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In present research the fracture behavior of carbon fabric‐epoxy composites (CE composites) was evaluated with the addition of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.75 weight percentages of carbon nano tubes (CNTs) at different temperatures. The CE composites with different wt.% of CNT were fabricated using land layup method and cured by hot pressing. The fracture toughness of fabricated composites was evaluated in mode–I condition at different temperature. From the results it was shown that the highest fracture toughness was observed at 0.75 wt.% of reinforcement of CNT functional fillers. The fracture toughness of 0.75 wt.% CNT filled CE composites was increased by 19.73% compared to unfilled CE composites. The fracture toughness of CNT filled CE composites diminishes with increase in temperature and the composite filled with 0.75 wt.% CNT exhibits better fracture toughness than the unfilled CE composite at all the temperatures. The fracture toughness was improved by 57.76% and 71.65% at 40 and 60°C, respectively, at 0.75 wt.% reinforcement of CNT fillers. The fractured surfaces of composites were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to study the filler contribution to enhance the fracture toughness and failure mechanism of composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Clinical decisions on managing epilepsy patients rely on patient accuracy regarding seizure reporting. Studies have noted disparities between patient‐reported seizures and electroencephalographic (EEG) findings during video‐EEG monitoring periods, chiefly highlighting underreporting of seizures, a well‐recognized phenomenon. However, seizure overreporting is a significant problem discussed within the literature, although not in such a large cohort. Our aim is to quantify the over‐ and underreporting of seizures in a large cohort of ambulatory EEG patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective data analysis on 3407 patients referred to a diagnostic service for ambulatory video‐EEG between 2020 and 2022. Both patient‐reported events and events discovered on review of the video‐EEG were analyzed and classified as epileptic, psychogenic (typically clinical motor events, without accompanying EEG change), or noncorrelated events (NCEs; without perceivable clinical or EEG change). Events were analyzed by state of arousal and indication for referral. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients with focal and generalized epilepsies. Results: A total of 21 024 events were recorded by 3407 patients. Fifty‐eight percent of reported events were NCEs, whereas 27% of all events were epileptic. Sixty‐four percent of epileptic seizures were not reported by the patient but discovered by the clinical service on review of the recording. NCEs were in the highest proportion in the awake and drowsy arousal states and were the most common event type for the majority of referral indications. Subgroup analysis found a significantly higher proportion of NCEs in the patients with focal epilepsy (23%) compared to generalized epilepsy (10%; p <.001, chi‐squared proportion test). Significance: Our results reaffirm the phenomenon of underreporting and highlight the prevalence of overreporting. Overreporting likely represents irrelevant symptoms or electrographic discharges not represented on scalp electrodes, identification of which has important clinical relevance. Future studies should analyze events by risk factors to elucidate relationships clinicians can use and investigate the etiology of NCEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumice, which is prevalent in Ethiopia, is formed naturally during the quick cooling and solidifying of molten lava. Pumice is a naturally occurring mineral that, due to its high thermal resistance and lightweightness, can be an excellent candidate for reinforcing material for polymers. The present study investigates epoxy‐based composites reinforced with pumice particles by varying the pumice content (0, 10, 20, and 30 vol%). The densities of all composites reduce in comparison with neat epoxy as the volume proportion of pumice increases credited to the low density pumice particles. Tensile stress–strain curves depict neat epoxy with higher deformation than other pumice particulate‐filled composites in the linear elastic area followed by rapid brittle failure. Tensile modulus of all the composites increases in the range of 13%–67% in comparison with neat epoxy. The compressive characteristics of composites are greatly improved by the addition of pumice. Compressive moduli and specific compressive moduli of all composites increase with increasing volume fraction of pumice by 54%–58% and 65%–93%, respectively, in comparison with neat epoxy. The fracture toughness of P‐10, P‐20, and P‐30 composites improved by 18%, 54%, and 59%, respectively, as compared with neat epoxy mainly attributed to the foam‐like structure of pumice particles. SEM micrographs are used to analyze the morphology of compression‐tested specimens. Property mapping highlights the advantages of utilizing composites from present work over numerous syntactic foams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphic forms of organic conjugated small molecules, with their unique molecular shapes, packing arrangements, and interaction patterns, provide an excellent opportunity to uncover how their microstructures influence their observable properties. Ethyl‐2‐(1‐benzothiophene‐2‐yl)quinoline‐4‐carboxylate (BZQ) exists as dimorphs with distinct crystal habits – blocks (BZB) and needles (BZN). The crystal forms differ in their molecular arrangements – BZB has a slip‐stacked column‐like structure in contrast to a zig‐zag crystal packing with limited π‐overlap in BZN. The BZB crystals characterized by extended π‐stacking along [100] demonstrated semiconductor behavior, whereas the BZN, with its zig‐zag crystal packing and limited stacking characteristics, was reckoned as an insulator. Monotropically related crystal forms also differ in their nanomechanical properties, with BZB crystals being considerably softer than BZN crystals. This discrepancy in mechanical behavior can be attributed to the distinct molecular arrangements adopted by each crystal form, resulting in unique mechanisms to relieve the strain generated during nanoindentation experiments. Waveguiding experiments on the acicular crystals of BZN revealed the passive waveguiding properties. Excitation of these crystals using a 532 nm laser confirmed the propagation of elastically scattered photons (green) and the subsequent generation of inelastically scattered (orange) photons by the crystals. Further, the dimorphs display dissimilar photoluminescence properties; they are both blue‐emissive, but BZN displays twice the quantum yield of BZB. The study underscores the integral role of polymorphism in modulating the mechanical, photophysical, and conducting properties of functional molecular materials. Importantly, our findings reveal the existence of light‐emitting crystal polymorphs with varying electric conductivity, a relatively scarce phenomenon in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissipation and residue status of a combination of fluopicolide and fosetyl‐aluminium (fosetyl‐Al) in citrus were evaluated in an experimental field. An efficient and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, with rapid extraction, was carried out according to the SANTE guidelines. During the method validation, the recovery was within the range of 106.1–117.5, 94.4–115 and 85.4–109.5%, for fluopicolide, its metabolite 2,6‐dichlorobenzamide and fosetyl‐Al, respectively, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.3–10.6%. As a result, accuracy and precision at the spiking concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg in citrus were within the acceptable range of 70–120% with an RSD of 20%. The amount of the deposits of fluopicolide, 2,6‐dichlorobenzamide and fosetyl‐Al was less than the limit of quantification (LOQ) at 0.01 mg/kg at 0 day, adhering to the application in standard [1.77 + 2.66 g of active ingredient (a.i.)/L] and double (3.54 + 5.32 g a.i./L) doses. The present study proposes that the utilisation of fluopicolide and fosetyl‐Al in citrus and the soil may not pose a health or environmental hazard provided that good agricultural practices are followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The link between mental health difficulties and terrorist behaviour has been the subject of debate for the last 50 years. Studies that report prevalence rates of mental health difficulties in terrorist samples or compare rates for those involved and not involved in terrorism, can inform this debate and the work of those responsible for countering violent extremism. Objectives: To synthesise the prevalence rates of mental health difficulties in terrorist samples (Objective 1—Prevalence) and prevalence of mental health disorders pre‐dating involvement in terrorism (Objective 2—Temporality). The review also synthesises the extent to which mental health difficulties are associated with terrorist involvement compared to non‐terrorist samples (Objective 3—Risk Factor). Search Methods: Searches were conducted between April and June 2022, capturing research until December 2021. We contacted expert networks, hand‐searched specialist journals, harvested records from published reviews, and examined references lists for included papers to identify additional studies. Selection Criteria: Studies needed to empirically examine mental health difficulties and terrorism. To be included under Objective 1 (Prevalence) and Objective 2 (Temporality), studies had to adopt cross‐sectional, cohort, or case‐control design and report prevalence rates of mental health difficulties in terrorist samples, with studies under Objective 2 also needing to report prevalence of difficulties before detection or involvement in terrorism. For Objective 3 (Risk Factor) studies where there was variability in terrorist behaviour (involved vs. not involved) were included. Data Collection and Analysis: Captured records were screened in DisillterSR by two authors. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, and random‐effects meta‐analysis conducted in Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software. Results: Fifty‐six papers reporting on 73 different terrorist samples (i.e., studies) (n = 13,648) were identified. All were eligible for Objective 1. Of the 73 studies, 10 were eligible for Objective 2 (Temporality) and nine were eligible for Objective 3 (Risk Factor). For Objective 1, the life‐time prevalence rate of diagnosed mental disorder in terrorist samples (k = 18) was 17.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 11.1%–26.3%]. When collapsing all studies reporting psychological problems, disorder, and suspected disorder into one meta‐analyses (k = 37), the pooled prevalence rate was 25.5% (95% CI = 20.2%–31.6%). When isolating studies reporting data for any mental health difficulty that emerged before either engagement in terrorism or detection for terrorist offences (Objective 2: Temporality), the life‐time prevalence rate was 27.8% (95% CI = 20.9%–35.9%). For Objective 3 (Risk Factor), it was not appropriate to calculate a pooled effect size due the differences in comparison samples. Odds ratios for these studies ranged from 0.68 (95% CI = 0.38–1.22) to 3.13 (95% CI = 1.87–5.23). All studies were assessed as having high‐risk of bias which, in part, reflects challenges conducting terrorism research. Author's Conclusions: This review does not support the assertion that terrorist samples are characterised by higher rates of mental health difficulties than would be expected in the general population. Findings have implications for future research in terms of design and reporting. There are also implications for practice with regards the inclusion of mental health difficulties as indicators of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to clarify the concept of reflective practice in nursing by using Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis. Data sources: Literature and references on the concept of reflective practice were obtained from two databases: Scopus and Nursing and Allied health database. Peer‐reviewed articles published in English language between 2011‐2021 that included the terms 'reflection' and/or 'reflective practice' in the title were selected. Seminal pieces of work were also considered in this analysis. A total of 23 works were included. Most of the selected works addressed the concept of reflective practice in nursing education or nursing practice. Data synthesis: The data analysis integrated the stages identified in Rodgers' method of concept analysis to analyze the concept of reflective practice. Analysis of selected works provided an understanding of common surrogates, antecedents, attributes, and consequences of the concept of reflective practice. Conclusions: Reflective practice is a cognitive skill that demands conscious effort to look at a situation with an awareness of own beliefs, values, and practice enabling nurses to learn from experiences, incorporate that learning in improving patient care outcomes. It also leads to knowledge development in nursing. Considering the current circumstances of the COVID‐19 pandemic, this paper identifies the need for nurses to go beyond reflection‐on‐action and also include reflection‐in‐action and reflection‐for‐action as part of their practice. Implications for nursing practice: This analysis identifies the need for future nursing researchers to develop reflective models or strategies that promote reflection among nurses and nursing students before, during, and after the clinical experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: the first objective of the review (Objective 1—Prevalence) is to present a synthesis of the reported prevalence rates of mental health difficulties in terrorist samples. Where sufficient data is available, the synthesis will be sensitive to the heterogeneity of the terrorism phenomenon by exploring the rates of mental health difficulties for different forms of terrorism and for different terrorist roles (e.g., bombing, logistics, finance, etc.). The second objective (Objective 2—Temporality) will synthesise the extent to which mental health difficulties pre‐date involvement in terrorism within prevalence studies. Finally, the third objective (Objective 3—Risk) aims to further establish temporality by examining the extent to which the presence of mental disorder is associated with terrorist involvement by comparing terrorist and non‐terrorist samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Until now, there is no method available for analysis of pesticide residues in complex matrices like spices. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and validate a QuEChERS‐based method for the estimation of 104 pesticides in cumin seed. RESULTS: Samples were spiked for 109 pesticides at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1. Of these 104 pesticides were recovered. At 0.1, 0.5 and 0.1 mg kg−1, recoveries ranged from 71% to 108% when compared with matrix matched standards. Seventeen pesticides showed higher or lower recoveries than acceptable range (70–120%) when quantified using solvent standards showing significant matrix effect (ME) (≥ ±20%) even after 20× dilution. However, for the other pesticides ME was significantly eliminated on dilution. The recovery percentage improved for all pesticides on quantitation with matrix matched standards when compared with solvent standards. For pesticides with lower European Union (EU) maximum residue limits (MRLs), an experiment at lower spiking concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mg kg−1 with lower dilutions (8×) reveals that almost all pesticides with lower EU MRLs (0.02 and 0.05 mg kg−1) showed recoveries in the range 74–124% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 20%. CONCLUSION: Theoretical limit of quantitation (LOQ) is proposed which ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 mg kg−1 for matrix matched standards. An LOQ of 0.01 mg kg−1 was easily achieved for the pesticides with lower EU MRLs with lower dilutions (8×) with exception of fipronil for which this can be achieved without dilution provided matrix matched standards are used. The method can be extended to other spices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the field of terrorism research, the violent radicalisation of individuals towards perpetrating acts of terror has been the subject of academic enquiry for some time. One core focus by social scientists has been the role of narratives in this process. Narratives have the ability to present a socially constructed version of reality which serves the interest of the narrator(s). In the context of terrorism, by depicting violence as a viable antidote to individual vulnerabilities, the narratives purported for propagandistic purposes have the potential to thwart perceptions of instrumentality (a key characteristic of violent radicalisation). In order to prevent this from happening, researchers and counter-terrorism practitioners have increasingly sought to explore the potential for counter-narratives; targeted interventions that challenge the rationalisation(s) of violence purported in dominant narratives which, in turn, reconstructs the story. However, there is overwhelming consensus in both government and academic spheres that the concept of the counter-narrative is underdeveloped and, to date, there has been no synthesis of its effectiveness at targeting violent radicalisation-related outcomes. Objectives: The objective of this review was to provide a synthesis of the effectiveness of counter-narratives in reducing the risk of violent radicalisation. Search Methods: After a scoping exercise, the literature was identified through four search stages, including key-word searches of 12 databases, hand searches of reference lists of conceptual papers or books on the topic of counter-narratives, as well as direct contact with experts and professional agencies in the field. Selection Criteria: Studies adopting an experimental or quasiexperimental design where at least one of the independent variables involved comparing a counternarrative to a control (or comparison exposure) were included in the review. Data Collection and Analysis: Accounting for duplicates, a total of 2,063 records were identified across two searches. Nineteen studies across 15 publications met the inclusion criteria. These studies were largely of moderate quality and 12 used randomised control trial designs with varying types of controls. The publication years ranged from 2000 to 2018, with the majority of studies published after 2015. The studies represented a range of geographical locations, but the region most heavily represented was North America. In most cases, the dominant narrative(s) "to-be-countered" comprised of hostile social constructions of an adversary or "outgroup". The majority of studies challenged these dominant narratives through the use of stereotype-challenging, prosocial, or moral "exemplars". Other techniques included the use of alternative accounts, inoculation and persuasion. Results: In terms of risk factors for violent radicalisation, there was some disparity on intervention effectiveness. Overall, when pooling all outcomes, the intervention showed a small effect. However, the observed effects varied across different risk factors. Certain approaches (such as counter-stereotypical exemplars) were effective at targeting realistic threat perceptions, in-group favouritism and out-group hostility. However, there was no clear reduction in symbolic threat perceptions or implicit bias. Finally, there was a sparse yet discouraging evidence on the effectiveness of counter-narrative interventions at targeting primary outcomes related to violent radicalisation, such as intent to act violently. Authors' Conclusions: The review contributes to existing literature on violent radicalisation-prevention, highlighting the care and complexity needed to design and evaluate narrative-based interventions which directly counter existing, dominant narratives. The authors note the challenges of conducting high-quality research in the area, but nonetheless encourage researchers to strive for experimental rigour within these confines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The present work highlights the benefits of matrix strengthening through the inclusion of hard particles within the resin‐impregnated woven Kevlar mat. Aluminium Oxynitride (ALON) particles are added to epoxy resin by 5, 10, and 15 volume percentages. The test coupons were developed through a hand‐lay‐up technique to estimate the low‐velocity impact resistance. The characterization was performed through EDAX and SEM to ensure the presence of the ALON particles and their homogenous distribution respectively. Low‐velocity testing is preferred to assess the capacity of the materials to rebound the incident energy. The damage assessment was made to estimate the material's stiffness. The compression after impact (CAI) was executed to observe the strength of the material after the impact. The post‐CAI micrographic observation reveals the delamination history. The results manifest that the ALON–rich coupon exhibits higher impact resistance to the scale of 33.33% than that of the ALON‐free coupon. The damage assessment and CAI results annunciate the lesser damage and higher compressive strength of ALON‐rich material respectively. The micrographic study studied after the CAI reveals the delamination and failure behavior. Additionally, explicit numerical assessment was conducted to validate the experimental results. A good agreement is attained between the experimental results and numerical predictions. The enriched stiffness of the synthesized material makes it a perfect candidate for structural application where the frequency of impact loading is high. Development of ALON reinforced Kevlar‐Epoxy composites for low‐velocity impact applications. Evaluating the performance of developed composites under low‐velocity impact loading. Determining the optimal volume percentage of ALON in the composites. Studying the fractography of developed composites. Correlation between experimental and numerical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O6‐carboxymethylguanine (O6‐CMG) is a highly mutagenic alkylation product of DNA, triggering transition mutations relevant to gastrointestinal cancer. However, precise localization of a single O6‐CMG with conventional sequencing platforms is challenging. Here nanopore sequencing (NPS), which directly senses single DNA bases according to their physiochemical properties, was employed to detect O6‐CMG. A unique O6‐CMG signal was observed during NPS and a single‐event call accuracy of >95 % was achieved. Moreover, O6‐CMG was found to be a replication obstacle for Phi29 DNA polymerase (Phi29 DNAP), suggesting this lesion could cause DNA sequencing biases in next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary: Ten Irish parents raising a child with autism talked about their experiences. They reported that it was difficult but also how it has helped them grow. They hope that their children will be included but are scared about the challenges they will face. Abstract: Background: Raising a child with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) presents many challenges and learning experiences for parents and other family members. There has been limited research to date on Irish parents’ experience of raising a child with ASC. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of a sample of Irish parents who have a child on the autistic spectrum. Method: A series of 1:1 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents in the Republic of Ireland. In total, 10 interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify themes. Results: Five main themes were identified: (a) blame and stigma; (b) isolation; (c) being vigilant; (d) advocacy; and (e) coping with autism. Conclusions: The findings of the study have implications for professionals who work with Irish families affected by autism. Although Ireland's movement towards social inclusion lags behind other countries, a number of the experiences faced by Irish parents are similar to that reported in other countries, suggesting a universality of ASC parenting experiences. The implications of this are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since the link between organizations’ sustainability initiatives and effects from the societal environment has not been consistently established in the literature, this paper provides a conceptual framework to demonstrate the antecedents to the levels of sustainability initiatives undertaken by firms. Taking insights from institutional theory, it proposes that the relationship between the sustainability determinants and the level of sustainability initiatives is mediated by coercive, mimetic and normative isomorphic pressures. Moreover, it suggests that culture plays a significant role in moderating the extent to which the various types of isomorphic pressure on firms may influence the levels of firms’ sustainability initiatives. The implications of the framework are discussed in the light of encouraging sustainability initiatives and overall sustainable development in various cultural settings as well as undertaking future research to enhance the framework and its applicability. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wheat bran‐mediated effects on temperature‐induced state transitions of proofed bread dough were studied as function of its level of replacement (5%–15%) to wheat flour. Proofed dough was subjected to rheological tests at small deformations. During heating of proofed dough from 30 °C to 95 °C, the value of elastic modulus (G′) attained its maximum at a temperature ( T G max ′) that represented peak gelatinisation temperature (TP). Dough with 15% bran depicted significant increase in TP over other formulations. Bran addition increased glass transition temperature (Tg) of dough and suppressed drop in elastic modulus (G′) at T > Tg. The above events resulted in decreased loaf‐specific volume and increased crumb hardness. The former was caused by retarded bubble expansion during initial stages of baking, explained by reduced uniaxial and biaxial extensibilities of dough. Mean bubble size depicted an inverse relationship with the hardness of breadcrumb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution of bubbles is the key to volume development in bread dough. The influence of wheat bran on bubble growth in bread dough through the mixing, fermentation, and proofing stages is described as a function of its level of addition. Confocal laser scanning microscopy in combination with image processing tools was used to obtain the bubble size and shape parameters. The relationship between bubble behavior and dough rheology was mapped using biaxial extension and dynamic oscillatory rheometry studies. With increase in level of bran addition, mean bubble size decreased corresponding to each stage and showed an inverse relationship with dough overpressure and elastic modulus. Addition of wheat bran was observed to suppress the bubble coarsening phenomenon in dough. Experimental observations indicated the plausibility of coalescence-mediated bubble growth in bread dough during the latter stages of fermentation and proofing, which was hindered in the presence of bran particles. Practical application The results of this work provide an insight to the underlying mechanism by which wheat bran addition impacts the volume development in bread dough. The inferences presented in this research work can be used as a basis to study bubble dynamics in an opaque food system such as bread dough. This information would be of interest to industrial researchers working on the new product development of aerated bakery products with functional fibrous ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of three polymorphs of N-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2,4-difluorobenzamide, of which two exist as concomitant polymorphs, highlights the significance of short, linear C−H⋅⋅⋅F intermolecular interactions in the solid state. The formation of these polymorphs can be regulated by monitoring the scan rate in differential scanning calorimetry. The phases have been characterized structurally and the investigation of the mechanical properties depicts that Form 1 is stiffer and harder than Form 2 by 50 % and 33 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to unravel the variation in meat quality between tender (psoas major, PM) and less tender (longissimus lumborum, LL) muscles of Indian water buffaloes ( B ubalus bubalis). PM and LL were subjected to physicochemical analysis, ultrastructural study and proteome characterization using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2- DE) and mass spectrometry. Higher ( P < 0.05) muscle fiber diameter and Warner-Bratzler shear force was observed in LL, whereas higher ( P < 0.05) water-holding capacity and myofibrillar protein extractability was observed in PM. Transmission electron microscopy revealed higher ( P < 0.05) sarcomere length in PM compared with LL. Proteome analysis using 2- DE revealed 123 differentially abundant proteins in PM and LL. The MALDI- TOF-TOF MS analysis of selected protein spots from LL and PM with significant ( P < 0.05) differences identified the proteins mainly consisting of calcium-transporting ATPase. Practical Applications Owing to its low fat, low cholesterol and other healthier attributes, meat produced from water buffaloes has gained increased popularity in several Asian and African countries. Tenderness, which is considered to be the most important attribute of meat quality and a trait highly valued by consumers, varies substantially between muscles. In spite of advancements in optimizing tenderness, an unacceptable level of variation does exist. Findings from the present study illustrate the basis of tenderness variability in psoas major and longissimus lumborum muscles of Indian water buffaloes. Our results indicated complex nature of tenderness development and demonstrated a significant variation in biochemical parameters, ultrastructure and proteome expression. Understanding the variation in texture between muscles is a logical first step to develop strategies for better utilization and for delivering highly palatable product to consumers. This study suggests the necessity to develop muscle-specific tenderization strategies to minimize the variation between tender and less tender muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farber lipogranulomatosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the ASAH1 gene. In the largest ever study, we identified and characterized ASAH1 mutations from 11 independent Farber disease (FD) families. A total of 13 different mutations were identified including 1 splice, 1 polypyrimidine tract ( PPT) deletion and 11 missense mutations. Eleven mutations were exclusive to the Indian population. The IVS6+ 4A>G splice and IVS5-16delTTTTC PPT deletion mutations resulted in skipping of exon 6 precluding thereby the region responsible for cleavage of enzyme precursor. A missense mutation (p. V198A) resulted in skipping of exon 8 due to inactivation of an exonic splicing enhancer ( ESE) element. This is the first report of mutations affecting PPT and ESE in the ASAH1 gene resulting in FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report an efficient method for preparation of 3-phenylamino-5-aryl/alkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole by (3+2) of amidinothioureas with binucleophilic hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of mercury (II) chloride. Desired 3-phenylamino-5-aryl/alkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole was prepared in good to moderate yields. On the basis of the literature precedence, the mechanism for the formation of 3-phenylamino-5-aryl/alkyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole is proposed. The synthesized compounds were tested for their and showed promising inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi ( Candida albicans). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole via mercury(II) chloride-mediated of amidinothiourea is described. This procedure offers a general and efficient route to synthesize the title compound by 3 + 2 . On the basis of the literature precedence, the mechanism for the formation of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole is proposed. When the synthesized compounds were tested for their showed promising inhibition against tested microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study to classify molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into activated B-cell-like (ABC) and germinal centre B-cell-like (GCB) DLBCL. It mentions the use of single tube, gene expression assay on the ICPlex system differentiating the DLBCL subtypes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. It further mentions the use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with primers designed and labelled with fluorescent dyes.

A convenient one-pot multicomponent method for the preparation of 3-amino-6,7-dihydrobenzo[ c]thiophen-4(5 H)-one derivative has been developed. Reaction of 1,3-cyclohexanedione and phenyl isothiocynate gave α-oxo- N, S-ketene acetal that were reacted in situ with 2-chloromethylquniazoline-4-one derivatives, in the presence of sodium hydride to afford the target compound in reasonable overall yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoindentation ist ein Verfahren zur Messung von Elastizitätsmodul und Härte kleiner Materialvolumina. Diese Methode, die weithin für die Charakterisierung metallischer und anorganischer Feststoffe verwendet wird, wird heute auch an organischen und metallorganischen Kristallen eingesetzt und ist damit auch für das Gebiet des Kristall ‐ Engineering relevant geworden, z. B. für die Entwicklung molekularer Feststoffe mit gewünschten Eigenschaften und Funktionen. Durch Nanoindentation können Eigenschaften auf der molekularen Ebene, wie z. B. Kristallpackung, Wechselwirkungseigenschaften und inhärente Anisotropie, mit Vorgängen auf der mikro/makroskopischen Ebene, wie z. B. Desolvation, Koexistenz von Domänen, Schichtwanderung, Polymorphie und Festkörper ‐ Reaktivität, in Beziehung gesetzt werden. Unser Kurzaufsatz behandelt aktuelle Entwicklungen und interessante Möglichkeiten auf diesem neuen Gebiet. Kristalle pieken: Die Methode der Nanoindentation von Molekülkristallen ermöglicht einen Entwicklungsschub bei der Aufklärung der Beziehungen zwischen mikroskopischen Strukturen und Makroeigenschaften. Der Kurzaufsatz beleuchtet die Vorteile des Verfahrens bei der Untersuchung des mechanischen Verhaltens organischer Kristalle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoindentation is a technique for measuring the elastic modulus and hardness of small amounts of materials. This method, which has been used extensively for characterizing metallic and inorganic solids, is now being applied to organic and metal-organic crystals, and has also become relevant to the subject of crystal engineering, which is concerned with the design of molecular solids with desired properties and functions. Through nanoindentation it is possible to correlate molecular-level properties such as crystal packing, interaction characteristics, and the inherent anisotropy with micro/macroscopic events such as desolvation, domain coexistence, layer migration, polymorphism, and solid-state reactivity. Recent developments and exciting opportunities in this area are highlighted in this Minireview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Global pandemic H1N1 was atypical of influenza in that it was associated with high symptom severity among young adults. Higher education institutions were therefore understandably concerned about the potential for high infection rates among students. This study examined intention to uptake H1N1 vaccine between November and December 2009, when the virus was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being in the pandemic phase. Design. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Method. Two hundred university students completed a questionnaire battery comprised of health, belief/attitudes, and behavioural intention measures. Results. Findings suggested that non-intention to vaccinate is associated with a strong disbelief in its efficacy, in negative attitudes towards vaccinations, and in lack of perceived threat, which is underscored by a disinterest in others' opinions, including authoritative bodies. Findings also suggested that there is resistance to the idea of vaccinations being mandatory. Conclusions. Vaccination intent is in some way linked to a range of attitudes and beliefs. The implication for health practitioners is that behaviour intent may be open to influence where psycho-education can create pro-vaccine attitudes and beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) regulates the vascular tone, and influences survival and apoptosis of endothelial cells (ECs). NO is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and eNOS is the constitutive enzyme in the endothelium. Though the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been reported to regulate various EC functions, the role of ECM in the regulation of eNOS is not clear. The present study was designed to analyze if laminin-1 (Ln-1), the major glycoprotein of the basement membrane, can regulate eNOS. The activity of eNOS was significantly low in ECs maintained on Ln-1 as compared to those on Col I and polylysine. Reversal of the effect of Ln-1 on treatment with inhibitor of p38 MAPK and changes in Thr and Ser phosphorylation in purified eNOS suggested that eNOS activity in cells maintained on Ln-1 is negatively regulated by post-translational phosphorylation at Ser and Thr residues by recruiting p38 MAPK pathway. Increase in eNOS activity and induction of apoptosis upon inhibition of p38 MAPK and reversal of this on inhibition of NOS by L-NAME suggested that increased NO induced apoptosis in ECs maintained on Ln-1 when p38 MAPK was inhibited. These results suggest that Ln contributes to survival of ECs by negatively modulating eNOS in a p38 MAPK dependent pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 123–131, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium(V) oxidation of D-glucose shows first-order dependence on D-glucose, vanadium(V), H+, and HSO-4. These observations remain unaltered in the presence of externally added surfactants. The effect of the cationic surfactant (i.e., N-cetylpyridinium chloride [CPC]), anionic surfactant (i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS]), and neutral surfactant (i.e., Trion X-100 [TX-100]) has been studied. CPC inhibits the reactions, whereas SDS and TX-100 accelerate the reaction to different extents. Observed effects have been explained by considering the hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction between the surfactants and reactants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 282–286, 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is known to be a potent wound healer. Despite this, studies on curcumin using certain model systems have shown it to be anti-angiogenic. Results of the present investigations suggest that curcumin causes opposing effects on angiogenesis in serum stimulated and unstimulated conditions. The evidence in support of this are: (a) in serum free conditions, curcumin promoted sprouting in rat aortic ring, increased vascular density in CAM and induced morphological changes indicative of angiogenic phenotype in HUVECs and rat aortic endothelial cells in culture, (b) increased the expression of biochemical markers of angiogenesis such as CD 31, E-selectin, VEGF and VEGFR-2 in HUVECs on treatment with curcumin, and (c) supplementation of curcumin along with serum caused decrease in CD 31 and E-selectin levels, downregulation of VEGF, angiopoietin-1 and VEGFR-2 and delayed formation of capillary network-like structure. Proangiogenic effect of the individual components of the natural curcumin differed and the presence of the three components in the natural mixture has a synergistic effect. Effect of curcuminoids in the absence of serum appears to depend on VEGF as (a) anti-VEGF antibody blocked the effect of curcuminoids (b) curcuminoids caused decrease in PAR modification of VEGF increasing its biological activity. Treatment with curcuminoids in serum-free conditions resulted in activation of PI3K-Akt pathway; but in serum-supplemented condition, curcuminoids caused inhibition of the MAPK pathways thereby inhibiting the expression of angiogenic phenotype. These results suggest that PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways involved in the expression of angiogenic phenotype respond differently to the extracellular microenvironment. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 251–264, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing one, occurs in many physiological and pathological conditions, most of which are underlined by hypoxia and resultant accumulation of lactate. Although lactate is known to induce angiogenesis, the mechanism of its action on endothelial cells (ECs) is not known. The present study was designed to examine the response of ECs to lactate. Morphological analysis revealed that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in culture respond to lactate by switching over to angiogenic phenotype concomitant with upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) as determined by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Apart from increase in the levels of VEGF protein as determined by ELISA, chorio allantoic membrane (CAM) assay using the cell extracts revealed that lactate also increased the angiogenic potency of VEGF. Isolated VEGF, when blotted and subsequently probed with anti-PAR antibody, revealed considerable reduction in poly-adenosyl ribosylation of VEGF associated with a significant decrease in the levels of NAD+, in presence of lactate. Thus it appears that ECs respond to lactate by increasing the production of VEGF and modulating its angiogenic potency through poly-ADP ribosylation (PAR)-dependent mechanism and thereby switch over to angiogenic phenotype. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 477–485, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of improved periodontal health on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourty-four patients with type 2 DM were selected. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Data collection: Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment levels (CALs), gingival recession (GR) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline at 1st and 3rd months. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h post-prandial glucose (PPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and microalbuminure were analysed at baseline, 3 months following the periodontal therapy. The treatment group received full-mouth scaling and root planing whereas the control group received no periodontal treatment. RESULTS: A statistically significant effect could be demonstrated for PI, GI, PPD, CAL and BOP for the treatment group. HbA1c levels in the treatment group decreased significantly whereas the control group showed a slight but insignificant increase for this parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that non-surgical periodontal treatment is associated with improved glycaemic control in type 2 patients and could be undertaken along with the standard measures for the diabetic patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although conservation and management of tropical ecosystems requires that we understand the threats to these areas, there are no standardized methods to quantify threats to ecosystems. We used a geographic information system-based protocol with several physical and socioeconomic attributes to assess the threats to a protected area, a wildlife sanctuary in southern India. Physical attributes included threats from major and minor roads and the accessibility of an area (given as inverse of the slope of the area), and socioeconomic attributes included the number of human settlements and human, cattle, and sheep populations. We divided the sanctuary into 30-ha grids, and for each grid we computed three threat categories: (1) settlement-associated threat from humans, cattle, and sheep; (2) development-associated threat resulting from major and minor roads; and (3) accessibility-related threat caused by the steepness of the terrain. Combining all three threats, we derived a composite threat index for each grid and mapped five levels of threats in the sanctuary. We collected data on human activities, tree species richness, and diversity in the transects laid in areas corresponding to these five threat levels. Although the threat levels of the transects were strongly correlated with the human-related disturbance activities, the composite threat indices of the transects were negatively correlated with tree species richness, indicating that the threat values we derived served as a good surrogate of the actual threat experienced by the sanctuary. With appropriate modifications, the protocol developed here can be applied to other ecosystems as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As new broadband networks based on the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) protocol emerge to support a variety of services, the need for analytical models and tools for sizing network components carrying mixtures of different kinds of traffic will be increasingly felt. This paper presents a simple, yet efficient algorithm for sizing trunks carrying mixtures of constant and variable bit rate traffic. It combines theoretical results for the multi-dimensional Erlang model and the concept of equivalent bandwidth with some heuristic arguments to produce an analytic method for sizing trunks subject to blocking and quality of service constraints for traffic classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the equivalent bandwidth of a source seems highly attractive for characterizing ATM traffic sources as it can be used to treat constant as well as variable bit rate sources within a common framework. In this paper we review the concept of equivalent bandwidth based on asymptotic results and study the performance of a few admission criteria which use this concept in one way or another. A major finding is that with appropriate refinements to account for the possible statistical multiplexing gain at small to moderate buffer sizes, the well-known conservatism of the asymptotic equivalent bandwidth based criteria can be overcome. We also .discuss how these criteria would perform in practical situations where the traffic sources are incompletely characterized, or where they are specified in terms of leaky-bucket based traffic descriptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response to N fertilization of a short-duration pigeonpea genotype, ICPL 87, was studied in the field to assess the scope for genetically improving symbiotic N2 fixation by pigeonpea. The field study was undertaken during 1985, 1986 and 1987 growing seasons on Vertisol and Alfisol at ICRISAT Center (peninsular India), Inceptisol at Gwalior (central India) and Entisol at Hisar (northern India) in as non-limiting environmental conditions as possible. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied to the soil at various growth stages to determine when N becomes most limiting. There was a significant response in grain yield to fertilizer N applied at flowering in Vertisol but not in Alfisol, Inceptisol or Entisol. This suggests that biological N2 fixation by short-duration pigeonpea was not adequate to meet N requirements of the crop grown in Vertisol but that it was probably adequate in the other three soil types. These results are discussed in relation to the nodulation and acetylene reductase activity of pigeonpea and also N mineralization potential of different soils. It can be concluded that there is a need for genetic improvement of N2 fixing ability of short-duration pigeonpea grown on heavy textured soils such as Vertisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azido-Ugi reaction of isonitrile, cyclic ketones, primary amines, and azide produces tetrazole derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the title compounds (V), e.g. (Vc)-(Vf), show potent antibacterial activity against bacterial strains at no-cytotoxic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel series of quinoline derivatives substituted with thiazolylpyrazole (V) or pyrimidine moieties (XI) are synthesized (yields not given) and screened for their antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]