bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remediation/Restoration of Degraded Soil: II. Impact on Crop Production and Nitrogen Dynamics
Authors: Mikha Maysoon M. , Stahlman Phillip W. , Benjamin Joseph G. , Geier Patrick W.
Published: January 2014

The response of manure applications on calcareous eroded soils in the western United States is unlike the responses observed on acid soils in the eastern United States. The objectives of this study were to restore the productivity and evaluate N loss of eroded land influenced by tillage practices, N sources, and N rates. The study was initiated in 2006 on an Armo silt loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Entic Haplustolls) at the Agriculture Research Center, Hays, KS. Tillage practices were no‐tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Nitrogen sources were beef manure (M); urea, as commercial fertilizer (F); and no‐N control (C) at two rates, low (L) and high (H). The crop rotation was grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), forage oat (Avena sativa L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), grain sorghum, proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), and winter wheat. Grain yield (2006–2011) and soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN) at 0‐ to 120‐cm depth were evaluated. Grain yields were not influenced by tillage practices, except in 2006 when NT had greater yields than CT. Manure addition increased grain yields compared with F and C treatments. Excess amounts of N and low productivity lead to leaching of the SIN down the soil profile with HF and HM. The LM exhibited less productivity and less SIN loss than HM treatment. Overall, M could be the N source that can improve the productivity of the eroded site. The benefits of increasing the productivity and the risk of N loss with HM need to be further addressed.
Litter Deposition and Nitrogen Return in Rotationally Stocked Smooth Bromegrass Pastures
Authors: Guretzky John A. , Schacht Walter H. , Wingeyer AnaB. , Klopfenstein Terry J. , Watson Andrea
Published: January 2014

Understanding how management systems impact nutrient cycling is important to pasture sustainability. From 2010 to 2011, we investigated how supplementation of beef cattle (Bos taurus) with corn (Zea mays L.) dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) on unfertilized, rotationally stocked smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pasture (SUPP) affected the litter pool, residual herbage mass, litter deposition, and litter quality relative to unsupplemented beef cattle rotationally stocked on unfertilized control (CONT) and N‐fertilized (FERT) smooth bromegrass pastures. As hypothesized based on management for greater herbage mass and animal demand during the grazing season, litter deposition was 48% greater in FERT than CONT and SUPP. Management effects, however, depended on year and rotation. Differences in the litter pool, residual herbage mass, and litter deposition typically were greatest before and after the third and fourth rotations, time periods coinciding with peak herbage mass. Meanwhile, deposited litter contained 16.5, 18.1, and 18.9 g N kg–1 and returned 27, 30, and 46 kg N ha–1 through the 158‐d grazing season, equivalent to 35, 23, and 34% of total N returning through litter and excreta in CONT, SUPP, and FERT, respectively. Trampling during the 4‐ to 6‐d grazing periods and senescence of herbage contributed to litter deposition. Increase of litter deposition and N return during the grazing season in FERT indicated this system may maintain better soil quality than CONT and SUPP. More research is necessary to examine how changes in litter deposition and N return affect litter decomposition, N losses, and soil organic matter dynamics.
Genotype and Environment Variation in Elemental Composition of Spring Wheat Flag Leaves
Authors: Kaiser Daniel E. , Wiersma Jochum J. , Anderson James A.
Published: January 2014

Genotypes within species have been reported to vary in tissue elemental concentration even though this variation is seldom quantified. A survey was conducted to determine the degree of variability of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em thell.) genotypes across multiple environments. Flag leaves were sampled on the same day when the genotypes were at or slightly beyond Haun growth stage 11.0 (heading) and quantified for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Flag leaf tissue concentration differed among genotype and environment, and the genotype × environment (G×E) interaction was significant except for flag leaf Cu and Fe concentration. The significant G×E interaction indicated genotype response in tissue concentration that was greater or less than the average of all genotypes at a given environment. There was no genotype that greater or less than average across environments for all elemental concentrations. Yield was poorly correlated to the average concentration of individual elements across genotypes and environments. The best correlation was found between yield and flag leaf concentration of Cl. Variation in concentration of elements in flag leaves were explained by temperature, precipitation, and the crop maturity at sampling. Very little variability, except for S, could be explained by soil tests (0–15 cm) taken at the time of tissue sampling. A single sufficiency range for nutrient composition of plant parts may be inadequate for use across genotypes and a significant degree of variability may be the result of factors that cannot be controlled.
In Sickness and in Health: a Literature Review about Function of Social Support within Anxiety and Heart Disease Association
Authors: Zarbo Cristina , Compare Angelo , Baldassari Elena , Bonardi Alberto , Romagnoni Claudia
Published: January 2014

A narrative review of the major evidence concerning the relationship between anxiety, social support and cardiac disease was conducted. Literature demonstrates that a strict relationship between anxiety, social support and cardiac disease outcomes subsists. However, the function of social support within anxiety and heart disease association remains unclear and needs to further researches to be established. Moreover evidence suggests that it’s the quality of close relationships to play an important role in affecting psychological and physiological health status. The main components that the literature suggests for a better quality of social support and close relationship, and the main assessment measure are presented. Evidence about cardiac rehabilitation programs and the need to assess and intervene on psychological and psychosocial factors is discussed.
Geochemistry and geodynamics of the Mawat mafic complex in the Zagros Suture zone, northeast Iraq
Authors: Azizi Hossein , Hadi Ayten , Asahara Yoshihiro , Mohammad Youssef
Published: January 2014

The Iraqi Zagros Orogenic Belt includes two separate ophiolite belts, which extend along a northwest-southeast trend near the Iranian border. The outer belt shows ophiolite sequences and originated in the oceanic ridge or supra-subduction zone. The inner belt includes the Mawat complex, which is parallel to the outer belt and is separated by the Biston Avoraman block. The Mawat complex with zoning structures includes sedimentary rocks with mafic interbedded lava and tuff, and thick mafic and ultramafic rocks. This complex does not show a typical ophiolite sequences such as those in Penjween and Bulfat. The Mawat complex shows evidence of dynamic deformation during the Late Cretaceous. Geochemical data suggest that basic rocks have high MgO and are significantly depleted in LREE relative to HREE. In addition they show positive ɛ
Nd values (+5 to+8) and low 87Sr/86Sr ratios. The occurrence of some OIB type rocks, high Mg basaltic rocks and some intermediate compositions between these two indicate the evolution of the Mawat complex from primary and depleted source mantle. The absence of a typical ophiolite sequence and the presence of good compatibility of the source magma with magma extracted from the mantle plume suggests that a mantle plume from the D″ layer is more consistent as the source of this complex than the oceanic ridge or supra-subduction zone settings. Based on our proposed model the Mawat basin represents an extensional basin formed during the Late Paleozoic to younger along the Arabian passive margin oriented parallel to the Neo-Tethys oceanic ridge or spreading center. The Mawat extensional basin formed without creation of new oceanic basement. During the extension, huge volumes of mafic lava were intruded into this basin. This basin was squeezed between the Arabian Plate and Biston Avoraman block during the Late Cretaceous.
A survey of the repository of groundwater potential and distribution using geoelectrical resistivity method in Itu Local Government Area (L.G.A), Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria
Authors: Ibuot J. , Akpabio G. , George N.
Published: January 2014

Vertical electrical sounding (VES), employing a Schlumberger electrode configuration, was used to investigate the sediments and aquifer repositories in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, southern Nigeria. This was done in sixteen (16) locations/communities with the maximum current electrode spread ranging between 800–1000m. The field data were interpreted using forward and iterative least square inversion modeling, which gives a resolution with 3–5 geoelectric layers. The observed frequencies in curve types include 31.25% of AKH, 18.8% of AAK and HK and 6.25% of K, QHK, AKH, KA and KHQ, respectively. These sets of curves show a wide range of variabilities in resistivities between and within the layers penetrated by current. The presence of K and H curve types in the study area indicates the alteration of the geomaterials with limited hydrologic significance to the prolific groundwater repository. A correlation of the constrained nearby borehole lithology logs with the VES results shows that the layers were all sandy formations (fine and well sorted sands to gravelly sands or medium to coarse-grained sands as described by nearby lithology logs) with some wide ranges of electrical resistivity values and thicknesses caused by electrostratigraphic inhomogeneity. The geologic topsoil (motley topsoil) is generally porous and permeable and as such the longitudinal conductance (S) values for the covering/protective layer is generally less than unity of Siemens (S < 1Ω−1), the value considered for efficient protection of the underlying aquifers by the topmost and overlying layer. The spatial orientations and the leveling patterns of the most economically viable potential groundwater repository within the maximum current electrode separations has been delineated in 2-D and 3-D contoured maps. The estimated depth range for the desired groundwater repository is 32.6–113.1m and its average depth value is 74.30m. The thickness of this layer ranges from 27.9–103m while its average depth has been evaluated to be 63.02m. Also, its resistivity range and average value have been estimated to be 507–5612m and 3365.125Ωm
Cylindrical probe with a variable heat flow rate: A new method for the determination of formation thermal conductivity
Authors: Eppelbaum Lev , Kutasov Izzy
Published: January 2014

The thermal conductivity of a geological formation is one of the important petrophysical parameters which are preferable to study in situ in geophysical well logs. A new technique for the determination of formation thermal conductivity has been developed. We assumed that formation dry density, porosity, and pore fluids saturations could be determined from core samples or cuttings. In this case the specific heat and density of a formation can be quantitatively estimated. It is also assumed that the instantaneous heat flow rate and time data are available for a cylindrical probe with a variable heat flow rate placed in a wellbore. A semi-theoretical equation describing the temperature of the probe’s wall is used to determine in situ the formation conductivity as a function of the temperature increase. The formation thermal diffusivity is also calculated. A field example is presented.
Effect of rate of deformation on electromagnetic radiation during quasi-static compression of sintered aluminium preforms
Authors: Mishra Sujeet Kumar , Sharma Vinay , Misra Ashok
Published: January 2014

This paper presents some experimental results on the intermittent electromagnetic radiation (EMR) characteristics of sintered aluminium powder preforms under quasi-static compression. The stress level within the gross elastic limit and yielding of the partially compact preforms at which first EMR emission is observed, bears a distinct parabolic relation with the rate of compressive deformation. These observations can be developed into a new technique to detect the compactness of sintered metal powder preforms for industrial components. Further, each successive intermittent EMR emission at all rates of deformation requires increasing incremental strain energy during progressive plastic deformation. The electromagnetic energy release rate decreases sharply as the rate of deformation is increased and then attains a more or less constant value at higher rates of deformation. These results appear significant in understanding the mechanism of plastic deformation in metal powder preforms at the microscopic level, not yet reported in the literature.
Twinning dislocation and twin propagation process in a nickel-base single crystal TMS-82 superalloy
Authors: Lv Xianzi , Zhang Jianxin , Harada Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

Thermomechanical fatigue cyclic loading tests have been carried out along the <001> orientation and the formation of twins during thermomechanical fatigue processing has been studied in detail in a nickel-base single crystal TMS-82 superalloy. The twinning dislocation is determined to be 1/6<112> in the γ′ phase except for the 1/3<112> dislocation, which operates on every successive {111} plane. The 1/6<112> twinning dislocations can move independently in both γ and γ′ phases. Although movement of a single 1/6<112> twining dislocation may destroy the ordering of γ′ phase, its existence is rationalized on the basis of crystallographic analysis. The movement of a 1/3<112> dislocation on a single {111} plane will lead to a high-energy stacking sequence of head-to-head of two neighboring {111} layer atoms in the L12structure. Pre-existing dislocations have a significant effect on the growth of deformation twins. In the dislocation-free area, the twin can propagate without any notable impediment to lead to a twin plate with equal width. High dislocation density may hinder the propagation of twins to varying degrees.
Temperature effect on decorative gold coatings obtained from electrolyte based on mercaptotriazole – comparison with cyanide
Authors: Dimitrijević Silvana B. , Rajčić-Vujasinović Mirjana M. , Jančić-Hajneman Radmila M. , Bajat Jelena B. , Trujić Vlastimir K. , Trifunović Dejan D.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of temperature on the thickness, surface roughness, visual appearance and morphology of electrochemically deposited gold decorative coatings obtained from conventional cyanide electrolyte (AUROCIN DPB) and electrolyte based on mercaptotriazole (Au-MT). Heating of cyanide electrolyte does not significantly affect the thickness (b) of gold coatings (at 20 °C b = 0.08 μm, at 30 °C b = 0.07 μm and at 40 °C b = 0.08 μm) and, for this reason, the decorative coating processes were carried out at room temperature. Temperature increase has a positive effect on thickness of decorative gold coatings obtained from electrolyte based on mercaptotriazole, but this effect is very small, so the heating of electrolyte is not recommended for this type of electrolyte (at 20 °C b = 0.08 μm, at 40 °C b = 0.12 μm and at 60 °C b = 0.13 μm). The best coating roughness profiles are obtained at a temperature of 20 °C for both types of electrolyte. The morphology of gold deposits, obtained from both electrolytes, was studied using scanning electron microscopy.
Relationship between austenite stability and martensite formation in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel
Authors: Ning Baoqun , Zhou Xiaosheng , Shi Qingzhi , Liu Yongchang , Zhao Jie , Zhang Zheping
Published: January 2014

Aimed at investigating the relationship between austenite stability and martensite formation in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel, the fully austenitized steel was cooled to a temperature above or below the start temperature of martensite transformation (Ms
o, 406 °C), which occurs upon continuous cooling from the austenitizing temperature to room temperature, and held for different times (10 min, 25 min, and 45 min) followed by cooling to room temperature. The concept of primary and secondary martensite is introduced to indicate that two different, sequential, martensites formed in this processing. When cooled to 650 °C or 450 °C for different times, the austenite stability decreased with prolonged holding time, and during the subsequent cooling the primary martensite start temperature (M
s) was raised to a value higher than Ms
o. In contrast, M
s was reduced to a level lower than Ms
o when cooled to 420 °C or 410 °C for 45 min. On the other hand, as the steel was isothermally quenched at temperatures below Ms
o, during the subsequent cooling a secondary martensite reaction could be observed, and the secondary martensite start temperature (Ms
′) decreased with holding time. Retained austenite in the form of thin films along martensite lath boundaries was obtained when cooled to 380 °C or below for different times.
Microwave synthesis of ultrafine and nanosized powders of tungsten oxide and carbide
Authors: Nikolaenko Irina , Kedin Nikolay , Shveikin Gennadii , Polyakov Evgenii
Published: January 2014

A new method of synthesis of nanosized and ultrafine tungsten oxide and carbide powders is offered, which combines carbon carrier supported classical liquid-phase precipitation and low-temperature microwave treatment. The full range of intermediate substances obtained during thermolysis, reduction and carburization of precursors to final products is presented. It is shown that cooling of ammonium tungstate solution to 4 °C and the use of carbon carrier at the precipitation stage can increase the specific surface area from 20 to 100 m2 g−1.
Modified hyperbranched epoxy/clay nanocomposites: A study on thermal, antimicrobial and biodegradation properties
Authors: Roy Buddhadeb , Bharali Pranjal , Konwar B. K. , Karak Niranjan
Published: January 2014

In the present study vegetable oil-based, highly branched polyester modified hyperbranched epoxy nanocomposites were prepared with organically modified montmorillonite clay at different wt.% of clay loadings. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy revealed the partially exfoliated structure of the nanocomposites. Cured nanocomposites exhibited improved properties such as gloss (80 – 95°), scratch hardness (3 – 5 kg), impact strength (60 – 100 cm), tensile strength (8 – 13 MPa), adhesive strength (0.9 – 1.4 × 1010 N m−1), flexibility (< 5 – 3 mm), chemical resistance etc. compared to the pristine system. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced thermosatbility and antimicrobial activity against different bacterial, fungal and algal strains. The nanocomposites were also found to be biodegradable. The study showed that the nanocomposites have potential to be used as biodegradable antimicrobial thin film materials.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of Arylnaphthalenes by Modified Fibre–Palladium(II) Complex Catalysed Suzuki Reaction in Air
Authors: Lu Ye-Neng , Wu Zhi-Chuan , Ren Yi-Ming , Tao Ting-Xian
Published: January 2014

The modified fibre–palladium(II) complex was a highly efficient, recoverable and heterogeneous catalyst giving high yields in the synthesis of arylnaphthalenes by a Suzuki reaction in air. The heterogeneous catalyst can be readily recovered by simple filtration and reused at least six times without significant reduction in its activity.
A Facile Route to the Synthesis of 2,5-Dihydropyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Anaraki-Ardakani Hossein , Hassanabadi Alireza , Fazilnia Abbas , Tabarzad Afroz , Heidari-Rakati Tayebe
Published: January 2014

A three-component reaction of arylamines, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and phenacyl bromide in the presence of triphenylphosphine and triethylamine provides an efficient route for the synthesis of N-substituted 2,5-dihydropyrrole derivatives in good yields.
New Conditions for the Effective Synthesis of Tri and Tetrasubstituted Imidazoles Catalysed by Recyclable Indium (III) Triflate and Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate
Authors: Karami Bahador , Ferdosian Roghayeh , Eskandari Khalil
Published: January 2014

A one-pot three or four component reaction of wide range of aromatic aldehydes, benzil, aliphatic and aromatic primary amines and ammonium acetate is reported for the synthesis of tri/tetra-substituted imidazoles under solvent-free conditions. Indium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate as two highly efficient and recyclable catalysts perform a key factor to synthesis of imidazole derivatives with high yields.
SiO2–OSO3H Nanoparticles: An Efficient, Versatile and New Reagent for the One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Amino-8-Oxo-4,8-Dihydropyrano[3,2-b]Pyran-3-Carbonitrile Derivatives in Water, a Green Protocol
Authors: Sadeghi Bahareh , Nezhad Parinaz Farokhi , Hashemian Saeedeh
Published: January 2014

In a one-pot three-component reaction, an aromatic or aliphatic aldehyde, malononitrile and 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-pyran-4-one were condensed for the synthesis of 2-amino-8-oxo-4,8-dihydropyrano[3,2- b]pyran-3-carbonitrile derivatives in the presence of nano-silica sulfuric acid (SiO2–OSO3H nanoparticles) in improved yields. The catalyst is recoverable by simple filtration and can be used in the subsequent reactions.
Total Synthesis of Luteolin
Authors: Zhang Ji , Liu Man , Cui Wei , Yang Jian , Yang Bo
Published: January 2014

Luteolin is a naturally-occurring polyphenolic flavonoid compound which has received considerable attention because of its wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. Efficient methods are reported for preparing luteolin, based on the acylation of 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene and condensation with 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde or the reaction of 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid with 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene. The first of these is the better method.
A Firefly-Inspired Method for Protein Structure Prediction in Lattice Models
Authors: Maher Brian , Albrecht Andreas , Loomes Martin , Yang Xin-She , Steinhöfel Kathleen
Published: January 2014

We introduce a Firefly-inspired algorithmic approach for protein structure prediction over two different lattice models in three-dimensional space. In particular, we consider three-dimensional cubic and three-dimensional face-centred-cubic (FCC) lattices. The underlying energy models are the Hydrophobic-Polar (H-P) model, the Miyazawa–Jernigan (M-J) model and a related matrix model. The implementation of our approach is tested on ten H-P benchmark problems of a length of 48 and ten M-J benchmark problems of a length ranging from 48 until 61. The key complexity parameter we investigate is the total number of objective function evaluations required to achieve the optimum energy values for the H-P model or competitive results in comparison to published values for the M-J model. For H-P instances and cubic lattices, where data for comparison are available, we obtain an average speed-up over eight instances of 2.1, leaving out two extreme values (otherwise, 8.8). For six M-J instances, data for comparison are available for cubic lattices and runs with a population size of 100, where, a priori, the minimum free energy is a termination criterion. The average speed-up over four instances is 1.2 (leaving out two extreme values, otherwise 1.1), which is achieved for a population size of only eight instances. The present study is a test case with initial results for ad hoc parameter settings, with the aim of justifying future research on larger instances within lattice model settings, eventually leading to the ultimate goal of implementations for off-lattice models.
Acyl-Homoserine Lactone Quorum Sensing in the Roseobacter Clade
Authors: Zan Jindong , Liu Yue , Fuqua Clay , Hill Russell
Published: January 2014

Members of the Roseobacter clade are ecologically important and numerically abundant in coastal environments and can associate with marine invertebrates and nutrient-rich marine snow or organic particles, on which quorum sensing (QS) may play an important role. In this review, we summarize current research progress on roseobacterial acyl-homoserine lactone-based QS, particularly focusing on three relatively well-studied representatives, Phaeobacter inhibens DSM17395, the marine sponge symbiont Ruegeria sp. KLH11 and the dinoflagellate symbiont Dinoroseobacter shibae. Bioinformatic survey of luxI homologues revealed that over 80% of available roseobacterial genomes encode at least one luxI homologue, reflecting the significance of QS controlled regulatory pathways in adapting to the relevant marine environments. We also discuss several areas that warrant further investigation, including studies on the ecological role of these diverse QS pathways in natural environments.
Astaxanthin: Sources, Extraction, Stability, Biological Activities and Its Commercial Applications—A Review
Authors: Ambati Ranga , Phang Siew-Moi , Ravi Sarada , Aswathanarayana Ravishankar
Published: January 2014

There is currently much interest in biological active compounds derived from natural resources, especially compounds that can efficiently act on molecular targets, which are involved in various diseases. Astaxanthin (3,3′-dihydroxy-β, β′-carotene-4,4′-dione) is a xanthophyll carotenoid, contained in Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum, and Phaffia rhodozyma. It accumulates up to 3.8% on the dry weight basis in H. pluvialis. Our recent published data on astaxanthin extraction, analysis, stability studies, and its biological activities results were added to this review paper. Based on our results and current literature, astaxanthin showed potential biological activity in in vitro and in vivo models. These studies emphasize the influence of astaxanthin and its beneficial effects on the metabolism in animals and humans. Bioavailability of astaxanthin in animals was enhanced after feeding Haematococcus biomass as a source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, used as a nutritional supplement, antioxidant and anticancer agent, prevents diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, and also stimulates immunization. Astaxanthin products are used for commercial applications in the dosage forms as tablets, capsules, syrups, oils, soft gels, creams, biomass and granulated powders. Astaxanthin patent applications are available in food, feed and nutraceutical applications. The current review provides up-to-date information on astaxanthin sources, extraction, analysis, stability, biological activities, health benefits and special attention paid to its commercial applications.
Review on Impedance Detection of Cellular Responses in Micro/Nano Environment
Authors: Lei Kin
Published: January 2014

In general, cell culture-based assays, investigations of cell number, viability, and metabolic activities during culture periods, are commonly performed to study the cellular responses under various culture conditions explored. Quantification of cell numbers can provide the information of cell proliferation. Cell viability study can understand the percentage of cell death under a specific tested substance. Monitoring of the metabolic activities is an important index for the study of cell physiology. Based on the development of microfluidic technology, microfluidic systems incorporated with impedance measurement technique, have been reported as a new analytical approach for cell culture-based assays. The aim of this article is to review recent developments on the impedance detection of cellular responses in micro/nano environment. These techniques provide an effective and efficient technique for cell culture-based assays.
Toxicity Assessments of Chalcone and Some Synthetic Chalcone Analogues in a Zebrafish Model
Authors: Lee Ya-Ting , Fong Tsorng-Harn , Chen Hui-Min , Chang Chao-Yuan , Wang Yun-Hsin , Chern Ching-Yuh , Chen Yau-Hung
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo toxicities of some novel synthetic chalcones. Chalcone and four chalcone analogues 1a–d were evaluated using zebrafish embryos following antibody staining to visualize their morphological changes and muscle fiber alignment. Results showed that embryos treated with 3'-hydroxychalcone (compound 1b) displayed a high percentage of muscle defects (96.6%), especially myofibril misalignment. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that compound 1b-treated embryos displayed many muscle defect phenotypes, including breakage and collapse of myofibrils, reduced cell numbers, and disorganized thick (myosin) and thin (actin) filaments. Taken together, our results provide in vivo evidence of the myotoxic effects of the synthesized chalcone analogues on developing zebrafish embryos.
An Object Model for Integrating Diverse Remote Sensing Satellite Sensors: A Case Study of Union Operation
Authors: Hu Chuli , Li Jia , Chen Nengcheng , Guan Qingfeng
Published: January 2014

In the Earth Observation sensor web environment, the rapid, accurate, and unified discovery of diverse remote sensing satellite sensors, and their association to yield an integrated solution for a comprehensive response to specific emergency tasks pose considerable challenges. In this study, we propose a remote sensing satellite sensor object model, based on the object-oriented paradigm and the Open Geospatial Consortium Sensor Model Language. The proposed model comprises a set of sensor resource objects. Each object consists of identification, state of resource attribute, and resource method. We implement the proposed attribute state description by applying it to different remote sensors. A real application, involving the observation of floods at the Yangtze River in China, is undertaken. Results indicate that the sensor inquirer can accurately discover qualified satellite sensors in an accurate and unified manner. By implementing the proposed union operation among the retrieved sensors, the inquirer can further determine how the selected sensors can collaboratively complete a specific observation requirement. Therefore, the proposed model provides a reliable foundation for sharing and integrating multiple remote sensing satellite sensors and their observations.
ABSL-4 Aerobiology Biosafety and Technology at the NIH/NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick
Authors: Lackemeyer Matthew , Kok-Mercado Fabian , Wada Jiro , Bollinger Laura , Kindrachuk Jason , Wahl-Jensen Victoria , Kuhn Jens , Jahrling Peter
Published: January 2014

The overall threat of a viral pathogen to human populations is largely determined by the modus operandi and velocity of the pathogen that is transmitted among humans. Microorganisms that can spread by aerosol are considered a more challenging enemy than those that require direct body-to-body contact for transmission, due to the potential for infection of numerous people rather than a single individual. Additionally, disease containment is much more difficult to achieve for aerosolized viral pathogens than for pathogens that spread solely via direct person-to-person contact. Thus, aerobiology has become an increasingly necessary component for studying viral pathogens that are naturally or intentionally transmitted by aerosol. The goal of studying aerosol viral pathogens is to improve public health preparedness and medical countermeasure development. Here, we provide a brief overview of the animal biosafety level 4 Aerobiology Core at the NIH/NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA.
Were the English Sweating Sickness and the Picardy Sweat Caused by Hantaviruses?
Authors: Heyman Paul , Simons Leopold , Cochez Christel
Published: January 2014

The English sweating sickness caused five devastating epidemics between 1485 and 1551, England was hit hardest, but on one occasion also mainland Europe, with mortality rates between 30% and 50%. The Picardy sweat emerged about 150 years after the English sweat disappeared, in 1718, in France. It caused 196 localized outbreaks and apparently in its turn disappeared in 1861. Both diseases have been the subject of numerous attempts to define their origin, but so far all efforts were in vain. Although both diseases occurred in different time frames and were geographically not overlapping, a common denominator could be what we know today as hantavirus infections. This review aims to shed light on the characteristics of both diseases from contemporary as well as current knowledge and suggests hantavirus infection as the most likely cause for the English sweating sickness as well as for the Picardy sweat.
Proteomic Analyses of Human Cytomegalovirus Strain AD169 Derivatives Reveal Highly Conserved Patterns of Viral and Cellular Proteins in Infected Fibroblasts
Authors: Reyda Sabine , Büscher Nicole , Tenzer Stefan , Plachter Bodo
Published: January 2014

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) particle morphogenesis in infected cells is an orchestrated process that eventually results in the release of enveloped virions. Proteomic analysis has been employed to reveal the complexity in the protein composition of these extracellular particles. Only limited information is however available regarding the proteome of infected cells preceding the release of HCMV virions. We used quantitative mass spectrometry to address the pattern of viral and cellular proteins in cells, infected with derivatives of the AD169 laboratory strain. Our analyses revealed a remarkable conservation in the patterns of viral and of abundant cellular proteins in cells, infected for 2 hours, 2 days, or 4 days. Most viral proteins increased in abundance as the infection progressed over time. Of the proteins that were reliably detectable by mass spectrometry, only IE1 (pUL123), pTRS1, and pIRS1 were downregulated at 4 days after infection. In addition, little variation of viral proteins in the virions of the different viruses was detectable, independent of the expression of the major tegument protein pp65. Taken together these data suggest that there is little variation in the expression program of viral and cellular proteins in cells infected with related HCMVs, resulting in a conserved pattern of viral proteins ultimately associated with extracellular virions.
RNAi Targeting of CCR2 Gene Expression Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of PC-3M Cells
Authors: Gao Ji , Wang Anna , Zhang Muchun , Li Hongyan , Wang Kaichen , Han Yuping , Wang Zhixin , Shi Chaoling , Wang Weihua
Published: January 2014

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most lethal malignancy in men. It has been reported that chemokines, produced by cancer cells, have linked with tumor progression and metastatic spread. We have proven that chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2 (CCL2) is involved in the growth and invasion
of PCa. In this study, we studied whether CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), the receptor of CCL2, also contributes to PCa progression. We constructed the recombinant plasmid pGCsi-CCR2 and investigated the effects of pGCsi-CCR2 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of PC-3M cells.
RT-PCR and Western blot assay showed that transfection with the plasmid pGCsi-CCR2 successfully inhibited the CCR2 expression. The cell proliferation rate was significantly slow, and the apoptotic rate was increased in PC-3M cells treated with CCR2-siRNA, indicated by MTT cell viability and
TUNEL assay, respectively. As expected, CCR2 knockdown also reduced the migration and invasion of PC-3M cells, as illustrated through wound-healing assay and Transwell assay. The possible molecular mechanism was the regulation of several signal pathways involved in survival, apoptosis, migration,
and metastasis. Altogether, the present finding suggests that CCR2 expression is crucial for CCL2-induced proliferation and invasion of PC-3M cells, and CCR2 could also be a promising molecular target for prevention of PCa growth and metastasis.
Silica: An efficient catalyst for one-pot regioselective synthesis of dithioethers
Authors: Kundu Samir , Roy Babli , Basu Basudeb
Published: January 2014

The development of a silica-promoted highly selective synthesis of 1,2 or 1,3-dithioethers via solvent-free one-pot tandem reactions of an allyl bromide with excess thiol at room temperature is described. The choice of silica gel, either pre-calcined or moistened with water, exhibited notable regioselectivity in the formation of dithioethers. Plausible mechanistic routes were explored and postulated.
Les rapports de la police judiciaire et du ministère public en France et au Brésil
Authors: Ferreira Paes Vívian
Published: January 2014

Comment certains faits sont-ils traduits comme des crimes ? Comment sont-ils énoncés et gérés par les institutions judiciaires ? Cet article a pour objet de rendre compte des phases rituelles de production, de deux institutions qui ont un rôle privilégié de formalisation de l’attribution de la qualité criminelle à un fait : la police et le ministère public. On analyse les politiques juridiques et organisationnelles, la manière dont les personnes établissent des règles pour encadrer certains faits et on observe comment sont produits les rapports et les documents destinés au parcours judiciaire.
Heritage Protection in Triglav National Park: Caught between Professional Principles, Legislation, and Everyday Realities
Authors: Hazler Vito
Published: January 2014

Podlaga za raziskavo stanja nepremične kulturne dediščine na območju Triglavskega narodnega parka so bili javno dostopni seznami zbirnega registra kulturne dediščine v Republiki Sloveniji in avtorjevo večletno terensko delo. Območje vsebuje več za prepoznavnost parka pomembnih enot dediščine, kot so na primer značilne zasnove domačij, stavbarstvo pašnih planin, dvojni kozolci v Bohinju in druge starejše pojavne oblike, ki dokazujejo človekovo tesno povezanost z naravnim okoljem.
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This study of the state of immovable cultural heritage in Triglav National Park is based on publically available official lists from the Slovenian cultural heritage registry and years of fieldwork by the author. The area contains many important cultural heritage units that have contributed to the prominence of the park, including farm layouts, mountain pasture architecture, double hayracks in Bohinj, and other older structures that testify to people’s close connection with the natural environment.
Grazing and Dairying in the Mountain Pastures of Triglav National Park: Cultural Heritage and Current Questions
Authors: Ledinek Lozej Špela
Published: January 2014

V prispevku je orisan pregled planinstva oziroma planšarstva in s planšarstvom povezane kulturne dediščine na območju Triglavskega narodnega parka. Poudarjena so aktualna vprašanja, razhajanja, zbliževanja in premoščanja razlik med razumevanji in izkušnjami planšarstva in planšarske kulturne dediščine raznovrstnih deležnikov, od neposrednih akterjev v planinah do zastopnikov javnega interesa.
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The article contains a survey of Alpine dairy pasturing and of elements of cultural heritage associated with pasturing within the confines of Triglav National Park. The author raises questions as well as identifies discrepancies, overlaps and reconciliations among different understandings and experiences of dairy mountain pasturing and its cultural heritage on the part of diverse stakeholders: from directly involved agents to representatives of public interest.
The Traditional Cows’ Ball (kravji bal), Village Serenade (vasovanje), and Country Wedding (kmečka ohcet) In Bohinj from the Organizers’ Perspective
Authors: Habinc Mateja
Published: January 2014

Članek analizira predstave o tradicionalnosti sodobnih turističnih prireditev Kravji bal, Vasovanje in Kmečka ohcet. Primerja predvsem vsebine prireditev v času njihovega nastanka, v petdesetih in deloma tudi šestdesetih letih prejšnjega stoletja ter v sodobnosti, pri čemer se med drugim posveča razumevanju »etnografske ustreznosti«.
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This article analyzes contemporary perceptions about the traditional character of the contemporary tourism events in Bohinj known as the Cows’ Ball (Kravji bal), Village Serenade (Vasovanje), and Country Wedding (Kmečka ohcet). The comparison primarily focuses on the content of the events, both when they were first held in the 1950s and 1960s and currently, and detailed attention is given to the contemporary understanding of “ethnographic adequacy.”
Triglav National Park and Recreational Adventurism
Authors: Kozorog Miha , Poljak Istenič Saša
Published: January 2014

Triglavski narodni park je namenjen varovanju narave, obenem pa tudi rekreaciji, ki je zaradi vplivov na okolje podvržena regulaciji. V prispevku so predstavljene strategije različnih skupin športnikov za rahljanje in spreminjanje omejitev, določenih v Zakonu o Triglavskem narodnem parku in nastajajočem načrtu upravljanja. Avtorja s konceptom rekreacijskega avanturizma pojasnjujeta, zakaj je stroga naravovarstvena politika v tem primeru smiselna.
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Triglav National Park is destined for nature protection, but also for recreation which is regulated because of its impacts on the environment. The article presents strategies of different groups of sportsmen for loosening and changing the limitations defined in the Triglav National Park Act and the emerging Management Plan. Authors use the concept of recreational adventurism to explain why strict policy for nature protection is recommended in this particular case.
Children’s Perspectives on Natural and Cultural Heritage
Authors: Turk Niskač Barbara
Published: January 2014

Raziskave, ki se ukvarjajo z dediščino kot družbenim konstruktom, se navadno osredinjajo le na odrasle, nas pa je zanimalo, kako otroci dojemajo naravno in kulturno dediščino v okolju, ki jih obdaja. Učence osnovne šole v Srednji vasi v Bohinju smo prosili, da fotografirajo svoje okolje. Ob fotografijah smo nato opravili pogovore, v katerih so otroci razložili, kaj so slikali. Zanimalo nas je predvsem, kako otroci razumejo dediščino ter katere pomene ji pripisujejo. Prispevek skuša iz otroške perspektive podati nekoliko drugačen pogled na razumevanje dediščine.
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Studies on heritage as a social construct usually focus on adults. However, I was interested in children’s perception of natural and cultural heritage in their local environment. I asked primary school children to take photographs of their surroundings; this was followed by interviews in which they explained what they captured. I was interested in how children perceive heritage and what meanings they attribute to it. This article sheds an alternative light on the understanding of heritage through children’s perspectives.
Origins and genetic composition of the European fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Hicks Barry J. , Pilgrim Brettney L. , Marshall H. Dawn
Published: January 2014

The European Fire Ant,Myrmica rubra(Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is an invasive stinging ant that has only recently been recorded in Newfoundland, Canada. The goal of the present study was to investigate the origins ofM. rubraants in Newfoundland. We analysed mtDNA sequences from the cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase I genes of ants from six localities in Newfoundland, and neighbouring regions of eastern Canada and the United States of America, and compared them with mtDNA data from a recent wide-scale phylogeographical study of the ant throughout Europe. There is evidence for at least four distinct sources of ants on the island. The putative routes of colonisation of the ant to Newfoundland are discussed, as are the possible reasons why it went undiscovered for many decades.
Effect of Stimulus Polarity on Speech Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response
Authors: Kumar Kaushlendra , Bhat Jayashree S. , D’Costa Pearl Edna , Srivastava Manav , Kalaiah Mohan Kumar
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of stimulus polarity on speech evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR). In order to accomplish it, speech evoked ABR was recorded with various stimulus polarities from 17 normally hearing adults. The result of the study shows differential effect of stimulus polarity on components of speech evoked ABR. Latency of peaks for onset, sustained and offset responses of speech evoked ABR were found to be not significantly different across stimulus polarities. In contrast, the amplitude of first formant and high frequency components was found to be significantly reduced for alternating polarity compared to single polarity, while amplitude of fundamental frequency response was not affected by polarity of the stimuli. Thus speech evoked ABR may be recorded using single polarity rather than using alternating polarities.
Pediatric Evaluation of the Clearvoice™ Speech Enhancement Algorithm in Everyday Life
Authors: Noël-Petroff Nathalie , Mathias Nathalie , Ulmann Cécile , Van Den Abbeele Thierry
Published: January 2014

ClearVoice™ enables Advanced Bionics cochlear implant users to improve their speech understanding in difficult listening environments, without compromising performance in quiet situations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of ClearVoice in children. Children between six and fourteen years of age randomly tested two modalities of ClearVoice for one month each. The baseline program, HiRes 120™, and both ClearVoice programs were evaluated with a sentence test in quiet and noise. Parents and teachers completed a questionnaire related to everyday noisy situations. The switchover to ClearVoice was uneventful for both modalities. Adjustments to thresholds and comfort levels were required. Seven out of the nine children preferred a ClearVoice program. No impact of ClearVoice on performance in quiet was observed and both modalities of ClearVoice improved speech understanding in noise compared to the baseline program, significantly with ClearVoice high. Positive outcomes were obtained from the questionnaires and discussions with parents and children. This study showed that children benefited from using ClearVoice in their daily life. There was a clear trend towards improved speech understanding in noise with ClearVoice, without affecting performance in quiet; therefore ClearVoice can be used by children all day, without having to change programs.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in the United States: Three Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Deaver Darcie M , Naghashpour Mojdeh , Sokol Lubomir
Published: January 2014

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a benign, self-limiting disease that manifests primarily as cervical lymphadenopathy but may include low-grade fever, headache, and fatigue.  There is a higher incidence of KFD in women aged 20-35 years and in Asian populations.  A PubMed search revealed 590 articles that described KFD.  Of these, 22 cases have been fully described in the United States.  Ten of the 22 (45%) patients were male and 12 (55%) were female, with 20% Caucasian, 20% Asian American, and the remaining 60% of other ethnic backgrounds.  In this study, we describe an additional 3 cases of KFD and discuss the diagnosis, pathology, and management of KFD.