bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Datos preliminares de la exportación de materia disuelta y particulada en una cuenca de encinar
Authors: Lledó M. J. , Escarre A.
Published: May 2015

En los dos últimos años se han controlado los flujos de agua y nutrientes en una cuenca de encinar de 55,5 ha. Se presentan aquí los resultados preliminares de las salidas en forma disuelta y particulada con el agua de avenamiento, y se comparan los resultados con los obtenidos en el bosque experimental de Hubbard Brook. Las salidas en forma disuelta se han calculado a partir de datos diarios de caudal y las concentraciones de distintos iones estimadas una vez por semana. Las cantidades totales exportadas en estos dos años son 99,8 y 139,5 kg. hao! año-!, en correspondencia con caudales anuales de 44,3 y 60,6 mm., respectivamente. La materia particulada se ha muestreado con una trampa de sedimentos, una red y con el filtrado de agua. En cada una de estas fracciones se han medido las componentes orgánica e inorgánica. La salída total en forma particulada es de 0,98 kg. hao! el primer año y de sólo 0,52 kg. hao! el segundo. Estos valores son muy pequeños si se comparan con los correspondientes a otros ecosistemas maduros y conservadores en su exportación erosiva. La pequeña pérdida de materia particulada se relaciona con el mínimo caudal de avenamiento anual, sólo el 14,2% de las entradas por precipitación, pero otros mecanismos que tienden a minimizar la erosionabilidad resultan también de importancia.
Science Workshop: an exchange of knowledge between the bachelor and the school from the theme of recycling
Authors: Machado Gabriella Eldereti , Navarini Jussara
Published: May 2015

Currently in the midst of several environment-related discussions, it is very important to know about the issues related, for example, recycling, and especially awareness of students from the earliest grades. Thinking it was held a Workshop on Science at the State Elementary School Ecilda Alves Paim, starting this need discussion and awareness about the importance of recycling to the environment. Aiming activity performed to provide students with a set space between scientific knowledge and everyday experiences of the same, with a space for the exchange of knowledge and experiences. http://dx.doi.org/10.18226/23185279.v3iss1p8
Land management practices interactively affect wetland beetle ecological and phylogenetic community structure
Authors: Kelly Sandor L. , Song Hojun , Jenkins David G.
Published: May 2015

Management practices can disturb ecological communities in grazing lands, which represent one‐quarter of land surface. But three knowledge gaps exist regarding disturbances: disturbances potentially interact but are most often studied singly; experiments with multiple ecosystems as treatment units are rare; and relatively new metrics of phylogenetic community structure have not been widely applied. We addressed all three of these needs with a factorial experiment; 40 seasonal wetlands embedded in a Florida ranch were treated with pasture intensification, cattle exclosure, and prescribed fire. Treatment responses were evaluated through four years for aquatic beetle (Coleoptera: Adephaga) assemblages using classic ecological metrics (species richness, diversity) and phylogenetic community structure (PCS) metrics. Adephagan assemblages consisted of 23 genera representing three families in a well‐resolved phylogeny. Prescribed fire significantly reduced diversity one year post‐fire, followed by a delayed pasture × fire interaction. Cattle exclosure significantly reduced one PCS metric after one year and a delayed pasture × fence × fire interaction was detected with another PCS metric. Overall, effects of long‐term pasture intensification were modified by cattle exclosure and prescribed fire. Also, PCS metrics revealed effects otherwise undetected by classic ecological metrics. Management strategies (e.g., “flash grazing,” prescribed fires) in seasonal wetlands may successfully balance economic gains from high forage quality with ecological benefits of high wetland diversity in otherwise simplified grazing lands. Effects are likely taxon specific; multiple taxa should be similarly evaluated.
Nitrification kinetics and ammonia‐oxidizing community respond to warming and altered precipitation
Authors: Auyeung D. S. Novem , Martiny Jennifer B. H. , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2015

Changes in nitrification rates due to climate change have the potential to influence soil nitrogen availability, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the mechanisms through which temperature and precipitation affect nitrification and the nitrifying microbial community in the field are largely unknown. We examined the effects of warming (up to ~4°C) and altered precipitation (−50%, ambient, +50%) on potential nitrification kinetics, or potential nitrification rates over a range of ammonium (NH4+) concentrations. We also examined responses of the abundance and composition of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which play a critical role in nitrification. This work took place over two years in an old‐field ecosystem in Massachusetts, USA, as part of the Boston‐Area Climate Experiment (BACE). Across all dates and during June and August 2010, drought decreased the half‐saturation constant, Km, or the concentration of NH4+ at the half‐maximal potential nitrification rate. AOB composition responded to the main and interactive effects of warming and precipitation, and warming decreased AOA abundance by 82% during January 2009. Although Km, AOB composition, and AOA abundance responded to the treatments to some degree, potential nitrification kinetics were generally uncorrelated with AO composition or abundance. Sampling date also had a greater effect on potential nitrification kinetics and AO than the treatments themselves, and these larger temporal fluctuations may have masked any correlations between nitrification kinetics and AO. Our results demonstrate that the effect of warming and altered precipitation on AO and nitrification kinetics must be considered in the context of broader temporal variations in AO composition, AO abundance, and nitrification kinetics.
(N(But)4)5H4PV6Mo6O40 as an efficient catalyst for the oxidative desulphurisation of gasoline
Authors: Ali Rezvani , Ali Nia , Abdollahi Liela , Oveisi Mina
Published: May 2015

The oxidative desulphurization (ODS) of gasoline and model compounds that
exist in gasoline with hydrogen peroxide using (N(But)4)5H4PV6Mo6O40 as a
scavenger has been studied. This keggin-type polyoxometalate was shown to be
able to scavenge hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans in high yields. This
system provides an efficient, convenient and practical method for scavenging
sulphur compounds. This quaternary ammonium keggin type polyoxometalate
((N(But)4)5H4PV6Mo6O40) which has lipophilic cation can better act as phase
transfer agent and better transfer the peroxometal anion into organic phase.
That is, the oxidation reactivity of the catalysts depends on the type of
countercation: ((C4H9)4N) + > NH4+ > K+.
Sepiolite functionalized with N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]-ethylenediamine triacetic acid trisodium salt. Part I: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Lazarevic Slavica , Jankovic-Castvan Ivona , Jokic Bojan , Janackovic Djordje , Petrovic Rada
Published: May 2015

Natural sepiolite from Andrici (Serbia) was functionalized by covalent
grafting of N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine triacetic acid
trisodium salt to the Si-OH sepiolite groups. The functionalized material,
MSEAS, was characterized by determination of phase composition by X-ray
diffraction (XRD) analysis, analysis of morphological characteristics by
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy, differential thermal analyses (DTA), determination of specific
surface areas and pore size distribution using B.E.T. method and point of
zero charge (pHpzc) determination. The crystal structure of sepiolite does
not change significantly upon surface modification. FT-IR and DTA analysis
confirmed that the modified sample maintained the basic structure of
sepiolite and also the presence of organic groups in functionalized
sepiolite sample. The point of zero charge of MSEAS in KNO3 solutions of
different concentrations determination by the batch technique from was at pH
7.0 ? 0.1.
Accuracy assessment of GOCE-based geopotential models and their use for modelling the gravimetric quasigeoid - A case study for Poland
Authors: Godah Walyeldeen , Szelachowska Malgorzata , Krynski Jan
Published: May 2015

The GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) has significantly upgraded the knowledge on the Earth gravity field. In this contribution the accuracy of height anomalies determined from Global Geopotential Models (GGMs) based on approximately 27 months GOCE satellite gravity gradiometry (SGG) data have been assessed over Poland using three sets of precise GNSS/levelling data. The fits of height anomalies obtained from 4th release GOCE-based GGMs to GNSS/levelling data were discussed and compared with the respective ones of 3rd release GOCE-based GGMs and the EGM08.

Furthermore, two highly accurate gravimetric quasigeoid models were developed over the area of Poland using high resolution Faye gravity anomalies. In the first, the GOCE-based GGM was used as a reference geopotential model, and in the second - the EGM08. They were evaluated with GNSS/levelling data and their accuracy performance was assessed. The use of GOCE-based GGMs for recovering the long-wavelength gravity signal in gravimetric quasigeoid modelling was discussed.
Kriging approach for local height transformations
Authors: Ligas Marcin , Kulczycki Marek
Published: May 2015

In the paper a transformation between two height datums (Kronstadt’60 and Kronstadt’86, the latter being a part of the present National Spatial Reference System in Poland) with the use of geostatistical method - kriging is presented. As the height differences between the two datums reveal visible trend a natural decision is to use the kind of kriging method that takes into account nonstationarity in the average behavior of the spatial process (height differences between the two datums). Hence, two methods were applied: hybrid technique (a method combining Trend Surface Analysis with ordinary kriging on least squares residuals) and universal kriging. The background of the two methods has been presented. The two methods were compared with respect to the prediction capabilities in a process of crossvalidation and additionally they were compared to the results obtained by applying a polynomial regression transformation model. The results obtained within this study prove that the structure hidden in the residual part of the model and used in kriging methods may improve prediction capabilities of the transformation model.
Deformation Curve Characteristics of Rapeseeds and Sunflower Seeds Under Compression Loading
Authors: Divišová M. , Herák D. , Kabutey A. , Šleger V. , Sigalingging R. , Svatoňová T.
Published: May 2015

The deformation curve characteristics of rapeseeds and sunflower seeds compressed using the equipment ZDM 50-2313/56/18 and varying vessel diameters (40, 60, 80, and 100 mm) were investigated. Maximum compressive force of 100 kN was applied on bulk oilseeds of rape and sunflower of measured height 20-80 mm and deformed at a speed of 60 mm∙min-1. The compression test using the vessel diameters of 40 and 60 mm showed a serration effect while the vessel diameters of 80 and 100 mm indicated an increasing function effect on the force-deformation characteristic curves. Clearly, the increasing function effect described the region with oil flow and that of serration effect described the region without any oil flow. However, it was observed that the serration effect could be due to the higher compressive stress inside the smaller vessel diameters (40 and 60 mm) compared to those with bigger vessel diameters (80 and 100 mm). Parameters such as deformation, deformation energy, and energy density were determined from the force-deformation curves dependency showing both increasing function and serration effect. The findings of the study provide useful information for the determination of specific compressive force and energy requirements for extracting maximum oil from oilseed crops such as rape and sunflower.
Academic Denial of the Armenian Genocide in American Scholarship: Denialism as Manufactured Controversy
Authors: Mamigonian Marc A.
Published: May 2015

From its origins in the World War I era, denial of the Armenian Genocide emerged in American universities during the Cold War. Today, a growing body of critical scholarship and documentation of the Armenian Genocide has rendered traditional strategies of silencing and denial increasingly untenable. Like the tobacco industry lobbyists of the 1950s, apologists for the “Turkish position” now labor to construct denialism as a legitimate intellectual position within a historical debate. Such manufactured controversy is a time-tested means of lending academic credibility to Armenian Genocide deniers, whose contemporary brethren include the so-called skeptics of global warming. This article will trace, briefly, the early development of Armenian Genocide denial and will focus on more recent refinements and the penetration of denial into American academia. Concluding comments will address the fundamental challenge of denialism, debate, and the quest for intellectual integrity.
On String Matching with Mismatches
Authors: Nicolae Marius , Rajasekaran Sanguthevar
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we consider several variants of the pattern matching with mismatches problem. In particular, given a text \(T=t_1 t_2\cdots t_n\) and a pattern \(P=p_1p_2\cdots p_m\), we investigate the following problems: (1) pattern matching with mismatches: for every \(i, 1\leq i \leq n-m+1\) output, the distance between \(P\) and \(t_i t_{i+1}\cdots t_{i+m-1}\); and (2) pattern matching with \(k\) mismatches: output those positions \(i\) where the distance between \(P\) and \(t_i t_{i+1}\cdots t_{i+m-1}\) is less than a given threshold \(k\). The distance metric used is the Hamming distance. We present some novel algorithms and techniques for solving these problems. We offer deterministic, randomized and approximation algorithms. We consider variants of these problems where there could be wild cards in either the text or the pattern or both. We also present an experimental evaluation of these algorithms. The source code is available at http://www.engr.uconn.edu/\(\sim\)man09004/kmis.zip.
Renewable Substitutability Index: Maximizing Renewable Resource Use in Buildings
Authors: Srinivasan Ravi , Campbell Daniel , Wang Wei
Published: May 2015

In order to achieve a material and energy balance in buildings that is sustainable in the long run, there is an urgent need to assess the renewable and non-renewable resources used in the manufacturing process and to progressively replace non-renewable resources with renewables. Such progressive disinvestment in the non-renewable resources that may be substituted with renewable resources is referred to as “Renewable Substitutability” and if implemented, this process will lead to a paradigm shift in the way building materials are manufactured. This paper discusses the development of a Renewable Substitutability Index (RSI) that is designed to maximize the use of renewable resources in a building and quantifies the substitution process using solar emergy (i.e., the solar equivalent joules required for any item). The RSI of a building or a building component, i.e., floor or wall systems, etc., is the ratio of the renewable resources used during construction, including replacement and maintenance, to the building’s maximum renewable emergy potential. RSI values range between 0 and 1.0. A higher RSI achieves a low-energy building strategy promoting a higher order of sustainability by optimizing the use of renewables over a building’s lifetime from formation-extraction-manufacturing to maintenance, operation, demolition, and recycle.
Time-History Seismic Analysis of Masonry Buildings: A Comparison between Two Non-Linear Modelling Approaches
Authors: Betti Michele , Galano Luciano , Vignoli Andrea
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a comparison between two numerical modelling approaches employed to investigate the seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry buildings with flexible diaphragms. The comparison is performed analyzing a two-story prototype tested on a shaking table at the CNR-ENEA research center of Casaccia (Italy). The first numerical model was built by using the finite element (FE) technique, while the second one was built by a simplified macro-element (ME) approach. Both models were employed to perform non-linear dynamic analyses, integrating the equations of motion by step-by-step procedures. The shaking table tests were simulated to analyze the behavior of the prototype from the initial elastic state until the development of extensive damage. The main results of the analyses are discussed and critically compared in terms of engineering parameters, such as accelerations, displacements and base shears. The effectiveness of both models within the investigated typology of buildings is then evaluated in depth.
Computational Approach to 3D Modeling of the Lymph Node Geometry
Authors: Kislitsyn Alexey , Savinkov Rostislav , Novkovic Mario , Onder Lucas , Bocharov Gennady
Published: May 2015

In this study we present a computational approach to the generation of the major geometric structures of an idealized murine lymph node (LN). In this generation, we consider the major compartments such as the subcapsular sinus, B cell follicles, trabecular and medullar sinuses, blood vessels and the T cell zone with a primary focus on the fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network. Confocal microscopy data of LN macroscopic structures and structural properties of the FRC network have been generated and utilized in the present model. The methodology sets a library of modules that can be used to assemble a solid geometric LN model and subsequently generate an adaptive mesh model capable of implementing transport phenomena. Overall, based on the use of high-resolution confocal microscopy and morphological analysis of cell 3D reconstructions, we have developed a computational model of the LN geometry, suitable for further investigation in studies of fluid transport and cell migration in this immunologically essential organ.
Cleavage of the Pt-I bond in a Primary Cycloplatinated Amine by Chelation
Authors: Raven William , Kalf Irmgard , Englert Ulli
Published: May 2015

In the square-planar cycloplatinated complex of R–phenylethylamine, both additional substituents, an anionic iodo and a neutral donor ligand, have been replaced by chelating ethylenediamine. A very pronounced trans influence is observed in the cationic product complex: Two significantly different bond distances to the chelating ligand are found, the longer in trans geometry to the coordinated carbon atom. The positive charge of the monocationic complex is balanced by an uncoordinated iodide. This target solid crystallizes with four independent cations and anions in the unit cell; pairs of complex cations related by pseudo-inversion are stabilized by T stacking. Classical N–H···I hydrogen bonds lead to a layer structure in the (0 1 0) plane.
Information Decomposition and Synergy
Authors: Olbrich Eckehard , Bertschinger Nils , Rauh Johannes
Published: May 2015

Recently, a series of papers addressed the problem of decomposing the information of two random variables into shared information, unique information and synergistic information. Several measures were proposed, although still no consensus has been reached. Here, we compare these proposals with an older approach to define synergistic information based on the projections on exponential families containing only up to k-th order interactions. We show that these measures are not compatible with a decomposition into unique, shared and synergistic information if one requires that all terms are always non-negative (local positivity). We illustrate the difference between the two measures for multivariate Gaussians.
Soy and Breast Cancer: Focus on Angiogenesis
Authors: Varinska Lenka , Gal Peter , Mojzisova Gabriela , Mirossay Ladislav , Mojzis Jan
Published: May 2015

Epidemiological studies have revealed that high consumption of soy products is associated with low incidences of hormone-dependent cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. Soybeans contain large amounts of isoflavones, such as the genistein and daidzain. Previously, it has been demonstrated that genistein, one of the predominant soy isoflavones, can inhibit several steps involved in carcinogenesis. It is suggested that genistein possesses pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of action including inhibition of tyrosine kinases, DNA topoisomerase II, 5α-reductase, galectin-induced G2/M arrest, protein histidine kinase, and cyclin-dependent kinases, modulation of different signaling pathways associated with the growth of cancer cells (e.g., NF-κB, Akt, MAPK), etc. Moreover, genistein is also a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. Uncontrolled angiogenesis is considered as a key step in cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. Genistein was found to inhibit angiogenesis through regulation of multiple pathways, such as regulation of VEGF, MMPs, EGFR expressions and NF-κB, PI3-K/Akt, ERK1/2 signaling pathways, thereby causing strong antiangiogenic effects. This review focuses on the antiangiogenic properties of soy isoflavonoids and examines their possible underlying mechanisms.
Regioselective Alcoholysis of Silychristin Acetates Catalyzed by Lipases
Authors: Vavříková Eva , Gavezzotti Paolo , Purchartová Kateřina , Fuksová Kateřina , Biedermann David , Kuzma Marek , Riva Sergio , Křen Vladimír
Published: May 2015

A panel of lipases was screened for the selective acetylation and alcoholysis of silychristin and silychristin peracetate, respectively. Acetylation at primary alcoholic group (C-22) of silychristin was accomplished by lipase PS (Pseudomonas cepacia) immobilized on diatomite using vinyl acetate as an acetyl donor, whereas selective deacetylation of 22-O-acetyl silychristin was accomplished by Novozym 435 in methyl tert-butyl ether/ n-butanol. Both of these reactions occurred without diastereomeric discrimination of silychristin A and B. Both of these enzymes were found to be capable to regioselective deacetylation of hexaacetyl silychristin to afford penta-, tetra- and tri-acetyl derivatives, which could be obtained as pure synthons for further selective modifications of the parent molecule.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Codon Usage Patterns in Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) Based on RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Duan Xiaoke , Yi Shaokui , Guo Xianwu , Wang Weimin
Published: May 2015

Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is an important fish species for its delicacy and high economic value in China. Codon usage analysis could be helpful to understand its codon biology, mRNA translation and vertebrate evolution. Based on RNA-Seq data for M. amblycephala, high-frequency codons (CUG, AGA, GUG, CAG and GAG), as well as low-frequency ones (NUA and NCG codons) were identified. A total of 724 high-frequency codon pairs were observed. Meanwhile, 14 preferred and 199 avoided neighboring codon pairs were also identified, but bias was almost not shown with one or more intervening codons inserted between the same pairs. Codon usage bias in the regions close to start and stop codons indicated apparent heterogeneity, which even occurs in the flanking nucleotide sequence. Codon usage bias (RSCU and SCUO) was related to GC3 (GC content of 3rd nucleotide in codon) bias. Six GO (Gene ontology) categories and the number of methylation targets were influenced by GC3. Codon usage patterns comparison among 23 vertebrates showed species specificities by using GC contents, codon usage and codon context analysis. This work provided new insights into fish biology and new information for breeding projects.
The CYP51F1 Gene of Leptographium qinlingensis: Sequence Characteristic, Phylogeny and Transcript Levels
Authors: Dai Lulu , Li Zhumei , Yu Jiamin , Ma Mingyuan , Zhang Ranran , Chen Hui , Pham Thanh
Published: May 2015

Leptographium qinlingensis is a fungal associate of the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi) and a pathogen of the Chinese white pine (Pinus armandi) that must overcome the terpenoid oleoresin defenses of host trees. L. qinlingensis responds to monoterpene flow with abundant mechanisms that include export and the use of these compounds as a carbon source. As one of the fungal cytochrome P450 proteins (CYPs), which play important roles in general metabolism, CYP51 (lanosterol 14-α demethylase) can catalyze the biosynthesis of ergosterol and is a target for antifungal drug. We have identified an L. qinlingensis CYP51F1 gene, and the phylogenetic analysis shows the highest homology with the 14-α-demethylase sequence from Grosmannia clavigera (a fungal associate of Dendroctonus ponderosae). The transcription level of CYP51F1 following treatment with terpenes and pine phloem extracts was upregulated, while using monoterpenes as the only carbon source led to the downregulation of CYP5F1 expression. The homology modeling structure of CYP51F1 is similar to the structure of the lanosterol 14-α demethylase protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae YJM789, which has an N-terminal membrane helix 1 (MH1) and transmembrane helix 1 (TMH1). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of terpenoid and azole fungicides (itraconazole (ITC)) and the docking of terpenoid molecules, lanosterol and ITC in the protein structure suggested that CYP51F1 may be inhibited by terpenoid molecules by competitive binding with azole fungicides.
Endothelin Blockade in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Anguiano Lidia , Riera Marta , Pascual Julio , Soler María
Published: May 2015

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the most common cause of chronic kidney disease and multiple therapeutic agents, primarily targeted at the renin-angiotensin system, have been assessed. Their only partial effectiveness in slowing down progression to end-stage renal disease, points out an evident need for additional effective therapies. In the context of diabetes, endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in vasoconstriction, renal injury, mesangial proliferation, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis and inflammation, largely through activation of its endothelin A (ETA) receptor. Therefore, endothelin receptor antagonists have been proposed as potential drug targets. In experimental models of DKD, endothelin receptor antagonists have been described to improve renal injury and fibrosis, whereas clinical trials in DKD patients have shown an antiproteinuric effect. Currently, its renoprotective effect in a long-time clinical trial is being tested. This review focuses on the localization of endothelin receptors (ETA and ETB) within the kidney, as well as the ET-1 functions through them. In addition, we summarize the therapeutic benefit of endothelin receptor antagonists in experimental and human studies and the adverse effects that have been described.
Complications Related to Metal-on-Metal Articulation in Trapeziometacarpal Joint Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Frølich Christina , Hansen Torben
Published: May 2015

Adverse reactions to metal-on-metal (MoM) prostheses are well known from total hip joint resurfacing arthroplasty with elevated serum chrome or cobalt, pain and pseudo tumor formation. It may, however, also be seen after total joint replacement of the trapeziometacarpal joint using MoM articulation, and we present two cases of failure of MoM prostheses due to elevated metal-serum levels in one case and pseudo tumor formation in another case. Furthermore, we suggest a diagnostic algorithm for joint pain after MoM trapeziometacarpal joint replacement based on published experiences from MoM hip prostheses and adverse reactions to metal.
Marine Benthic Habitats and Seabed Suitability Mapping for Potential Ocean Current Energy Siting Offshore Southeast Florida
Authors: Mulcan Amanda , Mitsova Diana , Hindle Tobin , Hanson Howard , Coley Camille
Published: May 2015

This study examines the legal framework for ocean current energy policy and regulation to develop a metric for assessing the biological and geological characteristics of a seabed area with respect to the siting of OCE devices, a framework of criteria by which to assess seabed suitability (seabed suitability framework) that can facilitate the siting, and implementation of ocean current energy (OCE) projects. Seafloor geology and benthic biological data were analyzed in conjunction with seafloor core sample geostatistical interpolation to locate suitable substrates for OCE anchoring. Existing submarine cable pathways were considered to determine pathways for power transmission cables that circumvent biologically sensitive areas. Suitability analysis indicates that areas east of the Miami Terrace and north of recently identified deep-sea coral mounds are the most appropriate for OCE siting due to abundance of sand/sediment substrate, existing underwater cable route access, and minimal biological presence (i.e., little to no benthic communities). Further reconnaissance requires higher resolution maps of geological substrate and benthic community locations to identify specific OCE development locations, classify benthic conditions, and minimize potentially negative OCE environmental impacts.
Methods for Biomimetic Mineralisation of Human Enamel: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cao Chris , Mei May , Li Quan-li , Lo Edward , Chu Chun
Published: May 2015

Biomimetic mineralisation is an alternative restorative methodology that imitates the natural process of mineralisation. We aimed to systematically review the laboratory methods on the biomimetic mineralisation of demineralised enamel. A search in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed. Clinical trials, reviews, non-English articles, animal teeth, non-tooth substrates, and irrelevant studies were excluded. After screening the titles and abstracts of initially searched articles, 20 papers remained for full-text analysis. Eight articles were identified from the references of the remaining papers. A total of 28 studies were included in this systematic review. We found that protein or protein analogues were used to mimic the function of natural protein in 23 studies. Bioactive components inspired by mussel, an agarose hydrogel model, a glycerine-enriched gelatine technique, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, were also used for biomimetic mineralisation of enamel. These laboratory studies reported success in the biomimetic mineralisation of enamel. Potential further research on the biomimetic mineralisation of enamel was discussed.
Shape Effect of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction in Structural Reinforced Concrete Elements Using a New Cement-Based Anodic System
Authors: Carmona Jesús , Climent Miguel-Ángel , Antón Carlos , De Vera Guillem , Garcés Pedro
Published: May 2015

This article shows the research carried out by the authors focused on how the shape of structural reinforced concrete elements treated with electrochemical chloride extraction can affect the efficiency of this process. Assuming the current use of different anode systems, the present study considers the comparison of results between conventional anodes based on Ti-RuO2 wire mesh and a cement-based anodic system such as a paste of graphite-cement. Reinforced concrete elements of a meter length were molded to serve as laboratory specimens, to closely represent authentic structural supports, with circular and rectangular sections. Results confirm almost equal performances for both types of anode systems when electrochemical chloride extraction is applied to isotropic structural elements. In the case of anisotropic ones, such as rectangular sections with no uniformly distributed rebar, differences in electrical flow density were detected during the treatment. Those differences were more extreme for Ti-RuO2 mesh anode system. This particular shape effect is evidenced by obtaining the efficiencies of electrochemical chloride extraction in different points of specimens.
Computational Metabolomics Operations at BioCyc.org
Authors: Karp Peter , Billington Richard , Holland Timothy , Kothari Anamika , Krummenacker Markus , Weaver Daniel , Latendresse Mario , Paley Suzanne
Published: May 2015

BioCyc.org is a genome and metabolic pathway web portal covering 5500 organisms, including Homo sapiens, Arabidopsis thaliana, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. These organism-specific databases have undergone variable degrees of curation. The EcoCyc (Escherichia coli Encyclopedia) database is the most highly curated; its contents have been derived from 27,000 publications. The MetaCyc (Metabolic Encyclopedia) database within BioCyc is a “universal” metabolic database that describes pathways, reactions, enzymes and metabolites from all domains of life. Metabolic pathways provide an organizing framework for analyzing metabolomics data, and the BioCyc website provides computational operations for metabolomics data that include metabolite search and translation of metabolite identifiers across multiple metabolite databases. The site allows researchers to store and manipulate metabolite lists using a facility called SmartTables, which supports metabolite enrichment analysis. That analysis operation identifies metabolite sets that are statistically over-represented for the substrates of specific metabolic pathways. BioCyc also enables visualization of metabolomics data on individual pathway diagrams and on the organism-specific metabolic map diagrams that are available for every BioCyc organism. Most of these operations are available both interactively and as programmatic web services.
Comparative Studies on Polyphenolic Composition, Antioxidant and Diuretic Effects of Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) and Nigella damascena L. (Lady-in-a-Mist) Seeds
Authors: Toma Claudia-Crina , Olah Neli-Kinga , Vlase Laurian , Mogoșan Cristina , Mocan Andrei
Published: May 2015

This study was performed to evaluate the phenolic profile, antioxidant and diuretic effects of black cumin and lady-in-a-mist seeds. In the phenolic profile, differences between the two species are significant. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the phenolic compounds were performed using a HPLC-UV/MS method. Hyperoside was the only identified flavonoid glycoside (1.08 ± 0.01 μg∙g−1 dw plant material), in the N. damascena extract. Regarding the flavonol profile, kaempferol was identified before the hydrolysis, only in the N. sativa extract (6.06 ± 0.02 μg∙g−1 dw plant material) and quercetin only in N. damascena seeds (14.35 ± 0.02 μg∙g−1 dw plant material). The antioxidant potential of the two species was tested through several electron transfer assays, which indicated, excepting for the FRAP assay, N. damascena as exhibiting a higher free radical scavenging activity. The diuretic activity of the two extracts was tested using a rat-experimental model on acute diuresis. Administration of the ethanolic extract of N. sativa (100 mg∙kg−1) resulted in a significant increase in urine volume, although less than found with the reference drug; in addition N. damascena extract did not present a diuretic effect. In reference to the elimination of Na+, K+ and uric acid, the black cumin extract exhibited a higher natriuretic than kaluretic effect and a similar uricosuric effect with control and N. damascena. For N. damascena, the Na+/K+ ratio was sub unitary, but not due to an increasing of the kaluretic effect, but mostly to a decrease of Na+ excretion.
Reactivity of Amine/E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al) Lewis Pairs toward Linear and Cyclic Acrylic Monomers: Hydrogenation vs. Polymerization
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Chen Eugene
Published: May 2015

This work reveals the contrasting reactivity of amine/E(C6F5)3 (E = B, Al) Lewis pairs toward linear and cyclic acrylic monomers, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and biorenewable γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (γMMBL). While mixing of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TMP) and B(C6F5)3 leads to a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP), Et3N reacts with B(C6F5)3 to form disproportionation products, ammonium hydridoborate ionic pair and iminium zwitterion. On the other hand, the stoichiometric reaction of either TMP or Et3N with Al(C6F5)3 leads to clean formation of a classic Lewis adduct (CLA). Neither TMP nor Et3N, when paired with E(C6F5)3, polymerizes MMA, but the Et3N/2B(C6F5)3 pair promotes transfer hydrogenation of MMA to form methyl isobutyrate. In contrast, the amine/E(C6F5)3 pairs promote rapid polymerization of γMMBL carrying the more reactive exocyclic methylene moiety, achieving full conversion in less than 3 min even at a low catalyst loading of 0.0625 mol %. TMP is more effective than Et3N for the polymerization when paired with either the borane or the alane, while the alane exhibits higher polymerization activity than the borane when paired with Et3N. Overall, the TMP/Al(C6F5)3 system exhibits the highest polymerization activity, achieving a maximum turn-over frequency of 96,000 h−1 at 0.125 mol % of catalyst loading, producing high molecular weight PγMMBL with Mn = 1.29 × 105 g∙mol−1.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Determine the Optimal Time and Period for Extracting the Essential Oil from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh
Authors: Garzoli Stefania , Pirolli Adele , Vavala Elisabetta , Di Sotto Antonella , Sartorelli Gianni , Božović Mijat , Angiolella Letizia , Mazzanti Gabriela , Pepi Federico , Ragno Rino
Published: May 2015

A comprehensive study on essential oils (EOs) extracted from some Mentha suaveolens L. samples, collected in the countryside of Tarquinia, is reported. In this study, the procedure for essential oil preparation, in terms of harvesting and extraction time, was analyzed in detail for the first time. The GC/MS analysis, carried out on 18 samples, revealed that piperitenone oxide (PO), the main essential oils’ chemical constituent, is primarily responsible for the related antifungal activity. Nevertheless, EOs with lower PO content indicate that other chemicals, such as para-cymenene, may participate in exerting the EOs’ antifungal effect. Furthermore, the bacterial reverse mutation assay highlighted lack of mutagenic effect in all tested samples. Analysis of the results indicated that for higher activity, the essential oils should be produced with 3 h maximum hydrodistillation, regardless of the harvesting time. Differently, the maximum essential oil yield can be obtained in August and the highest piperitenone oxide percentage is obtainable in July.
The Role of Gangliosides in Neurodevelopment
Authors: Palmano Kate , Rowan Angela , Guillermo Rozey , Guan Jian , McJarrow Paul
Published: May 2015

Gangliosides are important components of neuronal cell membranes and it is widely accepted that they play a critical role in neuronal and brain development. They are functionally involved in neurotransmission and are thought to support the formation and stabilization of functional synapses and neural circuits required as the structural basis of memory and learning. Available evidence, as reviewed herein, suggests that dietary gangliosides may impact positively on cognitive functions, particularly in the early postnatal period when the brain is still growing. Further, new evidence suggests that the mechanism of action may be through an effect on the neuroplasticity of the brain, mediated through enhanced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and nigro-striatal dopaminergic pathway.
Fiber Reinforced Polymer and Polypropylene Composite Retrofitting Technique for Masonry Structures
Authors: Umair Saleem , Numada Muneyoshi , Amin Muhammad , Meguro Kimiro
Published: May 2015

In the current research work, an attempt is made to increase the seismic capacity of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures by proposing a new composite material which can improve shear strength and deformation capacity of URM wall systems. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) having high tensile and shear stiffness can significantly increase in-plane and out-of-plane strength of masonry walls, but, inherently, FRP strengthened wall systems exhibit brittle failure under extreme seismic loading. Polypropylene (PP-band) is a low cost material with sufficient ductility and deformation capacity. Keeping in view the behavior of FRP and PP-band, a composite of FRP and PP-band is proposed for retrofitting of URM walls. Mechanical behavior of the proposed composite material is assessed by carrying out an in-plane diagonal compression test and an out-of-plane bending test on twenty-five 1/4-scaled masonry wall panels. Experimental plan for each panel, URM, PP-band retrofitted, FRP retrofitted and FRP + PP-band retrofitted masonry, is diagonal compression test and three-point bending test. Experimental results have determined that FRP + PP-band composite increased, not only the initial peak strength, but also the ductility, deformation capacity and residual strength of URM wall systems.
SPOT-Based Sub-Field Level Monitoring of Vegetation Cover Dynamics: A Case of Irrigated Croplands
Authors: Dubovyk Olena , Menz Gunter , Lee Alexander , Schellberg Juergen , Thonfeld Frank , Khamzina Asia
Published: May 2015

Acquiring multi-temporal spatial information on vegetation condition at scales appropriate for site-specific agricultural management is often complicated by the need for meticulous field measurements. Understanding spatial/temporal crop cover heterogeneity within irrigated croplands may support sustainable land use, specifically in areas affected by land degradation due to secondary soil salinization. This study demonstrates the use of multi-temporal, high spatial resolution (10 m) SPOT-4/5 image data in an integrated change vector analysis and spectral mixture analysis (CVA-SMA) procedure. This procedure was implemented with the principal objective of mapping sub-field vegetation cover dynamics in irrigated lowland areas within the lowerlands of the Amu Darya River. CVA intensity and direction were calculated separately for the periods of 1998–2006 and 2006–2010. Cumulative change intensity and the overall directional trend were also derived for the entire observation period of 1998–2010. Results show that most of the vector changes were observed between 1998 and 2006; persistent conditions were seen within the study region during the 2006–2010 period. A decreasing vegetation cover trend was identified within 38% of arable land. Areas of decreasing vegetation cover were located principally in the irrigation system periphery where deficient water supply and low soil quality lead to substandard crop development. During the 2006–2010 timeframe, degraded crop cover conditions persisted in 37% of arable land. Vegetation cover increased in 25% of the arable land where irrigation water supply was adequate. This high sub-field crop performance spatial heterogeneity clearly indicates that current land management practices are inefficient. Such information can provide the basis for implementing and adapting irrigation applications and salt leaching techniques to site-specific conditions and thereby make a significant contribution to sustainable regional land management.
A Highly Sensitive Porous Silicon (P-Si)-Based Human Kallikrein 2 (hK2) Immunoassay Platform toward Accurate Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lee Sang , Hosokawa Kazuo , Kim Soyoun , Jeong Ok , Lilja Hans , Laurell Thomas , Maeda Mizuo
Published: May 2015

Levels of total human kallikrein 2 (hK2), a protein involved the pathology of prostate cancer (PCa), could be used as a biomarker to aid in the diagnosis of this disease. In this study, we report on a porous silicon antibody immunoassay platform for the detection of serum levels of total hK2. The surface of porous silicon has a 3-dimensional macro- and nanoporous structure, which offers a large binding capacity for capturing probe molecules. The tailored pore size of the porous silicon also allows efficient immobilization of antibodies by surface adsorption, and does not require chemical immobilization. Monoclonal hK2 capture antibody (6B7) was dispensed onto P-Si chip using a piezoelectric dispenser. In total 13 × 13 arrays (169 spots) were spotted on the chip with its single spot volume of 300 pL. For an optimization of capture antibody condition, we firstly performed an immunoassay of the P-Si microarray under a titration series of hK2 in pure buffer (PBS) at three different antibody densities (75, 100 and 145 µg/mL). The best performance of the microarray platform was seen at 100 µg/mL of the capture antibody concentration (LOD was 100 fg/mL). The platform then was subsequently evaluated for a titration series of serum-spiked hK2 samples. The developed platform utilizes only 15 µL of serum per test and the total assay time is about 3 h, including immobilization of the capture antibody. The detection limit of the hK2 assay was 100 fg/mL in PBS buffer and 1 pg/mL in serum with a dynamic range of 106 (10−4 to 102 ng/mL).
Multisensor Super Resolution Using Directionally-Adaptive Regularization for UAV Images
Authors: Kang Wonseok , Yu Soohwan , Ko Seungyong , Paik Joonki
Published: May 2015

In various unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging applications, the multisensor super-resolution (SR) technique has become a chronic problem and attracted increasing attention. Multisensor SR algorithms utilize multispectral low-resolution (LR) images to make a higher resolution (HR) image to improve the performance of the UAV imaging system. The primary objective of the paper is to develop a multisensor SR method based on the existing multispectral imaging framework instead of using additional sensors. In order to restore image details without noise amplification or unnatural post-processing artifacts, this paper presents an improved regularized SR algorithm by combining the directionally-adaptive constraints and multiscale non-local means (NLM) filter. As a result, the proposed method can overcome the physical limitation of multispectral sensors by estimating the color HR image from a set of multispectral LR images using intensity-hue-saturation (IHS) image fusion. Experimental results show that the proposed method provides better SR results than existing state-of-the-art SR methods in the sense of objective measures.
An Effective Method for Substance Detection Using the Broad Spectrum THz Signal: A "Terahertz Nose"
Authors: Trofimov Vyacheslav , Varentsova Svetlana
Published: May 2015

We propose an effective method for the detection and identification of dangerous substances by using the broadband THz pulse. This pulse excites, for example, many vibrational or rotational energy levels of molecules simultaneously. By analyzing the time-dependent spectrum of the THz pulse transmitted through or reflected from a substance, we follow the average response spectrum dynamics. Comparing the absorption and emission spectrum dynamics of a substance under analysis with the corresponding data for a standard substance, one can detect and identify the substance under real conditions taking into account the influence of packing material, water vapor and substance surface. For quality assessment of the standard substance detection in the signal under analysis, we propose time-dependent integral correlation criteria. Restrictions of usually used detection and identification methods, based on a comparison between the absorption frequencies of a substance under analysis and a standard substance, are demonstrated using a physical experiment with paper napkins.