bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Various Sesame Genotypes Against Leaf Webber and Capsule Borer, Antigastra catalaunalis Dup.
Authors: Parveen Sheeren , Panday Anand Kumar , Vishwakarma A.K. , Das S.B. , Sharma A.K. , Dwarka  , Vishwakarma Deepali
Published: June 2024

A study was conducted at experimental farm of PC Unit, Sesame and Niger, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during Kharif 2021. Seventy five genotypes including resistance and susceptible checks were screened against leaf webber and capsule borer (Antigastra catalaunalis Dup.) under field conditions (natural infestation). The observations were recorded at different phonological stages viz., vegetative, flowering and capsule stage of the plant growth. Based on per cent damages at different phonological stages of plant growth, the entries were categorized in to different resistance categories. None of the screened genotypes were found free from infestation. At vegetative and flowering stage thirteen genotypes were found resistant showing plant damage less than 10 per cent, however, at capsule maturity stage nineteen genotypes were found resistant showing capsule damage less than 5 per cent. On the basis of overall performance (mean damage) at all the three stages of plant growth the entries viz., S-0644 (7.48 per cent), TKG-306 (7.48 per cent), VCR/81/NO/80/NS/972 (7.63 per cent), IC-1025-A (7.64 per cent), SI- 250 RC (7.67 per cent), NIC-8473 (7.67 per cent), BM-59, (7.69 per cent), NIC-8224-A (7.78 per cent), 75-120 (7.80 per cent), S-0351 (7.82 per cent) and NIC-8368 (7.88 per cent) were found promising against leaf webber and capsule borer and utilized in the resistance breeding programme.
Evaluation of Morphological Traits in Annona Hybrids
Authors: B. H Sushmitha , T. Sakthivel
Published: June 2024

This study, conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bangalore, India, from 2020 to 2023, evaluated phenotypic diversity among progenies from the cross between 'Arka Sahan' and 'Balanagar.' Significant variability was observed in leaf, fruit, and tree characteristics, highlighting the potential for breeding improved Annona cultivars. Growth habits varied, with most progenies exhibiting a columnar or erect form, and a smaller subset showing a spreading growth habit. Leaf characteristics, including length, width, and petiole length, showed considerable variation, aligning with previous research findings. Fruit traits such as weight, length, width, peel, pulp, and seed weight also displayed substantial variation. Few Progenies consistently recorded the highest values for several traits, marking it as a prime candidate for further development. The study underscores the importance of phenotypic diversity for breeding superior Annona varieties, contributing to advancements in pomology and horticulture.
Value Addition in Jackfruit Pickle for Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Pruseth Sephali , Singh Devi , Wesley C. John
Published: June 2024

The present study was carried in Post-harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The current experiment was carried out to prepare the Jackfruit pickle added with Raw mango and Monkey jackfruit using different vinegar like apple vinegar, jamun vinegar, sugarcane vinegar with the objective to assess the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of the pickle. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with ten treatments and three replications. Based on the statistical analysis, it has been observed that treatment T5 (Jackfruit + Dried raw mango slices + Apple vinegar) was found best in terms of physico-chemical properties viz. pH, acidity (%), total soluble solids (oBrix). Based on the statistical analysis, it has been observed that treatment T6 (Jackfruit + Dried raw mango slices + Sugarcane vinegar) was found best in terms organoleptic properties viz. colour, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability.
The Efficiency of Drip Irrigation vs Flood Irrigation in Coconut Production – An Agro-economic Study in Tiruppur District of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Prasath G. Arun , Balachandrakumar V. , Velmurugan D.
Published: June 2024

Coconut also called as ‘Kalpavriksha’ in Sanskrit, which means tree of heaven, because of its usefulness from each part of the tree. India is one of the leading producers of coconut in the world as India stands third place in terms of area under coconut cultivation followed by Indonesia and Philippines. Though coconut has several uses, it requires high amount of water for growth and it is about 800 to 1000 mm annually. The study was aimed to find the irrigation method, which would be efficient for coconut cultivation. Hence, to compare the yield, profitability and efficiency of coconut production among drip irrigated and flood irrigated farms, a study was formulated in Tiruppur district with a sample of 40 drip irrigated and 40 flood irrigated farms constituting a total of 80 coconut farms. The study found that drip irrigation reduces weed growth, pest incidence, etc, which leads reduced labour use and contributes to increased net returns.  The net returns was also comparatively low in flood irrigated farm category Rs. 88962.76, as against the net return of Rs. 112374.14 in drip irrigated farm category. The difference in net returns between flood and drip irrigated farms was Rs. 23411.38 and it was about 20.83 per cent higher than net returns obtained from flood irrigated coconut farms. The results of benefit cost ratio was higher in drip irrigated farm category (1.51) as compared to flood irrigated farm category (1.42). This might be mainly due to the increased yield obtained in drip irrigated farms than flood irrigated farms due to better efficiency of production. The mean technical efficiency was found to be 76.58 per cent and 87.66 per cent in flood irrigated and drip irrigated coconut farms respectively. It can be concluded from the analysed results that the coconut production, profitability and efficiency is high in drip irrigated farms and hence the study recommends for adoption of drip irrigation for coconut cultivation, leading to sustainable water use as by the sixth sustainable development goal.
Comparative Efficacy of Selected Chemical with Neem Products against Shoot and Fruit Borer [Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee)] on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Choudhary Sunita , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Sunil
Published: June 2024

The present investigation was carried out at Central Research Farm (CRF), Department of Entomology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season of 2023. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with seven treatments replicated thrice along with untreated control plot. Eight treaments viz. Imidachloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5ml, Neem seed kernel extract 5% @ 4ml/l, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3ml/lit, Neem oil 2% @ 3ml/lit, Neem oil 2% @ 3ml + Flubendiamide @ 0.4ml/lit, Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1ml/lit, Flubendiamide 480 SC @ 0.4ml/lit were evaluated against shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis). Study revealed that all the treatments was found significantly superior over control. The result showed that the treatments lowest percent shoot and fruits, infestation was recorded in T3 Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3ml/lit (1.87), followed by T1 Imidachloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5ml/lit, (2.28), T7 Flubendiamide 480 SC @ 0.4m/lit (2.74), T6 Indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1ml/lit (3.71), T5 Neem oil 2% @ 3ml/l + flubendiamide @ 0.4ml (4.31), T2 Neem seed kernel extract 5% @ 4 ml/l (4.52) and T4 Neem oil 2% (4.77). The treatments T4 Neem oil 2% (4.77) was least effective among all the treatments against Leucinodes orbonalis. The highest yield was recorded in T3 Spinosad 45 SC (195.30 q/ha 1:8.4), followed by T1 Imidachloprid 17.8 SL (170 q/ha 1:7.9), T7 flubendiamide (145 q/ha 1:6.1), T6 Indoxacarb 14.5 % SC (130 q/ha 1:5.9), T5 Neem oil 2% + flubendiamide (120.5 q/ha 1.46), T2 Neem seed Kernel extract 5% (115.5 q/ha 1:4.4) and T4 Neem oil 2% (90.4 q/ha 1:3.9). Control plot T8 (55.14 q/ha 1:2.7) yield.
Designing A Visible Light Driven TiO2-Based Photocatalyst by Doping and Co-Doping with Niobium (Nb) and Boron (B)
Authors: Yeoh Jia Zheng , Chan Phei Lim , Pung Swee Yong , Ramakrishnan Sivakumar , Joseph Collin Glen , Chen Chia Yun
Published: June 2024

Water pollution has emerged as a significant worldwide issue, with organic pollutants being a key contributor. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has demonstrated promising photocatalytic performance in removing organic pollutants under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. However, the wide band gap (3.2 eV) of TiO2 results in low absorption capacity of visible light, hindering its overall efficiency in degrading organic pollutants. To address the limitation, this research aimed to synthesize visible light-driven TiO2 photocatalyst with different polymorphs (anatase and rutile) and investigate the effect of various doping combination (Nb, B and Nb,B) and concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mol%) on the photodegradation efficiency towards methylene blue (MB) dye solution. Anatase phase was obtained when TiO2-based nanopowders were calcined at 400 °C, while the rutile phase was formed at 900 °C based on XRD analyses. Additionally, the morphology analyses revealed that the particle size of anatase is much smaller than that of rutile. The presence of dopants further reduced the particle size of both anatase and rutile phases. Based on UV-Vis absorbance spectra analyses, the anatase Nb,B-TiO2 with 0.50 mol% of dopant concentration exhibited the best photocatalytic performance towards MB. Moreover, the anatse phase of 0.50 mol% Nb,B-TiO2 showed the narrowest band gap of 2.74 eV compared to the TiO2 (3.4 eV), representing a reduction of 19.41 %, according to UV-Vis analyses. These outcomes suggest the potential application of anatase phase of 0.50 mol% Nb,B-TiO2 in treating organic pollutants in wastewater under visible light conditions in future. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Multiphoton Lithography of Unconstrained Three‐Dimensional Protein Microstructures
Authors: Spivey Eric C. , Ritschdorff Eric T. , Connell Jodi L. , McLennon Christopher A. , Schmidt Christine E. , Shear Jason B.
Published: August 2012

Multiphoton lithography (MPL) is a highly versatile strategy for creating 3D microscale objects with complex geometrical arrangements, including nested boxes, interlocking blocks, and braided threads. Of the various chemistries used to produce solid forms in MPL, protein photocrosslinking has been of particular value in biological applications, yielding materials with high porosity, tunable elasticity, and a diverse set of chemical and biochemical properties. Unfortunately, the potential for object drift, and consequent distortion, during this direct‐write process has required that microforms be constructed in integral contact with an immobile surface, precluding fabrication of protein‐based objects that retain rotational and translational degrees of freedom. Here, the development of a high‐viscosity protein‐based reagent that can be used to fabricate complex 3D microstructures that are not adhered to a surface, including chains of Möbius strips, paddlewheels, and unconstrained (free‐floating) probes for bacterial motility, is reported.
Novel Nanoscale Twinned Phases in Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Prosandeev Sergey , Wang Dawei , Ren Wei , Íñiguez Jorge , Bellaiche Laurent
Published: August 2012

Perovskite oxides form a fascinating class of materials because they possess many active degrees of freedom that result in a large variety of physical effects. One important structural parameter controlling the behavior of perovskites is the tilting of the oxygen octahedral. Among other properties, this tilting is coupled with the electric and magnetic orders, which leads to novel and potentially useful phenomena; recent examples include new mechanisms for improper and triggered ferroelectricity, rich phase diagrams, and novel chiral phases, counter‐intuitive behaviors of ferroelectric and multiferroic films, and weak ferromagnetism in otherwise antiferromagnetic materials. Interestingly, most perovskites present the same tilted structures, which are few in number and fairly simple. In contrast, here we use different theoretical methods to show that a complete new family of stable phases, all displaying complex and nano‐twinned tilting patterns (as well as other anomalous properties), exists in multiferroic BiFeO3 and related compounds.
Graphene‐Based Electrodes
Authors: Huang Xiao , Zeng Zhiyuan , Fan Zhanxi , Liu Juqing , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2012

Graphene, the thinnest two dimensional carbon material, has become the subject of intensive investigation in various research fields because of its remarkable electronic, mechanical, optical and thermal properties. Graphene‐based electrodes, fabricated from mechanically cleaved graphene, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown graphene, or massively produced graphene derivatives from bulk graphite, have been applied in a broad range of applications, such as in light emitting diodes, touch screens, field‐effect transistors, solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, and sensors. In this Review, after a short introduction to the properties and synthetic methods of graphene and its derivatives, we will discuss the importance of graphene‐based electrodes, their fabrication techniques, and application areas.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode Materials for Direct Hydrocarbon Utilization
Authors: Ge Xiao‐Ming , Chan Siew‐Hwa , Liu Qing‐Lin , Sun Qiang
Published: August 2012

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are highly efficient energy conversion devices with the advantage of directly utilizing hydrocarbon fuels. Starting with a short introduction about the fuel challenges and early achievements in this field, this review paper focuses on advances in oxygen‐ion conducting electrolyte‐based SOFC during the last 15 years. Robust anodes immune to carbon deposition are a prerequisite for direct hydrocarbon SOFC. In this paper, direct hydrocarbon SOFC anode materials are classified into three general categories: Ni‐cermet, Cu‐cermet, and oxide‐based anodes. Oxide anodes are further classified in terms of their crystalline structures, namely fluorite, rutile, tungsten bronze, pyrochlore, perovskite, and double perovskite. Achievements and recent advances on these SOFC anodes are reviewed and discussed. The concluding remarks summarize the pros and cons of direct hydrocarbon SOFC anode materials along with the perspective of future research trends.
Molecularly Ordered Bioelectrocatalytic Composite Inside a Film of Aligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Yoshino Syuhei , Miyake Takeo , Yamada Takeo , Hata Kenji , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: August 2012

Molecularly ordered composites of polyvinylimidazole‐[Os(bipyridine)2Cl] (PVI‐[Os(bpy)2Cl]) and glucose oxidase (GOD) are assembled inside a film of aligned carbon nanotubes. The structure of the prepared GOD/PVI‐[Os(bpy)2Cl]/CNT composite film is entirely uniform and stable; more than 90% bioelectrocatalytic activity could be maintained even after storage for 6 d. Owing to the ideal positional relationship achieved between enzyme, mediator, and electrode, the prepared film shows a high bioelectrocatalytic activity for glucose oxidation (ca. 15 mA cm−2 at 25 °C) with an extremely high electron‐transfer turnover rate (ca. 650 s−1) comparable to the value for GOD solutions, indicating almost every enzyme molecule entrapped within the ensemble (ca. 3 × 1012 enzymes in a 1 mm × 1 mm film) can work to the fullest extent. This free‐standing, flexible composite film can be used by winding on a needle device; as an example, a self‐powered sugar monitor is demonstrated.
Earliest record ofPlatychoerops(Primates, Plesiadapidae), a new species from Mouras Quarry, Mont de Berru, France
Authors: Boyer Doug M. , Costeur Loïc , Lipman Yaron
Published: August 2012

Plesiadapids are extinct relatives of extant euarchontans (primates, dermopterans, and scandentians), which lived in North America and Europe during the Paleocene and Early Eocene. The only genus of plesiadapid whose species are absent from Paleocene strata isPlatychoerops. Further,Platychoeropsis the only group found in sediments post‐dating the Paleocene‐Eocene boundary (PEB) by a substantial period of time based on large samples. It is also substantially different from other plesiadapids in dental features thought to reflect ecology. Its evolution has been linked to the rapid global climate change and faunal turnover marking the PEB.PlatychoeropsandPlesiadapis tricuspidenshave been reconstructed as members of a single lineage by some authors. We describe a specimen (right p3‐m3) that we attribute to a new species,Platychoeropsantiquus, from the unequivocally Paleocene (MP6) Mouras Quarry of Mont de Berru, France. It has strong morphological affinities toPlatychoerops daubreiyet co‐occurs with many specimens ofPlesiadapis tricuspidens, as well as the plesiadapidChiromyoides campanicus. The existence of a species ofPlatychoeropsprior to the PEB decouples the evolution ofPlatychoeropsfrom the climate change and faunal turnover event associated with the PEB. Furthermore, the co‐occurrence ofPlatychoeropswithP. tricuspidensrefutes the idea of a single lineage for these taxa. Instead,Platychoeropsmay be more closely related to North AmericanPlesiadapis cookei(a previous alternate hypothesis). We suggest character displacement in a Paleocene immigrant population ofP. cookeiresulting from competition with sympatricP. tricuspidens, as a likely scenario for the evolution ofPlatychoerops. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Size effects of cellulose nanofibers for enhancing the crystallization of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Kose Ryota , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: August 2012

A desirable size of cellulose fibers for enhancing the crystallization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in composites was investigated by comparison among cellulose nanofibers with different widths on nanoscales. Namely, the crystallization behaviors of PLA in the presence of cellulose nanofibers were monitored with differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy in terms of the crystallization rates of PLA. The smallest width of cellulose nanofibers was found to not necessarily provide better enhancement for the crystallization, presumably because of the preferential self‐assembly of smaller cellulose nanofibers in PLA. Namely, when the width was smaller, the better effect expected for nanofibers did not appear in the composites. It is possible that an optimum width range of 60 nm, more or less, in the cellulose nanofibers may exist in balance between the favorable self‐assembly as an enthalpy effect and the tendency toward dispersion as an entropy effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Dynamic Output Feedback Control for Fractional‐Order Systems
Authors: Song Xiaona , Wang Zhen
Published: August 2012

In this study, the problem of fractional‐order (FO) output feedback control for FO systems with certain and static uncertain parameters of 0 < α < 2 have been investigated. We design a FO output feedback control law which can guarantee the resulting closed‐loop system is stable. In terms of linear matrix inequality, explicit expressions for the desired FO output feedback controller are given. Finally, numerical examples are offered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Millimeter waves: Acoustic and electromagnetic
Authors: Ziskin Marvin C.
Published: August 2012

This article is the presentation I gave at the D'Arsonval Award Ceremony on June 14, 2011 at the Bioelectromagnetics Society Annual Meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It summarizes my research activities in acoustic and electromagnetic millimeter waves over the past 47 years. My earliest research involved acoustic millimeter waves, with a special interest in diagnostic ultrasound imaging and its safety. For the last 21 years my research expanded to include electromagnetic millimeter waves, with a special interest in the mechanisms underlying millimeter wave therapy. Millimeter wave therapy has been widely used in the former Soviet Union with great reported success for many diseases, but is virtually unknown to Western physicians. I and the very capable members of my laboratory were able to demonstrate that the local exposure of skin to low intensity millimeter waves caused the release of endogenous opioids, and the transport of these agents by blood flow to all parts of the body resulted in pain relief and other beneficial effects. Bioelectromagnetics 34:3–14, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Angiographic and clinical characteristics of type 1 versus type 2 perioperative myocardial infarction
Authors: Hanson Ivan , Kahn Joel , Dixon Simon , Goldstein James
Published: August 2012

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze clinical and angiographic differences between the two etiologic subtypes of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI).

Background

PMI is believed to occur by either reduced coronary blood flow attributable to acute plaque rupture and thrombosis (type 1) or primary increase in oxygen demand in the setting of stable but stenotic lesions (type 2). Incidence and mortality rates of PMI are substantial, but angiographic and clinical features are not well characterized.

Methods

Consecutive patients with PMI were classified as “type 1” or “type 2” based on angiographic characteristics of culprit lesions. Clinical and angiographic characteristics of each subtype were compared using statistical analyses.

Results

Of the 54 patients analyzed, 32 (59%) cases had type 1 PMI, whereas 22 others (41%) had type 2 PMI. Compared with type 2 patients, those with type 1 PMI more often had ECG (electrocardiogram) ST elevation (53% versus 23%, P = 0.026), greater peak troponin (15.3 ng/dl versus 5.3 ng/dl, P = 0.035), higher preoperative mean blood pressure (103 mm Hg versus 93 mm Hg, P = 0.009), greater decrease in mean intraoperative blood pressure (−36 mm Hg versus −26 mm Hg, P = 0.015). Type I patients trended toward greater in‐hospital mortality (16% versus 5%, P = 0.38) and length of hospitalization (13.5 days versus 9.0 days, P = 0.13).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that PMI not only results from “demand ischemia” but also that in nearly 60% of cases the cause is acute plaque rupture. Patients with PMI attributable to plaque rupture suffer more intraoperative hypotension, greater transmural ischemia, larger infarct size, and trended toward worse outcome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
pH and Particle Structure Effects on Silica Removal by Coagulation
Authors: Hermosilla D. , Ordóñez R. , Blanco L. , de la Fuente E. , Blanco Á.
Published: August 2012

Coagulation is presented as an efficient alternative to reduce the silica content in effluents from recovered‐paper mills that are intended to be recycled by a final reverse‐osmosis (RO) step. Coagulation pretreatment by several polyaluminum chlorides (PACls) or FeCl3 was optimized prior to the RO process. PACls with low alumina content and high basicity achieved almost a 100 % removal of silica at pH 10.5. A good reduction of the silica content was attained without regulating the pH by adding one of these PACls. Silica removal was related to the structure of the produced clots in which cylindrical particles produced higher silica removal. All coagulants removed more than 50 % of the chemical oxygen demand (COD).
Mathematical Model for Design Parameter Analysis to Improve the Performance of a Desiccant Wheel
Authors: Yadav A. , Bajpai V. K.
Published: August 2012

A mathematical model for estimating the optimum design parameters of a desiccant wheel in order to reduce weight and size has been developed. Heat and mass transfer from both moist air and desiccant material were considered in this model. The design parameters were analyzed under the basic operating condition of simulation. Channel height, pitch, and length of the desiccant wheel were optimized, as well as other design parameters such as area ratio, aspect ratio, and porosity.
A Novel Low‐Pressure Device for Production of Nanoemulsions
Authors: Souilem I. , Muller R. , Holl Y. , Bouquey M. , Serra C. A. , Vandamme T. , Anton N.
Published: August 2012

A novel device is applied to produce emulsions of methyl methacrylate in water with a controllable size in the range of 30–100 nm. The process is based on the reciprocating flow of the material through an abrupt contraction which generates a strong elongational flow. This results in highly efficient dispersive mixing even at moderate pressures, thus reducing viscous dissipation and improving temperature control. The original design of the device also allows easy feeding and sampling, easy adjusting of the total volume of the emulsion, and processing volatile components owing to the liquid‐ and gas‐tightness of the device. The influence of process parameters (like pressure drop and mixing time) and composition of the system (volume ratio of the dispersed and continuous phases, surfactant and hydrophobic agent weight percentages) on the droplet size and stability of the emulsions is investigated and discussed.
Combining the Power of TiIII‐Mediated Processes for Easy Access to Hydroxylated Polycyclic Terpenoids: Synthesis of Sesterstatin 1 and C–D Rings of Aspergilloxide
Authors: Jiménez Tania , Morcillo Sara P. , Martín‐Lasanta Ana , Collado‐Sanz Daniel , Cárdenas Diego J. , Gansäuer Andreas , Justicia José , Cuerva Juan M.
Published: August 2012

A straightforward access to polyhydroxylated terpenoids based on two key titanocene(III)‐mediated reactions is presented: the “head‐to‐tail” Barbier‐type addition of prenyl chlorides to α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, which allows the introduction of hydroxy groups at desirable positions of the acyclic precursor, and the subsequent bioinspired radical cyclisation. This methodology has been also used in the first total synthesis of pentacyclic sesterstatin 1 and a model compound of the C–D rings of aspergilloxide.
Continuous Fermentation with Animal Cells. Part 2. Techniques and Methods of Cell Retention
Authors: Henzler Hans‐Jürgen
Published: August 2012

Die Rückhaltung der tierischen Zellen im Fermenter ist entscheidend für die Effizienz einer kontinuierlichen Fermentation. In der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit werden die auf den Prinzipien Sedimentation, Zentrifugation und Filtration beruhenden Zellrückhaltetechniken detailliert behandelt, die sich als bedeutend für die Fermentation von tierischen Zellen erwiesen haben. Ihre Eignung wird analysiert und eine Bewertung der verschiedenen Techniken vorgenommen. Aus dem Vergleich der Systeme ergeben sich Empfehlungen für die am besten geeigneten Rückhaltetechniken.
A cluster‐sample approach for Monte Carlo integration using multiple samplers
Authors: Tan Zhiqiang
Published: August 2012

A computational problem in many fields is to estimate simultaneously multiple integrals and expectations, assuming that the data are generated by some Monte Carlo algorithm. Consider two scenarios in which draws are simulated from multiple distributions but the normalizing constants of those distributions may be known or unknown. For each scenario, existing estimators can be classified as using individual samples separately or using all the samples jointly. The latter pooled‐sample estimators are statistically more efficient but computationally more costly to evaluate than the separate‐sample estimators. We develop a cluster‐sample approach to obtain computationally effective estimators, after draws are generated for each scenario. We divide all the samples into mutually exclusive clusters and combine samples from each cluster separately. Furthermore, we exploit a relationship between estimators based on samples from different clusters to achieve variance reduction. The resulting estimators, compared with the pooled‐sample estimators, typically yield similar statistical efficiency but have reduced computational cost. We illustrate the value of the new approach by two examples for an Ising model and a censored Gaussian random field. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 41: 151–173; 2013 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada
What Drosophila spermatocytes tell us about the mechanisms underlying cytokinesis
Authors: Giansanti Maria Grazia , Fuller Margaret T.
Published: August 2012

Cytokinesis separates the genomic material and organelles of a dividing cell equitably into two physically distinct daughter cells at the end of cell division. This highly choreographed process involves coordinated reorganization and regulated action of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletal systems, an assortment of motor proteins, and membrane trafficking components. Due to their large size, the ease with which exquisite cytological analysis may be performed on them, and the availability of numerous mutants and other genetic tools, Drosophila spermatocytes have provided an excellent system for exploring the mechanistic basis for the temporally programmed and precise spatially localized events of cytokinesis. Mutants defective in male meiotic cytokinesis can be easily identified in forward genetic screens by the production of multinucleate spermatids. In addition, the weak spindle assembly checkpoint in spermatocytes, which causes only a small delay of anaphase onset in the presence of unattached chromosomes, allows investigation of whether gene products required for spindle assembly and chromosome segregation are also involved in cytokinesis. Perhaps due to the large size of spermatocytes and the requirement for two rapid‐fire rounds of division without intervening S or growth phases during meiosis, male meiotic mutants have also revealed much about molecular mechanisms underlying new membrane addition during cytokinesis. Finally, cell type‐specific differences in the events that set up and complete cytokinesis are emerging from comparison of spermatocytes with cells undergoing mitosis either elsewhere in the organism or in tissue culture. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Ion Channel Phosphorylopathy: a Link between Genomic Variation and Human Disease
Authors: Gentile Saverio
Published: August 2012

Voltage‐gated ion channels (VGIC) regulate many important physiological events, including muscle contraction, brain function, and secretion. Mutations that inhibit or up‐regulate VGIC activities can dramatically interfere with the normal function of several organs, leading to unpredictable failure and therefore poor quality of life or even death. Many genomic variations that change amino acids in cytoplasmic domains of ion channels have been found to be associated with several diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias and neurodegeneration. However, a mechanism linking these mutations to ion channel malfunction has not been clearly established and in some cases is totally unknown. This concept article gives an overview on a possible mechanism by which disease‐associated mutations in cytoplasmic domains of ion channels can affect channel activity by creating or disrupting phosphorylation sites for specific kinases. We call these events “ion channel phosphorylopathies”. Understanding ion channel phosphorylopathies offers the opportunity to find a mechanism linking genomic variations to human disease and is crucial to the process of designing an effective pharmacological strategy.
Interannual variations of soil organic carbon fractions in unmanaged volcanic soils (Canary Islands, Spain)
Authors: Armas‐Herrera Cecilia María , Mora Juan Luis , Arbelo Carmen Dolores , Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Antonio
Published: August 2012

The stability over time of the organic C stocked in soils under undisturbed ecosystems is poorly studied, despite being suitable for detecting changes related to climate fluctuations and global warming. Volcanic soils often show high organic C contents due to the stabilization of organic matter by short‐range ordered minerals or Al‐humus complexes. We investigated the dynamics of different organic C fractions in volcanic soils of protected natural ecosystems of the Canary Islands (Spain) to evaluate the stability of their C pools. The study was carried out in 10 plots, including both undisturbed and formerly disturbed ecosystems, over two annual periods. C inputs to (litterfall) and outputs from (respiration) the soil, root C stocks (0–30 cm), soil organic C (SOC) fractions belonging to C pools with different degrees of biogeochemical stability –total oxidisable C (TOC), microbial biomass C (MBC), water soluble C (WSC), hot‐water extractable C (HWC), humic C (HSC), – and total soil N (TN) (at 0–15 and 15–30 cm) were measured seasonally.A statistically significant interannual increase in CO2 emissions and a decrease in the SOC, mainly at the expense of the most labile organic forms, were observed, while the root C stocks and litterfall inputs remained relatively constant over the study period. The observed changes may reflect an initial increase in SOC resulting from low soil respiration rates due to drought during the first year of study. The soils of nearly mature ecosystems were more apparently affected by C losses, while those undergoing the process of active natural regeneration exhibited disguised C loss because of the C sequestration trend that is characteristic of progressive ecological succession.
The enemy within us: lessons from the 2011 European Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak
Authors: Karch Helge , Denamur Erick , Dobrindt Ulrich , Finlay B. Brett , Hengge Regine , Johannes Ludgers , Ron Eliora Z. , Tønjum Tone , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Vicente Miguel
Published: August 2012

In response to the 2011 European health alert caused by a pathogenic Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak, the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM), established by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS), convened a meeting in Paris on November 30th, 2011 on ‘EHEC infection and control’ attended by world renowned experts in pathogenic E. coli. The major aims of this group were to review the scientific issues raised by the outbreak, to assess the handling of the crisis at the scientific and political levels, and to propose future actions. Several conclusions, which will have impact on future potential E. coli outbreaks, are outlined here.
Collapse simulation of reinforced concrete high‐rise building induced by extreme earthquakes
Authors: Lu Xiao , Lu Xinzheng , Guan Hong , Ye Lieping
Published: August 2012

Collapse resistance of high‐rise buildings has become a research focus because of the frequent occurrence of strong earthquakes and terrorist attacks in recent years. Research development has demonstrated that numerical simulation is becoming one of the most powerful tools for collapse analysis in addition to the conventional laboratory model tests and post‐earthquake investigations. In this paper, a finite element method based numerical model encompassing fiber‐beam element model, multilayer shell model, and elemental deactivation technique is proposed to predict the collapse process of high‐rise buildings subjected to extreme earthquake. The potential collapse processes are simulated for a simple 10‐story RC frame and two existing RC high‐rise buildings of 18‐story and 20‐story frame–core tube systems. The influences of different failure criteria used are discussed in some detail. The analysis results indicate that the proposed numerical model is capable of simulating the collapse process of existing high‐rise buildings by identifying potentially weak components of the structure that may induce collapse. The study outcome will be beneficial to aid further development of optimal design philosophy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inelastic response of RC frame buildings with seismic isolation
Authors: Cardone Donatello , Flora Amedeo , Gesualdi Giuseppe
Published: August 2012

A comprehensive parametric study on the inelastic seismic response of seismically isolated RC frame buildings, designed for gravity loads only, is presented. Four building prototypes, with 23 m × 10 m floor plan dimensions and number of storeys ranging from 2 to 8, are considered. All the buildings present internal resistant frames in one direction only, identified as the strong direction of the building. In the orthogonal weak direction, the buildings present outer resistant frames only, with infilled masonry panels. This structural configuration is typical of many existing RC buildings, realized in Italy and other European countries in the 60s and 70s. The parametric study is based on the results of extensive nonlinear response‐time history analyses of 2‐DOF systems, using a set of seven artificial and natural seismic ground motions. In the parametric study, buildings with strength ratio (Fy/W) ranging from 0.03 to 0.15 and post‐yield stiffness ratio ranging from 0% to 6% are examined. Three different types of isolation systems are considered, that is, high damping rubber bearings, lead rubber bearings and friction pendulum bearings. The isolation systems have been designed accepting the occurrence of plastic hinges in the superstructure during the design earthquake. The nonlinear response‐time history analyses results show that structures with seismic isolation experience fewer inelastic cycles compared with fixed‐base structures. As a consequence, although limited plastic deformations can be accepted, the collapse limit state of seismically isolated structures should be based on the lateral capacity of the superstructure without significant reliance on its inherent hysteretic damping or ductility capacity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subacute toxicity of nano-selenium compared to other selenium species in mice
Authors: Benko Ilona , Nagy Gabor , Tanczos Bence , Ungvari Eva , Sztrik Attila , Eszenyi Peter , Prokisch Jozsef , Banfalvi Gaspar
Published: August 2012

Sixteen groups of mice were fed diets containing different selenium species to compare their toxicity. Inorganic sodium selenate and sodium hydroselenite, elementary nanoSe, organic Sel-Plex, and Lacto-MicroSelenium were administered for 14 d at concentrations of 0.5, 5, and 50 ppm Se, equivalent to 0.5, 5, and 50 mg Se/kg food, corresponding to an estimated 4, 40, and 400 µg/kg body weight/d Se uptake, respectively. At the end of the treatment, body, liver, spleen, kidney, heart, and brain weights were measured, mice were subjected to necropsy, and histological examinations were performed on the liver. At lower Se doses (0.5 and 5 ppm) a moderate reduction was observed in the number of bone marrow and white blood cells and in granulocyte–macrophage colony-forming units (GM-CFUs) relative to the untreated control group of mice. A comparison of lowest toxic doses of sodium selenite in mice (0.5 ppm) and mallard (10 ppm) indicates that birds are more resistant to Se than rodents. In mice, a small but measurable weight loss was observed after 5 ppm selenate and LactoMicroSe treatment. The most significant changes took place after 50-ppm administration in body and spleen weight, hematology, and liver histology. Toxicity was more pronounced when inorganic Se was applied than after subacute application of Sel-Plex, nanoSe, or LactoMicroSe. To summarize the effects, the authors' 14-d murine subacute toxicity study showed that the toxicity of Se species decreased in the following order: selenate > selenite > nanoSe > Sel-Plex > LactoMicroSe. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2812–2820. © 2012 SETAC
Three‐dimensional finite element modelling of coupled free/porous flows: applications to industrial and environmental flows
Authors: Hanspal N.S. , Nassehi V. , Kulkarni A.
Published: August 2012

Conjunctive modelling of free/porous flows provides a powerful and cost‐effective tool for designing industrial filters used in the process industry and also for quantifying surface–subsurface flow interactions, which play a significant role in urban flooding mechanisms resulting from sea‐level rise and climate changes. A number of well‐established schemes are available in the literature for simulation of such regimes; however, three‐dimensional (3D) modelling of such flow systems still presents numerical and practical challenges. This paper presents the development of a fully 3D, transient finite element model for the prediction and quantitative analyses of the hydrodynamic behaviour encountered in industrial filtrations and environmental flows represented by coupled flows. The weak‐variational formulation in this model is based on the use of C0 continuous equal‐order Lagrange polynomial functions for velocity and pressure fields represented by 3D hexahedral finite elements. A mixed UVWP finite element scheme based on the standard Galerkin technique satisfying the Ladyzhenskaya–Babuska–Brezzi stability criterion through incorporation of an artificial compressibility term in the continuity equation has been employed for the solution of coupled partial differential equations. We prove that the discretization generates unified stabilization for both the Navier–Stokes and Darcy equations and preserves the geometrical flexibility of the computational grids. A direct node‐linking procedure involving the rearrangement of the global stiffness matrix for the interface elements has been developed by the authors, which is utilized to couple the governing equations in a single model. A variety of numerical tests are conducted, indicating that the model is capable of yielding theoretically expected and accurate results for free, porous and coupled free/porous problems encountered in industrial and environmental engineering problems representing complex filtration (dead‐end and cross‐flow) and interacting surface–subsurface flows. The model is computationally cost‐effective, robust, reliable and easily implementable for practical design of filtration equipments, investigation of land use for water resource availability and assessment of the impacts of climatic variations on environmental catastrophes (i.e. coastal and urban floods). The model developed in this work results from the extension of a multi‐disciplinary project (AEROFIL) primarily sponsored by the European aerospace industries for development of a computer simulation package (Aircraft Cartridge Filter Analysis Modelling Program), which was successfully utilized and deployed for designing hydraulic dead‐end filters used in Airbus A380.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lack of association between cancer history and PARKIN genotype: A family based study in PARKIN/Parkinson's Families
Authors: Alcalay Roy N. , Clark Lorraine N. , Marder Karen S. , Bradley W. Edward C.
Published: August 2012

A number of publications have attributed a tumor suppressive (TS) function to PARKIN, a gene associated with recessive familial early onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). Discoveries of PARKIN deletions and point mutations in tumors, functional studies, and data from mouse models have been presented to support the hypothesis. We have asked whether PARKIN mutations are associated with history of cancer in humans. We interviewed 431 participants who were screened for PARKIN mutations, including 149 EOPD cases and their family members, who were unaware of mutation status. We found no significant difference in self‐reported history of cancer among carriers of one or two PARKIN mutations and noncarriers, odds ratio 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.27–1.83). In particular, no increase in cancer history was seen among homozygous and compound heterozygous mutation carriers compared to noncarriers. Therefore, we hypothesize that published studies attributing TS capability to PARKIN merit further exploration and we present a reevaluation of these data with respect to patterns of mutation frequencies in normal and cancer cells. We conclude that although Parkin may exert a suppressive effect in mice, further studies are required prior to assigning a TS function to PARKIN in humans. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of intra‐operative sufentanil dosing on post‐operative pain, hyperalgesia and morphine consumption after cardiac surgery
Authors: Fechner J. , Ihmsen H. , Schüttler J. , Jeleazcov C.
Published: August 2012

Background

There is an ongoing debate whether opioids when used for intra‐operative analgesia may enhance post‐operative pain. We studied the effect of two different intra‐operative dosings of sufentanil on post‐operative morphine consumption, pain and hyperalgesia after cardiac anaesthesia.

Methods

Forty‐two male patients (age: 48–74 years) undergoing first‐time coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized to one of two groups receiving total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and a target controlled infusion of sufentanil with a target of 0.4 ng/mL (group SL, n = 20) or 0.8 ng/mL (group SH, n = 22) plasma concentration. Post‐operative morphine requirement in the first 48 h was assessed using patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA). Pain rating during deep inspiration, and the extent of primary and secondary hyperalgesia near the sternotomy wound were assessed.

Results

The post‐operative morphine requirements in the first 48 h were 0.68 ± 0.21 mg/kg in group SL and 0.96 ± 0.44 mg/kg in group SH (p < 0.05). In group SL, pain during deep inspiration was significantly lower on the first post‐operative day (p < 0.05). Primary hyperalgesia had its maximum on the second and third post‐operative day, without a difference between the two groups. The extent of secondary mechanical pinprick hyperalgesia was not different between the groups.

Discussion

Intra‐operative dosing of sufentanil significantly influenced post‐operative morphine consumption, pain and hyperalgesia. For cardiac anaesthesia in combination with propofol, a sufentanil target concentration of 0.4 ng/mL may be preferable.
Characterization of fast and slow diffusion from diffusion‐weighted MRI of pediatric Crohn's disease
Authors: Freiman Moti , Perez‐Rossello Jeannette M. , Callahan Michael J. , Bittman Mark , Mulkern Robert V. , Bousvaros Athos , Warfield Simon K.
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

To characterize fast and slow diffusion components in diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) of pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Overall diffusivity reduction as measured by the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in patients with CD has been previously demonstrated. However, the ADC reduction may be due to changes in either fast or slow diffusion components. In this study we distinguished between the fast and slow diffusion components in the DW‐MRI signal decay of pediatric CD.

Materials and Methods:

We acquired MRI from 24 patients, including MR enterography (MRE) and DW‐MRI with 8 b‐values (0–800 s/mm2). We characterized fast and slow diffusivity by intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model parameters (f, D*, D), and overall diffusivity by ADC values. We determined which model best described the DW‐MRI signal decay. We assessed the influence of the IVIM model parameters on the ADC. We evaluated differences in model parameter values between the enhancing and nonenhancing groups.

Results:

The IVIM model described the observed data significantly better than the ADC model (P = 0.0088). The ADC was correlated with f (r = 0.67, P = 0.0003), but not with D (r = 0.39, P = 0.062) and D* (r = −0.39, P = 0.057). f values were significantly lower (P < 0.003) and D* values were significantly higher (P = 0.03) in the enhancing segments, while D values were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.14).

Conclusion:

For this study population the IVIM model provides a better description of the DW‐MRI signal decay than the ADC model. The reduced ADC is related to changes in the fast diffusion rather than to changes in the slow diffusion. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:156–163. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.