bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Fragments: History, Archive, Fiction(ing)
Authors:   , Finney Louise Helen
Published: May 2024

This project is about the past. Not a specific era or event of the past, but the way it is communicated, focussing on archives and museums as structures in which the past is retold. More broadly—it is about time. Through practice-led research I address topics of archive, memory, storytelling, and heritage, and explore the use of diagram as a non-linear, non-hierarchical structure onto which a multi-temporal and polyphonic experience of past, present, and possible futures may be mapped. I have investigated my topic through the production of artists books, site specific installations, collaborative work, creative writing, and undergone voluntary archive and museum based work. The processes that inform this project are hybrid and multiple: autoethnography, site writing, fiction, theory, historical source material, and philosophy sit together to create an account of what it is to look to the past from the present. This multiplicity is carried over into the thesis—itself a creative work—exemplifying how research and practice are inseparable. The work is underpinned by an ongoing consideration of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s concept of the ‘minor’, as expanded upon by Simon O’Sullivan and Erin Manning. Readings from Keith Jenkins’s postmodern history theory and Francois Hartog’s concept of ‘presentism’ are used to both inform and support the claims of this research. Literary genres such as historiographic metafiction and autotheory are considered alongside museum-based art interventions and parafictional works, producing a method that takes the tropes of literature out of the linear book format to create contemporary art, via the diagram. The main body of text in the thesis is split into three key chapters—‘History’, ‘Archive’, and ‘Fiction(ing)’. These three areas are thought of as rings in a Borromean Knot; a mathematical structure in which three rings are linked together in such a way that if any one were removed the other two would also become unlinked. It is in this linking—this consideration of these three areas simultaneously, via art practice—that a contribution to knowledge is proposed. At a time when questions of post-colonialism, class, education, gender, and representation surround museological practices, it is timely to consider how a multiple and anti-didactic approach is beneficial when negotiating fragments of the past.
Synthesis and drug development of small molecule inhibitors of PTP1B
Authors:   , Wootton Timothy Luke
Published: May 2024

PTP1B (Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) is a member of the PTP (Protein tyrosine phosphatase) family of proteins and has previously been identified as a potential therapeutic target for numerous high-profile disease states, including obesity, type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers including breast cancer. This work focuses on a means of treatment of metabolic syndrome (obesity, type II diabetes, and hypertension), by synthesising potential specific small molecule inhibitors of PTP1B that are impermeable to the blood brain barrier (BBB). Herein, druggable target sites of PTP1B were investigated computationally, to assist in the identification of possible PTP1B inhibitors, for subsequent synthesis and testing. This initially entailed the virtual docking of databases of commercially available compounds, downloaded from ZINC. The main database used, contained over 870,000,000 ‘drug-like’ compounds as defined by Lipinski’s rule of 5, which resulted in 1822 computational active site hits. The process of identifying a potential hit was comprised of two stages. Initially the software used (CrossMiner) classified a molecule as a hit if a Tanimoto ratio score of ≥ 0.7 was obtained. These initial hits then underwent visual scrutiny by which any of these ‘hits’ that predominately resided outside of the active site pocket or had motifs located within the protein were discounted and not considered true hits. The remaining computational hits were then plotted in pharmaceutically relevant chemical space, and molecules of interest were selected for further investigation based upon chemical space location, physiochemical properties, binding mode and ease of synthesis. This computational work led to an initial compound library of benzodioxanes being synthesised and tested. The main driving force behind the functionalisation and modification of the initial hit compound was the ease of synthetic conversion in addition to desirable changes from computational docking studies. The potential synthesised inhibitors were then tested for PTP activity against PTP1B and TCPTP via a yeast-based inhibitory assay where the growth rate of the co-transformed yeast cells correlates to PTP inhibitor activity. For BBB permeability assessment, a commercially available kit was utilised, that used a synthetic BBB mimic membrane. Future work aims to develop the most promising hit into a potential lead compound, thus contributing to a possible future treatment for the comorbidities of obesity.
CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE IN TURKEY REGARDING THE NATIONAL CONTACT TRACING MOBILE APPLICATION OF THE COVID-19 PERIOD
Authors: Yalçınkaya Ü. Laçin , Sütcü Cem , Eken İhsan
Published: May 2024

Contact tracing mobile applications (CTMAs) were used by many governments worldwide within their pandemic response strategies during COVID-19. Although they promise essential benefits for public health, CTMAs are also being widely debated since they pose risks regarding personal data privacy. The Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health deployed a CTMA called the HES app, to complement the manual contact tracing efforts. However, since its release, it has garnered significant criticism from experts advocating data privacy and human rights. By reviewing the available literature, we designed a quantitative research to explore if the individuals living in Turkey also have the concerns expressed by the experts regarding the HES application. Due to lockdown measures, we collected the data through an online survey, which we developed based on the main points of concern voiced globally about the concept of CTMA from 457 participants. According to our findings, worries regarding the HES application do exist and are prevalent among individuals living in Turkey, independent of their socio-economic status. The concerns can be grouped under two main categories, namely, having concerns about invasive digital surveillance, and the lack of belief in the legitimacy of the HES application. Therefore, we suggest that the application’s architecture be reorganized in a decentralized, transparent, auditable, privacy-preserving manner for future health crises to better serve public health.
Structural evolution of Ge20Se80–xTex glass networks and assessment of glass properties by theoretical bandgap
Authors: Xia Ke-Lun , Guan Yong-Nian , Gu Jie-Rong , Jia Guang , Wu Miao-Miao , Shen Xiang , Liu Zi-Jun ,   Ningbo Institute of Oceanography, Ningbo 315832, China,   Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Advanced Optical Functional Materials and Devices, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
Published: May 2024

Infrared imaging systems are being updated towards greater performance as well as lighter and smaller devices. Developing infrared materials with special properties is a critical for enhancing the performance of optical systems as well as miniaturizing devices. Chalcogenide glass becomes a popular option for advanced IR materials due to its component-property tunability. Se—based glasses such as Ge33As12Se55, Ge10As40Se50, and As40Se60, which completely cover the mid- and long-wave infrared windows, are the most typical materials used in infrared equipment. However, these classical materials can no longer meet the requirements of high-performance imaging systems, and adding more elements such as Te, Ga, Sb, and Ag to enhance the performance is a reliable way to solve this problem. By analysing the structure and properties of the Ge20Se80–xTex glass system, the law of its structure and properties evolving with Te content is illustrated. The obtained typical results are shown below. With the increase of Te content, the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases and then decreases, which is caused by the network structure and the average bond energy; the density and refractive index increase in an approximately linear gradient; the Abbe number gradually increases, while the Vickers hardness hardly changes with Te content; the fracture toughness decreases with the Te content increasing. Aiming at the problem that the average coordination number is unable to evaluate the glass systems composed of two or more elements from the same main group, a theoretical bandgap-glass property evaluation system is successfully established. The functional relationships among parameters such as density, refractive index, Abbe number, and fracture toughness, and theoretical band gap are established for Ge20Se80–xTex glass system as shown in the summary figure, which can be used to rapidly evaluate the glass components and properties.
Reliance on self-reports and estimated food composition data in nutrition research introduces significant bias that can only be addressed with biomarkers
Authors: Ottaviani Javier I. , Sagi-Kiss Virag , Schroeter Hagen , Kuhnle Gunter G. C.
Published: May 2024

The chemical composition of foods is complex, variable, and dependent on many factors. This has a major impact on nutrition research as it foundationally affects our ability to adequately assess actual intake of nutrients and other compounds. Despite of this, accurate data on nutrient intake are key for investigating associations and causal relationships between intake, health, and disease risk at the service of developing evidence-based dietary guidance that enables improvements in population health. Here, we exemplify the importance of this challenge by investigating the impact of food content variability on nutrition research using three bioactives as model: flavan-3-ols, (–)-epicatechin, and nitrate. Our results show that common approaches aimed at addressing the high compositional variability of even the same foods impede the accurate assessment of nutrient intake, generally. This suggests that the results of many nutrition studies using food composition data are potentially unreliable and carry greater limitations than commonly appreciated, consequently resulting in dietary recommendations with significant limitations and unreliable impact on public health. Thus, current challenges related to nutrient intake assessments need to be addressed and mitigated by the development of improved dietary assessment methods involving the use of nutritional biomarkers.
Scripted Laughter
Authors: Johnson Daniel
Published: May 2024

This chapter looks into the appearance of iconic laughter in online sociality within more general trends in contemporary media culture in and around Japan. It tackles online video content that incorporates footage from video gameplay. Both “let's play”-style recordings of video game walkthroughs and playthroughs, and livestreaming video images of gameplay gained cult-like popularity in YouTube, Twitch.tv, AcFun, and Niconico. The chapter elaborates on the circuit of meta-interaction between players and audiences. It explains how the boke and tsukkomi roles from manzai comedy coincide with humor between the player and the commenting spectator within “let's play” videos on Niconico.
Postscript
Authors: Johnson Daniel
Published: May 2024

This chapter explains the experience of time in online media. The brief gap in time between the online audience's response and the live attendees being present renders it a moment of asynchronicity. However, the asynchronity is not the same as the pseudo-synchronicity of Niconico's comment feed or the selective-synchronicity of Twitter's messaging system. The chapter also tackles the dynamic of delay prominent in Twitch.tv, which often results in an experience of disconnection. It cites that different forms of online media contribute to the visual syntax of barrage and its capacity to overwhelm, distract, and produce feelings of connection through their mediation of time and representation.
Gut microbiota alterations in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia from Shanghai, China
Authors: Ji Jiaqing , Gu Zhengrong , Li Na , Dong Xin , Wang Xiong , Yao Qiang , Zhang Zhongxiao , Zhang Li , Cao Liehu
Published: May 2024

Background

The importance of the gut microbiota in maintaining bone homeostasis has been increasingly emphasized by recent research. This study aimed to identify whether and how the gut microbiome of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and osteopenia may differ from that of healthy individuals.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 27 individuals with osteoporosis (OP), 44 individuals with osteopenia (ON), and 23 normal controls (NC). The composition of the gut microbial community was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

No significant difference was found in the microbial composition between the three groups according to alpha and beta diversity. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Fusobacteriota were significantly higher and Synergistota was significantly lower in the ON group than in the NC group. At the genus level, Roseburia, Clostridia_UCG.014, Agathobacter, Dialister and Lactobacillus differed between the OP and NC groups as well as between the ON and NC groups (p < 0.05). Linear discriminant effect size (LEfSe) analysis results showed that one phylum community and eighteen genus communities were enriched in the NC, ON and OP groups, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the abundance of the Dialister genus was positively correlated with BMD and T score at the lumbar spine (p < 0.05). Functional predictions revealed that pathways relevant to amino acid biosynthesis, vitamin biosynthesis, and nucleotide metabolism were enriched in the NC group. On the other hand, pathways relevant to metabolites degradation and carbohydrate metabolism were mainly enriched in the ON and OP groups respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new epidemiologic evidence regarding the relationship between the gut microbiota and postmenopausal bone loss, laying a foundation for further exploration of therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO).
Identifying risk zones and landscape features that affect common leopard depredation
Authors: Silwal Thakur , Neupane Bijaya , Raut Nirjala , Dhami Bijaya , Adhikari Binaya , Adhikari Amit , Paudel Aakash , Kandel Shalik Ram , Miya Mahamad Sayab
Published: May 2024

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a pressing issue worldwide but varies by species over time and place. One of the most prevalent forms of HWC in the mid-hills of Nepal is human-common-leopard conflict (HLC). Leopard attacks, especially in forested areas, can severely impact villagers and their livestock. Information on HLC in the Gorkha district was scarce, thus making it an ideal location to identify high-risk zones and landscape variables associated with such events. Registered cases were collected and reviewed from the Division Forest Office (DFO) during 2019-2021. Claims from DFO records were confirmed with herders and villagers via eight focus group discussions. To enhance modeling success, researchers identified a total of 163 leopard attack locations on livestock, ensuring a minimum distance of at least 100 meters between locations. Using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and considering 13 environmental variables, we mapped common leopard attack risk zones. True Skill Statistics (TSS) and area under receiver-operator curve (AUC) were used to evaluate and validate the Output. Furthermore, 10 replications, 1,000 maximum iterations, and 1000 background points were employed during modeling. The average AUC value for the model, which was 0.726 ± 0.021, revealed good accuracy. The model performed well, as indicated by a TSS value of 0.61 ± 0.03. Of the total research area (27.92 km2), about 74% was designated as a low-risk area, 19% as a medium-risk area, and 7% as a high-risk area. Of the 13 environmental variables, distance to water (25.2%) was the most significant predictor of risk, followed by distance to road (16.2%) and elevation (10.7%). According to response curves, the risk of common leopard is highest in the areas between 1.5 to 2 km distances from the water sources, followed by the closest distance from a road and an elevation of 700 to 800 m. Results suggest that managers and local governments should employ intervention strategies immediately to safeguard rural livelihoods in high-risk areas. Improvements include better design of livestock corrals, insurance, and total compensation of livestock losses. Settlements near roads and water sources should improve the design and construction of pens and cages to prevent livestock loss. More studies on the characteristics of victims are suggested to enhance understanding of common leopard attacks, in addition to landscape variables. Such information can be helpful in formulating the best management practices.
Gender approach in the design and implementation of inclusive communication in Colombia
Authors: Quirós-Ramírez Ana Catalina , Almansa-Martínez Ana
Published: May 2024

This text aims to identify the gender approach as a methodological route in the design and implementation of inclusive communication, studying the campaigns implemented in Colombia by the newspaper El Tiempo, the only media that has focused its communication from the perspective of gender and female empowerment in the country. The discussion on differential approach, gender representations and female empowerment, serves as a basis for presenting a method of analysis applicable to brand communication. With this analysis we intend to: 1. Provide a methodological route to analyze communication campaigns with a gender approach. 2. Propose a measurement system to analyze and evaluate the fulfillment of this approach within the campaigns. 3. Apply the proposed tool to a specific case. The methodology is mixed. Based on the documentary review and content analysis, a matrix is constructed that contains three analysis variables operationalized through nine indicators. A measurement system based on nominal measurement and percentage analysis is proposed, seeking to identify the degree of compliance with the analysis variables on an ordinal scale from 0 to 100%. We found that the case studied has a very high degree of compliance (94%) with the characteristics identified, addressing problems such as occupational segregation by gender and sexism in the media. We discussed the urgent need to implement a formal methodology of the gender approach in the exercise of strategic communication, since it is still an incipient issue in Colombia and Latin America.
The Extent of Awareness Level of Sugarcane Farmers on Crop Residue Management Innovations
Authors: T Kungumaselvan, , R Sasmitha, , R Rajasekaran, , A Muhammed Iqshanullah, , M.R Naveen Kumar,
Published: May 2024

The present study was conducted in the Sathyamanagalam block of Erode district during 2021 with the objective of studying the Extent of Awareness level of Sugarcane Farmers on Crop Residue Management Innovations. 60 respondents were selected from three villages. The results of the study shows that 100 per cent of respondents were aware that crop residue burning could create health risks. Crop residue management inventions such as trash mulching, trash shredders, and Harvest mounted cane trash shredder and collection systems were known by 100 per cent of the respondents. Only 10 per cent of those polled had no idea what bio-decomposers were. The Majority of the respondents (93.33%), regularly used trash mulching of sugarcane leaves to manage crop residue beneficially. Only 6.66 per cent of respondents used trash shredders regularly. Even though the subsidy given by the Government was available, due to timely unavailability of machinery led to the irregular use of trash shredders. Even though many of the respondents are aware of the negative aspects of residue burning and innovations available to manage sugarcane trash, they continue to burn due to time and cost constraints. With regard to constraints in adopting crop residue management technologies cent (100.00%) of respondents reported that lack of awareness on subsidies and involves more time and cost as the major constraints. Continuous monitoring of fields by the officials and demonstrations should be conducted to enhance the knowledge of the sugarcane growers on trash management.
Effect of Partial Replacement of Whole Wheat Flour with Sago and Sweet Potato Flour on Organoleptic Attributes of Noodles
Authors: Gupta Sakshi , Singh Shanker Suwan
Published: May 2024

The present study was conducted to prepare nutritionally enriched noodles that have high dietary fiber and essential mineral content that provide various health benefits. The study aims to evaluate the sensory profile of the noodles, prepared by using fortifying flour i.e., sweet potato flour (SPF) in different concentrations of (10% and 15%) with the addition of wheat flour (90%, 85%, 80%, and 75%) and sago flour (5% and 10%) to formulate 7 samples i.e., C, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6. Among the different samples, 15% SPF along with 75% wheat flour and 10% sago flour recorded the highest score in terms of organoleptic properties like colour, taste, flavor, texture, appearance, and overall acceptability when compared with control and other samples of the product. It was concluded that the addition of sweet potato flour and sago flour to the noodle flour (wheat flour) resulted in a good quality noodle with an improved softer texture, better visual appearance, appealing taste and flavor and higher acceptance of noodles in terms of overall acceptability. That was also verified by t-test at a significance level of p<0.05.
Unlocking Agricultural Potential: An Economic Analysis of Transforming Barran Land into Leafy Greens Productive Assets
Authors: M. Jayanthi , J. Sakthi Uma , V. Vijay Prabha , Sushma J.
Published: May 2024

Amaranthus, commonly known as amaranth it is incredibly nourishing, abundant in calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium as well as vitamins (A, C and folate), fiber, protein. It is a significant supplement to diets because it offers a balanced array of critical nutrients, particularly in areas where malnutrition is common. It might improve heart health by lowering inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Its high fiber content also helps to maintain digestive health and may help with weight management. This study was carried out to estimate proximate benefit cost ratio of greens cultivated in a barren land of 0.2acre in which five types of green vegetables were cultivated. The benefit cost ratio appeared to be 1:1.44 which denoted that the production of green vegetables in a barren land was beneficial and profitable. We summarized the chemical makeup of spinach, health benefits, its relative safety, and dietary inclusion in this review article, which was based on data compiled from our labs and those of other researchers.
Site-directed Mutagenesis's Prospective Uses in Enhancing Cereal Crops
Authors: Subedi Mamata , Paudel Pratikshya , Gopera Shubham , Sharma Abhishek , Sandal Sanjeet Singh
Published: May 2024

By 2050, there will be 9.8 billion people on the planet, which means that food production must grow by 50% globally. Using conventional plant breeding techniques alone may not be able to meet these increasing demands. A crop's yield, nutritional value, and stress tolerance may all be precisely and quickly improved with the use of genetic engineering tools like site-directed mutagenesis. The most recent site-directed mutagenesis methods—such as genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9—and their uses for crop improvement are covered in this study. A comparison is made between the advantages and disadvantages of various methods. The main goals for improving crops are discussed, such as the genes involved in yield, nutrient biosynthesis, disease and insect resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. We highlight notable applications of site-directed mutagenesis in crops. We evaluate the field's current problems, including unclear regulations and off-target consequences. Though further study and the creation of policies are required, site-directed mutagenesis holds up a lot of hope for providing future food demands in a sustainable manner. This paper summarizes the potential applications of site-directed mutagenesis in targeted crop development, both in the present and the future.
Response of NPK, Vermicompost and FYM on Physical and chemical Properties of Soil Under Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)
Authors: Choudhary Manish , Thomas Tarence , Swaroop Narendra , Mohanta Satya Ranjan , Thomas Ashima
Published: May 2024

The development and application of organic fertiliser is now regarded as an essential method in the field of soil science that is in the attention of investors worldwide due to the advancement of environmental contamination and health effects caused by the incorrect use of inorganic fertiliser. On the central research farm of the department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, (NAI) SHUATS, Prayagraj, research was carried out during the Kharif season of 2023. Field trial was designed on Randomized Block Design with three replications and nine treatments. It may be concluded from the trial that the different level of NPK, Vermicompost and FYM in the experiment gave the greatest value. The best results were resulted the greatest Pore Space, Water Holding Capacity, Electrical Conductivity, Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium significantly in T9 [@100% NPK + @ VC 4 t ha-1 + @FYM 10 t ha-1].  In contrast, the control treatment T1 [Absolute Control] had the least results in all categories.
Electrochemistry of Levo‐Thyroxin on Edge‐Plane Pyrolytic Graphite Electrode: Application to Sensitive Analytical Determinations
Authors: Khafaji Mona , Shahrokhian Saeed , Ghalkhani Masoumeh
Published: July 2011

The electrochemical response of sodium levo‐thyroxin (T4) at the surface of an edge plane pyrolytic graphite (EPPG) electrode is investigated using cyclic voltammetric technique in the presence of 0.1 M HCl as supporting electrolyte. T4 underwent totally irreversible oxidation at this system and a well‐defined peak at 821 mV was obtained. Compared to the signals obtained in the optimized conditions at bare glassy carbon and carbon paste electrodes, the oxidation current of T4 at an EPPG electrode was greatly enhanced. The electrochemical process of T4 was explored and the experimental conditions were optimized. The oxidation peak current represented a linear dependence on T4 concentration from 0.01 to 10 µM. The detection limit of 3 nM (S/N=3) was obtained for 250 s accumulation at 0.3 V. Determination of T4 in a synthetic serum sample demonstrated that this sensor has good selectivity and high sensitivity.
Proximate bases of silver color in anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) feathers
Authors: Shawkey Matthew D. , Maia, Rafael , D'Alba Liliana
Published: July 2011

Colors of living organisms are produced by selective light absorption from pigments and/or by light scattering from highly ordered nanostructures (i.e., structural color). While the physical bases of metallic colors of arthropods and fish are fairly well‐known, those of birds are not. Here we examine structurally based silver color and its production in feathers of the waterbird species Anhinga. This achromatic color is distinguished from grey by high specular reflectance, from white by low diffuse reflectance, and from both by high gloss. Light and electron microscopy revealed three modifications of feathers likely leading to silver color. First, proximal barbules were highly elongated and contained glossy black color at their base and white color at their pennulum. Second, this glossy black portion contained a single outer layer of keratin weakly bounded by melanosomes. Finally, the white portion contained a disordered amorphous matrix of keratin and air. Optical analyzes suggest that these structures produce, respectively, glossy black color through thin‐film interference and white color through incoherent light scattering. Silver color likely results from the combined reflectance of these adjacent structures. This represents a distinct mechanism for attaining silver colors that may have been partially derived through selection for display, thermoregulation or decreased hydrophobicity. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeting wealthy donors: the dichotomous relationship of housing wealth with current and bequest giving
Authors: James Russell N. , Baker Christopher
Published: July 2011

Identifying the charitable potential of current and prospective donors is a key component of successful fund‐raising, particularly in the areas of major gifts and planned giving. Previous research has provided support for the positive impact of two core financial factors, total wealth, and homeownership. Using data from the USA and Australia, this paper examines how the interaction of these two variables can generate negative effects on charitable giving. In particular, as the share of total wealth held in homeownership rises, both the likelihood and level of charitable giving falls. This relationship is consistent across current giving, planned bequest giving, and actual bequest giving and in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal models. These findings suggest that prospect research models incorporating asset type, as well as total wealth, may better predict likely donor potential. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immobilization of trypsin on poly(urea‐formaldehyde)‐coated fiberglass cores in microchip for highly efficient proteolysis
Authors: Fan Huizhi , Bao Huimin , Zhang Luyan , Chen Gang
Published: July 2011

Trypsin was covalently immobilized on poly(urea‐formaldehyde)‐coated fiberglass cores based on the condensation reaction between poly(urea‐formaldehyde) and trypsin for efficient microfluidic proteolysis in this work. Prior to use, a piece of the trypsin‐immobilized fiber was inserted into the main channel of a microchip under a magnifier to form a core‐changeable bioreactor. Because trypsin was not permanently immobilized on the channel wall, the novel bioreactor was regenerable. Two standard proteins, hemoglobin (HEM) and lysozyme (LYS), were digested by the unique bioreactor to demonstrate its feasibility and performance. The interaction time between the flowing proteins and the immobilized trypsin was evaluated to be less than 10 s. The peptides in the digests were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS to obtain PMF. The results indicated that digestion performance of the microfluidic bioreactor was better than that of 12‐h in‐solution digestion.
Estimation of the ionization potential for polyhalogenated hydrocarbons by weakest bound potential method
Authors: Wu Yaxin , Cao Chenzhong , Yuan Hua
Published: July 2011

The weakest bound potential method was proposed to estimate the ionization potential (IP) of polyhalogenated methanes, that is, the model IP = aχve + bPEIfi + c was developed, in which χve is molecular electronegativity calculated by valence electrons equilibration method, and polarizability effect index (PEI)fi is the influence of polarizability effect. The result indicates that the model is reasonable and effective to predict the IP for polyhalogenated methanes. Besides, the quantum chemistry method, the MOPAC AM1 method, and the density functional theory (B3LYP) method were employed to calculate the IP values of the same polyhalogenated methanes, and those results were less than that of the weakest bound potential method. Furthermore, the experimental values of 67 polyhalogenated hydrocarbons were correlated with the parameters χve and PEIfi. The regression results show a good correlation (R = 0.988), and the average absolute error between the experimental values and the calculated values is only 0.10 eV. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Function of MRP1/ABCC1 is not dependent on cholesterol or cholesterol-stabilized lipid rafts
Authors: Meszaros Peter , Klappe Karin , Hummel Ina , Hoekstra Dick , Kok Jan Willem
Published: July 2011

MRP1 (multidrug-resistance-related protein 1)/ABCC1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter C1) has been localized in cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts, which suggests a role for these lipid rafts and/or cholesterol in MRP1 function. In the present study, we have shown for the first time that nearly complete oxidation of free cholesterol in the plasma membrane of BHK-MRP1 (MRP1-expressing baby hamster kidney) cells did not affect MRP1 localization in lipid rafts or its efflux function, using 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetate as a substrate. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis, using lovastatin in combination with RO 48-8071, an inhibitor of oxidosqualene cyclase, resulted in a shift of MRP1 out of lipid raft fractions, but did not affect MRP1-mediated efflux in Neuro-2a (neuroblastoma) cells. Short-term methyl-β-cyclodextrin treatment was equally effective in removing free cholesterol from Neuro-2a and BHK-MRP1 cells, but affected MRP1 function only in the latter. The kinetics of loss of both MRP1 efflux function and lipid raft association during long-term methyl-β-cyclodextrin treatment did not match the kinetics of free cholesterol removal in both cell lines. Moreover, MRP1 activity was measured in vesicles consisting of membranes isolated from BHK-MRP1 cells using the substrate cysteinyl leukotriene C4 and was not changed when the free cholesterol level of these membranes was either decreased or increased. In conclusion, MRP1 activity is not correlated with the level of free cholesterol or with localization in cholesterol-dependent lipid rafts.
Mapping the regulon of
Vibrio cholerae
ferric uptake regulator expands its known network of gene regulation
Authors: Davies Bryan W. , Bogard Ryan W. , Mekalanos John J.
Published: July 2011

ChIP coupled with next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) has revolutionized whole-genome mapping of DNA-binding protein sites. Although ChIP-seq rapidly gained support in eukaryotic systems, it remains underused in the mapping of bacterial transcriptional regulator-binding sites. Using the virulence-required iron-responsive ferric uptake regulator (Fur), we report a simple, broadly applicable ChIP-seq method in the pathogen
Vibrio cholerae
. Combining our ChIP-seq results with available microarray data, we clarify direct and indirect Fur regulation of known iron-responsive genes. We validate a subset of Fur-binding sites in vivo and show a common motif present in all Fur ChIP-seq peaks that has enhanced binding affinity for purified
V. cholerae
Fur. Further analysis shows that
V. cholerae
Fur directly regulates several additional genes associated with Fur-binding sites, expanding the role of this transcription factor into the regulation of ribosome formation, additional transport functions, and unique sRNAs.
Effects of vibration and exercise training on bone mineral density and muscle strength in post‐menopausal women
Authors: Karakiriou Styliani K. , Douda Helen T. , Smilios Ilias G. , Volaklis Konstantinos A. , Tokmakidis Savvas P.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a specific vibration programme with those of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on bone mineral density (BMD), body composition, and muscular strength in post‐menopausal women, over a period of 6 months. Thirty‐two healthy, inactive post‐menopausal women aged 46–62 years were divided into exercise (n = 10), vibration (n = 13), and control (n = 9) groups. The exercise group participated in a supervised programme of strength training at 70% of one‐repetition maximum (1‐RM) 2 days a week, and aerobic exercise at 70–85% of maximum heart rate one day a week. The vibration group performed vibration training 3 days a week (9 sets×45–80 s per session, 35–40 Hz, peak‐to‐peak amplitude of vertical vibration = 1.5 mm) on a vibration platform (NemesTM LCB, Bosco System). The BMD of the lumbar spine (L2–L4) was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength with the 1‐RM method at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. The BMD of L2–L4 increased in the exercise group (P < 0.05), remained steady in the vibration group, and decreased in the control group (P < 0.05). Muscular strength of leg‐extension and leg‐curl exercise improved by 28% and 25.5% (P < 0.01) in the exercise group and by 13% (P < 0.01) and 20.5% (P < 0.001) in the vibration group, respectively. The results indicate that conventional training contributed to the increase in BMD of L2–L4, while the vibration programme helped to maintain BMD in post‐menopausal women. Both training programmes were efficient in improving muscle strength.
Turbulent transition in a truncated one-dimensional model for shear flow
Authors: Dawes J. H. P. , Giles W. J.
Published: July 2011

We present a reduced model for the transition to turbulence in shear flow that is simple enough to admit a thorough numerical investigation, while allowing spatio-temporal dynamics that are substantially more complex than those allowed in previous modal truncations. Our model allows a comparison of the dynamics resulting from initial perturbations that are localized in the spanwise direction with those resulting from sinusoidal perturbations. For spanwise-localized initial conditions, the subcritical transition to a ‘turbulent’ state (i) takes place more abruptly, with a boundary between laminar and turbulent flows that appears to be much less ‘structured’ and (ii) results in a spatio-temporally chaotic regime within which the lifetimes of spatio-temporally complicated transients are longer, and are even more sensitive to initial conditions. The minimum initial energy
E
0
required for a spanwise-localized initial perturbation to excite a chaotic transient has a power-law scaling with the Reynolds number
E
0
∼
Re

p

with
p
≈−4.3. The exponent
p
depends only weakly on the width of the localized perturbation and is lower than that commonly observed in previous low-dimensional models where typically
p
≈−2. The distributions of lifetimes of chaotic transients at the fixed Reynolds number are found to be consistent with exponential distributions.
Academic freedom and the obligation to ensure morally responsible scholarship in nursing
Authors: Johnstone Megan‐Jane
Published: July 2011

JOHNSTONE M‐J. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 107–115 [Epub ahead of print]

Academic freedom and the obligation to ensure morally responsible scholarship in nursing

Academic freedom is generally regarded as being of critical importance to the development, improved understanding, and dissemination of new knowledge in a field. Although of obvious importance to the discipline of nursing, the nature, extent and value of academic freedom and the controversies surrounding it have rarely been considered in the nursing literature. It is a key aim of this paper to redress this oversight by providing a brief examination of: (i) the principle of academic freedom; (ii) the distinction between academic freedom, freedom of speech, and the academic freedom to publish; (iii) the problem of ideological judgments being dressed up as scientific or discipline judgments to supports ‘bad’ conclusions; and (iv) the standards that might otherwise be appealed to for determining whether maverick manuscripts supporting morally abhorrent conclusions should be accepted for publication. It is suggested that the tenets of academic freedom require robust international debate, with due attention being given to such issues as the development of an international declaration on academic freedom to publish in nursing, how to ensure a robust rebuttal system in nursing journals to counter specious scholarship, and how to better promote the letters pages of nursing journals as a venue for facilitating debate on controversial issues.
Humic Acid-Oxidizing, Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Van Trump J. Ian , Wrighton Kelly C. , Thrash J. Cameron , Weber Karrie A. , Andersen Gary L. , Coates John D.
Published: July 2011

This study demonstrates the prevalence, phylogenetic diversity, and physiology of nitrate-reducing microorganisms capable of utilizing reduced humic acids (HA) as electron donors in agricultural soils. Most probable number (MPN) enumeration of agricultural soils revealed large populations (10
4
to 10
6
 cells g
−1
soil) of microorganisms capable of reducing nitrate while oxidizing the reduced HA analog 2,6-anthrahydroquinone disulfonate (AH
2
DS) to its corresponding quinone. Nitrate-dependent HA-oxidizing organisms isolated from agricultural soils were phylogenetically diverse and included members of the
Alphaproteobacteria
,
Betaproteobacteria
, and
Gammaproteobacteria
. Advective up-flow columns inoculated with corn plot soil and amended with reduced HA and nitrate supported both HA oxidation and enhanced nitrate reduction relative to no-donor or oxidized HA controls. The additional electron donating capacity of reduced HA could reasonably be attributed to the oxidation of reduced functional groups. Subsequent 16S rRNA gene-based high-density oligonucleotide microarray (PhyloChip) indicated that reduced HA columns supported the development of a bacterial community enriched with members of the
Acidobacteria
,
Firmicutes
, and
Betaproteobacteria
relative to the no-donor control and initial inoculum. This study identifies a previously unrecognized role for HA in stimulating denitrification processes in saturated soil systems. Furthermore, this study indicates that reduced humic acids impact soil geochemistry and the indigenous bacterial community composition.

IMPORTANCE
This study identifies a new metabolic capacity in soil microbial communities that may be responsible for the mediation of significant nitrogen losses from soil systems. Nitrate-dependent humic acid (HA)-oxidizing organisms isolated from agricultural soils were phylogenetically diverse and included members of
Alphaproteobacteria
,
Betaproteobacteria
, and
Gammaproteobacteria
. Advective up-flow columns inoculated with corn plot soil and amended with reduced HA and nitrate supported both HA oxidation and enhanced nitrate reduction relative to no-donor or oxidized HA controls. The additional electron donating capacity of reduced HA could reasonably be attributed to the oxidation of reduced functional groups.
O-020 Early experience in treating ruptured or unruptured dissecting cerebral aneurysms with pipeline embolization device
Authors: Machi P , Lobotesis K , Maldonado I , Bonafe A
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose

The optimal treatment of intracranial dissecting aneurysms is a challenging issue. In the present study we report our experience using Pipeline Embolization Device for the treatment of such lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our institutional prospectively maintained Pipeline database to identify patient treated with this device for a cerebral dissecting aneurysm. The clinical, procedural and radiological data were reviewed.

Results

Between July 2009 and December 2010 seven patients (4F/3M, mean age 48 years) underwent endovascular treatment of cerebral dissecting aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device. In two cases the procedure was performed in the setting of acute or subacute subarachnoid hemorrhage. In 2 cases the Pipeline Embolization device was used for the retreatment of a previous unsuccessful stenting and coiling procedures. Three lesions were located in the posterior circulation and four in the anterior circulation. Optimal deployment of the Pipeline Embolization Device was achieved in all patients. No periprocedural complications were reported. One ischemic stroke, with permanent morbidity, was recorded 14 days after the procedure in a patient who did not comply with their antiplatelet therapy. Midterm follow-up results (average 9.8 months) including angiography or MR examinations, were available for six patient and demonstrated complete resolution of the aneurysm in all patient. All six patients demonstrated with an mRS=0 at follow-up.

Conclusion

The Pipeline Embolization Device achieved optimal clinical and radiological results in six out of seven patients with a cerebral dissecting aneurysm. This device represents a promising option in the treatment of these challenging lesions.
P-016 Mycotic aneurysms of the cerebrovasculature: experience at a high volume center
Authors: Hui F , Gordon S , Ammar T , Jin Y , Moskowitz S
Published: July 2011

Introduction

Mycotic aneurysms of the cerebrovascular system are an uncommonly encountered entity, more often seen in patients with infective endocarditis. While it has been estimated that ruptured mycotic aneurysms result in 5% of the neurologic complications of infective endocarditis, no definitive screening protocol for patients with infective endocarditis has been established, nor is there a universally accepted treatment paradigm.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 169 patients who underwent cerebral angiography with a diagnosis or presumptive diagnosis of infective endocarditis or left ventricular assist device at the Cleveland Clinic spanning from January 2003 to March 2010 in accordance with institutional IRB guidelines. Chart review and review of imaging was performed, identifying patient demographics, presence of occlusions, mycotic aneurysms and treatment modality.

Results

There were 16 (9.46%) patients harboring mycotic aneurysms out of 169 patients on angiography. Out of these, 15 presented with hemorrhage (93.7%), and 10 (66.6%) had acute ischemic findings on tomographic imaging. Vegetations were seen on the atrial valve in 6 (37.5%) of the patients and on the mitral valve in 9 (56.2%), with one patient with a left ventricular assist device (6.25%). There were three rehemorrhages (20%) in the aneurysms that presented with hemorrhage, two of which were in during conservative management, one post aneurysm excision. With regards to treatment, 7/16 were treated with excision, 2/16 by embolization, and the remainder by conservative management. In the 156 patients without angiographic evidence of mycotic aneurysm, 48/156 (30.7%) had evidence of hemorrhage, while 115/156 with evidence of stroke, TIA or amaurosis fugax (73.7%). There were 3/156 rehemorrhages (1.9%) in this group. In patients that presented with hemorrhage, 15/63 (23.8%) harbored an aneurysm, while in patients presenting with ischemic changes, it was 10/166 (6%).

Conclusion

Patients with infective endocarditis or similar sources of bacterial emboli are prone to neurovascular complications of either hemorrhage or ischemia. Presentation with hemorrhage and endocarditis appears to be more predictive of an underlying aneurysm. As such, in patients with infective endocarditis, presentation with intracranial hemorrhage should prompt vascular imaging. An optimal treatment paradigm has yet to be established.