bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Practice of Solid Waste and Excreta Management at Secondary Schools in Nawalparasi District.
Authors: Maskey Kashi Palikhe , Lama Laxmi , Basnet Ambu , Dhakal Shiva Prakash
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Solid waste and excreta are unwanted materials in environment. It includes garbage (food waste), rubbish (Paper, plastics, and wood, metal, throw-away containers. glass), demolition product (brackets, masonry, and piper) sewage treatment residue (sludge and solids from the coarse screening of the domestic sewage), dead animal manure and other discarded material.   Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out to find out a study on the practice of solid waste and excreta management among the students of 9-10 grades of Public Secondary schools of Nawalparasi district.  For this purpose 168 respondents were provided with semi-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of  96 percent of the respondent said the class room must be clean but in practice it was found that only 85.71 percent students clean the class room. Majority of the respondent said that they dispose the waste in garbage pit but in practice it was not found so the papers were found to thrown haphazardly. Majority of schools had the facility of the dumping site but they were found to adopt bad practice of solid waste management the dumping site was not well managed. The students were found to have knowledge on solid waste and excreta management but they were only the sources of the solid waste in the school. Conclusions: There is a need to raise the awareness about the management of the solid waste among students, teaching and non-teaching staffs of the school. Many teachers and students were the sources of the solid waste.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v13i1.12995
Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae , a therapeutic challenge.
Authors: Chaudhary Raina , Bhatt Sabita Bhatt , Piya Eva
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common Gram negative bacteria encountered byclinicians worldwide as a cause of infections in human. Most of the infections are acquired in hospital settingtherefore, it is reported to be the amongst the 10 most common nosocomial pathogen in various studies. Nowadays,Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are complicated by increase in Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL)producing isolates. Therefore, this study is being conducted with the objective to fi nd out the prevalence ofESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniaein various clinical samples and to fi nd out there sensitivity pattern.Methods: A total of 100 Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from various samples during the period of April2013 to November 2013 in Microbiology Unit of Shree Birendra Hospital. All the isolates were identifi ed withtheir sensitivity pattern according to standard methodology. Combination disc diffusion method was followedfor identifi cation of ESBL.Results: Out of total 100 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae21% were ESBL producer.ESBL producer isolatesshowed 100% sensitivity to Imepenem followed by Amikacin 57.1% and Chloramphenicol 47.6%. All theESBL isolates were resistant to both Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime.Conclusions: ESBL producer Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were multidrug resistant. Continuous surveillanceand timely intervention with discouraging the use of cephalosporin group of antibiotics is mandatory.doi:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v13i1.12996
BEDAQUILINE: A long but much fruitful wait since seventies
Authors: Khadka Anjan
Published: July 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem in developing countries one of the leading cause of deaths due to infectious disease in the world. Drug treatment had being successful with anti-tubercular drugs available, but Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) are serious forms of TB which have emerged as real concern. Bedaquiline (TMC-207 or R207910), is a new anti TB agent been approved as a part of drug regimen therapy in pulmonary MDR-TB. Bedaquiline acts on energy metabolism of the bacteria. It acts as a bactericidal drug. There are two important black box warnings for this drug, firstly prolongation of QT interval and secondly increased risk of death with bedaquiline as compared to placebo treatment. Fast track approval for bedaquiline was based on two phase 2 trials. The FDA has approved bedaquiline on Dec 2012, for the treatment of MDR-TB in adults (>18 years) as part of combination therapy under the fast track designation, priority review and orphan-product designation based on two Phase II trials. Careful use of this drug along with monitoring of the potential adverse effects and drug interactions becomes very important, as this new anti-tubercular drug has being approved after forty years, since last anti tubercular drug was approved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v13i1.13000
Klebsiella pneumoniae associated nosocomial meningitis in a patient after resection of meningioma.
Authors: Bhatta Sabita , Chaudhary Raina , Ayer Dhirendra
Published: July 2015

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a primary pathogen capable of causing urinary tract infection (UTIs), liver abscess and pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals. However, most infections caused by K. pneumoniae are acquired in the hospitals and/or occur in those who are debilitated by various under lying conditions. Nosocomial infections caused by K. pneumoniae includes wound infections, infections of intravascular and other invasive devices, biliary tract infections, peritonitis and meningitis. We report a case of a 29 year old male who developed meningitis after excision of meningioma.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v13i1.13004
Adventures in Hybrid Space
Authors: Solo Liz
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

Digital technologies offer performance artists remarkable new tools and unique perspectives for creating and presenting work. In a world increasingly mediated by digital devices, new innovations are driving us toward more and more immersive experiences. Artists are pioneering new technologies, questioning and pressing against the boundaries of these synthetic environments and using the Internet to reach around the world to connect with other artists and new audiences. With the emergence of augmented-reality technology, virtual reality is now bursting at the seams and about to spill back out into the world. The overlay of the virtual onto the real is becoming more commonplace, and artists are poised to not only navigate these new technologies but also locate and push past new boundaries.
Concord Floral and This is my room. Look.
Authors: Tannahill Jordan , Brubacher Erin
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

Concord Floral, written by Governor General’s Awardwinning playwright Jordan Tannahill, and co-created with acclaimed multidisciplinary artists Erin Brubacher and Cara Spooner, offers us a glimpse of what the future of performance might look like if it took seriously the emotional lives and searing insights of twenty-first century teens. An adaptation of Giovanni Boccaccio’s medieval allegory the Decameron, in which 10 youth take shelter in a villa to hide from the Black Death, the play unearths the dark memories, fears, and desires that swirl around an abandoned greenhouse, a suburban hangout that has become a place of refuge from an often inhospitable and bewildering adult world. The play is accompanied by This is my room. Look. by Erin Brubacher, a series of powerful photographic portraits originally installed with the theatre production. These photos extend our conception of where a performance begins and ends, of what visual, material, and disciplinary worlds a performance might be seen to contain. With an introduction by Laura Levin.
The Metacritical Work of Autobiography in Performance
Authors: Heddon Deirdre
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

In her new book Performing Autobiography: Contemporary Canadian Drama, Jenn Stephenson focuses on “fictional autobiography,” offering nuanced metacritique of autobiographical practices in contemporary Canadian drama. Stephenson’s book, and the plays she includes within it, has much to teach us about the performances of autobiography, performances pervasive and potentially consequential in the “real world.”
Christian Hymns as Theological Mediator: The Lisu of South-west China and Their Music
Authors: Arrington Aminta
Published: July 2015

The Lisu of south-west China were evangelised a hundred years ago by missionaries from the China Inland Mission and adopted Christianity in a people movement that permeated nearly their entire society. The missionaries recognised that the Lisu were a singing people, and translation of a hymnbook proceeded apace together with translation of the New Testament. Further, many Western hymns were translated using Lisu poetic forms. These translated Western hymns not only became the centrepiece for worship, but were also part of the daily rhythm of life for Lisu Christians. Though the missionaries departed more than seventy years ago, the hymns, still sung a capella in four-part harmony, have remained. While the bible remains somewhat out of reach for the vast majority of Lisu peasant farmers with low reading and writing skills, the hymnbook is well-known and well-worn, its contents easy to find and many of its most familiar hymns memorised. The various functions the hymns provide for Lisu Christians overlap and intersect at various levels of meaning and experience, which can be encapsulated into one central understanding: the Lisu hymns serve as a theological mediator for Lisu Christians, bridging the gap between the text-intensive religion that is Christianity and the oral world of Lisu culture. In the everyday arena, in the practical living out of what it means to be a Christian for a communal and still largely oral-preference people such as the Lisu, the Lisu Christian hymns are the centrepiece of worship and devotion, prayer and penitence.
Teetotalism in Malawian Protestantism: Missionary Origins, African Appropriation
Authors: Statham Todd
Published: July 2015

Although beer had a profound cultural, economic and religious significance among traditional societies in central Africa, teetotalism – in other words, abstinence from alcohol – has become widespread in Malawian Protestantism (as elsewhere in African Christianity), and in many churches it is regarded as a mark of true faith. This article examines the origins of the antipathy to alcohol in the Presbyterian missionaries who evangelised Malawi in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, who drew a parallel between the ‘problem of drink’ among the working poor in their home culture and central Africans, to urge sobriety and its concomitant values of thrift and hard work among their converts. Yet research shows that it was new Christians in Malawi themselves (and not the missionaries) who took the lead in making temperance or teetotalism a criterion for church membership. By drawing upon the experiences of other socially and politically marginalised groups in the British Empire at this time, it is suggested that these new Christians were likely motivated to adopt temperance/teetotalism in order to assert to foreign missionaries their ability to lead and control their own churches and countries.
Ecophysiology of C4 Forage Grasses—Understanding Plant Growth for Optimising Their Use and Management
Authors: Da Silva Sila , Sbrissia André , Pereira Lilian
Published: July 2015

Grazing management has been the focus of the research with forage plants in Brazil for many years. Only in the last two decades, however, significant changes and advances have occurred regarding the understanding of the key factors and processes that determine adequate use of tropical forage plants in pastures. The objective of this review is to provide an historical overview of the research with forage plants and grasslands in Brazil, highlighting advances, trends, and results, as well as to describe the current state of the art and identify future perspectives and challenges. The information is presented in a systematic manner, favoring an integrated view of the different trends and research philosophies. A critical appraisal is given of the need for revision and change of paradigms as a means of improving and consolidating the knowledge on animal production from pastures. Such analysis idealizes efficient, sound and sustainable grazing management practices necessary to realize the existing potential for animal production in the tropics.
In operando Detection of Three-Way Catalyst Aging by a Microwave-Based Method: Initial Studies
Authors: Beulertz Gregor , Votsmeier Martin , Moos Ralf
Published: July 2015

Initial studies on aging detection of three way catalysts with a microwave cavity perturbation method were conducted. Two physico-chemical effects correlate with the aging state. At high temperatures, the resonance frequencies for oxidized catalysts (λ = 1.02) are not influenced by aging, but are significantly affected by aging in the reduced case (λ = 0.98). The catalyst aging state can therefore potentially be inferred from the resonance frequency differences between reduced and oxidized states or from the resonance frequency amplitudes during lambda oscillations. Secondly, adsorbed water at low temperatures strongly affects the resonance frequencies. Light-off experiment studies showed that the resonance frequency depends on the aging state at temperatures below the oxygen storage light-off. These differences were attributed to different water sorption capabilities of differently aged samples due to a surface area decrease with proceeding aging. In addition to the aging state, the water content in the feed gas and the temperature affect the amount of adsorbed water, leading to different integral electrical material properties of the catalyst and changing the resonance properties of the catalyst-filled canning. The classical aging-related properties of the catalyst (oxygen storage capacity, oxygen storage light-off, surface area), agreed very well with data obtained by the microwave-based method.
Statistical Evidence Measured on a Properly Calibrated Scale across Nested and Non-nested Hypothesis Comparisons
Authors: Vieland Veronica , Seok Sang-Cheol
Published: July 2015

Statistical modeling is often used to measure the strength of evidence for or against hypotheses about given data. We have previously proposed an information-dynamic framework in support of a properly calibrated measurement scale for statistical evidence, borrowing some mathematics from thermodynamics, and showing how an evidential analogue of the ideal gas equation of state could be used to measure evidence for a one-sided binomial hypothesis comparison (“coin is fair” vs. “coin is biased towards heads”). Here we take three important steps forward in generalizing the framework beyond this simple example, albeit still in the context of the binomial model. We: (1) extend the scope of application to other forms of hypothesis comparison; (2) show that doing so requires only the original ideal gas equation plus one simple extension, which has the form of the Van der Waals equation; (3) begin to develop the principles required to resolve a key constant, which enables us to calibrate the measurement scale across applications, and which we find to be related to the familiar statistical concept of degrees of freedom. This paper thus moves our information-dynamic theory substantially closer to the goal of producing a practical, properly calibrated measure of statistical evidence for use in general applications.
Multifractal Dimensional Dependence Assessment Based on Tsallis Mutual Information
Authors: Angulo José , Esquivel Francisco
Published: July 2015

Entropy-based tools are commonly used to describe the dynamics of complex systems. In the last few decades, non-extensive statistics, based on Tsallis entropy, and multifractal techniques have shown to be useful to characterize long-range interaction and scaling behavior. In this paper, an approach based on generalized Tsallis dimensions is used for the formulation of mutual-information-related dependence coefficients in the multifractal domain. Different versions according to the normalizing factor, as well as to the inclusion of the non-extensivity correction term are considered and discussed. An application to the assessment of dimensional interaction in the structural dynamics of a seismic real series is carried out to illustrate the usefulness and comparative performance of the measures introduced.
Stability Analysis for Li-Ion Battery Model Parameters and State of Charge Estimation by Measurement Uncertainty Consideration
Authors: Yuan Shifei , Wu Hongjie , Ma Xuerui , Yin Chengliang
Published: July 2015

Accurate estimation of model parameters and state of charge (SoC) is crucial for the lithium-ion battery management system (BMS). In this paper, the stability of the model parameters and SoC estimation under measurement uncertainty is evaluated by three different factors: (i) sampling periods of 1/0.5/0.1 s; (ii) current sensor precisions of ±5/±50/±500 mA; and (iii) voltage sensor precisions of ±1/±2.5/±5 mV. Firstly, the numerical model stability analysis and parametric sensitivity analysis for battery model parameters are conducted under sampling frequency of 1–50 Hz. The perturbation analysis is theoretically performed of current/voltage measurement uncertainty on model parameter variation. Secondly, the impact of three different factors on the model parameters and SoC estimation was evaluated with the federal urban driving sequence (FUDS) profile. The bias correction recursive least square (CRLS) and adaptive extended Kalman filter (AEKF) algorithm were adopted to estimate the model parameters and SoC jointly. Finally, the simulation results were compared and some insightful findings were concluded. For the given battery model and parameter estimation algorithm, the sampling period, and current/voltage sampling accuracy presented a non-negligible effect on the estimation results of model parameters. This research revealed the influence of the measurement uncertainty on the model parameter estimation, which will provide the guidelines to select a reasonable sampling period and the current/voltage sensor sampling precisions in engineering applications.
An Environmental and Economic Assessment for Selecting the Optimal Ground Heat Exchanger by Considering the Entering Water Temperature
Authors: Kim Jimin , Hong Taehoon , Chae Myeongsoo , Koo Choongwan , Jeong Jaemin
Published: July 2015

In order to solve environmental problems such as global warming and resource depletion in the construction industry, interest in new renewable energy (NRE) systems has increased. The ground source heat pump (GSHP) system is the most efficient system among NRE systems. However, since the initial investment cost of the GSHP is quite expensive, a feasibility study needs to be conducted from the life-cycle perspective. Meanwhile, the efficiency of GSHP depends most significantly on the entering water temperature (EWT) of the ground heat exchanger (GHE). Therefore, this study aims to assess the environmental and economic effects of the use of GHE for selecting the optimal GHE. This study was conducted in three steps: (i) establishing the basic information and selecting key factors affecting GHE performances; (ii) making possible alternatives of the GHE installation by considering EWT; and (iii) using life-cycle assessment and life-cycle cost, as well as comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and economic effects on the GHE. These techniques allow for easy and accurate determination of the optimal design of the GHE from the environmental and economic effects in the early design phase. In future research, a multi-objective decision support model for the GSHP will be developed.
Wood Decay Fungi Restore Essential Calcium to Acidic Soils in Northern New England
Authors: Shortle Walter , Smith Kevin
Published: July 2015

The depletion of root-available calcium in northern forests soils exposed to decades of increased acid deposition adversely affects forest health and productivity. Laboratory studies indicated the potential of wood-decay fungi to restore lost calcium to the rooting zone of trees. This study reports changes in concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K during decay of sapwood of spruce, maple, hemlock, and birch at two locations in northern New England, USA. Concentrations of exchangeable Ca, Mg, and Al in decayed wood residues after 10 and 12 years of ground contact were also compared. Significant loss of mass indicated by decreasing wood density occurred after two to eight years in conifers and after only two years in hardwoods. A significant gain in wood K was observed at two years, but the gain was not sustained. A significant gain in Ca concentration occurred by six years and that gain was sustained for 12 years. Concentrations of Mg varied. No significant difference in exchangeable Ca concentration was observed between decayed wood residue of spruce and maple and the forest floor. However, decayed wood residue had a much lower molar Al/Ca ratio, a conditional characteristic of sites with high root-available Ca.
Fenarimol, a Pyrimidine-Type Fungicide, Inhibits Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis
Authors: Oh Keimei , Matsumoto Tadashi , Yamagami Ayumi , Hoshi Tomoki , Nakano Takeshi , Yoshizawa Yuko
Published: July 2015

The plant steroid hormone brassinosteroids (BRs) are important signal mediators that regulate broad aspects of plant growth and development. With the discovery of brassinoazole (Brz), the first specific inhibitor of BR biosynthesis, several triazole-type BR biosynthesis inhibitors have been developed. In this article, we report that fenarimol (FM), a pyrimidine-type fungicide, exhibits potent inhibitory activity against BR biosynthesis. FM induces dwarfism and the open cotyledon phenotype of Arabidopsis seedlings in the dark. The IC50 value for FM to inhibit stem elongation of Arabidopsis seedlings grown in the dark was approximately 1.8 ± 0.2 μM. FM-induced dwarfism of Arabidopsis seedlings could be restored by brassinolide (BL) but not by gibberellin (GA). Assessment of the target site of FM in BR biosynthesis by feeding BR biosynthesis intermediates indicated that FM interferes with the side chain hydroxylation of BR biosynthesis from campestanol to teasterone. Determination of the binding affinity of FM to purified recombinant CYP90D1 indicated that FM induced a typical type II binding spectrum with a Kd value of approximately 0.79 μM. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the expression level of the BR responsive gene in Arabidopsis seedlings indicated that FM induces the BR deficiency in Arabidopsis.
Combined Spectroscopic and Calorimetric Studies to Reveal Absorption Mechanisms and Conformational Changes of Protein on Nanoporous Biomaterials
Authors: Ahmadi Saharnaz , Farokhi Maryam , Padidar Parisa , Falahati Mojtaba
Published: July 2015

In this study the effect of surface modification of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) on its adsorption capacities and protein stability after immobilization of beta-lactoglobulin B (BLG-B) was investigated. For this purpose, non-functionalized (KIT-6) and aminopropyl-functionalized cubic Ia3d mesoporous silica ([n-PrNH2-KIT-6]) nanoparticles were used as nanoporous supports. Aminopropyl-functionalized mesoporous nanoparticles exhibited more potential candidates for BLG-B adsorption and minimum BLG leaching than non-functionalized nanoparticles. It was observed that the amount of adsorbed BLG is dependent on the initial BLG concentration for both KIT-6 and [n-PrNH2-KIT-6] mesoporous nanoparticles. Also larger amounts of BLG-B on KIT-6 was immobilized upon raising the temperature of the medium from 4 to 55 °C while such increase was undetectable in the case of immobilization of BLG-B on the [n-PrNH2-KIT-6]. At temperatures above 55 °C the amounts of adsorbed BLG on both studied nanomaterials decreased significantly. By Differential scanning calorimetry or DSC analysis the heterogeneity of the protein solution and increase in Tm may indicate that immobilization of BLG-B onto the modified KIT-6 results in higher thermal stability compared to unmodified one. The obtained results provide several crucial factors in determining the mechanism(s) of protein adsorption and stability on the nanostructured solid supports and the development of engineered nano-biomaterials for controlled drug-delivery systems and biomimetic interfaces for the immobilization of living cells.
Distribution of ADAT-Dependent Codons in the Human Transcriptome
Authors: Rafels-Ybern Àlbert , Stephan-Otto Attolini Camille , De Pouplana Lluís
Published: July 2015

Nucleotide modifications in the anticodons of transfer RNAs (tRNA) play a central role in translation efficiency, fidelity, and regulation of translation, but, for most of these modifications, the details of their function remain unknown. The heterodimeric adenosine deaminases acting on tRNAs (ADAT2-ADAT3, or ADAT) are enzymes present in eukaryotes that convert adenine (A) to inosine (I) in the first anticodon base (position 34) by hydrolytic deamination. To explore the influence of ADAT activity on mammalian translation, we have characterized the human transcriptome and proteome in terms of frequency and distribution of ADAT-related codons. Eight different tRNAs can be modified by ADAT and, once modified, these tRNAs will recognize NNC, NNU and NNA codons, but not NNG codons. We find that transcripts coding for proteins highly enriched in these eight amino acids (ADAT-aa) are specifically enriched in NNC, NNU and NNA codons. We also show that the proteins most enriched in ADAT-aa are composed preferentially of threonine, alanine, proline, and serine (TAPS). We propose that the enrichment in ADAT-codons in these proteins is due to the similarities in the codons that correspond to TAPS.
Infections and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Binding or Sparring Partners?
Authors: Rigante Donato , Esposito Susanna
Published: July 2015

Extensive work on experimental animal models clearly demonstrates that infectious agents can break immunological tolerance to self-antigens and induce autoimmune disorders, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The establishment of a causative link between infections and autoimmunity has been largely studied in a host of clinical studies, proving the role of infectious agents in the induction, as well as in the progression or exacerbation of SLE. However, we are far from a plain understanding of microbial-host interactions in the pathogenesis of SLE. Much serological, molecular and geoepidemiological evidence supports the relationship of different environmental infectious triggers in the inception of SLE-related autoimmune phenomena with adjuvant effects. The promotion of autoimmune responses through bystander activation or epitope spreading via multiple inflammatory pathways has been confirmed in animal models. Different viruses have been implicated in SLE pathogenesis, particularly Epstein-Barr virus, but also parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus and retroviruses. SLE patients usually have an impaired immune response towards Epstein-Barr virus and dysregulation of the viral latency period. Furthermore, the accumulation of endogenous retroviral products might trigger the production of interferon and anti-DNA antibodies. In addition, protozoan infections might even protect from autoimmune processes and rescind an ongoing B cell activation. Herein, we discuss which type of infections induce, exacerbate or inhibit autoimmune disorders and analyze the principal infection-induced immunological mechanisms influencing the development of SLE.
A Near Zero Refractive Index Metamaterial for Electromagnetic Invisibility Cloaking Operation
Authors: Islam Sikder , Faruque Mohammad , Islam Mohammad
Published: July 2015

The paper reveals the design of a unit cell of a metamaterial that shows more than 2 GHz wideband near zero refractive index (NZRI) property in the C-band region of microwave spectra. The two arms of the unit cell were splitted in such a way that forms a near-pi-shape structure on epoxy resin fiber (FR-4) substrate material. The reflection and transmission characteristics of the unit cell were achieved by utilizing finite integration technique based simulation software. Measured results were presented, which complied well with simulated results. The unit cell was then applied to build a single layer rectangular-shaped cloak that operates in the C-band region where a metal cylinder was perfectly hidden electromagnetically by reducing the scattering width below zero. Moreover, the unit cell shows NZRI property there. The experimental result for the cloak operation was presented in terms of S-parameters as well. In addition, the same metamaterial shell was also adopted for designing an eye-shaped and triangular-shaped cloak structure to cloak the same object, and cloaking operation is achieved in the C-band, as well with slightly better cloaking performance. The novel design, NZRI property, and single layer C-band cloaking operation has made the design a promising one in the electromagnetic paradigm.
Enhanced Synthesis of Carbon Nanomaterials Using Acoustically Excited Methane Diffusion Flames
Authors: Hou Shuhn-Shyurng , Chen Kuan-Ming , Yang Zong-Yun , Lin Ta-Hui
Published: July 2015

Acoustically modulated methane jet diffusion flames were used to enhance carbon nanostructure synthesis. A catalytic nickel substrate was employed to collect the deposit materials at sampling position z = 10 mm above the burner exit. The fabrication of carbon nano-onions (CNOs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was significantly enhanced by acoustic excitation at frequencies near the natural flickering frequency (ƒ = 20 Hz) and near the acoustically resonant frequency (ƒ = 90 Hz), respectively. At these characteristic frequencies, flow mixing was markedly enhanced by acoustic excitation, and a flame structure with a bright slender core flame was generated, which provided a favorable flame environment for the growth of carbon nanomaterials. The production rate of CNOs was high at 20 Hz (near the natural ﬂickering frequency), at which the gas temperature was about 680 °C. Additionally, a quantity of CNTs was obtained at 70–95 Hz, near the acoustically resonant frequency, at which the gas temperature was between 665 and 830 °C. However, no carbon nanomaterials were synthesized at other frequencies. The enhanced synthesis of CNOs and CNTs is attributed to the strong mixing of the fuel and oxidizer due to the acoustic excitation at resonant frequencies.
Monacyclinones, New Angucyclinone Metabolites Isolated from Streptomyces sp. M7_15 Associated with the Puerto Rican Sponge Scopalina ruetzleri
Authors: Vicente Jan , Stewart Allison , Van Wagoner Ryan , Elliott Elizabeth , Bourdelais Andrea , Wright Jeffrey
Published: July 2015

During an investigation of new actinomycete species from Caribbean sponges for novel bioactive natural products, frigocyclinone (1), dimethyldehydrorabelomycin (3) and six new angucyclinone derivatives were isolated from Streptomyces sp. strain M7_15 associated with the sponge Scopalina ruetzleri. Of these, monacyclinones A–B (4–5) contain the core ring structure of dehydrorabelomycin (2) with the aminodeoxysugar found in frigocyclinone (1). Monacyclinone C (6) is a hydroxylated variant of frigocyclinone (1) and monacyclinone D (7) is a Baeyer Villiger derivative of (6) which also exists as the open chain hydrolysis product monacyclinone E (8). Monacyclinone F (9) contains two unique epoxide rings attached to the angucyclinone moiety and an additional aminodeoxysugar attached through an angular oxygen bond. All structures were confirmed through spectral analyses. Activity against rhabdomycosarcoma cancer cells (SJCRH30) after 48 h of treatment was observed with frigocyclinone (1; EC50 = 5.2 µM), monacyclinone C (6; 160 µM), monacyclinone E (8; 270 µM), and monacyclinone F (9; 0.73 µM). The strongest bioactivity against rhabdomycosarcoma cancer cells and gram-positive bacteria was exhibited by compound 9, suggesting that the extra aminodeoxysugar subunit is important for biological activity.
Gas Sensors Based on Electrodeposited Polymers
Authors: Lakard Boris , Carquigny Stéphanie , Segut Olivier , Patois Tilia , Lakard Sophie
Published: July 2015

Electrochemically deposited polymers, also called “synthetic metals”, have emerged as potential candidates for chemical sensing due to their interesting and tunable chemical, electrical, and structural properties. In particular, most of these polymers (including polypyrrole, polyaniline, polythiophene) and their derivatives can be used as the sensitive layer of conductimetric gas sensors because of their conducting properties. An important advantage of polymer-based gas sensors is their efficiency at room temperature. This characteristic is interesting since most of the commercially-available sensors, usually based on metal oxides, work at high temperatures (300–400 °C). Consequently, polymer-based gas sensors are playing a growing role in the improvement of public health and environment control because they can lead to gas sensors operating with rapid detection, high sensitivity, small size, and specificity in atmospheric conditions. In this review, the recent advances in electrodeposited polymer-based gas sensors are summarized and discussed. It is shown that the sensing characteristics of electrodeposited polymers can be improved by chemical functionalization, nanostructuration, or mixing with other functional materials to form composites or hybrid materials.
Salix daphnoides: A Screening for Oligomeric and Polymeric Proanthocyanidins
Authors: Wiesneth Stefan , Petereit Frank , Jürgenliemk Guido
Published: July 2015

In the present study, a qualitative analysis of proanthocyanidins (PAs) from an aqueous-methanolic extract of Salix daphnoides VILL. bark is described. Procyanidin B1 (1), B2 (2), B3 (3), B4 (4), C1 (5), epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-catechin (6) and epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-catechin (7) have been isolated by a combination of different chromatographic separations on Sephadex® LH-20-, MCI®-, Diol-and RP-18-phases. Mass spectrometry, 1D- and 2D-NMR, circular dichroism and polarimetry were used for their structure elucidation and verification by comparison with the literature. Additionally, two fractions of very polar flavan-3-ols were compared: “regular” polymeric PAs received at the very end of the Sephadex® LH-20 chromatography showing no mobility on silica TLC and “unusual” PAs with the same RF-value but already eluting together with flavonoids in the Sephadex® LH-20 system. These “unusual” PAs were subsequently enriched by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). 13C-NMR, polarimetry, thiolysis, acid hydrolysis and phloroglucinol degradation were used to characterize both fractions. Differences in the composition of different flavan-3-ol units and the middle chain length were observed.
The Fate of Fat: Pre-Exposure Fat Losses during Nasogastric Tube Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Rayyan Maissa , Rommel Nathalie , Allegaert Karel
Published: July 2015

Deficient nutritional support and subsequent postnatal growth failure are major covariates of short- and long-term outcome in preterm neonates. Despite its relevance, extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is still prevalent, occurring in an important portion of extremely preterm infants. Lipids provide infants with most of their energy needs, but also cover specific supplies critical to growth, development and health. The use of human milk in preterm neonates results in practices, such as milk storage, pasteurization and administration by an infusion system. All of these pre-exposure manipulations significantly affect the final extent of lipid deposition in the intestinal track available for absorption, but the impact of tube feeding is the most significant. Strategies to shift earlier to oral feeding are available, while adaptations of the infusion systems (inversion, variable flow) have only more recently been shown to be effective in “in vitro”, but not yet in “in vivo” settings. Pre-exposure-related issues for drugs and nutritional compounds show similarities. Therefore, we suggest that the available practices for “in vitro” drug evaluations should also be considered in feeding strategies to further reduce pre-exposure losses as a strategy to improve the nutritional status and outcome of preterm neonates.
Phylogeny of the Vitamin K 2,3-Epoxide Reductase (VKOR) Family and Evolutionary Relationship to the Disulfide Bond Formation Protein B (DsbB) Family
Authors: Bevans Carville , Krettler Christoph , Reinhart Christoph , Watzka Matthias , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: July 2015

In humans and other vertebrate animals, vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) family enzymes are the gatekeepers between nutritionally acquired K vitamins and the vitamin K cycle responsible for posttranslational modifications that confer biological activity upon vitamin K-dependent proteins with crucial roles in hemostasis, bone development and homeostasis, hormonal carbohydrate regulation and fertility. We report a phylogenetic analysis of the VKOR family that identifies five major clades. Combined phylogenetic and site-specific conservation analyses point to clade-specific similarities and differences in structure and function. We discovered a single-site determinant uniquely identifying VKOR homologs belonging to human pathogenic, obligate intracellular prokaryotes and protists. Building on previous work by Sevier et al. (Protein Science 14:1630), we analyzed structural data from both VKOR and prokaryotic disulfide bond formation protein B (DsbB) families and hypothesize an ancient evolutionary relationship between the two families where one family arose from the other through a gene duplication/deletion event. This has resulted in circular permutation of primary sequence threading through the four-helical bundle protein folds of both families. This is the first report of circular permutation relating distant a-helical membrane protein sequences and folds. In conclusion, we suggest a chronology for the evolution of the five extant VKOR clades.
A Sharable and Efficient Metadata Model for Heterogeneous Earth Observation Data Retrieval in Multi-Scale Flood Mapping
Authors: Chen Nengcheng , Zhou Lianjie , Chen Zeqiang
Published: July 2015

Remote sensing plays an important role in flood mapping and is helping advance flood monitoring and management. Multi-scale flood mapping is necessary for dividing floods into several stages for comprehensive management. However, existing data systems are typically heterogeneous owing to the use of different access protocols and archiving metadata models. In this paper, we proposed a sharable and efficient metadata model (APEOPM) for constructing an Earth observation (EO) data system to retrieve remote sensing data for flood mapping. The proposed model contains two sub-models, an access protocol model and an enhanced encoding model. The access protocol model helps unify heterogeneous access protocols and can achieve intelligent access via a semantic enhancement method. The enhanced encoding model helps unify a heterogeneous archiving metadata model. Wuhan city, one of the most important cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China, is selected as a study area for testing the retrieval of heterogeneous EO data and flood mapping. The past torrential rain period from 25 March 2015 to 10 April 2015 is chosen as the temporal range in this study. To aid in comprehensive management, mapping is conducted at different spatial and temporal scales. In addition, the efficiency of data retrieval is analyzed, and validation between the flood maps and actual precipitation was conducted. The results show that the flood map coincided with the actual precipitation.
An Evaluation of Different Training Sample Allocation Schemes for Discrete and Continuous Land Cover Classification Using Decision Tree-Based Algorithms
Authors: Colditz René
Published: July 2015

Land cover mapping for large regions often employs satellite images of medium to coarse spatial resolution, which complicates mapping of discrete classes. Class memberships, which estimate the proportion of each class for every pixel, have been suggested as an alternative. This paper compares different strategies of training data allocation for discrete and continuous land cover mapping using classification and regression tree algorithms. In addition to measures of discrete and continuous map accuracy the correct estimation of the area is another important criteria. A subset of the 30 m national land cover dataset of 2006 (NLCD2006) of the United States was used as reference set to classify NADIR BRDF-adjusted surface reflectance time series of MODIS at 900 m spatial resolution. Results show that sampling of heterogeneous pixels and sample allocation according to the expected area of each class is best for classification trees. Regression trees for continuous land cover mapping should be trained with random allocation, and predictions should be normalized with a linear scaling function to correctly estimate the total area. From the tested algorithms random forest classification yields lower errors than boosted trees of C5.0, and Cubist shows higher accuracies than random forest regression.
Temporal and Spatial Denoising of Depth Maps
Authors: Lin Bor-Shing , Su Mei-Ju , Cheng Po-Hsun , Tseng Po-Jui , Chen Sao-Jie
Published: July 2015

This work presents a procedure for refining depth maps acquired using RGB-D (depth) cameras. With numerous new structured-light RGB-D cameras, acquiring high-resolution depth maps has become easy. However, there are problems such as undesired occlusion, inaccurate depth values, and temporal variation of pixel values when using these cameras. In this paper, a proposed method based on an exemplar-based inpainting method is proposed to remove artefacts in depth maps obtained using RGB-D cameras. Exemplar-based inpainting has been used to repair an object-removed image. The concept underlying this inpainting method is similar to that underlying the procedure for padding the occlusions in the depth data obtained using RGB-D cameras. Therefore, our proposed method enhances and modifies the inpainting method for application in and the refinement of RGB-D depth data image quality. For evaluating the experimental results of the proposed method, our proposed method was tested on the Tsukuba Stereo Dataset, which contains a 3D video with the ground truths of depth maps, occlusion maps, RGB images, the peak signal-to-noise ratio, and the computational time as the evaluation metrics. Moreover, a set of self-recorded RGB-D depth maps and their refined versions are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Evaluating Effects of Poultry Waste Application on Phosphorus Loads to Lake Tenkiller
Authors: Jeon Ji-Hong , Park Chan-Gi , Engel Bernard
Published: July 2015

Lake Tenkiller located in Oklahoma, USA is a large midcontinent reservoir in a eutrophic state due to excess phosphorus (P) loads. Poultry waste application within the Illinois River Watershed in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas has been identified as a major contributor to overall P loads within Lake Tenkiller. In this study, Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management Systems (GLEAMS) was applied to evaluate the effect of poultry waste application on P loads to Lake Tenkiller. Historical P loads to Lake Tenkiller during 1951–2000 have increased from approximately 166,000 kg/year to more than 295,000 kg/year with the Illinois River at Tahlequah subwatershed increasing from 68% to 78% of total P loads over that period. Increased poultry waste application based on poultry growth rates could increase P load to Lake Tenkiller from 311,000 kg/year to more than 528,000 kg/year. Cessation of poultry waste application and addition of buffers along streams could reduce P loads to approximately 92,000 kg/year for cessation of poultry waste application alone and about 89,000 kg/year for cessation of poultry waste application with buffers. One possible strategy to reduce P load to Lake Tenkiller is to cease applying poultry waste application, especially in the portion of the Illinois River above the Tahlequah USGS gage station.
Murine Anorectic Response to Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin) Is Sex-Dependent
Authors: Clark Erica , Flannery Brenna , Pestka James
Published: July 2015

Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin), a common trichothecene mycotoxin found in cereal foods, dysregulates immune function and maintenance of energy balance. The purpose of this study was to determine if sex differences are similarly evident in DON’s anorectic responses in mice. A bioassay for feed refusal, previously developed by our lab, was used to compare acute i.p. exposures of 1 and 5 mg/kg bw DON in C57BL6 mice. Greater anorectic responses were seen in male than female mice. Male mice had higher organ and plasma concentrations of DON upon acute exposure than their female counterparts. A significant increase in IL-6 plasma levels was also observed in males while cholecystokinin response was higher in females. When effects of sex on food intake and body weight changes were compared after subchronic dietary exposure to 1, 2.5, and 10 ppm DON, males were found again to be more sensitive. Demonstration of male predilection to DON-induced changes in food intake and weight gain might an important consideration in future risk assessment of DON and other trichothecenes.
Complications and outcome of a new modified Maquet technique for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in 82 dogs
Authors: Barthélémy N. , Noël S. , Claeys S. , Etchepareborde S. , Farnir F. , Balligand M. , Ramirez J.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: To describe the complications, short and long-term outcome and owner satisfaction of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a recently described new osteotomy for the modified Maquet technique (N-MMT).

Materials and methods: Medical records and radiographs of 82 dogs (84 stifles) were reviewed. Details regarding short-term outcome and complications were recorded from the medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview. Historical data and complications were statistically analysed.

Results: Major complications occurred in 34/84 stifles. Intra-operative complications occurred in 26/84 stifles, all of which were fissures or fractures of the cortical hinge. Twenty-one of these fractures or fissures were repaired with a figure-of-eight wire. The second most common major complication was late meniscal tears in 3/84 stifles. One dog sustained a complete tibial fracture. Non-displaced fracture of the cortical hinge was the most common postoperative minor complication, which occurred in 5/84 stifles. The median preoperative lameness score was 3 out of 6. Final in-hospital re-evaluation of limb function was available in 58 dogs. The median lameness score at that time was 0 out of 6. Development of osteotomy related complications was not associated with a significant change in the postoperative lameness score.

Clinical significance: Subjectively assessed clinical outcome with the N-MMT was good to excellent in this cohort of dogs. However, a high rate of intra- and postoperative complications of the N-MMT procedure was also present in these dogs.