bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response Of Guava Trees (Psidium Guajava) To Soil Applications Of Mineral And Organic Fertilisers And Biofertilisers Under Conditions Of Low Fertile Soil
Authors: Shukla Sushil Kumar , Adak Tarun , Singha Atul , Kumar Kailash , Singh Vinod Kumar , Singh Achal
Published: March 2015

The goal of this study was to assess the influence of different organic fertilisers - vermicompost, mulching, Azotobacter, phosphate solubilising microbes (PSM) and Trichoderma harzianum added each year to mineral fertilisers containing NPK and to farmyard manure (FYM) on leaf nutrient status, tree growth, fruit yield and quality of guava grown in low fertile soil. The results revealed that vermicompost, bio-fertilisers and organic mulching resulted in yield and fruit quality boosters, as compared to application of NPK and FYM as the only organic fertiliser. Significant differences in plant height, canopy spread and stem girth of guava plants were obtained in combination, where Azotobacter, T. harzianum, PSM and organic mulching were applied. The leaf nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) were within sufficient ranges. Fruit yields and quality were highest in combination, where vermicompost, Azotobacter, T. harzianum, PSM and organic mulching was applied. Fruit quality parameters viz. soluble solid concentration, titratable acidity, total sugars and ascorbic acid showed positive correlation with the available macro- and micronutrients in the soil.
Morphological, Phenological And Agronomical Characterisation Of Variability Among Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Local Populations From The National Centre For Plant Genetic Resources: Polish Genebank
Authors: Boros Lech , Wawer Anna , Borucka Krystyna
Published: March 2015

The main purpose of this work was to analyse the morphological, phenological and agronomical variability among common bean local populations from The National Centre for Plant Genetic Resources, Polish Genebank, in order to know the relation among them, and to identify potentially useful accessions for future production and breeding. A considerable genotypic variation for number of seeds per plant, number of pods per plant and weight of seeds per plant were found. Studied bean accessions differed significantly in terms of thousand seeds weight (TSW) as well as severity of bacterial halo blight and anthracnose, the major bean diseases. The lowest genotypic diversity was found for the percentage of protein in the seeds, the length of the vegetation period and lodging. The cluster analysis allowed identification of five groups of bean accessions. Genotypes from the first cluster (POLPOD 98-77, KOS 002 and Raba cv.) and from the second cluster (WUKR 06-573a, KRA 4, WUKR 06-0534 together with Prosna cv.) are of the highest usefulness for breeding purposes. There was no grouping of local populations depending on region of origin.
Alleviation Of Nacl Stress In Summer Squash ‘Eskandrani’ By Foliar Application Of Salicylic Acid
Authors: Elwan Mohammed Wasfy Mohammed , El-Shatoury Rewaa Salah Ahmed
Published: March 2015

The experiment was performed to assess the possibility of overcoming NaCl salinity stress by foliar sprays of summer squash ‘Eskandrani’ with salicylic acid (SA) at the concentration of 10-6 M. NaCl treatment caused reduction of shoot fresh weight, leaf number per plant, fruit yield, concentrations of potassium in aerial parts, and the concentration of chlorophyll in leaves. Plants grown under salt stress conditions had higher shoot sodium concentrations than plants untreated with NaCl. Foliar application of SA ameliorated partly the negative effect of NaCl treatment. The beneficial effect of SA was also observed in non-stressed plants, increasing the shoot potassium accumulation and leaf photosynthetic pigments status, and decreasing sodium accumulation in shoots.
Response Of Strawberry ‘Selva’ Plants On Foliar Application Of Sodium Nitroprusside (Nitric Oxide Donor) Under Saline Conditions
Authors: Jamali Babak , Eshghi Saeid , Kholdebarin Bahman
Published: March 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant response of ‘Selva’ strawberry plants on exogenous nitric oxide under saline conditions with respect to time of application. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), as nitric oxide (NO) source, was applied on the leaves by spray before, simultaneously, or after the initiation of saline stress. Results indicated that salinity and/or SNP at concentrations of 50 and 75 μM caused increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidases as well as leaf content of proline, glycine betaine and total phenolics in comparison to control. Time of NO application was important because the highest levels of catalase and ascorbic peroxidase were in plants pre-treated with SNP one week before the initiation of salinity stress. Plants from these combinations had the highest fruit yield among all saline stressed plants. So, it seems that earlier application of SNP is more effective for an optimised protection against deleterious influence of salinity stress, because pre-treated plants had a sufficient time to develop an appropriate antioxidant response. The application of SNP simultaneously or after exposure of plants to stress conditions, was also helpful in increasing plant tolerance but to a lesser extent.
The Storage Ability Of Lamb’S Lettuce Cultivated In The Greenhouse Under Led Or Hps Lamps
Authors: Kołton Anna , Wojciechowska Renata , Długosz-Grochowska Olga , Grzesiak Wojciech
Published: March 2015

Leafy vegetables are the source of many valuable components like vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds as antioxidants. Chlorophyll derivatives have antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activity, or may even act as signalling molecules in organisms. However, during the storage of the leafy vegetables in the cold and darkness, numerous biochemical changes usually occurs, demonstrated as the breakdown of chlorophyll. Storage ability of plants depends to some extent on the conditions under which plants grew. Lamb’s lettuce plants were grown in the greenhouse in different light regimes - emitted with sodium (HPS-control) and LED lamps (100% red, 90% red + 10% blue, 70% red + 30% blue and 50% red + 50% blue light). The intensity of radiation at the height of the leaves of the plants was the same in every treatment. After harvesting, the plants were stored at the temperature of 5 °C and high humidity in plastic bags. The analyses of the material were done four times: after harvest and three times during storage at weekly intervals. Fresh weight lost, dry matter, phenolics and chlorophyll content were analysed. Additionally, the fluorescence of chlorophyll a was carried out. Changes in plant fresh weight and dry matter content during storage did not depend on the lighting used during cultivation. After 3 weeks of storage, higher value of indicator of the vitality of PSII (PIABS - Performance Index) was noticed in leaves treated with higher red light intensity during cultivation (100%, 90% and 70% red). LED lamps, which emitted 100% and 90% red light, enhanced concentration of total phenolics in lamb’s lettuce leaves. Light of HPS lamps decreased radical scavenging activity in leaves. Quality and usefulness of plants produced under LED lamps was just as good as those grown under HPS lamps.
Laryngeal Granuloma – Benefit in Treatment with Zinc Supplementation? / Larinksni Granulom - Korist Od Terapije Preparatima Cinka
Authors: Djukić Vojko , Krejović-Trivić Sanja , Vukašinović Milan , Trivić Aleksandar , Pavlović Bojan , Milovanović Aleksandar , Milovanović Jovica
Published: March 2015

Laryngeal granulomas present as contact and postintubation ulcers and granulomas. Essentially, a contact granuloma is a pseudotumor of the lateral wall of the posterior glottis. The most common etiological factor is voice abuse, with predisponing factors such as reflux disease. Postintubation ulcers and granulomas, although of different etiology, according to all the other traits belong to this clinical entity. The therapy of choice is conservative treatment. Surgical laser excision is indicated for resistant cases and those whose size is causing respiratory distress. Treatment of laryngeal granulomas with zinc supplementation is reported in the literature as one of the forms of conservative treatment, and we wanted to consider it in this review. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many biochemical reactions and is considered very important for wound healing.
Advanced Technologies for Determination of Surface Cleanliness
Authors: Kudlacek Jan , Chabera Petr
Published: March 2015

For high utility value of products is significant quality of surface treatment. Among the processes that most affect the quality of surface treatment are mainly surface pretreatment processes, namely processes of cleaning (degreasing). This article is devoted to quality control after surface pre-treatment. It mainly deals with the modern method for detecting surface contamination grease based on fluorescence methods. Impurities such as grease, oil and other have characteristic fluorescence after illumination by UV source. This principle can be used to determine the purity of the substrate surface, thereby ensuring the quality of the surface. Surface cleanliness is very important factor for the correct application of subsequent technological processes.
On the Cutting Performance of Coated HSS Taps When Machining of Austenitic Steel
Authors: Sliwkova Petra , Piska Miroslav
Published: March 2015

The paper deals with a quality of the PVD coated HSS taps when cutting the stainless austenitic chromiumnickel non-stabilized steel DIN 1.4301 (X5CrNi 18-10). The main attention is focused on the analysis of loading (cutting moment, specific energy) of the HSS taps by means of pieso-electrical dynamometer Kistler 9272 and the relation between the quality of duplex and triplex PVD coatings and their effects on the quality of machined thread surfaces and tool life of the taps. The results showed a safe and stabilized cutting with acceptable quality of threads for HSSE with the TiN+TiCN+DLC coating.
Desing of Digital Calliper for Control of Selected Parameters of Railway Wheels
Authors: Ticha Šarka , Zelnak Michal , Vavrina Jan
Published: March 2015

This contribution deals with new design of digital calliper for transferring of width dimension scale from the ring interface to tyre of railway wheel. Based on the problem definition were solved variants of design with possibility of improvement current measurement technique. For selected variant of production was developed calibration procedures for ensure of required accuracy. At the end solution that was significantly influenced by economic recession was realized variant for single production. Manufacturer and exclusive supplier of this digital calliper is UNIMETRA Company, Ltd.
Stiffness of Technological Equipment and its Impact on the Quality of Cut Surfaces
Authors: Lukovics Imrich
Published: March 2015

The paper evaluates emergence of oscillation during working, analyses the cause of emergence of self-excited oscillation and the influence of measured oscillation on the quality of grinding surface.
Turning of New Biomaterials
Authors: Jan Semcer , Drbul Mario , Holubjak Jozef , Martincek Juraj , Rakoci Jozef
Published: March 2015

The article deals with determination of the fundamental characteristics of machining new technology for the production of biomaterials implants turning, using a removable cutting plates of cemented carbide surface modified coating TiAlN. Experimental determination of the size of components includes cutting forces in turning process, depending on the cutting parameters and cutting material used and monitor the formation and shaping chips.
A Household Survey on Awareness of Hiv/Aids Among Rural People of Chandbela Vdc Of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Khanal Vijay Kumar , Thapa Bijay , Rayamajhi Rajan Bikram , Adhikari Puspanjali , Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Ghimire Anup , Singh Suman Bahadur , Pokharel Paras Kumar
Published: March 2015

Background: In the past 20 years HIV/AIDS has become an increasing global phenomenon. The rising trend of morbidity and mortality has not only changed the demography but also poses a huge socio-economic burden on well-being of households, communities and country. In Nepal as the epidemic is maturing. However, the epidemic has never been maintained in the general population through heterosexual transmission in Nepal, rather it is driven by the infections among higher risk populations and their sexual partners. Objectives: To assess the knowledge about HIV/AIDS among household level. Material and Methods: A household based survey was conducted in all the nine wards of Chandbela VDC. Interview was conducted using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire which included socio demographic profile and characteristics to assess awareness on HIV/AIDS. The data was analyzed to calculate percentages and proportions. Results: Out of total population (7034), 50.39% were male and 49.60% were female. Majority of the males and females were literate i.e. 73.58% and 51.37% respectively. Out of 1274 households, 946(74.25%) households were below poverty line, where 19.34% of people did agriculture for living and 3.3% were migrant worker. Most of the people 73.2% were aware and had heard about HIV/AIDS from various medium like 24.53% from radio, 15.19% from friends However, 16.8% of the people never heard of HIV/AIDS. According to 33% of people unsafe sexual practice could transmit HIV/AIDS and 28.83% of people thought avoiding unsafe sexual Practice can prevent from acquiring HIV/AIDS. Of the total respondents, 61.6% of the people believed that even a healthy looking person can have HIV/AIDS. Attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients of majority of population (55.93%) was to avoid any kind of relation or contact with patient. Conclusion: Although majority of the population were literate, were aware of and had heard about HIV/AIDS, the attitude towards the patient was not positive.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v3i1.12235Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVol. 3, No.1 Issue 6, 2014,  Page: 35-39
Determination of Tooth Length Variation Of Maxillary Canine - An Analytical Study
Authors: Naulakha Deependra , Agrawal Manish , Naulakha Nootan
Published: March 2015

Aim: The Aim of this study was to assess the variation in anatomical tooth length of maxillary canine, irrespective of sex, in patient's presenting at NMCTH, Biratnagar, Nepal.   Methodology: A total of 30 Endodontically treated maxillary canine were included in this study. Preoperative radiographs were taken initially for finding the canal length. Radiographic interpretation (IOPA X-rays) and mathematical calculation, proposed by Ingles and messing, were used to observe and measure the length of individual root canal for tooth length. An endodontic access was prepared and pulp tissue was extirpated. A working length radiograph was taken with a file in the canal and the radiographic working length was established. Results: This study revealed that the maximum, minimum and average tooth length of maxillary canine is 30mm, 18mm and 22.91 mm respectively. Conclusion: The result indicates that the study previously performed by different researchers and those given in the different textbook of endodontics showed that the tooth length is shorter than the caucasoid counterpart.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v3i1.12236Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVol. 3, No.1 Issue 6, 2014, Page: 40-45
Comparison of Extrapleural Anterolateral Decompression and Transthoracic Anterior Decompression for Tuberculosis of The Dorsal Spine
Authors: Karn Navin Kumar , Jha Ranjeev , Sitoula Prakash , Singh Mahipal , Jain Anil Kumar
Published: March 2015

Background: Spinal tuberculosis (TB) comprises 50% of all skeletal tuberculosis and it affects body of the vertebra in about 98% of the cases, hence surgical decompression when needed should be anterior. There are a number of studies describing transthoracic approach but very few describing extrapleural anterolateral approach and none were comparative trial. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare extrapleural anterolateral decompression and transthoracic anterior decompression for tuberculosis of dorsal spine. Aims and Objectives: To compare the duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, neurological recovery and complication rate. Design: Prospective Randomised controlled Trial Setting: The study was performed in Department of Orthopedics, NMCH,Biratnagar, Nepal Material and methods: The patients with tuberculosis of dorsal spine those required surgical decompression were randomly allocated into two groups. For the first group we performed extrapleural anterolateral decompression and for the second group we performed transthoracic anterior decompression We excluded patients with ischemic heart disease, end stage renal disease, immunocom promised stage. We did follow up for one year with comparing outcome in terms of duration of surgery, amount of blood loss neurological recovery and complication rate. Results: 60 patients were left after exclusion. We found duration of surgery, amount of blood loss were significantly higher in transthoracic anterior decompression group. There was single case of wound infection (3.3%)in the transthoracic anterior decompression group. 3 cases of transthoracic anterior decompression had to convert into anterolateral decompression because of adhesion of pleura to lung. There was no significant difference in neurological recovery and development of kyphotic deformity. Conclusion: We found anterolateral decompression did better than transthoracic anterior decompression in terms of duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, postoperative morbidity but similar neurological recovery rate.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v3i1.12237Journal of Nobel Medical CollegeVol. 3, No.1 Issue 6, 2014, Page: 46-51
Hume and the Implanted Knowledge of God
Authors: Sasser Nathan
Published: March 2015

Hume is justly famous for his criticisms of theistic proofs. However, what is less well-known is that Hume also criticized the claim that belief in God, simply because it is natural, is justified without supporting argument. Hume certainly encountered this claim in his own Protestant milieu, as various textual clues throughout his corpus indicate. His own endorsement of natural beliefs raises the possibility that religious belief might be justified without argument. One of Hume's chief aims in The Natural History of Religion was to show that religious belief is not natural in a way that makes it justified without argument.
Body-Mass Scaling of Metabolic Rate: What are the Relative Roles of Cellular versus Systemic Effects?
Authors: Glazier Douglas
Published: March 2015

The reason why metabolic rate often scales allometrically (disproportionately) with body mass has been debated for decades. A critical question concerns whether metabolic scaling is controlled intrinsically at the intracellular level or systemically at the organismal level. Recently, the relative importance of these effects has been tested by examining the metabolic rates of cultured dermal fibroblast and skeletal muscle cells in relation to donor body mass of a variety of birds and mammals. The lack of a relationship between in vitro cellular metabolic rates and body mass suggests that systemic effects, not intrinsic cellular effects are responsible for allometric metabolic scaling observed in whole organisms. Influential resource-transport network theory claims that the most important systemic effect involved is body-size related resource-supply limits to metabolizing cells. However, comparisons of in vitro cellular metabolic rates with scaling relationships for in vivo (basal) metabolic rates suggest that other systemic effects, such as body-size dependent biological regulation and tissue composition may also have major, perhaps more important effects. Furthermore, systemic effects must ultimately act at the cellular level, for example, by induced variation in the function, structure and intracellular densities of mitochondria. The mechanistic pathways involved require further study.
Urban-Induced Mechanisms for an Extreme Rainfall Event in Beijing China: A Satellite Perspective
Authors: Jin Menglin , Li Yu , Su Debin
Published: March 2015

Using 1 km satellite remote sensing observations, this paper examines the clouds, aerosols, water vapor and surface skin temperature over Beijing to understand the possible urban system contributions to the extreme rainfall event on 21 July 2012 (i.e., 721 event). Remote sensing measurements, with the advantage of high spatial resolution and coverage, reveal three key urban-related mechanisms: (a) the urban heat island effect (UHI) resulted in strong surface convection and high level cloud cover over Beijing; (b) urban aerosol amount peaked before the rainfall, which “seeded” the clouds and invigorated precipitation; and (c) urban tall buildings provided additional lift for the air mass and provided heat at the underlying boundary to keep the rainfall system alive for a long duration precipitation (>10 hours). With the existing rainfall system moving from the northwest and abundant water vapor was transported from the southeast into Beijing, the urban canyon-lifting, aerosol, and UHI effects all enhanced this extreme rainfall event. This work proves that urban system is responsible, at least partly, for urban rainfall extremes and thus should be considered for urban extreme rainfall prediction in the future.
Microgrid Stability Controller Based on Adaptive Robust Total SMC
Authors: Su Xiaoling , Han Minxiao , Guerrero Josep , Sun Hai
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a microgrid stability controller (MSC) in order to provide existing distributed generation units (DGs) the additional functionality of working in islanding mode without changing their control strategies in grid-connected mode and to enhance the stability of the microgrid. Microgrid operating characteristics and mathematical models of the MSC indicate that the system is inherently nonlinear and time-variable. Therefore, this paper proposes an adaptive robust total sliding-mode control (ARTSMC) system for the MSC. It is proved that the ARTSMC system is insensitive to parametric uncertainties and external disturbances. The MSC provides fast dynamic response and robustness to the microgrid. When the system is operating in grid-connected mode, it is able to improve the controllability of the exchanged power between the microgrid and the utility grid, while smoothing the DGs’ output power. When the microgrid is operating in islanded mode, it provides voltage and frequency support, while guaranteeing seamless transition between the two operation modes. Simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Evaluation of Novel Inoculation Strategies for Solid State Anaerobic Digestion of Yam Peelings in Low-Tech Digesters
Authors: Heiske Stefan , Jurgutis Linas , Kádár Zsófia
Published: March 2015

The operation of household scale anaerobic digesters is typically based on diluted animal dung, requiring stabled livestock and adequate water availability. This excludes many rural households in low-income countries from the benefits of a domestic biogas digester. Solid state anaerobic digestion (SSAD) can be operated with low process water demands, but the technology involves operational challenges, as e.g., risk of process acidification or low degradation rates. This study aimed at developing simple methods to perform SSAD of yam peelings in low-tech applications by testing different inoculation strategies and evaluating the necessity of dung addition as a supportive biomass. In initial lab scale trials 143 ± 4 mL CH4/g VS (volatile solids) were obtained from a mixture of yam peelings and dung digested in a multi-layer-inoculated batch reactor. In a consecutive incubation cycle in which adapted inoculum was applied, bottom inoculated digesters loaded without dung reached a yield of 140 ± 16 mL CH4/g VS. This indicates that SSAD of yam peelings is possible with simple inoculation methods and dung addition is unnecessary after microbial adaptation. A comparison with a conventional fixed dome digester indicated that SSAD can reduce process water demand and the digester volume necessary to supply a given biogas demand.
Changes in Carbon Electrode Morphology Affect Microbial Fuel Cell Performance with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Sanchez David , Jacobs Daniel , Gregory Kelvin , Huang Jiyong , Hu Yushi , Vidic Radisav , Yun Minhee
Published: March 2015

The formation of biofilm-electrodes is crucial for microbial fuel cell current production because optimal performance is often associated with thick biofilms. However, the influence of the electrode structure and morphology on biofilm formation is only beginning to be investigated. This study provides insight on how changing the electrode morphology affects current production of a pure culture of anode-respiring bacteria. Specifically, an analysis of the effects of carbon fiber electrodes with drastically different morphologies on biofilm formation and anode respiration by a pure culture (Shewanella oneidensis MR-1) were examined. Results showed that carbon nanofiber mats had ~10 fold higher current than plain carbon microfiber paper and that the increase was not due to an increase in electrode surface area, conductivity, or the size of the constituent material. Cyclic voltammograms reveal that electron transfer from the carbon nanofiber mats was biofilm-based suggesting that decreasing the diameter of the constituent carbon material from a few microns to a few hundred nanometers is beneficial for electricity production solely because the electrode surface creates a more relevant mesh for biofilm formation by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
The Influence of Parent Material on Vegetation Response 15 years after the Dude Fire, Arizona
Authors: Leonard Jackson , Medina Alvin , Neary Daniel , Tecle Aregai
Published: March 2015

This study examined the effects of two types of parent material, sandstone and limestone, on the response of vegetation growth after the 1990 Dude Fire in central Arizona. The operating hypothesis of the study was that, given the right conditions, severe wildfire can trigger vegetation type conversion. Overall, three patterns emerged: (1) oak density increased by 413% from unburned sites to burned sites, with the highest densities occurring on sandstone soils; (2) weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula Nees), a very aggressive non-native grass species seeded after the fire, now makes up 81% of the total herbaceous cover in the burned area; and (3) bare ground cover is 150% higher and litter cover is 50% lower in the burned area. Soil analysis was not definitive enough to differentiate impacts between parent materials however it was useful in quantifying the long-term impact of the fire on soils. The results of this study support the idea that catastrophic fire events can trigger vegetation type conversion and that perennial, non-native species used in rehabilitation efforts can persist within the ecosystem for long periods of time. Hence, the recovery period needed for the Dude Fire site to revert back to a pine-oak dominated forest could be on the scale of many decades to centuries.
Ensuring Healthy American Indian Generations for Tomorrow through Safe and Healthy Indoor Environments
Authors: Pacheco Joseph , Pacheco Christina , Lewis Charley , Williams Chandler , Barnes Charles , Rosenwasser Lanny , Choi Won , Daley Christine
Published: March 2015

American Indians (AI) have the highest rate of severe physical housing problems in the U.S. (3.9%). Little information exists about the environmental hazards in AI homes. The purposes of this paper are to discuss challenges that were encountered when recruiting AI for a home-and employment-based environmental health assessments, highlight major successes, and propose recommendations for future indoor environmental health studies. The Center for American Indian Community Health (CAICH) and Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Center for Environmental Health and Allergy and Immunology Research Lab collaborated to provide educational sessions and healthy home assessments for AI. Through educational trainings, more than 240 AI were trained on the primary causes of health problems in homes. A total of 72 homes and places of employment were assessed by AI environmental health specialists. The top three categories with the most concerns observed in the homes/places of employment were allergens/dust (98%), safety/injury (89%) and chemical exposure (82%). While some information on smoking inside the home was collected, these numbers may have been underreported due to stigma. This was CAICH’s first endeavor in environmental health and although challenges arose, many more successes were achieved.
Future Premature Mortality Due to O3, Secondary Inorganic Aerosols and Primary PM in Europe — Sensitivity to Changes in Climate, Anthropogenic Emissions, Population and Building Stock
Authors: Geels Camilla , Andersson Camilla , Hänninen Otto , Lansø Anne , Schwarze Per , Skjøth Carsten , Brandt Jørgen
Published: March 2015

Air pollution is an important environmental factor associated with health impacts in Europe and considerable resources are used to reduce exposure to air pollution through emission reductions. These reductions will have non-linear effects on exposure due, e.g., to interactions between climate and atmospheric chemistry. By using an integrated assessment model, we quantify the effect of changes in climate, emissions and population demography on exposure and health impacts in Europe. The sensitivity to the changes is assessed by investigating the differences between the decades 2000–2009, 2050–2059 and 2080–2089. We focus on the number of premature deaths related to atmospheric ozone, Secondary Inorganic Aerosols and primary PM. For the Nordic region we furthermore include a projection on how population exposure might develop due to changes in building stock with increased energy efficiency. Reductions in emissions cause a large significant decrease in mortality, while climate effects on chemistry and emissions only affects premature mortality by a few percent. Changes in population demography lead to a larger relative increase in chronic mortality than the relative increase in population. Finally, the projected changes in building stock and infiltration rates in the Nordic indicate that this factor may be very important for assessments of population exposure in the future.
Mycobacteria in Water Used for Personal Hygiene in Heavy Industry and Collieries: A Potential Risk for Employees
Authors: Ulmann Vit , Kracalikova Anna , Dziedzinska Radka
Published: March 2015

Environmental mycobacteria (EM) constitute a health risk, particularly for immunocompromised people. Workers in heavy industry and in collieries represent an at-risk group of people as their immunity is often weakened by long-term employment in dusty environments, frequent smoking and an increased occurrence of pulmonary diseases. This study was concerned with the presence of EM in non-drinking water used for the hygiene of employees in six large industrial companies and collieries. Over a period of ten years, 1096 samples of surface water treated for hygiene purposes (treated surface water) and treated surface water diluted with mining water were examined. EM were detected in 63.4 and 41.5% samples of treated surface water and treated surface water diluted with mining water, respectively. Mycobacterium gordonae, M. avium-intracellulare and M. kansasii were the most frequently detected species. Adoption of suitable precautions should be enforced to reduce the incidence of mycobacteria in shower water and to decrease the infectious pressure on employees belonging to an at-risk group of people.
Cadmium Modulates Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Wu Xueqing , Santos Regiane , Fink-Gremmels Johanna
Published: March 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of cadmium exposure on Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35984) biofilm formation. Bacteria were cultured in the absence or presence of different concentrations (0–50 µM) of cadmium. Biofilm formation and bacterial viability were assessed. Quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression of molecular markers of S. epidermidis biofilm formation and dispersion. S. epidermidis biofilm formation was stimulated (p < 0.001) by 1.56 and 3.13 µM cadmium. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis confirmed an increase in biofilm thickness (23 and 22 µm, versus 17.8 µm in the controls) after exposure to 1.56 or 3.13 µM cadmium, respectively. qRT-PCR was performed showing the up-regulation of atlE, embp, aap, icaA and icaB after exposure to 3.13 µM cadmium. Taken together, these findings show that cadmium at low, sub-toxic concentrations acts as inducer of S. epidermidis biofilm formation.
Silk Fibroin-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Li Yi , Xie Mao-Bin
Published: March 2015

Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein-based biomacromolecule with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and low immunogenicity. The development of SF-based nanoparticles for drug delivery have received considerable attention due to high binding capacity for various drugs, controlled drug release properties and mild preparation conditions. By adjusting the particle size, the chemical structure and properties, the modified or recombinant SF-based nanoparticles can be designed to improve the therapeutic efficiency of drugs encapsulated into these nanoparticles. Therefore, they can be used to deliver small molecule drugs (e.g., anti-cancer drugs), protein and growth factor drugs, gene drugs, etc. This paper reviews recent progress on SF-based nanoparticles, including chemical structure, properties, and preparation methods. In addition, the applications of SF-based nanoparticles as carriers for therapeutic drugs are also reviewed.
Secretion of Human Protein C in Mouse Milk
Authors: Park Chae-Won , Kang Myung-Hwa , Min Kwan-Sik
Published: March 2015

To determine the production of recombinant human protein C (rec-hPC) in milk, we created two homozygous mice lines for the goat β-casein/hPC transgene. Females and males of both lines (#10 and #11) displayed normal growth, fertility, and lactated normally. The copy number of the transgene was about fivefold higher in #10 line as compared to #11 line. mRNA expression of the transgene was only detected in the mammary glands of both lines. Furthermore, mRNA expression was fourfold higher on day 7 than on day 1 during lactation. Northern blot analysis of mRNA expression in the #10 line of transgenic (Tg) mice indicated a strong expression of the transgene in the mammary glands after seven days of lactation. Comparison of rec-hPC protein level with that of mRNA in the mammary glands showed a very similar pattern. A 52-kDa band corresponding to the hPC protein was strongly detected in mammary glands of the #10 line during lactation. We also detected two bands of heavy chain and one weak band of light chain in the milk of the #10 and #11 lines. One single band at 52 kDa was detected from CHO cells transfected with hPC cDNA. hPC was mainly localized in the alveolar epithelial cell of the mammary glands. The protein is strongly expressed in the cytoplasm of the cultured mammary gland tissue. hPC protein produced in milk ranged from 2 to 28 ng/mL. These experiments indicated that rec-hPC can be produced at high levels in mice mammary glands.
Monitoring the Spatiotemporal Activities of miRNAs in Small Animal Models Using Molecular Imaging Modalities
Authors: Baril Patrick , Ezzine Safia , Pichon Chantal
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding mRNA targets via sequence complementary inducing translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. A current challenge in the field of miRNA biology is to understand the functionality of miRNAs under physiopathological conditions. Recent evidence indicates that miRNA expression is more complex than simple regulation at the transcriptional level. MiRNAs undergo complex post-transcriptional regulations such miRNA processing, editing, accumulation and re-cycling within P-bodies. They are dynamically regulated and have a well-orchestrated spatiotemporal localization pattern. Real-time and spatio-temporal analyses of miRNA expression are difficult to evaluate and often underestimated. Therefore, important information connecting miRNA expression and function can be lost. Conventional miRNA profiling methods such as Northern blot, real-time PCR, microarray, in situ hybridization and deep sequencing continue to contribute to our knowledge of miRNA biology. However, these methods can seldom shed light on the spatiotemporal organization and function of miRNAs in real-time. Non-invasive molecular imaging methods have the potential to address these issues and are thus attracting increasing attention. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of methods used to detect miRNAs and discusses their contribution in the emerging field of miRNA biology and therapy.
Faldaprevir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Yokosuka Osamu , Omata Masao
Published: March 2015

The current treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection are combinations of direct-acting antivirals, and faldaprevir is one of the new generation of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors. At the end of 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor simeprevir and the HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir. Simeprevir or sofosbuvir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin are available for clinical use. Faldaprevir, another HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor that also has fewer adverse events than telaprevir or boceprevir, is under development. Of interest, faldaprevir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, and interferon-free treatment with faldaprevir in combination with deleobuvir plus ribavirin provides high sustained virological response rates for HCV genotype 1 infection. The aim of this article is to review these data concerning faldaprevir. Faldaprevir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment appears to be associated with fewer adverse events than telaprevir or boceprevir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, and may be one of the therapeutic options for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 1. The interferon-free combination of faldaprevir and deleobuvir with ribavirin was effective for HCV genotype 1 infection and may hold promise for interferon-ineligible and interferon-intolerant patients.
Transcriptome MicroRNA Profiling of Bovine Mammary Glands Infected with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Cheng-Long , Liao Xiang-Xiang , Chen Dan , Wang Wen-Qiang , Zhu Yi-Hui , Geng Xiao-Han , Ji De-Jun , Mao Yong-Jiang , Gong Yun-Chen , Yang Zhang-Ping
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that are important regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs impact the processes of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Thus, the regulation of miRNA expression profiles associated with mastitis will be conducive for its control. In this study, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was administered to the mammary gland of Chinese Holstein cows to construct a bacteria-type mastitis model. Total RNA was isolated from bovine mammary gland tissue samples from the S. aureus-induced mastitis group and controls. miRNAs were analyzed using Solexa sequencing and bioinformatics processing for the experimental group and control group. Two miRNA libraries were constructed respectively. A total of 370 known bovine miRNAs and 341 novel mi RNAs were detected for the S. aureus and 358 known bovine miRNAs and 232 novel miRNAs for control groups. A total of 77 miRNAs in the S. aureus group showed significant differences compared to the control group. GO (Gene Ontology) analysis showed these target genes were involved in the regulation of cells, binding, etc., while KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis showed that these genes were enriched in endocytosis, and olfactory transduction pathways involved in cancer. These results provide an experimental basis to reveal the cause and regulatory mechanism of mastitis and also suggest the potential of miRNAs to serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of mastitis in dairy cows.
Impulse Wave Generation: Comparison of Free Granular with Mesh-Packed Slides
Authors: Evers Frederic , Hager Willi
Published: March 2015

Slides generating impulse waves are currently generated using either block models or free granular material impacting a water body. These procedures were mainly developed to study plane impulse waves, i.e., wave generation in a rectangular channel. The current VAW, ETH Zurich, research is directed to the spatial impulse wave features, i.e., waves propagating in a wave basin. The two wave generation mechanisms mentioned above complicate this process for various reasons, including experimental handling, collection of slide material in the wave basin, poor representation of prototype conditions for the block model, and excessive temporal duration for free granular slides. Impulse waves originating from slides with free granular material and mesh-packed slides are compared in this paper. Detailed test series are presented, so that the resulting main wave features can be compared. The results highlight whether the simplified procedure involving mesh-packed slides really applies in future research, and specify advantages in terms of impulse wave experimentation.
Climate Change and Active Reef Restoration—Ways of Constructing the “Reefs of Tomorrow”
Authors: Rinkevich Baruch
Published: March 2015

The continuous degradation of coral reef ecosystems on a global level, the disheartening expectations of a gloomy future for reefs’ statuses, the failure of traditional conservation acts to revive most of the degrading reefs and the understanding that it is unlikely that future reefs will return to historic conditions, all call for novel management approaches. Among the most effective approaches is the “gardening” concept of active reef restoration, centered, as in silviculture, on a two-step restoration process (nursery and transplantation). In the almost two decades that passed from its first presentation, the “gardening” tenet was tested in a number of coral reefs worldwide, revealing that it may reshape coral reef communities (and associated biota) in such a way that novel reef ecosystems with novel functionalities that did not exist before are developed. Using the “gardening” approach as a climate change mediator, four novel ecosystem engineering management approaches are raised and discussed in this article. These include the take-home lessons approach, which considers the critical evaluation of reef restoration outcomes; the genetics approach; the use of coral nurseries as repositories for coral and reef species; and an approach that uses novel environmental engineering tactics. Two of these approaches (take-home lessons and using coral nurseries as repositories for reef dwelling organisms) already consider the uncertainty and the gaps in our knowledge, and they are further supported by the genetic approach and by the use of novel environmental engineering tactics as augmenting auxiliaries. Employing these approaches (combined with other novel tactics) will enhance the ability of coral reef organisms to adaptably respond to climate change.
Characterization of Low-Symmetry Structures from Phase Equilibrium of Fe-Al System—Microstructures and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Matysik Piotr , Jóźwiak Stanisław , Czujko Tomasz
Published: March 2015

Fe-Al intermetallic alloys with aluminum content over 60 at% are in the area of the phase equilibrium diagram that is considerably less investigated in comparison to the high-symmetry Fe3Al and FeAl phases. Ambiguous crystallographic information and incoherent data referring to the phase equilibrium diagrams placed in a high-aluminum range have caused confusions and misinformation. Nowadays unequivocal material properties description of FeAl2, Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 intermetallic alloys is still incomplete. In this paper, the influence of aluminum content and processing parameters on phase composition is presented. The occurrence of low-symmetry FeAl2, Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 structures determined by chemical composition and phase transformations was defined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) examinations. These results served to verify diffraction investigations (XRD) and to explain the mechanical properties of cast materials such as: hardness, Young’s modulus and fracture toughness evaluated using the nano-indentation technique.
Reconstructing Sikh Spirituality in Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
Authors: Morjaria-Keval Asesha , Keval Harshad
Published: March 2015

This paper situates Sikh identity, spirituality, and recovery from alcohol addiction within a nexus of complex social, psychological, and cultural factors. The way in which affected people in Sikh communities in Britain are able to locate and utilize unofficial recovery trajectories, often successfully alleviating suffering, presents both academic research and service provision with potential puzzles. While Sikh communities have been long settled in the UK, there is still a dearth of extensive, multi-method, and analytically rich research investigating the role of spirituality and Sikh identity. We present existing models of recovery process and locate them against an individual psychological and sociological backdrop, so that through the use of spirituality, recovery along this route is interpreted as having both otherworldly as well as materially grounded formations. It is this duality, we argue, that is prominent socially, culturally, and psychologically as important in the recovery from addiction. The multi-factorial nature of this mechanism of change raises important questions for not only addiction recovery, but also notions of continuity and change in Sikh identity. We aim to contribute to this growing body of work in order to re-situate the role of spirituality and identity in alcohol addiction recovery.
Human Computer Interactions in Next-Generation of Aircraft Smart Navigation Management Systems: Task Analysis and Architecture under an Agent-Oriented Methodological Approach
Authors: Canino-Rodríguez José , García-Herrero Jesús , Besada-Portas Juan , Ravelo-García Antonio , Travieso-González Carlos , Alonso-Hernández Jesús
Published: March 2015

The limited efficiency of current air traffic systems will require a next-generation of Smart Air Traffic System (SATS) that relies on current technological advances. This challenge means a transition toward a new navigation and air-traffic procedures paradigm, where pilots and air traffic controllers perform and coordinate their activities according to new roles and technological supports. The design of new Human-Computer Interactions (HCI) for performing these activities is a key element of SATS. However efforts for developing such tools need to be inspired on a parallel characterization of hypothetical air traffic scenarios compatible with current ones. This paper is focused on airborne HCI into SATS where cockpit inputs came from aircraft navigation systems, surrounding traffic situation, controllers’ indications, etc. So the HCI is intended to enhance situation awareness and decision-making through pilot cockpit. This work approach considers SATS as a system distributed on a large-scale with uncertainty in a dynamic environment. Therefore, a multi-agent systems based approach is well suited for modeling such an environment. We demonstrate that current methodologies for designing multi-agent systems are a useful tool to characterize HCI. We specifically illustrate how the selected methodological approach provides enough guidelines to obtain a cockpit HCI design that complies with future SATS specifications.