bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deletion of Phytochelatin Synthase Modulates the Metal Accumulation Pattern of Cadmium Exposed C. elegans
Authors: Essig Yona , Webb Samuel , Stürzenbaum Stephen
Published: February 2016

Environmental metal pollution is a growing health risk to flora and fauna. It is therefore important to fully elucidate metal detoxification pathways. Phytochelatin synthase (PCS), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of phytochelatins (PCs), plays an important role in cadmium detoxification. The PCS and PCs are however not restricted to plants, but are also present in some lower metazoans. The model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, for example, contains a fully functional phytochelatin synthase and phytochelatin pathway. By means of a transgenic nematode strain expressing a pcs-1 promoter-tagged GFP (pcs-1::GFP) and a pcs-1 specific qPCR assay, further evidence is presented that the expression of the C. elegans phytochelatin synthase gene (pcs-1) is transcriptionally non-responsive to a chronic (48 h) insult of high levels of zinc (500 μM) or acute (3 h) exposures to high levels of cadmium (300 μM). However, the accumulation of cadmium, but not zinc, is dependent on the pcs-1 status of the nematode. Synchrotron based X-ray fluorescence imaging uncovered that the cadmium body burden increased significantly in the pcs-1(tm1748) knockout allele. Taken together, this suggests that whilst the transcription of pcs-1 may not be mediated by an exposure zinc or cadmium, it is nevertheless an integral part of the cadmium detoxification pathway in C. elegans.
Effects of Synthetic Anti-Inflammatory Sterol in CB3V-Induced Myocarditis: A Morphological Study on Heart Muscle Tissue
Authors: Castrogiovanni Paola , Trovato Francesca , Szychlinska Marta , Loreto Carla , Giunta Salvatore , Scuderi Soraya , Passanisi Roberta , Fidone Federica , Fagone Paolo , Imbesi Rosa , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Castorina Sergio
Published: February 2016

Cell-mediated immune events play a role in the pathogenesis of myocarditis provoked by Group B coxsackievirus (CVB). Studies indicated the synthetic derivative of androstene-3β,7β,17β-triol, HE3286 (17α-ethynyl-5-androstene-3β,7β,17β-triol), may ameliorate the course of immunoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases in rodents. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of HE3286 on histological signs of CVB-induced myocarditis. BALB/c mice were infected with coxsackie B3 virus (CB3V) and treated by intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone (Dex) or by oral gavage with HE3286 or with its vehicle, HERF405, for 18 days. Mice were sacrificed and hearts were explanted for histological and immunohistochemical analysis (TNF-α, IL-6, MMP9, ADAM10 and HSP-70). Heart tissues of Dex-treated mice showed a better histological structure compared with mice treated with HERF405. An almost complete resolution of myocarditis was observed in HE3286-treated mice as evidenced by lack of inflammatory infiltration. Immunohistochemical findings confirmed HE3286 had a more pronounced effect than Dex in reducing inflammatory response associated with in situ modulation of cytokine expression and tissue remodeling. Our data demonstrate HE3286 has better results in inhibiting establishment and progression of murine CVB-induced myocarditis than Dex, suggesting this drug may also have a therapeutic role in treatment of CVB-induced myocarditis.
Structural Characterization of Iron Meteorites through Neutron Tomography
Authors: Caporali Stefano , Grazzi Francesco , Salvemini Filomena , Garbe Ulf , Peetermans Steven , Pratesi Giovanni
Published: February 2016

In this communication, we demonstrate the use of neutron tomography for the structural characterization of iron meteorites. These materials prevalently consist of metallic iron with variable nickel content. Their study and classification is traditionally based on chemical and structural analysis. The latter requires cutting, polishing and chemical etching of large slabs of the sample in order to determine the average width of the largest kamacite lamellae. Although this approach is useful to infer the genetical history of these meteorites, it is not applicable to small or precious samples. On the base of different attenuation coefficient of cold neutrons for nickel and iron, neutron tomography allows the reconstruction of the Ni-rich (taenite) and Ni-poor (kamacite) metallic phases. Therefore, the measure of the average width of the largest kamacite lamellae could be determined in a non-destructive way. Furthermore, the size, shape, and spatial correlation between kamacite and taenite crystals were obtained more efficiently and accurately than via metallographic investigation.
DNA Scaffolded Silver Clusters: A Critical Study
Authors: Sengupta Bidisha , Corley Christa , Cobb Keith , Saracino Anthony , Jockusch Steffen
Published: February 2016

Fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag-NCs) are in prominence as novel sensing materials due to their biocompatibility, photostability, and molecule-like optical properties. The present work is carried out on an array (17 sequences) of 16 bases long cytosine rich, single stranded DNA templates 5′-C3XiC3XiiC3XiiiC3Xiv-3′ where i, ii, iii, iv correspond to T/G/C deoxynucleobases (with default base A). Among all the oligonucleotides, a sequence C3AC3AC3TC3G (3T4G) has been identified, which grows three different near-infrared-emitting NC species with absorption/emission maxima at ~620/700 (species I), 730/800 (species II), and 830 (Species III) nm, respectively. The nature of the spectral profiles, along with relevant parameters namely absorption maximum (\(\lambda_{abs}^{max}\)), emission maximum (\(\lambda_{em}^{max}\)), anisotropy (r), lifetime (\(\tau\)), circular dichroism spectral data are used to understand the microenvironments of the fluorescent NC species I, II, and III. DNA:Ag stiochiometric, pH and solvent dependent studies proved that i-motif scaffolds with different folding topologies are associated with the growth of these three species and a certain concentration of silver and H+ favor the growth of species III. Size exclusion chromatographic measurements provided similar indications that a folded, more compact, classic i-motif template is associated with the formation of the longer NIR (~830 nm) absorbing species. This study provides a more definitive approach to design and obtain a targeted DNA templated Ag-NC with required emission properties for biophysical and cellular applications.
Antimicrobial Activity of Some Novel Armed Thiophene Derivatives and Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) Analyses
Authors: Mabkhot Yahia , Alatibi Fatima , El-Sayed Nahed , Al-Showiman Salim , Kheder Nabila , Wadood Abdul , Rauf Abdur , Bawazeer Saud , Hadda Taibi
Published: February 2016

Tetrasubstituted 2-acetylthiophene derivative 5 was synthesized and then condensed with various nitrogen nucleophiles such as 5-amino-1,2,4-triazole, 2-aminobenzimidazole, aniline or p-chloroaniline to afford the corresponding iminothiophene derivatives 6–8a,b. Condensation of thiophene 5 with malononitrile as carbon nucleophile afforded compound 9, which underwent nucleophilic addition with DMF-DMA to afford compound 10. The newly synthesized products were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, MS, 1H-13C-NMR and CHN analysis and then evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. Results of the in vitro antibacterial activity showed that thiophene derivative 7 was found to be more potent than the standard drug gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Some of these compounds showed potential antimicrobial activities. Molecular docking and Osiris/Molinspiration analyses show the crucial role and impact of substituents on bioactivity and indicate the unfavorable structural parameters in actual drug design: more substitution with electronic donor group doesn’t guarantee more effective bioactivity. This study should greatly help in an intelligent and a controlled pharmacomodulation of antibiotics.
Antimicrobial Activity and Stability of Short and Long Based Arachnid Synthetic Peptides in the Presence of Commercial Antibiotics
Authors: Arenas Ivan , Villegas Elba , Walls Oliver , Barrios Humberto , Rodríguez Ramon , Corzo Gerardo
Published: February 2016

Four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) named Pin2[G], Pin2[14], P18K and FA1 were chemically synthesized and purified. The four peptides were evaluated in the presence of eight commercial antibiotics against four microorganisms of medical importance: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The commercial antibiotics used were amoxicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and vancomycin. The best AMP against P. aeruginosa was the peptide FA1, and the best AMP against S. aureus was Pin2[G]. Both FA1 and Pin2[G] were efficient against E. coli, but they were not effective against K. pneumoniae. As K. pneumoniae was resistant to most of the commercial antibiotics, combinations of the AMPs FA1 and Pin2[G] were prepared with these antibiotics. According to the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index, the best antimicrobial combinations were obtained with concomitant applications of mixtures of FA1 with levofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole. However, combinations of FA1 or Pin2[G] with other antibiotics showed that total inhibitory effect of the combinations were greater than the sum of the individual effects of either the antimicrobial peptide or the antibiotic. We also evaluated the stability of the AMPs. The AMP Pin2[G] manifested the best performance in saline buffer, in supernatants of bacterial growth and in human blood plasma. Nevertheless, all AMPs were cleaved using endoproteolytic enzymes. These data show advantages and disadvantages of AMPs for potential clinical treatments of bacterial infections, using them in conjunction with commercial antibiotics.
Discovery of Uracil Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase
Authors: Qiu Yan , Zhang Yang , Li Yuhang , Ren Jie
Published: February 2016

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is an intracellular serine enzyme involved in the biological degradation of the fatty acid ethanolamide family of signaling lipids, which exerts neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. In the present study, a conjugated 2,4-dioxo-pyrimidine-1-carboxamide scaffold was confirmed as a novel template for FAAH inhibitors, based on which, a series of analogues had been prepared for an initial structure-activity relationship (SAR) study. Most of the synthesized compounds displayed moderate to significant FAAH inhibitory potency. Among them, compounds 11 and 14 showed better activity than others, with IC50 values of 21 and 53 nM. SAR analysis indicated that 2,4-dioxopyrimidine-1-carboxamides represented a novel class of potent inhibitors of FAAH, and substitution at the uracil ring or replacement of the N-terminal group might favor the inhibitory potency. Selected compounds of this class may be used as useful parent molecules for further investigation.
Influence of Thermal Treatment Conditions on the Properties of Dental Silicate Cements
Authors: Voicu Georgeta , Popa Alexandru , Badanoiu Alina , Iordache Florin
Published: February 2016

In this study the sol-gel process was used to synthesize a precursor mixture for the preparation of silicate cement, also called mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cement. This mixture was thermally treated under two different conditions (1400 °C/2 h and 1450 °C/3 h) followed by rapid cooling in air. The resulted material (clinker) was ground for one hour in a laboratory planetary mill (v = 150 rot/min), in order to obtain the MTA cements. The setting time and mechanical properties, in vitro induction of apatite formation by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) and cytocompatibility of the MTA cements were assessed in this study. The hardening processes, nature of the reaction products and the microstructural characteristics were also investigated. The anhydrous and hydrated cements were characterized by different techniques e.g., X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal analysis (DTA-DTG-TG). The setting time of the MTA cement obtained by thermal treatment at 1400 °C/2 h (MTA1) was 55 min and 15 min for the MTA cement obtained at 1450 °C/3 h (MTA2). The compressive strength values were 18.5 MPa (MTA1) and 22.9 MPa (MTA2). Both MTA cements showed good bioactivity (assessed by an in vitro test), good cytocompatibility and stimulatory effect on the proliferation of cells.
Antifungal Activity of Isoliquiritin and Its Inhibitory Effect against Peronophythora litchi Chen through a Membrane Damage Mechanism
Authors: Luo Jianjun , Li Zhibin , Wang Jingjing , Weng Qunfang , Chen Shaohua , Hu Meiying
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the antifungal activity and potential antifungal mechanism(s) of isoliquiritin against P. litchi Chen, one of the main litchi pathogens. The antifungal activity of isoliquiritin against P. litchi Chen had been proven in a dose-dependent manner through in vitro (mycelial growth and sporangia germination) and in vivo (detached leaf) tests. Results revealed that isoliquiritin exhibited significant antifungal activity against the tested pathogens, especially, P. litchi Chen, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 27.33 mg/L. The morphology of P. litchi Chen was apparently changed by isoliquiritin through cytoplasm leakage and distortion of mycelia. The cell membrane permeability of the P. litchi Chen increased with the increasing concentration of isoliquiritin, as evidenced by a rise in relative electric conductivity and a decrease in reducing sugar contents. These results indicated that the antifungal effects of isoliquiritin could be explained by a membrane lesion mechanism causing damage to the cell membrane integrity leading to the death of mycelial cells. Taken together, isoliquiritin may be used as a natural alternative to commercial fungicides or a lead compound to develop new fungicides for the control of litchi downy blight.
A Staphylococcus aureus Proteome Overview: Shared and Specific Proteins and Protein Complexes from Representative Strains of All Three Clades
Authors: Liang Chunguang , Schaack Dominik , Srivastava Mugdha , Gupta Shishir , Sarukhanyan Edita , Giese Anne , Pagels Martin , Romanov Natalie , Pané-Farré Jan , Fuchs Stephan , Dandekar Thomas
Published: February 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is an important model organism and pathogen. This S. aureus proteome overview details shared and specific proteins and selected virulence-relevant protein complexes from representative strains of all three major clades. To determine the strain distribution and major clades we used a refined strain comparison combining ribosomal RNA, MLST markers, and looking at highly-conserved regions shared between strains. This analysis shows three sub-clades (A–C) for S. aureus. As calculations are complex and strain annotation is quite time consuming we compare here key representatives of each clade with each other: model strains COL, USA300, Newman, and HG001 (clade A), model strain N315 and Mu50 (clade B) and ED133 and MRSA252 (clade C). We look at these individual proteomes and compare them to a background of 64 S. aureus strains. There are overall 13,284 S. aureus proteins not part of the core proteome which are involved in different strain-specific or more general complexes requiring detailed annotation and new experimental data to be accurately delineated. By comparison of the eight representative strains, we identify strain-specific proteins (e.g., 18 in COL, 105 in N315 and 44 in Newman) that characterize each strain and analyze pathogenicity islands if they contain such strain-specific proteins. We identify strain-specific protein repertoires involved in virulence, in cell wall metabolism, and phosphorylation. Finally we compare and analyze protein complexes conserved and well-characterized among S. aureus (a total of 103 complexes), as well as predict and analyze several individual protein complexes, including structure modeling in the three clades.
Does Land Tenure Security Promote Manure Use by Farm Households in Vietnam?
Authors: Nguyen Trung , Bauer Siegfried , Grote Ulrike
Published: February 2016

Facing widespread poverty and land degradation, Vietnam started a land reform in 1993 as part of its renovation policy package known as “Doi Moi”. This paper examines the impacts of improved land tenure security, via this land reform, on manure use by farm households. As manure potentially improves soil fertility by adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil surface, it might contribute to improving soil productive capacity and reversing land degradation. Random effect regression models are applied to a panel dataset of 133 farm households in the Northern Uplands of Vietnam collected in 1993, 1998, and 2006. The results confirm that land tenure security has positive effects on manure use, but the levels of influence differ depending on whether the land has been privatized or whether the land title has already been issued. In addition, manure use is also influenced by the number of cattle and pigs, the education level and ethnicity of household heads, farm land size and non-farm income. The findings suggest that speeding up land privatization and titling, encouraging cattle and pig rearing, and improving education would promote manure use in farm production. However, careful interpretation of our research findings is required as land privatization, together with economic growth and population pressure, might lead to overuse of farm inputs.
Long-Term Blood Pressure Control Effect of Celiac Plexus Block with Botulinum Toxin
Authors: Lee Sung , Lim Dae , Lee Ju , Chang Kiyuk , Koo Jung , Park Hue
Published: February 2016

Celiac plexus block (CPB) is one of the main treatment options for patients resistant to conventional antihypertensive drugs. We present a case of resistant hypertension (RHTN) that was treated with CPB using botulinum toxin. An 18-year-old male patient with RHTN, who suffered from persistent hypertension even after combination therapy and a renal denervation procedure, was referred to our pain center for CPB. CPB using botulinum toxin following the use of only local anesthetics resulted in control of systolic blood pressure (BP) at ~150 mmHg for at least three months.
A novel multiplex bead‐based platform highlights the diversity of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Koliha Nina , Wiencek Yvonne , Heider Ute , Jüngst Christian , Kladt Nikolay , Krauthäuser Susanne , Johnston Ian C. D. , Bosio Andreas , Schauss Astrid , Wild Stefan
Published: February 2016

The surface protein composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is related to the originating cell and may play a role in vesicle function. Knowledge of the protein content of individual EVs is still limited because of the technical challenges to analyse small vesicles. Here, we introduce a novel multiplex bead‐based platform to investigate up to 39 different surface markers in one sample. The combination of capture antibody beads with fluorescently labelled detection antibodies allows the analysis of EVs that carry surface markers recognized by both antibodies. This new method enables an easy screening of surface markers on populations of EVs. By combining different capture and detection antibodies, additional information on relative expression levels and potential vesicle subpopulations is gained. We also established a protocol to visualize individual EVs by stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. Thereby, markers on single EVs can be detected by fluorophore‐conjugated antibodies. We used the multiplex platform and STED microscopy to show for the first time that NK cell–derived EVs and platelet‐derived EVs are devoid of CD9 or CD81, respectively, and that EVs isolated from activated B cells comprise different EV subpopulations. We speculate that, according to our STED data, tetraspanins might not be homogenously distributed but may mostly appear as clusters on EV subpopulations. Finally, we demonstrate that EV mixtures can be separated by magnetic beads and analysed subsequently with the multiplex platform. Both the multiplex bead‐based platform and STED microscopy revealed subpopulations of EVs that have been indistinguishable by most analysis tools used so far. We expect that an in‐depth view on EV heterogeneity will contribute to our understanding of different EVs and functions.
Transient Microneedle Insertion into Hippocampus Triggers Neurogenesis and Decreases Amyloid Burden in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Song Shijie , Kong Xiaoyung , Sava Vasyl , Cao Chuanhai , Acosta Sandra , Borlongan Cesar , Sanchez-Ramos Juan
Published: February 2016

Targeted microlesions of the hippocampus have been reported to enhance neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ). The potential therapeutic impact of transient insertion of a microneedle was investigated in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We tested the hypothesis that transient microinjury to the brain elicits cellular responses that mediate beneficial regenerative processes. Brief stereotaxic insertion and removal of a microneedle into the right hippocampus of 14-month-old APP/PS1 mouse brains resulted in (a) stimulation of hippocampal neurogenesis and (b) reduction of amyloid-β plaque number in the CA-1 region. This treatment also resulted in a trend toward improved performance in the radial arm water maze (RAWM). Further studies of fundamental cellular mechanisms of the brain's response to microinjury will be useful for investigation of potential neuroprotective and deleterious effects of targeted microlesions and deep brain stimulation in AD.
Impact of Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Evaluation at a Single Institution
Authors: Dault R. , Rousseau M.P. , Beaudoin A. , Frenette M.A. , Lemay F. , Beauchesne M.F.
Published: February 2016

Oxaliplatin plays a major role in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), but is associated with the development of neuropathies. The main objective of the present prospective study was to estimate the proportion of participants with grade 1, 2, 3, or 4 peripheral sensory neuropathies according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4) among CRC patients treated with oxaliplatin (adjuvant or metastatic, FOLFOX or XELOX regimens) at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke. Among the 57 patients so treated between May 2012 and April 2013, about 60% reported grade 2 neuropathy, at maximum, during treatment. About 25% of patients had to stop treatment because of neuropathies. In a subset of patients contacted approximately 22 months after treatment cessation, neuropathies persisted in 70%. Oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy affects a significant number of CRC patients and can influence the course of treatment and outcomes.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Head and Neck: Clinical Predictors of Outcome from a Canadian Centre
Authors: Ko J.J. , Siever J.E. , Hao D. , Simpson R. , Lau H.Y.
Published: February 2016

Objectives: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is often treated with surgery, with or without adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). We evaluated disease characteristics, treatments, and potentially prognostic variables in patients with ACC. Methods: Our retrospective analysis considered consecutive cases of ACC presenting at a tertiary care hospital between 2000 and 2014. Factors predictive of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were identified by univariate analysis. Results: The 60 patients analyzed had a mean age of 58 years (range: 22-88 years), with a 2:1 female:male ratio. Tumour locations included the major salivary glands (40% parotid, 17% submandibular and sublingual), the oro-nasopharyngeal cavity (27%), and other locations (16%). Of the 60 patients, 35 (58%) received surgery with adjuvant RT; 12 (20%), RT only; 13 (22%), surgery only. Of 18 patients (30%) who experienced a recurrence within 5 years, 3 (5%) developed local recurrence only, and the remaining 15 (25%), distant metastasis. The 5-year OS and DFS were 64.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 45.9% to 78.1%] and 46.2% (95% CI: 29.7% to 61.2%) respectively. In patients without recurrence, 5-year OS was 77% (95% CI: 52.8% to 89.9%), and in patients with recurrence, it was 42.7% (95% CI: 15.8% to 67.6%). Patients treated with RT only had a 5-year OS of 9.2%. Predictors of 5-year DFS were TNM stage, T stage, nodal status, treatment received, and margin status; age, nodal status, treatment received, and margin status predicted 5-year OS. Conclusions: Despite surgery and RT, one third of patients with ACC experience distant recurrence. Patients whose tumours are not amenable to surgery have a poor prognosis, indicating a need for alternative approaches to improve outcomes.
DISPERSAL OF TIDAL DEBRIS IN A MILKY-WAY-SIZED DARK MATTER HALO
Authors: Ngan Wayne , Carlberg Raymond G. , Bozek Brandon , Wyse Rosemary F. G. , Szalay Alexander S. , Madau Piero
Published: February 2016

We simulate the tidal disruption of a collisionless N-body globular star cluster in a total of 300 different orbits selected to have galactocentric radii between 10 and 30 kpc in four dark matter halos: (a) a spherical halo with no subhalos, (b) a spherical halo with subhalos, (c) a realistic halo with no subhalos, and (d) a realistic halo with subhalos. This allows us to isolate and study how the halo’s (lack of) dynamical symmetry and substructures affect the dispersal of tidal debris. The realistic halos are constructed from the snapshot of the Via Lactea II simulation at redshift zero. We find that the overall halo’s symmetry disperses tidal debris to make the streams fluffier, consistent with previous studies of tidal debris of dwarf galaxies in larger orbits than ours in this study. On the other hand, subhalos in realistic potentials can locally enhance the densities along streams, making streams denser than their counterparts in smooth potentials. We show that many long and thin streams can survive in a realistic and lumpy halo for a Hubble time. This suggests that upcoming stellar surveys will likely uncover more thin streams which may contain density gaps that have been shown to be promising probes for dark matter substructures.
Perpétuité pour les mineurs : La Cour Suprême des Etats-Unis entrouvre les portes du pénitencier
Authors: Morri Johann
Published: February 2016

Dans l’affaire Miller v. Alabama, en 2012, la Cour suprême avait jugé que le prononcé automatique de peines de perpétuités incompressibles à l’encontre de mineurs au moment de l’infraction était contraire à la Constitution – et, plus précisément, à la prohibition des peines cruelles et inhabituelles. La Cour combine ce principe avec le principe de la rétroactivité de la loi pénale plus douce, et ouvre ainsi la porte au réexamen des condamnations, même définitives, prononcées en méconnaissance des principes de l’arrêt Miller.
Synthesis, Characterizations, and Biological Effects Study of Some Quinoline Family
Authors: Amel Messai
Published: February 2016

The objective of this work is the synthesis of new quinoline molecules which could have some biological activities. This chapter reported a new approach to the synthesis of some quinoline derivatives. The Baylis-Hillman reaction on 2-methoxy-3-formyl quinoléines derivatives have applied in order to obtain Baylis-Hillman adducts. The products are characterized by FTIR, NMR and X-ray single crystal diffraction .Also, a study of the antibacterial activity of the 3-(2-chloro quinoline)-3-hydroxy-2 methylene propanonitrile products synthesized have been explored. This assessment is made by using the disk diffusion method. The results showed that the 3-(2'-chloroquinoline)-3-hydroxy-2-methylenepropanonitril derivatives present a good antibacterial effectiveness against the strains tested Gram-positive and no antibacterial potency was observed against the stains Gram-negative used in the test.
Peroxovanadates and Its Bio-Mimicking Relation with Vanadium Haloperoxidases
Authors: Saikia Pranjal , Bharadwaj Saitanya Kumar , Miah Abu Taleb
Published: February 2016

Vanadium Haloperoxidases (VHPOs) have been used in a variety of biotransformations showing remarkable stereoselectivity and regiospecificity. The high efficiency of the enzyme is influenced by the protein active site and the role of certain amino acids in activation of vanadium(V)-bound peroxide for halide oxidation. The use of natural or recombinant enzymes, or biomimetic vanadium compounds brings up issues regarding the cost of production and reaction conditions. In this chapter, the primary intent is to provide a simple and clear picture of functional mimicking nature of peroxovanadium compounds with haloperoxidases enzymes to the readers. Major emphasis would be given to examine the reactivity of the vanadium haloperoxidases with mechanism.
An Exploration of Resilience and Values in the Co-Design of Sociotechnical Systems
Authors: Barn Balbir S. , Barn Ravinder
Published: February 2016

The notion of resilience is becoming an important consideration in addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals and groups in the public sector. In Information Systems development, resilience has often been treated as a non-functional requirement such as scalability and little or no work has aimed at building resilience in end-users through systems development. Sociotechnical approaches while not specifically addressing resilience, have strived for a balance between technology and humans. While there are many variants of sociotechnical approaches, in this paper the authors introduce a refinement of the value sensitive action-reflection model used in co-design, first introduced by Yoo et al, that recognises the tension between values and resilience. The authors report on their activities of using this approach for a project aimed at developing mobile apps for promoting better engagement between young people in conflict with the law and their case workers in the UK youth justice system. They examine the ambiguity created when designer and stakeholder prompts change their role and purpose during the co-design process and discuss the impact of this on resilience building for the end-user and the possible implications for Information Systems design processes.
Plasticity Calculation of Plates Using Layered Model
Authors: Fiedler Josef , Koudelka Tomáš
Published: February 2016

A layered model is used for nonlinear analysis of plates. Calculation is performed using DKT plate elements and considering plastic yielding of layers with the use of double Drucker-Prager yield criterion model for concrete and J2 plasticity model for reinforcement. Computation is done by the SIFEL solver using the Finite Element Method.
Simulation of Self-Reconfigurable Material Systems
Authors: Hamhalter Aleš , Švarný Petr
Published: February 2016

Article investigates possible ways of implementing aspects of mechanical load into a simulation of self-reconfigurable robotic system. Simulation is done in Netlogo environment with connection to Oofem FEM solver.
Algorithmic Framework for Stochastic Galerkin Method
Authors: Havelka Jan , Sýkora Jan , Kučerová Anna
Published: February 2016

In this contribution we focus on the computational aspects for practical use of the uncertainty propagation in groundwater flow environment using stochastic finite element method based on generalized polynomial chaos (gPC), where the uncertain part is taking place only in the spatial distribution of the transport properties. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards real world applications in computational mechanics, thus the reduction techniques have become very desirable. Our focus is on efficient Matlab implementation in terms of computational time and memory consumption without modifying the mathematical background.
Stochastic Model Calibration Based on Measurements from Different Experiments
Authors: Janouchová Eliška , Kučerová Anna , Sýkora Jan
Published: February 2016

The calibration of a heterogeneous material model can be formulated as a search for probabilistic description of its parameters providing the distribution of the model response corresponding to the distribution of the observed data. This contribution is focused on developing a method for identification of parameters along with their variations based on combining measurements from different types of destructive experiments.
Comparison of DEM-Based Wang Tilings and PUC
Authors: Stránský Jan , Doškář Martin
Published: February 2016

This contribution presents a statistical evaluation of microstructures assembled by means of2D Wang tiles, morphology of which is designed employing an algorithm based on Discrete ElementMethod. Comparison between realization of Wang tiling and Periodic Unit Cell representation is providedin terms of spatial descriptors. Namely, radial distribution function g2 and two-point probabilityfunction S2 are used to assess the artefacts related to periodicity in synthesized microstructures. Wedemonstrate significant reduction in periodicity achieved with Wang tiling (compared to the periodicsynthesis) in both the microstructures and results of numerical simulations.
Non-Destructive Testing of Glued Laminated Timber Beams with Use of Pilodyn 6J – Method of Spike
Authors: Klapálek Pavel , Melzerová Lenka
Published: February 2016

This article is focused on GLULAM (glued laminated timber) beams and determination of their properties by using non-destructive method. This text is mainly focused just on part of more complex research of glued laminated timber beams. This text is focused on non-destructive method, which is the method of spike that uses device called Pilodyn 6J for measurement. Results of this method are in form of Young ́s modulus of elasticity. This article will describe how the method of spike works, with basic description, describes the tested material and compare the results of testing. In the conclusion we discuss the results, make conclusions and describe the way of our further research of glued laminated timber beams.
Masonry Column Reinforced by FRP Wrapping: Behavior and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Maroušková Aneta
Published: February 2016

A numerical analysis for masonry columns is presented in this paper. The behavior and character of deformation of compressed unreinforced masonry columns is investigated and compared with the deformation of masonry columns reinforced by FRP wrapping. The experimental program is part of a research project NAKI [1]. Both, the bricks and the mortar are modeled as 3D continuum and to the interface between these two materials a non-linear contact law is assigned. The contact between reinforcement and masonry support is considered as perfectly-adherent. Two different cases are simulated - the ratio of Young ́s modulus of brick and Young’s modulus of mortar is 5:1, respectively 1:5. For all simulations the commercial software package ABAQUS was used and the obtained numerical results are discussed.
Mechanical Properties of Gypsum Matrix Reinforced with Recycled Fibers
Authors: Hlubocký Lukáš , Hrůza Jaromír , Novák Lukas , Topič Jaroslav
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with using resonance method for determine a development of mechanical properties of gypsum matrix reinforced with steel fibers from recycled tires. Mechanical properties which were monitored are the dynamic Young's modulus and dynamic shear modulus. Both properties were measured by a resonance method on samples 28 days old. The aim was to check the possibilities of using the recycled tires in construction as reinforcement to the gypsum binder. Many published papers deals with composite materials based on gypsum, but mainly with standard non-metallic reinforcement such as glass fibers, PP and PE fibers etc.
Compressive Strength of Unburned Clay Masonry
Authors: Žabičková Ivana , Otcovská Tereza , Padevět Pavel
Published: February 2016

Clay is a traditional construction material which has got to background with introduction of modern materials to building practice. Nowadays, there are two main reasons for unfired clay materials interest grow. First, a clay masonry is in an agreement with sustainable development principles. Second, the unburned clay constructions have positive influence on a human health. However, there is not proper material available for clay constructions design due to lack of proper examination of its mechanical properties. This submission concerns with compressive strength of low walls made of unburned clay.
Creep of Eight Years Old Cement Paste
Authors: Padevět Pavel , Bittnar Petr
Published: February 2016

The paper presents research of shrinkage of the cement paste. The tested specimens wereprepared eight years ago from Portland cement CEM II and water. The observation was focused onthe evolution of creep in long time and for very old material. The material properties like a compressionstrength and Modulus of elasticity were observed according with the creep.
Non Destructive Testing of Concrete with Recycled Cement Powder
Authors: Pavlů Tereza , Šefflová Magdaléna
Published: February 2016

This study deals with determination of the physical properties of fine-aggregate concrete with partial replacement of cement in concrete mixture. Cement was replaced by recycled cement powder originating from construction and demolition waste. The main goal of this study is evaluation of the basic physical properties of the fine-aggregate concrete with partial cement replacement by recycled concrete powder such as density, water absorption capacity and capillary water absorption. The fine recycled concrete which was used as partial replacement of cement had the same grain size as cement. The replacement rate was 0 %, 5 %, 10 % and 15 %. Physical properties were investigated by using cubic and prismatic specimens.
Damage Detection of Masonry Columns Using Modal Analysis
Authors: Hubka Jiří , Plachy Tomáš , Polak Michal
Published: February 2016

The paper is focused on damage detection of brick columns using the non-destructive method - modal analysis. The four brick columns, each made from four bricks and mortar, were tested. The two of them were made using one type of mortar and the second two using another type. The differences in the dynamic behavior were investigated using multi reference modal analysis. Conclusion summarizes the comparison of dynamic behavior of columns and damage detection in some of them.
Replacement of Cement with Finely Ground Recycled Concrete: Influence on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Topič Jaroslav , Prošek Zdeněk , Fladr Josef , Nežerka Václav , Tesárek Pavel
Published: February 2016

The waste production from construction sites become very serious problem. Recycling is the best option for disposal of such waste, and the proper sorting and knowledge of the recycled concrete history allows its further use in the construction. The current studies are mostly focused on utilization of recycled concrete in the form of aggregate. The presented work is focused on the utilization of Finely Ground Recycled Concrete (FGRC) used as a filler and partial substitution for binder. Recycled concrete was ground from concrete railway sleepers in the Lavaris Company (Czech Republic). Through the testing of mechanical properties, we demonstrate the influence of FGRC’s amount in cement paste on mechanical properties of the composite. To clearly show the relationship between the amount of FGRC and the composite properties, samples with 33, 67 and 100 wt. % of cement replaced by FGRC were tested. The composite with 33 wt. % of FGRC attained the compressive and flexural strength comparable with reference cement paste without any FGRC additions. The results indicate that the partial substitution of cement by FGRC could lead to a cost reduction of cement composites with minimal impact on their mechanical properties.
Bond Properties of Concrete Beams Strengthened by AR-Glass Textile and Basalt Textile Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Holčapek Ondřej , Vogel Filip
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with advanced application of textile reinforced concrete for strengthening and stabilization of existing load-bearing structure elements. Slim layer of fine grain concrete with compressive strength over 100 MPa was applied on one year old concrete beams with dimension 100 x 100 x 400 mm. Different number of layers of two types of textile fabrics was applied into concrete layer. One textile fabric was made from alkali-resistant glass fabric with surface density 585 g/m2 and the second was made from basalt fabric with surface density 260 g/m2. One layer of basalt textile fabric (surface density 120 g/m2) was applied on the top of strengthening layer to prevent shrinkage cracks of high strength cement matrix. Evaluation of destructive four points bending test of strengthened and reference specimens provided the efficiency of performed strengthening solution. Continual load and deflection measurement during bending test enables to create load-deflection diagram, where the action of textile can be observed.
Influence of Fly Ash on Properties of Fresh and Hardened Cement Screed
Authors: Zobal Ondřej , Reiterman Pavel , Holčapek Ondřej , Padevět Pavel
Published: February 2016

Using of a larger amount of fly ash in cement and concrete is in practice very actual topic. The reason is the positive economic and environmental impact. If added to the concrete larger amount of fly ash, it affects the final properties of the mixture. This paper deals with cement screed with different content of fly ash (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50%). On these mixtures was verified consistence of fresh mixtures and mechanical tests were carried out - the compressive strength and tensile strength.
Four-Node Quadrilateral Shell Element MITC4
Authors: Dvořáková Edita , Patzák Bořek
Published: February 2016

Four-node quadrilateral element MITC4 applicable to both thick and thin shells is presented. The element formulation starts from three-dimensional continuum description degenerated to shell behavior. Shear locking, which is common problem in analysis of thin shells, is overcome by the use of MITC (Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Components) approach. Element has been implemented into finite element code OOFEM and its performance is demonstrated on Scordelis-Lo shell, a benchmark problem frequently used in the evaluation of shell elements.
Two Approaches for Simulating the Burning Surface in Gas Dynamics
Authors: Minkov Leonid , Shrager Ernst R. , Kiryushkin Aleksander E.
Published: February 2016

Two approaches for simulating the burning surface in gas dynamics by means boundary conditions and right sides in the equations involving Dirac delta function are discussed. A comparison of numerical steady-state solutions and the exact ones in one-dimensional approximation is performed for two approaches. It is shown that the numerical solutions obtained with the finite-difference scheme of first order accuracy on the base of two considered approaches converge to each other when the mesh refinement is applied. The numerical solution for the steady state problem coincides with the analytical one, if the pressure at the boundary cell face is set equal to the pressure in the center of the boundary cell.
Initial Data Forming for Process Simulation in System “Intruder – Physical Protection System”
Authors: Bukovetskiy Anton V. , Stepanov Boris P. , Tatarnikov Denis A.
Published: February 2016

The article describes basic approaches to conducting an efficiency assessment of a nuclear object physical protection system as well as the possibility of creation of the intruder analytical model to determine time indicators of overcoming nuclear object protection boundaries by an intruder with defined characteristics. An intruder uses different tactics and methods to overcome boundaries of protection. A multivariate analysis lays in a basis of research that taking into account psycho-physiological and physical properties of the human organism, intruder equipment level for overcoming of physical barriers.
The End-to-End Computer Simulation of Casting and Subsequent Metal Forming
Authors: Erisov Yaroslav , Surudin Sergey , Shlyapugin Aleksey , Grechnikov Fedor
Published: February 2016

The paper presents the software and data transfer method between ProCAST and Deform-3D, which allow to take into account the geometry, temperature, residual stresses and microstructure of semi-finished product in the “casting – forming” processes.
Use of Lagrangian-Eulerian Computing Method for Systems with Phase Change at the Solution of Stefan Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Ogorodnikov Alexander S. , Troshin M.V.
Published: February 2016

The problem of a planar solidification of a material with an additional nonstationary radiant of heat on a semi-infinite plane has been solved. For a solution the condition of Stefan was used. Results have been compared with an analytical solution in case of the absence of an additional radiant of heat, as well as with a solution obtained by perturbations method. A more complicated two-dimensional nonstationary problem of a solidification of a liquid with interface free-boundary has been also solved. The purpose of this problem solution is to predict position of a material phase boundary, as well as the temperature distribution in a layer of PCM (Phase-Change Material) with boundary conditions of Dirichlet.
Multiscale Simulation of Cold Axisymmetric Deformation Processes
Authors: Konstantinov Dmitriy , Korchunov Aleksey
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a method for simulation of axisymmetric cold plastic deformation processes with allowance for the microstructure of steel. The results of the method approbation relating to rod drawing process for low carbon non alloy steel (0.2% carbon) are described. A comparative analysis of the stress and strain state parameters and their distribution at macro and micro levels of a metal in the deformation zone was carried out. The micro model, in contrast to the macro model, has allowed more accurate values of stress and strain state to be obtained and multiple stress and strain localizations to be revealed due to the microstructural constituent interaction.
Mathematical Simulation of Cramped Bending of Sheet Parts Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Eskina Е.V. , Gromova E.G.
Published: February 2016

The paper describes the method of manufacture of profiles in cramped bending conditions using polyurethaneThe scope of studies included stress-strain state of elastic die and parent sheet, as well as the influence of the basic process parameters on characteristics of the produced items using ANSYS software.
Modifications of the Mathematical Crisher Model for Effective Moduli of Two-Component Elastic Isotropic Composite
Authors: Svetashkov Alexander , Kupriyanov Nikolay , Manabaev Kayrat
Published: February 2016

The problem of determining the effective properties of composite materials is actual problem for deformable body mechanics. The model, proposed by Crisher for modeling effective values of the coefficient of thermal conductivity, has been considered. Modifications of this mathematical model for two-component elastic composite were built. Model of Hill-Budiansky compresses classic fork of Voigt-Reuss, if it is added by Voigt component. Expressions of hybrid effective characteristics through the use of effective Hashin-Shtrikman moduli are built. The accuracy is estimated depending on the type of modification of the effective characteristics for the calculation of the stress-strain state of bodies (two-layer shell and three-layer plate) made from composite materials. The results are compared with the exact classical solutions, and admissible concordance is achieved.
Correct Numerical Methods of Analysis of Structural Strength and Stability of High-Rise Panel Buildings - Part 2: Results of Modelling
Authors: Belostosky Alexandr M. , Penkovoy Sergey B. , Scherbina Sergey V. , Akimov Pavel A. , Kaytukov Taymuraz B.
Published: February 2016

The paper presents the second part of study, development and verification of correct numerical methods of analysis of structural strength and stability of high-rise panel buildings. It contains the results of computational simulations of selected section of building, results of parametric study of sections of building and results of normative strength test of concrete Structures.