bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kordax und Methe: Lasterhaftes Treiben in byzantinischer Zeit
Authors: Koder Johannes
Published: December 2014

Following antique traditions the Byzantines assessed the kordax, a dance of
men, usually accompanied by songs and a kithara, and the methe, i. e.
drunkenness, mostly negative. Based on an earlier publication of the same
author, additional texts from the Middle Byzantine period are taken into
account and evaluated in the present study. It becomes obvious that both
terms and their inherent assessment are frequently combined in the written
sources. In this connection the allegations of kordax and of methe were often
used as a means of polemic and ridicule towards specific persons, whereas no
direct moral criticism was attached to them. Among the writers and
theologians of the Late Byzantine period a rise in the negative attitude
towards kordax and methe can be discerned. Henceforward, both kordax and
methe were equated with vice: not only that the ethical pressure was growing
in the tight religious context of Christianity, but also generally in a
society which had become morally more sensitive and also tended more often
than before to use the accusation of kordax and methe in a figurative,
symbolic sense as a means of polemic and satire.
Die byzantinische Gesellschaft im Spiegel ihrer Quellen
Authors: Lilie Ralph-Johannes
Published: December 2014

This paper goes about the question which parts of the Byzantine population
were mostly mentioned in the sources and which not. This shall be treated on
the basis of the data collected in the ?Prosopographie der
mittelbyzantinischen Zeit?.
Hierarchies or direct relation to god: A new interpretation
Authors: Altripp Michael
Published: December 2014

In this paper it will be questioned that the hierarchies play an important
role in Byzantine church decoration. There are only a few examples which
probably could be interpretated as depictions of hierarchies. But even they
are far from certain. Depictions of hierarchies came up during the first
centuries of the Post-Byzantine times and occured quite often from then on.
It is proposed that these Post-Byzantine examples derive from Western
models. In general it remains to clarify whether or not Byzantine theology
is dominated by hierarchical theories. It contradicts the idea of theosis to
which e.g. the Pantocrator probably fits better than anything else.
Tonsure circulaire dans l’église Orthodoxe
Authors: Miljkovic Bojan
Published: December 2014

There were two ways of the clerical tonsure in the Orthodox Church during the
middle Ages. The cutting of four locks of hair in the shape of cross and
circular tonsure. The wreath of hair around the shaved top of the head
symbolized Christ?s crown of thorns. The archpriests of the Serbian Orthodox
Church were practicing circular tonsure, from its founder Sava until the
middle of the 17th century.
Zoonoses in Bangladesh: The Role of Veterinarian in Public Health
Authors: Islam M Ariful
Published: December 2014

Zoonoses are diseases and infections that are naturally transmissible between vertebrate animals and man. Zoonoses may be categorized as emerging, reemerging and neglected zoonotic diseases which are widely prevalent and pose a great threat throughout the world including Bangladesh. Veterinary public health is a component of public health activities devoted to the application of professional veterinary skills, knowledge, and resources for the protection and improvement of public health. Many veterinarians are less aware of the importance of zoonoses than is desirable and medical clinicians who encounter zoonoses in human patients may either fail to recognize them or concentrate on treating the individual patient rather than disease control. This situation may be worsened where there is insufficient communication between veterinarians, the various health care professionals and public health organizations. However, the collaborative efforts between physicians and veterinarians in communication, sharing public health knowledge and research settings could do much to improve human and animal health. Much can be done by education, and in particular by increasing the awareness of different health professionals, and facilitating communication and collaboration between veterinary, public health and agricultural personnel. This will help us to approach and control zoonotic diseases in as ef?cient and effective a way as possible.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21257 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 93-98
Influences of Prebiotic on Growth Performance and Hemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broiler During Heat Stress
Authors: Hasan S , Hossain MM , Miah A , Bhuiyan MER
Published: December 2014

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of prebiotic on growth performance, hematological (TEC, Hb, PCV, ESR) and biochemical (Cholesterol, Uric acid) parameters in broilers during high environmental temperature. A total of 30, at 7 days old (Cobb-500) broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10). Broilers held at 35 ± 2°C temperature and 70±5% relative humidity were considered as heat stressed those kept at 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity 60 ± 5% were considered as normal. Normal control group (NE-T) was provided with the normal diet. Heat stressed groups consisted of HS-A as provided with normal diet; HS-B provided with the normal diet with 0.2g prebiotic (A-MOS). The results revealed that supplementation of prebiotic significantly (p<0.01) increased the live body weight as compared to heat stressed but without prebiotic supplement. The highest weight gain was recorded in normal control group (1623.00e±7.176 gm) and the lowest weight gain was recorded in HS-A as heat stress group (1303.00e ± 4.899 gm). The hematological parameters (TEC, Hb, PCV, ESR) were also significantly (p<0.01) varied in comparison to the both control. The uric acid a biochemical parameter varied significantly (p<0.05) among groups. Therefore, it is may be concluded that prebiotic is helpful for the maintenance of broilers performance under heat stress condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21273 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 121-125
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Indigenous Chickens of Selected Areas of Barisal District, Bangladesh
Authors: Alam MN , Mostofa M , Khan MAHNA , Alim MA , Rahman AKMA , Trisha AA
Published: December 2014

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections and the gross pathological lesions produced by them were studied from February 2012 to January 2013 in the Department of Pharmacology of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In this study, a total of 320 indigenous chickens aged ranging from 2 to 4 months were examined to identify the different types of gastrointestinal helminth infections in indigenous chickens. During routine examination, six species of helminth parasites were recorded, of which five species of nematodes such as Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria spp, Acuaria hamulosa and Dispharynx spiralis; and one species was cestode called Raillietina tetragona. The highest prevalence was observed for Ascaridia galli (41.56%) followed in descending order by Raillietina tetragona (19.68%), Heterakis gallinarum (15.62%), Acuaria hamulosa (8.75%), Capillaria spp. (4.68% ) and Disopharinx spiralis (1.56%). The gross pathological lesions were observed in case of Acuaria hamulosa and Heterakis gallinarum infection. In case of Acuaria hamulosa infection keratinization of gizzard mucosa and cross section of adult Acuaria hamulosa were seen along with marked infiltration of neutrophils. The results of this study suggest that both nematodes and cestodes are highly prevalent in indigenous chickens in the studied area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21275 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 135-139
A Survey of Livestock and Poultry along with Mortality Trends of Goat at Kaunia Upzilla, Rangpur, Bangladesh
Authors: Rabbi F , Mannan MS , Imtiaz MA , Chowdhury S , Prodhan MAM
Published: December 2014

This investigational survey was carried out to explore the livestock along with mortality of goat at eight different villages of Kaunia upzilla, Rangpur, Bangladesh from 10th March to 10th July 2013. A pre-structured questionnaire data were collected based on livestock, breed, age, sex, housing pattern, grazing, vaccination and deworming history, diseases, treatment, causes of death with mortality. A total of 808 species of livestock and poultry were recorded through survey where 38% were goat and 42.5% were poultry. Only 6.5% livestock were vaccinated and 7% were dewormed. Statistically significant difference in vaccination and deworming was reputed with different breeds (p ?0.05) whether no significant variation was observed with sex and grazing (p>0.05). About 42.24% goat kids were mortal due to coldness, pneumonia along with diarrhea (37.5%), coccidiosis (37.21%) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) (14.86%). PPR was the major focal cause of mortality in adult male (33.11%), female (28.38%) and growing goat (23.65%) which was followed by diarrhea, coccidiosis, pneumonia, urogenital infection, dystocia and poisoning. The study has assessed probable mortality, diseases and hazards of goat rearing which should be subsided and clinically managing as well. However, extensive work with preventive intervention (regular deworming, vaccination) and improvement of husbandry practices are suggested for the expansion of goat rearing in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21278 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 155-160
Prevalence of Tick Infestation in Different Breeds of Cattle in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Musa HI , Jajere SM , Adamu NB , Atsanda NN , Lawal JR , Adamu SG , Lawal EK
Published: December 2014

A survey study was conducted from June to December 2009 using standard parasitological procedures to determine the prevalence of tick infestation among cattle of different breeds in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria. The tick species identified were Boophilus microplus, Amblyomma variegatum, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus sanguineous and Ornithodorus spp. Of the 205 cattle examined, 63.4% (95% CI: 56.8  70.0) were tick infested. Males had a non  significantly (P > 0.05) higher infestation rate of 63.4% (56.7  71.7) compared with the females 60.9% (46.8  75.0). Younger animals aged ? 3 years had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalence of 85.4% (74.6  96.2) as compared with the adults aged > 3  7 years 55.8% (46.3  65.3) and older animals > 7 years 35.0% (22.9  47.1). Among breeds, Wadara and Kuri had significantly (P < 0.05) higher infestation rates of 66.1% (57.9  74.3) and 66.7% (13.4  120.0) respectively. Gudali had 60.9% (41.0  80.8), Rahaji 58.0% (44.3  71.7) and Bunaji 50.0% (19.3  119.3). Based on the predilection sites, the udder and external genitalia, inner thigh and under the tail/perineum were the most tick-infested sites with 84.3% (78.3  88.5), 79.0% (73.4  84.6) and 69.8% (63.5  76.1) respectively (P < 0.05). While the less preferred sites eyes, neck/dewlap, ears and all over the body each had prevalence of 26.3% (20.3  32.3), 14.6% (9.8  1.4), 12.2% (7.7  16.7) and 11.2% (6.9  15.5) respectively. This study reveals high prevalence of tick infestation among indigenous cattle in Maiduguri. This might hamper cattle production and productivity in Nigeria. Thus, it is recommended that appropriate control strategies be instituted to control ticks in the study area.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21279 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 161-166
Animal Health Services: Extent of Availability in Some Selected Rural Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MH , Rana S
Published: December 2014

The main objective of the study was to assess the nature and extent of availability of animal health services received by the rural livestock farmers. The research was conducted in four upazilas namely Companyganj of Sylhet, Modhukhali of Faridpur, Mathbaria of Pirojpur and Mithamoin of Kishoreganj districts. Data were collected by using both quantitative and qualitative methods from a sample of 480 farmers during April to September 2010. Almost all of the farmers had high level of availability of veterinary services in relation to treatment of diseases and availability of medicine. Only few(6 percent) received services regarding artificial insemination. Percentage of respondents receiving services on vaccination (32 percent) and surgery and obstetrics (22 percent) were also moderate. The MFTS project beneficiaries received all services with higher frequencies than those of the non-beneficiaries except from the availability of medicine.The farmers living near upazila headquarter received better services than those living far from the upazila headquarters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21281 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 173-177
Prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in Crossbred Calves in Two Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Khair A , Alam MM , Rahman AKMA , Shahiduzzaman M , Parvez MS , Chowdhury EH
Published: December 2014

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine cryptosporidiosis using 110 fecal samples of crossbred diarrhoeic calves from two different areas (Muktagacha, Mymensingh and Shajadpur, Sirajgonj) in Bangladesh during April 2012 to September 2014. The fecal samples were screened by rapid detection kit and confirmed by Modified Ziehl- Neelsen staining, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The positive samples along with standard positive control yielded 1325bp band on PCR. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in crossbred calves was 28.18% (31/110) by rapid detection kit. The higher prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was found in the calves from Shajadpur (29.76%) than the calves from Muktagacha (23.08%).The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was significantly (p<0.001) higher in calves between 1-2 months (70%) age group than less than one month age group (24.49%). Cryptosporidiosis was not observed in calves over two months age. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was higher in males (34.75%) than females (24.64%) although not significant statistically. It is evident that the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in bovine in these areas is under diagnosed and the clinical status of infection is potentially high.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21288 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 185-190
Reproductive Parameters of Native Sows in Selected Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Motaleb MA , Chowdhury MK , Islam MA , Ahmed JU , Bhuiyan MMU
Published: December 2014

Reproductive performance is considered as one of the important factors affecting the productivity and economy of the pig farms. The objective of the study was to determine the reproductive parameters of gilts and sows by direct interview method using a pretested questionnaire in selected area of Bangladesh. A total of 20 pig farms having 60 gilts and 27 sows were included in this investigation. The present study revealed that, in native female pigs, the age at puberty was 229.0 ± 16.7 days, the oestrous cycle length was 22.2 ± 1.2 days, the oestrous duration was 37.9 ± 14.2 hours, the gestation length was 113.5 ± 1.0 days, the interval between farrowing and onset of oestrus was 62.9 ± 11.9 days and the number of piglets born per native sow was 5.25 ± 2.3. It was also found that the first service pregnancy rate was 71.7% and the number of services required for each pregnancy was 1.3. The highest proportion of pigs was detected in oestrus by observing stand to be mounted by boars. It is concluded that reproductive parameters of native sows need to be improved for better production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21294 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 211-215
Public Health Safety in Relation to Microbiological Quality of Freshly Drawn Cows Milk in Bangladesh
Authors: Khaton R , Hasnat MA , Rahman S , Rahman MM
Published: December 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the microbial quality of freshly drawn cows milk belonging to the arsenic affected and non-affected areas. In the present work 25 milk sample were collected from five different arsenic affected and non-affected areas. The analysis comprised enumeration of total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC) and total staphylococcal count (TSC) for the determination of sanitary quality. The highest total viable count, total coliform count and total staphylococcus count were log 5.894 ± 0.221, log 2.832± 0.129 and log 2.898 ± 0.162 respectively. Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp and Bacillus spp were isolated from the milk samples. Among them Escherichia coli were isolated from the maximum milk samples. It is found that the level of microbial quality in terms of TVC, TCC and TSC were high in arsenic affected areas than arsenic non-affected area. It also found that TVC and TCC were positively correlated with each other. This survey indicates that most of the raw milk samples were not satisfactory in course of public health standard as some pathogenic bacteria were detected from these samples and it is necessary to improve the hygienic practices required for the handling and processing of milk.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21297 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 231-236
A Case Report of Canine Ehrlichia Infection in a Labrador Dog and its Therapeutic Management
Authors: Barman D , Baishya BC , Sarma D , Phukan A , Dutta TC
Published: December 2014

Ehrlichiosis is an important protozoan disease in canine caused by an intracellular gram  negative bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia, under the family Anaplasmataceae. The important species under the genus Ehrlichia are E. canis, E. ewingii and E. chaffeensis. Another two bacteria within the family Anaplasmataceae are Anaplasma platys (Syn: E. platys) and A. phagocytophilum ; on the other hand, E. platys and A. phagocytophilum are synonymous. Prevalence of ehrlichiosis remains high in north eastern region of India especially Assam but it remains undiagnosed due to lack of owners awareness. The incidences of ehrlichiosis in dog in Guwahati caused by E. canis and E. platys are recorded which are primarily responsible for canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine thrombocytic as well as granulocytic ehrlichiosis, respectively. A case of ehrlichiosis in canine was diagnosed based on clinical signs, blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The dog was treated with two doses of diminazine diaceturate deep intramuscularly at 48 hours interval and doxycycline tablet orally for one month besides supportive therapy rendered during the period. After a month of treatment the dog showed recovery and by two months it recovered completely. Thus it can be inferred that, doxycycline along with other supportive medication for about a month could cure a critical case of canine ehrlichiosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v12i2.21298 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2014). 12 (2): 237-239
Assessment of the learning environment in prosthodontic department based on Dental College Learning Environment Survey by the graduates of a dental institute in India
Authors: Kamal Shigli , Mamata Hebbal
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine dental graduates’ perceptions of learning environment in a prosthodontic department in a dental institute in India. The 60-item closed-ended, cross-sectional questionnaire with five options was completed by the dental graduates and the dentists. The data obtained was analyzed using statistical software. The mean, SD, frequency and percentages were calculated wherever appropriate. The questionnaire was answered by 242 dentists and dental graduates. Of the seven Dental College Learning Environment Survey scales, the highest mean scores were for student to student interaction (2.76 ± 0.53) followed by meaningful learning experience (2.67 ± 0.39). The lowest scores were for flexibility (2.26 ± 0.51) followed by supportiveness (2.40 ± 0.59). The lowest mean scores obtained for the ‘flexibility scale’ conveys that the opportunity for the faculty and students to modify the learning environment are less than for the other categories, and there is thus a need to modify the learning environment. Faculty should also increase their support to the students by contributing to an effective and meaningful interaction by creating a congenial environment.
Effect of Foliar Boron Fertilization of Fine Textured Soils on Corn Yields
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Nelson Kelly
Published: December 2014

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient needed for normal plant growth and development. To evaluate the response of corn to foliar B applications at V4–V6 (4–6 leaves with visible collars) and VT (tasseling) growth stages on fine textured soils, a field experiment was conducted at four sites from 2008 to 2010 in Northeast Missouri. The treatments included a non-treated control; V4–V6 applied B at 0.56, 1.12 and 2.24 kg·ha−1; and VT applied B at 0.28, 0.56 and 1.12 kg·ha−1. Foliar B, applied at V4–V6 at 2.24 kg·ha−1, resulted in higher yields than VT applications. No significant differences in yield were found for B applications at different timings for concentrations of 0.56 and 1.12 kg·ha−1. Boron applied at V4–V6 and 2.24 kg·ha−1 increased yield 0.29 Mg·ha−1 compared to the non-treated control. The B applications at VT increased ear leaf tissue B concentration compared to V4–V6 applications and non-treated control, but it had no significant effect on corn yields. No significant difference between B treatments was observed for grain oil, protein, starch or extractable starch concentration; severity of anthracnose stalk rot or common rust; and ear tip fill. The B application of 2.24 kg·ha−1 at V4–V6 decreased the severity of gray leaf spot, but increased the severity of northern leaf blight compared to the non-treated control. Boron applied at V4–V6 at 2.24 kg·ha−1 was the most beneficial timing and concentration evaluated in these fine textured soils.
Laser-Driven Very High Energy Electron/Photon Beam Radiation Therapy in Conjunction with a Robotic System
Authors: Nakajima Kazuhisa , Yuan Jianjun , Chen Liming , Sheng Zhengming
Published: December 2014

We present a new external-beam radiation therapy system using very-high-energy (VHE) electron/photon beams generated by a centimeter-scale laser plasma accelerator built in a robotic system. Most types of external-beam radiation therapy are delivered using a machine called a medical linear accelerator driven by radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers, producing electron beams with an energy range of 6–20 MeV, in conjunction with modern radiation therapy technologies for effective shaping of three-dimensional dose distributions and spatially accurate dose delivery with imaging verification. However, the limited penetration depth and low quality of the transverse penumbra at such electron beams delivered from the present RF linear accelerators prevent the implementation of advanced modalities in current cancer treatments. These drawbacks can be overcome if the electron energy is increased to above 50 MeV. To overcome the disadvantages of the present RF-based medical accelerators, harnessing recent advancement of laser-driven plasma accelerators capable of producing 1-GeV electron beams in a 1-cm gas cell, we propose a new embodiment of the external-beam radiation therapy robotic system delivering very high-energy electron/photon beams with an energy of 50–250 MeV; it is more compact, less expensive, and has a simpler operation and higher performance in comparison with the current radiation therapy system.
C—Journal of Carbon Research: A New Dawn
Authors: Banks Craig
Published: December 2014

This new open access journal seeks to cover the whole field of Carbon Research under an open access policy that charges minimal fees for authors without compromising either publishing standards or quality. The Editors and MDPI are committed to the development of a journal that will be at the cutting edge of the subject.[...]
Structure and Magnetic Properties of Ce3(Ni/Al/Ga)11—A New Phase with the La3Al11 Structure Type
Authors: Janka Oliver , Shang Tian , Baumbach Ryan , Bauer Eric , Thompson Joe , Kauzlarich Susan
Published: December 2014

Single crystals of Ce3(Ni/Al/Ga)11 were obtained from an Al flux reaction. Single crystals of the title compound crystallizing in the orthorhombic space group Immm (No. 71, Z = 2) with a = 436.38(14), b = 1004.5(3) and c = 1293.4(4) pm. This is a standardized unit cell of the previously published La3Al11 structure type. Wavelength dispersive microprobe provides the composition of Ce3.11(1)Ni0.03(1)Al8.95(1)Ga1.90(1). Single crystal refinement provides the composition Ce3Ni0.08Al9.13Ga1.78 with substitution of the Ni and Ga on the Al1 and Al4 sites with the Al2 and Al3 solely occupied by Al. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal antiferromagnetic ordering with TN = 4.8 K and there is no evidence for a ferromagnetic ordering that has been reported for Ce3Al11. The effective magnetic moment was found to be μeff = 1.9μB/Ce, which is lower than the expected value for trivalent Ce (2.54μB/Ce).
Optimal Scheduling of Domestic Appliances via MILP
Authors: Bradac Zdenek , Kaczmarczyk Vaclav , Fiedler Petr
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes a consumption scheduling mechanism for domestic appliances within a home area network. The aim of the proposed scheduling is to minimize the total energy price paid by the consumer and to reduce power peaks in order to achieve a balanced daily load schedule. An exact and computationally efficient mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation of the problem is presented. This model is verified by several problem instances. Realistic scenarios based on the real price tariffs commercially available in the Czech Republic are calculated. The results obtained by solving the optimization problem are compared with a simulation of the ripple control service currently used by many domestic consumers in the Czech Republic.
Transcriptome-Wide Analysis of SAMe Superfamily to Novelty Phosphoethanolamine N-Methyltransferase Copy in Lonicera japonica
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Qi Linjie , Yu Jun , Wang Xumin , Huang Luqi
Published: December 2014

The S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent methyltransferase superfamily plays important roles in plant development. The buds of Lonicera japonica are used as Chinese medical material and foods; chinese people began domesticating L. japonica thousands of years ago. Compared to the wild species, L. japonica var. chinensis, L. japonica gives a higher yield of buds, a fact closely related to positive selection over the long cultivation period of the species. Genome duplications, which are always detected in the domestic species, are the source of the multifaceted roles of the functional gene. In this paper, we investigated the evolution of the SAMe genes in L. japonica and L. japonica var. chinensis and further analyzed the roles of the duplicated genes among special groups. The SAMe protein sequences were subdivided into three clusters and several subgroups. The difference in transcriptional levels of the duplicated genes showed that seven SAMe genes could be related to the differences between the wild and the domesticated varieties. The sequence diversity of seven SAMe genes was also analyzed, and the results showed that different gene expression levels between the varieties could not be related to amino acid variation. The transcriptional level of duplicated PEAMT could be regulated through the SAM–SAH cycle.
Polyester-Based (Bio)degradable Polymers as Environmentally Friendly Materials for Sustainable Development
Authors: Rydz Joanna , Sikorska Wanda , Kyulavska Mariya , Christova Darinka
Published: December 2014

This review focuses on the polyesters such as polylactide and polyhydroxyalkonoates, as well as polyamides produced from renewable resources, which are currently among the most promising (bio)degradable polymers. Synthetic pathways, favourable properties and utilisation (most important applications) of these attractive polymer families are outlined. Environmental impact and in particular (bio)degradation of aliphatic polyesters, polyamides and related copolymer structures are described in view of the potential applications in various fields.
The Potential for iPS-Derived Stem Cells as a Therapeutic Strategy for Spinal Cord Injury: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Khazaei Mohamad , Siddiqui Ahad , Fehlings Michael
Published: December 2014

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating trauma causing long-lasting disability. Although advances have occurred in the last decade in the medical, surgical and rehabilitative treatments of SCI, the therapeutic approaches are still not ideal. The use of cell transplantation as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SCI is promising, particularly since it can target cell replacement, neuroprotection and regeneration. Cell therapies for treating SCI are limited due to several translational roadblocks, including ethical and practical concerns regarding cell sources. The use of iPSCs has been particularly attractive, since they avoid the ethical and moral concerns that surround other stem cells. Furthermore, various cell types with potential for application in the treatment of SCI can be created from autologous sources using iPSCs. For applications in SCI, the iPSCs can be differentiated into neural precursor cells, neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, neural crest cells and mesenchymal stromal cells that can act by replacing lost cells or providing environmental support. Some methods, such as direct reprogramming, are being investigated to reduce tumorigenicity and improve reprogramming efficiencies, which have been some of the issues surrounding the use of iPSCs clinically to date. Recently, iPSCs have entered clinical trials for use in age-related macular degeneration, further supporting their promise for translation in other conditions, including SCI.
Occurrence of Far-Red Light Photoacclimation (FaRLiP) in Diverse Cyanobacteria
Authors: Gan Fei , Shen Gaozhong , Bryant Donald
Published: December 2014

Cyanobacteria have evolved a number of acclimation strategies to sense and respond to changing nutrient and light conditions. Leptolyngbya sp. JSC-1 was recently shown to photoacclimate to far-red light by extensively remodeling its photosystem (PS) I, PS II and phycobilisome complexes, thereby gaining the ability to grow in far-red light. A 21-gene photosynthetic gene cluster (rfpA/B/C, apcA2/B2/D2/E2/D3, psbA3/D3/C2/B2/ H2/A4, psaA2/B2/L2/I2/F2/J2) that is specifically expressed in far-red light encodes the core subunits of the three major photosynthetic complexes. The growth responses to far-red light were studied here for five additional cyanobacterial strains, each of which has a gene cluster similar to that in Leptolyngbya sp. JSC-1. After acclimation all five strains could grow continuously in far-red light. Under these growth conditions each strain synthesizes chlorophylls d, f and a after photoacclimation, and each strain produces modified forms of PS I, PS II (and phycobiliproteins) that absorb light between 700 and 800 nm. We conclude that these photosynthetic gene clusters are diagnostic of the capacity to photoacclimate to and grow in far-red light. Given the diversity of terrestrial environments from which these cyanobacteria were isolated, it is likely that FaRLiP plays an important role in optimizing photosynthesis in terrestrial environments.
Water-Assisted Production of Thermoplastic Nanocomposites: A Review
Authors: Karger-Kocsis József , Kmetty Ákos , Lendvai László , Drakopoulos Stavros , Bárány Tamás
Published: December 2014

Water-assisted, or more generally liquid-mediated, melt compounding of nanocomposites is basically a combination of solution-assisted and traditional melt mixing methods. It is an emerging technique to overcome several disadvantages of the above two. Water or aqueous liquids with additives, do not work merely as temporary carrier materials of suitable nanofillers. During batchwise and continuous compounding, these liquids are fully or partly evaporated. In the latter case, the residual liquid is working as a plasticizer. This processing technique contributes to a better dispersion of the nanofillers and affects markedly the morphology and properties of the resulting nanocomposites. A survey is given below on the present praxis and possible future developments of water-assisted melt mixing techniques for the production of thermoplastic nanocomposites.
New Ikarugamycin Derivatives with Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties from Streptomyces zhaozhouensis
Authors: Lacret Rodney , Oves-Costales Daniel , Gómez Cristina , Díaz Caridad , De la Cruz Mercedes , Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Vicente Francisca , Genilloud Olga , Reyes Fernando
Published: December 2014

A bioassay guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract from culture broths of the strain Streptomyces zhaozhouensis CA-185989 led to the isolation of three new polycyclic tetramic acid macrolactams (1–3) and four known compounds. All the new compounds were structurally related to the known Streptomyces metabolite ikarugamycin (4). Their structural elucidation was accomplished using a combination of electrospray-time of flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF MS) and 1D and 2D NMR analyses. Compounds 1–3 showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Does the Use of Chitosan Contribute to Oxalate Kidney Stone Formation?
Authors: Fernandes Queiroz Moacir , Melo Karoline , Sabry Diego , Sassaki Guilherme , Rocha Hugo
Published: December 2014

Chitosan is widely used in the biomedical field due its chemical and pharmacological properties. However, intake of chitosan results in renal tissue accumulation of chitosan and promotes an increase in calcium excretion. On the other hand, the effect of chitosan on the formation of calcium oxalate crystals (CaOx) has not been described. In this work, we evaluated the antioxidant capacity of chitosan and its interference in the formation of CaOx crystals in vitro. Here, the chitosan obtained commercially had its identity confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy. In several tests, this chitosan showed low or no antioxidant activity. However, it also showed excellent copper-chelating activity. In vitro, chitosan acted as an inducer mainly of monohydrate CaOx crystal formation, which is more prevalent in patients with urolithiasis. We also observed that chitosan modifies the morphology and size of these crystals, as well as changes the surface charge of the crystals, making them even more positive, which can facilitate the interaction of these crystals with renal cells. Chitosan greatly influences the formation of crystals in vitro, and in vivo analyses should be conducted to assess the risk of using chitosan.
Hepcidin-25, Mean Corpuscular Volume, and Ferritin as Predictors of Response to Oral Iron Supplementation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Takasawa Kazuya , Takaeda Chikako , Maeda Teiryo , Ueda Norishi
Published: December 2014

The benefit of oral iron therapy (OIT) and factors predictive of OIT response are not established in hemodialysis (HD) patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We examined the values of hepcidin-25, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and ferritin as predictors of OIT response. Oral ferrous fumarate (50 mg/day, 8 weeks) was given to 51 HD patients with IDA (hemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dL, ferritin < 100 ng/mL) treated with an erythropoietin activator. Sixteen patients were responders (improvement of Hb (ΔHb) ≥ 2 g/dL) and 35 were non-responders (ΔHb < 2g/dL). Baseline Hb, MCV, serum hepcidin-25, ferritin, iron parameters, and C-reactive protein (CRP) before and ΔHb after OIT were compared between groups. Hepcidin-25, MCV, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were lower in the responders than in the non-responders. Hepcidin-25 positively correlated with ferritin. Hepcidin-25, MCV, and ferritin positively correlated with baseline Hb and negatively correlated with ΔHb. Despite normal CRP levels in all patients, CRP correlated positively with hepcidin-25 and ferritin. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that hepcidin-25, MCV, and ferritin could predict OIT response. We conclude that hepcidin-25, MCV, and ferritin could be useful markers of iron storage status and may help predict OIT response in HD patients.
Etomidate and Ketamine: Residual Motor and Adrenal Dysfunction that Persist beyond Recovery from Loss of Righting Reflex in Rats
Authors: Diaz-Gil Daniel , Mueller Noomi , Moreno-Duarte Ingrid , Lin Hsin , Ayata Cenk , Cusin Cristina , Cotten Joseph , Eikermann Matthias
Published: December 2014

We tested the hypothesis that etomidate and ketamine produce residual effects that modify functional mobility (measured by the balance beam test) and adrenal function (adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation) immediately following recovery from loss of righting reflex in rats. Intravenous etomidate or ketamine was administered in a randomized, crossover fashion (2 or 4 mg/kg and 20 or 40 mg/kg, respectively) on eight consecutive days. Following recovery of righting reflex, animals were assessed for residual effects on functional mobility on the balance beam, motor behavior in the open field and adrenal function through ACTH stimulation. We evaluated the consequences of the effects of the anesthetic agent-induced motor behavior on functional mobility. On the balance beam, etomidate-treated rats maintained their grip longer than ketamine-treated rats, indicating greater balance abilities (mean ± SD, 21.5 ± 25.1 s vs. 3.0 ± 4.3 s respectively, p < 0.021). In the open field test, both dosages of etomidate and ketamine had opposite effects on travel behavior, showing ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion and etomidate-induced hypolocomotion. There was a significant interaction between anesthetic agent and motor behavior effects for functional mobility effects (p < 0.001). Corticosterone levels were lower after both 40 mg/kg ketamine and 4 mg/kg etomidate anesthesia compared to placebo, an effect stronger with etomidate than ketamine (p < 0.001). Following recovery from anesthesia, etomidate and ketamine have substantial side effects. Ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion with 20 and 40 mg/kg has stronger effects on functional mobility than etomidate-induced hypolocomotion with 2 and 4 mg/kg. Etomidate (4 mg/kg) has stronger adrenal suppression effects than ketamine (40 mg/kg).
Retrieval of Land Surface Temperature over the Heihe River Basin Using HJ-1B Thermal Infrared Data
Authors: Ouyang Xiaoying , Jia Li , Pan Yingqi , Hu Guangcheng
Published: December 2014

The reliable estimation of spatially distributed Land Surface Temperature (LST) is useful for monitoring regional land surface heat fluxes. A single-channel method is developed to derive the LST over the Heihe River Basin in China using data from the infrared sensor (IRS) onboard the Chinese “Environmental and Disaster Monitoring and Forecasting with a Small Satellite Constellation” (HJ-1B for short for one of the satellites), with ancillary water vapor information from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products (MOD05) and in situ automatic sun tracking photometer CE318 data for the first time. In situ LST data for the period from mid-June to mid-September 2012 were acquired from automatic meteorological stations (AMS) that are part of Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) project. MOD05-based LST and CE318-based LST are compared with in situ measurements at 16 AMS sites with land cover types of vegetable, maize and orchards. The results show that the use of the MOD05 product could achieve a comparable accuracy in LST retrieval with that achieved using the CE318 data. The largest difference between the MOD05-based LST and CE318-based LST is 0.84 K throughout the study period over the Heihe River Basin. The standard deviation (STD), root mean square error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (R) of HJ-1B/IRS vs. the in situ measurements are 2.45 K, 2.78 K, and 0.67, respectively, whereas those for the MODIS 1 km LST product vs. the in situ measurements are 4.07 K, 2.98 K, and 0.79, respectively. The spatial pattern of the HJ-1B/LST over the study area in the Heihe River Basin generally agreed well with the MODIS 1 km LST product and contained more detailed spatial textures.
In-to-Out Body Antenna-Independent Path Loss Model for Multilayered Tissues and Heterogeneous Medium
Authors: Kurup Divya , Vermeeren Günter , Tanghe Emmeric , Joseph Wout , Martens Luc
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we investigate multilayered lossy and heterogeneous media for wireless body area networks (WBAN) to develop a simple, fast and efficient analytical in-to-out body path loss (PL) model at 2.45 GHz and, thus, avoid time-consuming simulations. The PL model is an antenna-independent model and is validated with simulations in layered medium, as well as in a 3D human model using electromagnetic solvers.
Non-Cooperative Target Recognition by Means of Singular Value Decomposition Applied to Radar High Resolution Range Profiles
Authors: López-Rodríguez Patricia , Escot-Bocanegra David , Fernández-Recio Raúl , Bravo Ignacio
Published: December 2014

Radar high resolution range profiles are widely used among the target recognition community for the detection and identification of flying targets. In this paper, singular value decomposition is applied to extract the relevant information and to model each aircraft as a subspace. The identification algorithm is based on angle between subspaces and takes place in a transformed domain. In order to have a wide database of radar signatures and evaluate the performance, simulated range profiles are used as the recognition database while the test samples comprise data of actual range profiles collected in a measurement campaign. Thanks to the modeling of aircraft as subspaces only the valuable information of each target is used in the recognition process. Thus, one of the main advantages of using singular value decomposition, is that it helps to overcome the notable dissimilarities found in the shape and signal-to-noise ratio between actual and simulated profiles due to their difference in nature. Despite these differences, the recognition rates obtained with the algorithm are quite promising.
QoS-Aware Error Recovery in Wireless Body Sensor Networks Using Adaptive Network Coding
Authors: Razzaque Mohammad , Javadi Saeideh , Coulibaly Yahaya , Hira Muta
Published: December 2014

Wireless body sensor networks (WBSNs) for healthcare and medical applications are real-time and life-critical infrastructures, which require a strict guarantee of quality of service (QoS), in terms of latency, error rate and reliability. Considering the criticality of healthcare and medical applications, WBSNs need to fulfill users/applications and the corresponding network’s QoS requirements. For instance, for a real-time application to support on-time data delivery, a WBSN needs to guarantee a constrained delay at the network level. A network coding-based error recovery mechanism is an emerging mechanism that can be used in these systems to support QoS at very low energy, memory and hardware cost. However, in dynamic network environments and user requirements, the original non-adaptive version of network coding fails to support some of the network and user QoS requirements. This work explores the QoS requirements of WBSNs in both perspectives of QoS. Based on these requirements, this paper proposes an adaptive network coding-based, QoS-aware error recovery mechanism for WBSNs. It utilizes network-level and user-/application-level information to make it adaptive in both contexts. Thus, it provides improved QoS support adaptively in terms of reliability, energy efficiency and delay. Simulation results show the potential of the proposed mechanism in terms of adaptability, reliability, real-time data delivery and network lifetime compared to its counterparts.
Evaluation of Carbon and Oxygen Balances in Urban Ecosystems Using Land Use/Land Cover and Statistical Data
Authors: Yin Kai , Lu Dengsheng , Tian Yichen , Zhao Qianjun , Yuan Chao
Published: December 2014

Urban areas play an important role in the global carbon cycle, and human-induced carbon emissions from urban areas urgently need to be reduced. Therefore, understanding the relationship between carbon sources and sinks is the first step toward mitigating the effect of urban areas on climate change. Combined with the land use and land cover (LULC) empirical coefficients and statistical methods, urban carbon and oxygen balances in Beijing were evaluated. In this study, the carbon sequestration and oxygen emission capabilities of various LULC types were calculated, and the partitioning of carbon emissions and oxygen consumption in Beijing were estimated. The evaluation results indicated that the ecosystem services from the LULC in an area were not adequate to offset the urban carbon emissions and oxygen consumption. The areas with a high capacity for carbon sequestration and oxygen emissions were primarily distributed in the exurban districts of Beijing, and the carbon and oxygen balances in the exurban districts were superior to those of core urban areas. Industrial fossil fuel consumption dominated all of the human-induced carbon sources. The methods developed in this research were shown to be viable for the quantitative evaluation of urban ecosystem carbon and oxygen balances.
An Analysis of Professional Perceptions of Criteria Contributing to Sustainable Housing Affordability
Authors: Mulliner Emma , Maliene Vida
Published: December 2014

Housing affordability is a multi-dimensional issue, yet it is typically defined and assessed quite narrowly in terms of financial criteria. The housing affordability problem encompasses more than financial costs of housing and extends to larger issues of social wellbeing and sustainability. Accordingly, a broader range of factors ought to be considered when defining and assessing affordability, particularly if more sustainable outcomes are desired from housing. A comprehensive system of criteria representing sustainable housing affordability, developed by the authors, is validated and analysed in this paper. The quantitative data analysis of surveys conducted with housing and planning professionals across the UK is used to determine stakeholder’s perceptions on the criteria contributing to sustainable housing affordability and to rank these criteria according to their importance. The paper establishes that professional opinions on this issue differ insignificantly across different regions of the UK, while it varies to some extent depending on the sector of housing industry.
Effect of Tensor Correlations on the Density Dependence of the Nuclear Symmetry Energy
Authors: Vidaña Isaac , Providência Constança , Polls Artur
Published: December 2014

We analyze the effect of the tensor force and other components of the nucleon-nucleon interaction on the nuclear symmetry energy and its density dependence by using the Hellmann–Feynman theorem. The analysis is performed within the microscopic Brueckner–Hartree–Fock approach using the Argonne V18 potential plus a Urbana IX three-nucleon force. Our results show that the potential part of the nuclear Hamiltonian, and in particular its tensor component, gives the largest contribution to the symmetry energy. The decomposition of the symmetry energy into a kinetic part and a potential energy part provides physical insight on the correlated nature of the system, indicating that pure neutron matter is less correlated than symmetric nuclear matter.