bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing sustainability: Using smartphones to study environmental behavior in a field-experimental setup
Authors: Spaiser Viktoria , Luzzatti Davide , Gregoriou Aliki
Published: August 2018

Ecological sustainability is the defining challenge of our time. Here we suggest a methodological approach that could help to investigate how environmental behavior (transport behavior, energy consumption, food consumption, goods consumption, wasting) dilemmas can be overcome on an individual level in real life by using smartphones to collect daily behavioral data in a field-experimental setup. Previous related studies are reviewed and we discuss how the boundaries of what can be done with smartphones for data collection and experimental purposes can be pushed further to allow for complex behavioral studies. Results from a pilot study are presented to discuss the feasibility and potential of this approach. The pilot shows that studying social dilemma behavior via smartphones is feasible and has potential value as a behavioral intervention tool.
Hypercapnic and Hypoxic Respiratory Response During Wakefulness and Sleep in a Streptozotocin Model of Alzheimer’s Disease in Rats
Authors: Vicente Mariane C. , Almeida Maria C. , Bícego Kênia C. , Carrettiero Daniel C. , Gargaglioni Luciane H.
Published: August 2018

Besides the typical cognitive decline, patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) develop disorders of the respiratory system, such as sleep apnea, shortness of breath, and arrhythmias. These symptoms are aggravated with the progression of the disease. However, the cause and nature of these disturbances are not well understood. Here, we treated animals with intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ, 2 mg/kg), a drug that has been described to cause Alzheimer-like behavioral and histopathological impairments. We measured ventilation ([Formula: see text]), electroencephalography, and electromyography during normocapnia, hypercapnia, and hypoxia in Wistar rats. In addition, we performed western blot analyses for phosphorylated tau, total tau, and amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the locus coeruleus (LC), retrotrapezoid nucleus, medullary raphe, pre-Bötzinger/Bötzinger complex, and hippocampus, and evaluated memory and learning acquisition using the Barnes maze. STZ treatment promoted memory and learning deficits and increased the percentage of total wakefulness during normocapnia and hypercapnia due to a reduction in the length of episodes of wakefulness. CO2-drive to breathe during wakefulness was increased by 26% in STZ-treated rats due to an enhanced tidal volume, but no changes in [Formula: see text] were observed in room air or hypoxic conditions. The STZ group also showed a 70% increase of Aβ in the LC and no change in tau protein phosphorylation. In addition, no alteration in body temperature was observed. Our findings suggest that AD animals present an increased sensitivity to CO2 during wakefulness, enhanced Aβ in the LC, and sleep disruption.
Fragmentation of the Golgi Apparatus in Neuroblastoma Cells Is Associated with Tau-Induced Ring-Shaped Microtubule Bundles
Authors: Rodríguez-Cruz Fanny , Torres-Cruz Francisco Miguel , Monroy-Ramírez Hugo Christian , Escobar-Herrera Jaime , Basurto-Islas Gustavo , Avila Jesús , García-Sierra Francisco
Published: August 2018

Abnormal fibrillary aggregation of tau protein is a pathological condition observed in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies; however, the presence and pathological significance of early non-fibrillary aggregates of tau remain under investigation. In cell and animal models expressing normal or modified tau, toxic effects altering the structure and function of several membranous organelles have also been reported in the absence of fibrillary structures; however, how these abnormalities are produced is an issue yet to be addressed. In order to obtain more insights into the mechanisms by which tau may disturb intracellular membranous elements, we transiently overexpressed human full-length tau and several truncated tau variants in cultured neuroblastoma cells. After 48 h of transfection, either full-length or truncated tau forms produced significant fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus (GA) with no changes in cell viability. Noteworthy is that in the majority of cells exhibiting dispersion of the GA, a ring-shaped array of cortical or perinuclear microtubule (Mt) bundles was also generated under the expression of either variant of tau. In contrast, Taxol treatment of non-transfected cells increased the amount of Mt bundles but not sufficiently to produce fragmentation of the GA. Tau-induced ring-shaped Mt bundles appeared to be well-organized and stable structures because they were resistant to Nocodazole post-treatment and displayed a high level of tubulin acetylation. These results further indicate that a mechanical force generated by tau-induced Mt-bundling may be responsible for Golgi fragmentation and that the repeated domain region of tau may be the main promoter of this effect.
Importance of Balance-Gait Disorder as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Impairment, Dementia and Related Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lichter David Gordon , Benedict Ralph Holmes Boring , Hershey Linda Ann
Published: August 2018

Background:

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), postural instability-gait disorder (PIGD) has been associated with more rapid cognitive decline, dementia, and greater non-motor symptom (NMS) burden.

Objective:

To assess the importance of balance-gait disorder, relative to and in combination with other clinical measures, as a risk factor for cognitive impairment, dementia and NMS burden in PD.

Methods:

164 PD subjects were evaluated in a retrospective cross-sectional study using the MDS-UPDRS scale, MMSE and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale. Using univariate comparisons followed by multiple stepwise regression, we identified factors most closely associated with NMS burden and concurrent dementia. Nominal logistic regression and linear discriminant analysis was used to compute receiver operating characteristic curves and to measure sensitivity and specificity of predictors of dementia.

Results:

Dementia was more frequent in those with the PIGD phenotype ( χ2 = 11.49, p = 0.003). The MDS-UPDRS balance-gait measure, excluding freezing of gait, was the single best predictor not only of concurrent cognitive impairment and dementia (F = 37.16, p < 0.001) but also of NMS burden, predicting 29% of the MDS-UPDRS total non-motor experiences of daily living score (F = 67.14, p < 0.0001). This measure, together with combined severity of hallucinations/psychosis, daytime sleepiness and urinary problems, a closely correlated symptom cluster (r = 0.63 p < 0.0001), accurately classified 84% of patients with dementia.

Conclusions:

In PD, balance-gait impairment is closely associated with dementia and NMS burden, particularly the linked symptoms of cognitive impairment, psychosis, daytime sleepiness and urinary dysfunction. This phenotype characterizes patients likely to require closer surveillance and more comprehensive care. Confirmation of these findings in prospective longitudinal studies might help refine predictive algorithms designed to identify PD patients more likely to progress from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
Cardiovascular Activities of an Ayurvedic Preparation Amalaki Rasayan in Rat Model
Authors: Sharif Md Taimuzzaman , Jahan Shahana , Nahar Kamrun , Rahman Most Shammi , Shajjad Md Musfequr Rahman , Chowdhury Abu Asad , Rashid Mohammad A , Amran Mohammad Shah
Published: August 2018

The importance of traditional or alternative medicines including Ayurvedic drugs are increasing day by day because of their necessary pharmacological actions and fewer side effects. Previous investigators showed hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Amla which is the active ingredient of Amalaki Rasayan. It is an ayurvedic formulation that contains extracts of Phyllanthus emblica plant. Therefore, this study has been conducted to investigate the scientific evidence of its cardioprotective effects in rats by recording electrocardiographic tracings. Rats, of either sex, were treated with preparation containing extracts of Phyllanthus emblica in doses 800 μg/kg bodyweight, 1600 μg/kg body weight and 3200 μg/kg body weight through intraperitoneal route. Electrocardiogram along with heart rate and other parameters were measuredin rat model before and after administration of Amalaki Rasayan. It was evident that Amalaki Rasayan, at a dose of 800 μg/kg, was safe but 1600 μg/kg and 3200 μg/kg produced abnormal activities in the heart. It can be inferred from the study that, the ayurvedic preparation Amalaki Rasayan possesses significant cardioprotective effectBangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 157-164, 2017
Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities of Crude Ethyl Acetate Extract of Streptomyces sp. FEAI-1 Isolated From Soil Samples of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Most Farida , Haque Md Uzzal , Islam Md Anwar Ul
Published: August 2018

The present study was aimed to isolate and investigate actinomycetes having antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities from soil samples of Mirzapur, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Total 27 bacteria were isolated and initial screening found that Streptomyces species have low to moderate antagonistic property against various pathogenic bacteria and among them EFAI-1was quite interesting. The antimicrobial activity of crude ethyl acetate extract obtained from EFAI-1was determined using broth-dilution method against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei and Salmonella typhi. The crude extract was almost equally active against both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria. The highest zone of inhibition was found 21 mm at a concentration of 100 μg/disc against Salmonella typhi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the crude extract against the test bacteria were in the range of 15.6-125 μg/ml and 62.5-250μg/ml, respectively. We found that the LC50 value of the crude extract was only 0.13 μg/ml against brine-shrimp nauplii indicating its potent cytotoxic nature. Our results indicate that this bacterium would be an excellent source of potent antibiotic and anticancer drugs.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(2): 188-193, 2017
Basal Forebrain Volume, but Not Hippocampal Volume, Is a Predictor of Global Cognitive Decline in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease Treated With Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Teipel Stefan J. , Cavedo Enrica , Hampel Harald , Grothe Michel J. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative,   Alzheimer Precision Medicine Initiative (APMI)
Published: August 2018

Background: Predicting the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for treatment selection and patient counseling. Structural MRI markers such as hippocampus or basal forebrain volumes might represent useful instruments for the prediction of cognitive decline. The primary objective was to determine the predictive value of hippocampus and basal forebrain volumes for global and domain specific cognitive decline in AD dementia during cholinergic treatment.

Methods: We used MRI and cognitive data from 124 patients with the clinical diagnosis of AD dementia, derived from the ADNI-1 cohort, who were on standard of care cholinesterase inhibitor treatment during a follow-up period between 0.4 and 3.1 years. We used linear mixed effects models with cognitive function as outcome to assess the main effects as well as two-way interactions between baseline volumes and time controlling for age, sex, and total intracranial volume. This model accounts for individual variation in follow-up times.

Results: Basal forebrain volume, but not hippocampus volume, was a significant predictor of rates of global cognitive decline. Larger volumes were associated with smaller rates of cognitive decline. Left hippocampus volume had a modest association with rates of episodic memory decline. Baseline performance in global cognition and memory was significantly associated with hippocampus and basal forebrain volumes; in addition, basal forebrain volume was associated with baseline performance in executive function.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that in AD dementia patients, basal forebrain volume may be a useful marker to predict subsequent cognitive decline during cholinergic treatment.
Plant Desiccation Tolerance and its Regulation in the Foliage of Resurrection “Flowering-Plant” Species
Authors: Blomstedt Cecilia , Griffiths Cara , Gaff Donald , Hamill John , Neale Alan
Published: August 2018

The majority of flowering-plant species can survive complete air-dryness in their seed and/or pollen. Relatively few species (‘resurrection plants’) express this desiccation tolerance in their foliage. Knowledge of the regulation of desiccation tolerance in resurrection plant foliage is reviewed. Elucidation of the regulatory mechanism in resurrection grasses may lead to identification of genes that can improve stress tolerance and yield of major crop species. Well-hydrated leaves of resurrection plants are desiccation-sensitive and the leaves become desiccation tolerant as they are drying. Such drought-induction of desiccation tolerance involves changes in gene-expression causing extensive changes in the complement of proteins and the transition to a highly-stable quiescent state lasting months to years. These changes in gene-expression are regulated by several interacting phytohormones, of which drought-induced abscisic acid (ABA) is particularly important in some species. Treatment with only ABA induces desiccation tolerance in vegetative tissue of Borya constricta Churchill. and Craterostigma plantagineum Hochstetter. but not in the resurrection grass Sporobolus stapfianus Gandoger. Suppression of drought-induced senescence is also important for survival of drying. Further research is needed on the triggering of the induction of desiccation tolerance, on the transition between phases of protein synthesis and on the role of the phytohormone, strigolactone and other potential xylem-messengers during drying and rehydration.
Where Did They Come from—Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogenic Escherichia coli in a Cemetery Environment?
Authors: Abia Akebe Luther King , Ubomba-Jaswa Eunice , Schmidt Chantelle , Dippenaar Matthys Alois
Published: August 2018

Human burial in cemeteries facilitates the decomposition of corpses without posing a public health danger. However, the role of cemeteries as potential environmental reservoirs of drug-resistant pathogens has not been studied. Thus, we investigated cemeteries as potential environmental reservoirs of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogenic Escherichia coli. E. coli isolates were obtained from water samples (collected from surface water bodies and boreholes in three cemeteries) after isolation using the Colilert® 18 system. Pathogenic potentials of the isolates were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reactions targeting seven virulence genes (VGs) pertaining to six E. coli pathotypes. The resistance of isolates to eight antibiotics was tested using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The mean E. coli concentrations varied from <1 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL to 2419.6 MPN/100 mL with 48% of 100 isolates being positive for at least one of the VGs tested. Furthermore, 87% of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested, while 72% of the isolates displayed multi-drug resistance. Half of the MDR isolates harboured a VG. These results suggest that cemeteries are potential reservoirs of MDR pathogenic E. coli, originating from surrounding informal settlements, which could contaminate groundwater if the cemeteries are in areas with shallow aquifers.
Numerical Research on the Mixture Mechanism of Polluted and Fresh Air at the Staggered Tunnel Portals
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Tianhang , Zhu Kai , Huang Zhiyi , Wu Ke
Published: August 2018

In longitudinal ventilation, circulating air is formed in portals for closely spaced twin tunnels, which causes mixing between the polluted air exhausted from one tunnel and the fresh air flow of another tunnel, thus leading to the rising costs of ventilation system construction and operation. In this study, for the closely spaced tunnel with staggered inlet and outlet, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation method was adopted to reveal flow characteristics of the circulating air as well as variation rules of the circulating air mixing ratio φc with tunnel structure and operation parameters. Results show that both reducing inlet air velocity and increasing outlet air velocity and lateral distance can reduce the impact of the negative-pressure zone at the tunnel entrance on the jet flow structure at the tunnel exit, thus weakening the circulating air. When the inlet is placed behind or aligned with the outlet (staggered distance ∆l ≤ 0), φc will increase linearly along with the increase of staggered distance; when the inlet is placed before the outlet (∆l > 0), φc will first increase and then decrease with the increase of staggered distance. An expression to predict circulating air mixing ratio was created by sections. The predictions show a good correlation with the measurements and indicate that the front slope gradient of the tunnel portal is also one of the factors affecting the circulating air mixing ratio.
Detection of Gas-Solid Two-Phase Flow Based on CFD and Capacitance Method
Authors: Zhou Wanting , Jiang Yue , Liu Shi , Zhao Qing , Long Teng , Li Zhixiong
Published: August 2018

Multiphase flow in annular channels is complex, particularly in the region where the flow direction abruptly changes between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, as the cases in horizontal drilling and pneumatic conveying. Simplified models and experience are still the main sources of information. First, to understand the process more deeply, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) package Fluent is used to simulate the gas-solid flow in the horizontal and the inclined section of an annular pipe. Discrete Phase Model (DPM) is adopted to calculate the trajectories of solid particles of different sizes at different air velocities. Also, the Two-Fluid model is used to simulate the sand flow in the inclined section for the case of air flow stoppage, for which an experiment is also conducted to verify the CFD simulation. Simulation results reveal the behaviour of the solid particles showing the dispersed spatial distribution of small particles near the entrance. On the other hand, larger particles manifest a distinct sedimented flow pattern along the bottom of the pipe. The density distribution of the particles over a pipe cross section is demonstrated at a variety of air velocities. The results also show that the large airspeed tends to generate swirls near the outlet of the inner pipe. In addition, Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) technology is used to reconstruct the spatial distribution of particles, and the cross-correlation algorithm to detect velocity. Both the distribution and the velocity measurement by electric sensors agree reasonably well with the CFD predictions. The details revealed by CFD simulation and the mutual-verification between CFD simulation and the ECT method of this study could be valuable for the industry in drilling process control and equipment development.
Spatial Modelling of Gully Erosion Using GIS and R Programing: A Comparison among Three Data Mining Algorithms
Authors: Arabameri Alireza , Pradhan Biswajeet , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Rezaei Khalil , Kerle Norman
Published: August 2018

Gully erosion triggers land degradation and restricts the use of land. This study assesses the spatial relationship between gully erosion (GE) and geo-environmental variables (GEVs) using Weights-of-Evidence (WoE) Bayes theory, and then applies three data mining methods—Random Forest (RF), boosted regression tree (BRT), and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS)—for gully erosion susceptibility mapping (GESM) in the Shahroud watershed, Iran. Gully locations were identified by extensive field surveys, and a total of 172 GE locations were mapped. Twelve gully-related GEVs: Elevation, slope degree, slope aspect, plan curvature, convergence index, topographic wetness index (TWI), lithology, land use/land cover (LU/LC), distance from rivers, distance from roads, drainage density, and NDVI were selected to model GE. The results of variables importance by RF and BRT models indicated that distance from road, elevation, and lithology had the highest effect on GE occurrence. The area under the curve (AUC) and seed cell area index (SCAI) methods were used to validate the three GE maps. The results showed that AUC for the three models varies from 0.911 to 0.927, whereas the RF model had a prediction accuracy of 0.927 as per SCAI values, when compared to the other models. The findings will be of help for planning and developing the studied region.
Development of MoSe2 Nano-Urchins as a Sensing Platform for a Selective Bio-Capturing of Escherichia coli Shiga Toxin DNA
Authors: Narang Jagriti , Mishra Annu , Pilloton Roberto , VV Alekhya , Wadhwa Shikha , Pundir Chandra Shekhar , Khanuja Manika
Published: August 2018

The present study was aimed to develop “fluorine doped” tin oxide glass electrode with a MoSe2 nano-urchin based electrochemical biosensor for detection of Escherichia coli Shiga toxin DNA. The study comprises two conductive electrodes, and the working electrodes were drop deposited using MoSe2 nano-urchin, and DNA sequences specific to Shiga toxin Escherichia coli. Morphological characterizations were performed using Fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometer; X-ray diffraction technique and scanning electron microscopy. All measurements were done using methylene blue as an electrochemical indicator. The proposed electrochemical geno-sensor showed good linear detection range of 1 fM–100 µM with a low detection limit of 1 fM where the current response increased linearly with Escherichia coli Shiga toxin dsDNA concentration with R2 = 0.99. Additionally, the real sample was spiked with the dsDNA that shows insignificant interference. The results revealed that the developed sensing platform significantly improved the sensitivity and can provide a promising platform for effective detection of biomolecules using minute samples due to its stability and sensitivity.
Ru-(Mn-M)OX Solid Base Catalysts for the Upgrading of Xylitol to Glycols in Water
Authors: Rivière Maxime , Perret Noémie , Delcroix Damien , Cabiac Amandine , Pinel Catherine , Besson Michèle
Published: August 2018

A series of Ru-(Mn-M)OX catalysts (M: Al, Ti, Zr, Zn) prepared by co-precipitation were investigated in the hydrogenolysis of xylitol in water to ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol at 200 °C and 60 bar of H2. The catalyst promoted with Al, Ru-(Mn-Al)OX, showed superior activity (57 h−1) and a high global selectivity to glycols and glycerol of 58% at 80% xylitol conversion. In comparison, the catalyst prepared by loading Ru on (Mn-Al)OX, Ru/(Mn-Al)OX was more active (111 h−1) but less selective (37%) than Ru-(Mn-Al)OX. Characterization of these catalysts by XRD, BET, CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD and TEM showed that Ru/(Mn-Al)OX contained highly dispersed and uniformly distributed Ru particles and fewer basic sites, which favored decarbonylation, epimerization and cascade decarbonylation reactions instead of retro-aldol reactions producing glycols. The hydrothermal stability of Ru-(Mn-Al)OX was improved by decreasing the xylitol/catalyst ratio, which decreased the formation of carboxylic acids and enabled recycling of the catalyst, with a very low deactivation.
Growth of WS2 flakes on Ti3C2Tx Mxene Using Vapor Transportation Routine
Authors: Su Weitao , Wang Shenguang , Fu Li , Chen Fei , Song Kaixin , Huang Xiwei , Yang Li
Published: August 2018

Two-dimensional dichalcogenides (TMDs) and mxene junctions had been predicted to possess distinct tunable electronic properties. However, direct synthesis of WS2 on Ti3C2Tx mxene is still challenging. Herein, we successfully deposited WS2 onto the surface of Ti3C2Tx mxene by employing the vapor transportation (VT) routine. By modulating pressure and source-sample distance, multilayer and monolayer (1 L) WS2 flakes were deposited onto the lateral side and top surface of Ti3C2Tx flakes. The 1 L WS2 flakes growing on lateral side of Ti3C2Tx flake have much higher photoluminescence (PL) intensity than 1 L flakes growing on the top surface. Our study has the potential to benefit the design and preparation of novel electronic and electrochemical devices based on TMDs/mxene junctions.
Metal–Organic Framework Hybrid Materials and Their Applications
Authors: Sosa Joshua D. , Bennett Timothy F. , Nelms Katherine J. , Liu Brandon M. , Tovar Roberto C. , Liu Yangyang
Published: August 2018

The inherent porous nature and facile tunability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) make them ideal candidates for use in multiple fields. MOF hybrid materials are derived from existing MOFs hybridized with other materials or small molecules using a variety of techniques. This led to superior performance of the new materials by combining the advantages of MOF components and others. In this review, we discuss several hybridization methods for the preparation of various MOF hybrids with representative examples from the literature. These methods include covalent modifications, noncovalent modifications, and using MOFs as templates or precursors. We also review the applications of the MOF hybrids in the fields of catalysis, drug delivery, gas storage and separation, energy storage, sensing, and others.
Self-Compensated Driving Circuit for Reducing Drift and Hysteresis in Force Sensing Resistors
Authors: Paredes-Madrid Leonel , Fonseca Johanna , Matute Arnaldo , Gutiérrez Velásquez Elkin I. , Palacio Carlos A.
Published: August 2018

Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) are manufactured from a blend of conductive nanoparticles dispersed in an insulating polymer matrix. FSRs exhibit large amounts of hysteresis and drift error, but currently, a great effort is placed on improving their performance through different techniques applied during sensor manufacturing. In this article, a novel technique for improving the performance of FSRs is presented; the method can be applied to already-manufactured sensors, which is a clear benefit of the proposed procedure. The method is based on driving the sensors with a modified-astable 555 oscillator, in which the oscillation frequency is set from the sensor’s capacitance and resistance. Considering that the sensor’s capacitance and resistance have opposite signs in the drift characteristic, the driving circuit provides self-compensated force measurements over extended periods of time. The feasibility of the driving circuit to reduce hysteresis and to avoid sensitivity degradation is also tested. In order to obtain representative results, the experimental measurements from this study were performed over eight FlexiForce A201-25 sensors.
Resource Use Efficiency as a Climate Smart Approach: Case of Smallholder Maize Farmers in Nyando, Kenya
Authors: Salat Mohamud , Swallow Brent
Published: August 2018

To simultaneously enhance agricultural productivity and lower negative impacts on the environment, food systems need to be much more efficient in using resources such as land, water, and fertilizer. This study examines resource use efficiency of maize production among smallholder farmers in Nyando, Kenya. The main objective is to assess the degree of technical efficiency of smallholder farmers and identify the impact of so-called “climate smart practices” on technical efficiency. The method of Stochastic Frontier Analysis is used to simultaneously estimate a stochastic production frontier and a technical inefficiency effect model. Data for 324 subplots farmed by 170 households were available for this analysis. The study reveals that maize production in Nyando is associated with mean technical efficiency of 45% and that soil conservation practices such as residue management, legume intercropping, and improved varieties significantly increase farmers’ technical efficiency. Soil carbon is found to be a critical factor of production. These results imply that there is potential to more than double production using the same resources and that soil conservation practices can be very “climate smart,” at once increasing soil carbon, production, climate resilience, and technical efficiency.
Pervasive Modulation of Obesity Risk by the Environment and Genomic Background
Authors: Nagpal Sini , Gibson Greg , Marigorta Urko M.
Published: August 2018

The prevalence of the so-called diseases of affluence, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, has increased dramatically in the last two generations. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered hundreds of genes involved in disease etiology, the sudden increase in disease incidence suggests a major role for environmental risk factors. Obesity constitutes a case example of a modern trait shaped by contemporary environment, although with considerable debates about the extent to which gene-by-environment (G×E) interactions accentuate obesity risk in individuals following obesogenic lifestyles. Although interaction effects have been robustly confirmed at the FTO locus, accumulating evidence at the genome-wide level implicates a role for polygenic risk-by-environment interactions. Through a variety of analyses using the UK Biobank, we confirm that the genomic background plays a major role in shaping the expressivity of alleles that increase body mass index (BMI).
Fluvial Geomorphology, Root Distribution, and Tensile Strength of the Invasive Giant Reed, Arundo Donax and Its Role on Stream Bank Stability in the Santa Clara River, Southern California
Authors: Stover Jiana E. , Keller Edward A. , Dudley Tom L. , Langendoen Eddy J.
Published: August 2018

Arundo donax (giant reed) is a large, perennial grass that invades semi-arid riparian systems where it competes with native vegetation and modifies channel geomorphology. For the Santa Clara River, CA, changes in channel width and intensity of braiding over several decades are linked in part to high flow events that remove A. donax. Nevertheless, the area of A. donax at the two study sites increased fivefold over a period of 28 years at one site and fourfold over 15 years at the second site. Effects of A. donax on bank stability are compared to those of a common native riparian tree—Salix laevigata (red willow)—at two sites on the banks and floodplain of the Santa Clara River. There is a significant difference of root density of A. donax compared to S. laevigata and the latter has a higher number of roots per unit area at nearly all depths of the soil profile. Tensile root strength for S. laevigata (for roots of 1–6 mm in diameter) is about five times stronger than for A. donax and adds twice the apparent cohesion to weakly cohesive bank materials than does A. donax (8.6 kPa compared to 3.3 kPa, respectively). Modeling of bank stability for banks of variable height suggests that S. laevigata, as compared to A. donax, increases the factor of safety (FS) by ~60% for banks 1 m high, ~55% for banks 2 m high and ~40% for banks 3 m high. For 3 m high banks, the FS for banks with A. donax is <1. This has geomorphic significance because, in the case of A. donax growing near the water line of alluvial banks, the upper 10–20 cm has a hard, resistant near-surface layer overlying more erodible banks just below the near-surface rhizomal layer. Such banks may be easily undercut during high flow events, resulting in overhanging blocks of soil and A. donax that slump and collapse into the active channel, facilitating lateral bank erosion. Therefore, there is a decrease in the lateral stability of channels if the mixed riparian forest is converted to dominance by A. donax.
Continuous Modeling of the Mkurumudzi River Catchment in Kenya Using the HEC-HMS Conceptual Model: Calibration, Validation, Model Performance Evaluation and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Ouédraogo Wendso Awa Agathe , Raude James Messo , Gathenya John Mwangi
Published: August 2018

The Mkurumudzi River originates in the Shimba hills and runs through Kwale County on the Kenyan Coast. Study on this river has been informed by the many economic activities that the river supports, which include sugarcane plantations, mining, tourism and subsistence farming. The main objective of this study was to use the soil moisture accounting (SMA) model specified in the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) settings for the continuous modeling of stream flow in the Mkurumudzi catchment. Data from past years were compared with observed stream flow data in order to evaluate whether the model can be used for further prediction. The calibration was performed using data from 1988 to 1991 and validation for the period from 1992 to 1995 at a daily time step. The model performance was evaluated based on computed statistical parameters and visual checking of plotted hydrographs. For the calibration period of the continuous modeling, the performance of the model was very good, with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.80, Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency NSE = 0.80, index of agreement d = 0.94, and a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE)/observations’ standard deviation ratio—RSR = 0.46. Similarly, the continuous model performance for the validation period was good, with R2 = 0.67, NSE = 0.65, RSR = 0.62 and d = 0.88. Based on these performance results, the SMA model in the HEC-HMS was found to give a satisfactory prediction of stream flow in the Mkurumudzi Catchment. The sensitivity analysis of the model parameters was performed, and the different parameters were ranked according to their sensitivity in terms of percent change in simulated runoff volume, peaks, Nash-Efficiency, seven-day low flow and base flow index. Sensitivity analysis helped to understand the relationships between the key model parameters and the variables.
Omics Approaches for Engineering Wheat Production under Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Shah Tariq , Xu Jinsong , Zou Xiling , Cheng Yong , Nasir Mubasher , Zhang Xuekun
Published: August 2018

Abiotic stresses greatly influenced wheat productivity executed by environmental factors such as drought, salt, water submergence and heavy metals. The effective management at the molecular level is mandatory for a thorough understanding of plant response to abiotic stress. Understanding the molecular mechanism of stress tolerance is complex and requires information at the omic level. In the areas of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics enormous progress has been made in the omics field. The rising field of ionomics is also being utilized for examining abiotic stress resilience in wheat. Omic approaches produce a huge amount of data and sufficient developments in computational tools have been accomplished for efficient analysis. However, the integration of omic-scale information to address complex genetics and physiological questions is still a challenge. Though, the incorporation of omic-scale data to address complex genetic qualities and physiological inquiries is as yet a challenge. In this review, we have reported advances in omic tools in the perspective of conventional and present day approaches being utilized to dismember abiotic stress tolerance in wheat. Attention was given to methodologies, for example, quantitative trait loci (QTL), genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic selection (GS). Comparative genomics and candidate genes methodologies are additionally talked about considering the identification of potential genomic loci, genes and biochemical pathways engaged with stress resilience in wheat. This review additionally gives an extensive list of accessible online omic assets for wheat and its effective use. We have additionally addressed the significance of genomics in the integrated approach and perceived high-throughput multi-dimensional phenotyping as a significant restricting component for the enhancement of abiotic stress resistance in wheat.
Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of Two Tomato Genotypes in Response to Potassium-Deficiency Stress
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Liu Yang , Liu Xin , Jiang Jing
Published: August 2018

Tomato is a crop that requires a sufficient supply of potassium (K) for optimal productivity and quality. K+-deficiency stress decreases tomato yield and quality. To further delve into the mechanism of the response to K+-deficiency and to screen out low-K+ tolerant genes in tomatoes, BGISEQ-500-based RNA sequencing was performed using two tomato genotypes (low-K+ tolerant JZ34 and low-K+ sensitive JZ18). We identified 1936 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in JZ18 and JZ34 at 12 and 24 h after K+-deficiency treatment. According to the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, the DEGs that changed significantly primarily included transcription factors, transporters, kinases, oxidative stress proteins, and hormone signaling-and glycometabolism-related genes. The experimental results confirmed the induced expression of the responsive genes in the low-K+ signaling pathway. The largest group of DEGs comprised up to 110 oxidative stress-related genes. In total, 19 ethylene response factors (ERFs) demonstrated differential expression between JZ18 and JZ34 in response to K+-deficiency. Furthermore, we confirmed 20 DEGs closely related to K+-deficiency stress by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), some of which affected the root configuration, these DEGs could be further studied for use as molecular targets to explore novel approaches, and to acquire more effective K acquisition efficiencies for tomatoes. A hypothesis involving possible cross-talk between phytohormone signaling cues and reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to root growth in JZ34 is proposed. The results provide a comprehensive foundation for the molecular mechanisms involved in the response of tomatoes to low K+ stress.
Seed-Specific Gene MOTHER of FT and TFL1 (MFT) Involved in Embryogenesis, Hormones and Stress Responses in Dimocarpus longan Lour.
Authors: Chen Yukun , Xu Xiaoping , Chen Xiaohui , Chen Yan , Zhang Zihao , Xuhan Xu , Lin Yuling , Lai Zhongxiong
Published: August 2018

Mother of FT and TFL1 (MFT) belongs to phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) family, which plays an important role in flowering time regulation, seed development, and germination. To gain insight into the molecular function of DlMFT in Dimocarpus longan Lour., we isolated DlMFT and its promoter sequence from longan embryogenic callus (EC). Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the promoter contained multiphytohormones and light responsive regulatory elements. Subcellular localization showed that the given the DlMFT signal localized in the nucleus, expression profiling implied that DlMFT showed significant upregulation during somatic embryogenesis (SE) and zygotic embryogenesis (ZE), and particular highly expressed in late or maturation stages. The accumulation of DlMFT was mainly detected in mature fruit and seed, while it was undetected in abortive seeds, and notably decreased during seed germination. DlMFT responded differentially to exogenous hormones in longan EC. Auxins, salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJa) suppressed its expression, however, abscisic acid (ABA), brassinosteroids (BR) showed the opposite function. Meanwhile, DlMFT differentially responded to various abiotic stresses. Our study revealed that DlMFT might be a key regulator of longan somatic and zygotic embryo development, and in seed germination, it is involved in complex plant hormones and abiotic stress signaling pathways.
Sleeping Beauties: Horizontal Transmission via Resting Spores of Species in the Entomophthoromycotina
Authors: Hajek Ann E. , Steinkraus Donald C. , Castrillo Louela A.
Published: August 2018

Many of the almost 300 species of arthropod-pathogenic fungi in the Entomophthoromycotina (Zoopagomycota) are known for being quite host-specific and are able to cause epizootics. Most species produce two main types of spores, conidia and resting spores. Here, we present a review of the epizootiology of species of Entomophthoromycotina, focusing on their resting spores, and how this stage leads to horizontal transmission and persistence. Cadavers in which resting spores are produced can often be found in different locations than cadavers of the same host producing conidia. Resting spores generally are dormant directly after production and require specific conditions for germination. Fungal reproduction resulting from infections initiated by Entomophaga maimaiga resting spores can differ from reproduction resulting from conidial infections, although we do not know how commonly this occurs. Reservoirs of resting spores can germinate for variable lengths of time, including up to several months, providing primary infections to initiate secondary cycling based on conidial infections, and not all resting spores germinate every year. Molecular methods have been developed to improve environmental quantification of resting spores, which can exist at high titers after epizootics. Ecological studies of biological communities have demonstrated that this source of these spores providing primary inoculum in the environment can decrease not only because of germination, but also because of the activity of mycopathogens.
Understanding the Thickness Effect on the Tensile Strength Property of Dyneema®HB26 Laminates
Authors: Iannucci Lorenzo , Del Rosso Stefano , Curtis Paul T. , Pope Dan J. , Duke Phillip W.
Published: August 2018

In this study, an experimental and numerical investigation is presented on the effect of thickness and test rate within the pseudo static regime on the tensile properties of Dyneema®HB26 laminates. A detailed experimental presentation on the tensile testing of different thickness is presented and highlights the commonly seen observation that the tensile strength of a laminate reduces as a function of the specimen thickness. To understand these experimental observations, a constitutive material model of the individual macro fibril is developed and applied to modelling the fibre and upscaling to the laminate. The modelling strategy is implemented into ls-dyna and used to perform a parameter study on the specimen geometries used in the experimental study. The model assumes that the fibril strength is a function of the amorphous volume within the fibre and hence fibril. It can be observed that the experimental behaviour can be simulated by modelling the interface between laminate plies and the fibril, and hence fibre failure. The weak interfaces from the fibril to the laminate scale make the testing of fibres and laminates very difficult. Hence, it is proposed that the intrinsic fibril strength should be used as a measure of strength, and the fundamental strength is determined through numerical studies.
Model for the Correlation between Anodic Dissolution Resistance and Crystallographic Texture in Pipeline Steels
Authors: Madrigal-Cano Manuel , Hernández-Maya Luis , Hallen José Manuel , Corrales-Luna Mónica , Arce-Estrada Elsa Miriam , Le Manh Tu
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a novel physical–mathematical model to describe the relationship between the crystallographic texture and corrosion behavior of American petroleum institute (API) 5L steels. Symmetric spherical harmonic functions were used to estimate the material’s corrosion resistance from crystallographic texture measurements. The predictions of the average corrosion resistance index made from the crystallographic texture were in good agreement with those obtained from potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements for the studied steels. This agreement validates the capacity of this model and opens the possibility of applying it as a novel criterion for materials selection and design stages to combat corrosion problems.
Hybrid Metal-Dielectric Nano-Aperture Antenna for Surface Enhanced Fluorescence
Authors: Lu Guowei , Xu Jianning , Wen Te , Zhang Weidong , Zhao Jingyi , Hu Aiqin , Barbillon Grégory , Gong Qihuang
Published: August 2018

A hybrid metal-dielectric nano-aperture antenna is proposed for surface-enhanced fluorescence applications. The nano-apertures that formed in the composite thin film consist of silicon and gold layers. These were numerically investigated in detail. The hybrid nano-aperture shows a more uniform field distribution within the apertures and a higher antenna quantum yield than pure gold nano-apertures. The spectral features of the hybrid nano-apertures are independent of the aperture size. This shows a high enhancement effect in the near-infrared region. The nano-apertures with a dielectric gap were then demonstrated theoretically for larger enhancement effects. The hybrid nano-aperture is fully adaptable to large-scale availability and reproducible fabrication. The hybrid antenna will improve the effectiveness of surface-enhanced fluorescence for applications, including sensitive biosensing and fluorescence analysis.
Perylenequione Derivatives with Anticancer Activities Isolated from the Marine Sponge-Derived Fungus, Alternaria sp. SCSIO41014
Authors: Pang Xiaoyan , Lin Xiuping , Wang Pei , Zhou Xuefeng , Yang Bin , Wang Junfeng , Liu Yonghong
Published: August 2018

Seven new secondary metabolites classified as two perylenequinone derivatives (1 and 2), an altenusin derivative (3), two phthalide racemates (4 and 5), and two phenol derivatives (6 and 7), along with twenty-one known compounds (8–28) were isolated from cultures of the sponge-derived fungus, Alternaria sp. SCSIO41014. The structures and absolute configurations of these new compounds (1–7) were determined by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray single crystal diffraction, chiral-phase HPLC separation, and comparison of ECD spectra to calculations. Altertoxin VII (1) is the first example possessing a novel 4,8-dihydroxy-substituted perylenequinone derivative, while the phenolic hydroxy groups have commonly always substituted at C-4 and C-9. Compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activities against human erythroleukemia (K562), human gastric carcinoma cells (SGC-7901), and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (BEL-7402) with IC50 values of 26.58 ± 0.80, 8.75 ± 0.13, and 13.11 ± 0.95 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 11 showed selectively cytotoxic activity against K562, with an IC50 value of 19.67 ± 0.19 μg/mL. Compound 25 displayed moderate inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus with an MIC value of 31.25 μg/mL.
A Review on Properties of Natural and Synthetic Based Electrospun Fibrous Materials for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Bhattarai Deval Prasad , Aguilar Ludwig Erik , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: August 2018

Bone tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field where the principles of engineering are applied on bone-related biochemical reactions. Scaffolds, cells, growth factors, and their interrelation in microenvironment are the major concerns in bone tissue engineering. Among many alternatives, electrospinning is a promising and versatile technique that is used to fabricate polymer fibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Copolymerization and polymer blending is a promising strategic way in purpose of getting synergistic and additive effect achieved from either polymer. In this review, we summarize the basic chemistry of bone, principle of electrospinning, and polymers that are used in bone tissue engineering. Particular attention will be given on biomechanical properties and biological activities of these electrospun fibers. This review will cover the fundamental basis of cell adhesion, differentiation, and proliferation of the electrospun fibers in bone tissue scaffolds. In the last section, we offer the current development and future perspectives on the use of electrospun mats in bone tissue engineering.