responses to vocal stimuli. These stimuli encompassed disyllables with happy and neutral prosodies, alongside acoustically matched nonvocal control sounds. The assessments occurred during natural sleep states using the odd-ball paradigm and event-related potentials. The results reveal a distinct developmental change at 37 weeks GA, marking the point at which neonates exhibit heightened perceptual acuity for emotional vocal expressions. This newfound ability is substantiated by the presence of the mismatch response, akin to an initial form of adult mismatch negativity, elicited in response to positive emotional vocal prosody. Notably, this perceptual shift’s specificity becomes evident when no such discrimination is observed in acoustically matched control sounds. Neonates born before 37 weeks GA do not display this level of discrimination ability. This developmental change has important implications for our understanding of early social-emotional development, highlighting the role of gestational age in shaping early perceptual abilities. Moreover, while these findings introduce the potential for a valuable screening tool for conditions like autism, characterized by atypical social-emotional functions, it is important to note that the current data are not yet robust enough to fully support this application. This study makes a substantial contribution to the broader field of developmental neuroscience and holds promise for future research on early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Sequential replacement of PSD95 subunits in postsynaptic supercomplexes is slowest in the cortex
Authors: Morris Katie , Bulovaite Edita , Kaizuka Takeshi , Schnorrenberg Sebastian , Adams Candace , Komiyama Noboru H , Mendive-Tapia Lorena , Grant Seth GN , Horrocks Mathew H
Published: August 2024

The concept that dimeric protein complexes in synapses can sequentially replace their subunits has been a cornerstone of Francis Crick’s 1984 hypothesis, explaining how long-term memories could be maintained in the face of short protein lifetimes. However, it is unknown whether the subunits of protein complexes that mediate memory are sequentially replaced in the brain and if this process is linked to protein lifetime. We address these issues by focusing on supercomplexes assembled by the abundant postsynaptic scaffolding protein PSD95, which plays a crucial role in memory. We used single-molecule detection, super-resolution microscopy and MINFLUX to probe the molecular composition of PSD95 supercomplexes in mice carrying genetically encoded HaloTags, eGFP and mEos2. We found a population of PSD95-containing supercomplexes comprised of two copies of PSD95, with a dominant 12.7 nm separation. Time-stamping of PSD95 subunits
in vivo
revealed that each PSD95 subunit was sequentially replaced over days and weeks. Comparison of brain regions showed subunit replacement was slowest in the cortex, where PSD95 protein lifetime is longest. Our findings reveal that protein supercomplexes within the postsynaptic density can be maintained by gradual replacement of individual subunits providing a mechanism for stable maintenance of their organization. Moreover, we extend Crick’s model by suggesting that synapses with slow subunit replacement of protein supercomplexes and long protein lifetimes are specialized for long-term memory storage and that these synapses are highly enriched in superficial layers of the cortex where long-term memories are stored.
Comprehensive analysis of clustering algorithms: exploring limitations and innovative solutions
Authors: Wani Aasim Ayaz
Published: August 2024

This survey rigorously explores contemporary clustering algorithms within the machine learning paradigm, focusing on five primary methodologies: centroid-based, hierarchical, density-based, distribution-based, and graph-based clustering. Through the lens of recent innovations such as deep embedded clustering and spectral clustering, we analyze the strengths, limitations, and the breadth of application domains—ranging from bioinformatics to social network analysis. Notably, the survey introduces novel contributions by integrating clustering techniques with dimensionality reduction and proposing advanced ensemble methods to enhance stability and accuracy across varied data structures. This work uniquely synthesizes the latest advancements and offers new perspectives on overcoming traditional challenges like scalability and noise sensitivity, thus providing a comprehensive roadmap for future research and practical applications in data-intensive environments.
The theory of planned behavior and the factors influencing human milk donation
Authors: Pinheiro Romel , Reinert Franciane , Souza Maria José Barbosa de
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to verify to what extent the theory of planned behavior (TPB) can be used to identify the factors influencing the behavior towards human milk donation (HMD). Structural equation modeling was used to verify the following hypotheses: H1 - there is a relationship between behavioral beliefs and intention to perform HMD; H2 - there is a relationship between injunctive normative beliefs and the intention to perform HMD; H3 - there is a relationship between descriptive normative beliefs and the intention to perform HMD; H4 - there is a relationship between control beliefs and the intention to perform HMD. Logistic regression was used to verify hypothesis H5 - there is a relationship between intention and HMD. The key findings were as follows: behavioral beliefs and normative injunctive beliefs do not influence intention, so, H1 and H3 were rejected; normative injunctive beliefs and control beliefs influence intention, thus, H2 and H4 were accepted; and intention has very little influence on behavior, and as a consequence, H5 was rejected. Approximately 50% of intent (R2 = 0.512) can be explained by the three TPB predictor constructs, considered as a moderate predictive power; and intention is not relevant for predicting behavior. These findings contradict the TPB assumption that intention is the closest predictor of behavior when it comes to volitional behaviors. As a consequence, TPB may not be recommended to identify the factors influencing the donation of human milk, since intention was not relevant to predict such behavior.
The Influence of Competence and Training on Teacher Performance is Mediated by Creativity in ASN Teachers
Authors: Fitriah Lailatul , Soehari Tjiptogoro Dinarjo
Published: August 2024

The study aims to test the influence of competence and training on the performance of teachers in the State High School with creativity as a mediation variable. The research method used is quantitative causal research. The population of this study is as much as 88 teachers in the first preventive school of the state of Pusakanagara Subang. The sample in this study covers the entire population that exists. Data analysis method using Structural Equation Model-partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results of the research show that: (1) competence has a positive and significant impact on teacher performance, (2) training has a significant and positive impact on teachers performance, (3) competences have a significant positive influence on creativity, (4) competencies have a positive, significant influence upon creativity; (5) creativity has a positive and significant effect on teacher's performance, (6) competences influence positive and meaningful influence of teacher performance through creativity. 7) training influence positive and meaningful influence of teacher performance through creativity. Conclusion: that competence, training and creativity can be used to improve teacher performance. Contribution: Competence, training and creativity can be the basis of policy to improve teacher performance especially in the field of education. Novelty: Creativity plays an important role as a mediator of competence and training to improve teacher performance.
Influence of Seed Priming Treatments on Yield Attributes, Seed Yield and Economic Returns of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Dixit Ravi , Maurya C L , Kumar Shravan , Babu Keshav , Shrigovind  , Dixit Vineet , Yadav Anuj Kumar
Published: August 2024

The effects of different seed priming treatments, namely tap water, KNO3 2.5%, Thiourea 1000 ppm, CaCl2 2%, Nacl2 2%, ZnSo4 1%, KH2PO4 1% and Salicylic acid 100 ppm solutions, on yield attributes, seed yield and economic returns of Barley cv. K-1055 and K-409 in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications were investigated during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur. Analysis of variance revealed that the yield attributes and seed yield were significantly affected by various seed priming treatments.  Priming with KNO3 @ 2.5 % increased the seed yield by 21.70 % compared to the control., Priming with KNO3 2.5%, gave the highest economic returns with a cost to benefit ratio of 1:2.14. Therefore, these priming techniques could be used to improve the seed yield and profit.
Genetic Variability and Character Association Studies in Trait Specific Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Germplasm Lines
Authors: Govindu Manaswini , A Anil Kumar. , Yadav Pradyuman , C. V. Sameer Kumar
Published: August 2024

Sixty one safflower trait specific germplasm were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) at ICAR- IIOR, during rabi 2023-24 to determine the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance, character association and path analysis studies for twelve quantitative traits. Analysis of variance showed that significant variation was present in the genotypes studied for all the traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was found to be higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High level of Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was recorded for seed yield per plant, number of seeds per primary capitula. Heritability was high for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, no.of capitula per plant, capitula diameter, no. of seeds per primary capitula,1000 seed weight, plant dry weight , seed yield, harvesting index, oil content. Genetic advance (GA) (% mean) was high for all the traits except for days to maturity. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for days for flowering, plant height, no.of capitula per plant, capitula diameter,1000 seed weight, plant dry weight, seed yield, harvesting index, oil content. The character's productive branches per plant, no.of capitula per plant, 1000 seed weight, plant dry weight, harvesting index showed a positive significant correlation with the total yield. The path coefficient analysis indicates that the utmost positive direct effect on total yield was plant dry weight. Hence, it was concluded that selection for traits The plant dry weight, harvesting index, oil content, days to maturity, no. of capitula per plant, no.of seeds per primary capitula, 1000 seed weight and capitula diameter beneficial in yield improvement programs of safflower.
μ-Synthesis of an Under-Actuated Bridge Crane
Authors: Xing Miaojie , Geng Lihui , Zhang Yongli
Published: August 2024

During crane operation, the distribution of load mass may be nonuniform, which leads to the model uncertainty of the crane. Additionally, external disturbances such as wind and friction can cause oscillation of crane loads. A robust control strategy is proposed for an uncertain bridge crane system to address these issues. This strategy aims to accurately locate, quickly transport, and suppress its swing angle. The bridge crane is first modeled as the two degree-of-freedom system to study the control problem, and the load mass and the track friction coefficients are taken as parameter uncertainties. The appropriate performance weight and input weight functions are then designed for the closed-loop system by a concluded procedure. The relationship between the weight-function parameters and the resulting performance is analyzed. According to these weight functions, a μ-synthesis robust controller is designed using the DK-iteration algorithm. The output disturbance is introduced to analyze the pendulum angle suppression and perturbation rejection abilities of the closed-loop system in a shorter period. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed control method is verified by a simulation example.
The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Pharmaceutical Process Design and Optimization in Africa: A Review
Authors: Ogunye Rachael Olakunmi , Egwuatu Donatus , Anene Peter Chidendu , Azubuike Eberechukwu Osinachi , Asenuga Oluwabusola Oluwakorede , Sargwak James Ponman , Ojobor Jane-Frances Chinenye , Onoharigho Favour Ogheneoruese , Nwokafor Chibuzo Valentine
Published: August 2024

Emerging technologies present a transformative potential for pharmaceutical process design and optimization, particularly within Africa’s evolving pharmaceutical industries. The purpose of this review is to explore the impact of emerging digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics, on pharmaceutical process design and optimization within the African context. Data was collected through a comprehensive literature review of scholarly articles, industry reports, and case studies. By analyzing recent advancements and case studies, this review identifies key areas where technology is reshaping the production processes for pharmaceutical product development. It highlights the benefits, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy, and minimized waste. However, the review also emphasizes significant challenges, including infrastructural limitations, regulatory barriers, and disparities in access to technology that can hinder the adoption of these emerging technologies in Africa. An assessment of their impact on manufacturing efficiency, drug production costs, drug quality, and safety reveals their potential to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing operations significantly. The findings suggest that while emerging technologies offer substantial opportunities for improving pharmaceutical processes and operations, their successful integration requires a strategic approach that involves stakeholder cooperation, infrastructure improvements, and targeted capacity enhancement initiatives within the continent’s pharmaceutical industry. This review offers a broad overview of the current state of technological adoption in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Africa and the impact of leveraging these emerging technologies to drive sustainable improvements in the pharmaceutical product development process.
Impact of Geotechnical Engineering on Infrastructure Lifespan and Maintenance Costs
Authors: Nyame Michael
Published: August 2024

Aim: To examine the impact of geotechnical engineering on infrastructure lifespan and maintenance costs.
Problem Statement: The roles of geotechnical engineering in civil engineering infrastructures cannot be underestimated. It cuts across sub-divisional professions such as structural engineering, geology, mechanical engineering, construction engineering, environmental engineering, hydraulic engineering and so on. However, the study has great influence on the lifespan of infrastructure and their maintenance costs. Thus, more studies and literature surveys are still needed to reveal crucial information to geotechnical engineers, government, private sectors and related organizations.
Significance of Study: This technical review critically examines the need to study the influence of geotechnical engineering on infrastructure lifespan and maintenance costs.
Methodology: Recent relevant published articles, books and journals in the area of geotechnical engineering in relation to its impacts on the lifespan of infrastructure and their relevant maintenance costs were consulted.
Discussion: In this technical review paper, the fundamental knowledge of geotechnical engineering and its interrelationship with infrastructure lifespan and their maintenance costs was examined. Applications of geotechnical engineering in relation with practicing fields were listed to include underground structures, roads and airports, supporting ground structures and excavations, subgrades and ground structures, foundation engineering and assessments of slope stability. Infrastructure life cycle was stated to comprise of four phases which include planning, preparation, procurement and implementation. Reference was made to a study on the effects of geotechnical risks on cost and schedule in infrastructure projects. It was concluded that slope Instability was the most significant risk factor based on both cost and schedule impacts having mean values of 3.06 and 3.02 respectively with reference to the survey results achieved from 47 professionals in the construction industry. The findings were recommended for governmental agencies and industry professionals whose professionalism is into infrastructure projects in order to recognize how geotechnical conditions influence time and cost overruns.
Conclusion: Geotechnical engineering has great influence on the lifespan of infrastructure and their maintenance costs.
Evaluating the Nutritional Value of Dehydrated Green Leafy Vegetables (Bengal Gram, Fenugreek, and Spinach)
Authors: Singh Anchal
Published: August 2024

The present study investigated the nutritional composition of dehydrated spinach, fenugreek, and Bengal gram leaves. For the development of leaf powder, the green leafy vegetables (GLVs), were steam blanched for 2 min after pretreatment and dried in an oven at 80 °C for 8 h. The dehydrated samples were analyzed for selected proximate constituents, vitamins, minerals, antinutrients, and iron. Among all the dehydrated leaves powder BLP contains the highest (24.39%) crude protein followed by SLP (24.79) and FLP (23.0%). The β-carotene of BLP (Bengal gram leaves powder), FLP (Fenugreek leaves powder), and SLP (Spinach leaves powder) were found to be 48890, 22401, and 54911 μg/100g respectively. The total iron content in the dehydrated leaves i.e. BLP, FLP, and SLP was estimated as 111.33, 96.7, and 80.83 mg/100g. Dehydration is the simplest and most convenient technology for preserving GLVs, especially when they are abundantly available. Dehydrated GLVs are a concentrated natural source of micronutrients and can be used in product formulations. Adding traditional foods with dehydrated GLV can be a sustainable food-based approach to combating micronutrient malnutrition.
Assessment of Heterosis in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Singh Poornima , Kumar Ashok , Ahirwar G.K
Published: August 2024

The present study, Estimate of Heterosis in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) under the Bundelkhand Region, was conducted in Rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Experimental, Organic Research farm Kargunwa ji, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). The study involved raising all 17 parents (12 lines and 5 testers) in separate plots, along with a check grown in RBD i.e. to determine the best F1 hybrid, in order to calculate the proportion or amount of heterosis in the crossings, and relationship between different traits. The three most effective line and testers with their combinations viz.,. H-88- 78-5, Kashi Aman, and H-88-78-5. Their F1 hybrids, H-88-78-1×Kashi Chaya, VRT-67 Kashi Chaya, and H-88-78-5VRT-50, outperformed the other treatments by a large margin in terms of maximum plant height was recorded (98.11,) VRT-67 × Kashi Chaya, number of fruit per cluster in F1 hybrids Line was recorded (9.67) under Tolev-16 × Kashi Aman which was at par with (9.63) under VRT-51×VRT-30 and VRT-01 ×Kashi Aman. However, mean performance for lycopene content was recorded for 12 lines and 5 testers. Lycopene content was (11.31) under the line VRT-67 and mean performance for their F1 hybrids after the crosses (12.56) were under treatment VRT-51×VRT-50.
On the stability and convergence of a sliding‐window variable‐regularization recursive‐least‐squares algorithm
Authors: Ali Asad A. , Hoagg Jesse B. , Mossberg Magnus , Bernstein Dennis S.
Published: October 2015

A sliding‐window variable‐regularization recursive‐least‐squares algorithm is derived, and its convergence properties, computational complexity, and numerical stability are analyzed. The algorithm operates on a finite data window and allows for time‐varying regularization in the weighting and the difference between estimates. Numerical examples are provided to compare the performance of this technique with the least mean squares and affine projection algorithms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Alignment of Molecular Glass Wrinkles by Engineered Magnetic Field Landscapes
Authors: Huckfeldt Henning , Ahrend Florian , Holzinger Dennis , Klein Holger , Engel Dieter , Melzer Michael , Makarov Denys , Schmidt Oliver G. , Fuhrmann‐Lieker Thomas , Ehresmann Arno
Published: October 2015

A new approach for aligning wrinkles in thin viscoelastic polymethylmethacrylate films is established by sandwiching them between ferromagnetic layers. Experiments prove that a contribution from an engineered anisotropic 1D periodic magnetic stray field pattern can be decisive for the alignment of otherwise randomly oriented wrinkles at commensurate periods of the magnetic template pattern and the wrinkles. Alternatively, random wrinkling is observed under similar conditions, but when periodic magnetic stray fields are missing or not commensurate with the wrinkle wavelength. The possibility to stabilize two distinct types of wrinkling patterns in the same material system paves the way toward mechanically reconfigurable functional elements, enabling exciting possibilities for stretchable electronics, magnetic field sensors, and tuneable gratings for optoelectronics and photonics.
Is this STS work‐related? ISO 1999 predictions as an adjunct to clinical judgment
Authors: Dobie Robert A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Physicians and audiologists are often asked to decide whether standard threshold shifts (STSs) are work‐related; epidemiological data can inform these decisions.

Methods

Predictions of ISO (2013) for both age‐related and noise‐induced threshold shifts, for the 2, 3, and 4 kHz average used in calculating OSHA STSs, are presented, in tables, graphs, and an Excel spreadsheet calculator. Specifically, the ISO 1999 model estimates age‐related thresholds based on age and sex; it estimates noise‐induced threshold shifts based on noise level and duration. It specifies that to estimate the final hearing thresholds for a person of given percentile, age, sex, and noise exposure, the expected age‐related threshold is to be added to the expected noise‐induced threshold shift. Examples show how these data can predict the relative contributions of aging and occupational noise to an STS.

Results

Early‐career STSs, especially with high levels of noise exposure, are more likely to be primarily noise‐induced. After the first decade of exposure, most STSs will be primarily age‐related.

Conclusion

Given a worker's age, sex, and occupational noise exposure history, ISO 1999 estimates of the expected contributions of aging and noise can supplement clinical judgment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1311–1318, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening of CD96 and ASXL1 in 11 patients with Opitz C or Bohring–Opitz syndromes
Authors: Urreizti Roser , Roca‐Ayats Neus , Trepat Judith , Garcia‐Garcia Francisco , Aleman Alejandro , Orteschi Daniela , Marangi Giuseppe , Neri Giovanni , Opitz John M. , Dopazo Joaquin , Cormand Bru , Vilageliu Lluïsa , Balcells Susana , Grinberg Daniel
Published: October 2015

Opitz C trigonocephaly (or Opitz C syndrome, OTCS) and Bohring‐Opitz syndrome (BOS or C‐like syndrome) are two rare genetic disorders with phenotypic overlap. The genetic causes of these diseases are not understood. However, two genes have been associated with OTCS or BOS with dominantly inherited de novo mutations. Whereas CD96 has been related to OTCS (one case) and to BOS (one case), ASXL1 has been related to BOS only (several cases). In this study we analyze CD96 and ASXL1 in a group of 11 affected individuals, including 2 sibs, 10 of them were diagnosed with OTCS, and one had a BOS phenotype. Exome sequences were available on six patients with OTCS and three parent pairs. Thus, we could analyze the CD96 and ASXL1 sequences in these patients bioinformatically. Sanger sequencing of all exons of CD96 and ASXL1 was carried out in the remaining patients. Detailed scrutiny of the sequences and assessment of variants allowed us to exclude putative pathogenic and private mutations in all but one of the patients. In this patient (with BOS) we identified a de novo mutation in ASXL1 (c.2100dupT). By nature and location within the gene, this mutation resembles those previously described in other BOS patients and we conclude that it may be responsible for the condition. Our results indicate that in 10 of 11, the disease (OTCS or BOS) cannot be explained by small changes in CD96 or ASXL1. However, the cohort is too small to make generalizations about the genetic etiology of these diseases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative fluxome and metabolome analysis for overproduction of succinate in Escherichia coli
Authors: Taymaz‐Nikerel Hilal , De Mey Marjan , Baart Gino J. E. , Maertens Jo , Foulquié‐Moreno Maria Remedios , Charlier Daniel , Heijnen Joseph J. , van Gulik Walter M.
Published: October 2015

An aerobic succinate‐producing Escherichia coli mutant was compared to its wild‐type by quantitatively analyzing both the metabolome and fluxome, during glucose‐limited steady‐state and succinate excess dynamic conditions, in order to identify targets for further strain engineering towards more efficient succinate production. The mutant had four functional mutations under the conditions investigated: increased expression of a succinate exporter (DcuC), deletion of a succinate importer (Dct), deletion of succinate dehydrogenase (SUCDH) and expression of a PEP carboxylase (PPC) with increased capacity due to a point mutation. The steady‐state and dynamic patterns of the intracellular metabolite levels and fluxes in response to changes were used to locate the quantitative differences in the physiology/metabolism of the mutant strain. Unexpectedly the mutant had a higher energy efficiency, indicated by a much lower rate of oxygen consumption, under glucose‐limited conditions, caused by the deletion of the transcription factors IclR and ArcA. Furthermore the mutant had a much lower uptake capacity for succinate (26‐fold) and oxygen (17‐fold under succinate excess) compared to the wild‐type strain. The mutant strain produced 7.9 mmol.CmolX−1.h−1 succinate during chemostat cultivation, showing that the choice of the applied genetic modifications was a successful strategy. Furthermore, the applied genetic modifications resulted in multiple large changes in metabolite levels (FBP, pyruvate, 6PG, NAD+/NADH ratio, α‐ketogluarate) corresponding to large changes in fluxes. Compared to the wild‐type a considerable flux shift occurred from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle to the oxidative part of the pentose phosphate pathway, including an inversion of the pyruvate kinase flux. The mutant responded very differently to excess of succinate, with a remarkable possible reversal of the TCA cycle. The mutant and the wild‐type both showed homeostatic behaviour with respect to the energy charge. In contrast, large changes in redox ratios (NAD+/NADH) occurred in the wild‐type, while the mutant showed even larger changes. This large redox change can be associated to the reversal of flux directions. The observed large flexibility in the central metabolism following genetic (deletions) and environmental (substrate excess) perturbations of the mutant, indicates that introducing a more efficient succinate exporter could result in an even higher succinate production rate. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 817–829. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The experimental teaching reform in biochemistry and molecular biology for undergraduate students in Peking University Health Science Center
Authors: Yang Xiaohan , Sun Luyang , Zhao Ying , Yi Xia , Zhu Bin , Wang Pu , Lin Hong , Ni Juhua
Published: October 2015

Since 2010, second‐year undergraduate students of an eight‐year training program leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree or Doctor of Philosophy degree in Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC) have been required to enter the “Innovative talent training project.” During that time, the students joined a research lab and participated in some original research work. There is a critical educational need to prepare these students for the increasing accessibility of research experience. The redesigned experimental curriculum of biochemistry and molecular biology was developed to fulfill such a requirement, which keeps two original biochemistry experiments (Gel filtration and Enzyme kinetics) and adds a new two‐experiment component called “Analysis of anti‐tumor drug induced apoptosis.” The additional component, also known as the “project‐oriented experiment” or the “comprehensive experiment,” consists of Western blotting and a DNA laddering assay to assess the effects of etoposide (VP16) on the apoptosis signaling pathways. This reformed laboratory teaching system aims to enhance the participating students overall understanding of important biological research techniques and the instrumentation involved, and to foster a better understanding of the research process all within a classroom setting. Student feedback indicated that the updated curriculum helped them improve their operational and self‐learning capability, and helped to increase their understanding of theoretical knowledge and actual research processes, which laid the groundwork for their future research work. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43:428–433, 2015.
Heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) is a novel substrate for protein kinase D1 (PKD1)
Authors: Sin Yuan Yan , Baillie George S.
Published: October 2015

Heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) has cardioprotective qualities, which are triggered by PKA phosphorylation. PKD1 is also a binding partner for HSP20, and this prompted us to investigate whether the chaperone was a substrate for PKD1. We delineate the PKD1 binding sites on HSP20 and show for the first time HSP20 is a substrate for PKD1. Phosphorylation of HSP20 by PKD1 is diminished by pharmacological or siRNA reduction of PKD1 activity and is enhanced following PKD1 activation. Our results suggest that both PKA and PKD1 can both phosphorylate HSP20 on serine 16 but that PKA is the most dominant. © 2016 The Authors. Cell Biochemistry and Function published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparative Analysis of Acyl‐Homoserine Lactone Synthase Assays
Authors: Shin Daniel , Frane Nicole D. , Brecht Ryan M. , Keeler Jesse , Nagarajan Rajesh
Published: October 2015

Quorum sensing is cell‐to‐cell communication that allows bacteria to coordinate attacks on their hosts by inducing virulent gene expression, biofilm production, and other cellular functions, including antibiotic resistance. AHL synthase enzymes synthesize N‐acyl‐l‐homoserine lactones, commonly referred to as autoinducers, to facilitate quorum sensing in Gram‐negative bacteria. Studying the synthases, however, has proven to be a difficult road. Two assays, including a radiolabeled assay and a colorimetric (DCPIP) assay are well‐documented in literature to study AHL synthases. In this paper, we describe additional methods that include an HPLC‐based, C−S bond cleavage and coupled assays to investigate this class of enzymes. In addition, we compare and contrast each assay for both acyl‐CoA‐ and acyl‐ACP‐utilizing synthases. The expanded toolkit described in this study should facilitate mechanistic studies on quorum sensing signal synthases and expedite discovery of antivirulent compounds.
Titanium Dioxide Reinforced Metal–Organic Framework Pd Catalysts: Activity and Reusability Enhancement in Alcohol Dehydrogenation Reactions and Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Tilgner Dominic , Friedrich Martin , Hermannsdörfer Justus , Kempe Rhett
Published: October 2015

Porous coordination polymers or metal–organic frameworks have been proposed as promising catalyst materials since their discovery. A fundamental problem associated with MOF‐based catalysts is the stability during their catalytic performance, especially in liquid‐phase catalysis. Herein, we report on the controlled incorporation of nanoscale palladium and titanium dioxide inside MIL‐101 (Cr). The introduction of the metal species was accomplished by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition and can be varied over a large weight‐percentage range. The enhanced catalytic activity and the improved reusability of the resulting Pd/TiO2@MIL‐101 composite materials were demonstrated in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. Furthermore, the presence of TiO2 (amorphous) allowed observing an enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Probing the Size and Shape Effects of Cubic‐ and Spherical‐Shaped Palladium Nanoparticles in the Electrooxidation of Formic Acid
Authors: Zheng Weiran , Qu Jin , Hong Xinlin , Tedsree Karaked , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: October 2015

A systematic study of size and shape effects in the electrooxidation of formic acid over our controlled synthesized Pd nanospheres and nanocubes as material models by using infrared spectroscopy and density functional calculations was undertaken. The bridge formate intermediate on the metal terrace was identified as the main contributor to the electrooxidation activity of formic acid, whereas linear formate with much weaker adsorption energy was unstable and could not proceed to the product. It was also demonstrated that Pd(1 0 0) cubes could stabilize two bridge formate species, and thus, they show higher electrooxidation activity than Pd spheres at comparable sizes.
An Organocatalytic Regiospecific Synthesis of 1,5‐Disubstituted 4‐Thio‐1,2,3‐triazoles and 1,5‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Ramachary Dhevalapally B. , Krishna Patoju M. , Gujral Jagjeet , Reddy G. Surendra
Published: October 2015

Organocatalytic azide–ketone [3+2] cycloaddition (OrgAKC) of a variety of 1‐aryl‐2‐(arylthio)ethanones and 1‐alkyl‐2‐(alkylthio)ethanones with different aryl or alkyl azides is reported in dimethyl sulfoxide or solvent‐free under ambient conditions to furnish 1,5‐disubstituted 4‐thio‐1,2,3‐triazoles in a regiospecific manner, which are further converted into useful 1,5‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles by treatment with Raney Ni at 25 °C for 1–3 h. Notable features of the OrgAKC reaction include high rate and selectivity, solvent‐free conditions, easily available substrates and catalysts, a wide range of synthetic and medicinal applications, and excellent yields generating a vast library of triazoles.
A novel switched frequency 3He/1H high‐pass birdcage coil for imaging at 1.5 tesla
Authors: Pratt Ronald , Giaquinto Randy , Ireland Christopher , Daniels Barret , Loew Wolfgang , Higano Nara , Cao Xuefeng , Thomen Robert , Woods Jason , Dumoulin Charles L.
Published: October 2015

The ability to produce hyperpolarized noble gases 3He and 129Xe has opened up exciting possibilities for pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We have recently built a hyperpolarizer with the goal of using hyperpolarized 3He gas for MRI in neonatal lungs in a dedicated small foot‐print 1.5 T MR scanner developed at our institution and sited in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Although hyperpolarized gas imaging can provide unique insights into lung ventilation, acinar microstructure, and gas‐exchange dynamics, there is an undiminished need for 1H MRI of the lung to provide anatomic references, B1 and B0 maps, and 1H images of lung parenchyma. To address this need, we designed, built and tested a novel radiofrequency body coil that provides a high‐pass birdcage coil that can be used for both 3He and 1H frequencies (48.65 and 63.86 MHz, respectively, at 1.5 T). To switch between frequencies, the birdcage coil has a large mechanical actuator that simultaneously changes the capacitance between every rung of the birdcage. Advantages of this coil design include: 1) quadrature excitation and reception at the 3He and 1H frequencies, 2) identical B1 field maps for 3He and 1H imaging, 3) excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio and B1 homogeneity at both frequencies, and 4) rapid (10–20 s) switching times between 3He and 1H operation. This report provides details of the coil's design and fabrication. Images of hyperpolarized 3He and 1H in phantoms and ex vivo rabbit lungs demonstrate the image quality obtained with the coil. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 45B: 174–182, 2015
The role of obestatin in roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass‐induced remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Jian‐li , Xu Xian‐hui , Zhang Xue‐jun , Li Wei‐hua
Published: October 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex and multifactorial disease that is generally characterized by insulin resistance and loss of β‐cell function that develops in adulthood. To date, more than 6% of the world's population is affected by T2DM. The main treatments of T2DM are dietary and lifestyle changes. However, only dependent on behaviour modification and oral hypoglycemics, many patients are unable to maintain glycemic control. Emerging evidence indicates that up to 80% of patients with T2DM undergoing Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) experience complete remission of their T2DM and the majority of remissions occur almost immediately following the operation. Obestatin is a 23‐amino‐acid peptide, which is not only thought to suppress food intake and decrease gastric emptying but also found to exert survival effects in pancreatic β cells, increase glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion, and reduce insulin resistance and inflammation. In addition, some researchers demonstrated that obestatin is a nutritional marker reflecting body adiposity and insulin resistance. Although results from previous studies were conflicting, the peripheral blood concentrations of obestatin were changed after RYGB. Therefore, regulation of obestatin level may be another mechanism for RYGB‐induced remission of T2DM. In this article, we review briefly the effect of RYGB on T2DM in humans and offer an overview of the published data on the effects of RYGB on obestatin level in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, the possible roles of obestatin in the remission of T2DM following RYGB are also reviewed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outdoor characterization and comparison of string and MLPE under clear and partially shaded conditions
Authors: Sinapis Kostas , Litjens Geert , van den Donker Menno , Folkerts Wiep , van Sark Wilfried
Published: October 2015

Building integrated and building attached photovoltaic (BIPV, BAPV) systems may suffer from lower performance than predicted as a result of unwanted partial shading. New system architectures have been proposed to optimize performance. The common approach of these new architectures is to track the maximum power point of every solar module individually. This paper demonstrates the effect of shading on energy yield by evaluating power level management on the module level compared to string level. Three independent PV systems were installed and extensively monitored in Eindhoven, a reference string inverter system, a power optimizer system and a micro inverter system. The DC and AC performance ratio (PR) of the systems have been analyzed for different weather types based on the clearness index. A pole shading covering 1–2% of the total system surface has been used to evaluate system performance under a specific type of partial shading. Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) is capable of increasing the PR up to 35% under certain partial shading conditions. However, the string inverter system outperformed MLPE under unshaded operation conditions.
Stage susceptibility of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) to selenomethionine and hypersaline developmental toxicity
Authors: Kupsco Allison , Schlenk Daniel
Published: October 2015

Anthropogenic disturbance of seleniferous soils can lead to selenium contamination of waterways. Although selenium is an essential micronutrient, bioaccumulation and maternal transfer of proteinaceous selenomethionine (SeMet) can result in embryo toxicity. Furthermore, as the climate changes, the salinity of spawning grounds in water-restrained estuaries is increasing. Although a small increase in salinity may not directly impact adult fish, it may alter the detoxification strategies of developing organisms. Previous research indicates that hypersalinity may potentiate SeMet embryo toxicity at an early developmental stage. However, embryonic development is a complex, spatiotemporal process with a constantly shifting cellular microenvironment. To generate thresholds and an adverse outcome pathway for the interactions between selenium and salinity, we sought to identify windows of susceptibility for lethality and deformities in the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Embryos were treated in freshwater or saltwater for 24 h with 0.5 µM, 5 µM, and 50 µM SeMet at 6 different developmental stages (9, 17, 25, 29, 34, and 38). Survival, hatch, deformities (total, type, and severity), and days to hatch were quantified. Selenium embryo tissue measurements were performed. Selenomethionine exposures of 5 µM and 50 µM significantly decreased survival and hatch at all stages. However, SeMet uptake was stage-dependent and increased with stage. Stage 17 (early neurulation) was identified as the most susceptible stage for lethality and deformities. Selenomethionine in saltwater caused significantly greater toxicity than freshwater at stage 25 (early organogenesis), suggesting a role for liver and osmoregulatory organogenesis in toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1247–1256. © 2015 SETAC
Relative sensitivities among avian species to individual and mixtures of aryl hydrocarbon receptor–active compounds
Authors: Wei Fenghua , Li Juanying , Zhang Rui , Xia Pu , Peng Ying , Giesy John P. , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: October 2015

Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) are potent toxicants to most vertebrates. Sensitivities to DLCs vary among species. In the present study, the sensitivities of avian species (chicken [Gallus gallus], ring-necked pheasant [Phasianus colchicus], and Japanese quail [Coturnix japonica]) to some polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined by using species-specific, in vitro, transactivation assays based on a luciferase reporter gene under control of species-specific aryl hydrocarbon receptors. In ring-necked pheasant and Japanese quail, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was not the most potent inducer of toxic effects. Especially for Japanese quail, the relative potency values of most of 9 PCDD/Fs tested were greater than for TCDD. The rank order of avian species sensitivities to DLCs was chicken > ring-necked pheasant > Japanese quail. Effects of binary mixtures of TCDD, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran were strictly additive. Moreover, we also found that the primary DLCs that were responsible for most of the potency of the DLC mixtures can be deduced by using ordination in a multidimensional space defined by the avian species sensitivities. Overall, the relative potency and the species sensitivities of these chemicals could guide risk assessments to wild species when exposure to mixtures of DLCs in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1239–1246. © 2015 SETAC