bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Throughput Phenotyping of Cotton in Multiple Irrigation Environments
Authors: Sharma Bablu , Ritchie Glen L.
Published: February 2015

Rapid screening of plant growth provides additional phenological information for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), which may then be linked to productivity analysis in breeding and agronomy. We tested automated measurements of plant height, ground cover fraction (GCF), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and canopy temperature (Tc) using a ground‐based platform mounted on a research sprayer on four cotton cultivars (DP1212, DP1219, FM2484, and PHY499) grown under 10 different irrigation levels at Lubbock, TX. Measurements consistently identified all irrigation treatments throughout the season in 2012, a dry year, and the lower irrigation treatments in 2013, a wet year, as well as differences in growth habits among cultivars in both years. The coefficient of determination (r2) of each in‐season parameter had a positive correlation with lint yield during both years. Lint yield values were compared with in‐season measurements at each sampling date. All cultivars had higher correlations between in‐season measurements and lint yield in 2012 than in 2013 because of the increased rainfall in 2013. In 2012, canopy temperature had highest correlation with lint yield, followed by plant height, GCF, and NDVI. In 2013, GCF, NDVI, and plant height all had higher correlations than Tc with lint yield. All the methods showed value in determining growth and yield, but selection of methods for screening may require adaptations based on the growth environment of the study.
Agro‐morphological Characterization of West and Central African Pearl Millet Accessions
Authors: Pucher Anna , Sy Ousmane , Angarawai Ignatius I. , Gondah Jada , Zangre Roger , Ouedraogo Mahamadi , Sanogo Moussa D. , Boureima S. , Hash C. Tom , Haussmann Bettina I.G.
Published: February 2015

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] was domesticated in Sahelian West Africa. This highly outcrossing crop is one of the most important staple cereals in the semiarid tropics, adapted to very harsh rain‐fed conditions. Agro‐morphological characterization of local germplasm is very important to better understand existing diversity, ease targeted genetic broadening of breeding populations, and potentially link this knowledge to genotypic information. The objectives of our study were to (i) characterize West and Central African (WCA) pearl millet accessions based on their agro‐morphological traits; (ii) evaluate the possibility to group accessions based on their agro‐morphological characteristics; (iii) determine geographic patterns of phenotypic differentiation; and (iv) derive conclusions for pearl millet improvement in WCA. A total of 360 early‐to‐medium maturity accessions were phenotyped for 12 agro‐morphological traits at six environments in WCA. Wide ranges of all observed traits indicated a high diversity of the tested accessions. Principal component analysis revealed very large diversity within individual countries, especially within Mali and Burkina Faso. Some limited grouping of accessions from Niger, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, and Mauritania was observed for individual principal component axes. Geographical differentiation and country differences were detected for several traits. The results and data presented in our study reflect WCA pearl millets’ tremendous diversity and adaptability to a wide range of environments and give a sound basis for breeders to select and utilize this germplasm to serve the manifold needs of WCA pearl millet farmers.
Molecular Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of a Yellow‐Green Leaf 6 (ygl6) Mutant in Rice
Authors: Shi Junqiong , Wang Yaqin , Guo Shuang , Ma Ling , Wang Zhongwei , Zhu Xiaoyan , Sang XianChun , Ling Yinghua , Wang Nan , Zhao Fangming , He Guanghua
Published: February 2015

A novel rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant derived from the ethyl methane sulfonate‐treated restorer line Jinhui10 was identified that exhibited stable inheritance and was tentatively named yellow‐green leaf 6 (ygl6). Leaves of ygl6 were yellow‐green at the seedling stage and pale green at the jointing stage. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids were significantly lower in the mutant than those in the wild‐type (WT) at the seedling and heading stages. Leaf mesophyll cells of the ygl6 mutant and WT showed no obvious differences in ultrastructure. However, ygl6 chloroplasts developed abnormally with poorly developed thylakoids and fewer grana stacks. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the mutation was controlled by a single recessive gene. Genetic mapping of the mutant gene was conducted using 1997 recessive individuals from the F2 segregating population. YGL6 was mapped to the centromeric region of chromosome 12 between the insertion/deletion primers Ind23 and Ind37, with an interval of 143 kb. Sequence analysis of the candidate genes within the delimited region showed a single base‐pair change in Os12 g23180 that corresponded to a codon transition from leucine to a stop codon. Results of RNA interference knockdown of YGL6 suggested that Os12 g23180 is the candidate gene. Further characterization of YGL6 will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of chloroplast development.
Exploring water indices and associated parameters: a case study approach
Authors: Gunda Thushara , Benneyworth Laura , Burchfield Emily
Published: February 2015

In the past 20 years, over 50 water indices have been developed to characterize human-water systems within the frameworks of water scarcity, water poverty, water vulnerability, and water security. This study compares existing water indices in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to better understand which parameters (or lack thereof) contribute to the usefulness of water indices. Drawing on knowledge about human-water interactions in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, this exploration of indices at the parameter level highlights missing parameters, inadequate consideration of complex relationships between parameters, and inconsistencies in index nomenclature and units. This study reveals both the benefits and shortcomings of water indices and provides recommendations for researchers and water managers to consider when selecting indices to assess and support their water policy goals.
Green infrastructure for flood-risk management in Dar es Salaam and Copenhagen: exploring the potential for transitions towards sustainable urban water management
Authors: Mguni P. , Herslund L. , Jensen M. B.
Published: February 2015

The risk of flooding in urban areas could be better approached by complementing conventional sewer systems with sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) for storm-water management. This may be the case for developing world cities like Dar es Salaam with incomplete sewer services, as well as cities like Copenhagen with fully developed sewer systems. This paper explores some theories relevant to understanding how the implementation of SUDS may be one option for supporting a transition towards sustainable urban water management (SUWM). Using interviews, document analysis and observation, a comparison of the opportunities and barriers to the implementation of SUDS in Dar es Salaam and Copenhagen is presented. The results indicate that a bottom-up approach in Dar es Salaam is important, with the community level taking the lead, while in Copenhagen the top-down approach currently employed is promising. The ability of the institutional frameworks of both cities to support the implementation of SUDS is also discussed.
Water affordability and social equity in Tunisian governorates: a distributive approach
Authors: Sebri Maamar
Published: February 2015

Water as a basic human right must be guaranteed to everyone, at least at a minimum level, to cover drinking, sanitation and hygiene needs. Using a database for the Tunisian governorates, this paper aims to fulfil two main objectives. First, the amount of water needed to cover basic household requirements is investigated based on the Stone-Geary utility function. Second, the costs associated with the minimum consumption are then utilized to examine the affordability and equity of water tariff based on: (i) affordability indexes; and (ii) concentration curves and inequality measurement indexes. Empirical evidence suggests that, at the national level, the minimum consumption is estimated at 102 m3 per household per year. Regarding the affordability analysis, water services seem to be affordable in Tunisia, since the minimum water charges represent a very small proportion of household income. Results also reveal that the distribution of water charges is not proportional to the distribution of household income. Consequently, the small weight of the water charges on household income allows a margin to increase water prices, whilst the water authority also has to consider some intergovernorate disparities in any adjustment of water tariffs.
Courtyard-level sewer data-enhanced two-dimensional hydraulic model for urban flood hazard assessment in Kunming, China
Authors: Xie Zhiqiang , Du Qingyun , Cai Zhongliang , Liu Huaixiang , Jamieson Sam
Published: February 2015

This paper describes a study of urban flooding in downtown Kunming, China, simulating a major flood event that occurred in July 2008 using an improved two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic model enhanced with courtyard-level sewer data (CLSD). Although municipal authorities are not responsible for ‘private’ courtyard sewers, available records were specifically added to this model, enhancing its accuracy and usefulness. Geographic information system (GIS) flood maps, a mapping overlay approach and statistical method compared both predicted results and the recorded flood area. A statistical method also provided a measure of the correlation between the extent of the predicted flood areas and recorded flood areas (parameter ‘F’). Results of the improved 2D/CLSD model showed a correlation value for F of 51, 32.6% higher than the basic one-dimensional municipal-level sewer data (1D/MLSD) model; 26.2% higher than an interim version of the model that included a 2D ground surface (2D/MLSD). The 2D/CLSD model predicted flooding in 10 of the 12 courtyards with observed flooding. This was a major improvement over the 1D/MLSD model (three out of 12) and the 2D/MLSD model (five out of 12). Thus a CLSD-enhanced 2D hydraulic model potentially improves accuracy in predicting, mapping and understanding flood risk in urban areas.
The effect of environmental factors on total soil DNA content and dehydrogenase activity
Authors: Wolinska Agnieszka , Stępniewska Zofia , Pytlak Anna
Published: February 2015

The aim of the study was a statistical evaluation of the impact of selected
soil factors ? water potential (pF), total organic carbon content (TOC) and
land use ? on the total DNA content and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in
Mollic Gleysol. Additionally, we wanted to establish the interrelations
between two of the most important biological parameters in soli: activity of
intracellular dehydrogenases and total DNA content. Soil originating from the
surface layer of the control site displayed higher DHA (c.a. by 57%) and DNA
content (c.a. by 25%) as compared to an cultiavted meadow. Our results also
indicate a significant (p <0.05) positive relationship between the soil DNA
content and DHA. Importantly, intensive and systematical agricultural soil
usage resulted in the reduction of its DHA and DNA content.
Postural Stabilization Effects of Light Touch Do Not Come from Axis-Specific Cues of Postural Sway: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yeh Ting-Ting , Chen Hui-Ya
Published: February 2015

A light finger touch can stabilize posture despite it not providing enough force to create mechanical support. The underlying mechanism may be due to the finger touch providing information in the axis with the greatest instability. The most appropriate way to test this hypothesis is a dual-axis paradigm, i.e., to remove sway-related information from touch in either anterior-posterior (AP) or medio-lateral (ML) axis and then measure postural sway in both axes when the standing posture is equally unstable in AP and ML axes. In this study, 16 participants stood in a feet-together stance, and center of pressure in both axes was measured. Apart from No touch and Stable conditions, the touch surface was manipulated to move in close synchrony with postural sway so as to remove information regarding postural sway in one axis (AP Sway-referenced) or two axes (AP-ML Sway-referenced). The results showed that AP Sway-referenced condition stabilized posture in both axes, whereas AP-ML Sway-referenced condition did not stabilize posture in either axis. The pilot results indicated that touch effects do not come from axis-specific sensory cues of postural sway.
A Legibility Study of Chinese Character Complicacy and Eye Movement Data
Authors: Ma Min-Yuan , Chuang Hsien-Chih
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the correlations between the complicacy and legibility of Chinese characters by using eye tracking analyzed with structural equation modeling. 13 university students, 6 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 21 yr. ( SD = 1.7) participated. The results indicated that block types affected legibility and that saccade amplitude, number of fixations, and complicacy differed due to diverse character structures. Structural Equation Modeling showed that the number of strokes, number of nodes, and image density in stroke complicacy affected the number of fixations and saccade amplitude in eye movement data. Constructing a character complicacy and eye tracking information model to investigate the correlations between Chinese character features and human viewing behavior can provide guidance for Chinese character recognizability and type design.
Carbonyl-Iron Electrodes for Rechargeable-Iron Batteries
Authors: Sundar Rajan A. , Ravikumar M. K. , Priolkar K. R. , Sampath S. , Shukla A. K.
Published: February 2015

Nickel-iron and iron-air batteries are attractive for large-scale-electrical-energy storage because iron is abundant, low-cost and non-toxic. However, these batteries suffer from poor charge acceptance due to hydrogen evolution during charging. In this study, we have demonstrated iron electrodes prepared from carbonyl iron powder (CIP) that are capable of delivering a specific discharge capacity of about 400 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 with a faradaic efficiency of about 80%. The specific capacity of the electrodes increases gradually during formation cycles and reaches a maximum in the 180th cycle. The slow increase in the specific capacity is attributed to the low surface area and limited porosity of the pristine CIP. Evolution of charge potential profiles is investigated to understand the extent of charge acceptance during formation cycles. In situ XRD pattern for the electrodes subsequent to 300 charge/discharge cycles confirms the presence of Fe with Fe(OH)2 as dominant phase.
Maxillary Sinus Manifestations of Methamphetamine Abuse
Authors: Faucett Erynne A. , Marsh Katherine M. , Farshad Kayven , Erman Audrey B. , Chiu Alexander G.
Published: February 2015

Methamphetamines are the second most commonly used illicit drug worldwide and cost the United States health-care system ~$23.4 billion annually. Use of this drug affects multiple organ systems and causes a variety of clinical manifestations. Although there are commonly known sequelae of methamphetamine abuse such as “meth mouth,” there is limited evidence regarding maxillary sinus manifestations. The following cases highlight the initial evaluation and management of two methamphetamine abusers with loculated purulent collections within the maxillary sinus as a result of methamphetamine abuse. Our aim was to delineate the otolaryngologic symptoms associated with the patients' methamphetamine abuse. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed loculated purulent collections within the maxillary sinus of probable odontogenic origin in both patients. Methamphetamine abuse leading to rampant caries and poor oral hygiene may predispose individuals for craniofacial infections and fluid collections. These cases illustrate the development of maxillary sinusitis and maxilla mucoceles that have been associated with methamphetamine use.
An assessment of the reliability of sea-ice motion and deformation retrieval using SAR images
Authors: Linow Stefanie , Hollands Thomas , Dierking Wolfgang
Published: February 2015

The local mass balance of sea ice is dependent on the advection of ice into and out of an area and on the deformation processes in that area. Sea-ice motion can be observed from space by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and quantified by drift-detection algorithms. Due to the scarcity of field observations, it remains a challenging task to validate the resulting motion fields. We analyse the quality of sea-ice motion fields derived from SAR data, using an example dataset from the Weddell Sea region. We apply a quality indicator for sea-ice motion fields which is independent of field data and evaluate it with reference data obtained from visual analysis of the SAR images. Together with the motion field, sea-ice deformation can also be retrieved from SAR data. Similarly to ice motion, it is very difficult to obtain field data to evaluate the quality of the results. Based on a manually derived reference dataset, we introduce a method to validate the retrieved deformation rates. This procedure requires no additional field data. Our analysis shows that deformation rates derived from SAR data are consistent with results obtained from buoy analysis by previous studies.
Interannual variability of glacier basal pressure from a 20 year record
Authors: Lefeuvre Pierre-Marie , Jackson Miriam , Lappegard Gaute , Hagen Jon Ove
Published: February 2015

Basal pressure has been recorded at the Svartisen Subglacial Laboratory, northern Norway, for 20 years, and is measured by load cells installed at the ice–rock interface under ~200m of glacier ice. Synchronous pressure variations between load cells are investigated as evidence of stress redistribution and hydrological bed connectivity. A running Pearson correlation is used to study the temporal variation in the response of several sensors. By studying the nature of this correlation as well as the correlation between sensor pairs, it is possible to investigate the evolution of the degree of synchronous response, and to some extent basal connectivity, at the glacier bed. Persistent seasonal variations associated with the melt season are observed throughout the measurement period, indicating dependence on surface hydrological forcing. Overlying this pattern, specific years with longer periods of positive and negative correlation of pressure between sensors are presented to show contrasting interannual variability in basal pressure. An anticorrelated connectivity is associated with a local increase in the rate of daily subglacial discharge, and is caused by load transfer or passive cavity opening. Stable weather appears to enhance connectivity of the sensors, which is attributed to the development of a persistent drainage system and stress redistribution.
Contrasting glacier variations of Glaciar Perito Moreno and Glaciar Ameghino, Southern Patagonia Icefield
Authors: Minowa Masahiro , Sugiyama Shin , Sakakibara Daiki , Sawagaki Takanobu
Published: February 2015

Glaciar Perito Moreno (GPM) and Glaciar Ameghino (GA), Southern Patagonia Icefield, are in contact in the accumulation area, but have shown contrasting frontal variations in the past few decades. To investigate recent changes of the two glaciers and processes controlling the different responses to similar climate conditions, we measured surface elevation change from 2000 to 2008 and terminus positions from 1999 to 2012 using several types of satellite data. GPM shows no significant changes in terminus position and 0.4 ± 0.3 m a–1 thickening over the period, whereas GA retreated 55 ± 2 m a–1 and thinned 2.6 ± 0.3 m a–1. Mass-balance measurements over the period 1999/2000 show that accumulation at GPM was ten times greater than that at GA, but ablation was only three times greater. The mass-balance–altitude profile is similar for the two glaciers; differences in the mass-balance distribution are caused by differences in the accumulation–area ratio (AAR). Our results suggest that the AAR and the calving flux exert strong control on the evolution of glaciers in the region.
Modeling the hydrological response to climate change in a glacierized high mountain region, northwest China
Authors: Sun Meiping , Li Zhongqin , Yao Xiaojun , Zhang Mingjun , Jin Shuang
Published: February 2015

The impact of climate change on the variability of local discharge was investigated in a glacierized high mountain catchment located in the source area of the Ürümqi river, northwest China. We used past climate records to drive a hydrological model to simulate the discharge from 2000 to 2008. The model was then used to project future discharge variations for the period 2041–60, based on a regionally downscaled climate-change scenario combined with three stages of glacier coverage (i.e. compared to the glacier coverage in 2008): unchanged glacier size (100% glacierized), recession of half the glacier area (50% glacierized) and complete disappearance of glaciers (0% glacierized). In each scenario, snowmelt will begin half a month earlier and the discharge will increase in May. For the 100% glacierized scenario, the discharge will increase by 66 ± 35% in a smaller (3.34 km2) and more glaciated (50%) catchment and 33 ± 20% in a larger (28.90 km2) and proportionally less glaciated (18%) catchment. If the glacier area reduces by half, the discharge will decrease by 8 ± 5% and 9 ± 6%, respectively. Once the glacier disappears, the discharge will decrease by 58 ± 20% and 40 ± 13%, respectively. Together, the results indicate that a warming climate and the resulting glacier shrinkage will cause significant changes in the volume and timing of runoff.
Basal topographic controls on rapid retreat of Humboldt Glacier, northern Greenland
Authors: Carr J.R. , Vieli A. , Stokes C.R. , Jamieson S.S.R. , Palmer S.J. , Christoffersen P. , Dowdeswell J.A. , Nick F.M. , Blankenship D.D. , Young D.A.
Published: February 2015

Discharge from marine-terminating outlet glaciers accounts for up to half the recent mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet, yet the causal factors are not fully understood. Here we assess the factors controlling the behaviour of Humboldt Glacier (HG), allowing us to evaluate the influence of basal topography on outlet glacier response to external forcing since part of HG’s terminus occupies a large overdeepening. HG’s retreat accelerated dramatically after 1999, coinciding with summer atmospheric warming of up to 0.19°C a–1 and sea-ice decline. Retreat was an order of magnitude greater in the northern section of the terminus, underlain by a major basal trough, than in the southern section, where the bedrock is comparatively shallow. Velocity change following retreat was spatially non-uniform, potentially due to a pinning point near HG’s northern lateral margin. Consistent with observations, numerical modelling demonstrates an order-of-magnitude greater sensitivity to sea-ice buttressing and crevasse depth (used as a proxy for atmospheric warming) in the northern section. The trough extends up to 72 km inland, so it is likely to facilitate sustained retreat and ice loss from HG during the 21st century.
Clinical trial metadata: defining and extracting metadata on the design, conduct, results and costs of 125 randomised clinical trials funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme
Authors: Raftery James , Young Amanda , Stanton Louise , Milne Ruairidh , Cook Andrew , Turner David , Davidson Peter
Published: February 2015

Background

By 2011, the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme had published the results of over 100 trials with another 220 in progress. The aim of the project was to develop and pilot ‘metadata’ on clinical trials funded by the HTA programme.

Objectives

The aim of the project was to develop and pilot questions describing clinical trials funded by the HTA programme in terms of it meeting the needs of the NHS with scientifically robust studies. The objectives were to develop relevant classification systems and definitions for use in answering relevant questions and to assess their utility.

Data sources

Published monographs and internal HTA documents.

Review methods

A database was developed, ‘populated’ using retrospective data and used to answer questions under six prespecified themes. Questions were screened for feasibility in terms of data availability and/or ease of extraction. Answers were assessed by the authors in terms of completeness, success of the classification system used and resources required. Each question was scored to be retained, amended or dropped.

Results

One hundred and twenty-five randomised trials were included in the database from 109 monographs. Neither the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number nor the term ‘randomised trial’ in the title proved a reliable way of identifying randomised trials. Only limited data were available on how the trials aimed to meet the needs of the NHS. Most trials were shown to follow their protocols but updates were often necessary as hardly any trials recruited as planned. Details were often lacking on planned statistical analyses, but we did not have access to the relevant statistical plans. Almost all the trials reported on cost-effectiveness, often in terms of both the primary outcome and quality-adjusted life-years. The cost of trials was shown to depend on the number of centres and the duration of the trial. Of the 78 questions explored, 61 were well answered, 33 fully with 28 requiring amendment were the analysis updated. The other 17 could not be answered with readily available data.

Limitations

The study was limited by being confined to 125 randomised trials by one funder.

Conclusions

Metadata on randomised controlled trials can be expanded to include aspects of design, performance, results and costs. The HTA programme should continue and extend the work reported here.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research HTA programme.
Angiolipoma of Hypopharynx
Authors: Mohammed Akel , Chakraborty Tapas , Nafis Ali Azim Muhammad , Hossan Abul , Islam Ariful , Khan Firoz Ahmed
Published: February 2015

Pedunculated angiolipoma is a rare benign tumor of upper aero digestive tract. We report a very rare case of pedunculated angiolipoma arising from hypopharynx which presented as a mass protruding outside the oral cavity. As the mass came out of mouth, patient was unable to close her mouth and suffered from difficulty in taking food. The mass was removed per orally under general anaesthesia and the patient was discharged in excellent condition. She is still under follow up and no recurrence since May 2012. Few cases are reported in literature but such a presentation is uncommon. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v20i1.22015 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2014; 20(1): 35-38
Application of fuzzy logic in medical data interpretation
Authors: Dev U , Sultana A , Saha D , Mitra NK
Published: February 2015

This paper serves the purpose of presentation of a general view of the current applications of fuzzy logic in medicine and bioinformatics. Using fuzzy logic, we particularly review medical aspects. We then recall the geometrical interpretation of fuzzy sets as points in a fuzzy hypercube and present two concrete illustrations in medicine (drug addictions) and in bioinformatics (comparison of genomes). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22127 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 137-146, 2014
Detection of Aflatoxins in Rice Samples
Authors: Nisa A , Zahra N , Hina S
Published: February 2015

Aflatoxins are natural contaminants of cereals and other commodities throughout the world. Chronic dietary exposure even to low doses of aflatoxins is a known risk factor for liver cancer and effect protein metabolism and immunity. The study was carried out on a 1029 samples of brown rice, 1561 samples of white rice, 33 samples of broken rice, 13 samples of Sella rice, 52 samples of parboiled rice of export quality from Pakistan during the years 2006-2010 for determination of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 by Thin Layer Chromatography. 341 (33.13%) samples of white rice, 350 (22.42%) samples of brown rice, 13 (39.39%) samples of broken rice, 25 (24.27%) samples of Sella rice and 14 (26.92%) samples of parboiled rice were found contaminated with B1. B2 was detected in 33 (3.20%) samples of white rice, 23 (1.47%) samples of brown rice and 1(3.03%) samples of broken rice. While G1 is found in 9 (0.8%) samples of white rice, 57 (3.65%) samples of brown rice, 1 (1.5 %) samples of parboiled rice. Aflatoxin G2 was absent in all samples. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22134 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 189-194, 2014
Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Shrimp Culture in Some Selected Areas of Bagerhat District
Authors: Mitro S , Khatun R , Baten MA
Published: February 2015

Socio-economic and environmental impacts analysis of shrimp (Paeneus monodon) farming in the gher area of Bagerhat District is an important aspect where shrimp cultivation increased over the years. An investigation was conducted to evaluate the present socio-economic status as well as to investigate the soil and water quality of the study area. This study has been carried out at ten villages in five Upazilla (Bagerhat Sadar, Rampal, Mangla, Chitalmari and Fakirhat) of Bagerhat District. The socio-economic impact was investigated using questionnaire survey and environmental impact was assessed by analyzing water and soil quality. The soil and water samples were collected during the period of January to March 2013. Maximum people of this study area were involved in shrimp culture because soil is not suitable for agricultural crops due to high salinity percentage. Annual family income of maximum number (45%) of farmers was greater than 200000 taka per year from shrimp culture. All the soil pH value was neutral to slightly alkaline. Shrimp culture has no noticeable impact on soil quality. On the other hand, shrimp culture has some negative impacts on water quality such as, the range of K and Na in water has been increased and the range of Ca has been decreased than normal range. However, it is very minor compared to annual income from this culture. Therefore, the people of this region may involve more in shrimp culture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22181 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(1): 265-269 2014
Compositional Analysis and Development of Jam, Jelly and Squash from Strawberry Cultivated in Bangladesh
Authors: Zubair MA , Haque MA , Sultana MM , Akter S
Published: February 2015

16th February 2015. Due to a number of missing tables and figures, this article (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22182) was withdrawn from Vol.7(1) and has been republished with corrections in Vol.7(2) pp.185-190 (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i2.22230). The Editor
Effect of Sowing Depth on the Yield of Spring Wheat
Authors: Alam MS , Sultana MS , Hossain MB , Salahin M , Roy UK
Published: February 2015

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of sowing depth on the yield of spring wheat. The experiment consisted of two factors i.e. three sowing depth viz. 2 cm, 4 cm, 8 cm and two modern wheat varieties viz. Bijoy and Prodip. A randomized complete block design was adopted with three replications. Results indicated that the effect of sowing depth was significant on almost all the parameters except spike length. Sowing on 4 cm depth gave the highest grain yield (3.88 t ha-1) followed by 2 cm (3.75 t ha-1) and 8 cm sowing depth (3.62 t ha-1). Significant variation was found due to different varieties in respect of all the parameters studied. Bijoy produced the highest grain yield (3.92 t ha-1) and the lowest one was produced by Prodip (3.57 t ha-1). Bijoy produced the highest grain yield (4.06 t ha-1) when sown on 4 cm depth.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22184 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(1): 277-280 2014
State of the Environment in Slum Area: A Case Study on Khora Slum, Khulna
Authors: Tanni TT , Hasan MJ , Azad AK , Bakali B
Published: February 2015

The people fall in low income group is generally migrants and the local poor. Majority of slum people are living in poor quality housing where the absence of basic services and facilities is significant. The aim of the study is to evaluate the existing housing condition, to identify the present condition of sanitary facilities & drainage facilities, to evaluate the present condition of drinking water quality (lab analysis) & to determine the level of noise as this area is near to the main bus station & health services. To collect the required information random sampling method was used and questionnaire survey was done with slum dwellers. Lab analysis was made to find out the water quality. The noise level was measured using Noise Level meter. The study has tried to analyze the problem and advantages for living in the slum settlements, the slum settlements consequences on surroundings with a special reference of Khora Slum of Khulna City Corporation. The housing condition of the study area is not good. About 80% houses are in such a condition that it is very hard to live in there. The main problem is that these people are not aware of the environment where they are living as it is not their permanent living place. It was found that responsible authorities are not doing anything for the slum people. There is no qualified doctor in that area. Though the sadar hospital is nearer but they dont have enough money to go there. Mosquito is main problem here as there is no fixed place for throwing their household waste. Sanitation facilities are very poor here. There is only one community sanitary latrine with three chambers but it is not sufficient for all the people of the slum. Drinking water is another problem here as there exists only five tube wells of three are used by most of the people and the quality of water of the tube wells were analyzed in the lab. It was found that salinity level is very high (10 ppt) & color is dark of the water of the tube wells. By this study it will be easy to get the idea about house rent structure of the slums, getting services and facilities of the slums, distance of the services and facilities from the settlements, water supply and other utility services conditions of the slums.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v7i1.22187 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 7(1): 295-304 2014
Eukaryotic LYR Proteins Interact with Mitochondrial Protein Complexes
Authors: Angerer Heike
Published: February 2015

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria host ancient essential bioenergetic and biosynthetic pathways. LYR (leucine/tyrosine/arginine) motif proteins (LYRMs) of the Complex1_LYR-like superfamily interact with protein complexes of bacterial origin. Many LYR proteins function as extra subunits (LYRM3 and LYRM6) or novel assembly factors (LYRM7, LYRM8, ACN9 and FMC1) of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) core complexes. Structural insights into complex I accessory subunits LYRM6 and LYRM3 have been provided by analyses of EM and X-ray structures of complex I from bovine and the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, respectively. Combined structural and biochemical studies revealed that LYRM6 resides at the matrix arm close to the ubiquinone reduction site. For LYRM3, a position at the distal proton-pumping membrane arm facing the matrix space is suggested. Both LYRMs are supposed to anchor an acyl-carrier protein (ACPM) independently to complex I. The function of this duplicated protein interaction of ACPM with respiratory complex I is still unknown. Analysis of protein-protein interaction screens, genetic analyses and predicted multi-domain LYRMs offer further clues on an interaction network and adaptor-like function of LYR proteins in mitochondria.
Anti-Differentiation Effect of Oncogenic Met Receptor in Terminally-Differentiated Myotubes
Authors: Sala Valentina , Gallo Simona , Gatti Stefano , Vigna Elisa , Ponzetto Antonio , Crepaldi Tiziana
Published: February 2015

Activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/Met receptor is involved in muscle regeneration, through promotion of proliferation and inhibition of differentiation in myogenic stem cells (MSCs). We previously described that the specific expression of an oncogenic version of the Met receptor (Tpr–Met) in terminally-differentiated skeletal muscle causes muscle wasting in vivo. Here, we induced Tpr–Met in differentiated myotube cultures derived from the transgenic mouse. These cultures showed a reduced protein level of myosin heavy chain (MyHC), increased phosphorylation of Erk1,2 MAPK, the formation of giant sacs of myonuclei and the collapse of elongated myotubes. Treatment of the cultures with an inhibitor of the MAPK kinase pathway or with an inhibitor of the proteasome increased the expression levels of MyHC. In addition, the inhibition of the MAPK kinase pathway prevented the formation of myosacs and myotube collapse. Finally, we showed that induction of Tpr–Met in primary myotubes was unable to produce endoreplication in their nuclei. In conclusion, our data indicate that multinucleated, fused myotubes may be forced to disassemble their contractile apparatus by the Tpr–Met oncogenic factor, but they resist the stimulus toward the reactivation of the cell cycle.
Proton Radiobiology
Authors: Tommasino Francesco , Durante Marco
Published: February 2015

In addition to the physical advantages (Bragg peak), the use of charged particles in cancer therapy can be associated with distinct biological effects compared to X-rays. While heavy ions (densely ionizing radiation) are known to have an energy- and charge-dependent increased Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE), protons should not be very different from sparsely ionizing photons. A slightly increased biological effectiveness is taken into account in proton treatment planning by assuming a fixed RBE of 1.1 for the whole radiation field. However, data emerging from recent studies suggest that, for several end points of clinical relevance, the biological response is differentially modulated by protons compared to photons. In parallel, research in the field of medical physics highlighted how variations in RBE that are currently neglected might actually result in deposition of significant doses in healthy organs. This seems to be relevant in particular for normal tissues in the entrance region and for organs at risk close behind the tumor. All these aspects will be considered and discussed in this review, highlighting how a re-discussion of the role of a variable RBE in proton therapy might be well-timed.
Synthesis, Crystal and Molecular Structure Studies and DFT Calculations of Phenyl Quinoline-2-Carboxylate and 2-Methoxyphenyl Quinoline-2-Carboxylate; Two New Quinoline-2 Carboxylic Derivatives
Authors: Fazal Edakot , Jasinski Jerry , Anderson Brian , Kaur Manpreet , Nagarajan Subban , Sudha Belgur
Published: February 2015

The crystal and molecular structures of the title compounds, phenyl quinoline-2-carboxylate and 2-methoxyphenyl quinoline-2-carboxylate, two new derivatives of quinolone-2-carboxylic acid, are reported and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic data. Compound (I), C16H11NO2, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c, with 8 molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters are a = 14.7910(3) Å; b = 5.76446(12) Å; c = 28.4012(6) Å; β = 99.043(2)°; V = 2391.45(9) Å3. Compound (II), C17H13NO5, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with 4 molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters are a = 9.6095(3) Å; b = 10.8040(3) Å; c = 13.2427(4) Å; β = 102.012(3)°; V = 1344.76(7) Å3. Density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimized molecular orbital calculations were performed and frontier molecular orbitals of each compound are displayed. Correlation between the calculated molecular orbital energies (eV) for the surfaces of the frontier molecular orbitals to the electronic excitation transitions from the absorption spectra of each compound has been proposed. Additionally, similar correlations observed among six closely related compounds examining small structural differences to their frontier molecular orbital surfaces and from their DFT molecular orbital energies, provide further support for the suggested assignments of the title compounds.
Distributed Extreme Learning Machine for Nonlinear Learning over Network
Authors: Huang Songyan , Li Chunguang
Published: February 2015

Distributed data collection and analysis over a network are ubiquitous, especially over a wireless sensor network (WSN). To our knowledge, the data model used in most of the distributed algorithms is linear. However, in real applications, the linearity of systems is not always guaranteed. In nonlinear cases, the single hidden layer feedforward neural network (SLFN) with radial basis function (RBF) hidden neurons has the ability to approximate any continuous functions and, thus, may be used as the nonlinear learning system. However, confined by the communication cost, using the distributed version of the conventional algorithms to train the neural network directly is usually prohibited. Fortunately, based on the theorems provided in the extreme learning machine (ELM) literature, we only need to compute the output weights of the SLFN. Computing the output weights itself is a linear learning problem, although the input-output mapping of the overall SLFN is still nonlinear. Using the distributed algorithmto cooperatively compute the output weights of the SLFN, we obtain a distributed extreme learning machine (dELM) for nonlinear learning in this paper. This dELM is applied to the regression problem and classification problem to demonstrate its effectiveness and advantages.
Applicability of Next Generation Sequencing Technology in Microsatellite Instability Testing
Authors: Gan Chun , Love Clare , Beshay Victoria , Macrae Finlay , Fox Stephen , Waring Paul , Taylor Graham
Published: February 2015

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a useful marker for risk assessment, prediction of chemotherapy responsiveness and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Here, we describe a next generation sequencing approach for MSI testing using the MiSeq platform. Different from other MSI capturing strategies that are based on targeted gene capture, we utilize “deep resequencing”, where we focus the sequencing on only the microsatellite regions of interest. We sequenced a series of 44 colorectal tumours with normal controls for five MSI loci (BAT25, BAT26, BAT34c4, D18S55, D5S346) and a second series of six colorectal tumours (no control) with two mononucleotide loci (BAT25, BAT26). In the first series, we were able to determine 17 MSI-High, 1 MSI-Low and 26 microsatellite stable (MSS) tumours. In the second series, there were three MSI-High and three MSS tumours. Although there was some variation within individual markers, this NGS method produced the same overall MSI status for each tumour, as obtained with the traditional multiplex PCR-based method.
Dietary Advice and Collaborative Working: Do Pharmacists and Allied Health Professionals Other Than Dietitians Have a Role?
Authors: McClinchy Jane , Williams Julia , Gordon Lynne , Cairns Mindy , Fairey Gail
Published: February 2015

Long term health conditions either wholly or partly diet-related continue to increase. Although pharmacists and allied health professionals (AHPs) have a role in the management of patients with long term conditions, there is limited research exploring whether pharmacists and AHPs other than dietitians have a role in the delivery of dietary advice. This research aimed to explore their views regarding the provision of dietary advice to patients. The research involved a qualitative methodology utilising five uni-professional focus groups with a total of 23 participants. All groups considered the provision of dietary advice in the context of their own professional roles, discussed issues relating to referral to the dietitian for specialist advice and most discussed the need for written information. Interprofessional and collaborative working is needed to maximise the role in the delivery of dietary advice, access to evidence based nutritional information and utlisation of referral pathways across pharmacists and AHPs to ensure the timely provision of nutritional advice to patients. There is a potential role for dietitians to take the lead and further research should focus on this area.
Drinking Patterns and the Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Adolescents’ Alcohol Use in Three Metropolises in China
Authors: Lu Shijun , Du Songming , Hu Xiaoqi , Zou Shurong , Liu Weijia , Ba Lei , Ma Guansheng
Published: February 2015

The current study was designed to investigate the drinking patterns and association between socio-demographic factors and adolescents’ alcohol use among high school students from China’s three metropolises, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 13,811 high school students from 136 schools between May and June 2013. A two-stage stratified sampling method was used for subject selection. The prevalence of lifetime drinking was 52.5%; in addition, 38.5% of the students were past-year drinkers, while 20.1% of them had consumed alcohol in the past 30 days. During the past year, 29.7% of the students reported that they drank once per month or less, and 22.0% of the students drank less than one standard drink (SD) per occasion. For the students who were not living with their mothers, as well as the students in higher socioeconomic status (SES), the adjusted odds of past and current drinking were significantly higher, compared with those who lived with both parents and low SES. Due to the high prevalence of alcohol consumption among junior and senior high school students in metropolises, attention should be paid by parents, school administrators, educational and public health agencies for making efforts collectively to reduce alcohol availability and drinking among adolescents.
Regulation of Translation Factor EEF1D Gene Function by Alternative Splicing
Authors: Kaitsuka Taku , Matsushita Masayuki
Published: February 2015

Alternative splicing is an exquisite mechanism that allows one coding gene to have multiple functions. The alternative splicing machinery is necessary for proper development, differentiation and stress responses in a variety of organisms, and disruption of this machinery is often implicated in human diseases. Previously, we discovered a long form of eukaryotic elongation factor 1Bδ (eEF1Bδ; this long-form eEF1Bδ results from alternative splicing of EEF1D transcripts and regulates the cellular stress response by transcriptional activation, not translational enhancement, of heat-shock responsive genes. In this review, we discuss the molecular function of EEF1D alternative splicing products and the estimated implication of human diseases.
Isolation and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of the Chemical Constituents from Cephalantheropsis gracilis
Authors: Chang Chi-Fen , Hsu Yu-Lin , Lee Chao-Ying , Wu Chia-Hua , Wu Yang-Chang , Chuang Ta-Hsien
Published: February 2015

Cephalantheropsis gracilis afforded five new compounds: cephalanthrin-A (1), cephalanthrin-B (2), cephathrene-A (3), cephathrene-B (4), methyl 2-(aminocarbonyl) phenylcarbamate (5), and 52 known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis. Among the compounds isolated, tryptanthrin (6), phaitanthrin A (7), cephalinone D (19), and flavanthrin (30) showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7, NCI-H460, and SF-268 cell lines.