bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical abuse during pregnancy : an experience of 139 cases
Authors: Khan Nishat Farhana , Islam Nazrul , Chowdhury Farhana Masum , Asadullah Ishtiaq
Published: April 2015

Objective : To assess pattern and proportion of physical abuse during pregnancy in relation to socio demographic characteristics of abused women.Material & Methods : A descriptive type of cross sectional study was conducted in RADDA-MCH-FP Center, Mirpur-10, Dhaka during January to July 2011. A total of 139 pregnant women of reproductive age group (15-45) years who visited for antenatal check up were selected purposely. Data were collected through face to face interview using pretested structured questionnaire.Results : Socio demographic characteristics of respondents revealed that mean age 22.20 ± 39 years and husbands mean age 28.57 ± 5.39 years. Highest number of respondents education upto SSC level (49.6%). 74.8% were housewife; socio economic status was lower middle class, 18.7% had history of dowry. The proportion of physical abuse during pregnancy was 31.6%. Among them 15.83% had mixed type of abuse. Highly significant association was found with dowry (p 0.00) and planed pregnancy (p 0.006). A statistically significant association was found between respondents education level and physical abused (p<0.05) indicating respondents had low level of education increase physical abuse. A statistically significant association also found with residence (urban/slum) (p<0.05) and who had history of dowry (p<0.05).Conclusion : Physical abuse during pregnancy was mostly seen in the respondent who belongs to slum area and had low educational level. Therefore necessary step should be taken by health system as well as government to prevent physical abuse during pregnancy.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(1) 2013: 313-315
Myxoid cyst : a case report of rare skin disease
Authors: Rahaman Md Mahabubur , Siddique Md Rahamat Ullah , Islam Md Aminul
Published: April 2015

Digital myxoid cyst is a benign skin disease usually present as solitary or a few soft, translucent to slightly bluish nodule. Here, we report a case of 20 years old lady presented with a slowly growing asymptomatic cystic lesion on her right ring finger for about 9 months considering the rarity of myxoid cyst.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(1) 2013: 318-319
awareness about personal protective equipments and health problems among poultry workers
Authors: Das Shila Rani , Begum Nasreen , Biswas Chinmay , Hoq Md Nazmul , Hossain Jahangir
Published: April 2015

Background: Taking protective equipment is important for poultry workers as they are at risk of poultry hazard. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for preventing & controlling diseases experienced by poultry processing workers.Aims and Objectives: To assess the awareness about personal protective equipments and health problems among poultry workers.Method and materials: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted under the guidance of the Department of Community Medicine, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, from March to June 2006 on 100 poultry workers who were selected purposively from six poultry farms from the area of Gazipur districts. Informed consent was obtained and structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face to face interview. Data was edited, processed and analyzed both manually and used of SPSS version 10.Result: Mean age was 27.49% with SD ± 9.84 years, highest age range 59% was 20-30 years. Regarding level of education & economic status revealed that 43% were illiterate and 72% earned 2000-3000 taka monthly. 20% had highest work experience of 6-8 years. 82% of the respondents thought that personal protection is necessary during working in poultry. 79% of the respondents knew the name of PPE. But only 42% use PPE and 58% of the respondents did not use it. Among the user 16% use PPE regularly and 26% use PPE irregularly. Result showed significant association between education and knowledge of diseases of transmission (p<0.004). Observing health hazard 34.71% had respiratory problem 27.27% skin problem 23.14% eye problem. Significant association found between itching (skin problem) and use of PPE (p<0.004).Conclusion : Literate person had more knowledge about disease transmissions. The respondents who used PPE suffered less from health problems. For the safety of poultry workers advocacy arrangements of training program and formulation of guideline and regulations are important points to be considered.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(2) 2014: 336-338
Pneumothorax in Neonate
Authors: Hassan Mahmuda , Begum Marium , Haque SMZ , Jahan N , Mannan A , Rob AWS
Published: April 2015

Abstract not availableNorthern International Medical College Journal Vol.5(2) 2014: 357-359
Quercetin, a Flavonoid Antioxidant, Ameliorated Procarbazine-Induced Oxidative Damage to Murine Tissues
Authors: Olayinka Ebenezer , Ore Ayokanmi , Adeyemo Oluwatobi , Ola Olaniyi , Olotu Olaoluwa , Echebiri Roseline
Published: April 2015

Procarbazine (PCZ) (indicated in Hodgkin’s disease), is an alkylating agent known to generate free radicals in vivo, while Quercetin (QCT) is a flavonoid antioxidant with proven free radical scavenging capacity. This study investigated the protective effects of QCT on PCZ-induced oxidative damage in the rat. Male Wistar rats (160–180 g) were randomized into five groups (n = 5/group): I (control), II PCZ-treated (2 mg/kg body weight (bw) for seven days); III pre-treated with QCT (20 mg/kg bw) for seven days, followed by PCZ for seven days; IV co-treated with PCZ and QCT for seven days and V administered QCT alone for seven days. PCZ caused a significant increase in plasma total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine when compared with control (P < 0.05). Similarly, plasma activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) were significantly increased in the PCZ-treated group relative to control. Furthermore, PCZ caused a significant decrease in the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) as well as levels of ascorbic acid (AA) and glutathione (GSH). This was followed by a significant increase in hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, QCT pre-treatment and co-treatment ameliorated the PCZ-induced changes in plasma levels of urea, creatinine, and bilirubin as well as the activities of ALP, AST, ALT, and GGT. QCT also ameliorated hepatic AA and GSH levels and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GST. This all suggests that QCT protected against PCZ-induced oxidative damage in rats.
Oxidative Stress and Dietary Fat Type in Relation to Periodontal Disease
Authors: Varela-López Alfonso , Quiles José , Cordero Mario , Giampieri Francesca , Bullón Pedro
Published: April 2015

Oxidative stress is one of the main factors studied to explain the pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory conditions, such as periodontitis. In this respect, nutrition may be of great importance. Actually, research on nutrients’ effects on periodontal diseases has expanded to include those influencing the redox status, which correlates to the inflammatory process. Dietary fat or lipids are often blamed as the major source of excess energy. Consequently, when caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure, the resultant substrate-induced increase in citric acid cycle activity generates an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, dietary fatty acid intake influences in relative fatty acid composition of biological membranes determining its susceptibility to oxidative alterations. From this standpoint, here, we reviewed studies analyzing the dietary fat role in periodontal disease. Research data suggest that periodontal health could be achieved by main dietary strategies which include substitution of saturated fats with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly n-3 PUFA. Maybe in the future, we should analyze the diet and provide some advice to periodontitis patients to improve treatment outcomes.
Measuring Physical Neighborhood Quality Related to Health
Authors: Rollings Kimberly , Wells Nancy , Evans Gary
Published: April 2015

Although sociodemographic factors are one aspect of understanding the effects of neighborhood environments on health, equating neighborhood quality with socioeconomic status ignores the important role of physical neighborhood attributes. Prior work on neighborhood environments and health has relied primarily on level of socioeconomic disadvantage as the indicator of neighborhood quality without attention to physical neighborhood quality. A small but increasing number of studies have assessed neighborhood physical characteristics. Findings generally indicate that there is an association between living in deprived neighborhoods and poor health outcomes, but rigorous evidence linking specific physical neighborhood attributes to particular health outcomes is lacking. This paper discusses the methodological challenges and limitations of measuring physical neighborhood environments relevant to health and concludes with proposed directions for future work.
Pathologic Cellular Events in Smoking-Related Pancreatitis
Authors: Thrower Edwin
Published: April 2015

Pancreatitis, a debilitating inflammatory disorder, results from pancreatic injury. Alcohol abuse is the foremost cause, although cigarette smoking has recently surfaced as a distinct risk factor. The mechanisms by which cigarette smoke and its toxins initiate pathological cellular events leading to pancreatitis, have not been clearly defined. Although cigarette smoke is composed of more than 4000 compounds, it is mainly nicotine and the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), which have been extensively studied with respect to pancreatic diseases. This review summarizes these research findings and highlights cellular pathways which may be of relevance in initiation and progression of smoking-related pancreatitis.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Electroconducting Properties of a 1D Mixed-Valence Cu(I)–Cu(II) Coordination Polymer with a Dicyclohexyl Dithiocarbamate Ligand
Authors: Nakatani Kenji , Himoto Kento , Kono Yuki , Nakahashi Yuuki , Anma Haruho , Okubo Takashi , Maekawa Masahiko , Kuroda-Sowa Takayoshi
Published: April 2015

A new mixed-valence Cu(I)–Cu(II) 1D coordination polymer, [CuI4CuIIBr4(Cy2dtc)2]n, with an infinite chain structure is synthesized by the reaction of Cu(Cy2dtc)2 (Cy2dtc− = dicyclohexyl dithiocarbamate, C13H22NS2) with CuBr·S(CH3)2. The as-synthesized polymer consists of mononuclear copper(II) units of CuII(Cy2dtc)2 and tetranuclear copper(I) cluster units, CuI4Br4. In the cluster unit, all the CuI ions have distorted trigonal pyramidal coordination geometries, and the CuI–CuI or CuI–CuII distances between the nearest copper ions are shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii for Cu–Cu.
Estimation of State of Charge for Two Types of Lithium-Ion Batteries by Nonlinear Predictive Filter for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hua Yin , Xu Min , Li Mian , Ma Chengbin , Zhao Chen
Published: April 2015

Estimation of state of charge (SOC) is of great importance for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries used in electric vehicles. This paper presents a state of charge estimation method using nonlinear predictive filter (NPF) and evaluates the proposed method on the lithium-ion batteries with different chemistries. Contrary to most conventional filters which usually assume a zero mean white Gaussian process noise, the advantage of NPF is that the process noise in NPF is treated as an unknown model error and determined as a part of the solution without any prior assumption, and it can take any statistical distribution form, which improves the estimation accuracy. In consideration of the model accuracy and computational complexity, a first-order equivalent circuit model is applied to characterize the battery behavior. The experimental test is conducted on the LiCoO2 and LiFePO4 battery cells to validate the proposed method. The results show that the NPF method is able to accurately estimate the battery SOC and has good robust performance to the different initial states for both cells. Furthermore, the comparison study between NPF and well-established extended Kalman filter for battery SOC estimation indicates that the proposed NPF method has better estimation accuracy and converges faster.
Deciphering Corporate Governance and Environmental Commitments among Southeast Asian Transnationals: Uptake of Sustainability Certification
Authors: Roda Jean-Marc , Kamaruddin Norfaryanti , Tobias Rafael
Published: April 2015

Promoting tropical forest sustainability among corporate players is a major challenge. Many tools have been developed, but without much success. Southeast Asia has become a laboratory of globalization processes, where the development and success of agribusiness transnationals raises questions about their commitment to environmental concerns. An abundance of literature discusses what determines the behavior of Asian corporations, with a particular emphasis on cultural factors. Our hypothesis is that financial factors, such as ownership structure, may also have a fundamental role. We analyzed the audited accounts of four major Asian agribusiness transnationals. Using network analysis, we deciphered how the 931 companies relate to each other and determine the behavior of the transnationals to which they belong. We compared various metrics with the environmental commitment of these transnationals. We found that ownership structures reflect differences in flexibility, control and transaction costs, but not in ethnicities. Capital and its control, ownership structure, and flexibility explain 97% of the environmental behavior. It means that existing market-based tools to promote environmental sustainability do not engage transnationals at the scale where most of their behavior is determined. For the first time, the inner mechanisms of corporate governance are unraveled in agricultural and forest sustainability. New implications such as the convergence of environmental sustainability with family business sustainability emerged.
Improvement by Nanofibers of Load Transfer in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Vivet Alexandre , Leclerc Willy , Doudou Bessem , Chen Jun , Poilâne Christophe
Published: April 2015

This paper focuses on the load transfer improvement caused by nanofibers (NF) in carbon fiber reinforced composites. Load transfer is defined as the ability to transfer the mechanical loading between two adjacent fibers through the surrounding matrix. NF action is explored with a finite element model representing two carbon fibers separated by a layer of a NF reinforced matrix. It appears that the role of the NF network is to strengthen the matrix by increasing matrix shear rigidity, and thus to improve the load transfer between the carbon fibers. NF network morphology, defined by NF orientation, NF spatial distribution or NF diameter, governs the NF network efficiency.
A Method for the Preparation of Chicken Liver Pâté that Reliably Destroys Campylobacters
Authors: Hutchison Mike , Harrison Dawn , Richardson Ian , Tchórzewska Monika
Published: April 2015

This study devised a protocol for the manufacture of commercial quantities of chicken liver pâté that reliably destroyed campylobacters. A literature search identified 40 pâté manufacture recipes. Recipes stages with a potential to be antimicrobial were assembled to form a new protocol that included washing with organic acid, freeze-thaw and flambé in alcohol. Naturally-contaminated, high-risk livers were obtained from clearance flocks at slaughter and the effect of each stage of the protocol on Campylobacter populations was determined. Organic acid washing changed the color of the liver surfaces. However, there were no significant differences between liver surface color changes when a range of concentrations of lactic acid and ethanoic acid washes were compared by reflective spectrophotometry. A 5% (w/v) acid wash reduced numbers of indigenous campylobacters by around 1.5 log10 CFU/g for both acids. The use of a Bain Marie was found to more reproducibly apply heat compared with pan-frying. Antimicrobial recipe stages reduced the numbers of campylobacters, but not significantly if thermal processing was ineffective. Cooking to 63°C was confirmed to be a critical control point for campylobacters cooked in a Bain Marie. Organoleptic and sensory assessment of pâté determined an overall preference for pâté made from frozen livers.
Greek College Students and Psychopathology: New Insights
Authors: Kontoangelos Konstantinos , Tsiori Sofia , Koundi Kalliopi , Pappa Xenia , Sakkas Pavlos , Papageorgiou Charalambos
Published: April 2015

Background: College students’ mental health problems include depression, anxiety, panic disorders, phobias and obsessive compulsive thoughts. Aims: To investigate Greek college students’ psychopathology. Methods: During the initial evaluation, 638 college students were assessed through the following psychometric questionnaires: (a) Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ); (b) The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90); (c) The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); (d) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: State anxiety and trait anxiety were correlated, to a statistically significant degree, with the family status of the students (p = 0.024) and the past visits to the psychiatrist (p = 0.039) respectively. The subscale of psychoticism is significantly related with the students’ origin, school, family status and semester. The subscale of neuroticism is significantly related with the students’ school. The subscale of extraversion is significantly related with the students’ family psychiatric history. Students, whose place of origin is Attica, have on average higher scores in somatization, phobic anxiety and paranoid ideation than the other students. Students from abroad have, on average, higher scores in interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism than students who hail from other parts of Greece. The majority of the students (79.7%) do not suffer from depression, according to the Beck’s depression inventory scale. Conclusions: Anxiety, somatization, personality traits and depression are related with the students’ college life.
Beneficial Effect of Higher Dietary Fiber Intake on Plasma HDL-C and TC/HDL-C Ratio among Chinese Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers
Authors: Zhou Quan , Wu Jiang , Tang Jie , Wang Jia-Ji , Lu Chu-Hong , Wang Pei-Xi
Published: April 2015

Research has shown that high-dose supplemental dietary fiber intake has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. To clarify such a relationship, we examined the association between daily dietary fiber intake and plasma lipids using a cross-sectional design including 1034 (M 502, F 532) rural-to-urban workers in China. We found a dose-response relationship between increased dietary fiber intakes and increase of HDL cholesterol in male workers. There was also a dose-response relationship between increased dietary fiber intake and decreased total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio in both male and female workers, after adjusting for potential confounders (p for trend, all p < 0.05). When the average dietary fiber intake increased from less than 18 g/day to over 30 g/day, the average HDL cholesterol level increased by 10.1%, and the TC/HDL-C ratio decreased by 14.4% for males (p = 0.020) and by 11.1% for females (p = 0.048). In conclusion, higher daily dietary fiber consumption is associated with beneficial effect on cholesterol for rural-to-urban workers in China, suggesting its potential beneficial effect on decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Single-Stage Operation of Hybrid Dark-Photo Fermentation to Enhance Biohydrogen Production through Regulation of System Redox Condition: Evaluation with Real-Field Wastewater
Authors: Chandra Rashmi , Nikhil G. , Mohan S.
Published: April 2015

Harnessing hydrogen competently through wastewater treatment using a particular class of biocatalyst is indeed a challenging issue. Therefore, biohydrogen potential of real-field wastewater was evaluated by hybrid fermentative process in a single-stage process. The cumulative hydrogen production (CHP) was observed to be higher with distillery wastewater (271 mL) than with dairy wastewater (248 mL). Besides H2 production, the hybrid process was found to be effective in wastewater treatment. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was found higher in distillery wastewater (56%) than in dairy wastewater (45%). Co-culturing photo-bacterial flora assisted in removal of volatile fatty acids (VFA) wherein 63% in distillery wastewater and 68% in case of dairy wastewater. Voltammograms illustrated dominant reduction current and low cathodic Tafel slopes supported H2 production. Overall, the augmented dark-photo fermentation system (ADPFS) showed better performance than the control dark fermentation system (DFS). This kind of holistic approach is explicitly viable for practical scale-up operation.
Rationale for the Cytogenomics of Cardiovascular Malformations Consortium: A Phenotype Intensive Registry Based Approach
Authors: Hinton Robert , McBride Kim , Bleyl Steven , Bowles Neil , Border William , Garg Vidu , Smolarek Teresa , Lalani Seema , Ware Stephanie
Published: April 2015

Cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) are the most common birth defect, occurring in 1%–5% of all live births. Although the genetic contribution to CVMs is well recognized, the genetic causes of human CVMs are identified infrequently. In addition, a failure of systematic deep phenotyping of CVMs, resulting from the complexity and heterogeneity of malformations, has obscured genotype-phenotype correlations and contributed to a lack of understanding of disease mechanisms. To address these knowledge gaps, we have developed the Cytogenomics of Cardiovascular Malformations (CCVM) Consortium, a multi-site alliance of geneticists and cardiologists, contributing to a database registry of submicroscopic genetic copy number variants (CNVs) based on clinical chromosome microarray testing in individuals with CVMs using detailed classification schemes. Cardiac classification is performed using a modification to the National Birth Defects Prevention Study approach, and non-cardiac diagnoses are captured through ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. By combining a comprehensive approach to clinically relevant genetic analyses with precise phenotyping, the Consortium goal is to identify novel genomic regions that cause or increase susceptibility to CVMs and to correlate the findings with clinical phenotype. This registry will provide critical insights into genetic architecture, facilitate genotype-phenotype correlations, and provide a valuable resource for the medical community.
Relationship between Supplied Oil Flow Rates and Oil Film Thicknesses under Starved Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Maruyama Taisuke , Saitoh Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2015

Many studies have already considered starved lubrication. However, there have been no reports on the oil film thicknesses under steady starved EHL (elastohydrodynamic lubrication), where the ultra-low volume of oil supplied per unit time is uniform. The present study examined the relationship between the supplied oil flow rate and oil film thickness under steady starved lubrication. A ball-on-disk testing machine was used in experiments to measure the oil film thickness by means of optical interferometry. A microsyringe pump was used to accurately control the supplied oil flow rate. The supplied oil flow rate was kept constant, and the minimum oil film thickness was measured for 1 h after the start of the tests to determine the relationship between the supplied oil flow rate and oil film thickness.
Medium-Term Function of a 3D Printed TCP/HA Structure as a New Osteoconductive Scaffold for Vertical Bone Augmentation: A Simulation by BMP-2 Activation
Authors: Moussa Mira , Carrel Jean-Pierre , Scherrer Susanne , Cattani-Lorente Maria , Wiskott Anselm , Durual Stéphane
Published: April 2015

Introduction: A 3D-printed construct made of orthogonally layered strands of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite has recently become available. The material provides excellent osteoconductivity. We simulated a medium-term experiment in a sheep calvarial model by priming the blocks with BMP-2. Vertical bone growth/maturation and material resorption were evaluated. Materials and methods: Titanium hemispherical caps were filled with either bare- or BMP-2 primed constructs and placed onto the calvaria of adult sheep (n = 8). Histomorphometry was performed after 8 and 16 weeks. Results: After 8 weeks, relative to bare constructs, BMP-2 stimulation led to a two-fold increase in bone volume (Bare: 22% ± 2.1%; BMP-2 primed: 50% ± 3%) and a 3-fold decrease in substitute volume (Bare: 47% ± 5%; BMP-2 primed: 18% ± 2%). These rates were still observed at 16 weeks. The new bone grew and matured to a haversian-like structure while the substitute material resorbed via cell- and chemical-mediation. Conclusion: By priming the 3D construct with BMP-2, bone metabolism was physiologically accelerated, that is, enhancing vertical bone growth and maturation as well as material bioresorption. The scaffolding function of the block was maintained, leaving time for the bone to grow and mature to a haversian-like structure. In parallel, the material resorbed via cell-mediated and chemical processes. These promising results must be confirmed in clinical tests.
Low-Pressure H2, NH3 Microwave Plasma Treatment of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Powders: Chemical, Thermal and Wettability Analysis
Authors: Hunke Harald , Soin Navneet , Shah Tahir , Kramer Erich , Pascual Alfons , Karuna Mallampalli , Siores Elias
Published: April 2015

Functionalization of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powders of ~6 μm particle size is carried out using low-pressure 2.45 GHz H2, NH3 microwave plasmas for various durations (2.5, 10 h) to chemically modify their surface and alter their surface energy. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses reveal that plasma treatment leads to significant defluorination (F/C atomic ratio of 1.13 and 1.30 for 10 h NH3 and H2 plasma treatments, respectively vs. 1.86 for pristine PTFE), along with the incorporation of functional polar moieties on the surface, resulting in enhanced wettability. Analysis of temperature dependent XPS revealed a loss of surface moieties above 200 °C, however, the functional groups are not completely removable even at higher temperatures (>300 °C), thus enabling the use of plasma treated PTFE powders as potential tribological fillers in high temperature engineering polymers. Ageing studies carried over a period of 12 months revealed that while the surface changes degenerate over time, again, they are not completely reversible. These functionalised PTFE powders can be further used for applications into smart, high performance materials such as tribological fillers for engineering polymers and bio-medical, bio-material applications.
Special Issue: Single Molecule Techniques
Authors: Gorris Hans
Published: April 2015

Technological advances in the detection and manipulation of single molecules have enabled new insights into the function, structure and interactions of biomolecules. This Special Issue was launched to account for the rapid progress in the field of “Single Molecule Techniques”. Four original research articles and seven review articles provide an introduction, as well as an in-depth discussion, of technical developments that are indispensable for the characterization of individual biomolecules. Fluorescence microscopy takes center stage in this Special Issue because it is one of the most sensitive and flexible techniques, which has been adapted in many variations to the specific demands of single molecule analysis. Two additional articles are dedicated to single molecule detection based on atomic force microscopy.
Regulated Deficit Irrigation Alters Anthocyanins, Tannins and Sensory Properties of Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes and Wines
Authors: Casassa Luis , Keller Markus , Harbertson James
Published: April 2015

Four regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) regimes were applied to Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which were analyzed for phenolics and also made into wine over three consecutive growing seasons. Relative to an industry standard regime (IS), yield was reduced over the three years by 37% in a full-deficit (FD) regime and by 18% in an early deficit (ED) regime, whereas no yield reduction occurred with a late deficit (LD) regime. Relative to IS, skin anthocyanin concentration (fresh weight basis) was 18% and 24% higher in ED and FD, respectively, whereas no effect was seen in LD. Seed tannin concentration was 3% and 8% higher in ED and FD, respectively, relative to the other two RDI regimes, whereas seed tannin content (amount per berry) was higher in IS than in FD. There were no practically relevant effects on the basic chemistry of the wines. The finished wines showed concentrations of tannins and anthocyanins that generally mirrored observed differences in skin and seed phenolic concentrations, although these were amplified in FD wines. Descriptive sensory analysis of the 2008 wines showed that FD wines were the most saturated in color, with higher purple hue, roughness, dryness and harshness, followed by ED wines, whereas IS and LD wines were less saturated in color and with higher brown and red hues. Overall, FD and ED seemed to yield fruit and wine with greater concentrations of phenolics than IS and LD, with the additional advantage of reducing water usage. However, these apparent benefits need to be balanced out with reductions in crop yields and potential long-term effects associated with pre-véraison water deficits.
Dealloying of Cu-Based Metallic Glasses in Acidic Solutions: Products and Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Liu Jiangyun , Qin Chunling , Yu Hui , Xia Xingchuan , Wang Chaoyang , Zhang Yanshan , Hu Qingfeng , Zhao Weimin
Published: April 2015

Dealloying, a famous ancient etching technique, was used to produce nanoporous metals decades ago. With the development of dealloying techniques and theories, various interesting dealloying products including nanoporous metals/alloys, metal oxides and composites, which exhibit excellent catalytic, optical and sensing performance, have been developed in recent years. As a result, the research on dealloying products is of great importance for developing new materials with superior physical and chemical properties. In this paper, typical dealloying products from Cu-based metallic glasses after dealloying in hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid solutions are summarized. Several potential application fields of these dealloying products are discussed. A promising application of nanoporous Cu (NPC) and NPC-contained composites related to the energy storage field is introduced. It is expected that more promising dealloying products could be developed for practical energy storage applications.
Modeling the Influence of Diffusion-Controlled Reactions and Residual Termination and Deactivation on the Rate and Control of Bulk ATRP at High Conversions
Authors: Rabea Ali , Zhu Shiping
Published: April 2015

In high-conversion atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), all the reactions, such as radical termination, radical deactivation, dormant chain activation, monomer propagation, etc. could become diffusion controlled sooner or later, depending on relative diffusivities of the involved reacting species. These diffusion-controlled reactions directly affect the rate of polymerization and the control of polymer molecular weight. A model is developed to investigate the influence of diffusion-controlled reactions on the high conversion ATRP kinetics. Model simulation reveals that diffusion-controlled termination slightly increases the rate, but it is the diffusion-controlled deactivation that causes auto-acceleration in the rate (“gel effect”) and loss of control. At high conversions, radical chains are “trapped” because of high molecular weight. However, radical centers can still migrate through (1) radical deactivation–activation cycles and (2) monomer propagation, which introduce “residual termination” reactions. It is found that the “residual termination” does not have much influence on the polymerization kinetics. The migration of radical centers through propagation can however facilitate catalytic deactivation of radicals, which improves the control of polymer molecular weight to some extent. Dormant chain activation and monomer propagation also become diffusion controlled and finally stop the polymerization when the system approaches its glass state.
Remote Sensing Best Paper Award for the Year 2015
Authors: Thenkabail Prasad
Published: April 2015

As a follow-up to the Best Paper Award of 2014, recognizing the most outstanding papers in the area of remote sensing techniques, design and applications published in Remote Sensing, we are pleased to announce the Remote Sensing Best Paper Award for the year 2015. [...]
A Semi-Analytical Model for Remote Sensing Retrieval of Suspended Sediment Concentration in the Gulf of Bohai, China
Authors: Kong Jin-Ling , Sun Xiao-Ming , Wong David , Chen Yan , Yang Jing , Yan Ying , Wang Li-Xia
Published: April 2015

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most critical parameters in ocean ecological environment evaluation and it can be determined using ocean color remote sensing (RS). The purpose of this study is to develop a model that provides a reliable and sensitive evaluation of SSC retrieval using RS data. Data were acquired for and gathered from the Gulf of Bohai where SSC levels are relatively low with an average value below 30 mg·L−1. The study indicates that the most sensitive band to SSC levels in the study area is the NIR band of Landsat5 TM images. A quadratic polynomial semi-analytical model appears to be the best retrieval model based on the relationship between the inherent optical properties (IOPs) and apparent optical properties (AOPs) of water as described by the quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA). The model has a higher precision and effectiveness for SSC retrieval than data-driven statistical models, especially when SSC level is relatively high. The average relative error and the root mean square error (RMSE) are 12.32% and 4.53 mg·L−1, respectively, while the correlation coefficient between observed and estimated SSC by the model is 0.95. Using the proposed retrieval model and TM data, SSC levels of the entire study region in the Gulf of Bohai were estimated. These estimates can serve as the baseline for efficient monitoring of the ocean environment in the future.
Initiation and Dissemination of Organic Rice Cultivation in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Shiotsu Fumitaka , Sakagami Nobuo , Asagi Naomi , Suprapta Dewa , Agustiani Nurwulan , Nitta Youji , Komatsuzaki Masakazu
Published: April 2015

Organic farming has attracted attention in Indonesia because consumers increasingly prefer the putative safety and health benefits of organic farm products. Although national standards for organic farm products were established in 2002, some products sold as organic products in supermarkets do not carry the certification mark. This study investigated organic rice farming on the island of Bali in Indonesia using fieldwork to ascertain the actual increase in organic farming. Results revealed that government certified organic farming used originally produced cattle manure to grow organic rice. At the market, however, some “quasi-organic farming” products, which had not been given the organic farming certification, were sold as organic rice. This eventuality suggests that although organic farming has been increasing steadily in Bali, development of sustainable recycling agriculture demands technical guidance and increased publicity for organic farming, based on national certification, to address misunderstandings and confusion about the definitions of organic farming and national standards that are transparent to producers and consumers.
The New Global Urban Realm: Complex, Connected, Diffuse, and Diverse Social-Ecological Systems
Authors: McHale Melissa , Pickett Steward , Barbosa Olga , Bunn David , Cadenasso Mary , Childers Daniel , Gartin Meredith , Hess George , Iwaniec David , McPhearson Timon , Peterson M. , Poole Alexandria , Rivers Louie , Shutters Shade , Zhou Weiqi
Published: April 2015

Urbanization continues to be a transformative process globally, affecting ecosystem integrity and the health and well being of people around the world. Although cities tend to be centers for both the production and consumption of goods and services that degrade natural environments, there is also evidence that urban ecosystems can play a positive role in sustainability efforts. Despite the fact that most of the urbanization is now occurring in the developing countries of the Global South, much of what we know about urban ecosystems has been developed from studying cities in the United States and across Europe. We propose a conceptual framework to broaden the development of urban ecological research and its application to sustainability. Our framework describes four key contemporary urban features that should be accounted for in any attempt to build a unified theory of cities that contributes to urban sustainability efforts. We evaluated a range of examples from cities around the world, highlighting how urban areas are complex, connected, diffuse and diverse and what these interconnected features mean for the study of urban ecosystems and sustainability.
Inter-Korean Forest Cooperation 1998–2012: A Policy Arrangement Approach
Authors: Park Mi
Published: April 2015

Despite political obstacles, South and North Korea have a history of conducting cooperative forest activities. Since 1999, the two Koreas have taken part in implementing cooperative forest projects, including reforestation, construction of tree nurseries, and control of insect pests, to achieve sustainability of the forests on the Korean Peninsula. This paper analyzes South Korean policies for inter-Korean forest cooperation, using a policy arrangement approach (PAA) with four dimensions: discourse, actors, rules of the game, and power. Policy changes by three South Korean administrations are analyzed: that of Kim Dae Jung (1998–2002), Roh Moo Hyun (2003–2007) and Lee Myoung Bak (2008–2012). The analysis focuses on an examination of the interactions among the four dimensions of policy arrangement and the policies of the administrations. This research indicates that change of the South Korean policy discourse to North Korea by the various administrations has fundamentally influenced actors and their resources, as well as the rules, in the field of inter-Korean forest cooperation. Insights from this analysis can contribute to the design of bilateral forest cooperation policies on the Korean Peninsula.
Fluctuating and Directional Asymmetry of the Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis): Improving Methods of Morphological Analysis to Explore Species Performance at the Northern Border of Its Range
Authors: Lajus Dmitry , Katolikova Marina , Strelkov Petr , Hummel Herman
Published: April 2015

In this work we examined morphological variation at different levels to study performance and population structuring of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis. Our objectives were: (i) to develop an integrated technique for analyzing morphological variation in blue mussels and, based on this technique; (ii) to perform a morphometric description of mussels from the northern part of their range; and (iii) to verify the hypothesis that populations at the outer range of their distribution have reduced performance due to harsh climatic conditions. Means, directional asymmetry (i.e., systematic differences between left and right structures), fluctuating asymmetry (random deviations from perfect symmetry, a measure of developmental instability), factorial variation (difference between total variance and variance of fluctuating asymmetry, an indirect index of genotypic variation), and measurement error were examined for 14 bilateral characters of muscle scars on mussel shells. Also, we analyzed one non-bilateral character. For the first time directional asymmetry—approaching 13% of the right:left ratio—was described in blue mussels. Measurement error, often ignored in morphometric studies, contributed 26% of total variance. Accurately addressing these methodical challenges is key to further and improved ecological interpretations. Morphological differences were found between (i) samples from estuarine areas in the White and Pechora Seas and (ii) samples from Barents Sea areas with oceanic salinity. Samples from the first group exhibited lower fluctuating asymmetry, indicating higher developmental stability likely due to better feeding conditions and lower factorial variation, which may result from lower genotypic variation. Absence of correlation between fluctuating asymmetry and temperature suggests that low temperatures in the northern border of their range do not degrade the performance of adult blue mussels in this region.
Sphingomyelinase D/Ceramide 1-Phosphate in Cell Survival and Inflammation
Authors: Rivera Io-Guané , Ordoñez Marta , Presa Natalia , Gomez-Larrauri Ana , Simón Jorge , Trueba Miguel , Gomez-Muñoz Antonio
Published: April 2015

Sphingolipids are major constituents of biological membranes of eukaryotic cells. Many studies have shown that sphingomyelin (SM) is a major phospholipid in cell bilayers and is mainly localized to the plasma membrane of cells, where it serves both as a building block for cell architecture and as a precursor of bioactive sphingolipids. In particular, upregulation of (C-type) sphingomyelinases will produce ceramide, which regulates many physiological functions including apoptosis, senescence, or cell differentiation. Interestingly, the venom of some arthropodes including spiders of the genus Loxosceles, or the toxins of some bacteria such as Corynebacterium tuberculosis, or Vibrio damsela possess high levels of D-type sphingomyelinase (SMase D). This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of SM to yield ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), which promotes cell growth and survival and is a potent pro-inflammatory agent in different cell types. In particular, C1P stimulates cytosolic phospholipase A2 leading to arachidonic acid release and the subsequent formation of eicosanoids, actions that are all associated to the promotion of inflammation. In addition, C1P potently stimulates macrophage migration, which has also been associated to inflammatory responses. Interestingly, this action required the interaction of C1P with a specific plasma membrane receptor, whereas accumulation of intracellular C1P failed to stimulate chemotaxis. The C1P receptor is coupled to Gi proteins and activates of the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1-2 pathways upon ligation with C1P. The proposed review will address novel aspects on the control of inflammatory responses by C1P and will highlight the molecular mechanisms whereby C1P exerts these actions.
Assessing Potential Algal Blooms in a Shallow Fluvial Lake by Combining Hydrodynamic Modelling and Remote-Sensed Images
Authors: Pinardi Monica , Fenocchi Andrea , Giardino Claudia , Sibilla Stefano , Bartoli Marco , Bresciani Mariano
Published: April 2015

Shallow fluvial lakes are dynamic ecosystems shaped by physical and biological factors and characterized by the coexistence of phytoplankton and macrophytes. Due to multiple interplaying factors, understanding the distribution of phytoplankton in fluvial lakes is a complex but fundamental issue, in the context of increasing eutrophication, climate change, and multiple water uses. We analyze the distribution of phytoplankton by combining remotely sensed maps of chlorophyll-a with a hydrodynamic model in a dammed fluvial lake (Mantua Superior Lake, Northern Italy). The numerical simulation of different conditions shows that the main hydrodynamic effects which influence algal distribution are related to the combined effect of advection due to wind forces and local currents, as well as to the presence of large gyres which induce recirculation and stagnation regions, favoring phytoplankton accumulation. Therefore, the general characters of the phytoplankton horizontal patchiness can be inferred from the results of the hydrodynamic model. Conversely, hyperspectral remote-sensing products can be used to validate this model, as they provide chlorophyll-a distribution maps. The integration of ecological, hydraulic, and remote-sensing techniques may therefore help the monitoring and protection of inland water quality, with important improvements in management actions by policy makers.
After Qadhafi: Development and Democratization in Libya
Authors: Randall Edward
Published: April 2015

This article examines Libya's troubled transition from Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi's authoritarian regime. The author asks what past transitions tell us about possible positive pathways from authoritarian rule and what Libya can learn from its previous failures in development in order to shed
light on why Libya is struggling in its transition from regime change to economic and political development. The article concludes by identifying Libya's uniqueness with its “shallow state,” its deep regional and tribal rivalries, and distributive economy, which together are currently
incapacitating progress towards sustainable development.
Synthesis of 1,2-cis-2-C-branched aryl-C-glucosides via desulfurization of carbohydrate based hemithioacetals
Authors: Kinfe Henok H , Mebrahtu Fanuel M , Manana Mandlenkosi M , Madumo Kagiso , Sokamisa Mokela S
Published: April 2015

1-C and 2-C-branched carbohydrates are present as substructures in a number of biologically important compounds. Although the synthesis of such carbohydrate derivatives is extensively studied, the synthesis of 1,2-cis-2-C-branched C-, S-, and N-glycosides is less explored. In this article a synthetic strategy for the synthesis of 1,2-cis-2-C-branched-aryl-C-glucosides is reported via a hydrogenolytic desulfurization of suitably orientated carbohydrate based hemithioacetals. 1,2-cis-2-Hydroxymethyl and 2-carbaldehyde of aryl-C-glucosides have been synthesized using the current strategy in very good yields. The 2-carbaldehyde-aryl-C-glucosides have been identified as suitable substrates for the stereospecific preparation of 2,3-unsaturated-aryl-C-glycosides (Ferrier products).
À l’écoute du témoignage de ma mère
Authors: Laub Dori
Published: April 2015

Ce texte constitue une double mémoire d’un même traumatisme. L’auteur interviewe sa mère, qui fait le récit de ses années de déportation (avec son fils qu’elle protégea envers et contre tout) et celles de son enfance heureuse idéalisée, réservoir de forces pour affronter la terreur quotidienne imposée par les soldats allemands dans la vie du camp. Il analyse son contre-transfert, les convergences et les différences de souvenirs d’un même événement. Il réfléchit aux enjeux qui l’aident ou l’empêchent d’accompagner ce témoignage. Il tente de mesurer la place qu’ils occupèrent l’un pour l’autre, en essayant de percevoir réciproquement les effets du traumatisme dans lequel ils furent plongés.
L’enquête thérapeutique : une réponse appropriée au trauma psychique massif ?
Authors: Sibony-Malpertu Yaelle
Published: April 2015

Cet article met en résonance le livre de l’historien Ivan Jablonka, Histoire des grands-parents que je n’ai pas eus , et les approfondissements psychanalytiques autour des « traumas psychiques massifs » du psychanalyste Dori Laub. Ivan Jablonka assume et utilise la proximité entre l’Histoire et l’histoire des individus, outils de prédilection de cette approche laubienne du trauma. Ils répondent de manière clinique à ces interrogations : de quelle manière un descendant est-il affecté par les meurtres de membres de sa famille ? Que peut-il comprendre, « savoir » ?