bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Acceptance Journeys Social Marketing Campaign to Reduce Homophobia
Authors: Hull Shawnika J. , Davis Catasha R. , Hollander Gary , Gasiorowicz Mari , Jeffries William L. , Gray Simone , Bertolli Jeanne , Mohr Anneke
Published: November 2016

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Acceptance Journeys social marketing campaign to reduce homophobia in the Black community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Methods. We assessed the campaign’s effectiveness using a rolling cross-sectional survey. Data were collected annually online between 2011 and 2015. Each year, a unique sample of Black and White adults, aged 30 years and older, were surveyed in the treatment city (Milwaukee) and in 2 comparison cities that did not have antihomophobia campaigns (St. Louis, MO, and Cleveland, OH; for total sample, n = 3592).

Results. Black self-identification and Milwaukee residence were significantly associated with exposure to the campaign, suggesting successful message targeting. The relationship between exposure and acceptance of gay men was significantly mediated through attitudes toward gay men, perceptions of community acceptance, and perceptions of the impact of stigma on gay men, but not through rejection of stereotypes. This model accounted for 39% of variance in acceptance.

Conclusions. This evidence suggests that the Acceptance Journeys model of social marketing may be a promising strategy for addressing homophobia in US Black communities.
Yield and Soil Water in Three Dryland Wheat and Grain Sorghum Rotations
Authors: Schlegel Alan J. , Assefa Yared , Haag Lucas A. , Thompson Curtis R. , Holman Johnathon D. , Stone Loyd R.
Published: November 2016

Core Ideas

Grain yield of the second wheat crop was 80% of first wheat crop in WWSF.

Grain yield of the second sorghum crop was 63% of first sorghum crop in WSSF.

Four‐year rotations were similar in productivity to 3‐yr WSF.

Water productivity was greater with 4‐yr rotations than continuous wheat.

Continuous no‐till did not increase second year wheat and sorghum yields.

Diverse crop rotations sustain crop productivity by increasing crop water productivity and improving soil structure. The objective of this study was to compare two 4‐yr winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) rotations in terms of grain yield, available soil water, and water productivity along with continuous winter wheat. A field study was conducted from 1996 through 2015 on a deep silt loam soil near Tribune, KS. The study consisted of three crop rotations: continuous annual wheat (WW), wheat–wheat–sorghum–fallow (WWSF), and wheat–sorghum–sorghum–fallow (WSSF). Grain yield, biomass, water productivity, and soil water were all greater for sorghum after wheat compared with sorghum after sorghum. Similarly, grain yield, biomass, water productivity, and soil water were all greater for wheat after fallow compared with wheat after wheat. The yield of the second wheat crop was 80% of the first wheat crop in WWSF, whereas the yield of a second sorghum was only 63% of the first sorghum crop in WSSF. The average crop water productivity (7 kg ha−1 mm−1) of the WSSF rotation was greater than the other rotations. On average, the WSSF system produced 2.05 Mg ha−1 yr−1 wheat equivalent yield (WEY), which was similar to the 1.96 Mg ha−1 yr−1 WEY from the WWSF rotation and greater than WW, which produced 1.53 Mg ha−1 yr−1 of wheat grain. A WSF rotation would have produced 2.0 Mg ha−1 yr−1 WEY, so the 4‐yr rotations were not more productive than a 3‐yr WSF rotation.
Key Factors, Soil Nitrogen Processes, and Nitrite Accumulation Affecting Nitrous Oxide Emissions
Authors: Cai Zejiang , Gao Suduan , Hendratna Aileen , Duan Yinghua , Xu Minggang , Hanson Bradley D.
Published: November 2016

Core Ideas

Nitrite concentration was highly correlated with N2O emissions within two distinct water content ranges.

Soil moisture was the most important environmental factor affecting N2O emissions.

Nitrous oxide emissions increased exponentially as the N application rate increased.

Biochar and N transformation inhibitors showed great potential to reduce N2O emissions.

A better understanding of the factors and processes affecting N2O emissions is essential for developing mitigation strategies. This research aimed to examine the factors and processes affecting N2O emissions and N dynamics. Laboratory incubation experiments examined the effects of N (urea) application rate (0–150 mg N kg‐1); soil water content (5–30%, w/w); temperature (10–40°C); and incorporation of biochar (1%, w/w), a urease inhibitor (Agrotain Ultra), and a nitrification inhibitor (N‐Serve 24) on N2O emissions and N transformation dynamics in a Hanford sandy loam soil. Nitrous oxide emissions, soil pH, and mineral N species were monitored for 35 d. Peak emission rates and cumulative losses of N2O increased more than the N application rate increased. Soil water content at 20 and 30% [above the water holding capacity (WHC) of 12%] resulted in much higher total N2O emissions (9.3 and 8.0% of total soil inorganic N, respectively) than that from 5 and 10% water content (0.2 and 0.3%, respectively). Increasing soil water content above WHC caused higher N2O emissions than increasing the soil temperature, which demonstrates that soil moisture is more significant in affecting the process. Nitrite concentration was highly correlated with N2O emissions within two water content ranges (above or below WHC). Amendment with biochar, Agrotain Ultra, and N‐Serve 24 reduced N2O emissions by 74, 78, and 74%, respectively. This research provide further understanding of the processes affecting N2O emissions from soil, which can assist in developing management practices.
Inactivation of E. coli by copper and silver wire in the presence of synthetic sunlight for safe drinking water
Authors: McLaughlin Graham , Bajwa Vikramjit , Shukla Mukund , Hall Kevin , Saxena Praveen
Published: November 2016

Bacterially-contaminated water is a major health concern leading to infectious diseases in emerging nations. The use of copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) wire independently, and Cu wire in combination with synthetic sunlight (SySu), were investigated as a low-cost water treatment method. Water inoculated with 1,100 colony forming units/mL of Escherichia coli was treated with one of these four treatments: (1) 50 cm2/L surface area (SA) pure Cu wire; (2) 37.8 W/m2 SySu irradiation; (3) a 50 cm2/L SA pure Cu wire combined with the 37.8 W/m2 SySu irradiation; and (4) 5 cm2/L pure Ag wire. An improved rate of bacterial inactivation was achieved using the combined Cu-SySu treatment method compared to either treatment applied independently. When given independently, the Ag wire treatment was more effective than the Cu wire treatment. Cu and Ag content in the water, tested at the end of the experiment, remained far below the safety limits suggested by the World Health Organization. The Cu-SySu combination method has a great potential to be used as a low-cost, re-useable, low-maintenance method of choice for purification of contaminated drinking water.
Seasonal patterns of drinking water consumption pattern in Mysore City, Karnataka, South India
Authors: George Jessen , Suriyanarayanan S.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the general drinking water consumption pattern in Mysore city, Karnataka, South India with special reference to cold water (without boiling), and to construct a data base for water consumption habits of Mysore people. In developing countries microbial risk assessment studies, water intake values are often adopted from developed countries. However, these values may not be suitable for the risk characterization of human populations from tropical regions of developing countries. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the water consumption pattern among the general population in Mysore city as a first attempt in this region. To compare seasonal variations in water consumption patterns, our study was carried in two major seasons, i.e. in the summer (n = 1,256) and winter (n = 1,230) of 2012–2013. Cold water intake rates were assessed by age, gender and season. The results of this study indicate that the average cold water consumption rate during the summer was 1.12 L/day per person and in the winter season was 0.92 L/day per person. The present survey study is believed to be the first attempt to quantify the intake of cold water consumption in Mysore city, Karnataka, South India.
Implication of climate change and variability on stream flow in Iringa region, Tanzania
Authors: Kassian Lucy Msigwa , Tenywa Moses , Liwenga Emma T. , Dyer Kate Wellard , Bamutaze Yazidhi
Published: November 2016

This paper investigates the implication of climate change and variability on the river flow within the traditional irrigation farming system, vinyungu, in Iringa region, Tanzania. The study aimed at establishing areas that are most impacted by climate change in terms of river flow and various adaptation strategies. It is based on both primary data collected by questionnaires distributed randomly among 189 farmers and key informant checklists conducted with villages’ leaders and Agriculture Extension Officers. Two focused group discussions were carried out for each village as well as the researcher's own observations, and secondary data includes: literature review, rainfall and river flow data. The long-term annual trends of rainfall and river flow were analyzed via Mann–Kendall's statistical test and linear trend analysis. Climate data on rainfall trend showed a significant decreasing pattern during the last 17 years. Also, river flow data showed a slight decline within the same period. Decrement in river flow, combined with rainfall fluctuation, forced farmers to employ various adaptation strategies. Following the severity of the problem the paper recommends that more research be conducted on proper water management for sustainable river flow for both agriculture production and environmental management.
Water budgets for freshwater fish ponds of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, India
Authors: Adhikari Subhendu , Pani Kishore Chandra , Mandal R. N. , Chakrabarti P. P. , Giri B. S. , Jayasankar P.
Published: November 2016

The water budgets for some aquaculture systems in three states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal were determined in the present study. The average evaporation and seepage loss from the aquaculture ponds throughout the year in Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, and Puri districts of Orissa were 164 ± 8.3 and 73 ± 16.5 cm, respectively; 152 ± 10 and 90 ± 16 cm, respectively, in South and North 24 Paraganas, West Bengal; and 182 ± 12 and 110 ± 10 cm, respectively, in Krishna and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. Evaporation and seepage were significantly (P < 0.05) different between the fish ponds of the three states. Annual rainfall, run-off, and well water addition to the ponds were 178 ± 40, 14.5 ± 3.4, and 156 ± 48 cm, respectively, in Orissa; 166 ± 14, 9 ± 2, and 173 ± 27 cm, respectively, in West Bengal; 120 ± 12, 8 ± 1, and 304 ± 26 cm, respectively, in Andhra Pradesh. Annual rainfall, run-off, and well water addition to the ponds differed significantly (P < 0.05) in the three states. The consumptive water use was 3.34 ± 0.47, 3.35 ± 0.36, and 2.67 ± 0.23 m3/kg, respectively, in Orissa, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. A significantly (P < 0.05) greater consumptive water use was determined for the fish ponds of West Bengal and Orissa compared to Andhra Pradesh.
Application of Box–Behnken design for modeling of lead adsorption onto unmodified and NaCl-modified zeolite NaA obtained from biosilica
Authors: Terzioğlu Pinar , Yücel Sevil , Öztürk Mehmet
Published: November 2016

The main objective of the present study was to optimize lead adsorption onto zeolite NaA. For this purpose, to synthesize zeolite NaA under hydrothermal conditions, local wheat husk was precleaned with chemical treatment using hydrochloric acid solution. The unmodified (ZU) and NaCl-modified (ZN) zeolites were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The optimization of adsorption process was examined using Box–Behnken Experimental Design in response surface methodology by Design Expert Version 7.0.0 (Stat-Ease, USA). The effects of initial lead (II) concentration, temperature, and time were selected as independent variables. Lack of fit test indicates that the quadratic regression model was significant with the high coefficients of determination values for both adsorbents. Optimum process conditions for lead (II) adsorption onto ZU and ZN were found to be 64.40°C and 64.80°C, respectively, and 90.80 min, and 350 mg L−1 initial lead(II) concentration for both adsorbents. Under these conditions, maximum adsorption capacities of ZU and ZN for lead (II) were 293.38 mg g−1 and 321.85 mg g−1, respectively.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Abman Steven H. , Grenolds Alicia , Mourani Peter
Published: November 2016

Pulmonary vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH) contributes significantly to the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and clinical course of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This article briefly reviews the impact of premature birth on the developing lung circulation, mechanisms that contribute to the development of PH in premature newborns, and the diagnostic evaluation and management of severe PH in infants with BPD.
Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee: A Retrospective Analysis by Using MRI and DEXA
Authors: Horikawa Akira , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Shimada Yoichi , Kodama Hiroyuki
Published: November 2016

Objective:

Although there are many etiology and prediction for prognosis of spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) by using radiological examinations, these issue have not been clarified yet. Furthermore, most of the studies evaluated them by only radiological examination such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone mineral density (BMD) in dual-energy X-ray abosorptiometry (DEXA) or plain X-ray. Therefore, we focused our investigation on the measurements of the affected área in MRI and BMD in DEXA, and whether these results were conected with the cause and prognosis of SONK or not.

Method:

A consecutive case series of two groups composed of ten osteoporotic patients who were suffering from SONK was considered. Based on the severity or duration of pain, one group was treated with surgical procedure which was unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), the other received conservative treatment. Both groups underwent DEXA in their distal fêmur and próximal tíbia and all patients who took MRI measured the affected lesion in low and high intensity área on T2 weighted images. This data was analyzed from these areas and units.

Results:

Significant decrease in regional boné density of the affected femoral condyle compared to the unaffected side was observed. However, the boné mineral density in the affected side was similar in the non-operative and surgical group. The área of the lesion which showed in both low and high intensity indicated that the operation group was significantly larger than the conservative group on T2 weighted images.

Conclusion:

The cause and prognosis of SONK have a close relationship with the size of the affected lesion and decreased boné mineral density
Воглібоз у комбінації трьох цукрознижувальних препаратів при лікуванні цукрового діабету 2-го типу
Authors: Pankivn V.I. , Cherniavska I.V.
Published: November 2016

Мета дослідження — клініко-метаболічне обґрунтування вибору третього цукрознижувального препарату для підвищення ефективності лікування хворих на цукровий діабет (ЦД) 2-го типу, оцінка впливу інтенсифікації терапії за рахунок додавання воглібозу на показники вуглеводного обміну, що не досягли цільових рівнів при комбінованій терапії метформіном з глімепіридом. Матеріали й методи. Під спостереженням перебувало 45 хворих на ЦД 2-го типу, які не досягнули цільових показників вуглеводного обміну під впливом попереднього лікування (метформін і глімепірид). Після початкового клінічного обстеження хворі були розподілені на дві групи. У першій групі (n = 30) до терапії додавали воглібоз (препарат Воксид, виробництво ТОВ «Кусум Фарм», Україна) по 0,2 мг перед сніданком, обідом і вечерею впродовж 12 тижнів. Результати. Через 12 тижнів лікування рівень глікованого гемоглобіну (НbА1с) у першій групі знизився на 1,5 [1,1; 1,9] % (р < 0,05), у другій групі — на 0,1 [0,09; 0,6] % (р > 0,05). У 80 % пацієнтів досягнуті цільові рівні глікемії. У першій групі пацієнтів виявлено вірогідне підвищення індексу HOMA-β на 24,9 %, а також зниження інсулінорезистентності (HOMA-IR) на 31,5 %. Через 12 тижнів терапії відзначалося статистично вірогідне зниження маси тіла на 2,1 кг у пацієнтів першої групи й відсутність динаміки в пацієнтів другої групи. Доведена безпека з боку функціонального стану печінки та нирок при цьому варіанті терапії. Висновки. Додавання воглібозу для інтенсифікації терапії у хворих на ЦД 2-го типу, які отримували до цього метформін і глімепірид, призвело до вірогідного покращання показників вуглеводного обміну (зниження HbA1c на 1,5 %). Покращання контролю вуглеводного обміну при комбінованій терапії метформіном, глімепіридом і воглібозом супроводжується підвищенням функціональної активності β-клітин підшлункової залози, зниженням інсулінорезистентності на тлі зменшення маси тіла.
Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis through Overexpression of ATRKD4 Genes in Phalaenopsis “Sogo Vivien”
Authors: Mursyanti Exsyupransia , Purwantoro Aziz , Moeljopawiro Sukarti , Semiarti Endang
Published: November 2016

Phalaenopsis “Sogo Vivien “is a mini orchid hybrid with beautiful flowers and numerous inflorescences.Mass propagation of this orchid is needed to meet the market demand. Objective of this research was toinduce somatic embryogenesis of P.”Sogo Vivien” through insertion of AtRKD4 gene into orchid. T-DNAcontaining 35S::GAL4::AtRKD4::GR was inserted into 16-22 days after sowing orchid protocorms mediated byAgrobacterium tumefaciens EHA 105. Activation of the AtRKD4 gene was induced by glucocorticoid inductionsystem, using 15μM Dexamethasone (Dex). The results showed that 34 out of 2,648 orchid embryos developedinto protocorms on hygromycin selection medium, whereas only 4 out of 2,897 non-transformant protocormsdeveloped from embryos. A 500 bp of HPT genes was amplified from transformant candidates using specificprimers for HPT (HygF1 and HygR1) and 380 bp was amplified using specific primers for AtRKD4 (AtRKD4F1 and AtRKD4 R1), indicated that transgenes have been integrated into orchid genomes. Finally, 17 plantletswere positively carrying AtRKD4 and HPT genes, the efficiency of transformation was 0.63 %. Somatic embryoswere also emerged from leaf explants of transformant on hormone-free NP medium and became normalplantlets. It is probably due to the high activity of AtRKD4 genes in orchids
Histological Features of Catecholaminergic Neuron in Substantia Nigra Induced by Paraquat Dichloride (1,1-dimethyl-4,4 bipyridinium) in Wistar Rat as A Model of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Pangestiningsih Tri Wahyu , Wendo Woro Danur , Selan Yulfia Nelymalik , Amalo Filphin Adolfin , Ndaong Nemay Anggadewi , Lenda Victor
Published: November 2016

Paraquat dichloride has been used by farmers as a herbicide to kill the grass. On the other hand, paraquatdichloride is harmful if enters to the body, causing Parkinson’s disease, since it is disrupting dopamineproduction in the substantia nigra pars compacta or dopamine pathways Nigro striatal pathway. The studywas done to fi nd out the histological changes of catecholaminergic neurons and Nigro striatal pathway causedby paraquat dichloride treatment in Wistar rats as a model of Parkinson’s disease.Twenty-two Wistar rats 3,5 months old were divided into 4 groups, 5 rats each. Group I (control group)were injected with aquabidest, while groups II, III, and IV were injected intraperitoneally with paraquatdichloride in aquabidest, with the dosage 5 , 10 and 15 mg/kg bw respectively. The rats were injected onceper week for 6 weeks. Three days after the last injection, the rats were anesthetized using xylasin (2 mg/kg)and ketamine (20 mg/kg) intramuscularly, and then were intracardiac perfused using physiological saline asprerinse solution, followed by 10% buffered formalin solution as a fi xative. After animals were fi xed, the brainswere removed and embedded in paraffi n block and cut in 12 μm thickness for immunohistochemistry stainingusing tyrosine hydroxylase antibody. The results of staining then were observed under light microscope andanalyzed descriptively.The results showed that the catecholaminergic neurons were distributed in the substantia nigrapars compacta in all treatment groups, however, the cell density were found decreased only in group IV.Catecholaminergic neurons appear in the bipolar and multipolar form, while dopamine ‘Nigro striatal pathway’was found exist in all treatment groups. From our study, histologycally the decreased of catecholaminergicneurons is only found in rats that received paraquat dichloride in dose 15 mg/kg bw for 6 weeks.
Evaluation of different promoters driving the GFP reporter gene in seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii
Authors: Rajamuddin Muh. Alias L. , Alimuddin A. , Widyastuti Utut , Faizal Irvan
Published: November 2016

Promoter regulates expression level of foreign gene in transgenic organism. This study was performed to select asuitable promoter as the fi rst step towards production of valuable trait-enhanced seaweed by transgenic technology. Greenfl uorescent protein (GFP) gene was used as a reporter to determine the activity of promoter in seaweed Kappaphycusalvarezii. GFP gene constructs driven by cytomegalovirus (pCMV-GFP), caulifl ower mosaic virus (pCaMV-GFP),medaka β-actin (pmBA-GFP) and Japanese fl ounder keratin (pJfKer-GFP) promoters were introduced by electroporationmethod. Electroporation was performed using a gene pulser (BIORAD) with voltage of 300 V, pulse length of 0.5 ms,pulse numbers of 4, and pulse interval of 0.1 s. Promoter activity was determined by analyzing GFP gene expressionlevel using a fl uorescent microscope. The results showed that CMV regulated highest number of fi lament callus(34.10%±1.49) expressing GFP at medium to strong fl uorescence levels. CaMV promoter had relatively similar activitywith CMV, but lower number of fi lament callus expressing GFP (10.48%±0.25). mBA promoter drove GFP expressionat medium level and similar number of fi lament callus (8.85%±2.31) expressing GFP with CaMV, while JfKer promoterhad lowest activity by means in number of fi lament callus expressing GFP (4.79%±0.26) and GFP expression level. PCRanalysis for transgenic confi rmation showed a DNA band of PCR product from pCMV-GFP and pCaMV-GFP expressingfi lament callus in the same size (about 0.6 kb) with positive control of plasmid. Thus, CMV and CaMV promoters wasan appropriate promoter and foreign gene could be transferred to fi lament callus by electroporation method. Combiningthis achievement with developing a culture method of fi lament callus to be thallus, stable transgenic breeding in K.alvarezii can be feasible.
The Associations of Blood Kidney Injury Molecule-1 and Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin with Progression from CKD to ESRD
Authors: Alderson Helen V. , Ritchie James P. , Pagano Sabrina , Middleton Rachel J. , Pruijm Menno , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Kalra Philip A.
Published: November 2016

Background and objectives

Elevated levels of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin are associated with negative outcomes in CKD. Our study aimed to explore the prognostic accuracy of blood levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin for progression to ESRD, major adverse cardiovascular events, and death in a large cohort of adult patients with all–cause nondialysis–dependent CKD stages 3–5. We considered whether these factors improve prediction in relation to traditional biomarkers and clinical parameters.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin were measured on baseline plasma samples from 1982 patients who were recruited to the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Standards Implementation Study between the start of June of 2002 and the start of June of 2013. Associations with study end points were assessed using Cox regression models, receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, and reclassification statistics.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 29.5 months (interquartile range, 14.9–53.5), 21.6% of patients progressed to ESRD, 27% died, and 6.6% suffered a major adverse cardiovascular event. Higher blood levels of kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin were independently associated with a greater risk for ESRD (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.43; P<0.001 and hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.59; P≤0.001, respectively, per 1 SD higher biomarker concentration). There was no association with risk for cardiovascular events or death. The addition of biomarkers to our baseline risk model of traditional clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters did not significantly improve model discrimination or risk reclassification.

Conclusions

In patients with moderate to severe CKD, kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin blood levels are independent risk factors for progression to ESRD. Additional studies are needed to establish the utility and cost-effectiveness of these novel biomarkers in the clinical setting.
Effect of a water soluble derivative of fullerene C60 on the features neural progenitor cells in vitro
Authors: Rybachuk O. , Levin R. , Кyryk V. , Susarova D. , Tsupykov O. , Smozhanik E. , Butenko G. , Skibo G. , Troshin P. , Pivneva T.
Published: November 2016

We studied the effect of a water soluble derivative of fullerene C60 on the behavior of cultured neural stem/progenitor cells. Addition of 20 nM of metal fullerenolate C60 (NaFL) into the cell culture increased the population of the cells almost twice in comparison with the control and also suppressed the formation of neurospheres. The obtained data allow us to suggest that NaFL has a positive effect on the proliferative activity of neural progenitors. The water-soluble fullerene nanostructures such as NaFL promoting the proliferation of neural stem cells might have numerous beneficent applications in cell biology and biotechnology.
Use of human fetal liver cells for treatment of patients with lower limb peripheral artery disease
Authors: Salyutin R. , Dombrowski D. , Komarov M. , Sokolov N. , Palyanitsya S. , Shabliy V.
Published: November 2016

In the group of patients (n = 21, mean age 54 ± 5.8 years) with chronic lower limb ischemia stage IIB who were non-liable for reconstructiverestoration surgery, we have established positive clinical effects of local transplantation of human fetal liver progenitor cells. Complex examination following 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation included duplex scanning of limb arteries, x-ray contrast arteriography and laser Doppler flowmetry as well as measuring pain-free walking and evaluating life quality based on individual questionnaire data.Owing to the transplant “Cryopreserved human fetal liver progenitor cells” the patients demonstrated stable increase of life quality index and pain-free walking as well as improvement of general health allowing assign them to the group of patients with lower ischemia stage,  quicker social rehabilitation and lesser risk of disabling surgery (р < 0.05). Also, there were observations of improved microcirculation in the ischemic extremities owing to activation of endothelium-independent mechanisms of vasodilatation, reduced myotonus and neurotonus of the pre-capillaries and improved endothelium-dependent influence on the microhaemodynamic and, hence, an increased reserve capillary blood flow (p < 0.05).Analysis of the obtained results indicates prospects and effectiveness of using fetal liver cells transplantation in the patients who are not liable for surgical reconstruction of the vascular bed.
Long-term Protective Changes in Adipose Tissue After Gastric Bypass
Authors: Hoffstedt Johan , Andersson Daniel P. , Eriksson Hogling Daniel , Theorell Jakob , Näslund Erik , Thorell Anders , Ehrlund Anna , Rydén Mikael , Arner Peter
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

Although long-term weight regain may occur after bariatric surgery, many patients are protected against relapse or development of type 2 diabetes. The study objective was to investigate whether this involves beneficial changes in adipose function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty-nine obese women were investigated before and 2 and 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). At the 5-year follow-up, 30 subjects were pairwise matched for BMI and age to 30 control women. Clinical parameters and fine-needle biopsies from subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue were obtained; fat cell size and number, lipolysis, adiponectin, and proinflammatory protein secretion were determined.

RESULTS

After 2 years, BMI decreased from 43 to 29 kg/m2, which was accompanied by improvements in insulin sensitivity (HOMA of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), increased circulating and adipose secreted adiponectin, and decreased adipose lipolysis and fat cell size but no change in adipocyte number. Between 2 and 5 years after surgery, BMI had increased to 31 kg/m2. This was associated with slightly increased HOMA-IR and unaltered circulating or adipose secreted adiponectin but higher secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and increased lipolysis and number of fat cells but no change in adipocyte size. All these parameters, except lipolysis, were significantly more favorable compared with those in matched control subjects. Furthermore, the relationship between HOMA-IR and circulating adiponectin was less steep than in control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB improves long-term insulin sensitivity and adipose phenotypes beyond the control state despite weight regain. Postoperative beneficial alterations in adipose function may be involved in the diabetes-protective effect of bariatric surgery.
Salt fog corrosion behavior of friction stir welded AA2014-T651 aluminum alloy
Authors: Thamilarasan Kollapuri , Rajendraboopathy Sadayan , Reddy Gankidi Madhusudhan , Rao Tadivaka Srinivasa , Rama Sajja , Rao Koteswara
Published: November 2016

High strength aluminum alloys of type AA2014 are used in aerospace applications. This alloy is considered unweldable using fusion welding processes. Friction stir welding being a solid state process has been proved to be a suitable process for obtaining sound welds of these materials. In the current study, 8 mm thick rolled AA2014-T651 aluminum alloy plates were joined using friction stir welding. The corrosion behavior of base material and friction stir welds was investigated using the salt fog test (ASTM B117). The corrosion resistance of the welds and parent material in the basic solution was found to be better than that in acidic and neutral solutions. It was also found that the corrosion rate increases with increase in time of exposure. It has been observed that corrosion attack is greater in the weld region than in the parent material and within the weld, heat affected zone has been found to be more susceptible to corrosion compared to the weld nugget and thermomechanically affected zone regions. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed coarser precipitates and precipitate-free zones in the heat affected zone which are concluded to be the reasons for more susceptibility to corrosion.
Improving the performance of cementless knee prosthesis coating through functionally graded material
Authors: Asiri Saeed A. , Hedia Hassan S. , Fouda Noha
Published: November 2016

Surfaces are the primary place of contact a biomaterial and its host organism. Surface treatment or coating provides means to overcome the problem which appeared after knee replacement surgery. There are two main problems: stress shielding and subsequent bone remodeling cause bone resorption around the implant especially at the proximal part of the knee under the tibia tray. The other problem is stem tip pain. Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to find a new design of coating material of a cementless total knee replacement using functionally graded material (FGM). In particular, the objective of this research is to find the optimal material compositions as well as the optimal gradation direction. It has been found that using both vertical and horizontal FGM coatings increased the von Mises stress at the proximal part of the tibial cancellous bone. The von Mises stress in cancellous epiphyseal bone was increased by 77 % using vertical and horizontal FGM coating compared to HAP coating. It has been determined that this new coating design will improve the performance of a cementless tibia tray and will increase the life of the knee prosthesis.
A validation experiment on indium recovery by electrowinning of aqueous electrolytes: Optimization of electrolyte composition
Authors: Lee Sungkyu , Lee Soo-Young , Swain Basudev , Cho Sung-Su , Lee Chan Gi
Published: November 2016

A batch-type and lab-scale indium recovery method was developed via electrowinning (EW) to prove mass production-capability and economic recovery of indium from InCl3 crystals precipitated from the solvent extraction using a suitable phosphoric acid-based extractant. More precisely, the InCl3 crystals thus precipitated were further dissolved in three different aqueous electrolyte mixtures for subsequent electrowinning experiments: 0.05 M InCl3 – 0.7 M LiCl; 0.05M InCl3; 0.05 M InCl3 – 0.7 M NaCl. The effect of adding LiCl and NaCl supporting electrolytes to InCl3 on overall EW efficiency was thus comprehensibly investigated. Direct electroreduction of InCl3 using 0.05 M InCl3 aqueous electrolyte resulted in the highest indium metal purity of 99.996 % deposited on the copper cathode. Thus, metallic contents obtained from the validation experiments were further characterized using various analytical tools such as inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP/AES), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Tune That Beer! Listening for the Pitch of Beer
Authors: Reinoso Carvalho Felipe , Wang Qian , De Causmaecker Brecht , Steenhaut Kris , Van Ee Raymond , Spence Charles
Published: November 2016

We report two experiments designed to assess the key sensory drivers underlying people’s association of a specific auditory pitch with Belgian beer. In particular, we assessed if people would rely mostly on the differences between beers in terms of their relative alcohol strength, or on the contrast between the most salient taste attributes of the different beers. In Experiment 1, the participants rated three bitter beers (differing in alcohol content), using a narrow range of pitch choices (50–500 Hz). The results revealed that the beers were all rated around the same pitch (Mean = 232 Hz, SD = 136 Hz). In Experiment 2, a wider range of pitch choices (50–1500 Hz), along with the addition of a much sweeter beer, revealed that people mostly tend to match beers with bitter-range profiles at significantly lower pitch ranges when compared to the average pitch of a much sweeter beer. These results therefore demonstrate that clear differences in taste attributes lead to distinctly different matches in terms of pitch. Having demonstrated the robustness of the basic crossmodal matching, future research should aim to uncover the basis for such matches and better understand the perceptual effects of matching/non-matching tones on the multisensory drinking experience.
Au Capping Agent Removal Using Plasma at Mild Temperature
Authors: Puspitasari Indra , Skupien Emmanuel , Kapteijn Freek , Kooyman Patricia
Published: November 2016

To prevent sintering, ozone treatment at mild temperature is used to remove the capping agent from supported Au nanoparticles. The Au nanoparticles are first synthesized as a colloidal solution and then supported on alumina. Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) shows the capping agent is removed completely. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and catalytic test reactions show the Au does not sinter significantly upon low temperature ozone treatment.
A Theoretical Study of One- and Two-Photon Activity of D-Luciferin
Authors: Chattopadhyaya Mausumi , Alam Md.
Published: November 2016

In the present work, we have theoretically studied the one and two-photon absorption (OPA and TPA) probabilities of the native D-luciferin molecule and attempted to find the origin of its larger TPA cross-sections in polar solvents than in non-polar ones. The calculations using state-of-the-art linear and quadratic response theory in the framework of time-dependent density functional theory using hybrid B3LYP functional and cc-pVDZ basis set suggests that two-photon transition probability of this molecule increases with increasing solvent polarity. In order to explicate our present findings, we employed the generalized few-state-model and inspected the role of different optical channels related to the TPA process. We have found that the two-photon transition probability is always guided by a destructive interference term, the magnitude of which decreases with increasing solvent polarity. Furthermore, we have evaluated OPA parameters of D-luciferin and noticed that the the excitation energy is in very good agreement with the available experimental results.
Sensitivity Analysis of a Riparian Vegetation Growth Model
Authors: Nones Michael , Varrani Arianna
Published: November 2016

The paper presents a sensitivity analysis of two main parameters used in a mathematic model able to evaluate the effects of changing hydrology on the growth of riparian vegetation along rivers and its effects on the cross-section width. Due to a lack of data in existing literature, in a past study the schematization proposed here was applied only to two large rivers, assuming steady conditions for the vegetational carrying capacity and coupling the vegetal model with a 1D description of the river morphology. In this paper, the limitation set by steady conditions is overcome, imposing the vegetational evolution dependent upon the initial plant population and the growth rate, which represents the potential growth of the overall vegetation along the watercourse. The sensitivity analysis shows that, regardless of the initial population density, the growth rate can be considered the main parameter defining the development of riparian vegetation, but it results site-specific effects, with significant differences for large and small rivers. Despite the numerous simplifications adopted and the small database analyzed, the comparison between measured and computed river widths shows a quite good capability of the model in representing the typical interactions between riparian vegetation and water flow occurring along watercourses. After a thorough calibration, the relatively simple structure of the code permits further developments and applications to a wide range of alluvial rivers.
Carbon and Nitrogen Pools and Fluxes in Adjacent Mature Norway Spruce and European Beech Forests
Authors: Oulehle Filip , Růžek Michal , Tahovská Karolina , Bárta Jiří , Myška Oldřich
Published: November 2016

We compared two adjacent mature forest ecosystem types (spruce vs. beech) to unravel the fate of assimilated carbon (C) and the cycling of organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) without the risk of the confounding influences of climatic and site differences when comparing different sites. The stock of C in biomass was higher (258 t·ha−1) in the older (150 years) beech stand compared to the younger (80 years) planted spruce stand (192 t·ha−1), whereas N biomass pools were comparable (1450 kg·ha−1). Significantly higher C and N soil pools were measured in the beech stand, both in forest floor and mineral soil. Cumulative annual CO2 soil efflux was similar among stands, i.e., 9.87 t·ha−1·year−1 of C in the spruce stand and 9.01 t·ha−1·year−1 in the beech stand. Soil temperature explained 78% (Q10 = 3.7) and 72% (Q10 = 4.2) of variability in CO2 soil efflux in the spruce and beech stand, respectively. However, the rather tight N cycle in the spruce stand prevented inorganic N losses, whereas losses were higher in the beech stand and were dominated by nitrate in the mineral soil. Our results highlighted the long-term consequences of forest management on C and N cycling.
Chemometrics Methods for Specificity, Authenticity and Traceability Analysis of Olive Oils: Principles, Classifications and Applications
Authors: Messai Habib , Farman Muhammad , Sarraj-Laabidi Abir , Hammami-Semmar Asma , Semmar Nabil
Published: November 2016

Background. Olive oils (OOs) show high chemical variability due to several factors of genetic, environmental and anthropic types. Genetic and environmental factors are responsible for natural compositions and polymorphic diversification resulting in different varietal patterns and phenotypes. Anthropic factors, however, are at the origin of different blends’ preparation leading to normative, labelled or adulterated commercial products. Control of complex OO samples requires their (i) characterization by specific markers; (ii) authentication by fingerprint patterns; and (iii) monitoring by traceability analysis. Methods. These quality control and management aims require the use of several multivariate statistical tools: specificity highlighting requires ordination methods; authentication checking calls for classification and pattern recognition methods; traceability analysis implies the use of network-based approaches able to separate or extract mixed information and memorized signals from complex matrices. Results. This chapter presents a review of different chemometrics methods applied for the control of OO variability from metabolic and physical-chemical measured characteristics. The different chemometrics methods are illustrated by different study cases on monovarietal and blended OO originated from different countries. Conclusion. Chemometrics tools offer multiple ways for quantitative evaluations and qualitative control of complex chemical variability of OO in relation to several intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Semiparametric Multinomial Ordinal Model to Analyze Spatial Patterns of Child Birth Weight in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Rasheed , Zewotir Temesgen , Ramroop Shaun
Published: November 2016

Background: Birth weight is an important health parameter for obstetricians and gynaecologists. It is a good health indicator of a child-bearing mother and a strong predictor of infant morbidity and mortality. Methods: This paper utilizes data on 28,647 children born between 2003–2008 obtained from the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). For a simple epidemiological convenience, the occurrence of a newborn weight can intuitively be considered to be categorical in nature and the thresholds can be put on a continuous scale. In survey reporting, the mothers frequently estimate their infant’s birth weight and make a classification in ordinal category (low, normal, large) instead of actual birth weight. The study fits a multinomial regression model to analyze the relationships between the polytomous response and different kind of covariates in a unified manner. We estimate the fixed effects of bio-social covariates parametrically and the non-linear effect modeled using P-spline. The spatial component was modeled using conditional autoregressive error. A penalized maximum likelihood estimation was performed to estimate the model parameters. Results: We found risk factors that are positively associated with low birth weight, which include multiple birth, short birth interval, death of sibling, childhood diarrhea, fever, mother’s smoking, firewood/dung cooking and poor household. Results further showed that iron syrup supplementation, antenatal attendance, mother literacy and household wealth had significant association with low probability of low birth weight. The finding also showed spatial patterns, which are not captured by the underlying determinants, and we produced probability predictive maps of the spatial residual effects. Conclusions: In addition to the statistical relevance of our method, the generated spatial maps identify highly endemic areas of low birth weight that can assist government agency to channel scarce health resources. A comprehensive approach which institutes a combination of interventions to improve the overall health care of the women is needed.
Structure, Spatial and Temporal Distribution of the Culex pipiens Complex in Shanghai, China
Authors: Gao Qiang , Xiong Chenglong , Su Fei , Cao Hui , Zhou Jianjun , Jiang Qingwu
Published: November 2016

Background: Culex pipiens molestus was first reported in Shanghai in 2010. The population structures and seasonal distributions of Culex pipiens subspecies C. p. molestus, Culex pipiens pallens, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus are not well known. Methods: From late February to November 2013, we conducted daily field surveillance of mosquitoes at eight sites at two green lands and three residential areas in downtown Shanghai. Morphological comparison and DV/D ratios (DV/D is an indicator of mosquito taxonomy) were used to identify adult mosquitoes. Results: The distribution curves of the Culex pipiens complex members indicated seasonal fluctuations. The temperature range of 20–25 °C was the most suitable for adult activity. Micro-environmental factors may differentiate the complex population structures. Hybridization between C. p. pallens and C. p. quinquefasciatus was common and neither “DV/D = 0.40” nor “DV/D = 0.50” can distinguish these subspecies and their hybrids. Conclusion: the population structure of the Culex pipiens complex is complex and characterized by significant hybridization. Measures other than DV/D ratios are needed for the discrimination of subspecies. The C. p. molestus invasion might result in the transmission of novel vector-borne diseases in Shanghai.
An Indoor Monitoring System for Ambient Assisted Living Based on Internet of Things Architecture
Authors: Marques Gonçalo , Pitarma Rui
Published: November 2016

The study of systems and architectures for ambient assisted living (AAL) is undoubtedly a topic of great relevance given the aging of the world population. The AAL technologies are designed to meet the needs of the aging population in order to maintain their independence as long as possible. As people typically spend more than 90% of their time in indoor environments, indoor air quality (iAQ) is perceived as an imperative variable to be controlled for the inhabitants’ wellbeing and comfort. Advances in networking, sensors, and embedded devices have made it possible to monitor and provide assistance to people in their homes. The continuous technological advancements make it possible to build smart objects with great capabilities for sensing and connecting several possible advancements in ambient assisted living systems architectures. Indoor environments are characterized by several pollutant sources. Most of the monitoring frameworks instantly accessible are exceptionally costly and only permit the gathering of arbitrary examples. iAQ is an indoor air quality system based on an Internet of Things paradigm that incorporates in its construction Arduino, ESP8266, and XBee technologies for processing and data transmission and micro sensors for data acquisition. It also allows access to data collected through web access and through a mobile application in real time, and this data can be accessed by doctors in order to support medical diagnostics. Five smaller scale sensors of natural parameters (air temperature, moistness, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and glow) were utilized. Different sensors can be included to check for particular contamination. The results reveal that the system can give a viable indoor air quality appraisal in order to anticipate technical interventions for improving indoor air quality. Indeed indoor air quality might be distinctively contrasted with what is normal for a quality living environment.