bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing purity of commonly used marketed insecticides collected from different regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Md Sultan , Sardar Md Mohsin Ali , Ahmad Masum , Kabir Kamal Humayun
Published: January 2017

The study was made on testing purity of different marketed brands of three insecticide groups such as quinalphos, malathion and fenitrotion in the Pesticide Analytical Laboratory under Division of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur using suitable protocols GC-FID. Nineteen marketed brands of these insecticides collected form dealers or retailers of Jessore, Gazipur and Rangpur region were analyzed and estimated their purity in two seasons of 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. In these two seasons, among five marketed brands of Malathion, only one brand (MTF) had 98.95-100% purity which was collected from Jessore in 2007-08 and Gazipur in both the seasons and considered to be standard or acceptable product, but in other regions, this brand contained less AI and was found to be <95% pure which was considered as substandard product. The remaining brands contained 22-92% purity including SRL and MTX having small amount of AI (22-44% purity) and all these were unacceptable and impure. Fenitrothion with five marketed brands showed ? 96% purity only in SMT brand in Gazipur and Jessore in 2006-07 and in all the three locations in 2007-08 seasons and this brand considered as standard product. The other four brands of this insecticide had purity at substandard level in all locations in two seasons. Quinalphos with 8 marketed brands, only MLX in 2006-07 and BLX in 2007-08 seasons in all locations had ? 95 % purity which was standard product. ALX and CRX in 2006-07 were almost similar and close to MLX except one location, CRX in Gazipur and ALX in Jessore but these two brands were substandard and impure (65-86%) in next season in all locations. The other brands (KNX, QNP, VNR and SLX) were also substandard and impure having 59% to 87% purity.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 616-623
Physicochemical properties of soil at Habla union of Basail upazila in Tangail
Authors: Miah Md Abdullah , Uddin Nazia , Hoque Md Mahbubul , Haq Md Erfanul , Biswas Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2017

An experiment was conducted to examine the physicochemical properties of soil at Habla union under Basail upazila in Tangail based on the BINA (Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture) laboratory analysis of physical and chemical parameters during January to March, 2014. Total 30 soil samples from 10 points of Habla union were collected from 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-40 cm depth of the soil respectively. To determine the soil texture the results were compared with the standard value of SRDI and BARC. Among the 30 soil samples, 25 soils texture classes were found sandy clay loam, 4 were sandy clay and rest one was clay loam. The comparative analysis showed that the average texture class is sandy clay loam. The bulk density ranged from1.23 to 1.91 g/cm3 for the total samples which leads to decide that bulk density is gradually increasing with soil depth. The moisture percentage at different depth of soil were 39.23 to 57.23 % (for 0-15 cm), 43.02 to 58.35 % (for 15-30 cm) and 42.08 to 58.24% (for 30-45 cm).The pH obtained from soil samples of the study area were 4.66 to 5.55 (for 0-15cm), 5.37 to 6.18(for 15-30cm), 6.33to 6.60 (for 30-45 cm). The percentage of organic matter of the soil samples were 0.55 to 3.97 % (for 0-15cm), 0.55 to 3.24 % (for 15-30cm), 0.69 to 2.28 % (for 30-45cm).The organic matter content in the surface soil is relatively low compared to standard level that decreases steadily with depth. The percentage of nitrogen (N %) was observed in different depth of the soil were 0.078 to 0.126 % (for 0-15 cm), 0.049 to 0.126 % (for 15-30 cm), to 0.074 % (for 30-45 cm) which revealed that the percentages of total nitrogen were fall with the depth compared to standard level. In different depth of soil, it was observed that the level of phosphorus (P) was very low compared to standard level where the phosphorus (P) concentration of the soil samples were 1.18 to 2.90 mg/kg (for 0-15 cm), 1.30 to 9.95 mg/kg (for 15-30 cm), 1.58 to 10.92 mg/kg (for 30-45 cm). On the other hand, it was observed that the sulfur (S) concentration was increased with the depth of soil compared to standard level. The sulfur (S) concentration of the soil samples were 5.21 to 11.98 mg/kg (for 0-15 cm), 5.37 to 14.16 mg/kg (15-30 cm), 9.03 to 15.09 mg/kg (30-45 cm). The potassium (K) concentration of the soil samples were 0.038 to 0.102 mg/kg (for 0-15 cm), 0.031 to 0.90 mg/kg (for 15-30 cm) 0.055 to 0.171 mg/kg (for 30-45 cm), which indicated that the low K content compared to the standard level. The overall physicochemical parameter of soil samples were not optimum for good agricultural production. As we know all the parameters either directly or indirectly influence the soil fertility and productivity. This was probably the reason for low productivity of soil in the study area.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 664-671
Profitability and yield gap between research station and farm level of Binamoog-8
Authors: Islam Syful , Chanda Mangal Chandra , Haque Mohammad Rashidul , Sultana Razia , Yunus Muhammad
Published: January 2017

Estimating profitability and yield gap between research station and farm level of Binamoog-8 was conducted in five major Binamoog-8 growing areas of Bangladesh, namely Ishwardi, Magura, Natore, Jessore and Meherpur. The average cost of production in farm level of Binamoog-8 is Tk. 47373.55ha-1 and higher in Ishwardi (Tk. 53454.92 ha-1) followed by Meherpur, Magura, Natore and Jessore of Tk. 45160.28, Tk. 44300.14, Tk. 45232.95 and Tk. 48719.47 per hectare, respectively .The major shares of total cost were human labour, power tiller and irrigation. The net returns were Tk. 41160, Tk. 42902.30, Tk. 53603.18, Tk. 47494.60 and Tk. 40437.16 per hectare followed in Ishwardi, Meherpur, Magura, Natore and Jessore, respectively. The highest net return (Tk. 53603.18 ha-1) comes from Magura district for Binamoog-8.The undiscounted average benefit cost ratio over full cost basis were 1.77, 1.95, 2.21, 2.05 and 1.83 for Binamoog-8 in field level for Ishwardi, Meherpur, Magura, Natore and Jessore, respectively. The average yield gap of Binamoog-8 in farm level and research station was 129.05 kg per hectare. The yield gap between research station and farm level were 102.97 kg, 185.50 kg, 45.85 kg, 128.50 kg and 182.45 kg per hectare for Binamoog-8 in Ishwardi, Meherpur, Magura, Natore and Jessore, respectively. The highest yield gap between research station and field level was in Meherpur (185.50 kg per hectare) and lowest in Magura (45.85 kg per hectare). Farmers were facing various constraints in Binamoog-8 cultivation. Different strategies, such as lack of quality seed and fertilizer in appropriate time, lack of credit facilities, rainfall during germination period, insect infestation and pathogen infection, pod maturity in different times have been discussed as strategies to minimize yield gaps.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2016, 2(4): 685-688
Physiological and biochemical changes in waterlog tolerant sesame genotypes
Authors: Saha RR , Ahmed F , Mokarroma N , Rohman MM , Golder PC
Published: January 2017

An experiment was conducted under pot culture to investigate physiological responses as well as antioxidative enzymes activities that may lead to select sesame genotype (s) which were more waterlogging tolerant at vegetative stage. Four sesame genotypes viz. BD-6980, BD- 6985, BD-6992 and BD-7012 were grown under waterlogged (at vegetative stage) and control (no waterlogged) conditions. Plant height, root length, root volume, root dry weight and leaf area per plant in all the four sesame genotypes significantly decreased due to waterlogging at vegetative stage in comparison to controlled condition. Higher SPAD value (Soil and Plant Analyzer Development) and specific leaf mass were recorded in waterlogged plant than controlled plant during waterlogging period but reverse was the case during recovery period. All the genotypes showed positive indices of waterlogging tolerance in terms of better performance of root, stem, leaf and petiole. Among the genotypes, BD 6980 showed higher waterlogging tolerance in all the components followed by BD 6985. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was found higher in waterlogged plant of all the four sesame genotypes in both waterlogging period and recovery period than the controlled plant. Antioxidant enzyme activities like Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Superoxide dismutase(SOD) were inconsistent in the present study but most of the antioxidant enzyme activities showed an increasing trend in waterlogged plant than that of control plant in all the genotypes. Comparatively low amount of MDA content and high antioxidant activities of sesame genotype BD 6980 is considered as highly tolerant to waterlogging and other three genotypes are moderately tolerant under water logging condition.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 31-45 (2016)
Genetic variability and agronomic performance studies in chilli (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Kannan D , Singh DK , Singh SK , Palanisamy A
Published: January 2017

Eight diverse genotypes of chilli were evaluated an open field study to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during Kharif, 2015-16. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The higher estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were observed for flowers per branch (21.59%), clusters per plant (19.26%), flower per branch (16.93%) and stem diameter (15.49%). While the higher estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were found for flowers per branch (26.70%), fruits per branch (24.44%), clusters per plant (24.04%) and stem diameter (19.26%). The higher estimates of broad sense heritability along with genetic advance recorded for flowers per branch (65%), fruits per plant (64%), cluster per plant (64%), stem diameter (65%), plant weight (59%) and days to 50% flowering (50%) indicated the scope for improvement of these characters through selection.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 56-62 (2016)
Physiochemical and microbiological quality assessment and detection of adulterants of raw milk available in Nakla Upazila, Sherpur, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan T , Rakib RH
Published: January 2017

Abstract not availableSAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 210-217 (2016)
The Annals of the Parish: 2015–2016. From Referendum to Referendum to … Referendum?
Authors: Bort Eberhard
Published: January 2017

The two years since the Scottish independence referendum have been a roller-coaster ride, with the SNP picking up close to a hundred thousand new members and triumphing in the 2015 General Election, taking all but three seats in Scotland; with David Cameron winning, against the collective wisdom of the pollsters, a Westminster majority, obliging him to call his promised EU referendum; with the SNP achieving an unprecedented third Holyrood term, but losing their absolute majority; with the Scottish Tories leapfrogging Scottish Labour into second place, usurping the role of ‘official opposition’ at Holyrood; with Jeremy Corbyn elected UK Labour leader – not once, but twice; and, to cap it all, the vote for Brexit on 23 June, its chaotic aftermath, and the reappearance of indyref2 at the top of the agenda.
Re-Engineering a High Performance Electrical Series Elastic Actuator for Low-Cost Industrial Applications
Authors: Isik Kenan , He Shunde , Ho Joseph , Sentis Luis
Published: January 2017

Cost is an important consideration when transferring a technology from research to industrial and educational use. In this paper, we introduce the design of an industrial grade series elastic actuator (SEA) performed via re-engineering a research grade version of it. Cost-constrained design requires careful consideration of the key performance parameters for an optimal performance-to-cost component selection. To optimize the performance of the new design, we started by matching the capabilities of a high-performance SEA while cutting down its production cost significantly. Our posit was that performing a re-engineering design process on an existing high-end device will significantly reduce the cost without compromising the performance drastically. As a case study of design for manufacturability, we selected the University of Texas Series Elastic Actuator (UT-SEA), a high-performance SEA, for its high power density, compact design, high efficiency and high speed properties. We partnered with an industrial corporation in China to research the best pricing options and to exploit the retail and production facilities provided by the Shenzhen region. We succeeded in producing a low-cost industrial grade actuator at one-third of the cost of the original device by re-engineering the UT-SEA with commercial off-the-shelf components and reducing the number of custom-made parts. Subsequently, we conducted performance tests to demonstrate that the re-engineered product achieves the same high-performance specifications found in the original device. With this paper, we aim to raise awareness in the robotics community on the possibility of low-cost realization of low-volume, high performance, industrial grade research and education hardware.
Microporous Titanium through Metal Injection Moulding of Coarse Powder and Surface Modification by Plasma Oxidation
Authors: Menhal Shbeh Mohammed , Yerokhin Aleksey , Goodall Russell
Published: January 2017

Titanium is one of the most attractive materials for biomedical applications due to having excellent biocompatibility accompanied by good corrosion resistance. One popular processing technique for Ti is Metal Injection Moulding (MIM). However, there are several issues associated with the use of this technique, such as the high cost of the fine powder used, the high level of contamination and consequent alteration to material properties, as well as the large volume shrinkage that occurs during sintering. In this study, the use of a relatively coarse Ti powder with a mean particle size of 75 μm to process Ti parts with the potential for biomedical applications by MIM will be examined, compared to a commercial Ti feedstock, and subsequently coated using Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO). The results show that samples produced with the coarse powder shrink 35% less and have a relative density 14% less with an average pore size three-times larger than that of the commercial feedstock. This helps increase the potential competitiveness of MIM in the production of biomedical parts, as it reduces cost, shrinkage and results in more intentionally-induced micropores, such as are desired for biomedical implants. PEO treatment of the samples yields a thick rough coating comprised of a mixture of rutile and anatase with interconnected microporous channels and openings resembling the mouth of a volcanic crater.
Damage-Induced Stresses and Remaining Service Life Predictions of Wire Ropes
Authors: Vukelic Goran , Vizentin Goran
Published: January 2017

Wire ropes in marine applications often encounter relatively fast and noticeable wear, a result of the fatigue to which they are exposed coupled with harsh operational conditions. This paper addresses some of the aspects of fatigue damage that occur in wire ropes. Using the finite element method, stress and fatigue analysis of three different design types (6 × 7, 7 × 7, 8 × 7) of wire rope is performed. The size of the wire rope cross-section area is varied in order to simulate the progressive damage of the wires so that consequential stress levels and remaining fatigue life can be numerically predicted. The aim was to provide a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of damaged wire ropes under various conditions, since an appropriate choice of wire rope design could then be made from engineering and economic points of view. Additionally, potential failures can be predicted, resulting in effective maintenance and the avoidance of potential risks of rope failure, especially important regarding economical and safety aspects of transportation in the marine industry.
Overview of Traumatic Brain Injury: An Immunological Context
Authors: Nizamutdinov Damir , Shapiro Lee
Published: January 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) afflicts people of all ages and genders, and the severity of injury ranges from concussion/mild TBI to severe TBI. Across all spectrums, TBI has wide-ranging, and variable symptomology and outcomes. Treatment options are lacking for the early neuropathology associated with TBIs and for the chronic neuropathological and neurobehavioral deficits. Inflammation and neuroinflammation appear to be major mediators of TBI outcomes. These systems are being intensively studies using animal models and human translational studies, in the hopes of understanding the mechanisms of TBI, and developing therapeutic strategies to improve the outcomes of the millions of people impacted by TBIs each year. This manuscript provides an overview of the epidemiology and outcomes of TBI, and presents data obtained from animal and human studies focusing on an inflammatory and immunological context. Such a context is timely, as recent studies blur the traditional understanding of an “immune-privileged” central nervous system. In presenting the evidence for specific, adaptive immune response after TBI, it is hoped that future studies will be interpreted using a broader perspective that includes the contributions of the peripheral immune system, to central nervous system disorders, notably TBI and post-traumatic syndromes.
Ground-Based 3D Radar Imaging of Trees Using a 2D Synthetic Aperture
Authors: Penner Justin , Long David
Published: January 2017

Motivated by the desire to gain insight into the details of conventional airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging of trees, a ground-based SAR system designed for short-range three-dimensional (3D) radar imaging is developed using a two-dimensional (2D) synthetic aperture. The heart of the system is a compact linear frequency modulation-continuous wave (LFM-CW) radar, a custom two-dimensional scan mechanism, and a three-dimensional time-domain backprojection algorithm that generates three-dimensional backscatter images at an over-sampled resolution of 10 cm by 10 cm by 10 cm. The backprojection algorithm is formulated directly in spatial coordinates. A new method for estimating and compensating for signal attenuation within the canopy is used that exploits the backprojection image formation approach. Several three-dimensional C-band backscatter images of different individual trees of multiple species are generated from data collected for trees both in isolation and near buildings. The trees imaged in this study are about 10 m in height. The transformation of the three-dimensional images to airborne SAR images is described and a sample result provided.
Systemic Inflammation in the Genesis of Frailty and Sarcopenia: An Overview of the Preventative and Therapeutic Role of Exercise and the Potential for Drug Treatments
Authors: Allen Stephen
Published: January 2017

The clinical, pathological and biological characteristics of frailty and sarcopenia are becoming better understood and defined, including the role of systemic inflammation. It is increasingly apparent that in older adults there is a tendency for the innate immune network to shift toward a pro-inflammatory setting, often due to the presence of chronic inflammatory diseases but also associated with age alone in some individuals. Furthermore, acute inflammation tends to resolve more slowly and less completely in many elderly people. Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and other components of the frailty syndrome. Blood levels of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, are reduced by exercise, and there is a growing body of epidemiological, observational and intervention research that indicates that regular moderate exercise improves strength, function, morbidity and mortality in middle-aged and elderly adults. There is also an increasing awareness of the potential role of drugs to ameliorate inflammation in the context of frail old age, which might be particularly useful for people who are unable to take part in exercise programs, or as adjunctive treatment for those who can. Drugs that shift the innate immune biochemical network toward an anti-inflammatory setting, such as methyl-xanthines and 4-amino quinolones, could be of value. For example, theophylline has been shown to induce a 20 percent fall in pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and 180 percent rise in anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 production by peripheral blood monocytes, and a fall of 45 percent in interferon-gamma (IF-gamma) release. Such properties could be of therapeutic benefit, particularly to re-establish a less inflamed baseline after acute episodes such as sepsis and trauma.
An Adaptive Agent-Based Model of Homing Pigeons: A Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Oloo Francis , Wallentin Gudrun
Published: January 2017

Conventionally, agent-based modelling approaches start from a conceptual model capturing the theoretical understanding of the systems of interest. Simulation outcomes are then used “at the end” to validate the conceptual understanding. In today’s data rich era, there are suggestions that models should be data-driven. Data-driven workflows are common in mathematical models. However, their application to agent-based models is still in its infancy. Integration of real-time sensor data into modelling workflows opens up the possibility of comparing simulations against real data during the model run. Calibration and validation procedures thus become automated processes that are iteratively executed during the simulation. We hypothesize that incorporation of real-time sensor data into agent-based models improves the predictive ability of such models. In particular, that such integration results in increasingly well calibrated model parameters and rule sets. In this contribution, we explore this question by implementing a flocking model that evolves in real-time. Specifically, we use genetic algorithms approach to simulate representative parameters to describe flight routes of homing pigeons. The navigation parameters of pigeons are simulated and dynamically evaluated against emulated GPS sensor data streams and optimised based on the fitness of candidate parameters. As a result, the model was able to accurately simulate the relative-turn angles and step-distance of homing pigeons. Further, the optimised parameters could replicate loops, which are common patterns in flight tracks of homing pigeons. Finally, the use of genetic algorithms in this study allowed for a simultaneous data-driven optimization and sensitivity analysis.
An Automatic Matcher and Linker for Transportation Datasets
Authors: Masri Ali , Zeitouni Karine , Kedad Zoubida , Leroy Bertrand
Published: January 2017

Multimodality requires the integration of heterogeneous transportation data to construct a broad view of the transportation network. Many new transportation services are emerging while being isolated from previously-existing networks. This leads them to publish their data sources to the web, according to linked data principles, in order to gain visibility. Our interest is to use these data to construct an extended transportation network that links these new services to existing ones. The main problems we tackle in this article fall in the categories of automatic schema matching and data interlinking. We propose an approach that uses web services as mediators to help in automatically detecting geospatial properties and mapping them between two different schemas. On the other hand, we propose a new interlinking approach that enables the user to define rich semantic links between datasets in a flexible and customizable way.
Bacterial Responses to Glyoxal and Methylglyoxal: Reactive Electrophilic Species
Authors: Lee Changhan , Park Chankyu
Published: January 2017

Glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MG), belonging to α-oxoaldehydes, are produced by organisms from bacteria to humans by glucose oxidation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA oxidation. Since glyoxals contain two adjacent reactive carbonyl groups, they are referred to as reactive electrophilic species (RES), and are damaging to proteins and nucleotides. Therefore, glyoxals cause various diseases in humans, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, from which all living organisms need to be protected. Although the glyoxalase system has been known for some time, details on how glyoxals are sensed and detoxified in the cell have not been fully elucidated, and are only beginning to be uncovered. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on bacterial responses to glyoxal, and specifically focus on the glyoxal-associated regulators YqhC and NemR, as well as their detoxification mediated by glutathione (GSH)-dependent/independent glyoxalases and NAD(P)H-dependent reductases. Furthermore, we will address questions and future directions.
Coutinho et al. Less Is More: Substrate Reduction Therapy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 1065
Authors: Coutinho Maria , Santos Juliana , Alves Sandra
Published: January 2017

n/a
The Matrix Method of Representation, Analysis and Classification of Long Genetic Sequences
Authors: Stepanyan Ivan , Petoukhov Sergey
Published: January 2017

The article is devoted to a matrix method of comparative analysis of long nucleotide sequences by means of presenting each sequence in the form of three digital binary sequences. This method uses a set of symmetries of biochemical attributes of nucleotides. It also uses the possibility of presentation of every whole set of N-mers as one of the members of a Kronecker family of genetic matrices. With this method, a long nucleotide sequence can be visually represented as an individual fractal-like mosaic or another regular mosaic of binary type. In contrast to natural nucleotide sequences, artificial random sequences give non-regular patterns. Examples of binary mosaics of long nucleotide sequences are shown, including cases of human chromosomes and penicillins. The obtained results are then discussed.
Dependency Parsing with Transformed Feature
Authors: Wu Fuxiang
Published: January 2017

Dependency parsing is an important subtask of natural language processing. In this paper, we propose an embedding feature transforming method for graph-based parsing, transform-based parsing, which directly utilizes the inner similarity of the features to extract information from all feature strings including the un-indexed strings and alleviate the feature sparse problem. The model transforms the extracted features to transformed features via applying a feature weight matrix, which consists of similarities between the feature strings. Since the matrix is usually rank-deficient because of similar feature strings, it would influence the strength of constraints. However, it is proven that the duplicate transformed features do not degrade the optimization algorithm: the margin infused relaxed algorithm. Moreover, this problem can be alleviated by reducing the number of the nearest transformed features of a feature. In addition, to further improve the parsing accuracy, a fusion parser is introduced to integrate transformed and original features. Our experiments verify that both transform-based and fusion parser improve the parsing accuracy compared to the corresponding feature-based parser.
Synthesis of Some New Pyridazine Derivatives for Anti-HAV Evaluation
Authors: Flefel Eman , Tantawy Waled , El-Sofany Walaa , El-Shahat Mahmoud , El-Sayed Ahmed , Abd-Elshafy Dina
Published: January 2017

4-(2-(4-Halophenyl)hydrazinyl)-6-phenylpyridazin-3(2H)-ones 1a,b were prepared and treated with phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus pentasulphide and ethyl chloroformate to give the corresponding chloropyridazine, pyridazinethione, oxazolopyridazine derivatives 2–4, respectively. Compound 2 reacted with hydrazine hydrate to afford hydrazinylpyridazine 7. The reaction of 4-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)hydrazinyl)-3-hydrazinyl-6-phenylpyridazine (7) with acetic anhydride, p-chlorobenzaldehyde and carbon disulphide gave the corresponding pyridazinotriazine derivatives 8–10. On the other hand, 5-(4-chlorophenylamino)-7-(3,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-3-phenyl-5H-pyridazino[3,4-b][1,4]thiazin-6(7H)-one (11) was prepared directly from the reaction of compound 3 with chloroacetic acid in presence of p-chlorobenzaldehyde. Compound 11 reacted with nitrogen nucleophiles (hydroxylamine hydrochloride, hydrazine hydrate) and active methylene group-containing reagents (malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate) to afford the corresponding fused compounds 12–15, respectively. Pharmacological screening for antiviral activity against hepatitis A virus (HAV) was performed for the new compounds. 4-(4-Chlorophenylamino)-6-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridazino[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazine-3(4H)-thione (10) showed the highest effect against HAV.
New Frontiers on the Metabolism, Bioavailability and Health Effects of Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Mena Pedro , Llorach Rafael
Published: January 2017

Phenolic compounds, plant-derived secondary metabolites, have shown promising health features in epidemiological and human intervention studies dealing with the prevention of non-communicable diseases.[...]
Ultrafast Electronic Deactivation Dynamics of Xanthosine Monophosphate
Authors: Röttger Katharina , Stellmacher Rebecca , Stuhldreier Mayra , Temps Friedrich
Published: January 2017

Ultrafast energy dissipation is a crucial factor for the photostability of DNA and RNA, but even some of the key electronic deactivation pathways in monomeric nucleic acid building stones are still controversial. Here, we report on the excited-state dynamics of the rare nucleotide xanthosine monophosphate as a function of deprotonation state (XMP vs. XMP − ) and excitation wavelength ( λ pump = 278–243 nm) by femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. We show that the predominating relaxation channel leads to a return of the photo-excited molecules to the electronic ground state in τ∼1 ps. The mechanism likely involves an out-of-plane deformation of the five-membered ring, different from the main electronic deactivation pathways in the canonical purine bases adenine and guanine. The results are discussed in terms of the structural and electronic differences of XMP compared to the canonical nucleotides.
Hyperforin Exhibits Antigenotoxic Activity on Human and Bacterial Cells
Authors: Imreova Petronela , Feruszova Jana , Kyzek Stanislav , Bodnarova Kristina , Zduriencikova Martina , Kozics Katarina , Mucaji Pavel , Galova Eliska , Sevcovicova Andrea , Miadokova Eva , Chalupa Ivan
Published: January 2017

Hyperforin (HF), a substance that accumulates in the leaves and flowers of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort), consists of a phloroglucinol skeleton with lipophilic isoprene chains. HF exhibits several medicinal properties and is mainly used as an antidepressant. So far, the antigenotoxicity of HF has not been investigated at the level of primary genetic damage, gene mutations, and chromosome aberrations, simultaneously. The present work is designed to investigate the potential antigenotoxic effects of HF using three different experimental test systems. The antigenotoxic effect of HF leading to the decrease of primary/transient promutagenic genetic changes was detected by the alkaline comet assay on human lymphocytes. The HF antimutagenic effect leading to the reduction of gene mutations was assessed using the Ames test on the standard Salmonella typhimurium (TA97, TA98, and TA100) bacterial strains, and the anticlastogenic effect of HF leading to the reduction of chromosome aberrations was evaluated by the in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test on the human tumor cell line HepG2 and the non-carcinogenic cell line VH10. Our findings provided evidence that HF showed antigenotoxic effects towards oxidative mutagen zeocin in the comet assay and diagnostic mutagen (4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide) in the Ames test. Moreover, HF exhibited an anticlastogenic effect towards benzo(a)pyrene and cisplatin in the chromosome aberration test.
A Method for LC-MS/MS Profiling of Coumarins in Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) B. Zepernich and Timler Extracts and Essential Oils
Authors: Tine Yoro , Renucci Franck , Costa Jean , Wélé Alassane , Paolini Julien
Published: January 2017

The metabolites from the coumarin class, present in tissues of plants belonging mainly to the Rutaceae and Apiaceae families, included compounds with high chemical diversity such as simple coumarins and furocoumarins. These health-promoting components are recognized for their valuable biological activities in herbal preparations but also for their phototoxic effects. In this work, a targeted liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) was developed for the screening of 39 reference standards of coumarins and furocoumarins in essential oils and plant extracts. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on reversed phase column using water/acetonitrile as the mobile phase and detection was performed on a hybrid QqQ/linear ion trap spectrometer fitted with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source operating in positive ion mode. This analytical approach was applied to investigate the coumarin compositions of fruit essential oils and methanolic extracts obtained from separated parts (fruit, leaf, stem, trunk, and root) of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides. Ten coumarins and six furanocoumarins were reported in this species and data analyses were used to assess the suitability of these compounds to the metabolomics-based differentiation of plant organs. The quantification criteria of the metabolites in extract samples included linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, and matrix effect were validated. As reported for other species of the Rutaceae family, the concentration of coumarins was drastically higher in Z. zanthoxyloides fruits than in other plant organs.
Nano-Structural Investigation on Cellulose Highly Dissolved in Ionic Liquid: A Small Angle X-ray Scattering Study
Authors: Endo Takatsugu , Hosomi Shota , Fujii Shunsuke , Ninomiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: January 2017

We investigated nano-structural changes of cellulose dissolved in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate—an ionic liquid (IL)—using a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) technique over the entire concentration range (0–100 mol %). Fibril structures of cellulose disappeared at 40 mol % of cellulose, which is a significantly higher concentration than the maximum concentration of dissolution (24–28 mol %) previously determined in this IL. This behavior is explained by the presence of the anion bridging, whereby an anion prefers to interact with multiple OH groups of different cellulose molecules at high concentrations, discovered in our recent work. Furthermore, we observed the emergence of two aggregated nano-structures in the concentration range of 30–80 mol %. The diameter of one structure was 12–20 nm, dependent on concentration, which is ascribed to cellulose chain entanglement. In contrast, the other with 4.1 nm diameter exhibited concentration independence and is reminiscent of a cellulose microfibril, reflecting the occurrence of nanofibrillation. These results contribute to an understanding of the dissolution mechanism of cellulose in ILs. Finally, we unexpectedly proposed a novel cellulose/IL composite: the cellulose/IL mixtures of 30–50 mol % that possess liquid crystallinity are sufficiently hard to be moldable.
A New Human Cancer Cell Proliferation Inhibition Sesquiterpene, Dryofraterpene A, from Medicinal Plant Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott
Authors: Zhong Zheng-Chang , Zhao Dan-Dan , Liu Zhen-Dong , Jiang Shuai , Zhang Yan-Long
Published: January 2017

The global burden of cancer continues to increase largely with the aging and growth of the world population. The purpose of the present work was to find new anticancer molecules from a natural source. We utilized chromatographic methods to isolate compounds from medicinal plant Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott. The structure of the new compounds was determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D NMR, 2D NMR, and EMI-MS). Their anti-proliferation effects against five human cancer cell lines including A549, MCF7, HepG2, HeLa, and PC-3 were evaluated by CCK-8 andlactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. A new sesquiterpene, (7S, 10S)-2,3-dihydroxy-calamenene-15-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1), and two known compounds (2 and 3) were isolated. The new sesquiterpene was named dryofraterpene A and significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation without any obvious necrosis below a 10 μM concentration. In conclusion, a novel anticancer sesquiterpene together with two known compounds was isolated, which might be a promising lead compound for the treatment of cancer.
Detection of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Technique
Authors: Suzen Sibel , Gurer-Orhan Hande , Saso Luciano
Published: January 2017

During the last decade there has been growing interest in physical-chemical oxidation processes and the behavior of free radicals in living systems. Radicals are known as intermediate species in a variety of biochemical reactions. Numerous techniques, assays and biomarkers have been used to measure reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), and to examine oxidative stress. However, many of these assays are not entirely satisfactory or are used inappropriately. The purpose of this chapter is to review current EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) spectroscopy methods for measuring ROS, RNS, and their secondary products, and to discuss the strengths and limitations of specific methodological approaches.
Alkylglycerol Derivatives, a New Class of Skin Penetration Modulators
Authors: Bernal-Chávez Sergio , Pérez-Carreto Lilia , Nava-Arzaluz María , Ganem-Rondero Adriana
Published: January 2017

The absorption modulating activity of two alkylglycerol derivatives (batyl and chimyl alcohol) on skin barrier properties was evaluated. Biophysical tests such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as in vitro skin permeation studies, were performed in order to determine the effect of these compounds as chemical absorption modulators. Four drugs were used as models: three NSAIDS (diclofenac, naproxen, and piroxicam) and glycyrrhizic acid. The results showed that treatment of the skin with alkylglycerols caused (i) a reduction on the amount of drug permeated; (ii) a reduction in TEWL; and (iii) changes in the ATR-FTIR peaks of stratum corneum lipids, indicative of a more ordered structure. All of these findings confirm that alkyl glycerols have an absorption retarding effect on the drugs tested. Such effects are expected to give rise to important applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, in cases where it is desirable for the drug to remain in the superficial layers of the skin to achieve a local effect.
Modeling Biofilms: From Genes to Communities
Authors: Zhang Tianyu
Published: January 2017

Biofilms are spatially-structured communities of different microbes, which have a huge impact on both ecosystems and human life. Mathematical models are powerful tools for understanding the function and evolution of biofilms as diverse communities. In this article, we give a review of some recently-developed models focusing on the interactions of different species within a biofilm, the evolution of biofilm due to genetic and environmental causes and factors that affect the structure of a biofilm.
Competitive Swarm Optimizer Based Gateway Deployment Algorithm in Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Huang Shuqiang , Tao Ming
Published: January 2017

Wireless sensor network topology optimization is a highly important issue, and topology control through node selection can improve the efficiency of data forwarding, while saving energy and prolonging lifetime of the network. To address the problem of connecting a wireless sensor network to the Internet in cyber-physical systems, here we propose a geometric gateway deployment based on a competitive swarm optimizer algorithm. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has a continuous search feature in the solution space, which makes it suitable for finding the geometric center of gateway deployment; however, its search mechanism is limited to the individual optimum (pbest) and the population optimum (gbest); thus, it easily falls into local optima. In order to improve the particle search mechanism and enhance the search efficiency of the algorithm, we introduce a new competitive swarm optimizer (CSO) algorithm. The CSO search algorithm is based on an inter-particle competition mechanism and can effectively avoid trapping of the population falling into a local optimum. With the improvement of an adaptive opposition-based search and its ability to dynamically parameter adjustments, this algorithm can maintain the diversity of the entire swarm to solve geometric K-center gateway deployment problems. The simulation results show that this CSO algorithm has a good global explorative ability as well as convergence speed and can improve the network quality of service (QoS) level of cyber-physical systems by obtaining a minimum network coverage radius. We also find that the CSO algorithm is more stable, robust and effective in solving the problem of geometric gateway deployment as compared to the PSO or Kmedoids algorithms.
Government Subsidy for Remanufacturing or Carbon Tax Rebate: Which Is Better for Firms and a Low-Carbon Economy
Authors: Shu Tong , Peng Zhizhen , Chen Shou , Wang Shouyang , Lai Kin , Yang Honglin
Published: January 2017

The government as a policy maker wishing to promote remanufacturing and proper disposal of hazardous old products which are harmful to environment has taken many actions, ranging from carbon regulation and financial incentives such as trade-in subsidy. However, carbon tax can result in loss of profit for firms to some degree, so the government has to give other subsidy to balance the profits and carbon emission. Thus, this article investigates two subsidy mechanisms: remanufacturing subsidy or tax rebate. The optimal pricing and production decision under these policies are examined. Our results show that carbon tax has a great impact on pricing strategies. Trade-in subsidy can encourage customers to replace their existing products with new and remanufactured products. Both remanufacture subsidy and tax rebate are beneficial to manufacturer and can further promote remanufacturing development.
Incidence of venous thromboembolism in care homes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Apenteng Patricia N , Hobbs FD Richard , Roalfe Andrea , Muhammad Usman , Heneghan Carl , Fitzmaurice David
Published: January 2017

Background

Care home residents have venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk profiles similar to medical inpatients; however, the epidemiology of VTE in care homes is unclear.

Aim

To determine the incidence of VTE in care homes.

Design and setting

Observational cohort study of 45 care homes in Birmingham and Oxford, UK.

Method

A consecutive sample of care home residents was enrolled and followed up for 12 months. Data were collected via case note reviews of care home and GP records; mortality information was supplemented with Health and Social Care Information Centre (now called NHS Digital) cause of death data. All potential VTE events were adjudicated by an independent committee according to three measures of diagnostic certainty: definite VTE (radiological evidence), probable VTE (high clinical indication but no radiological evidence), or possible VTE (VTE cannot be ruled out). (Study registration number: ISTCTN80889792.)

Results

There were 1011 participants enrolled, and the mean follow-up period was 312 days (standard deviation 98 days). The incidence rate was 0.71 per 100 person years of observation (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26 to 1.54) for definite VTE, 0.83 per 100 person years (95% CI = 0.33 to 1.70) for definite and probable VTE, and 2.48 per 100 person years (95% CI = 1.53 to 3.79) for definite, probable, and possible VTE.

Conclusion

The incidence of VTE in care homes in this study (0.71–2.48 per 100 person years) is substantial compared with that in the community (0.117 per 100 person years) and in people aged ≥70 years (0.44 per 100 person years). Further research regarding risk stratification and VTE prophylaxis in this population is needed.
Kinetic Modeling of Incremental Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Exchanges
Authors: Guest Steven , Leypoldt John K. , Cassin Michelle , Schreiber Martin
Published: January 2017

Background

Incremental peritoneal dialysis (PD), the gradual introduction of dialysate exchanges at less than full-dose therapy, has been infrequently described in clinical reports. One concern with less than full-dose dialysis is whether urea clearance targets are achievable with an incremental regimen. In this report, we used a large database of PD patients, across all membrane transport types, and performed urea kinetic modeling determinations of possible incremental regimens for an individual membrane type.

Methods

Using a modified 3-pore model of peritoneal transport, various incremental manual continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) exchanges employing glucose and/or icodextrin were evaluated. Peritoneal urea clearances from those simulations were added to residual kidney urea clearance for patients with various glomerular filtration rates (GFRs), and the total weekly urea clearance was then compared to the total weekly urea Kt/V target of 1.7. All 4 peritoneal membrane types were modeled. For each simulated prescription, net ultrafiltration and carbohydrate absorption were also calculated.

Results

Incremental CAPD regimens of 2 exchanges a day met adequacy targets if the GFR was 6 mL/min/1.73 m2 in all membrane types. For regimens employing 3 exchanges a day, Kt/V targets were achieved at GFR levels of 4 to 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 in high transporters to low transporters but higher tonicity 2.5% glucose solutions or icodextrin were required in some regimens.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that with incremental CAPD regimens, urea kinetic targets are achievable in most new starts to PD with residual kidney function. Incremental PD may be a less intrusive, better accepted initial treatment regime and a cost-effective way to initiate chronic dialysis in the incident patient. The key role of intrinsic kidney function in incremental regimens is highlighted in this analysis and would warrant conscientious monitoring.
Performance of colloidal CdS sensitized solar cells with ZnO nanorods/nanoparticles
Authors: Roy Anurag , Das Partha Pratim , Tathavadekar Mukta , Das Sumita , Devi Parukuttyamma Sujatha
Published: January 2017

As an alternative photosensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells, bovine serum albumin (BSA) (a nonhazardous protein) was used in the synthesis of colloidal CdS nanoparticles (NPs). This system has been employed to replace the commonly used N719 dye molecule. Various nanostructured forms of ZnO, namely, nanorod and nanoparticle-based photoanodes, have been sensitized with colloidal CdS NPs to evaluate their effective performance towards quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). A polysulphide (Sx2−)-based electrolyte and CuxS counter electrode were used for cell fabrication and testing. An interesting improvement in the performance of the device by imposing nanorods as a scattering layer on a particle layer has been observed. As a consequence, a maximum conversion efficiency of 1.06% with an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.67 V was achieved for the ZnO nanorod/nanoparticle assembled structure. The introduction of ZnO nanorods over the nanoparticle led to a significant enhancement of the overall efficiency compared to the corresponding bare nanoparticles.