bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual, instrumental, mycological and mycotoxicological characterization of wheat inoculated with and protected against Alternaria spp.
Authors: Janic-Hajnal Elizabet , Belovic Miona , Plavsic Dragana , Mastilovic Jasna , Bagi Ferenc , Budakov Dragana , Kos Jovana
Published: July 2016

The aim of this work was to characterize visual properties, instrumentally
measured colour properties, field fungi presence and Alternaria toxins levels
in wheat samples grown under conditions aimed at inhibition and stimulation
of wheat infection with fungi from the Alternaria genus. Experiment was
carried out on the wheat treated by fungicide and wheat inoculated by
Alternaria spp., while non treated wheat was used as a control. Statistically
significant difference was observed between all three treatments using visual
scale. Protected wheat samples were significantly different from other
samples in terms of all measured colour parameters while inoculated and
control wheat samples were significantly different in terms of lightness and
dominant wavelength. Identification of field fungi in the all examined wheat
samples showed that the dominant mycotoxigenic fungus was Alternaria spp.,
followed by Fusarium spp. The content of Alternaria toxins in samples of
wheat hulls and dehulled kernels point out at higher concentrations of
Alternaria toxins in hulls than in dehulled kernels.
Isoflavone content and antioxidant activity of soybean inoculated with plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Kiprovski Biljana , Malencic Djordje , Djuric Simonida , Bursac Mira , Cvejic Jelena , Sikora Vladimir
Published: July 2016

Plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) elicit activation of
phenylpropanoid pathway in plants which leads to phenolics production and
enhanced antioxidant capacity. The purpose of this work was to assess the
antioxidant activity of soybean plants, Glycine max L., inoculated with PGPR
(isolates of Azotobacter chroococcum, Streptomyces sp. and mixture of these)
during plant development, as well as yield of inoculated soybean plants. PGPR
applied in the experiment stimulated flavonoids and isoflavone synthesis,
which enhanced non-enzymatic antioxidant ability of soybean plants. Also,
PGPRs stimulated accumulation of daidzein and genistin in soybean seedlings
(5-fold and 2-fold compared to control values, respectively). The mixture of
PGPRs showed positive impact on antioxidant activity (10-20% higher activity)
and yield components of soybean which proposed this inoculum as possibly
potent bio-fertilizer in soybean production.
Clinical Considerations for Use of Initial Combination Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cahn Avivit , Cefalu William T.
Published: July 2016

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disorder characterized by increasing hyperglycemia and the need to gradually intensify therapy in order to achieve and maintain glycemic control. Early initiation of combination therapy has been proposed as an approach to achieve glycemic goals earlier and delay the deterioration of glycemic control and with possible better preservation of β-cell function. We discuss in this article the pros and cons of this approach, focusing on individuals with HbA1c at diagnosis of 7.5–9.0%, where difference of opinion still exists on management. Initial combination therapy is proposed to lead to better and faster achievement of glycemic targets versus monotherapy and to impede clinical inertia and may possibly slow the deterioration of β-cell function. However, treating patients with sequential therapy is proposed to allow one to fully assess the efficacy and risk-to-benefit ratio of each drug as it is added. Furthermore, there is no evidence to support that rapid addition and titration of medications according to the glycemic profile achieved are inferior to initial combination therapy if glycemic targets are attained in a timely manner. Initial combination therapy is argued to postpone clinical inertia to the next decision point but does not eliminate it. Additionally, it may have been the agents chosen and not the timing of their initiation that led to improved β-cell function in the studies of initial combination therapy, and there are no data currently comparing use of the same drugs initiated simultaneously or sequentially. Heightened awareness of providers, individualization of therapy and setting, and reaching glycemic targets remain the mainstays of care.
Remembering Statins: Do Statins Have Adverse Cognitive Effects?
Authors: Bitzur Rafael
Published: July 2016

The issue of statin-associated cognitive impairment has been a hot topic among both patients and health care providers, especially since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement regarding rare postmarketing reports of ill-defined cognitive impairment associated with statin use. This statement was based on case reports, and no objective measures of cognitive function were used. Nevertheless, many patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease have expressed concerns about possible cognitive decline and may have opted to forgo statin therapy. In this overview, the evidence leading to the statement by the FDA is reviewed. Potential mechanisms of the effect of LDL cholesterol reduction and statin therapy on cognition are discussed. Evidence from observational and prospective randomized trials is summarized, leading to the conclusion that as for now, there is no good evidence that statins cause cognitive impairment to a significant degree. Reported cases seem to be rare, and a causal relationship has not been established.
Einsatz wirrfaserverstärkter Duroplaste in thermomechanisch belasteten Strukturbauteilen im Fahrzeugbau
Authors: Treffler René , Dick Thomas , Ladstätter Elisabeth , Fröschl Jürgen
Published: July 2016

Kurzfassung

Im Vergleich zu metallischen Werkstoffen zeigen faserverstärkte Kunststoffe auch bei einfachen uniaxialen Beanspruchungen ein komplexes viskoelastisches Materialverhalten. Die Werkstoffmodelle sind schwer übertragbar und nur für eng eingeschränkte Werkstoffgruppen gültig. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert daher anhand von experimentellen Untersuchungen (Zug, Kriech-Erholung, Wöhler Tests) das mechanische Verhalten von carbonfaserverstärkten Sheet Molding Compounds (CF-SMC) in Abhängigkeit von Temperatur, Probendicke und zahlreichen weiteren Einflussfaktoren. Darüber hinaus wird der Fokus auf die Beschreibung des Schwingfestigkeitsverhaltens unter Berücksichtigung der Steifigkeitsdegradation gelegt. Auf Basis umfangreicher Prüfergebnisse werden unterschiedliche Ansätze zur Werkstoffmodellierung vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Bestimmung der Rissanfälligkeit von hochfesten Stählen beim Widerstandspunktschweißen
Authors: Frei Julian , Suwala Hubert , Gumenyuk Andrey , Rethmeier Michael
Published: July 2016

Kurzfassung

Die stetig zunehmenden Anforderungen an Kraftstoffverbrauch, Schadstoffemission, sowie passive Sicherheit haben die Automobilindustrie vor Herausforderungen gestellt, die nur durch einen konsequenten Einsatz moderner hochfester Stahlwerkstoffe zu bewältigen sind. Obgleich eine generelle Eignung dieser Stähle für das Widerstandspunktschweißen (WPS) gegeben ist, kann es durch verschiedene externe Einflüsse im betrieblichen Umfeld zur Rissbildung in der Schweißverbindung kommen. Der Einfluss dieser Risse auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften ist derzeit nicht hinreichend genau erfasst, so dass häufig die Vorgabe einer rissfreien Schweißverbindung besteht. Die Kenntnis der Rissanfälligkeit der verarbeiteten Materialkombinationen sowie von ungünstigen Schweißparametern ist daher für viele Unternehmen von erheblicher wirtschaftlicher Bedeutung. Im Rahmen des FOSTA Projekts P921 „Entwicklung eines Verfahrens zur Bestimmung der Rissanfälligkeit von hochfesten Stählen beim Widerstandspunktschweißen“ wurde ein Ansatz zur Bestimmung der Rissanfälligkeit von WPS-Verbindungen hochfester Stähle entwickelt. Mittels einer hydraulischen Vorrichtung unter Zugbelastung wurden geschweißte, rissbehaftete Proben optisch ausgewertet. Das Verfahren ist geeignet, um ein Werkstoffranking bezüglich der Rissanfälligkeit beim Widerstandspunktschweißen für Werkstoffe aufzustellen.
Modeling and optimization of CNC milling of AISI 1050 steel by a regression based differential evolution algorithm (DEA)
Authors: Esme Ugur , Kulekci Mustafa Kemal , Ustun Deniz , Buldum Barış , Kazançoğlu Yigit , Ocalır Seref
Published: July 2016

The present study is aimed at finding an optimization strategy for the CNC pocket milling process based on regression analysis including differential evolution algorithm (DEA). Milling parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut have been designed using rotatable central composite design (CCD). The AISI 1050 medium carbon steel has been machined by a high speed steel (HSS) flat end cutter tool with 8 mm diameter using the zig-zag cutting path strategy under air flow condition. The influence of milling parameters has been examined. The model for the surface roughness, as a function of milling parameters, has been obtained using the response surface methodology (RSM). Also, the power and adequacy of the quadratic mathematical model have been proved by analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. Finally, the process design parameters have been optimized based on surface roughness using bio-inspired optimization algorithm, called differential evolution algorithm (DEA). The enhanced method proposed in this study can be readily applied to different metal cutting processes with greater and faster reliability.
“Containers, Carriers, Vehicles”
Authors: Mavhunga Clapperton Chakanetsa , Cuvelier Jeroen , Pype Katrien
Published: July 2016

This introduction launches the new portfolio of articles on African mobilities
and situates the three articles of this special section within the portfolio’s
approach. This could be summarized in three key objectives. First, it seeks to
highlight the inadequacy of enthusing in Africa simply as a venue where the
itineraries of things and people from outside take place. Second, African mobilities
is a way to signal the mobilities of Africans and things “African” in the
world. Third, African mobilities is a theoretical standpoint. It serves as a critique
of Western notions of mobility that have been universalized, built on nostalgia
about what one, following Western ethnocentric assumptions, readily
concludes are the technological and scientific wonders.
Conservation-Induced Resettlement
Authors: Awuh Harrison Esam
Published: July 2016

This article demonstrates how conservation-induced immobilization affects
the movement of knowledge and practices. I employ the case study of the Baka
of East Cameroon to show how spatial immobility, or forced anthropostasis,
among the Baka influences the flow of some kinds of knowledge and practices.
This study also offers a critique of the view that, when hunter-gatherers settle in
towns or permanent villages, their access to new knowledge and practices will
be improved, thereby making their lives better. Rather, the loss of local medical
knowledge, increased alcohol abuse, and an increasing destabilization of the
ecological environment are the main detrimental consequences of new forms
of knowledge that Baka are acquiring in villages as a result of contacts with the
state, absorption into a capitalist society, and the influence of western-based
nongovernmental organizations.
Mobilities and the Multinatural
Authors: Birtchnell Thomas
Published: July 2016

This article examines whether the mobilities paradigm could be more sensitive
to recent debates about the more-than-human (animals, plants, and insects)
and indeed the inhuman (geological, planetary, and biophysical). Many possible
examples spring to mind: the forced movement of people due to “natural”
catastrophes, the annual migrations of birds across vast distances, the accidental
and intentional spread of invasive weeds. “Multinatural mobilities” are at
present both inside and outside of the paradigm’s core themes. Can mobilities
go beyond transportation, migration, urban development, the hypermobility
of the few, and the comparative immobility of the world’s majority of people to
encompass everything that moves? Or does this risk diluting the novelty of the
paradigm? By presenting a test case of a potential research theme on wild animals
in India’s urban spaces, this article argues that by thinking multinaturally
progress can be reached in applying the rich mobilities framework to problems
in mobility systems.
“Floating Melodies and Memories” of the Terezín Memorial
Authors: Lai Chia-ling
Published: July 2016

As Andrea Huyssen observes, since the 1990s the preservation of Holocaust heritage has become a worldwide phenomenon, and this “difficult heritage”
has also led to the rise of “dark tourism.” Neither as sensationally traumatic as Auschwitz’s termination concentration camp in Poland nor as aesthetic as the forms of many modern Jewish museums in Germany and the United States, the Terezín Memorial in the Czech Republic provides a different way to present memorials of atrocity: it juxtaposes the original deadly site with the musical heritage that shows the will to live.
Book Reviews
Authors: Longhurst James , Dwyer Sheila , Lennon John , Chen Zhenhua , Volti Rudi , Balachandran Gopalan , Gephardt Katarina , Flonneau Mathieu , Shelton Kyle , Wilkie Fiona
Published: July 2016

Book Reviews

Peter Cox, ed. Cycling Cultures (Chester, UK: University of Chester, 2015) - James Longhurst

Daniel Owen Spence, Colonial Naval Culture and British Imperialism, 1922–67 (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2015) - Sheila Dwyer

Colin Divall, ed., Cultural Histories of Sociabilities, Spaces and Mobilities (London: Pickering and Chatto, 2015) - John Lennon

Christopher Kopper and Massimo Moraglio, eds., Th e Organization of Transport: A History of Users, Industry, and Public Policy (New York: Routledge, 2014) - Zhenhua Chen

Paul Ingrassia, Engines of Change: A History of the American Dream in Fifteen Cars (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2012) - Rudi Volti

Hagar Kotef, Movement and the Ordering of Freedom: On Liberal Governances of Mobility (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2015) - Gopalan Balachandran

Bernd Stiegler, Traveling in Place: A History of Armchair Travel. Trans. Peter Filkins. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010) - Katarina Gephardt

Thomas Buhler, Déplacements urbains: sortir de l’orthodoxie. Plaidoyer pour une prise en compte des habitudes (Lausanne: Presses Polytechniques et Universitaires Romandes, 2015) - Mathieu Flonneau

Ruth A. Miller, Snarl: In Defense of Stalled Traffi c and Faulty Networks (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2015) - Kyle Shelton

Novel Review

Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven (London: Picador, 2014) - Fiona Wilkie
GPIIb/IIIa Inhibitors: Current Status
Authors: Majumder Abdullah Al Shafi
Published: July 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(2) : 46-47
The Right Ventricular Diameter can Predict the Presence of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Kaiser Abrar , Malik Fazilatunnessa , Haque Tuhin , Alam Iftekhar , Masud Abdullah Al , Huq Tawfiq Shahriar , Kalimuddin Md
Published: July 2016

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease characterized by a progressive increase of pulmonary pressure and resistance leading to right heart failure. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is commonly diagnosed at a late stage of the disease and is associated with progressive clinical deterioration and premature death. The assessment of pulmonary artery pressure is important in clinical management and prognostic evaluation of patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Although PH can be detected invasively by right ventricular (RV) catheterization, accurate non-invasive assessment by echocardiography has many advantages. Reliable non-invasive evaluation of pulmonary pressure at present is still a problem as echocardiographic measurement of pulmonary hypertension relies on the presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether right ventricular end diastolic diameter can predict the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with echo detectable tricuspid regurgitation who underwent right heart catheterization for either diagnostic or therapeutic procedure were recruited. They were divided into two groups on the basis of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Group I consists of 40 patients with PASP >35 mm Hg and Group II 40 patients having PASP d 35 mm Hg. Right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVD) was measured in the apical 4 chamber view. PASP was measured from right heart catheterization. Results: The RVD has strong correlation with catheter-derived PASP, at a cutoff value of >3 cm, predicted the presence of PAH with 78% sensitivity and 71% specificity. Conclusion: RVD is a good non-invasive predictor for PAH. RVD can predict the presence of PAH even in absence of TR and correlates well with PASP measured by RV catheterization.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2015; 30(2) : 48-52
Effects of vermicompost on growth and leaf biomass yield of stevia and post harvest fertility status of soil
Authors: Zaman MM , Chowdhury MAH , Islam MR , Uddin MR
Published: July 2016

In view of the growing awareness about eco-friendly organic farming, vermicompost (VC) could be a very good option for increasing crops yield. The organic carbon in VC releases nutrients slowly and steadily into the system and enables the plant to absorb these nutrients. To assess the effect of VC on soil fertility, growth and yield of stevia in acid and non-calcareous soils, an experiment was undertaken in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during February to May, 2012. Four levels of VC viz. 0, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1 in two contrasting soils (Acid and Non-calcareous) were examined following CRD with three replications. Growth and yield attributes such as plant height, branch and leaf number, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves were significantly influenced by different levels of VC. All the plant parameters increased with the advancement of growth period as well with increased rate of VC up to 7.5t ha-1 and then declined with further additions. The leaf biomass yield was 335% and 338% higher in acid soil and in non-calcareous soil, respectively over control. The overall performance of non-calcareous soil was superior to acid soil in terms of both plant and soil parameters studied. The acidity of both soils significantly decreased with the increased application of VC ranging from 4.9 to 5.7 in acid soil and 6.5 to 7.2 in non-calcareous soil. Total N, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, available S, Zn, B were also significantly increased with the increased levels of VC up to its highest level (VC @ 10t ha-1) in both soils. Thus the results suggest that VC @ 7.5t ha-1 should be applied for getting maximum leaf biomass yield of stevia and 10t ha-1 for increasing the fertility of both soils under the agro-climatic conditions of the studied area.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 169-174, December 2015
Physico-chemical characterization of some selected soil series of Mymensingh and Jamalpur districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Sheel PR , Chowdhury MAH , Ali M , Mahamud MA
Published: July 2016

The soil physico-chemical properties have been disturbed due to long continued intensive agricultural practices. Under this situation we are approaching rapidly to a very strong future challenge in sustaining the quality of our soil. This study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of the selected soil series. The area covered Mymensingh and Jamalpur districts of Bangladesh. Soil samples were collected randomly from different profiles of Lokdeo, Tarakanda, Silmondi and Melandah soil series during March-May, 2014 and analysed. All soils were acidic and textural classes were sandy loam, silt loam, loam, and clay loam. Organic matter and total N contents low to very low. Available S content in the upper layers of most soils were medium to optimum and in the deeper layer low to medium. The exchangeable K, Ca and Na contents were also low. The upper layers of all the locations contained higher amounts of available Zn. The available Cu and Fe contents of most soils were very high. The soils of all locations contained very high amount of available Mn except the deeper layers (45-75 cm) of Melandah which contained optimum amount of available Mn. Soil pH showed negative correlation with total N and available S. Total N showed positive correlation with soil OM, available Cu and available S. There was positive correlation between available S and available Mn.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 197-206, December 2015
Profitability of litchi production in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter R , Islam M Serajul , Jahan H
Published: July 2016

This paper examined the profitability of litchi production in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary data were used to accomplish the study. The primary data were collected during production period of litchi from February to May, 2015 through direct interviews with litchi growers. In total 60 litchi growers were interviewed from four villages of Dinajpur district to collect the necessary information. Profitability analysis was employed for analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses of the study. The life cycle of litchi is divided into five parts; juvenile or non-bearing stage, early bearing stage, young bearing orchards, full bearing orchards and old declining orchard, respectively. Per acre production in a season of its full bearing stage was considered for this paper. The production of litchi largely depends on its age and weather during the four month of litchi production. The major findings of the present study revealed that per acre net return of litchi considering selected varieties was Tk. 171624 based on one production period (February to May) in its full bearing stages which means litchi production is a profitable enterprise.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 283-289, December 2015
Mechanical drying of fresh and osmosed mushroom
Authors: Yasmin S , Islam MN , Alim MA
Published: July 2016

This research was carried out to study the air drying behavior of fresh and osmosed oyster mushroom. Three different temperatures (55, 60 and 65oC) were used to determine the effect of temperature on drying behavior of oyster mushroom in a mechanical dryer and an Arrhenius type relationship was developed from which activation energy value of 13.48 kcal/g-mole for fresh mushroom16.47 ,15.01and 4.19 kcal/g mole for mushroom osmosed at 12oC ,27oC and 45oC, respectively were found. Combined osmotic dehydration (in 20% salt solution) and air drying results in significantly higher (4 times) drying throughput compared to fresh mushroom. The values of proximate composition of fresh mushroom are 89.56, 3.83, 0.44, 0.91 and 5.26% moisture, protein, fat, ash, and total carbohydrate, respectively, while the corresponding values are 11.70, 31.5, 2.90, 5.92 and 47.98% moisture, protein, fat, ash and total carbohydrate for developed mushroom powder.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 307-314, December 2015
Fifty Years of Clinical Application of Newcastle Disease Virus: Time to Celebrate!
Authors: Schirrmacher Volker
Published: July 2016

This review provides an overview of 50 years of basic and clinical research on an oncolytic avian virus, Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which has particular anti-neoplastic and immune stimulatory properties. Of special interest is the fact that this biological agent induces immunogenic cell death and systemic anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, localized oncolytic virotherapy with NDV was shown to overcome systemic tumor resistance to immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Clinical experience attests to low side effects and a high safety profile. This is due among others to the strong virus-induced type I interferon response. Other viral characteristics are lack of interaction with host cell DNA, lack of genetic recombination and independence of virus replication from cell proliferation. In this millennium, new recombinant strains of viruses are being produced with improved therapeutic properties. Clinical applications include single case observations, case series studies and Phase I to III studies.
Biomass Derived Chemicals: Furfural Oxidative Esterification to Methyl-2-furoate over Gold Catalysts
Authors: Manzoli Maela , Menegazzo Federica , Signoretto Michela , Marchese Damiano
Published: July 2016

The use of heterogeneous catalysis to upgrade biomass wastes coming from lignocellulose into higher value-added chemicals is one of the most explored subjects in the prospective vision of bio-refinery. In this frame, a lot of interest has been driven towards biomass-derived building block molecules, such as furfural. Gold supported catalysts have been successfully proven to be highly active and selective in the furfural oxidative esterification to methyl-2-furoate under mild conditions by employing oxygen as benign oxidant. Particular attention has been given to the studies in which the reaction occurs even without base as co-catalyst, which would lead to a more green and economically advantageous process. The Au catalysts are also stable and quite easily recovered and represent a feasible and promising route to efficiently convert furfural to methyl-2-furoate to be scaled up at industrial level.
Spatial Distribution, Sources Apportionment and Health Risk of Metals in Topsoil in Beijing, China
Authors: Sun Chunyuan , Zhao Wenji , Zhang Qianzhong , Yu Xue , Zheng Xiaoxia , Zhao Jiayin , Lv Ming
Published: July 2016

In order to acquire the pollution feature and regularities of distribution of metals in the topsoil within the sixth ring road in Beijing, a total of 46 soil samples were collected, and the concentrations of twelve elements (Nickel, Ni, Lithium, Li, Vanadium, V, Cobalt, Co, Barium, Ba, Strontium, Sr, Chrome, Cr, Molybdenum, Mo, Copper, Cu, Cadmium, Cd, Zinc, Zn, Lead, Pb) were analyzed. Geostatistics and multivariate statistics were conducted to identify spatial distribution characteristics and sources. In addition, the health risk of the analyzed heavy metals to humans (adult) was evaluated by an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency health risk assessment model. The results indicate that these metals have notable variation in spatial scale. The concentration of Cr was high in the west and low in the east, while that of Mo was high in the north and low in the south. High concentrations of Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb were found in the central part of the city. The average enrichment degree of Cd is 5.94, reaching the standard of significant enrichment. The accumulation of Cr, Mo, Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb is influenced by anthropogenic activity, including vehicle exhaustion, coal burning, and industrial processes. Health risk assessment shows that both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of selected heavy metals are within the safety standard and the rank of the carcinogenic risk of the four heavy metals is Cr > Co > Ni > Cd.
Structural Analysis of Hand Drawn Bumblebee Bombus terrestris Silk
Authors: Woodhead Andrea , Sutherland Tara , Church Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

Bombus terrestris, commonly known as the buff-tailed bumblebee, is native to Europe, parts of Africa and Asia. It is commercially bred for use as a pollinator of greenhouse crops. Larvae pupate within a silken cocoon that they construct from proteins produced in modified salivary glands. The amino acid composition and protein structure of hand drawn B. terrestris, silk fibres was investigated through the use of micro-Raman spectroscopy. Spectra were obtained from single fibres drawn from the larvae salivary gland at a rate of 0.14 cm/s. Raman spectroscopy enabled the identification of poly(alanine), poly(alanine-glycine), phenylalanine, tryptophan, and methionine, which is consistent with the results of amino acid analysis. The dominant protein conformation was found to be coiled coil (73%) while the β-sheet content of 10% is, as expected, lower than those reported for hornets and ants. Polarized Raman spectra revealed that the coiled coils were highly aligned along the fibre axis while the β-sheet and random coil components had their peptide carbonyl groups roughly perpendicular to the fibre axis. The protein orientation distribution is compared to those of other natural and recombinant silks. A structural model for the B. terrestris silk fibre is proposed based on these results.
A Novel Approach to Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screening at Moderate Altitude
Authors: Lueth Erin , Russell Leilani , Wright Jason , Duster Mark , Kohn Mary , Miller Joshua , Eller Cindy , Sontag Marci , Rausch Christopher
Published: July 2016

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has endorsed Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening using pulse oximetry nationwide, but, however, acknowledges that altitude may impact failure rates and alternative algorithms may be required at high altitudes. We therefore evaluated a modified screening protocol at an altitude of 6200 feet with the hypothesis that modifications could decrease failure rates. We evaluated 2001 well, newborn infants ≥35 weeks gestation using a modified protocol, which included a lower saturation cutoff for the first screen (85% instead of the AAP recommended 90%) and an oxygen hood intervention between the first two screens. Using our modified screening algorithm, we found a 0.3% failure rate, which was similar to the 0.2% sea-level rate and statistically different from the 1.1% rate identified in a recent study at similar altitude. Had the AAP protocol been used, the failure rate would have increased to 0.8%, which is similar to prior reports near this altitude. Echocardiograms were performed on failing newborns with no CCHD identified. A Birth Defects Registry Database review demonstrated one newborn with CCHD was missed after meeting AAP passing criteria. Overall, this study demonstrates that an alternative algorithm can be implemented at moderate altitude with decreased failure rate and comparable false negative rate.
A Two-Step Global Alignment Method for Feature-Based Image Mosaicing
Authors: Elibol Armagan
Published: July 2016

Image mosaicing sits at the core of many optical mapping applications with mobile robotic platforms. As these platforms have been evolving rapidly and increasing their capabilities, the amount of data they are able to collect is increasing drastically. For this reason, the necessity for efficient methods to handle and process such big data has been rising from different scientific fields, where the optical data provides valuable information. One of the challenging steps of image mosaicing is finding the best image-to-map (or mosaic) motion (represented as a planar transformation) for each image while considering the constraints imposed by inter-image motions. This problem is referred to as Global Alignment (GA) or Global Registration, which usually requires a non-linear minimization. In this paper, following the aforementioned motivations, we propose a two-step global alignment method to obtain globally coherent mosaics with less computational cost and time. It firstly tries to estimate the scale and rotation parameters and then the translation parameters. Although it requires a non-linear minimization, Jacobians are simple to compute and do not contain the positions of correspondences. This allows for saving computational cost and time. It can be also used as a fast way to obtain an initial estimate for further usage in the Symmetric Transfer Error Minimization (STEMin) approach. We presented experimental and comparative results on different datasets obtained by robotic platforms for mapping purposes.
Mimicking the Kidney: A Key Role in Organ-on-Chip Development
Authors: Paoli Roberto , Samitier Josep
Published: July 2016

Pharmaceutical drug screening and research into diseases call for significant improvement in the effectiveness of current in vitro models. Better models would reduce the likelihood of costly failures at later drug development stages, while limiting or possibly even avoiding the use of animal models. In this regard, promising advances have recently been made by the so-called “organ-on-chip” (OOC) technology. By combining cell culture with microfluidics, biomedical researchers have started to develop microengineered models of the functional units of human organs. With the capacity to mimic physiological microenvironments and vascular perfusion, OOC devices allow the reproduction of tissue- and organ-level functions. When considering drug testing, nephrotoxicity is a major cause of attrition during pre-clinical, clinical, and post-approval stages. Renal toxicity accounts for 19% of total dropouts during phase III drug evaluation—more than half the drugs abandoned because of safety concerns. Mimicking the functional unit of the kidney, namely the nephron, is therefore a crucial objective. Here we provide an extensive review of the studies focused on the development of a nephron-on-chip device.
Bioactivities and Health Benefits of Mushrooms Mainly from China
Authors: Zhang Jiao-Jiao , Li Ya , Zhou Tong , Xu Dong-Ping , Zhang Pei , Li Sha , Li Hua-Bin
Published: July 2016

Many mushrooms have been used as foods and medicines for a long time. Mushrooms contain polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals. Studies show that mushrooms possess various bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties, therefore, mushrooms have attracted increasing attention in recent years, and could be developed into functional food or medicines for prevention and treatment of several chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the bioactivities and health benefits of mushrooms, and could be useful for full utilization of mushrooms.
Structures and Biogenesis of Fallaxosides D4, D5, D6 and D7, Trisulfated Non-Holostane Triterpene Glycosides from the Sea Cucumber Cucumaria fallax
Authors: Silchenko Alexandra , Kalinovsky Anatoly , Avilov Sergey , Andryjaschenko Pelageya , Dmitrenok Pavel , Kalinin Vladimir , Chingizova Ekaterina , Minin Kirill , Stonik Valentin
Published: July 2016

Four new trisulfated triterpene glycosides, fallaxosides D4 (1), D5 (2), D6 (3) and D7 (4) have been isolated from the sea cucumber Cucumaria fallax (Cucumariidae, Dendrochirotida). The structures of the glycosides have been elucidated by 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS. All the glycosides have the lanostane aglycones of a rare non-holostane type with 7(8)-, 8(9)- or 9(11)-double bonds, one or two hydroxyl groups occupying unusual positions in the polycyclic nucleus and shortened or normal side chains. The pentasaccharide carbohydrate moieties of 1–4 have three sulfate groups. The cytotoxic activity of glycosides 1–4 against the ascite form of mouse Ehrlich carcinoma cells and mouse spleen lymphocytes and hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes have been studied.
Asperpyrone-Type Bis-Naphtho-γ-Pyrones with COX-2–Inhibitory Activities from Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus niger
Authors: Fang Wei , Lin Xiuping , Wang Jianjiao , Liu Yonghong , Tao Huaming , Zhou Xuefeng
Published: July 2016

Bis-naphtho-γ-pyrones (BNPs) are an important group of aromatic polyketides derived from fungi, and asperpyrone-type BNPs are produced primarily by Aspergillus species. The fungal strain Aspergillus niger SCSIO Jcsw6F30, isolated from a marine alga, Sargassum sp., and identified according to its morphological traits and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequence, was studied for BNPs secondary metabolisms. After HPLC/MS analysis of crude extract of the fermentation broth, 11 asperpyrone-type BNPs were obtained directly and quickly by chromatographic separation in the extract, and those isolated asperpyrone-type BNPs were structurally identified by NMR and MS analyses. All of the BNPs showed weak cytotoxicities against 10 human tumor cells (IC50 > 30 μM). However, three of them, aurasperone F (3), aurasperone C (6) and asperpyrone A (8), exhibited obvious COX-2–inhibitory activities, with the IC50 values being 11.1, 4.2, and 6.4 μM, respectively. This is the first time the COX-2–inhibitory activities of BNPs have been reported.
Metabolically Healthy Overweight and Obesity Is Associated with Higher Adherence to a Traditional Dietary Pattern: A Cross-Sectional Study among Adults in Lebanon
Authors: Matta Joane , Nasreddine Lara , Jomaa Lamis , Hwalla Nahla , Mehio Sibai Abla , Czernichow Sebastien , Itani Leila , Naja Farah
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to examine the proportion and socio-demographic correlates of Metabolically Healthy Overweight and Obesity (MHOv/O) among Lebanese adults and to investigate the independent effect of previously identified dietary patterns on odds of MHOv/O. Data were drawn from the National Nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (Lebanon 2008–2009). Out of the 337 adult participants who had complete socio-demographic, lifestyle, dietary as well as anthropometric and biochemical data, 196 had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and their data were included in this study. MHOv/O was identified using the Adult Treatment Panel criteria. Dietary patterns previously derived in this study population were: Fast Food/Dessert, Traditional-Lebanese and High-Protein. The proportion of MHOv/O in the study sample was 37.2%. Females, higher education and high level of physical activity were positively associated with odds of MHOv/O. Subjects with higher adherence to the Traditional-Lebanese pattern had higher odds of MHOv/O (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.09–3.91). No significant associations were observed between the Fast Food/Dessert and the high-protein patterns with MHOv/O. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm those findings and understand the mechanisms by which the Traditional-Lebanese pattern may exert a protective effect in this subgroup of overweight and obese adults.
Metabolic Equivalent in Adolescents, Active Adults and Pregnant Women
Authors: Melzer Katarina , Heydenreich Juliane , Schutz Yves , Renaud Anne , Kayser Bengt , Mäder Urs
Published: July 2016

“Metabolic Equivalent” (MET) represents a standard amount of oxygen consumed by the body under resting conditions, and is defined as 3.5 mL O2/kg × min or ~1 kcal/kg × h. It is used to express the energy cost of physical activity in multiples of MET. However, universal application of the 1-MET standard was questioned in previous studies, because it does not apply well to all individuals. Height, weight and resting metabolic rate (RMR, measured by indirect calorimetry) were measured in adolescent males (n = 50) and females (n = 50), women during pregnancy (gestation week 35–41, n = 46), women 24–53 weeks postpartum (n = 27), and active men (n = 30), and were compared to values predicted by the 1-MET standard. The RMR of adolescent males (1.28 kcal/kg × h) was significantly higher than that of adolescent females (1.11 kcal/kg × h), with or without the effects of puberty stage and physical activity levels. The RMR of the pregnant and post-pregnant subjects were not significantly different. The RMR of the active normal weight (0.92 kcal/kg × h) and overweight (0.89 kcal/kg × h) adult males were significantly lower than the 1-MET value. It follows that the 1-MET standard is inadequate for use not only in adult men and women, but also in adolescents and physically active men. It is therefore recommended that practitioners estimate RMR with equations taking into account individual characteristics, such as sex, age and Body Mass Index, and not rely on the 1-MET standard.
Comparison between Canadian Canola Harvest and Export Surveys
Authors: Barthet Véronique
Published: July 2016

Parameters, such as oil, protein, glucosinolates, chlorophyll content and fatty acid composition, were determined using reference methods for both harvest survey samples and Canadian Canola exports. Canola harvest survey and export data were assessed to evaluate if canola harvest survey data can be extrapolated to predict the quality of the Canadian canola exports. There were some differences in some measured parameters between harvest and export data, while other parameters showed little difference. Protein content and fatty acid composition showed very similar data for harvest and export averages. Canadian export data showed lower oil content when compared to the oil content of harvest survey was mainly due to a diluting effect of dockage in the export cargoes which remained constant over the years (1.7% to 1.9%). Chlorophyll was the least predictable parameter; dockage quality as well as commingling of the other grades in Canola No. 1 Canada affected the chlorophyll content of the exports. Free fatty acids (FFA) were also different for the export and harvest survey. FFA levels are affected by storage conditions; they increase during the shipping season and, therefore, are difficult to predict from their harvest survey averages.
Airborne S-Band SAR for Forest Biophysical Retrieval in Temperate Mixed Forests of the UK
Authors: Ningthoujam Ramesh , Balzter Heiko , Tansey Kevin , Morrison Keith , Johnson Sarah , Gerard France , George Charles , Malhi Yadvinder , Burbidge Geoff , Doody Sam , Veck Nick , Llewellyn Gary , Blythe Thomas , Rodriguez-Veiga Pedro , Van Beijma Sybrand , Spies Bernard , Barnes Chloe , Padilla-Parellada Marc , Wheeler James , Louis Valentin , Potter Tom , Edwards-Smith Alexander , Bermejo Jaime
Published: July 2016

Radar backscatter from forest canopies is related to forest cover, canopy structure and aboveground biomass (AGB). The S-band frequency (3.1–3.3 GHz) lies between the longer L-band (1–2 GHz) and the shorter C-band (5–6 GHz) and has been insufficiently studied for forest applications due to limited data availability. In anticipation of the British built NovaSAR-S satellite mission, this study evaluates the benefits of polarimetric S-band SAR for forest biophysical properties. To understand the scattering mechanisms in forest canopies at S-band the Michigan Microwave Canopy Scattering (MIMICS-I) radiative transfer model was used. S-band backscatter was found to have high sensitivity to the forest canopy characteristics across all polarisations and incidence angles. This sensitivity originates from ground/trunk interaction as the dominant scattering mechanism related to broadleaved species for co-polarised mode and specific incidence angles. The study was carried out in the temperate mixed forest at Savernake Forest and Wytham Woods in southern England, where airborne S-band SAR imagery and field data are available from the recent AirSAR campaign. Field data from the test sites revealed wide ranges of forest parameters, including average canopy height (6–23 m), diameter at breast-height (7–42 cm), basal area (0.2–56 m2/ha), stem density (20–350 trees/ha) and woody biomass density (31–520 t/ha). S-band backscatter-biomass relationships suggest increasing backscatter sensitivity to forest AGB with least error between 90.63 and 99.39 t/ha and coefficient of determination (r2) between 0.42 and 0.47 for the co-polarised channel at 0.25 ha resolution. The conclusion is that S-band SAR data such as from NovaSAR-S is suitable for monitoring forest aboveground biomass less than 100 t/ha at 25 m resolution in low to medium incidence angle range.
Facile Fabrication of a Gold Nanocluster-Based Membrane for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Zhang Pu , Wang Yi , Yin Yibing
Published: July 2016

In this work, we present a simple and rapid method to synthesize red luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with high quantum yield (QY, ~16%), excellent photostability and biocompatibility. Next, we fabricated a solid membrane by loading the as-prepared AuNCs in an agar matrix. Different from nanomaterials dispersed in solution, the AuNCs-based solid membrane has distinct advantages including convenience of transportation, while still maintaining strong red luminescence, and relatively long duration storage without aggregation. Taking hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a typical example, we then employed the AuNCs as a luminescent probe and investigated their sensing performance, either in solution phase or on a solid substrate. The detection of H2O2 could be achieved in wide concentration ranges over 805 nM–1.61 mM and 161 μM–19.32 mM in solution and on a solid membrane, respectively, with limits of detection (LOD) of 80 nM and 20 μM. Moreover, the AuNCs-based membrane could also be used for visual detection of H2O2 in the range of 0–3.22 mM. In view of the convenient synthesis route and attractive luminescent properties, the AuNCs-based membrane presented in this work is quite promising for applications such as optical sensing, fluorescent imaging, and photovoltaics.
Experimental Study of a Small Scale Hydraulic System for Mechanical Wind Energy Conversion into Heat
Authors: Zdankus Tadas , Cerneckiene Jurgita , Jurelionis Andrius , Vaiciunas Juozas
Published: July 2016

Significant potential for reducing thermal energy consumption in buildings of moderate and cold climate countries lies within wind energy utilisation. Unlike solar irradiation, character of wind speeds in Central and Northern Europe correspond to the actual thermal energy demand in buildings. However, mechanical wind energy undergoes transformation into electrical energy before being actually used as thermal energy in most wind energy applications. The study presented in this paper deals with hydraulic systems, designed for small-scale applications to eliminate the intermediate energy transformation as it converts mechanical wind energy into heat directly. The prototype unit containing a pump, flow control valve, oil tank and piping was developed and tested under laboratory conditions. Results of the experiments showed that the prototype system is highly efficient and adjustable to a broad wind velocity range by modifying the definite hydraulic system resistance. Development of such small-scale replicable units has the potential to promote “bottom-up” solutions for the transition to a zero carbon society.
Analysis of CO2 Emission Performance and Abatement Potential for Municipal Industrial Sectors in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xing Zhencheng , Wang Jigan
Published: July 2016

As the main source of CO2 emissions in China, the industrial sector has faced pressure for reducing emissions. To achieve the target of 50% reduction of industrial carbon intensity by 2020 based on the 2005 level, it is urgent to formulate specific CO2 emission mitigation strategies in the provincial industrial sector. In order to provide decision-making support for the development and implementation of mitigation policy, our undesirable slack based measure (SBM) model is firstly applied to evaluate the industrial CO2 emission efficiency under total-factor frame (TFICEE) in 13 prefecture-level cities of Jiangsu Province, the largest CO2 emitter in China. Then, we analyze space-time distribution and distributional evolution tendency of TFICEE by using the GIS visualization method and kernel density estimation, respectively. Finally, we utilize the industrial abatement model to estimate the CO2 abatement potential of Jiangsu’s industrial sector. The empirical results show that there exists a significant spatial inequality of TFICEE across various regions in Jiangsu, but the regional disparity has been narrowing during our study period. Additionally, average annual industrial CO2 emission reductions in Jiangsu Province can attain 15,654.00 (ten thousand tons), accounting for 28.2% of its average annual actual emissions, which can be achieved by improving production technology, adjusting industrial structure and raising the level of industry concentration.
Computing the Surface Area of Three-Dimensional Scanned Human Data
Authors: Yoon Seung-Hyun , Lee Jieun
Published: July 2016

An efficient surface area evaluation method is introduced by using smooth surface reconstruction for three-dimensional scanned human body data. Surface area evaluations for various body parts are compared with the results from the traditional alginate-based method, and quite high similarity between the two results is obtained. We expect that our surface area evaluation method can be an alternative to measuring surface area by the cumbersome alginate method.