bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengurangan Nyeri Dengan Teknik Counter Pressure
Authors: Listianingsih Lina , Surtiningsih Surtiningsih , Hanum Fauziah
Published: May 2024

Nyeri persalinan merupakan manifestasi dari adanya kontraksi (pemendekan) otot rahim yang menimbulkan rasa sakit pada pinggang, daerah perut menjalar ke arah paha. Kontraksi ini menyebabkan adanya pembukaan mulut rahim (serviks). Dengan adanya pembukaan ini maka akan terjadi persalinan. Terdapat beberapa manajemen nyeri, yaitu manajemen nyeri farmakologis dan nonfarmakologis. Manajemen nyeri farmakologis yaitu menggunakan obat-obatan, dan anestesi. Sedangkan manajemen nyeri non farmakologis yaitu relaksasi, distraksi, hipnoterapi, dan massage. Salah satu upaya untuk membantu meredakan nyeri pada saat persalinan adalah menggunakan masase caunter pressure.Counter pressure merupakan jenis pijatan yang menggunakan kepalan tangan untuk terus memberikan tekanan pada tulang belakang pasien selama proses kontraksi. Metode yang digunaan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi kasus. Studi kasus ini dilakukan pada Ibu Bersalin Ny K Umur 22 Tahun G1 P0 A0 Ah0 Usia Kehamilan 39 Minggu 0 Hari Di Puskesmas Rakit 1 Banjarnega. Cara pengumpulan data dilakukan anamnesa, pemeriksaan fisik secara lengkap  atau head to toe melalui pendekatan dengan 7 langkah varney. Hasil penelitian;berdasarkan studi kasus didapatkan bahwa ada pengaruh terhadap diberikan tektik counter pressure terhadap pengurangan nyeri persalinan. Disarankan kepada peneliti selanjutnya untuk dapat menggunakan teknik lain dalam pengurangan nyeri persalinan.
Hubungan Kualitas Pelayanan Petugas di Posyandu Dengan Status Gizi Balita di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek Kabupaten Lombok Barat Tahun 2023
Authors: Amnan Amnan
Published: May 2024

Tujuan Umum Untuk Mengetahui Hubungan Kualitas Pelayanan Petugas di Posyandu Dengan Status Gizi Balita di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek Kabupaten Lombok Barat Tahun 2023. Rancangan penelitian adalah penelitian survey analitik dengan pendekatan Cross Sectional dan dianalisis secara kuantitatif. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara Cross Sectional dimana data yang dikumpulkan sekaligus pada periode waktu yang bersamaan dengan menggunakan metode kuantitatif, untuk mengetahui hubungan kualitas pelayanan petugas di posyandu dengan Status Gizi balita di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek Kabupaten Lombok Barat Tahun 2023. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah balita yang terdaftar di Posyandu di Wilayah kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek pada bulan Februari tahun 2023 sebesar 2104 balita dan jumlah Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebagian dari balita yang terdaftar di Posyandu wilayah kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek pada bulan Februari tahun 2023 sebanyak 95 sample (notoatmodjo) dan sebagai responden adalah ibu-ibu balita. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang telah diuraikan pada bab sebelumnya dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa (1) Kualitas pelayanan petugas di Posyandu Wilayah kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek Kabupaten Lombok Barat tahun 2023 didapatkan hasil tertinggi persepsi cukup tentang kualitas pelayanan sebanyak 55 orang (57,9%) kemudian persepsi kurang sebanyak 22 orang (23,2) dan terendah persepsi baik sebanyak 18 orang (18,9%). Dari kelima dimensi yang digunakan untuk menilai kualitas pelayanan, tertinggi pada dimensi bukti fisik(tangible) responden sebanyak 43 orang (45,3%) yang diteliti masih merasakan kurangnya kualitas pelayanan yang diberikan seperti peralatan penimbangan dan pengukuran belum tersedia dan terlihat rapi. (2) Status gizi balita pada penelitian ini didapatkan hasil tertinggi yaitu gizi kurang sebanyak 58 balita(61,1%), gizi baik sebanyak 28 balita (29,5%) dan terendah BGM(Bawah Garis Merah) sebanyak 9(9,5%). (3) Terdapat hubungan antara kualitas pelayanan petugas di posyandu dengan status gizi balita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek Kabupaten Lombok Barat tahun 2020 (p= 0,002 < 0,05). Nilai Koefisen 0,291, berarti keeratan hubungan antara kualitas pelayanan petugas di Posyandu dengan status gizi balita termasuk lemah dengan arah positip.Rekomendasi bagi institusi yankes agar selalu meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan petugas di Posyandu wilayah kerja Puskesmas Banyumulek kabupaten Lombok Barat terutama pada dimensi bukti fisik(tangible) seperti peralatan penimbangan dan pengukuran belum tersedia dan terlihat rapi.
Targeting plasmid-encoded proteins that contain immunoglobulin-like domains to combat antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Prieto Alejandro , Miró Luïsa , Margolles Yago , Bernabeu Manuel , Salguero David , Merino Susana , Tomas Joan , Corbera Juan Alberto , Perez-Bosque Anna , Huttener Mario , Fernández Luis Ángel , Juarez Antonio
Published: May 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to human health. Although vaccines have been developed to combat AMR, it has proven challenging to associate specific vaccine antigens with AMR. Bacterial plasmids play a crucial role in the transmission of AMR. Our recent research has identified a group of bacterial plasmids (specifically, IncHI plasmids) that encode large molecular mass proteins containing bacterial immunoglobulin-like domains. These proteins are found on the external surface of the bacterial cells, such as in the flagella or conjugative pili. In this study, we show that these proteins are antigenic and can protect mice from infection caused by an AMR Salmonella strain harboring one of these plasmids. Furthermore, we successfully generated nanobodies targeting these proteins, that were shown to interfere with the conjugative transfer of IncHI plasmids. Considering that these proteins are also encoded in other groups of plasmids, such as IncA/C and IncP2, targeting them could be a valuable strategy in combating AMR infections caused by bacteria harboring different groups of AMR plasmids. Since the selected antigens are directly linked to AMR itself, the protective effect extends beyond specific microorganisms to include all those carrying the corresponding resistance plasmids.
Effect of Different Liquid Organic Manures on the Nutrient Release Pattern in Radish Grown Soil
Authors: Supriya M. E. , Bhagyalakshmi T. , Yogananda S. B. , Yogesh G. S. , Chandrappa . , R Lakshmeesha
Published: May 2024

The study of nutrient release patterns from various organic manures is critical for ensuring enough nutrient availability to crop plants at the right time and in the right quantity. To assess the nutrient release pattern from several organic manures, including farm yard manure, panchagavya and jeevamrutha, a field experiment was conducted at organic farming block of Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya during late Kharif 2020. The experiment consists of 9 treatments including different rates of recommended dose of nitrogen was applied through FYM and one- and two-times application of panchagavya and jeevamrutha in different combinations. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The release pattern of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and micronutrients in soil applied with various organic manures at various days (15, 30, 45 DAS and at harvest).  The study revealed that application of various organic manures showed substantial increase in primary (N, P and K) and secondary nutrient (S) release and there were no significant variations found in Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn release pattern. Based on the release rate of nutrients, it was found that there was consistent and stable release of N, P, K and S from 75% RDN through FYM + two time application of Panchagavya followed by 75% RDN through FYM + two time application of Jeevamrutha,  compared to other treatments.
Impact of Temperature Variations on Rice Production
Authors: Jyothsna Koyi , Aakash . , Reddy Paluchani Meghana , Setty Jyotsna
Published: May 2024

The mean temperature might rise up to range of 2.0–4.5°C worldwide by the end of this century. Climatic variables affect the growth and development of the crop differently at different growth stages. The rate of development of a crop depends on the climate. Temperature is the primary factor that influences the growth and productivity of crops. Higher or lower temperatures than the optimum lead to improper crop development and affect rice's phenological stages. Extreme temperature may lead to early maturity of the crop and lower temperature lead to prolonged maturity of the crop which in both cases leads to a decrease in yield. A moderate increase in temperature will not have severe implications, but an increase in average temperature by 20 C will likely have strong negative effects on rice crop production. In several studies, it has been reported that high night temperature decreases the yield potential of rice. Whereas, respiratory losses have been shown to increase due to higher day temperature, leaf conductance and net assimilation rates during the day were reported to be higher.
Effect of Dolomite on Growth, Productivity, Economics of Groundnut and Soil Properties in alfisols
Authors: Jyothsna Koyi , Yenagi Basavaraj, S. , Aakash .
Published: May 2024

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of dolomite on the growth, and productivity of groundnut and soil properties at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka during kharif 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting eight treatments (Control, Gypsum @ 500 kg ha-1, Dolomite @ 250, 500, and 750 kg ha-1, Cured dolomite with FYM @ 250, 500 and 750kg ha-1) with three replications. Results of the study showed that higher growth parameters viz., plant height (48.3 cm), number of branches per plant (8.5), leaf area (19.6 dm2 plant-1), leaf area index (6.53) and dry matter production per plant (40.48 g plant-1) at harvest were recorded with the application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 750 kg ha-1. Significantly higher kernel yield (19.8 q ha-1) and net returns ( 66,240 ha-1) were recorded with the application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 750 kg ha-1 which was found on par with application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 500 kg ha-1, dolomite @ 750 kg ha-1 and dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1. The same trend was observed in case of soil chemical properties viz., calcium and magnesium content in the soil after harvest of groundnut. Thus, it was found that application of dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1 was found better either with curing or without curing by using FYM.
Unlocking Nutritional Potential: Multi-OMICS Strategies for Enhancing Millet Nutritional Traits
Authors: Susmitha Pusarla , Kapoor Manish , M Sanjay , M Sundharan , Keerthana D. , Naimuddin Shaik Khaja , Srivastava Swapnil , T Dhanalakshmi
Published: May 2024

Millet grains have long been recognized for their nutritional significance, serving as staple foods for millions around the world. However, unlocking their full nutritional potential remains a crucial challenge. In this study, we explore the application of multi-OMICS (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics) strategies to enhance the nutritional traits of millet grains. By integrating comprehensive molecular datasets, we aim to elucidate the genetic and biochemical pathways governing key nutritional attributes such as protein content, amino acid composition, micronutrient density, and antioxidant capacity in millets. Through targeted breeding and biotechnological interventions informed by multi-OMICS analyses, we seek to develop improved millet varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and agronomic performance. This interdisciplinary approach holds great promise for addressing malnutrition and promoting food security, particularly in regions where millets are dietary staples. By harnessing the power of multi-OMICS technologies, we aim to unleash the full nutritional potential of millets, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient food systems for future generations.
Investigation on the Carry-over Effects of Various Pre- and Post-emergence Herbicides Applied Alone and in Combination to Cotton on Succeeding Chickpea Crop
Authors: Sharma C. , Jadhav A.S
Published: May 2024

A field experiment was conducted in kharif and rabi season during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at cotton research scheme farm, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S) under irrigated condition (drip) and studied the effect of various pre- and post- emergence herbicide treatments used alone or in combination for weed control on cotton and subsequent chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) crop. Without using any weed control techniques, chickpea was grown on the same field after the cotton crop had been harvested. Three replications of the randomized block design were used to evaluate seven different treatments. The crop was significantly affected by all herbicide applications, with the exception of hand weeding at 30, 60, and 90 DAS. From the current study, it can be concluded that crops like chickpeas cannot be grown in a safe order after cotton because using pyrithiobac sodium 62.5 g/ha as PE + quizalopfop ethyl 50 g/ha at 60 DAS as the weed management practice in cotton had a significant impact on growth, yield, and economics.
Nutrigenomics As a Diagnostic Tool in Periodontology: The New Kid in The Block
Authors: Gupta Aayushee , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: May 2024

Periodontitis is known to be a progressive inflammatory lesion that may lead to the deterioration of the attachment of the periodontal apparatus & loss of structures involved in the apparatus, mainly the gingiva, pdl, cementum & alveolar bone leading to loss of teeth.  Therefore, the interest in learning more about the connections between periodontal disease and nutrition has increased as research on the pathophysiology of periodontal disease and the function of nutrition has progressed. A subfield of nutritional science called nutrigenomics focuses on understanding the molecular interactions of nutrients and genomes. This enables us to recognize early-stage abnormalities in this control and tells us of the impact of nutrition on metabolic pathways & homeostatic regulation. In this review, the role of nutrition in periodontal disease is thoroughly discussed, and dietary recommendations are made for preventing periodontal disease.
Soil Phosphorus Distribution across Diverse Land Use Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: N N Annappa , Murthy R. Krishna , N Bhavya. , K Govinda, , S. N Uday Kumar,
Published: May 2024

Phosphorus (P) is a crucial nutrient necessary for healthy plant growth. While soils typically contain a sufficient total amount of P (200-300 mg P kg–1), less than 1% of it is readily available to plants. In India, despite an adequate total P content, approximately 42% of soils are deficient in plant-available P2O5 and 38% have medium availability. The dynamics of phosphorus in soil are influenced by various processes, including dissolution-precipitation, sorption-desorption, and mineralization-immobilization reactions. These dynamics are highly responsive to agricultural practices and land-use patterns, which play a significant role in shaping the P distribution of P in the soil. One major factor that affects the distribution and availability of phosphorus in the soil is a change in land use. When natural ecosystems are transformed into plantations or croplands, it substantially alters the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. This transformation impacts soil fertility and can lead to significant changes in the distribution of P within different chemically defined pools. Consequently, this affects the availability and stability of P in the soil. Soil P fractionation, a method used to assess P availability, solubility and dynamics, is a suitable tool to understand how P behaves under different land-use systems. However, the specific effects of land-use changes on P fractions are not well-documented. To gain a better understanding of how land-use changes impact the distribution and availability of different P fractions in the soil, research studies have been conducted.
Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms Associated with Pap and Stored Corn Starch
Authors: J.O. Orogu , J.I Okinedo, . , A.E. Aphiar, , O. Ukolobi
Published: May 2024

This study isolated and identified microorganisms associated with pap and stored corn starch. This was done to help portray spoilage microorganisms associated with stored corn starch and pap. The study was achieved through laboratory analysis of pap sample and stored sample over a period of 7days. Result obtained shows that the pap samples are contaminated with bacteria. The profile of bacteria evaluated shows an increasing trend over the retention period with isolates of bacteria such as Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp and Lactobacillus sp. which are not entirely eliminated when prepared in heat (pap). The isolation of fungi from the pap samples revealed that it could serve as a means for the transmission of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. However, fungi isolates such Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus sp. was not present in pap due to the fact that they are mesophilic fungi and cannot survive at temperature ranges above 60OC. Comparison of samples showed that pap preparation is an efficient technique for elimination of fungi but significantly ineffective in complete elimination of bacteria. It can therefore be concluded that cooking of pap does not entirely eliminate pathogenic microbes and hence caution should be taken in pap consumption.
Update Thesaurierungsbegünstigung (§ 34a EStG) und Option zur Körperschaftsteuer nach Verabschiedung des Wachstumschancengesetzes
Authors: Cordes Martin , Glatthar Marc
Published: May 2024

Gewinne aus Einzelunternehmen sowie Personengesellschaften unterliegen bei beteiligten natürlichen Personen grundsätzlich dem persönlichen Einkommensteuertarif (d.h. bis zu 45 % zzgl. Annex-Steuern; Ausnahme Option nach § 1a KStG). Die einkommensteuerliche Thesaurierungsbegünstigung sieht vor, dass nicht entnommene Gewinne aus bestimmten Personenunternehmen mit dem Thesaurierungssteuersatz i.H.v. 28,25 % (zzgl. Annex- Steuern) besteuert werden können (sog. Thesaurierungsbegünstigung). Erst bei einem Transfer auf die private Ebene der natürlichen Person kommt es - ähnlich wie bei einer Kapitalgesellschaft - zu einer Vollbesteuerung (sog. Nachversteuerung mit 25% Einkommensteuer zzgl. Solidaritätszuschlag). Die Steuerbelastung auf nicht entnommene Gewinne soll hierdurch - im Sinne einer rechtsformneutralen Besteuerung - der Steuerbelastung einer Kapitalgesellschaft angenähert werden. Die bisherige Regelung war im Detail unvollkommen, wodurch das eigentliche Ziel (Belastungsniveau ähnlich einer Kapitalgesellschaft) nicht erreicht werden konnte. Nach verschiedenen „Aufs“ und „Abs“ im Gesetzgebungsverfahren wurde am 22.3.2024 ein „abgespecktes“ Wachstumschancengesetz verabschiedet und mithin u.a. Anpassungen im Bereich der Thesaurierungsbegünstigung gem. § 34a EStG umgesetzt (BGBl. 2024 I Nr. 108 v. 27.3.2024). Die Gesetzesänderung führt zu Änderungen bei der Ermittlung des Thesaurierungsvolumens sowie den Auswirkungen von Umstrukturierungen/unentgeltlichen Anteilsübertragungen. Neben den wesentlichen Änderungen wird nachstehend ferner auf die Auswirkung der Thesaurierungsbegünstigung auf die Steuerbelastung sowie die Anwendung von § 34a EStG bei kleineren Unternehmen und Freiberuflern eingegangen. Ferner wurden durch das Wachstumschancengesetz auch sinnvolle und wichtige Anpassungen an den Regelungen zur Option zur Körperschaftsteuer (§ 1a KStG) vorgenommen.
Rechtsprechungsauslese 2023
Authors: Wäger Christoph
Published: May 2024

Der folgende Beitrag beleuchtet die im Berichtsjahr 2023 veröffentlichte Rechtsprechung des EuGH sowie die des BFH in Revisionssachen. Ausgewertet wurden insgesamt 84 Entscheidungen. Zudem setzt sich der Beitrag in einem einleitenden Teil mit aktuellen Entwicklungen beim EuGH auseinander.
Feedstocks, Coal Chemicals
Authors: Worsham Paul R.
Published: March 2010

Coal is used in industry as both a fuel and as a source of chemicals. Coal was once the principal feedstock for chemical production but in the 1950s it became more economical to obtain chemicals from petroleum and gas. However with the rising prices of oil and natural gas and the questions of supply, coal again may become a principal feedstock for chemical production. The discovery that useful chemicals from coal tar provided the foundation upon which the modern chemical industry is built. Coal tar is produced as a coproduct during coal gasification.Although small amounts of liquids are produced during coal pyrolysis, significant amounts of coal‐derived liquids did not become available until after the discovery of coal hydrogenation. A variety of chemicals can be produced from synthesis gas. Synthesis gas can be produced by coal gasification, among other processes. Coal gasifiers fall into three types, fixed, fluidized, and entrained bed. The Fischer‐Tropsch process is an effective alternative to direct liquefaction of coal. Feedstocks obtained from coal are discussed in this article and include ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, dimethyl ether, acetic acid and anhydride, and carbide chemicals. Some examples of companies using coal technology are given. Economics and environmental concerns are also discussed.
Cyanides
Authors: Pesce Lawrence D.
Published: March 2010

The industrially important cyanides are hydrogen, sodium, potassium, and calcium cyanides. Hydrogen cyanide is the most used. It is manufactured by the Andrussow process. Hydrogen cyanide is classified as a Class A Flammable Poison by the U.S DOT. All of the cyanides are poisonous. Uses of HCN include the production of acetone cyanohydrin for acrylic plastics, adiponitrile for nylon, sodium cyanide for gold recovery, methionine for animal feed, cyanuric chloride for pesticides and for chelating agents. Sodium cyanide is widely used in the recovery of gold. The high price of gold has caused a great increase in the demand for sodium cyanide. There is environmental concern in regard to the use of NaCN in gold recovery and pressure to prohibit its use is mounting. KCN is used for electrolytic refining of platinum, fine silver plating, separation of gold, silver, and copper from platinum, and for metal coloring. Other cyanides discussed are lithium, rubidium, cesium, ammonium, and other alkali metal compounds.
Gold and Gold Compounds
Authors: Cohn J. G. , Stern Eric W. , Etris Samuel F.
Published: March 2010

Gold (Au) is found as a relatively pure solid on the surface of the earth. It is widely distributed, but in very small amounts. World reserves of gold are estimated at 47,000 t.The largest reserves are found in South Africa, Australia, and Russia. Gold is the most noble of the noble metals. Gold is characterized by high density, high electrical and thermal conductivities. These properties are discussed. Heap leaching is the predominant technique for extraction of gold from it ore. The use of sodium cyanide as a leaching agent in this process is under worldwide pressure because of its negative impact on the environment. Gold is benign to the environment, but chemicals used in mining are not. Specifications and requirements of the international trading markets are given including details on precautions against fraud. Gold is most eminently recyclable material because of its value. Gold has many uses. Its main applications are in jewelry and art, electronics, and dentistry. Brazing, gold catalysts, and the use of various gold compounds are also discussed.
Indium and Indium Compounds
Authors: Chagnon Mark J.
Published: March 2010

Indium is a very soft, silvery metal and its abundance is about 0.05 ppm in the earth's crust. It is widely distributed, but never in concentrations high enough to justify mining for its own intrinsic value. Indium is considered a minor metal and is a by‐product of other mining and refining operations. Important mines producing indium are in South America, Canada, China, and the Republic of Korea. Indium is recovered from fumes, dusts, slags, residues, and alloys from zinc or lead‐zinc smelting. Indium metal itself poses little or no environmental risks, however sometimes the form that indium takes or other metal associated with it may pose dangers to the environment. A large portion of secondary indium is produced from indium tin oxide (ITO) recycling. Indium's major use is in the production of ITO. ITO thin film coatings are primarily used for electrically conductive purposes in a variety of flat‐panel devices. Other uses include solders and alloys, electrical components, and semiconductors.
Silver and Silver Alloys
Authors: Etris S. F.
Published: March 2010

The silver atom has a single s electron hovering over a completed ten‐electron d shell, similar to that of copper and gold. Despite this similarity, there are signal differences in their properties. For silver, its single electron provides the best conductor of electricity, the highest electrical transmittance, highest thermal conductivity, highest light reflectivity, the second highest infrared reflectivity, etc.

These outstanding properties have long been recognized and are essential to the most advanced technologies. However, it is only in the past decade that analytical techniques have become available to resolve the mystery of the catalytic action of silver. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the surface of silver is covered with a blanket of weak covalently bonded atomic oxygen, making silver an ever‐ready catalytic/reducing agent. This unique compound‐like combination of nascent oxygen and silver provides the bacteriologist and the organic chemist with a powerful tool for such processes as sanitation, heterogeneous oxidation, homogeneous oxidation, catalyzed group transfer reactions, etc.

The following reports state current knowledge, offering insights as to the further possibilities of silver.
Chemical Biology
Authors: Tanner Julian A. , Shum Ka To
Published: March 2010

Chemical biology is a multidisciplinary field that uses chemical tools to investigate biological research questions and harnesses biological tools to advance chemistry. Although the research philosophy of chemical biology is by no means new, it has distinguished itself from classical biochemistry and biological chemistry by the use of exogenous chemistry to interrogate or modulate biological function. In contrast, biochemistry and biological chemistry tend to use standard molecular biology approaches to understand endogenous biological processes. That said, significant overlap exists between the disciplines and opinions diverge over any true definition of chemical biology given the youth of the term. Chemical biology brings together chemistry and biology to investigate molecules and systems, and is providing a bridge that is revolutionizing scientific approaches in life sciences, chemistry and medicine.
Immobilization of MacMillan Imidazolidinone as Mac‐SILC and its Catalytic Performance on Sustainable Enantioselective Diels–Alder Cycloaddition
Authors: Hagiwara Hisahiro , Kuroda Toshihiro , Hoshi Takashi , Suzuki Toshio
Published: March 2010

MacMillan’s imidazolidinone catalyst was immobilized as a supported ionic liquid catalyst (Mac‐SILC) in the pores of silica gel with the aid of an ionic liquid – 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The heterogenized organocatalyst was utilized for the enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene and cinnamaldehyde, recovered by simple filtration and subsequent evacuation, and repeatedly used up to six times in 81% average chemical yield, 87% ee for endo‐ and 80% ee for exo‐products. The Mac‐SILC was effective for a variety of substrates.
Five years of Homo floresiensis
Authors: Aiello Leslie C.
Published: March 2010

Since Homo floresiensis was first described in October 2004 there has been a lively debate over its status. Is it a late surviving species of early Homo or merely a modern individual afflicted with disordered growth and one of the many syndromes resulting in microchephaly? Recently the discovery team has published a series of articles providing detailed descriptions of the hominin material, its geomorphological context, and the associated archaeology and faunal material (Morwood and Jungers: J Hum Evol 57 (2009) 437‐648). In addition, other researchers have put forward new hypotheses for possible pathologies including Laron's Syndrome and Myxoedematous Endemic (ME) Cretinism. Here I review this new information and conclude that the evidence supports the hypothesis that Homo floresiensis is a late‐surviving species of early Homo with its closest morphological affinities to early African pre‐erectus/ergaster hominins. Although this hypothesis requires fundamental paradigm changes in our understanding of human evolution, it provides a more economical explanation for H. floresiensis than do the alternatives. None of the current explanations for microcephaly and disordered growth account for the range of features observed in H. floresiensis. Neither do they provide explanations for why a pathological condition in modern humans would mimic so closely the morphology observed in earlier hominins. This conclusion is based on the current evidence for H. floresiensis and on the particular pathological explanations that have appeared in the literature. There is no doubt that controversy over H. floresiensis will continue until new and conclusive evidence is available to settle the debate one way or another. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technical note: Morphometric maps of long bone shafts and dental roots for imaging topographic thickness variation
Authors: Bondioli Luca , Bayle Priscilla , Dean Christopher , Mazurier Arnaud , Puymerail Laurent , Ruff Christopher , Stock Jay T. , Volpato Virginie , Zanolli Clément , Macchiarelli Roberto
Published: March 2010

Qualitative and quantitative characterization through functional imaging of mineralized tissues is of potential value in the study of the odontoskeletal remains. This technique, widely developed in the medical field, allows the bi‐dimensional, planar representation of some local morphometric properties, i.e., topographic thickness variation, of a three‐dimensional object, such as a long bone shaft. Nonetheless, the use of morphometric maps is still limited in (paleo)anthropology, and their feasibility has not been adequately tested on fossil specimens. Using high‐resolution microtomographic images, here we apply bi‐dimensional virtual “unrolling” and synthetic thickness mapping techniques to compare cortical bone topographic variation across the shaft in a modern and a fossil human adult femur (the Magdalenian from Chancelade). We also test, for the first time, the possibility to virtually unroll and assess for dentine thickness variation in modern and fossil (the Neanderthal child from Roc de Marsal) human deciduous tooth roots. The analyses demonstrate the feasibility of using two‐dimensional morphometric maps for the synthetic functional imaging and comparative biomechanical interpretation of cortical bone thickness variation in extant and fossil specimens and show the interest of using this technique also for the subtle characterization of root architecture and dentine topography. More specifically, our preliminary results support the use of virtual cartography as a tool for assessing to what extent internal root morphology is capable of responding to loading and directional stresses and strains in a predictable way. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemistry in the Nanospace of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Shi Zujin , Gu Zhennan
Published: March 2010

Owing to the hollow structure of carbon nanotubes, they could be filled with various kinds of molecules, providing opportunities for studying the properties of molecules confined in nanospace. On the one hand, the spatial confinement imparts novel and distinct properties to the encapsulated species from their counterparts in bulk. On the other hand, the properties of the carbon nanotubes are modified as a result of the interaction between the carbon nanotubes and the encapsulated molecules. In this Focus Review, we summarize the recent advances in this field, including structure, phase transition, and chemical transformation of the encapsulated molecules as well as tuning of carbon nanotubes’ properties, with special emphasis on the relation between these properties and the size of the confined space.
Maximizing or minimizing survival time in the case of random parameters
Authors: Lefebvre Mario
Published: March 2010

We consider the problem of optimizing the time spent by a one‐dimensional controlled Wiener process in an interval I, first when the infinitesimal variance of the process is a random variable, and next when the reward or penalty given for survival in I is a random variable. In each case, the optimal control is obtained explicitly. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
New photometry and astrometry of the isolated neutron star RX J0720.4–3125 using recent VLT/FORS observations
Authors: Eisenbeiss T. , Ginski C. , Hohle M.M. , Hambaryan V.V. , Neuhäuser R. , Schmidt T.O.B.
Published: March 2010

Since the first optical detection of RX J0720.4–3125 various observations have been performed to determine astrometric and photometric data. We present the first detection of the isolated neutron star in the V Bessel filter to study the spectral energy distribution and derive a new astrometric position. At ESO Paranal we obtained very deep images with FORS 1 (three hours exposure time) of RX J0720.4–3125 in the V Bessel filter in January 2008. We derive the visual magnitude by standard star aperture photometry. Using sophisticated resampling software we correct the images for field distortions. Then we derive an updated position and proper motion value by comparing its position with FORS 1 observations of December 2000. We calculate a visual magnitude of V = 26.81 ± 0.09 mag, which is seven times in excess of what is expected from X‐ray data, but consistent with the extant U, B, and R data. Over about a seven year epoch difference we measured a proper motion of μ = 105.1 ± 7.4 mas yr–1 towards θ = 296.951° ± 0.0063° (NW), consistent with previous data (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Speckle observations with PISCO in Merate: VIII. Astrometric measurements of visual binaries in 2007 and new orbits of the multiple system Zeta Aqr
Authors: Scardia M. , Prieur J.‐L. , Pansecchi L. , Argyle R.W. , Sala M.
Published: March 2010

We present relative astrometric measurements of visual binaries made during the second semester of 2007, with the speckle camera PISCO at the 102 cm Zeiss telescope of Brera Astronomical Observatory, in Merate. Our sample contains orbital couples as well as binaries whose motion is still uncertain. We obtained 283 new measurements of 279 objects, with angular separations in the range 0″.17–4″.4, and an average accuracy of 0″.014. The mean error on the position angles is 0°.6. Most of the position angles were determined without the usual 180° ambiguity with the application of triple‐correlation techniques and/or by inspection of the long integration files. We also present the new orbit we have computed for Zeta Aqr AB (ADS 15971), for which our measurements lead to large residuals with the previously computed orbit. We were also able to compute the elements of the perturbation orbit Bb‐P caused by an invisible companion, whose mass is estimated at 0.7 M⊙ (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Non‐homogeneous biofilm modeling applied to bioleaching processes
Authors: Olivera‐Nappa Alvaro , Picioreanu Cristian , Asenjo Juan A.
Published: March 2010

A two‐dimensional non‐homogeneous biofilm model is proposed for the first time to study chemical and biochemical reactions at the microorganism scale applied to biological metal leaching from mineral ores. The spatial and temporal relation between these reactions, microorganism growth and the morphological changes of the biofilm caused by solid inorganic precipitate formation were studied using this model. The model considers diffusion limitations due to accumulation of inorganic particles over the mineral substratum, and allows the study of the effect of discrete phases on chemical and microbiological mineral solubilization. The particle‐based modeling strategy allowed representation of contact reactions between the microorganisms and the insoluble precipitates, such as those required for sulfur attack and solubilization. Time‐dependent simulations of chemical chalcopyrite leaching showed that chalcopyrite passivation occurs only when an impervious solid layer is formed on the mineral surface. This mineral layer hinders the diffusion of one kinetically determinant mineral‐attacking chemical species through a nearly irreversible chemical mechanism. Simulations with iron and sulfur oxidizing microorganisms revealed that chemolithoautotrophic biofilms are able to delay passivation onset by formation of corrosion pits and increase of the solid layer porosity through sulfur dissolution. The model results also show that the observed flat morphology of bioleaching biofilms is favored preferentially at low iron concentrations due to preferential growth at the biofilm edge on the surface of sulfur‐forming minerals. Flat biofilms can also be advantageous for chalcopyrite bioleaching because they tend to favor sulfur dissolution over iron oxidation. The adopted modeling strategy is of great interest for the numerical representation of heterogeneous biofilm systems including abiotic solid particles. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 660–676. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maximizing the productivity of catalytic biofilms on solid supports in membrane aerated reactors
Authors: Halan Babu , Schmid Andreas , Buehler Katja
Published: March 2010

A new solid support membrane aerated biofilm reactor was designed for the synthesis of enantiopure (S)‐styrene oxide utilizing Pseudomonas sp. strain VLB120ΔC growing in a biofilm as biocatalyst. In analogy to traditional packed bed systems, maximizing the volumetric oxygen mass transfer capability (kLa) was identified as the most critical issue enabling a consistent productivity, as this parameter was shown to directly influence biofilm growth and biotransformation performance. A microporous ceramic unit was identified as an ideal microenvironment for biofilm growth and for efficient oxygen transfer. A uniform and dense biofilm developed on this matrix. Due to this dual function, the reactor configuration could be significantly simplified by eliminating additional packing materials, as used in traditional packed bed reactors. Up to now, a maximum productivity of 28 g L  day−1 was achieved by integrating an in situ substrate feed and an in situ product recovery technique based on a silicone membrane. The system was stable for more than 30 days before it was actively terminated. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 516–527. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introducing undergraduate students to science
Authors: De Ávila Paulo , Torres Bayardo B.
Published: March 2010

Understanding the scientific method fosters the development of critical thinking and logical analysis of information. Additionally, proposing and testing a hypothesis is applicable not only to science, but also to ordinary facts of daily life. Knowing the way science is done and how its results are published is useful for all citizens and mandatory for science students. A 60‐h course was created to offer undergraduate students a framework in which to learn the procedures of scientific production and publication. The course's main focus was biochemistry, and it was comprised of two modules. Module I dealt with scientific articles, and Module II with research project writing. Module I covered the topics: 1) the difference between scientific knowledge and common sense, 2) different conceptions of science, 3) scientific methodology, 4) scientific publishing categories, 5) logical principles, 6) deductive and inductive approaches, and 7) critical reading of scientific articles. Module II dealt with 1) selection of an experimental problem for investigation, 2) bibliographic revision, 3) materials and methods, 4) project writing and presentation, 5) funding agencies, and 6) critical analysis of experimental results. The course adopted a collaborative learning strategy, and each topic was studied through activities performed by the students. Qualitative and quantitative course evaluations with Likert questionnaires were carried out at each stage, and the results showed the students' high approval of the course. The staff responsible for course planning and development also evaluated it positively. The Biochemistry Department of the Chemistry Institute of the University of São Paulo has offered the course four times.
Using paraquat to generate anion free radicals and hydrogen peroxide in in vitro: Antioxidant effect of vitamin E
Authors: Jimenez‐Del‐Rio Marlene , Suarez‐Cedeño Gerson , Velez‐Pardo Carlos
Published: March 2010

The theoretical basis of reactive oxygen species and their impact on health issues are relatively easy to understand by biomedical students. The detection of reactive oxygen species requires expensive equipment, the procedures are time consuming and costly, and the results are hard to interpret. Moreover, cause‐and‐effect relationships in the living system are not so evident. In this report, we adapted a two‐step procedure to detect anion superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide generation in lymphocytes exposed to paraquat by using nitroblue tetrazolium salt and dihydrorhodamine, respectively. Also, a two‐step assay was performed to evaluate lymphocyte viability and nuclei morphologic changes on paraquat exposure for 1 and 24 hours incubation time by using trypan blue exclusion assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining technique, respectively. Vitamin E was used as antioxidant to inhibit the deleterious effects of paraquat on cells. Students learned how to (i) design and perform experiments in the laboratory, (ii) read critical scientific literature, and (iii) discuss and contrast relevant information about reactive oxygen species as causative agents of cell death phenomenon.
Biochemistry of the envenomation response—A generator theme for interdisciplinary integration
Authors: Montagna Erik , Guerreiro Juliano R. , Torres Bayardo B.
Published: March 2010

The understanding of complex physiological processes requires information from many different areas of knowledge. To meet this interdisciplinary scenario, the ability of integrating and articulating information is demanded. The difficulty of such approach arises because, more often than not, information is fragmented through under graduation education in Health Sciences. Shifting from a fragmentary and deep view of many topics to joining them horizontally in a global view is not a trivial task for teachers to implement. To attain that objective we proposed a course herein described—Biochemistry of the envenomation response—aimed at integrating previous contents of Health Sciences courses, following international recommendations of interdisciplinary model. The contents were organized by modules with increasing topic complexity. The full understanding of the envenoming pathophysiology of each module would be attained by the integration of knowledge from different disciplines. Active‐learning strategy was employed focusing concept map drawing. Evaluation was obtained by a 30‐item Likert‐type survey answered by ninety students; 84% of the students considered that the number of relations that they were able to establish as seen by concept maps increased throughout the course. Similarly, 98% considered that both the theme and the strategy adopted in the course contributed to develop an interdisciplinary view.
Problem‐solving test: Dideoxy sequencing
Authors: Szeberényi József
Published: March 2010

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), in vitro DNA synthesis, template, primer, DNA polymerase, denaturation and renaturation of DNA, urea, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and autoradiography.
Trajectory tracking performance comparison between genetic algorithm and ant colony optimization for PID controller tuning on pressure process
Authors: Ünal Muhammet , Erdal Hasan , Topuz Vedat
Published: March 2010

The main goal of this study was to compare the performances of genetic algorithm (GA) and ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm for PID controller tuning on a pressure control process. GA and ACO were used for tuning of the PID controller when predefined trajectory reference signal was applied. Offline learning approach was employed in both GA and ACO algorithms. Realized pressure process dynamic has nonlinear behavior, thus system was modeled by nonlinear auto regressive and exogenous input (NARX) type artificial neural network (ANN) approach. PID controller was also tuned by Ziegler–Nichols (Z–N) method to compare the results. A cost function was design to minimize the error along the defined cubic trajectory for the GA‐PID and ACO‐PID controller. Then PID controller parameters (Kp,Ki,Kd) were found by GA‐PID, ACO‐PID algorithms, which were adjusted with their optimal parameters. It was concluded that both ACO and GA algorithms could be used to tune the PID controllers in the pressure process with excellent performance. This material is suitable for an engineering course on neural networks, genetic algorithm, ant colony optimization and process control laboratory. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 518–528, 2012
Chemical and Photochemical Water Oxidation Catalyzed by Mononuclear Ruthenium Complexes with a Negatively Charged Tridentate Ligand
Authors: Duan Lele , Xu Yunhua , Gorlov Mikhail , Tong Lianpeng , Andersson Samir , Sun Licheng
Published: March 2010

Two mononuclear ruthenium complexes [RuL(pic)3] (1) and [RuL(bpy)(pic)] (2) (H2L=2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid, pic=4‐picoline, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Both complexes could promote water oxidation chemically and photochemically. Compared with other known ruthenium‐based water oxidation catalysts using [Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6] (CeIV) as the oxidant in solution at pH 1.0, complex 1 is one of the most active catalysts yet reported with an initial rate of 0.23 turnover s−1. Under acidic conditions, the equatorial 4‐picoline in complex 1 dissociates first. In addition, ligand exchange in 1 occurs when the RuIII state is reached. Based on the above observations and MS measurements of the intermediates during water oxidation by 1 using CeIV as oxidant, [RuL(pic)2(H2O)]+ is proposed as the real water oxidation catalyst.
Mimicking Chitin: Chemical Synthesis, Conformational Analysis, and Molecular Recognition of the β(1→3) N‐Acetylchitopentaose Analogue
Authors: Morando Maria , Yao Yanping , Martín‐Santamaría Sonsoles , Zhu Zhenyuan , Xu Tong , Cañada F. Javier , Zhang Yongmin , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús
Published: March 2010

Mimicking Nature by using synthetic molecules that resemble natural products may open avenues to key knowledge that is difficult to access by using substances from natural sources. In this context, a novel N‐acetylchitooligosaccharide analogue, β‐1,3‐N‐acetamido‐gluco‐pentasaccharide, has been designed and synthesized by using aminoglucose as the starting material. A phthalic group has been employed as the protecting group of the amine moiety, whereas a thioalkyl was used as the leaving group on the reducing end. The conformational properties of this new molecule have been explored and compared to those of the its chito analogue, with the β‐1,3 linkages, by a combined NMR spectroscopic/molecular modeling approach. Furthermore, the study of its molecular recognition properties towards two proteins, a lectin (wheat germ agglutinin) and one enzyme (a chitinase) have also been performed by using NMR spectroscopy and docking protocols. There are subtle differences in the conformational behavior of the mimetic versus the natural chitooligosaccharide, whereas this mimetic is still recognized by these two proteins and can act as a moderate inhibitor of chitin hydrolysis.