bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of in vitro Preservation of Potato and Use of the Gene Bank Material in Estonia
Authors: Rosenberg Viive , Edesi Jaanika , Liiv Ketlin , Kotkas Katrin
Published: August 2013

At EVIKA, we have been preserving potato varieties, breeding lines and land-races in vitro as meristem plants for more than 30 years. Various experiments have been conducted to determine the effects of medium components, growth conditions and other factors on regeneration and the sub-culturing interval of in vitro plants. Based on these experiments, the optimal preservation medium and long-term preservation conditions in vitro for many varieties have been developed. Every 3.0-3.5 months, the potato plants regenerated from meristems are transferred onto growth-regulator-free propagation medium. At present, there are 454 potato varieties, breeding materials, land-races and 1026 meristem clones in our gene bank. The interest in varieties as genetic resources and in those with coloured flesh tubers is increasing. In EVIKA’s test field we have been testing meristem clones of variety ‘Blue Congo’. We have demonstrated the use of that variety for making salads; baked, boiled, mashed potato and even for French fries. In addition, the use of the genetic resources was started in a farm, where. 2000 kg seed tubers were produced from 4580 meristem plants of variety ‘Väike verev’ in 2012. The main interests are: dark yellow flesh, content of antioxidants and use as a source for functional diet.
Yield and Grain Quality of Hulless Spring Barley in Field Trials Under Different Nitrogen Management Conditions
Authors: Bleidere Māra , Zute Sanita , Brunava Linda , Bobere Natalija , Jākobsone Ida
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the yield and grain quality (1000 kernel weight, test weight, crude protein, starch, β-glucans, total phenolic content, antiradical scavenging activity and α-tocopherol content) variation of three hulless spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes under different levels of N, in relation to weather characteristics. The field experiments were carried out at the State Stende Cereal Breeding Institute. Three hulless barley genotypes ‘Kornelija’; ‘ST 1165’; ST 1185’ were studied during two years (2011 and 2012) using three levels of nitrogen (N80; N80+40; N80+80) by split application at the end of the tillering stage. The effects of genotype, N treatment and genotype by N treatment interaction contribute the variation in yield and grain quality traits for hulless barley genotypes. There were considerable differences between crop years in response of hulless genotypes to top-dressing N, with significantly (P < 0.05) higher grain yield, 1000 kernel weight, test weight, starch and β-glucans in the growing season of 2012, when rainfall was optimal at the tillering and stem-elongation growth stages. In 2012, a significant (P < 0.05) response to top-dressing N was recorded for grain yield and 1000 kernel weight (at rate N120), crude protein, starch and β-glucans (at rate N160). The maximum values of total phenolic content, antiradical scavenging activity (in 2011) and -tocopherol content (in 2012) were obtained with application of 160 kg N ha-1. Hulless line ‘1185’ gave the highest grain yield, starch, α-tocopherol content and radical scavenging activity, but variety ‘Kornelija’ formed significantly higher TKW, crude protein and β-glucans content.
Peat Humic Substances and Earthworm Biohumus Extracts for Agricultural Applications
Authors: Bremanis Gunārs , Klaviņš Maris , Purmalis Oskars , Ziemelis Raitis , Maļecka Solveiga
Published: August 2013

Extracts for agricultural use were prepared using cavitation method at 45 oC and at 95 oC from peat and earthworm biohumus. Samples of all studied extracts had similar dry-matter content. Peat humic substances and earthworm biohumus extracts were analysed using UV-Vis, FT-IR, and fluorescence spectrometry. Trace element analysis was performed with atomic absorption spectrometry. Extracts were tested for acidity, conductivity, humic acid concentration, and carboxyl group concentration. Hydrophobicity was assessed using a water-polyethylene glycol twophase system and calculation of the partition coefficient. Total nitrogen and phosphorus concentration was determined. Concentration of the humic substances slightly changed during the heating process. Significant changes in total phosphorus concentration was observed both in earthworm humus and peat extract. Thermal treatment caused decrease of hydrophobicity and lower concentration of organic matter in extracts, while carboxyl group concentrations in isolated humic substances practically did not change. The calculated ratio from UV-Vis spectra showed significant difference in humification degree of samples.
Large-Leaved Lupin (Lupinus polyhyllus Lind.) and Early Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) as Green Manure Grops
Authors: Lauringson Enn , Talgre Liina , Makke Arvo
Published: August 2013

Trials with large-leaved lupine (‘Lupi’) and early red clover (‘Jõgeva 433’) as green manure were carried out to study their suitability for green manure production. The trials were carried out on the trial fields of the Estonian University of Life Sciences in 2008-2010. Biomass production abilities of various plants grown with or without a cover crop were examined. In the experiment, different green manure crops with undersowing and pure sowing were compared for amounts of N, C, P, K and organic matter driven into soil and their effect on cereal yield. The value of these green manure crops as manure was estimated, based on their effect on the succeeding cereal yield. From green manure plants, sown with cover crops, red clover gave the best results, while large-leaved lupine was better grown as pure crop (18% more biomass than red clover in similar situation). Biomass from large-leaved lupine, grown without cover crop, was also the most efficient in returning nutrients into the soil. Pure green manure had bigger effect and it lasted longer if grown as undersowing.
Development of Rye Leaf Diseases and Possibilities for Their Control
Authors: Bankina Biruta , Kronberga Arta , Kokare Aina , Maļecka Solveiga , Bimšteine Gunita
Published: August 2013

Diseases of rye (Secale cereale), an important crop in Latvia, might be a risk factor for rye production. The aim of the study was to determine features of rye leaf diseases, to estimate the risk of rye diseases under conditions of Latvia, and to compare various schemes of fungicide treatment that possibly might be useful for integrated disease control. Field trials were carried out from 2009 to 2012 in two locations in Latvia - State Stende Cereals Breeding Institute and State Priekuïi Plant Breeding Institute. Sixteen trials (two cultivars each year, two sites, and four years) were established during the investigations. Each trial was one-factor design with three variants of fungicide treatment: control (without fungicides), standard treatment during heading (GS 51-55), and DSS (Decision support system). Leaf scald caused by Rhynchosporium secalis and brown rust, caused by Puccinia recondita, were found to be the most important rye diseases during the study. Average additional yield achieved by fungicide application was 8%. Number of rainy days (more than seven, starting from GS 31) was not a sufficient threshold for the control of rye diseases. It was necessary to make assessment of the disease development in the the field. Fungicide application might be necessary if symptoms of leaf scald appear on the youngest leaves after beginning of stem elongation (GS 31-32).
State Priekuļi Plant Breeding Institute – A Century of Agricultural Research and Plant Breeding
Authors: Bebre Gunta , Gaiķe Maija , Skrabule Ilze , Gaiķe Vita , Kronberga Arta
Published: August 2013

The State Priekuïi Plant Breeding Institute (previously Wenden, Cçsis or Priekuïi Experimental and Breeding Station) started its operation in 1913. The main aims of research have remained the same for the last century: to provide knowledge on crop management and to create crop varieties suitable to local growing conditions and farming systems, acceptable to consumer requirements. Supply to farmers of high quality seed material of cereals, potato, pea, clover and grasses is an essential part of the scope. Overall, 31 crop species have been involved in a wide range of studies. More than 100 different crop varieties have been bred since the beginning of the 20th century. Potato varieties ‘Brasla’, ‘Agrie Dzeltenie’, winter rye variety ‘Kaupo’, pea varieties ‘Vitra’, ‘Retrija’, barley variety ‘Idumeja’ and several clover and grass varieties are widely grown in farmers’ fields. The first hulless barley variety in the Baltic States, ‘Irbe’, and winter triticale variety ‘Inarta’ have been bred in the Institute recently. Long-term crop rotation trials have been run for more than 50 years. A number of outstanding scientists and agronomists have worked in the Institute: potato breeders E. Knappe and V. Gaujers, cereal breeders J. Lindermanis, M. Gaiíe, and M. Sovere, grass breeders P. Pommers, A. Apinis, and I. Holms, pea breeder M. Vitjaþkova, researchers on crop management R. Sniedze and V. Miíelsons, research manager and director U. Miglavs and others
Development of Potato Varieties in Latvia
Authors: Skrabule Ilze , Bebre Gunta
Published: August 2013

The first potato varieties that reached the territory of Latvia were empirically selected clones from genetically diverse material brought from South America to Europe. In the 19th century, when agricultural production rapidly developed, the demand for high yielding potato varieties suitable to local growing conditions increased. Therefore, potato variety evaluation trials were set up. Scientifically- based potato breeding in Latvia was launched by P. Knappe. The potato breeding programme in Priekuïi Plant Breeding Station was started in 1931, and has still continued. Several breeding methods were used by potato breeders Ç. Knape, V. Gaujers, G. Bebre and others in Priekuïi. Potato breeding for short periods was carried out in several other places in Latvia: Stende, Carnikava, and Lejaskurzeme. The method of elimination of diseases in potato seed material and high quality seed material production was implemented in Priekuïi. More than 60 potato varieties have been created in Latvia, some of them were and still are in demand in agricultural production.
Heterogeneity of uroplakin localization in human normal urothelium, papilloma and papillary carcinoma
Authors: Zupancic Dasa , Romih Rok
Published: August 2013

Background. Uroplakins are differentiation-related membrane proteins of urothelium. We compared uroplakin expression and ultrastructural localization in human normal urothelium, papilloma and papillary carcinoma. Because of high recurrence rate of these tumours, treated by transurethral resection, we investigated urothelial tumour, resection border and uninvolved urothelium.

Patients and methods. Urinary bladder samples were obtained from tumour free control subjects and patients with papilloma and papillary carcinoma. Immunohistochemical and immunoelectron labelling of uroplakins were performed.

Results. In normal human urothelium with continuous uroplakin-positive superficial cell layer uroplakins were localized to flattened mature fusiform vesicles and apical plasma membrane of umbrella cells. Diverse uroplakin expression was found in papilloma and papillary carcinoma. Three aberrant differentiation stages of urothelial cells, not found in normal urothelium, were recognized in tumours. Diverse uroplakin expression and aberrant differentiation were occasionally found in resection border and in uninvolved urothelium.

Conclusions. We demonstrated here that uroplakin expression and localization in urothelial tumours is altered when compared to normal urothelium. In patients with papilloma and papillary carcinoma immunolabelling of uroplakins at ultrastructural level shows aberrant urothelial differentiation. It is possible that aberrant differentiation stages of urothelial cells in resection border and in uninvolved urothelium contribute to high recurrence rate.
Assessment of analgesic and antipyretic activity of traditional formula used in the treatment of seasonal infections
Authors: Parthiban Kugalur Ganesan , Natesan Senthil Kumar , Sekar Ganesan , Mahalakshm Krishnamoorthi
Published: August 2013

Traditional treatments and medicines are the main sometimes the only source of health care for millions of people living in rural areas of developing countries. The aim of the present study is to investigate the analgesic and antipyretic activity of individual plant extracts and poly-herbal formula [PHF] made in to liquid dosage form of three different doses in albino rats. The plant materials were extracted in boiling distilled water for six hours, filtered, concentrated and dried. The aqueous extracts were prepared in to poly-herbal liquid dosage form by using water, glycerol mixture and acacia 2% in three different preparation of varying extract doses.1ml of above preparations orally fed for investigation. Pentozocine and paracetamol was used as standard drugs respectively. For individual plants the extracts were suspended in 2% acacia solution and performed. The results of analgesic and anti-pyretic activity of PHF 1 and PHF 2 showed significant results (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively) and PHF3 did not show any significant results. In the individual plant extracts slightly significant activity (P<0.05) was observed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i9.16075 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2013, 2(9): 143-147
Gastroretentive drug delivery system of a lipid lowering agent
Authors: Krishnarajan D. , Kumar N. Senthil , Yadav Rajesh
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to develop mucoadhesive tablets of Simvastatin using natural polymers. Simvastatin has short biological half-life and high first pass metabolism hence which was designed to increase the gastric residence time which prolong the drug release. The tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique using Carbopol-934, guar gum, xanthine gum and chitosin as polymers. Formulations were evaluated for different parameters like hardness, friability, uniformity of weight, swelling characteristics, in vitro dissolution and kinetic studies. The dissolution was carried out for 12 hours in which the formulation with guar gum has shown highest dissolution release profile (F9). Thus the present study concludes that mucoadhesive tablets of simvastatin can be a good way to pass the extensive hepatic first pass metabolism and to improve the bioavailability of simvastatin.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i9.16077 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, August 2013, 2(9): 152-155
Clinical CHaracteristics of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Bangladesh Adult Patients
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Zaid , Muhammad Ali , Azad Khan Abdul Kalam , Deb Sudip Ranjan , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Anwar ASM Tanim , Karmaker Madhabi , Amin Robed
Published: August 2013

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 21, No. 2, October, 2012, Page 131-139 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v21i2.15299
Step-forward Modalities for Assessment of the CLinically Node-negative Neck in Head-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shah Rameez , Fakir Mohammad Abu Yousef , Khan AF Mohiuddin
Published: August 2013

J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 21, No. 2, October, 2012, Page 218-225 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v21i2.15362
A Study of Patients With Normal Coronary Angiogram Over A Period of 14 Months in A Military Hospital
Authors: Malek Mohammad Abdul , Rahman SM Mamunur , Iqbal Syed Asif , Khan Zehad , Rahman Mukhlesur , Sultana Syeda Aleya , Rahman Wali-Ur , Bhuiyan AKM Mohiuddin
Published: August 2013

Objectives: The objectives were to study the incidence of the normal coronary artery anatomy, to determine their clinical, electrocardiographic, stress testing, echocardiographic and angiographic characteristics. Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in cardiac center, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh on patients seen during the period from November 2010 to Dec 2011. The coronary artery angiography data was collected by a check list and was revised by the authors. Results: Twelve hundred and two fifty patients who had coronary angiography which showed normal coronary artery or minor coronary artery disease were included in this study. 13% were females. The mean age of the patients was 45.6. 74% patients had one or more coronary risk factors and predominant risk factor was hypertension (31%). More than 50% patients had significant cardiac symptoms and about 40% study subjects were found to have prominent ECG changes which preclude noninvasive tests. Only 38% of study subjects underwent exercise ECG tests, among them 12% had positive ETT. Two hundred and forty nine patients (20%) had normal coronary artery anatomy. Right dominant circulation was found in 79% of the patients. Conclusions: The incidence of normal coronary artery anatomy is similar to those reported in other literatures. Although there are limitations of common noninvasive tests to exclude coronary artery disease, proper clinical evaluation and appropriate use of other noninvasive investigations will definitely reduce the burden of coronary angiogram in patients with angina or suspected ischemic heart disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v8i2.16078 University Heart Journal Vol. 8, No. 2, July 2012
Coronary Angiographic Profile of Patients with Acute Non ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kabir CM Shaheen , Malik Fazila Tun-Nesa , Malik Abdul , Haq M Maksumul , Taimur Syed Dawood Md , Karim Md Rezaul , Jahan Mah-Noor
Published: August 2013

Background: Nearly 40% of patients presenting with Non ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). CKD is a powerful predictor of adverse events among NSTEMI patients. CKD is associated with a high prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease presenting with Non ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Methods: In this prospective observational study a total of 128 patients with NSTEMI were enrolled. They were divided equally in group I (NSTEMI with CKD) and group II (NSTEMI with normal renal function) on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients were considered to have CKD if he/she had documented history of CKD or estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Angiographic severity of CAD was assessed by evaluation of number of involved vessel, site of lesion, % of stenosis, ACC/ AHA lesion classification (Type A, B, C) and TIMI flow grade between the groups. Results: Patients with CKD were significantly older, with a greater prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and lower haemoglobin level compared with those without CKD. CKD was associated with an increased risk of triple vessel and left main disease. Conclusion: CKD strongly predicts severe coronary artery disease profile among NSTEMI patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v8i2.16079 University Heart Journal Vol. 8, No. 2, July 2012
Classifications of Cardiomyopathies - Frequent Updating, Modifications and Re-Classifications in the Era Of Molecular Medicine and the Past Decades
Authors: Kauser Mohammad Abu , Safiuddin Mohammad , Safi Shahnaz Binte
Published: August 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/uhj.v8i2.16085 University Heart Journal Vol. 8, No. 2, July 2012
MicroRNA Expression Changes during Interferon-Beta Treatment in the Peripheral Blood of Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Hecker Michael , Thamilarasan Madhan , Koczan Dirk , Schröder Ina , Flechtner Kristin , Freiesleben Sherry , Füllen Georg , Thiesen Hans-Jürgen , Zettl Uwe
Published: August 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules acting as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. They are involved in many biological processes, and their dysregulation is implicated in various diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is widely used as a first-line immunomodulatory treatment of MS patients. Here, we present the first longitudinal study on the miRNA expression changes in response to IFN-beta therapy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained before treatment initiation as well as after two days, four days, and one month, from patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). We measured the expression of 651 mature miRNAs and about 19,000 mRNAs in parallel using real-time PCR arrays and Affymetrix microarrays. We observed that the up-regulation of IFN-beta-responsive genes is accompanied by a down-regulation of several miRNAs, including members of the mir-29 family. These differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be associated with apoptotic processes and IFN feedback loops. A network of miRNA-mRNA target interactions was constructed by integrating the information from different databases. Our results suggest that miRNA-mediated regulation plays an important role in the mechanisms of action of IFN-beta, not only in the treatment of MS but also in normal immune responses. miRNA expression levels in the blood may serve as a biomarker of the biological effects of IFN-beta therapy that may predict individual disease activity and progression.
Neuron Biomechanics Probed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Spedden Elise , Staii Cristian
Published: August 2013

Mechanical interactions play a key role in many processes associated with neuronal growth and development. Over the last few years there has been significant progress in our understanding of the role played by the substrate stiffness in neuronal growth, of the cell-substrate adhesion forces, of the generation of traction forces during axonal elongation, and of the relationships between the neuron soma elastic properties and its health. The particular capabilities of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), such as high spatial resolution, high degree of control over the magnitude and orientation of the applied forces, minimal sample damage, and the ability to image and interact with cells in physiologically relevant conditions make this technique particularly suitable for measuring mechanical properties of living neuronal cells. This article reviews recent advances on using the AFM for studying neuronal biomechanics, provides an overview about the state-of-the-art measurements, and suggests directions for future applications.
Comparative Analysis of Osteogenic/Chondrogenic Differentiation Potential in Primary Limb Bud-Derived and C3H10T1/2 Cell Line-Based Mouse Micromass Cultures
Authors: Takács Roland , Matta Csaba , Somogyi Csilla , Juhász Tamás , Zákány Róza
Published: August 2013

Murine micromass models have been extensively applied to study chondrogenesis and osteogenesis to elucidate pathways of endochondral bone formation. Here we provide a detailed comparative analysis of the differentiation potential of micromass cultures established from either BMP-2 overexpressing C3H10T1/2 cells or mouse embryonic limb bud-derived chondroprogenitor cells, using micromass cultures from untransfected C3H10T1/2 cells as controls. Although the BMP-2 overexpressing C3H10T1/2 cells failed to form chondrogenic nodules, cells of both models expressed mRNA transcripts for major cartilage-specific marker genes including Sox9, Acan, Col2a1, Snorc, and Hapln1 at similar temporal sequence, while notable lubricin expression was only detected in primary cultures. Furthermore, mRNA transcripts for markers of osteogenic differentiation including Runx2, Osterix, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin were detected in both models, along with matrix calcification. Although the adipogenic lineage-specific marker gene FABP4 was also expressed in micromass cultures, Oil Red O-positive cells along with PPARγ2 transcripts were only detected in C3H10T1/2-derived micromass cultures. Apart from lineage-specific marker genes, pluripotency factors (Nanog and Sox2) were also expressed in these models, reflecting on the presence of various mesenchymal lineages as well as undifferentiated cells. This cellular heterogeneity has to be taken into consideration for the interpretation of data obtained by using these models.
In Vitro Activity of Gentamicin-Loaded Bioabsorbable Beads against Different Microorganisms
Authors: Thein Eric , Tafin Ulrika , Betrisey Bertrand , Trampuz Andrej , Borens Olivier
Published: August 2013

Osteomyelitis is responsible for high treatment costs, long hospital stays, and results in substantial morbidity. Treatment with surgical debridement and antibiotic-impregnated Polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) beads is the standard of care, providing high local but low serum antibiotic concentrations, thereby avoiding systemic toxicity. However, for several reasons, the beads require surgical removal. Alternative antibiotic delivery systems should improve the treatment of bone infection, actively encourage bone healing and require no additional surgery for removal. We investigated the activity of gentamicin-loaded bioabsorbable beads against different microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans) commonly causing surgical site bone infection, by microcalorimetry. Calcium sulphate beads containing gentamicin were incubated in microcalorimetry ampoules containing different concentrations of the corresponding microorganism. Growth medium with each germ and unloaded beads was used as positive control, growth medium with loaded beads alone as negative control. Bacterial growth-related heat production at 37 °C was measured for 24 h. Cultures without gentamicin-loaded beads produced heat-flow peaks corresponding to the exponential growth of the corresponding microorganisms in nutrient-rich medium. In contrast, cultures with gentamicin-loaded beads completely suppressed heat production during 24 h, demonstrating their antibiotic activity. Gentamicin-loaded beads effectively inhibited growth of susceptible microorganisms, under the described in vitro conditions.
Cellular Antioxidant Effect of Four Bromophenols from the Red Algae, Vertebrata lanosa
Authors: Olsen Elisabeth , Hansen Espen , Isaksson Johan , Andersen Jeanette
Published: August 2013

Three known bromophenols, 2,3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzylaldehyde (1), 2,2′,3-tribromo-3′,4,4′,5-tetrahydroxy-6′-hydroxymethyldiphenylmethane (2) and bis(2, 3-dibromo-4,5-dihydroxylbenzyl) ether (3), and one new one, 5,5″-oxybis(methylene)bis (3-bromo-4-(2′,3′-dibromo-4′,5′-dihydroxylbenzyl)benzene-1,2-diol) (4), were isolated from an extract of the red alga, Vertebrata lanosa. The antioxidant activity of these four bromophenols was examined using one biochemical and two cellular assays: Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), Cellular Antioxidant Activity (CAA) and Cellular Lipid Peroxidation Antioxidant Activity (CLPAA) assays. Compound 2 distinguished itself by showing potent activity, having a better antioxidant effect than luteolin in both the CAA and CLPAA assays and of quercetin in the CLPAA assay. Although several bromophenols are known to be potent antioxidants in biochemical assays, this is the first time their cellular antioxidant activity has been demonstrated.
Tackling CASMI 2012: Solutions from MetFrag and MetFusion
Authors: Ruttkies Christoph , Gerlich Michael , Neumann Steffen
Published: August 2013

The task in the critical assessment of small molecule identification (CASMI) contest category 2 was to determine the identification of (initially) unknown compounds for which high-resolution tandem mass spectra were published. We focused on computer-assisted methods that tried to correctly identify the compound automatically and entered the contest with MetFrag and MetFusion to score candidate structures retrieved from the PubChem structure database. MetFrag was combined with the metabolite-likeness score, which helped to improve the performance for the natural product challenges. We present the results, discuss the performance, and give details of how to interpret the MetFrag and MetFusion output.
An Inexpensive Method for Kinematic Calibration of a Parallel Robot by Using One Hand-Held Camera as Main Sensor
Authors: Traslosheros Alberto , Sebastián José , Torrijos Jesús , Carelli Ricardo , Castillo Eduardo
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a novel method for the calibration of a parallel robot, which allows a more accurate configuration instead of a configuration based on nominal parameters. It is used, as the main sensor with one camera installed in the robot hand that determines the relative position of the robot with respect to a spherical object fixed in the working area of the robot. The positions of the end effector are related to the incremental positions of resolvers of the robot motors. A kinematic model of the robot is used to find a new group of parameters, which minimizes errors in the kinematic equations. Additionally, properties of the spherical object and intrinsic camera parameters are utilized to model the projection of the object in the image and thereby improve spatial measurements. Finally, several working tests, static and tracking tests are executed in order to verify how the robotic system behaviour improves by using calibrated parameters against nominal parameters. In order to emphasize that, this proposed new method uses neither external nor expensive sensor. That is why new robots are useful in teaching and research activities.
The Environmental Impacts of Sprawl: Emergent Themes from the Past Decade of Planning Research
Authors: Wilson Bev , Chakraborty Arnab
Published: August 2013

This article reviews studies published in English language planning journals since 2001 that focus on the environmental impacts of sprawl. We organise our analysis of the reviewed literature around: (1) the conceptualisation or measurement of sprawl; (2) a comparison of research methods employed and findings with respect to four categories of environmental impacts—air, energy, land, and water; and (3) an exploration of emergent and cross-cutting themes. We hypothesise that the trend towards breaking down silos observable in other areas of planning scholarship is also reflected in the recent sprawl literature and structure our review to test this proposition. International in scope, our work demonstrates how focusing on outcomes can facilitate balanced comparisons across geographic contexts with varying rates of urbanisation and affluence. We find that the sprawl research published in planning journals over the past decade frequently engages with broader themes of resilience and justice, increasingly considers multiple environmental outcomes, and suggests a convergence in the way sprawl is studied that transcends national boundaries as well as the developing-developed country dichotomy.
Palladium(II)-catalyzed Heck reaction of aryl halides and arylboronic acids with olefins under mild conditions
Authors: Shaikh Tanveer Mahamadali , Hong Fung-E
Published: August 2013

A series of general and selective Pd(II)-catalyzed Heck reactions were investigated under mild reaction conditions. The first protocol has been developed employing an imidazole-based secondary phosphine oxide (SPO) ligated palladium complex (6) as a precatalyst. The catalytic coupling of aryl halides and olefins led to the formation of the corresponding coupled products in excellent yields. A variety of substrates, both electron-rich and electron-poor olefins, were converted smoothly to the targeted products in high yields. Compared with the existing approaches employing SPO–Pd complexes in a Heck reaction, the current strategy features mild reaction conditions and broad substrate scope. Furthermore, we described the coupling of arylboronic acids with olefins, which were catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2 and employed N-bromosuccinimide as an additive under ambient conditions. The resulted biaryls have been obtained in moderate to good yields.
Leading Change in Organizations by Incentivizing Teachers to Stimulate Motivation
Authors: Mateias Delia Elena
Published: August 2013

In this article, a conceptual model for the study of motivational dynamics behind leading change in educational organizations is proposed. In support of the present model, this article includes (a) a delineation and critical analysis of the theoretical frameworks in relation to the understanding of the development of motivation concept, and (b) a conceptualization of motivational dynamics by relating the organization’s aims to the external educational context, and, moreover to the external market requirements. Based on the above considerations, a leader’s integrative conceptual model of promoting motivation is presented, anchored within a dynamic capabilities paradigm, emhasizing the importance of motivation toward strategic organizational change.
A Review of Current Research in Network Forensic Analysis
Authors: Adeyemi Ikuesan R. , Razak Shukor Abd , Azhan Nor Amira Nor
Published: August 2013

Establishing facts on cyber crime is gradually gaining wider relevance in prosecuting cyber criminals. The branch of cyber policing saddled with this responsibility is the network forensic community (researchers, developer, and investigator). However, the recurring rate of advances in cybercrime poses greater challenge to the available improvements in network forensics analysis tools (NFAT) as well as to investigators, and ultimately, researchers. The need for an efficient cutting-edge research finding in curbing network crimes therefore is undeniably critical. This paper describes the distinction between network security and network forensics. In addition, the authors identify factors that militate against most network forensic techniques as well as the research challenges in network forensics. Furthermore, the paper discusses on the current research works on network forensics analysis. This research is useful to the research community of network forensics, for knowledge on existing research techniques, and direction on further research in network forensics.
Detecting Pornographic Images by Localizing Skin ROIs
Authors: Karavarsamis Sotiris , Ntarmos Nikos , Blekas Konstantinos , Pitas Ioannis
Published: August 2013

In this study, a novel algorithm for recognizing pornographic images based on the analysis of skin color regions is presented. The skin color information essentially provides Regions of Interest (ROIs). It is demonstrated that the convex hull of these ROIs provides semantically useful information for pornographic image detection. Based on these convex hulls, the authors extract a small set of low-level visual features that are empirically proven to possess discriminative power for pornographic image classification. In this study, the authors consider multi-class pornographic image classification, where the “nude” and “benign” image classes are further split into two specialized sub-classes, namely “bikini”/”porn” and “skin”/”non-skin”, respectively. The extracted feature vectors are fed to an ensemble of random forest classifiers for image classification. Each classifier is trained on a partition of the training set and solves a binary classification problem. In this sense, the model allows for seamless coarse-to-fine-grained classification by means of a tree-structured topology of a small number of intervening binary classifiers. The overall technique is evaluated on the AIIA-PID challenge of 9,000 samples of pornographic and benign images. The technique is shown to exhibit state-of-the-art performance against publicly available integrated pornographic image classifiers.
The Changing Importance of Critical Success Factors During ERP Implementation
Authors: Al-Hinai Hamed Salim , Edwards Helen M. , Humphries Lynne
Published: August 2013

This study examines empirical evidence from a survey conducted in Omani organizations to determine whether the importance of individual CSFs varies across the ERP implementation life-cycle. The CSFs included in the survey were derived from a structured review of literature. Purposive sampling was used to select ERP stakeholders who had both experience and knowledge of ERP implementations. The survey data are analyzed and used to evaluate four hypotheses: Individual CSFs vary in importance across the ERP implementation life-cycle; The number of CSFs that are important increases across the ERP implementation life-cycle; Categories of CSFs vary in importance across the ERP implementation life-cycle; Technical CSFs are of less importance than other CSFs for successful ERP implementation. The data support the first three, but the fourth is rejected.
Determinant of Intention to Use Search Engine Advertising
Authors: Jafarazdeh Hamed , Aurum Aybüke , D’Amba John , Abedin Babak
Published: August 2013

The innovation of Search Engine Advertising (SEA) acts as a prominent source of revenue for search engine companies, as well as being a solution for businesses to promote their visibility on the Web. However, the underlying factors that contribute to businesses’ decision to adopt SEA have not been well investigated. Building upon known behavioural theories (Theory of Planned Behaviour, Technology Acceptance Model and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) this paper conceptualizes and develops a context-specific model for understanding the factors that influence the decision of businesses to utilize SEA. The conceptual model of the paper proposes that this decision is influenced by four direct factors (attitude toward SEA, subjective norms, perceived control over SEA, perceived benefits of SEA) and ten indirect factors (trust in search engines, perceived risk of SEA, ability to manage keywords and bids, ability to analyse and monitor outcomes, ability to detect click fraud, advertising expertise, using third party tools, using external experts, perceived complexity of SEA tool, commitment to SEA).The study also identifies future research directions.
Horizontal housing property market
Authors: Zainudeen Nisa , Senaratna Sepani , Jayasena Suranga , Rameezdeen Raufdeen
Published: August 2013

Demand for housing in urban centres is a common issue. Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, has been witnessing a surge of condominiums and housing estates in its core and peripheral locations in the past two decades due to economic liberalization coupled with policy directives aimed at an increased participation of the private sector. This paper presents a research study on factors affecting customer attraction and saleability of Housing Estates in Sri Lanka and the levels of customer satisfaction in these housing estates. The study is interesting because, satisfied customers are the backbone of the housing estate industry. Both structured and unstructured surveys were used for data collection; and the samples comprised property developers, customers and tenants. The study identifies six factors that affect significantly on demand for housing estates. It further analyse the factors that customers consider in opting for a house in a housing estate as opposed to other dwelling options. Then the study extends to model the customer satisfaction in the housing estates. The model is based on the definition of customer satisfaction: the extent to which a product perceived performance matches a buyer's expectations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/besl.v7i1.1947 Built-Environment Sri Lanka Vol.7(1) 2007 16- 22
The Relationship Between Sri Lankan Economy and The Property Market
Authors: Ramachandra Thanuja , Zainudeen Nisa
Published: August 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between property market and national economy of Sri Lanka primarily based on time series analysis. However, the study has examined the same in global context through a comprehensive literature review. Construction was used as a proxy to represent the property sector due to non-availability of statistical data on property indicators. In finding the relationship, the growth rates of construction value added (CVA) and construction capital formation (CCF) were used to represent the property sector's performance while the growth rate of gross domestic product (GDP) was to represent the economic growth. The results show that the upturns and downturns in growth rates of both construction value added and construction capital formation follow a similar trend of GDP growth rate. Further, in Sri Lanka construction contributes around 7-9% to GDP during the last five decades except two extreme contributions of 11% and 6% in 1956 and 1965 respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/besl.v7i1.1949 Built-Environment Sri Lanka Vol.7(1) 2007 3-8
Infinitely many nonradial solutions for the Hénon equation with critical growth
Authors: Wei Juncheng , Yan Shusen
Published: August 2013

We consider the following Hénon equation with critical growth:

(*) \begin{cases} - \Delta u = |y|^\alpha \, u^{\frac{N+2}{N-2}},\; u>0, & y\in B_1(0) , \\ u=0, &\text{on } \partial B_1(0), \end{cases}

where

\alpha>0

is a positive constant,

B_1(0)

is the unit ball in

\mathbb{R}^N

, and

N\ge 4

. Ni [9] proved the existence of a radial solution and Serra [12] proved the existence of a nonradial solution for

\alpha

large
and

N \geq 4

. In this paper, we show the existence of a nonradial solution for
any

\alpha>0

and

N \geq 4

. Furthermore, we prove that equation (*) has
infinitely many nonradial
solutions, whose energy can be made arbitrarily large.
Lewy–Stampacchia type estimates for variational inequalities driven by (non)local operators
Authors: Servadei Raffaella , Valdinoci Enrico
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this paper is to derive some Lewy–Stampacchia estimates in some cases of interest, such as the ones driven by non-local operators. Since we will perform an abstract approach to the problem, this will provide, as a byproduct, Lewy–Stampacchia estimates in more classical cases as well. In particular, we can recover the known estimates for the standard Laplacian, the

p

-Laplacian, and the Laplacian in the Heisenberg group. In the non-local framework we prove a Lewy–Stampacchia estimate for a general integrodifferential operator and, as a particular case, for the fractional Laplacian. As far as we know, the abstract framework and the results in the non-local setting are new.
Changing Perceptions of Maturity Mismatch in the U.S. Banking System: Evidence from Equity Markets
Authors: Young Andrew T. , Wiseman Travis , Hogan Thomas L.
Published: August 2013

We use the sensitivity of bank holding company equity returns to market interest rates as an indicator of perceived maturity mismatch. Based on data from 1990 to 2009, there is only weak evidence that market participants perceived banks to be effectively short‐funded. However, looking at 1990–1996 and 1997–2009 subsamples separately, our results suggest that U.S. commercial banks were perceived as short‐funded during the earlier time period but not the later. During this time of changing perceptions of maturity mismatch, banks were increasing their holdings of real estate loans as a share of total assets. We present evidence that, subsequent to 1996, market participants perceived real estate loans as having become effectively shorter‐term.
Technical Note: Temporal change in averaging kernels as a source of uncertainty in trend estimates of carbon monoxide retrieved from MOPITT
Authors: Yoon J. , Pozzer A. , Hoor P. , Chang D. Y. , Beirle S. , Wagner T. , Schloegl S. , Lelieveld J. , Worden H. M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. It is now possible to monitor the global and long-term trends of trace gases that are important to atmospheric chemistry, climate, and air quality with satellite data records that span more than a decade. However, many of the remote sensing techniques used by satellite instruments produce measurements that have variable sensitivity to the vertical profiles of atmospheric gases. In the case of constrained retrievals like optimal estimation, this leads to a varying amount of a priori information in the retrieval and is represented by an averaging kernel. In this study, we investigate to what extent such trends can be biased by temporal changes of averaging kernels used in the retrieval algorithm. In particular, the surface carbon monoxide data retrieved from the Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument from 2001 to 2010 were analysed. As a practical example based on the MOPITT data, we show that if the true atmospheric mixing ratio is continuously 50% higher or lower than the a priori state, the temporal change of the averaging kernel at the surface level gives rise to an artificial trend in retrieved surface carbon monoxide, ranging from −10.71 to +13.21 ppbv yr−1 (−5.68 to +8.84% yr−1) depending on location. Therefore, in the case of surface (or near-surface level) CO derived from MOPITT, the AKs trends multiplied by the difference between true and a priori states must be quantified in order to estimate trend biases.
The effect of using limited scene-dependent averaging kernels approximations for the implementation of fast observing system simulation experiments targeted on lower tropospheric ozone
Authors: Sellitto P. , Dufour G. , Eremenko M. , Cuesta J. , Peuch V.-H. , Eldering A. , Edwards D. P. , Flaud J.-M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Practical implementations of chemical OSSEs (Observing System Simulation Experiments) usually rely on approximations of the pseudo-observations by means of a predefined parametrization of the averaging kernels, which describe the sensitivity of the observing system to the target atmospheric species. This is intended to avoid the use of a computationally expensive pseudo-observations simulator, that relies on full radiative transfer calculations. Here we present an investigation on how no, or limited, scene dependent averaging kernels parametrizations may misrepresent the sensitivity of an observing system. We carried out the full radiative transfer calculation for a three-days period over Europe, to produce reference pseudo-observations of lower tropospheric ozone, as they would be observed by a concept geostationary observing system called MAGEAQ (Monitoring the Atmosphere from Geostationary orbit for European Air Quality). The selected spatio-temporal interval is characterised by an ozone pollution event. We then compared our reference with approximated pseudo-observations, following existing simulation exercises made for both the MAGEAQ and GEOstationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEO-CAPE) missions. We found that approximated averaging kernels may fail to replicate the variability of the full radiative transfer calculations. In addition, we found that the approximations substantially overestimate the capability of MAGEAQ to follow the spatio-temporal variations of the lower tropospheric ozone in selected areas, during the mentioned pollution event. We conclude that such approximations may lead to false conclusions if used in an OSSE. Thus, we recommend to use comprehensive scene-dependent approximations of the averaging kernels, in cases where the full radiative transfer is computationally too costly for the OSSE being investigated.
Calibration of sealed HCl cells used for TCCON instrumental line shape monitoring
Authors: Hase F. , Drouin B. J. , Roehl C. M. , Toon G. C. , Wennberg P. O. , Wunch D. , Blumenstock T. , Desmet F. , Feist D. G. , Heikkinen P. , De Mazière M. , Rettinger M. , Robinson J. , Schneider M. , Sherlock V. , Sussmann R. , Té Y. , Warneke T. , Weinzierl C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The TCCON (Total Carbon Column Observing Network) FTIR network provides highly accurate observations of greenhouse gases column-averaged dry-air mole fractions. As an important component of TCCON quality assurance measures, sealed cells filled with approx. 5 mbar of HCl are used for instrumental line shape (ILS) monitoring at all TCCON sites. Here, we introduce a calibration procedure for the HCl cells which applies a refillable, pressure-monitored reference cell filled with C2H2. Using this method, we identify residual variations of HCl purity between the TCCON cells as a non-negligible disturbance.