bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fertilizer and Manures on Growth and Yield of Tulsi and Pudina Medicinal Plant
Authors: Rahman KM , Sattar MA , Rahman GMM
Published: February 2015

The experiment was carried out at the Field Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period of March, 2012 to July, 2012 to evaluate the effect of fertilizer and manure on the growth and yield of Tulsi and Pudina. There were six treatments consisting of control (No fertilizer and manures), cowdung, poultry manure, cowdung+ NPK fertilizer, poultry manure+ NPK fertilizer and Mixed fertilizer. All the treatment significantly influenced most of the growth and yield components of Tulsi and Pudina. The plant height, No. of branch/plant, No. of leaf/plant, Leaf length, 1000- fresh leaf weight and fresh yield were highest where cowdung was applied. All the above parameters were lowest where no manures were applied (control). From these results it was clear that cowdung was the best for soil quality and growth and yield of Tulsi and Pudina medicinal plant.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22197 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 13-16 2014
A Study on Noise Pollution of Gazipur City Corporation
Authors: Latif MB , Islam MS , Ali MS
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted in 4 industries, 4 bus stands and 3 hospitals/clinics through interviewing of workers, staffs of the industries and traffic polices, drivers, passersby, road nearest shopkeepers and patients, nurses, staffs, doctors and other peoples of the medical institutes. Environmental multi-function meter was used to measure the noise intensity (dB) as instrumental survey. From the study it was found that in the industrial sector minimum noise level was 84.71 dB and maximum noise level was 105 dB, in the hospitals/clinics minimum noise level was 75 dB and maximum noise level was 89 dB and in the traffic places minimum noise level was 78 dB and maximum noise level was 107 dB which were crossed the standard level of noise. The traffic places, medical institutes and industries of Gazipur City Corporation were in critical condition in the cases of noise pollution. The major causes of noise pollution in industries were using of old machines, lack of engineering controls, lack of knowledge of authority of the industries about the impact of noise pollution, poor maintenance of the tools, building design and lack of noise reducing instruments. Questionnaire survey determined the noise related health impacts on respondents. The common impacts of noise pollution which they suffered from were headache, heart diseases, hypertension and hearing problem.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22198 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 17-23 2014
Impact of Water Management on the Arsenic Content of Rice Grain and Cultivated Soil in an Arsenic Contaminated Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MS , Islam MN , Hassan MZ , Islam SA , Zaman SK
Published: February 2015

A study was conducted in an arsenic (As) contaminated area of Faridpur, Bangladesh with a view to observe the effect of reduced irrigation on the As concentration of rice grain. Rice yield of BRRI dhan28 was found to be slightly higher in alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method than in continuous standing water (CSW) method of irrigation although not significant. The highest grain As conc. (0.65 mg/kg) was observed in the plots irrigated with ground water by CSW method. Significant reduction in grain As conc. was observed in AWD plots irrigated with contaminated ground water. Partial aeration of soil in AWD may have hindered the entrance of water As to rice roots. No significant reduction of soil As conc. was observed due to the application of AWD method. Reduction in grain As in AWD method implies that this technique can be devised as tool for mitigation of As in the As contaminated areas for irrigation of rice.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22202 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 43-46 2014
Assessment of Farmers Perception on the Application of Chemical Fertilizers and Organic Manures in Chuadanga Region
Authors: Iqbal SMA , Sattar MA , Islam N , Islam GM M , Mollah MRA
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted in January to March 2012 of two villages of Alamdanga upazila under Chuadanga district to observe the knowledge of farmers about using the chemical fertilizers and organic manure and also to determine the awar eness of the farmers towards the use of the chemical fertilizers and the use of organic manure. In order to conduct this research, a questionnaire survey was carried out and interview was taken total 100 farmers. This paper describes some findings that around 19% of the farmers had highly favorable attitude while 66% had moderately favorable attitude and 15% had slightly favorable attitude towards the use of chemical fertilizers and organic manure. Moreover by this research it is suggested that the education and annual income can change the attitude of farmers in the field of crop cultivation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22207 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 69-72 2014
Evaluation of Inbred Line Through Line X Tester Method
Authors: Jahan N , Uddin MS , Islam MR , Hasna S , Saifullah ARM
Published: February 2015

Early generation evaluation of inbred lines through line × tester method was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur during rabi 2013-14 in maize involving 12 S4 lines and 2 testers (BIL 28 and BIL 29) for grain yield, yield components and other characters to estimate the general combining ability of the lines and specific combining ability effects of the crosses. Highly significant genotypic differences were observed indicated wide range of variability present among them. The crosses with high SCA effect for grain yield evolved from high × low general combiner parents were revealed additive x dominance type of gene action. The cross combinations E-7 X BIL-29, E-11 X BIL-29, E-10 X BIL-28 and E-9 X BIL-28 with high positive SCA effect having high mean values might be used for obtaining high yielding hybrids. The information on the nature of gene action with respective variety and characters might be used depending on the breeding objectives.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22211 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 79-84 2014
Effects of Plant Extracts on Controlling Seed Borne Fungi of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
Authors: Saha SK , Khokon MAR , Hossain MM
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted using farmers okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) seeds in Seed Pathology Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to determine the efficacy of plant extracts (garlic, allmanda, neem, ginger and biskathali extracts) and vigour index of seedling for controlling the seed-borne fungal diseases of okra. In the laboratory experiment, the prevalence of seed-borne fungi associated with farmers okra seed investigated by blotter method. The identified fungi species in the collected seeds were Colletotrichum dematium, Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus spp. The test seed materials were treated with garlic tablet, allmanda tablet @ 1:1 and 2:1 w/v and neem extract, ginger extract and biskathali extract @ 1:1 and 1:2 w/v for each to control pathogens with control treatment. The significantly highest germination (62.5%) and lowest incidence of pathogen (5.25%) were recorded in garlic tablet @ 2:1 w/v treated seeds. The okra seeds treated by garlic tablet @ 2:1 w/v was also showed the higher vigour index (545.60%) compare to untreated seed (423.40%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22212 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 85-88 2014
Investigation of Chemical Parameters and Major Anions of Two Selected Aquaculture Ponds at Santosh Region, Tangail, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain F , Afrin R , Mia MY , Akbor MA , Ahsan MA
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted to analyze the chemical parameters and major anionic contents of water from Taltola and Mullahbari Pond at Santosh, Tangail during the months from January to March 2014. Chemical parameters such as pH, EC, DO, TDS, BOD and Alkalinity of all water samples were ranged from 7.56 to 7.78, 239.7 to 342 ?S/cm, 4.3 to 5.7 mg/L, 123.7 to 175 mg/L, 2.1 to 2.63 mg/L and 87 to 154 ppm, respectively. On the other hand, the anions such as F-, Cl-, NO2-, NO3-, SO4-- were ranged from 0.221 to 3.8, 16 to 24, 2.5 to 3.8, 0.96 to 1.67 and 1.99 to 17.93 mg/L, respectively. In case of Br- the anionic value of water sample was not detectable.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22213 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 89-92 2014
Biochemical Changes in Jackfruit Pulp as Affected by Cold Temperature
Authors: Mortuza MG , Talukder SU , Haque MR
Published: February 2015

Biochemical changes of three types of jackfruit pulp stored at low temperature were analyzed to make prediction whether the pulp could be made available year round by means of cold temperature treatment. Extracted fruit juice was stored at about - 200C and the analysis was carried out at 0 day, 30 day, 60 day, 90 day, 180 day and 270 day of storage period. The results show that there are significant changes in the chemical properties of jackfruit pulp during storage. Carotene and vitamin C content decreased gradually for all the varieties up to 270 days of storage period. TSS content increased slightly during storage. Total, reducing and non-reducing sugar contents were almost stable throughout the storage period. TA for all the varieties decreased and pH values increased.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22215 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 93-97 2014
Analyzing Wetness and Dryness Severity in Bangladesh: Using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in GIS Environment
Authors: Nasher NMR , Uddin MN
Published: February 2015

Daily precipitation data of 33 stations were analyzed to know the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Both spatial and temporal SPI were analyzed. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) technique was used to map the spatial SPI with a decadal change. From 1983 to 2013, four maps showed the decadal changes of SPI over Bangladesh. 1993 was a dry year in the regarding time period. Station based trends were analyzed for Dhaka, Srimongol, Khulna, Coxs bazaar and Rangpur as preventative for five regions in Bangladesh. Dryness is increasing over Northern and Central regions whereas wetness is increasing over Southwestern, Northern and eastern region in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22220 Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 127-131 2014
Investigation of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and Fe) of the Turag River in Bangladesh
Authors: Afrin R , Mia MY , Akter S
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted to assess the concentration level of heavy metals in water of the Turag river during the months from January to March, 2014. The level of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and Fe ranged from 0.002-0.005 ppm, BDL (Below Detection Level)-0.03 ppm, 0.007-0.024 ppm, 0.03-0.15 ppm, BDL (Below Detection Level)-0.00024 and 0.78-6.33 ppm, respectively. The concentration level of heavy metals in water did not exceed the permissible limit except Fe. This result was obtained because of river water is always flowing and metals cannot be accumulated in flowing water. For this reason a little amount of analyzed heavy metals were traced in water samples. But heavy metals have toxic properties, leading to adverse effects on human and ecosystem health even in small doses. So, the Turag river water is not safe for using different purposes and steps should be undertaken to improve the water quality of the river.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22221 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 133-136 2014
Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Lentil as Influenced by Irrigation and Weeding Regime
Authors: Hossain MB , Begum MZF , Alam MS , Hasan MM , Amin MR
Published: February 2015

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of irrigation and weeding regime on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of lentil. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with three replications. Four levels of irrigation viz. control or no irrigation (I0), one irrigation (I1), two irrigation (I2) and three irrigations (I3) and three weeding regime viz. control weeding (W0), one weeding (W1) and two weedings (W2) were used. Irrigation had significant effect on all the growth, yield and yield contributing characters. The highest TDM , CGR and all the yield contributing characters like plant height, number of branches plant-1, number of pods plant-1, number of effective pods plant-1, number of seeds plant-1, number of filled seeds plant-1, 1000-seed weight and stover yield were obtained from three irrigations (I3) and consequently it produced the highest seed yield. Effect of weeding regime was significant in respect of on the growth, yield and yield contributing characters. All the yield contributing characters except non-effective pods plant-1 were found the best when two weedings were done and as a result it produced the highest seed yield. With some exception two weedings showed highest values of TDM, CGR and other growth character. Finally the results suggest that three irrigations with two weedings are better practices to get higher growth and yield of lentil.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22225 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(2): 155-161 2014
The Choice of Diet Affects the Oral Health of the Domestic Cat
Authors: Mata Fernando
Published: February 2015

In this cross-sectional study, the gingivitis and the calculus indices of the teeth of N = 41 cats were used to model oral health as a dependent variable using a Poisson regression. The independent variables used were “quadrant”, “teeth type”, “age”, and “diet”. Teeth type (p < 0.001) and diet (p < 0.001) were found to be significant, however, age was not (p > 0.05). Interactions were all significant: age x teeth (p < 0.01), age × diet (p < 0.01), teeth × diet (p < 0.001), and teeth × age × diet (p < 0.001). The probability of poor oral health is lower in the incisors of young or adult cats, fed a dry diet in comparison to the cheek teeth of older cats fed a wet diet. Diet has a higher contribution to poor oral health than age. It is argued that cats’ oral health may be promoted with an early age hygiene of the cheek teeth and with provision of abrasive dry food.
Role of Cl on Diffusion of Cu in In2S3 Layers Prepared by Ion Layer Gas Reaction Method
Authors: Wafula Henry , Robinson Musembi , Juma Albert , Sakwa Thomas , Kitui Manasse , Araoz Rodrigo , Fischer Christian-H.
Published: February 2015

Ion layer gas reaction (ILGAR) method allows for deposition of Cl-containing and Cl-free In2S3 layers from InCl3 and In(OCCH3CHOCCH3)3 precursor salts, respectively. A comparative study was performed to investigate the role of Cl on the diffusion of Cu from CuSCN source layer into ILGAR deposited In2S3 layers. The Cl concentration was varied between 7 and 14 at.% by varying deposition parameters. The activation energies and exponential pre-factors for Cu diffusion in Cl-containing samples were between 0.70 to 0.78 eV and between 6.0 × 10−6 and 3.2 × 10−5 cm2/s. The activation energy in Cl-free ILGAR In2S3 layers was about three times less compared to the Cl-containing In2S3, and the pre-exponential constant six orders of magnitude lower. These values were comparable to those obtained from thermally evaporated In2S3 layers. The residual Cl-occupies S sites in the In2S3 structure leading to non-stoichiometry and hence different diffusion mechanism for Cu compared to stoichiometric Cl-free layers.
Entropy Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Knuth Kevin
Published: February 2015

We are pleased to announce the “Entropy Best Paper Award” for 2015. Nominations were selected by the Editor-in-Chief and designated Editorial Board Members from all the papers published in 2011. Reviews and research papers were evaluated separately. We gladly announce that the following three papers have won the Entropy Best Paper Award in 2015:[...]
Tenure Security and Land Appropriation under Changing Environmental Governance in Lowland Bolivia and Pará
Authors: Pacheco Pablo , Heder Benatti José
Published: February 2015

Appropriation of public lands associated with agricultural frontier expansion is a longstanding occurrence in the Amazon that has resulted in a highly skewed land-tenure structure in spite of recent state efforts to recognize tenure rights of indigenous people and smallholders living in or nearby forests. Growing concerns to reduce environmental impacts from agricultural development have motivated state governments to place greater attention on sustainable land management and forest conservation. This paper assesses the political and institutional conditions shaping tenure security and land appropriation in lowland Bolivia and the State of Pará in Brazil, and their links with environmental governance. The two cases show that clarifying and securing tenure rights is considered as the cornerstone for improving environmental governance. Thus, much attention has been given to the recognition of indigenous people and smallholder rights and to legalization of large-scale estates in agricultural frontiers, which have in turn influenced emerging conservation and environmental governance approaches. While policy frameworks share similar goals in the two cases, contrasting implementation approaches have been adopted: more agrarian in lowland Bolivia and more conservationist in the State of Pará.
Access to Specialist Care in Rural Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Rural Health Study
Authors: Karunanayake Chandima , Rennie Donna , Hagel Louise , Lawson Joshua , Janzen Bonnie , Pickett William , Dosman James , Pahwa Punam , The Saskatchewan Rural Health Study Group
Published: February 2015

The role of place has emerged as an important factor in determining people’s health experiences. Rural populations experience an excess in mortality and morbidity compared to those in urban settings. One of the factors thought to contribute to this rural-urban health disparity is access to healthcare. The objective of this analysis was to examine access to specialized medical care services and several possible determinants of access to services in a distinctly rural population in Canada. In winter 2010, we conducted a baseline mail survey of 11,982 households located in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. We obtained 4620 completed household surveys. A key informant for each household responded to questions about access to medical specialists and the exact distance traveled to these services. Correlates of interest included the location of the residence within the province and within each household, socioeconomic status, household smoking status, median age of household residents, number of non-respiratory chronic conditions and number of current respiratory conditions. Analyses were conducted using log binomial regression for the outcome of interest. The overall response rate was 52%. Of households who required a visit to a medical specialist in the past 12 months, 23% reported having difficulty accessing specialist care. The magnitude of risk for encountering difficulty accessing medical specialist care services increased with the greatest distance categories. Accessing specialist care professionals by rural residents was particularly difficult for persons with current respiratory conditions.
Application of QUAL2K Model to Assess Ecological Purification Technology for a Polluted River
Authors: Zhu Wenting , Niu Qian , Zhang Ruibin , Ye Rui , Qian Xin , Qian Yu
Published: February 2015

Industrialization and urbanization have caused water pollution and ecosystem degradation, especially in urban canals and rivers in China; accordingly, effective water quality improvement programs are needed. In this study, the Tianlai River in Jiangsu, China was taken as a research site, and a combination of ecological purification technologies consisting of biological rope, phytoremediation, and activated carbon were applied in a laboratory-scale study to examine degradation coefficients under dynamic water conditions. Coefficients were then input into the QUAL2K model to simulate various hypothetical scenarios and determine the minimum density of ecological purification combination and hydraulic retention time (HRT) to meet Grade V or IV of the China standard for surface water. The minimum densities for Grade V and IV were 1.6 times and 2 times the experimental density, while the minimum HRTs for Grade V and IV were 2.4 day and 3 day. The results of this study should provide a practical and efficient design method for ecological purification programs.
Older Male Physicians Have Lower Risk of Trochanteric but Not Cervical Hip Fractures
Authors: Shen Hsiu-Nien , Lin Wei-Ting , Lu Chin-Li , Li Chung-Yi
Published: February 2015

Background: Osteoporosis is pathophysiologically related to trochanteric fractures, and this condition is more preventable by lifestyle modifications than cervical fractures. We investigated whether older physicians, who are health-conscious people, are at a lower risk of hip fractures because of fewer trochanteric fractures. Methods: Data regarding older (≥65 years) physicians (n = 4303) and matched non-medical persons (control) were retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance claims. All of the subjects were obtained from NHIRD with index dates from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2008. Cox proportional hazard and competing risk regression models were established to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of hip fracture associated with older physicians. Results: The incidence rates of trochanteric fractures were lower in older physicians than in controls (1.73 and 3.07 per 1000 person-years, respectively), whereas the rates of cervical fractures were similar between the two groups (2.45 and 2.12 per 1000 person-years, respectively). Older physicians yielded 46% lower hazard of trochanteric fractures than controls (adjusted HR 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.79); by contrast, hazards of cervical fractures were comparable between the two groups. The HRs estimated from the competing risk models remained unchanged. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that health risk awareness may pose a significant preventive effect on trochanteric hip fractures.
User-Centered Design for Interactive Maps: A Case Study in Crime Analysis
Authors: Roth Robert , Ross Kevin , MacEachren Alan
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we address the topic of user-centered design (UCD) for cartography, GIScience, and visual analytics. Interactive maps are ubiquitous in modern society, yet they often fail to “work” as they could or should. UCD describes the process of ensuring interface success—map-based or otherwise—by gathering input and feedback from target users throughout the design and development of the interface. We contribute to the expanding literature on UCD for interactive maps in two ways. First, we synthesize core concepts on UCD from cartography and related fields, as well as offer new ideas, in order to organize existing frameworks and recommendations regarding the UCD of interactive maps. Second, we report on a case study UCD process for GeoVISTA CrimeViz, an interactive and web-based mapping application supporting visual analytics of criminal activity in space and time. The GeoVISTA CrimeViz concept and interface were improved iteratively by working through a series of user→utility→usability loops in which target users provided input and feedback on needs and designs (user), prompting revisions to the conceptualization and functional requirements of the interface (utility), and ultimately leading to new mockups and prototypes of the interface (usability) for additional evaluation by target users (user… and so on). Together, the background review and case study offer guidance for applying UCD to interactive mapping projects, and demonstrate the benefit of including target users throughout design and development.
Phosphoproteomic Analysis of the Highly-Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line, MHCC97-H
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Cheng Han , Wang Zhiqiang , Su Na , Liu Zexian , Sun Changqing , Zhen Bei , Hong Xuechuan , Xue Yu , Xu Ping
Published: February 2015

Invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause for lethal liver cancer. Signaling pathways associated with cancer progression are frequently reconfigured by aberrant phosphorylation of key proteins. To capture the key phosphorylation events in HCC metastasis, we established a methodology by an off-line high-pH HPLC separation strategy combined with multi-step IMAC and LC–MS/MS to study the phosphoproteome of a metastatic HCC cell line, MHCC97-H (high metastasis). In total, 6593 phosphopeptides with 6420 phosphorylation sites (p-sites) of 2930 phosphoproteins were identified. Statistical analysis of gene ontology (GO) categories for the identified phosphoproteins showed that several of the biological processes, such as transcriptional regulation, mRNA processing and RNA splicing, were over-represented. Further analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations demonstrated that phosphoproteins in multiple pathways, such as spliceosome, the insulin signaling pathway and the cell cycle, were significantly enriched. In particular, we compared our dataset with a previously published phosphoproteome in a normal liver sample, and the results revealed that a number of proteins in the spliceosome pathway, such as U2 small nuclear RNA Auxiliary Factor 2 (U2AF2), Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4A-III (EIF4A3), Cell Division Cycle 5-Like (CDC5L) and Survival Motor Neuron Domain Containing 1 (SMNDC1), were exclusively identified as phosphoproteins only in the MHCC97-H cell line. These results indicated that the phosphorylation of spliceosome proteins may participate in the metastasis of HCC by regulating mRNA processing and RNA splicing.
β-Hydroxybutyric Sodium Salt Inhibition of Growth Hormone and Prolactin Secretion via the cAMP/PKA/CREB and AMPK Signaling Pathways in Dairy Cow Anterior Pituitary Cells
Authors: Fu Shou-Peng , Wang Wei , Liu Bing-Run , Yang Huan-Min , Ji Hong , Yang Zhan-Qing , Guo Bin , Liu Ju-Xiong , Wang Jian-Fa
Published: February 2015

β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) regulates the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL), but its mechanism is unknown. In this study, we detected the effects of BHBA on the activities of G protein signaling pathways, AMPK-α activity, GH, and PRL gene transcription, and GH and PRL secretion in dairy cow anterior pituitary cells (DCAPCs). The results showed that BHBA decreased intracellular cAMP levels and a subsequent reduction in protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Inhibition of PKA activity reduced cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, thereby inhibiting GH and PRL transcription and secretion. The effects of BHBA were attenuated by a specific Gαi inhibitor, pertussis toxin (PTX). In addition, intracellular BHBA uptake mediated by monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) could trigger AMPK signaling and result in the decrease in GH and PRL mRNA translation in DCAPCs cultured under low-glucose and non-glucose condition when compared with the high-glucose group. This study identifies a biochemical mechanism for the regulatory action of BHBA on GH and PRL gene transcription, translation, and secretion in DCAPCs, which may be one of the factors that regulate pituitary function during the transition period in dairy cows.
Are Women More Likely to Seek Advice than Men? Evidence from the Boardroom
Authors: Levi Maurice , Li Kai , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2015

It is commonly believed that women are more likely to seek advice than men; for example, on aspects of health or asking for directions when lost. This paper investigates whether women’s relatively greater propensity for advice seeking extends to important business decisions, specifically those involving corporate takeovers. Consistent with the evidence from other contexts, we show that the presence of female directors on target boards is positively and significantly associated with target boards seeking advice from top-ranked financial advisors. In contrast, we do not observe any significant association between the presence of female directors on bidder boards and their engagement of top-ranked financial advisors. We argue that the presence of a gender effect for target boards but not for bidder boards is consistent with less overconfident female versus male directors on bidder boards initiating fewer bids, higher litigation risk facing target boards for accepting too little, and the different type of advice sought by bidders and target firms.
Modes of Fatty Acid Desaturation in Cyanobacteria: An Update
Authors: Los Dmitry , Mironov Kirill
Published: February 2015

Fatty acid composition of individual species of cyanobacteria is conserved and it may be used as a phylogenetic marker. The previously proposed classification system was based solely on biochemical data. Today, new genomic data are available, which support a need to update a previously postulated FA-based classification of cyanobacteria. These changes are necessary in order to adjust and synchronize biochemical, physiological and genomic data, which may help to establish an adequate comprehensive taxonomic system for cyanobacteria in the future. Here, we propose an update to the classification system of cyanobacteria based on their fatty acid composition.
Volcanogenic Fluvial-Lacustrine Environments in Iceland and Their Utility for Identifying Past Habitability on Mars
Authors: Cousins Claire
Published: February 2015

The search for once-habitable locations on Mars is increasingly focused on environments dominated by fluvial and lacustrine processes, such as those investigated by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover. The availability of liquid water coupled with the potential longevity of such systems renders these localities prime targets for the future exploration of Martian biosignatures. Fluvial-lacustrine environments associated with basaltic volcanism are highly relevant to Mars, but their terrestrial counterparts have been largely overlooked as a field analogue. Such environments are common in Iceland, where basaltic volcanism interacts with glacial ice and surface snow to produce large volumes of meltwater within an otherwise cold and dry environment. This meltwater can be stored to create subglacial, englacial, and proglacial lakes, or be released as catastrophic floods and proglacial fluvial systems. Sedimentary deposits produced by the resulting fluvial-lacustrine activity are extensive, with lithologies dominated by basaltic minerals, low-temperature alteration assemblages (e.g., smectite clays, calcite), and amorphous, poorly crystalline phases (basaltic glass, palagonite, nanophase iron oxides). This paper reviews examples of these environments, including their sedimentary deposits and microbiology, within the context of utilising these localities for future Mars analogue studies and instrument testing.
Wear Performance of Sequentially Cross-Linked Polyethylene Inserts against Ion-Treated CoCr, TiNbN-Coated CoCr and Al2O3 Ceramic Femoral Heads for Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Fabry Christian , Zietz Carmen , Baumann Axel , Bader Rainer
Published: February 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biotribology of current surface modifications on femoral heads in terms of wettability, polyethylene wear and ion-release behavior. Three 36 mm diameter ion-treated CoCr heads and three 36 mm diameter TiNbN-coated CoCr heads were articulated against sequentially cross-linked polyethylene inserts (X3) in a hip joint simulator, according to ISO 14242. Within the scope of the study, the cobalt ion release in the lubricant, as well as contact angles at the bearing surfaces, were investigated and compared to 36 mm alumina ceramic femoral heads over a period of 5 million cycles. The mean volumetric wear rates were 2.15 ± 0.18 mm3·million cycles−1 in articulation against the ion-treated CoCr head, 2.66 ± 0.40 mm3·million cycles−1 for the coupling with the TiNbN-coated heads and 2.17 ± 0.40 mm3·million cycles−1 for the ceramic heads. The TiNbN-coated femoral heads showed a better wettability and a lower ion level in comparison to the ion-treated CoCr heads. Consequently, the low volumes of wear debris, which is comparable to ceramics, and the low concentration of metal ions in the lubrication justifies the use of coated femoral heads.
Recycling of Sustainable Co-Firing Fly Ashes as an Alkali Activator for GGBS in Blended Cements
Authors: Wu Yann-Hwang , Huang Ran , Tsai Chia-Jung , Lin Wei-Ting
Published: February 2015

This study investigates the feasibility of co-firing fly ashes from different boilers, circulating fluidized beds (CFB) or stokers as a sustainable material in alkali activators for ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). The mixture ratio of GGBS and co-firing fly ashes is 1:1 by weight. The results indicate that only CF fly ash of CFB boilers can effectively stimulate the potential characteristics of GGBS and provide strength as an alkali activator. CF fly ash consists of CaO3 (48.5%), SiO2 (21.1%), Al2O3 (13.8%), SO3 (10.06%), Fe2O3 (2.25%) and others (4.29%). SA fly ash consists of Al2O3 (19.7%), SiO2 (36.3%), Fe2O3 (28.4%) and others (15.6%). SB fly ash consists of Al2O3 (15%), SiO2 (25.4%), Zn (20.6%), SO3 (10.9%), Fe2O3 (8.78%) and others (19.32%). The mixtures of SA fly ash and SB fly ash with GGBS, respectively, were damaged in the compressive strength test during seven days of curing. However, the built up strength of the CF fly ash and GGBS mixture can only be maintained for 7–14 days, and the compressive strength achieves 70% of that of a controlled group (cement in hardening cement paste). The strength of blended CF fly ash and GGBS started to decrease after 28 days, and the phenomenon of ettrigite was investigated due to the high levels of sulfur content. The CaO content in sustainable co-firing fly ashes must be higher than a certain percentage in reacting GGBS to ensure the strength of blended cements.
3D Cultivation Techniques for Primary Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Bachmann Anastasia , Moll Matthias , Gottwald Eric , Nies Cordula , Zantl Roman , Wagner Helga , Burkhardt Britta , Sánchez Juan , Ladurner Ruth , Thasler Wolfgang , Damm Georg , Nussler Andreas
Published: February 2015

One of the main challenges in drug development is the prediction of in vivo toxicity based on in vitro data. The standard cultivation system for primary human hepatocytes is based on monolayer cultures, even if it is known that these conditions result in a loss of hepatocyte morphology and of liver-specific functions, such as drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. As it has been demonstrated that hepatocytes embedded between two sheets of collagen maintain their function, various hydrogels and scaffolds for the 3D cultivation of hepatocytes have been developed. To further improve or maintain hepatic functions, 3D cultivation has been combined with perfusion. In this manuscript, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of different 3D microfluidic devices. For most systems that are currently available, the main issues are the requirement of large cell numbers, the low throughput, and expensive equipment, which render these devices unattractive for research and the drug-developing industry. A higher acceptance of these devices could be achieved by their simplification and their compatibility with high-throughput, as both aspects are of major importance for a user-friendly device.
Development of Bioorthogonal Reactions and Their Applications in Bioconjugation
Authors: Zheng Mengmeng , Zheng Li , Zhang Peiyuan , Li Jinbo , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2015

Biomolecule labeling using chemical probes with specific biological activities has played important roles for the elucidation of complicated biological processes. Selective bioconjugation strategies are highly-demanded in the construction of various small-molecule probes to explore complex biological systems. Bioorthogonal reactions that undergo fast and selective ligation under bio-compatible conditions have found diverse applications in the development of new bioconjugation strategies. The development of new bioorthogonal reactions in the past decade has been summarized with comments on their potentials as bioconjugation method in the construction of various biological probes for investigating their target biomolecules. For the applications of bioorthogonal reactions in the site-selective biomolecule conjugation, examples have been presented on the bioconjugation of protein, glycan, nucleic acids and lipids.
Toxicity of Amorphigenin from the Seeds of Amorpha fruticosa against the Larvae of Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Liang Yaping , Li Xiuwei , Gu Zumin , Qin Peiwen , Ji Mingshan
Published: February 2015

The larvicidal activity of the crude petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform and ethanol extracts of Amorpha fruticosa seeds was individually assayed for toxicity against the early fourth-instar larva of the mosquito, Culex pipiens pallens after 24 h exposure. Of the tested extracts, the ethanol one exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (LC50 = 22.69 mg/L). Amorphigenin (8'-hydroxyrotenone), a rotenoid compound which exhibits a strong larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 4.29 and 11.27 mg/L, respectively, was isolated from the ethanol extract by column chromatograpy. Its structure was elucidated by 1H-NMR, UV and IR spectral data. Furthermore, investigation of amorphigenin’s effects on mitochondrial complex I activity and protein synthesis in C. pipiens pallens larvae reveals that amorphigenin decreases mitochondrial complex I activities to 65.73% at 10.45 μmol/L, compared to the control, when NADH were used as the substrate. Meanwhile, amorphigenin at 10.45 μmol/L also caused a 1.98-fold decrease in protein content, compared to the control larvae treated with acetone only.
Three New Lanostanoids from the Mushroom Ganoderma tropicum
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Shuang , Wang Yu-Guang , Ma Qing-Yun , Huang Sheng-Zhuo , Hu Li-Li , Dai Hao-Fu , Yu Zhi-Fang , Zhao You-Xing
Published: February 2015

Three new lanostanoid triterpenes—ganotropic acid (1), 3β,7β,15α,24-tetra- hydroxy-11,23-dioxo-lanost-8-en-26-oic acid (2) and 3β,7β,15α,28-tetrahydroxy-11,23- dioxo-lanost-8,16-dien-26-oic acid (3)—were isolated from the n-BuOH extract of the fruiting bodies of the mushroom Ganoderma tropicum. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, as well as HR-EI-MS data.
Study of Coumarin-Resveratrol Hybrids as Potent Antioxidant Compounds
Authors: Matos Maria , Mura Francisco , Vazquez-Rodriguez Saleta , Borges Fernanda , Santana Lourdes , Uriarte Eugenio , Olea-Azar Claudio
Published: February 2015

In the present work we synthesized a selected series of hydroxylated 3-phenylcoumarins 5–8, with the aim of evaluating in detail their antioxidant properties. From an in depth study of the antioxidant capacity data (ORAC-FL, ESR, CV and ROS inhibition) it was concluded that these derivatives are very good antioxidants, with very interesting profiles in all the performed assays. The study of the effect of the number and position of the hydroxyl groups on the antioxidant activity was the principal aim of this study. In particular, 7-hydroxy-3-(3'-hydroxy)phenylcoumarin (8) proved to be the most active and effective antioxidant of the selected series in four of the performed assays (ORAC-FL = 11.8, capacity of scavenging hydroxyl radicals = 54%, Trolox index = 2.33 and AI30 index = 0.18). However, the presence of two hydroxyl groups on this molecule did not increase greatly the activity profile. Theoretical evaluation of ADME properties of all the derivatives was also carried out. All the compounds can act as potential candidates for preventing or minimizing the free radical overproduction in oxidative-stress related diseases. These preliminary findings encourage us to perform a future structural optimization of this family of compounds.
Polymorphic Ring-Shaped Molecular Clusters Made of Shape-Variable Building Blocks
Authors: Cervantes-Salguero Keitel , Hamada Shogo , Nomura Shin-ichiro , Murata Satoshi
Published: February 2015

Self-assembling molecular building blocks able to dynamically change their shapes, is a concept that would offer a route to reconfigurable systems. Although simulation studies predict novel properties useful for applications in diverse fields, such kinds of building blocks, have not been implemented thus far with molecules. Here, we report shape-variable building blocks fabricated by DNA self-assembly. Blocks are movable enough to undergo shape transitions along geometrical ranges. Blocks connect to each other and assemble into polymorphic ring-shaped clusters via the stacking of DNA blunt-ends. Reconfiguration of the polymorphic clusters is achieved by the surface diffusion on mica substrate in response to a monovalent salt concentration. This work could inspire novel reconfigurable self-assembling systems for applications in molecular robotics.
Pilot Dietary Intervention with Heat-Stabilized Rice Bran Modulates Stool Microbiota and Metabolites in Healthy Adults
Authors: Sheflin Amy , Borresen Erica , Wdowik Melissa , Rao Sangeeta , Brown Regina , Heuberger Adam , Broeckling Corey , Weir Tiffany , Ryan Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

Heat-stabilized rice bran (SRB) has been shown to regulate blood lipids and glucose, modulate gut mucosal immunity and inhibit colorectal cancer in animal and human studies. However, SRB’s effects on gut microbial composition and metabolism and the resulting implications for health remain largely unknown. A pilot, randomized-controlled trial was developed to investigate the effects of eating 30 g/day SRB on the stool microbiome and metabolome. Seven healthy participants consumed a study meal and snack daily for 28 days. The microbiome and metabolome were characterized using 454 pyrosequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at baseline, two and four weeks post-intervention. Increases in eight operational taxonomic units (OTUs), including three from Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus genera, were observed after two and four weeks of SRB consumption (p < 0.01). Branched chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids and eleven other putative microbial metabolites were significantly elevated in the SRB group after four weeks. The largest metabolite change was a rice bran component, indole-2-carboxylic acid, which showed a mean 12% increase with SRB consumption. These data support the feasibility of dietary SRB intervention in adults and support that SRB consumption can affect gut microbial metabolism. These findings warrant future investigations of larger cohorts evaluating SRB’s effects on intestinal health.
Association between Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy and Birth Size Measures in a Diverse Population in Southern US
Authors: Colón-Ramos Uriyoán , Racette Susan , Ganiban Jody , Nguyen Thuy , Kocak Mehmet , Carroll Kecia , Völgyi Eszter , Tylavsky Frances
Published: February 2015

Despite increased interest in promoting nutrition during pregnancy, the association between maternal dietary patterns and birth outcomes has been equivocal. We examined maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy as a determinant of offspring’s birth weight-for-length (WLZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and head circumference (HCZ) Z-scores in Southern United States (n = 1151). Maternal diet during pregnancy was assessed by seven dietary patterns. Multivariable linear regression models described the association of WLZ, WAZ, LAZ, and HCZ with diet patterns controlling for other maternal and child characteristics. In bivariate analyses, WAZ and HCZ were significantly lower for processed and processed-Southern compared to healthy dietary patterns, whereas LAZ was significantly higher for these patterns. In the multivariate models, mothers who consumed a healthy-processed dietary pattern had children with significantly higher HCZ compared to the ones who consumed a healthy dietary pattern (HCZ β: 0.36; p = 0.019). No other dietary pattern was significantly associated with any of the birth outcomes. Instead, the major outcome determinants were: African American race, pre-pregnancy BMI, and gestational weight gain. These findings justify further investigation about socio-environmental and genetic factors related to race and birth outcomes in this population.
Rhizoma Dioscoreae Extract Protects against Alveolar Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats via microRNAs Regulation
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Song Changheng , Zhang Fangzhen , Xiang Lihua , Chen Yanjing , Li Yan , Pan Jinghua , Liu Hong , Xiao Gary , Ju Dahong
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteoprotective effect of aqueous Rhizoma Dioscoreae extract (RDE) on the alveolar bone of rats with ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Female Wistar rats underwent either ovariectomy or sham operation (SHAM). The ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated with vehicle (OVX), estradiol valerate (EV), or RDE. After treatments, the bone mineral density (BMD) and the three-dimensional microarchitecture of the alveolar bone were analyzed to assess bone mass. Microarrays were used to evaluate microRNA expression profiles in alveolar bone from RDE-treated and OVX rats. The differential expression of microRNAs was validated using real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and the target genes of validated microRNAs were predicted and further analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). The key findings were verified using qRT-PCR. Our results show that RDE inhibits alveolar bone loss in OVX rats. Compared to the OVX rats, the RDE-treated rats showed upregulated expression levels of 8 microRNAs and downregulated expression levels of 8 microRNAs in the alveolar bone in the microarray analysis. qRT-PCR helped validate 13 of 16 differentially expressed microRNAs, and 114 putative target genes of the validated microRNAs were retrieved. The IPA showed that these putative target genes had the potential to code for proteins that were involved in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)/Smad signaling pathway (Tgfbr2/Bmpr2, Smad3/4/5, and Bcl-2) and interleukin (IL)-6/oncostatin M (OSM)/Jak1/STAT3 signaling pathway (Jak1, STAT3, and Il6r). These experiments revealed that RDE could inhibit ovariectomy-induced alveolar bone loss in rats. The mechanism of this anti-osteopenic effect in alveolar bone may involve the simultaneous inhibition of bone formation and bone resorption, which is associated with modulation of the TGF-β/BMPs/Smad and the IL-6/OSM/Jak1/STAT3 signaling pathways via microRNA regulation.
Extreme Ultraviolet Stokesmeter for Pulsed Magneto-Optics
Authors: Ruiz-Lopez Mabel , Barbato Francesco , Ekinci Yasin , Bleiner Davide
Published: February 2015

Several applications in material science and magnetic holography using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation require the measurement of the degree and state of polarization. In this work, an instrument to measure simultaneously both parameters from EUV pulses is presented. The instrument determines the Stokes parameters after a reflection on an array of multilayer mirrors at the Brewster angle. The Stokesmeter was tested at Swiss Light Source at different EUV wavelengths. The experimental Stokes patterns of the source were compared with the simulated pattern.