bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of yield and yield contributing traits in boro rice (Oryza sativa L.) Over environments
Authors: Priyanka K , Jaiswal HK
Published: November 2017

Hayman’s component analysis was employed to estimate genetic components of variation for yield and yield related traits in boro rice. Nine diverse lines of boro rice were crossed in diallel mating design excluding reciprocals and all the parental lines along with their 36 crosses were evaluated in randomized block design over 3 seasons in 3 replication. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for all the traits over seasons. Component analysis indicated importance of both additive and dominance components. However, greater magnitude of dominance component than its corresponding additive component of variance exhibited greater role of dominance in the inheritance of these traits. The average degree of dominance was more than unity indicating overdominance for all the traits. Most of the traits exhibited low to moderate narrow sense heritability.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 457-466, September 2017
Mating, oviposition behaviour and biology of hogplum beetle
Authors: Khan MMH
Published: November 2017

Experiments were conducted to observe mating and oviposition behabiour as well as biology of hog-plum beetle. Results revealed that the average mating frequency, mating duration and mating interval were 11.2, 30.5 hours and 60.3 hours, respectively. The highest number of eggs per clusters was on leaf rachis followed by young stem. The mean number of eggs per cluster was 15.70 while the length and breadth of an egg was 1.95 mm and 0.60 mm, respectively. The mean duration of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae were 3.80, 3.40, 3.70 and 3.00 days, respectively. The mean pupal period was 22.74 days. The female beetle lived longer (48.30 days) than the male (45.10 days). The size of female beetle was larger (15.30 mm) than male (11.96 mm). The mean length of antennae was 7.42 mm. The length of fore, mid and hind legs were 9.20, 9.50 and 11.70 mm, respectively. Hind wings were larger (16.10 mm length and 7.85 mm breadth) than fore wings (12.38 mm length and 5.30 mm breadth).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 503-508, September 2017
System productivity, nutrient uptake and nutrient balance in the wheat-mungbean-t. Aman rice cropping system
Authors: Quddus MA , Mian JΑ , Hashem MA , Naser HM , Hossain MA
Published: November 2017

System productivity, nutrient uptake and apparent nutrient balance in the wheatmungbean- T. aman rice cropping system was studied. The experiment comprised four treatments-absolute nutrient control (T1); farmer’s practice (T2); AEZ basis fertilizer application (T3) and soil test basis fertlizer application (T4). The treatments were compared in a RCBD with three replications over two consecutive years, 2008-09 and 2009-10. The experiment was conducted in Chhiata clay loam soil. The average yields of wheat, mungbean and T. aman ranged from 1415 to 3096 kg ha-1, 1020 to 1463 kg ha-1 and 2999 to 4282 kg ha- 1, respectively showing T4 as the best treatment. The same treatment (T4) demonstrated the highest nutrient uptake by the crops. The apparent balance of N and K (difference between nutrient uptake and nutrient addition) was negative; however it was less negative for T4 treatment. The P balance was positive for all the treatment except T1. Positive S balance was observed in T3 and T4 but negative in absolute control and farmer’s practice. Zinc and B balance was also positive in case of T3 and T4, but negative for T1 and T2 except B. The study suggests soil test basis fertlizer recommendation for the wheatmungbean- T. aman rice cropping system.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 509-520, September 2017
Sequential application of bio-pesticide, botanical and chemical insecticide to manage aphid and pod borer attacking yard long bean
Authors: Amin MR , Tarif AA , Rahman MM , Hossain MM , Ge F
Published: November 2017

Present study evaluated the effect of sequential application of a bio-pesticide (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Kurstaki) (Bt), a botanical (neem oil) and a chemical insecticide (cypermethrin 25EC) as well as cypermethrin 25EC alone in the management of aphid (Aphis craccivora) and pod borer (Maruca vitrata) attacking yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) in the field. In each treatment Bt, neem oil and cypermethrin were applied in alternative sequence as well as cypermethrin alone at 07 days intervals. All the treatments reduced aphid population and flower infestation after 24, 48 and 72h of treatment compared to untreated control. Aphid population reduction by the treatments over control was ranged from 34.4 to 71.9%, and the treatment with cypermethrin alone had the lowest abundance of aphid and flower infestation. The Bt followed by neem oil and cypermethrin significantly reduced the pod infestation by pod borer and increased yield (38.9–41.4%) over control with BCR: 1.85-2.16. Use of cypermethrin alone was most effective and showed the lowest pod infestation and revealed the increased yield over control (47.7%) with BCR 4.70. Considering the hazardous affect of cypermethrin alone, its application followed by bio-pesticide and botanical sequentially would be promising components for integrated pest management strategies against aphid and pod borer attacking yard long bean.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 531-538, September 2017
Economics of maize grain storage at household level in Chuadanga district of Bangladesh
Authors: Baksh ME , Rossi F , Momin MA , Hajong P , Tiwari TP
Published: November 2017

There is a common perception among farmers and concerned professionals that maize grain cannot be stored like paddy or other cereals in conventional rural storage devices. As such, farmers generally sell their produce at harvest for any price offered to avoid quality deterioration and losing total return after harvest, which leads to lower profitability. To counter this situation, in the recent years, some progressive farmers at Chuadanga district (one of the concentrated maize growing area of Bangladesh) have been storing their maize grain within their household by using traditional bamboo granaries (Golas in the Bengali language) with the aim to capture higher future prices, while these Golas are traditionally used for storing paddy. Through the Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia in Bangladesh (CSISA-BD) project, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) also helps further more to disseminate this technologies in the Chuadanga area. Given the uptake of this profitincreasing strategy by farmers, it is essential to document and evaluate the knowledge learned in order to inform scale-out efforts designed to reach farmers in other areas. A survey was conducted to assess maize grain storage systems in use at the household level in Chuadanga District farmers, and to estimate the overall profitability of storing maize grain. The survey results showed that approximately 80% of the total maize grain produced in 2014 (5.93 t/ha, on average) by sampled farmers was stored; most households employed Gola (62%) and/or jute sacks (55%), among other options. Golas were their first preference, followed by storage systems that pair polythene bags with (respectively) jute sacks and plastic bags, and then several other options. On average, farmers stored their maize grain 25.6 weeks (2014), 21 weeks (2013), and 20.9 weeks (2012) while realizing a price benefit of BDT 2.16/kg, BDT 4.72/kg, and BDT 5.35/kg in the respective years. Despite the fact that average storage costs and average quantities stored both varied by less than 7% between 2012 and 2014, the profit per unit (100 kg) and profit per household was significantly less in 2014 (BDT 10,161) than in 2013(BDT 24,445) and 2012 (BDT 30,255), due to the much lower price differential obtained from maize grain storage in 2014. Examination of the total unit cost of storage reveals that the Golas were the most profitable storage system employed by the farmers and its profits helps farmers to improve their livelihood. Proper dissemination of these practices (storing and Gola) could be helpful for the farmers at the intensive maize growing area. Limitation of drying space and higher labour cost were the two major problems faced by the farmers, introducing quick-drying devices (flatbed dryers) can solve both the problems. It can be established either by local service providers, or farmers organizing themselves for collective ownership of such equipment.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 549-561, September 2017
Calves Use an Automated Brush and a Hanging Rope When Pair-Housed
Authors: Zobel Gosia , Neave Heather , Henderson Harold , Webster James
Published: November 2017

Calf housing often only meets the basic needs of calves, but there is a growing interest in providing enrichments. This study described the behaviour of calves when they were given the opportunity to interact with two commonly available enrichment items. Female and male calves (approximately 11 days old) were pair-housed in 8 identical pens fitted with an automated brush and a hanging rope. Frequency and duration of behaviours were recorded on 3 separate days (from 12:00 until 08:00 the following day. Calves spent equal time using the brush and rope (27.1 min/day), but there was less variation in the use of the brush as opposed to the rope (coefficient of variation, CV: 23 vs. 78%, respectively). Calves had more frequent (94 bouts, CV: 24%) and shorter (17.8 s/bout, CV: 24%) brush use bouts compared to fewer (38 bouts, CV: 43%) and longer (38.3 s/bout, CV: 53%) rope use bouts. There was a diurnal pattern of use for both items. Frequency of play was similar to rope use, but total time playing was 8% of rope and brush use. Variability among calves suggested that individual preference existed; however, the social dynamics of the pair-housed environment were not measured and therefore could have influenced brush and rope use. Multiple enrichment items should be considered when designing improvements to calf housing.
Multi-Time Scale Coordinated Scheduling Strategy with Distributed Power Flow Controllers for Minimizing Wind Power Spillage
Authors: Tang Yi , Liu Yuqian , Ning Jia , Zhao Jingbo
Published: November 2017

The inherent variability and randomness of large-scale wind power integration have brought great challenges to power flow control and dispatch. The distributed power flow controller (DPFC) has the higher flexibility and capacity in power flow control in the system with wind generation. This paper proposes a multi-time scale coordinated scheduling model with DPFC to minimize wind power spillage. Configuration of DPFCs is initially determined by stochastic method. Afterward, two sequential procedures containing day-head and real-time scales are applied for determining maximum schedulable wind sources, optimal outputs of generating units and operation setting of DPFCs. The generating plan is obtained initially in day-ahead scheduling stage and modified in real-time scheduling model, while considering the uncertainty of wind power and fast operation of DPFC. Numerical simulation results in IEEE-RTS79 system illustrate that wind power is maximum scheduled with the optimal deployment and operation of DPFC, which confirms the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Identification of Combined Power Quality Disturbances Using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Total Least Squares-Estimation of Signal Parameters via Rotational Invariance Techniques (TLS-ESPRIT)
Authors: Xiao Huaishuo , Wei Jianchun , Li Qingquan
Published: November 2017

In order to identify various kinds of combined power quality disturbances, the singular value decomposition (SVD) and the improved total least squares-estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (TLS-ESPRIT) are combined as the basis of disturbance identification in this paper. SVD is applied to identify the catastrophe points of disturbance intervals, based on which the disturbance intervals are segmented. Then the improved TLS-ESPRIT optimized by singular value norm method is used to analyze each data segment, and extract the amplitude, frequency, attenuation coefficient and initial phase of various kinds of disturbances. Multi-group combined disturbance test signals are constructed by MATLAB and the proposed method is also tested by the measured data of IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Database. The test results show that the new method proposed has a relatively higher accuracy than conventional TLS-ESPRIT, which could be used in the identification of measured data.
Robust Sliding Mode Control of Air Handling Unit for Energy Efficiency Enhancement
Authors: Shah Awais , Huang Deqing , Chen Yixing , Kang Xin , Qin Na
Published: November 2017

In order to achieve feasible and copacetic low energy consuming building, a robust and efficient air conditioning system is necessary. Since heating ventilation and air conditioning systems are nonlinear and temperature and humidity are coupled, application of conventional control is inappropriate. A multi-input multi-output nonlinear model is presented. The temperature and humidity of thermal zone are ascendance by the manipulation of the water and air flow rates. A sliding mode controller (SMC) is designed to ensure robust performance of air handling unit in the presence of uncertainties. A simple proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is used as a comparison template to highlight the efficiency of the proposed controller. To accomplish tracking targets, a variety of desired temperature and relative humidity commands (including ramp and combination with sequence of steps) are investigated. According to simulation results, SMC transcends the PID controller in terms of settling time, steady state and rise time, which makes SMC more energy efficient.
Upgrading the Glycerol from Biodiesel Production as a Source of Energy Carriers and Chemicals—A Technological Review for Three Chemical Pathways
Authors: Rodrigues Abel , Bordado João Carlos , Santos Rui Galhano dos
Published: November 2017

Glycerol is a by-product of biodiesel obtained from biomass, accounting for 10% of the biodiesel production. In the context of a green economy, aiming for a reduction of the emission of atmospheric greenhouse gases emissions, the demand of biodiesel is expected to increase vastly, in parallel with a side glut supply of glycerol. Given the high cost of biodiesel compared with its fossil congener, upgrading of glycerol into added-value products can represent a secondary income source and turn the production of such alternative fuels economically sustainable in the long term. The glycerol obtained as by-product of biodiesel from biomass is in a crude form and must be purified. Some industrial solutions and applications were therein geared. The survey presented in this work, based on a reviewing of the existing literature, examines three routes for the valuing glycerol into energy carriers and chemicals, namely, carbonation, acylation, and steam reforming to hydrogen. The latter is embodied of great interest and importance, insofar that hydrogen by itself is considered as straighforward clean fuel for transportation uses, due to its high calorific power and to recent advances in fuel cells. We also have focused on the chain value from biomass to energies carriers through these pathways.
An Improved Optimization Function for Maximizing User Comfort with Minimum Energy Consumption in Smart Homes
Authors: Ullah Israr , Kim DoHyeun
Published: November 2017

In the smart home environment, efficient energy management is a challenging task. Solutions are needed to achieve a high occupant comfort level with minimum energy consumption. User comfort is measured in terms of three fundamental parameters: (a) thermal comfort, (b) visual comfort and (c) air quality. Temperature, illumination and CO 2 sensors are used to collect indoor contextual information. In this paper, we have proposed an improved optimization function to achieve maximum user comfort in the building environment with minimum energy consumption. A comprehensive formulation is done for energy optimization with detailed analysis. The Kalman filter algorithm is used to remove noise in sensor readings by predicting actual parameter values. For optimization, we have used genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms and performed comparative analysis with a baseline scheme on real data collected for a one-month duration in our lab’s indoor environment. Experimental results show that the proposed optimization function has achieved a 27 . 32 % and a 31 . 42 % reduction in energy consumption with PSO and GA, respectively. The user comfort index was also improved by 10 % i.e., from 0 . 86 to 0 . 96 . GA-based optimization results were better than PSO, as it has achieved almost the same user comfort with 4 . 19 % reduced energy consumption. Results show that the proposed optimization function gives better results than the baseline scheme in terms of user comfort and the amount of consumed energy. The proposed system can help with collecting the data about user preferences and energy consumption for long-term analysis and better decision making in the future for efficient resource utilization and overall profit maximization.
Impact of Lateral Transfers on the Genomes of Lepidoptera
Authors: Drezen Jean-Michel , Josse Thibaut , Bézier Annie , Gauthier Jérémy , Huguet Elisabeth , Herniou Elisabeth
Published: November 2017

Transfer of DNA sequences between species regardless of their evolutionary distance is very common in bacteria, but evidence that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) also occurs in multicellular organisms has been accumulating in the past few years. The actual extent of this phenomenon is underestimated due to frequent sequence filtering of “alien” DNA before genome assembly. However, recent studies based on genome sequencing have revealed, and experimentally verified, the presence of foreign DNA sequences in the genetic material of several species of Lepidoptera. Large DNA viruses, such as baculoviruses and the symbiotic viruses of parasitic wasps (bracoviruses), have the potential to mediate these transfers in Lepidoptera. In particular, using ultra-deep sequencing, newly integrated transposons have been identified within baculovirus genomes. Bacterial genes have also been acquired by genomes of Lepidoptera, as in other insects and nematodes. In addition, insertions of bracovirus sequences were present in the genomes of certain moth and butterfly lineages, that were likely corresponding to rearrangements of ancient integrations. The viral genes present in these sequences, sometimes of hymenopteran origin, have been co-opted by lepidopteran species to confer some protection against pathogens.
Genome and Epigenome Surveillance Processes Underlying UV Exposure in Plants
Authors: Molinier Jean
Published: November 2017

Land plants and other photosynthetic organisms (algae, bacteria) use the beneficial effect of sunlight as a source of energy for the photosynthesis and as a major source of information from the environment. However, the ultraviolet component of sunlight also produces several types of damage, which can affect cellular and integrity, interfering with growth and development. In order to reduce the deleterious effects of UV, photosynthetic organisms combine physiological adaptation and several types of DNA repair pathways to avoid dramatic changes in the structure. Therefore, plants may have obtained an evolutionary benefit from combining genome and surveillance processes, to efficiently deal with the deleterious effects of UV radiation. This review will present the different mechanisms activated upon UV exposure that contribute to maintain genome and integrity.
Trait Rumination Predicts Elevated Evening Cortisol in Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults
Authors: Zoccola Peggy , Manigault Andrew , Figueroa Wilson , Hollenbeck Cari , Mendlein Anna , Woody Alex , Hamilton Katrina , Scanlin Matt , Johnson Ryan
Published: November 2017

Stress may contribute to illness through the impaired recovery or sustained activity of stress-responsive biological systems. Rumination, or mental rehearsal of past stressors, may alter the body’s stress-responsive systems by amplifying and prolonging exposure to physiological mediators, such as cortisol. The primary aim of the current investigation was to test the extent to which the tendency to ruminate on stress predicts diminished diurnal cortisol recovery (i.e., elevated evening cortisol) in a sample of sexual and gender minority young adults. Participants included 58 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young adults (Mage = 25.0, SD = 4.1) who completed an initial online survey that assessed trait rumination and current depressed mood. Participants completed daily evening questionnaires and provided salivary cortisol samples at wake, 45 min post-wake, 12 h post-wake, and at bedtime over seven consecutive days. Trait rumination predicted significantly higher cortisol concentrations at bedtime, but was unrelated to other cortisol indices (e.g., morning cortisol, diurnal slope, total output). The association with trait rumination was not accounted for by daily negative affect, and was largely independent of depressed mood. These results have implications for identifying and treating those who may be at risk for impaired diurnal cortisol recovery and associated negative health outcomes.
Regulation and Sensing of Inflammasomes and Their Impact on Intestinal Health
Authors: Ranson Nicole , Kunde Dale , Eri Rajaraman
Published: November 2017

Pattern recognition receptors such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-containing protein receptors (NLRs) and the pyrin and hematopoitic interferon-inducible nuclear protein (HIN) domain (PYHIN) receptors initiate the inflammatory response following cell stress or pathogenic challenge. When activated, some of these receptors oligomerize to form the structural backbone of a signalling platform known as an inflammasome. Inflammasomes promote the activation of caspase-1 and the maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. The gut dysregulation of the inflammasome complex is thought to be a contributing factor in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The importance of inflammasomes to intestinal health has been emphasized by various inflammasome-deficient mice in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) models of intestinal inflammation and by the identification of novel potential candidate genes in population-based human studies. In this review, we summarise the most recent findings with regard to the formation, sensing, and regulation of the inflammasome complex and highlight their importance in maintaining intestinal health.
Fibrin-Enhanced Canonical Wnt Signaling Directs Plasminogen Expression in Cementoblasts
Authors: Rahman Saeed , Park Chan , Baek Jeong-Hwa , Ryoo Hyun-Mo , Woo Kyung
Published: November 2017

Cementum is a mineralized layer on the tooth’s root surface and facilitates the biomechanical anchoring of fibrous connective tissues as a part of tooth-supportive complexes. Previously, we observed that OCCM30 cementoblasts cultured on fibrin matrices underwent apoptosis due to fibrin degradation through the expression of proteases. Here, we demonstrated that OCCM30 on fibrin matrices (OCCM30-fibrin) enhanced canonical Wnt signaling, which directed to plasminogen expression. The OCCM30-fibrin showed higher levels of Wnt3a expression, nuclear translocation of β-catenin, and T-cell factor (TCF) optimal motif (TOP) reporter activity than the cells on tissue culture dishes (OCCM30-TCD), indicating that the OCCM30-fibrin enhanced canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Also, OCCM30-fibrin expressed biomineralization-associated markers at higher levels than OCCM30-TCD, of which levels were further increased with LiCl, a Wnt signaling activator. The OCCM30 cementoblasts simultaneously showed that high levels of plasminogen, a critical component of fibrinolysis, were expressed in the OCCM30-fibrin. Activation of canonical Wnt signaling with LiCl treatment or with forced lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1)-expression increased the expression of plasminogen. On the contrary, the inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling with siRNAs against Wnt3a or β-catenin abrogated fibrin-enhanced plasminogen expression. Furthermore, there are three conserved putative response elements for the LEF1/β-catenin complex in the plasminogen proximal promoter regions (−900 to +54). Site-directed mutations and chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that canonical Wnt signaling directed plasminogen expression. Taken together, this study suggests that fibrin-based materials can modulate functional periodontal formations in controlling cementoblast differentiation and fibrin degradation.
Synthesis and Molecular Modeling Studies of N′-Hydroxyindazolecarboximidamides as Novel Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) Inhibitors
Authors: Lee Dong-Ho , Lee Joo-Youn , Jeong Jieun , Kim Miok , Lee Kyung , Jang Eunseo , Ahn Sunjoo , Lee Chang , Hwang Jong
Published: November 2017

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an immunosuppressive enzyme that is highly overexpressed in various cancer cells and antigen-presenting cells. It has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy, which has prompted high interest in the development of small-molecule inhibitors. To discover novel IDO1 inhibitors, we designed and synthesized a series of N′-hydroxyindazolecarboximidamides. Among the compounds synthesized, compound 8a inhibited both tryptophan depletion and kynurenine production through the IDO1 enzyme. Molecular docking studies revealed that 8a binds to IDO1 with the same binding mode as the analog, epacadostat (INCB24360). Here, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of these hydroxyindazolecarboximidamides and present the molecular docking study of 8a with IDO1.
Cytotoxicity of Labruscol, a New Resveratrol Dimer Produced by Grapevine Cell Suspensions, on Human Skin Melanoma Cancer Cell Line HT-144
Authors: Nivelle Laetitia , Hubert Jane , Courot Eric , Borie Nicolas , Renault Jean-Hugues , Nuzillard Jean-Marc , Harakat Dominique , Clément Christophe , Martiny Laurent , Delmas Dominique , Jeandet Philippe , Tarpin Michel
Published: November 2017

A new resveratrol dimer (1) called labruscol, has been purified by centrifugal partition chromatography of a crude ethyl acetate stilbene extract obtained from elicited grapevine cell suspensions of Vitis labrusca L. cultured in a 14-liter stirred bioreactor. One dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses including 1H, 13C, heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC), heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), and correlation spectroscopy (COSY) as well as high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) were used to characterize this compound and to unambiguously identify it as a new stilbene dimer, though its relative stereochemistry remained unsolved. Labruscol was recovered as a pure compound (>93%) in sufficient amounts (41 mg) to allow assessment of its biological activity (cell viability, cell invasion and apoptotic activity) on two different cell lines, including one human skin melanoma cancer cell line HT-144 and a healthy human dermal fibroblast (HDF) line. This compound induced almost 100% of cell viability inhibition in the cancer line at a dose of 100 μM within 72 h of treatment. However, at all tested concentrations and treatment times, resveratrol displayed an inhibition of the cancer line viability higher than that of labruscol in the presence of fetal bovine serum. Both compounds also showed differential activities on healthy and cancer cell lines. Finally, labruscol at a concentration of 1.2 μM was shown to reduce cell invasion by 40%, although no similar activity was observed with resveratrol. The cytotoxic activity of this newly-identified dimer is discussed.
Unexpected Synthesis of a Bulky Bis-Pocket A3B-Type Meso-Cyano Porphyrin
Authors: Liu Ze-Yu , Mahmood Mian HR , Wu Jian-Zhong , Yang Shu-Bao , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: November 2017

A one-pot synthesis of bulky bis-pocket A3B-type meso-cyano porphyrin, 5-cyano-10,15,20-tris(2,4,6-triphenylphenyl)porphyrin, has been accomplished via trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) catalyzed condensation of pyrrole and 2,4,6-triphenylbenzaldehyde in an acceptable yield of about 4%. DDQ served as oxidant and the cyanating agent.
ZnO Nanowire Application in Chemoresistive Sensing: A Review
Authors: Rackauskas Simas , Barbero Nadia , Barolo Claudia , Viscardi Guido
Published: November 2017

This article provides an overview of the recent development of ZnO nanowires (NWs) for chemoresistive sensing. Working mechanisms of chemoresistive sensors are unified for gas, ultraviolet (UV) and bio sensor types: single nanowire and nanowire junction sensors are described, giving the overview for a simple sensor manufacture by multiple nanowire junctions. ZnO NW surface functionalization is discussed, and how this effects the sensing is explained. Further, novel approaches for sensing, using ZnO NW functionalization with other materials such as metal nanoparticles or heterojunctions, are explained, and limiting factors and possible improvements are discussed. The review concludes with the insights and recommendations for the future improvement of the ZnO NW chemoresistive sensing.
In Vitro Phase I Metabolism of CRV431, a Novel Oral Drug Candidate for Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Trepanier Daniel , Ure Daren , Foster Robert
Published: November 2017

The cytochrome P450-mediated Phase I in vitro metabolism of CRV431 was studied using selective chemical inhibition and recombinant human enzymes. Additionally, the metabolic profile of CRV431 in human, rat, and monkey liver microsomes was investigated. Liver microsomes were incubated for 0–80 min with CRV431, and the metabolite profile was assessed by electrospray ionization liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (ESI-LCMS). CRV431 was extensively metabolized through oxidation to produce various hydroxylated and demethylated species. Species identified included monohydroxylated CRV431 (two distinct products), dihydroxylated CRV431, demethylated CRV431 (two distinct products), demethylated and hydroxylated CRV431 (two distinct products), didemethylated and hydroxylated CRV431, and didemethylated and dihydroxylated CRV431. The magnitude of metabolism was greatest in monkey, followed by human, followed by rat. Importantly, all of the species identified in human microsomes were correspondingly identified in monkey and/or rat microsomes. Human liver microsome studies using selective chemical inhibition, as well as studies using recombinant human cytochrome P450 enzymes, revealed that the major enzymes involved are cytochromes P450 3A4 and 3A5. Enzymes 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, and 2D6 are not involved in the in vitro metabolism of CRV431. This information will be useful for the further development of CRV431 both preclinically and clinically.
Exploiting Multi-View SAR Images for Robust Target Recognition
Authors: Ding Baiyuan , Wen Gongjian
Published: November 2017

The exploitation of multi-view synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images can effectively improve the performance of target recognition. However, due to the various extended operating conditions (EOCs) in practical applications, some of the collected views may not be discriminative enough for target recognition. Therefore, each of the input views should be examined before being passed through to multi-view recognition. This paper proposes a novel structure for multi-view SAR target recognition. The multi-view images are first classified by sparse representation-based classification (SRC). Based on the output residuals, a reliability level is calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of a certain view for multi-view recognition. Meanwhile, the support samples for each view selected by SRC collaborate to construct an enhanced local dictionary. Then, the selected views are classified by joint sparse representation (JSR) based on the enhanced local dictionary for target recognition. The proposed method can eliminate invalid views for target recognition while enhancing the representation capability of JSR. Therefore, the individual discriminability of each valid view as well as the inner correlation among all of the selected views can be exploited for robust target recognition. Experiments are conducted on the moving and stationary target acquisition recognition (MSTAR) dataset to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
FieldSAFE: Dataset for Obstacle Detection in Agriculture
Authors: Kragh Mikkel , Christiansen Peter , Laursen Morten , Larsen Morten , Steen Kim , Green Ole , Karstoft Henrik , Jørgensen Rasmus
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we present a multi-modal dataset for obstacle detection in agriculture. The dataset comprises approximately 2 h of raw sensor data from a tractor-mounted sensor system in a grass mowing scenario in Denmark, October 2016. Sensing modalities include stereo camera, thermal camera, web camera, 360 ∘ camera, LiDAR and radar, while precise localization is available from fused IMU and GNSS. Both static and moving obstacles are present, including humans, mannequin dolls, rocks, barrels, buildings, vehicles and vegetation. All obstacles have ground truth object labels and geographic coordinates.
Label-Free Biomedical Imaging Using High-Speed Lock-In Pixel Sensor for Stimulated Raman Scattering
Authors: Mars Kamel , Lioe De Xing , Kawahito Shoji , Yasutomi Keita , Kagawa Keiichiro , Yamada Takahiro , Hashimoto Mamoru
Published: November 2017

Raman imaging eliminates the need for staining procedures, providing label-free imaging to study biological samples. Recent developments in stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) have achieved fast acquisition speed and hyperspectral imaging. However, there has been a problem of lack of detectors suitable for MHz modulation rate parallel detection, detecting multiple small SRS signals while eliminating extremely strong offset due to direct laser light. In this paper, we present a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor using high-speed lock-in pixels for stimulated Raman scattering that is capable of obtaining the difference of Stokes-on and Stokes-off signal at modulation frequency of 20 MHz in the pixel before reading out. The generated small SRS signal is extracted and amplified in a pixel using a high-speed and large area lateral electric field charge modulator (LEFM) employing two-step ion implantation and an in-pixel pair of low-pass filter, a sample and hold circuit and a switched capacitor integrator using a fully differential amplifier. A prototype chip is fabricated using 0.11 μm CMOS image sensor technology process. SRS spectra and images of stearic acid and 3T3-L1 samples are successfully obtained. The outcomes suggest that hyperspectral and multi-focus SRS imaging at video rate is viable after slight modifications to the pixel architecture and the acquisition system.
Multifunctional Woven Structure Operating as Triboelectric Energy Harvester, Capacitive Tactile Sensor Array, and Piezoresistive Strain Sensor Array
Authors: Kim Kihong , Song Giyoung , Park Cheolmin , Yun Kwang-Seok
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a power-generating sensor array in a flexible and stretchable form. The proposed device is composed of resistive strain sensors, capacitive tactile sensors, and a triboelectric energy harvester in a single platform. The device is implemented in a woven textile structure by using proposed functional threads. A single functional thread is composed of a flexible hollow tube coated with silver nanowires on the outer surface and a conductive silver thread inside the tube. The total size of the device is 60 × 60 mm2 having a 5 × 5 array of sensor cell. The touch force in the vertical direction can be sensed by measuring the capacitance between the warp and weft functional threads. In addition, because silver nanowire layers provide piezoresistivity, the strain applied in the lateral direction can be detected by measuring the resistance of each thread. Last, with regard to the energy harvester, the maximum power and power density were measured as 201 μW and 0.48 W/m2, respectively, when the device was pushed in the vertical direction.
Textile Pressure Mapping Sensor for Emotional Touch Detection in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Zhou Bo , Altamirano Carlos , Zurian Heber , Atefi Seyed , Billing Erik , Martinez Fernando , Lukowicz Paul
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we developed a fully textile sensing fabric for tactile touch sensing as the robot skin to detect human-robot interactions. The sensor covers a 20-by-20 cm 2 area with 400 sensitive points and samples at 50 Hz per point. We defined seven gestures which are inspired by the social and emotional interactions of typical people to people or pet scenarios. We conducted two groups of mutually blinded experiments, involving 29 participants in total. The data processing algorithm first reduces the spatial complexity to frame descriptors, and temporal features are calculated through basic statistical representations and wavelet analysis. Various classifiers are evaluated and the feature calculation algorithms are analyzed in details to determine each stage and segments’ contribution. The best performing feature-classifier combination can recognize the gestures with a 93 . 3 % accuracy from a known group of participants, and 89 . 1 % from strangers.
Undisturbed Ground Temperature—Different Methods of Determination
Authors: Gwadera Monika , Larwa Barbara , Kupiec Krzysztof
Published: November 2017

Methods for the calculation of the undisturbed ground temperature (UGT) are presented. Heat fluxes occurring on the surface of the ground and their influence on the UGT are described. Correlation equations for the calculation of the undisturbed ground temperature based on the meteorological data averaged in the yearly cycle are proposed. These equations are of a semi-empirical character and they are based on the heat flux balance. The determined coefficients of these equations, particularly the convection heat transfer coefficient, are consistent with the values specified by other methods.
Challenges and Proposals for Socio-Ecological Sustainability of the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct (Spain) under Climate Change
Authors: Morote Álvaro-Francisco , Olcina Jorge , Rico Antonio-Manuel
Published: November 2017

Since its inauguration in 1979, the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct has become one of the hydraulic infrastructures that has had the most significant socio-economic repercussions in Spain during the past few decades. The aqueduct is significant for its strategic importance and developmental potential for south-east Spain, where it provides water for agriculture as well as for tourism and urban consumption. The aim of this study is to analyze the uncertainties regarding the future functioning of this infrastructure in view of the reduction of water resources and a higher frequency of drought episodes due to climate change. To this end, an analysis was performed on previous studies of hydrological plans, regulations and studies on climate change in order to enable an assessment to be made of the possible effects of these changes on the normal functions of the Tagus–Segura Aqueduct. Consideration is also given to the new management rules that have regulated this infrastructure since 2014, the use of alternative water resources, and proposals such as measures to increase resilience in light of future climate change scenarios and their effects on the Mediterranean.
Outcomes of Simultaneous Peritoneal Dialysis and Arteriovenous Fistula Placement in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Nezakatgoo Nosratollah , Ndzengue Albert , Ramaiah Manhunath , Gosmanova Elvira O.
Published: November 2017

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) interruption requiring hemodialysis (HD) is not uncommon and its frequently abrupt nature prevents timely creation of permanent HD access and avoidance of central venous catheters (CVC). We retrospectively studied a cohort of 24 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (mean age 50.7 years, 83.3% African-Americans, 58.3% females, time on dialysis interquartile range [IQR] 0 - 65 days) who had simultaneous PD catheter insertion and backup arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013. The primary outcome of interest was the percent of patients receiving HD through the backup AVF at the time of PD interruption. A median (IQR) for PD catheter use after its insertion was 10.5 (2 - 20) days. After the mean follow-up of 19.6 months, 12 patients remained on PD, 2 patients received a kidney transplant, and 1 patient died. The overall AVF patency was 66.7%. A total of 9 (37.5%) patients had PD interruption requiring permanent (8 patients) or temporary (1 patient) HD after the mean (standard deviation [SD]) follow-up of 12.3 (8.2) months. Arteriovenous fistula was used as the initial access in 4 patients, and in 3 patients the original AVF was used after additional surgical revision. Forty-four percent of patients with a backup AVF fistula avoided CVC at the time of PD interruption requiring HD. The simultaneous AVF creation at the time of PD catheter insertion reduced but did not fully eliminate CVC at the time of PD interruption. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the utility of a backup AVF in PD patients.
Percutaneous Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Boyer Annabel , Jegonday Marc-Antoine , Lanot Antoine , Ficheux Maxence , Lobbedez Thierry , Bechade Clémence
Published: November 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of death by cancer worldwide. Resection and liver transplantation are the gold standards, but only a minority of people are eligible. Percutaneous ablation therapies, such as microwave ablation (MWA), have consequently been developed. There is a lack of guidelines regarding the treatment of HCCs in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Here, we report the case of a 67-year-old patient who was undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) for chronic congestive heart failure and who presented with an HCC while undergoing PD. The tumor size was 48 mm. Due to the patient's comorbidities, MWA was chosen as a first-line treatment. Peritoneal dialysis was stopped 1 day before the MWA, which was performed by an interventional radiology department. There were no complications from the procedure. The treated area completely covered the tumoral lesion. Peritoneal dialysis was resumed 3 weeks after the MWA without any complications. The computed tomography (CT) scan performed 3 months later showed that the tumor mass had completely regressed; a year and a half after the MWA, no recurrence has been observed. This report shows that an MWA of an HCC in PD patients is a feasible and safe procedure.
Increasing the stability of DNA nanostructure templates by atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 and its application in imprinting lithography
Authors: Kim Hyojeong , Arbutina Kristin , Xu Anqin , Liu Haitao
Published: November 2017

We present a method to increase the stability of DNA nanostructure templates through conformal coating with a nanometer-thin protective inorganic oxide layer created using atomic layer deposition (ALD). DNA nanotubes and origami triangles were coated with ca. 2 nm to ca. 20 nm of Al2O3. Nanoscale features of the DNA nanostructures were preserved after the ALD coating and the patterns are resistive to UV/O3 oxidation. The ALD-coated DNA templates were used for a direct pattern transfer to poly(L-lactic acid) films.
Electron-deficient pyridinium salts/thiourea cooperative catalyzed O-glycosylation via activation of O-glycosyl trichloroacetimidate donors
Authors: Shaw Mukta , Kumar Yogesh , Thakur Rima , Kumar Amit
Published: November 2017

The glycosylation of O-glycosyl trichloroacetimidate donors using a synergistic catalytic system of electron-deficient pyridinium salts/aryl thiourea derivatives at room temperature is demonstrated. The acidity of the adduct formed by the 1,2-addition of alcohol to the electron-deficient pyridinium salt is increased in the presence of an aryl thiourea derivative as an hydrogen-bonding cocatalyst. This transformation occurs under mild reaction conditions with a wide range of O-glycosyl trichloroacetimidate donors and glycosyl acceptors to afford the corresponding O-glycosides in moderate to good yields with predictable selectivity. In addition, the optimized method is also utilized for the regioselective O-glycosylation by using a partially protected acceptor.
Jet Morphology and Coma Analysis of Comet 103P/Hartley 2
Authors: Vaughan Charles M. , Pierce Donna M. , Cochran Anita L.
Published: November 2017

Spectral data for the coma of Hartley 2 were acquired across four nights in late 2010 using an integral field spectrometer at McDonald Observatory. For the 30 observations during these four nights, we detected five radical species in the coma: C2, C3, CH, CN, and NH2. Using division by azimuthal mean and division by radial profile, we enhanced 150 images of the coma to reveal subtle coma structure. These images revealed noticeable temporal evolution and spatial variations between species. To quantify the observed variation between species, we partitioned the coma and used analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques to provide a statistical basis for heterogeneity. Nearly every ANOVA test indicated a spatially diverse distribution in the coma when considering all species collectively. To examine the temporal behavior, we used the works by Belton et al., Thomas et al., and Bruck Syal et al. to predict nucleus orientation and active jet directions at our observation times. Several of these reported jet sites correlated to high radical concentrations, and the sites on the smaller lobe are more closely associated with high radical concentrations. Lastly, we provide constraints for the suspect parent molecules of the detected radicals, and we propose that photolysis reactions occurring at or near extended icy grains are a source for the more enigmatic radicals, such as C3.
The Energetic Particle Environment of the Lunar Nearside: SEP Influence
Authors: Xu Xiaojun , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Wang Yi , Zuo Pingbing , Wong Hon-Cheng , Cui Jun
Published: November 2017

The energetic particle environment of the lunar nearside is quite different from that of the lunar farside. Due to the shielding of the Earth’s magnetosphere and the Moon, the lunar nearside may receive much fewer energetic particles from the Sun. It is currently impossible to directly measure the received energetic particle flux of the whole lunar surface. By using the ARTEMIS and Wind observations, we qualitatively studied the shielding effect of the Earth’s magnetosphere and the lunar body from solar energetic particles (SEPs). We found that the Earth’s magnetosphere can effectively shield SEPs with energies up to 4 Mev during the SEP event. However, in the solar wind, the Moon can provide partial shielding from SEPs with energies ≤100 KeV. SEPs with energies above 150 KeV in the lunar shadow show no difference in flux from in the solar wind, which suggests that the nearside and farside are the same in receiving SEPs with energies above 150 KeV during the SEP event.