bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Roads Cannot Be Used
Authors: Shell Jacob
Published: July 2015

This article is about the use of trained Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) for transportation, in particular across muddy or flooded terrain, clandestine off-road transportation, and during guerrilla operations or political revolts. In a sense, these are all in fact the same transport task: the terrestrial conveyance of people and supplies when, due to weather or politics or both, roads cannot be used. While much recent work from fields such as anthropology, geography, history, and conservation biology discusses the unique relationship between humans and trained elephants, the unique human mobilities opened up by elephant-based transportation has been for the most part overlooked as a research topic. Looking at both historical and recent (post–World War II) examples of elephant-based transportation throughout South and Southeast Asia, I suggest here that this mode of transportation has been especially associated with epistemologically less visible processes occurring outside of state-recognized, formal institutions.
The War of Legs
Authors: Pesek Michael
Published: July 2015

This article describes the little-known history of military labor and transport during the East African campaign of World War I. Based on sources from German, Belgian, and British archives and publications, it considers the issue of military transport and supply in the thick of war. Traditional histories of World War I tend to be those of battles, but what follows is a history of roads and footpaths. More than a million Africans served as porters for the troops. Many paid with their lives. The organization of military labor was a huge task for the colonial and military bureaucracies for which they were hardly prepared. However, the need to organize military transport eventually initiated a process of modernization of the colonial state in the Belgian Congo and British East Africa. This process was not without backlash or failure. The Germans lost their well-developed military transport infrastructure during the Allied offensive of 1916. The British and Belgians went to war with the question of transport unresolved. They were unable to recruit enough Africans for military labor, a situation made worse by failures in the supplies by porters of food and medical care. One of the main factors that contributed to the success of German forces was the Allies' failure in the “war of legs.”
An efficient mEthod for the One-Pot Tandem Synthesis of 3,5-Disubstituted-1,2,4-Oxadiazoles from Benzyl Halides
Authors: Mirza Behrooz
Published: July 2015

The first example of a one-pot tandem approach for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives from benzyl halides and amidoxime is reported. Derivatives of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole were obtained in excellent yields under mild conditions using DMSO in the absence of an additional oxidant. Benzyl bromides bearing a range of substituents proved to be suitable substrates for this method which provides a very efficient and convenient application of the Kornblum oxidation.
One-Pot Reductive Amination of Araldehydes by Aniline Using Borohydride with Cecl3·7H2O as Catalyst
Authors: Zhu Xun , Zhou Xiuqin , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2015

A one-pot, two-step reductive amination of araldehydes or acetophenones with anilines using NaBH4 as a cheap hydride source and catalysed by CeCl3·7H2O has been achieved in EtOH at room temperature in good yields.
Microwave-Assisted Stille Cross-Coupling Reaction Catalysed by in Situ Formed Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Guangli , Zhang Yuanmin , Wang Kehu , Fu Ying , Du Zhengyin
Published: July 2015

The Stille coupling of organotin compounds with aryl iodides and aryl bromides catalysed by in situ formed nanoparticles from commercially available palladium dichloride in PEG-400 in the presence of DMAP under microwave irradiation has been developed. For tetraphenylstannane, the reaction was carried out in an atom-efficient way, as 4 equiv. of aryl halides coupled effectively with 1 equiv. of tetraphenylstannane to furnish 4 equiv. of the corresponding functionalised biaryls in high yields. Under the same conditions, PhSnBu3 also reacted with aryl halides to produce biphenyls.
Synthesis of New Derivatives of Pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]Triazolo[4,3-c]Pyrimidine
Authors: Sheikhi-Mohammareh Seddigheh , Shiri Ali , Bakavoli Mehdi
Published: July 2015

A number of new derivatives of pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-c]pyrimidine have been synthesised by cyclocondensation of several hydrazino derivatives of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine with either orthoesters or carbon disulfide in pyridine followed by alkylation to obtain the desired products. The structures of all the newly synthesised products have been thoroughly elucidated.
Synthesis of Several New 2-Substituted Benzimidazoles
Authors: Han Xiao-Feng , Chen Man-Man , Zhou Zhi-Mimg
Published: July 2015

A series of new 2-substituted ethyl-4-methyl-1 H-benzimidazole-6-carboxylates has been synthesised and one X-ray crystal structure determined that the synthetic method is reliable.
An Efficient Synthesis of 2,4-Dichloro-3,5-Difluorobenzoic Acid
Authors: Zhou Weiyou , Feng Xiaohu , Yu Shuitao , Xia Zhengjun , Chen Yang , Chen Zaixin
Published: July 2015

2,4-Dichloro-3,5-difluorobenzoic acid was synthesised from the commercially available 4-chloro-3,5-difluorobenzonitrile in good yield by a reaction sequence involving nitration, selective reduction, diazotisation and chlorination.
An Efficient and One-Pot Synthesis of 1,2-Dihydro-3H-Naphtho[2,1-b]Pyran-3-Ones
Authors: Abdolrazaghnezhad Azam , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: July 2015

Three-component and one-pot, reaction between β-naphthol, Meldrum's acid and aryl aldehydes in the presence of piperidine affords 1-aryl-1,2-dihydro-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran-3-ones in excellent yields.
Iodine-Mediated Efficient Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydro-Pyrazines
Authors: Dong Yansheng , Huang Li , Yi Fengping
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-pyrazines has been developed by an efficient protocol of annulations of 1,2-diketones and ethylenediamine. A variety of 2,3-dihydro-pyrazines were prepared in high yields in the presence of a catalytic amount of iodine.
Phosphorus sorption characteristics of some representative soils of south India
Authors: Rashmi I , Biswas AK , Parama VRR , Rao AS
Published: July 2015

Studies were conducted to investigate P sorption characteristics of representative soils from ten locations of alfisol and ultisol of India using Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The P sorption maxima (b) of soils derived from Langmuir equation in alfisol varied from 520.6 to 574.7 ?g g-1 and ultisol varied from 561.6 to 678.1 ?g g-1. The maximum phosphorus buffering capacity (MPBC) in alfisol ranged from 80.7 to 180.2 ml ?g-1 and ultisol ranged from 162.1 to 284.4 ml ?g-1. Phosphorus sorption maxima was significantly correlated with clay (r2=0.70), Al (r2= 0.73) and Fe (r2=0.81) forms, MPBC (r2=0.67) and Freundlich constants (r2=0.82). The standard P requirement (SPR) to maintain 0.2 mg l-1 P in soil solution for alfisol ranged from 15.62 to 27.62 mg kg-1 and ultisol from 41.98 to 46.35 mg kg-1. The SPR (0.2 mg l-1) was significantly correlated with binding strength coefficient (r2= 0.97) and binding strength coefficient supporting the fact that energy coefficient of a soil is an important index for planning P management strategies. Among the two soil orders in order to maintain optimum P concentration in soil solution for crop growth, ultisol will be required to supply with more P fertilizer as compared to alfisol.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 14-26 (2015)
Assessment of genetic diversity in Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L. ) using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers
Authors: Kumar M , Ponnuswami V , Rajamanickam C , Preethi TL
Published: July 2015

Determination of genetic variation is important to the plant breeders for development of high yielding variety. The aim of the current study was to investigate the genetic diversity of nine tamarind cultivars, out of nine four flowering cultivars using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Ten Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers were used to assess the genetic diversity in four flowering cultivars and five non-flowering of tamarind trees. The average genetic similarity level among the four flowering cultivars and five non-flowering accessions grouped into six clusters groups at 0.76%. RAPD profiles of all the tamarind were compared and a total of 58 scorable bands were produced with seven primers ranging from one for OPG-13 to twelve for OPA-R15. Genotypes which were morphological closely related were found to be unrelated at the molecular level. A sizeable amount of intrapopulation diversity recorded in the present study which can be utilized in hybridization programmes to efficiently introgress the desirable trait of interest.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 27-36 (2015)
Effect of residue retention, tillage options and timing of N application in rice-wheat cropping system
Authors: Tripathi SC , Chander S , Meena RP
Published: July 2015

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal (Haryana) during 2007-08 to 2009-10 with the objective to compare the whole basal and split application of nitrogen under different residue management and tillage options in rice-wheat cropping system. Combined analysis of data revealed that puddled transplanted rice produced maximum rice grain yield, straw yield, thousand grain weight and grains /panicle. Rice yield under zero tillage was decreased to the tune of 27.8% (with residue), 33.9% (without residue) and 45.3% (under permanent bed planting) as compared to puddled transplanted condition. Split application of nitrogen increased the rice grain yield to the extent of 4.7% with residue, 8.0% without residue and 10.2% under puddled transplanted condition as compared to whole basal N application. Pooled analysis under zero tillage condition, retention of rice residue enhanced the wheat grain yield 21.3% at zero N, 8.3% at 150 N (whole basal) and 5.4% at 150 N (three split) applications. Application of nitrogen in three split doses increased the wheat grain yield up to 9.6% without residue retention and 6.7% with rice residue retention condition as compared to whole basal N application. In nut shell, it can be said that adoption of zero tillage, residue retention and whole basal N application did not work well for rice whereas it was better for wheat in rice-wheat system.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 37-49 (2015)
Suppression of soil-borne root pathogens of arid legumes by Sinorhizobium saheli
Authors: Gautam R , Singh SK , Sharma V
Published: July 2015

The productivity of arid legumes in arid and semi-arid tracks remains virtually stagnant over decades because of their susceptibility to root diseases. The information on interaction of beneficial nitrogen fixing rhizobia with particular reference to arid legumes of the region is limited. Systematic studies on predominant species Sinorhizobium saheli in management of root pathogens in arid legumes were undertaken. In-vitro interactions of root pathogens and S. saheli isolated from arid legumes significantly suppressed the growth of all fungal pathogens in presence of S. saheli. In addition the growth of Rhizobium was stimulated in presence of different root pathogens. A field experiment on integrated disease managementexhibited that the maximum root nodulation with the maximum seed yield of 1325 kg/ha was observed from treatment where seeds were treated with S. saheli. Whereas, the minimum root nodulation was recorded in treatment, where a mixture of isolated fungal root pathogens were co-inoculated with S. Saheli was recorded from cowpea. The minimum seed yield was recorded from treatment wherein the mixture of isolated root pathogens of arid legumes was co-inoculated with S. Saheli due to increased disease pressure. The results of in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy of S. saheli strains suggest that their co-inoculation with PGPRs can not only reduce the use of chemical fertilizers but also can significantly enhance yields by increasing plant growth and suppressing soil borne plant pathogenic fungi.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 63-74 (2015)
Growth and productivity as influenced by nutrient management practices on Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in upland alfisols of Tripura
Authors: Ray S , De Biman , Hazari S
Published: July 2015

Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is the rich sources of dietary protein, carbohydrate & certain minerals but its poor yield needs to formulate a nutrient management practices for higher productivity in upland alfisols of Tripura and to combat it, an experiment was conducted during three consecutive kharif seasons at College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura comprising of two levels of Lime (150 and 200 kg ha-1) in main plot and two levels of molybdenum seed treatment (0 and 4g kg-1 of seed) in sub plot and 4 levels of recommended doses, viz., 0% of RDF ha-1, 50% of RDF ha-1, 75% of RDF ha-1 and 100% of RDF ha-1 (Recommended dose @ 20:60:40 of NPK). It was revealed that by the use of 100% RDF ha-1 with 150 kg ha-1 lime and 4g kg-1 of molybdenum seed treatment leads to higher yield and return per rupee respectively. But by the use of 100% RDF ha-1 with 200 kg ha-1 lime and 4g kg-1 of molybdenum seed treatment, return per rupee was recorded at 2.98. The investigation reflects that by the use of 75% RDF ha-1 return per rupee (3.78) was less compared to 100% RDF ha-1 but significant with saving the cost of 25% RDF ha-1 and soil health from the excessive use of fertilizer for sustaining the agricultural growth.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 123-134 (2015)
Crop sequences for increasing cropping intensity and productivity
Authors: Mondal RI , Begum F , Aziz A , Sharif SH
Published: July 2015

Field experiments were conducted at the Central Research Station of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) for three consecutive years (2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14) to study the comparative agronomic performance and economic return of different cropping sequences for increasing cropping intensity and productivity. Three cropping patterns (CP1 - Transplanted Aman rice (var:Binadhan-7) Mustard (var:BARISarisha-14) Boro rice (var:BRRIdhan-28) Transplanted Aus rice (var:Parija), CP2 - T. aman rice  Potato (var:Diamont)  Boro rice  T. aus rice and CP3 - T. aman rice  Mustard (var:BARISarisha-15)  Mungbean (var:BARIMung-6) T. aus rice) are based on four crops; and one cropping pattern (CP4 = T. aman rice  Fallow  Boro rice  Fallow) with two rice crops as control were tested. Four crops can be grown successfully one after another in sequence in all the three cropping patterns tested. On an average organic matter 3.56, 4.70, 3.58 and 2 t ha-1 were added to soil in CP1, CP2, CP3 and CP4 by incorporation of biomass of respective crops. The highest rice equivalent yield (REY) 34.10, 34.02 and 33.36 t ha-1 was obtained from the cropping pattern CP2 in 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14, respectively and it was followed by CP1 and CP3. The highest average gross return (Tk.5,00,469 ha-1) and net return (Tk. 2,63,773 ha-1) were obtained from CP2 and it was followed by CP3 but the highest average B:C ratio (2.89) was obtained from the cropping pattern CP3 followed by CP2 (2.11) due to lower cost of production than in the former one. Four crops based patterns can be recommended for higher productivity, soil enrichment & economic benefit besides creating more employment opportunity.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 135-147 (2015)
Identifying drought tolerant wheat varieties using different indices
Authors: Meena RP , Tripathi SC , Chander S , Chookar RS , Verma Msamrutha A , Sharma RK
Published: July 2015

Moisture stress is a major constraint in productivity across the wheat growing zones of India. Climate change and uneven rainfall further aggravate the situation under moisture stress environments. Wheat genotypes capable of giving increased yield under a broad range of optimal and sub-optimal water availability are considered desirable. This study was undertaken to evaluate various selection indices of moisture stress and their applicability in identifying drought tolerant wheat genotypes which can adapt to various moisture stressed environments in different wheat growing zones of India i.e., North Western Plain Zone, North Eastern Plain Zone, Central Zone and Peninsular Zone. A set of wheat genotypes were tested under moisture stress condition of different irrigation regimes. Irrigation treatments were arranged as main plots and varieties as sub plots. Fifteen wheat varieties representing major wheat growing zones of India were tested for water stress tolerance during two consecutive years. It was found that yield under irrigated conditions (Ypi), yield under stress conditions (Ysi) and lower stress tolerance index (STI), were marked indices for stress tolerance. Significantly positive correlation of Ypi and Ysi with STI, mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP) were obtained during both the years of the study. The indices of STI, MP and GMP could be used as the desirable indices for screening drought tolerant varieties. On the basis of findings of these indices wheat varieties NI-5439, WH-1021 and HD-2733 were found having higher stress tolerance and with better yield potential under both normal and restricted irrigation conditions of India.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 148-161 (2015)
Inheritance of fertility restoration involving id type cytoplasmic male sterility system in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using ten different restorer lines
Authors: Hasan MJ , Kulsum U , Elahi NE , Shamsuddin AKM , Rahman MM
Published: July 2015

Inheritance of fertility restoration was studied in crosses involving ten elite restorer lines of rice viz. BR827R, BR168R, BR6723-1-1-2R, M.H.63R, M.H.77R, Gui99R, IR40750R, IR64R, AjayaR and IR44675R and one male sterile line II32A with ID (Indonesian paddy type) sources of cytoplasmic male sterility. The segregation pattern for pollen fertility of F2 and BC1 populations of crosses involving II32A indicated the presence of two independent dominant fertility restoring genes. The mode of action of the two genes varied in different crosses revealing three types of interaction, i.e. epistasis with dominant gene action, epistasis with recessive gene action, and epistasis with incomplete dominance.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 207-215 (2015)
Targeting Protein Kinase C Downstream of Growth Factor and Adhesion Signalling
Authors: Dowling Catríona , Kiely Patrick
Published: July 2015

The signaling outputs of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, G-protein coupled receptors and integrins converge to mediate key cell process such as cell adhesion, cell migration, cell invasion and cell proliferation. Once activated by their ligands, these cell surface proteins recruit and direct a diverse range of proteins to disseminate the appropriate response downstream of the specific environmental cues. One of the key groups of proteins required to regulate these activities is the family of serine/threonine intracellular kinases called Protein Kinase Cs. The activity and subcellular location of PKCs are mediated by a series of tightly regulated events and is dependent on several posttranslational modifications and the availability of second messengers. Protein Kinase Cs exhibit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects making them an interesting target for anti-cancer treatment.
Positive Effect of Heat Treatment on Carbon-Supported CoS Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhong Haihong , Xi Jingmin , Tang Pinggui , Li Dianqing , Feng Yongjun
Published: July 2015

It is of increasing interest and an important challenge to develop highly efficient less-expensive cathode catalysts for anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). In this work, we have directly prepared a carbon-supported CoS nanocatalyst in a solvothermal route and investigated the effect of heat-treatment on electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability using rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE). The results show that the heat-treatment below 400 °C under nitrogen atmosphere significantly enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of CoS catalyst as a function of annealed temperature in terms of the cathodic current density, the half-wave potential, the HO2− product and the number of electrons transferred. The CoS catalyst that annealed at 400 °C (CoS-400) has exhibited a promising performance with the half-wave potential of 0.71 V vs. RHE (the highest one for non-precious metal chalcogenides), the minimum HO2− product of 4.3% at 0.60 V vs. RHE and close to the 4-electron pathway during the oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M KOH. Also, the CoS-400 catalyst has comparable durability to the Pt/C catalyst.
Cells Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Kalyuzhny Alexander
Published: July 2015

Cells has instituted a “Best Paper” award to recognize the most outstanding papers in the area of cell biology, molecular biology, and biophysics, published in Cells.
Lag Synchronization of Complex Lorenz System with Applications to Communication
Authors: Zhang Fangfang
Published: July 2015

In communication, the signal at the receiver end at time t is the signal from the transmitter side at time t −Τ (Τ ≥ 0 and it is the lag time) as the time lag of transmission. Therefore, lag synchronization (LS) is more accurate than complete synchronization to design communication scheme. Taking complex Lorenz system as an example, we design the LS controller according to error feedback. Using chaotic masking, we propose a communication scheme based on LS and independent component analysis (ICA). It is suitable to transmit multiple messages with all kinds of amplitudes and it has the ability of anti-noise. Numerical simulations verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the presented schemes.
Efficient Estimation in Heteroscedastic Varying Coefficient Models
Authors: Wei Chuanhua , Wan Lijie
Published: July 2015

This paper considers statistical inference for the heteroscedastic varying coefficient model. We propose an efficient estimator for coefficient functions that is more efficient than the conventional local-linear estimator. We establish asymptotic normality for the proposed estimator and conduct some simulation to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
New Graphical Methods and Test Statistics for Testing Composite Normality
Authors: Paolella Marc
Published: July 2015

Several graphical methods for testing univariate composite normality from an i.i.d. sample are presented. They are endowed with correct simultaneous error bounds and yield size-correct tests. As all are based on the empirical CDF, they are also consistent for all alternatives. For one test, called the modified stabilized probability test, or MSP, a highly simplified computational method is derived, which delivers the test statistic and also a highly accurate p-value approximation, essentially instantaneously. The MSP test is demonstrated to have higher power against asymmetric alternatives than the well-known and powerful Jarque-Bera test. A further size-correct test, based on combining two test statistics, is shown to have yet higher power. The methodology employed is fully general and can be applied to any i.i.d. univariate continuous distribution setting.
Kinetics of Thermally Activated Physical Processes in Disordered Media
Authors: Poumellec Bertrand , Lancry Matthieu
Published: July 2015

We describe a framework for modeling the writing and erasure of thermally-distributed activated processes that we can specifically apply to UV-induced refractive index change, particularly in fibers. From experimental measurements (isochrons and/or isotherms), this framework allows to find the distribution function of the activation energy by providing only a constant, which can be determined by a simple variable change when a few assumptions are fulfilled. From this modeling, it is possible to know the complete evolution in time of the system. It is also possible to determine the annealing conditions for extending a lifetime. This approach can also be used for other physical quantities, such as photodarkening, stress relaxation, and luminescence decay, provided that it can be described by a distribution function.
The State of Ambient Air Quality in Two Ugandan Cities: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Spatial Assessment
Authors: Kirenga Bruce , Meng Qingyu , Van Gemert Frederik , Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa Hellen , Chavannes Niels , Katamba Achilles , Obai Gerald , Molen Thys , Schwander Stephan , Mohsenin Vahid
Published: July 2015

Air pollution is one of the leading global public health risks but its magnitude in many developing countries’ cities is not known. We aimed to measure the concentration of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) pollutants in two Ugandan cities (Kampala and Jinja). PM2.5, O3, temperature and humidity were measured with real-time monitors, while NO2 and SO2 were measured with diffusion tubes. We found that the mean concentrations of the air pollutants PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and O3 were 132.1 μg/m3, 24.9 µg/m3, 3.7 µg/m3 and 11.4 μg/m3, respectively. The mean PM2.5 concentration is 5.3 times the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off limits while the NO2, SO2 and O3 concentrations are below WHO cut-off limits. PM2.5 levels were higher in Kampala than in Jinja (138.6 μg/m3 vs. 99.3 μg/m3) and at industrial than residential sites (152.6 μg/m3 vs. 120.5 μg/m3) but residential sites with unpaved roads also had high PM2.5 concentrations (152.6 μg/m3). In conclusion, air pollutant concentrations in Kampala and Jinja in Uganda are dangerously high. Long-term studies are needed to characterize air pollution levels during all seasons, to assess related public health impacts, and explore mitigation approaches.
Application of Multi-Species Microbial Bioassay to Assess the Effects of Engineered Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment: Potential of a Luminous Microbial Array for Toxicity Risk Assessment (LumiMARA) on Testing for Surface-Coated Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Jung YounJung , Park Chang-Beom , Kim Youngjun , Kim Sanghun , Pflugmacher Stephan , Baik Seungyun
Published: July 2015

Four different manufactured surface-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with coating of citrate, tannic acid, polyethylene glycol, and branched polyethylenimine were used in this study. The toxicity of surface-coated AgNPs was evaluated by a luminous microbial array for toxicity risk assessment (LumiMARA) using multi-species of luminescent bacteria. The salt stability of four different AgNPs was measured by UV absorbance at 400 nm wavelength, and different surface-charged AgNPs in combination with bacteria were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both branched polyethylenimine (BPEI)-AgNPs and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-AgNPs were shown to be stable with 2% NaCl (non-aggregation), whereas both citrate (Cit)-AgNPs and tannic acid (Tan)-AgNPs rapidly aggregated in 2% NaCl solution. The values of the 50% effective concentration (EC50) for BPEI-AgNPs in marine bacteria strains (1.57 to 5.19 mg/L) were lower than those for the other surface-coated AgNPs (i.e., Cit-AgNPs, Tan-AgNPs, and PEG-AgNPs). It appears that the toxicity of AgNPs could be activated by the interaction of positively charged AgNPs with the negatively charged bacterial cell wall from the results of LumiMARA. LumiMARA for toxicity screening has advantageous compared to a single-species bioassay and is applicable for environmental samples as displaying ranges of assessment results.
Mevalonate Pathway Blockade, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Autophagy: A Possible Link
Authors: Tricarico Paola , Crovella Sergio , Celsi Fulvio
Published: July 2015

The mevalonate pathway, crucial for cholesterol synthesis, plays a key role in multiple cellular processes. Deregulation of this pathway is also correlated with diminished protein prenylation, an important post-translational modification necessary to localize certain proteins, such as small GTPases, to membranes. Mevalonate pathway blockade has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction: especially involving lower mitochondrial membrane potential and increased release of pro-apoptotic factors in cytosol. Furthermore a severe reduction of protein prenylation has also been associated with defective autophagy, possibly causing inflammasome activation and subsequent cell death. So, it is tempting to hypothesize a mechanism in which defective autophagy fails to remove damaged mitochondria, resulting in increased cell death. This mechanism could play a significant role in Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency, an autoinflammatory disease characterized by a defect in Mevalonate Kinase, a key enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. Patients carrying mutations in the MVK gene, encoding this enzyme, show increased inflammation and lower protein prenylation levels. This review aims at analysing the correlation between mevalonate pathway defects, mitochondrial dysfunction and defective autophagy, as well as inflammation, using Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency as a model to clarify the current pathogenetic hypothesis as the basis of the disease.
Artificial Crab Burrows Facilitate Desalting of Rooted Mangrove Sediment in a Microcosm Study
Authors: Pülmanns Nathalie , Nordhaus Inga , Diele Karen , Mehlig Ulf
Published: July 2015

Water uptake by mangrove trees can result in salt accumulation in sediment around roots, negatively influencing growth. Tidal pumping facilitates salt release and can be enhanced by crab burrows. Similarly, flushing of burrows by incoming tidal water decreases sediment salinity. In contrast to burrows with multiple entrances, the role of burrows with one opening for salinity reduction is largely unknown. In a microcosm experiment we studied the effect of artificial, burrow-like macro-pores with one opening on the desalting of mangrove sediment and growth of Rhizophora mangle L. seedlings. Sediment salinity, seedling leaf area and seedling growth were monitored over six months. Artificial burrows facilitated salt release from the sediment after six weeks, but seedling growth was not influenced. To test whether crab burrows with one opening facilitate salt release in mangrove forests, sediment salinities were measured in areas with and without R. mangle stilt roots in North Brazil at the beginning and end of the wet season. In addition, burrows of Ucides cordatus were counted. High crab burrow densities and sediment salinities were associated with stilt root occurrence. Precipitation and salt accumulation by tree roots seem to have a larger effect on sediment salinity than desalting by U. cordatus burrows.
Coastal Flood Assessment Based on Field Debris Measurements and Wave Runup Empirical Model
Authors: Didier David , Bernatchez Pascal , Boucher-Brossard Geneviève , Lambert Adrien , Fraser Christian , Barnett Robert , Van-Wierts Stefanie
Published: July 2015

On 6 December 2010, an extra-tropical storm reached Atlantic Canada, causing coastal flooding due to high water levels being driven toward the north shore of Chaleur Bay. The extent of flooding was identified in the field along the coastline at Maria using DGPS. Using the assumption that the maximum elevation of flooded areas represents the combination of astronomical tide, storm surge and wave runup, which is the maximum elevation reached by the breaking waves on the beach, all flood limits were identified. A flood-zone delineation was performed using GIS and LiDAR data. An empirical formula was used to estimate runup elevation during the flood event. A coastal flood map of the 6 December flood event was made using empirical data and runup calculations according to offshore wave climate simulations. Along the natural beach, results show that estimating runup based on offshore wave data and upper foreshore beach slope represents well the observed flood extent. Where a seawall occupies the beach, wave breaking occurs at the toe of the structure and wave height needs to be considered independently of runup. In both cases (artificial and natural), flood risk is underestimated if storm surge height alone is considered. There is a need to incorporate wave characteristics in order to adequately model potential flood extent. A coastal flooding projection is proposed for Pointe Verte based on total water levels estimated according to wave climate simulation return periods and relative sea-level rise for the Chaleur Bay.
Polarization Induced Deterioration of Reinforced Concrete with CFRP Anode
Authors: Zhu Ji-Hua , Wei Liangliang , Zhu Miaochang , Sun Hongfang , Tang Luping , Xing Feng
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the deterioration of reinforced concrete with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) anode after polarization. The steel in the concrete was first subjected to accelerated corrosion to various extents. Then, a polarization test was performed with the external attached CFRP as the anode and the steel reinforcement as the cathode. Carbon fiber reinforced mortar and conductive carbon paste as contact materials were used to adhere the CFRP anode to the concrete. Two current densities of 1244 and 2488 mA/m2, corresponding to the steel reinforcements were applied for 25 days. Electrochemical parameters were monitored during the test period. The deterioration mechanism that occurred at the CFRP/contact material interface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The increase of feeding voltage and the failure of bonding was observed during polarization process, which might have resulted from the deterioration of the interface between the contact material and CFRP. The formation and accumulation of NaCl crystals at the contact material/CFRP interface were inferred to be the main causes of the failure at the interface.
Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Study of Potential Negative Allosteric Modulators of mGluR1 from Chinese Herbs
Authors: Jiang Ludi , Zhang Xianbao , Chen Xi , He Yusu , Qiao Liansheng , Zhang Yanling , Li Gongyu , Xiang Yuhong
Published: July 2015

The metabotropic glutamate subtype 1 (mGluR1), a member of the metabotropic glutamate receptors, is a therapeutic target for neurological disorders. However, due to the lower subtype selectivity of mGluR1 orthosteric compounds, a new targeted strategy, known as allosteric modulators research, is needed for the treatment of mGluR1-related diseases. Recently, the structure of the seven-transmembrane domain (7TMD) of mGluR1 has been solved, which reveals the binding site of allosteric modulators and provides an opportunity for future subtype-selectivity drug design. In this study, a series of computer-aided drug design methods were utilized to discover potential mGluR1 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs). Pharmacophore models were constructed based on three different structure types of mGluR1 NAMs. After validation using the built-in parameters and test set, the optimal pharmacophore model of each structure type was selected and utilized as a query to screen the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (TCMD). Then, three different hit lists of compounds were obtained. Molecular docking was used based on the latest crystal structure of mGluR1-7TMD to further filter these hits. As a compound with high QFIT and LibDock Score was preferred, a total of 30 compounds were retained. MD simulation was utilized to confirm the stability of potential compounds binding. From the computational results, thesinine-4ʹ-O-β-d-glucoside, nigrolineaxanthone-P and nodakenin might exhibit negative allosteric moderating effects on mGluR1. This paper indicates the applicability of molecular simulation technologies for discovering potential natural mGluR1 NAMs from Chinese herbs.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Carotenoid-Derived Flavours and Fragrances
Authors: Serra Stefano
Published: July 2015

Carotenoids are important isoprenoid compounds whose oxidative degradation produces a plethora of smaller derivatives, called apocarotenoids, which possess a range of different chemical structures and biological activities. Among these natural products, compounds having less than 15 carbon atoms in their frameworks are often relevant flavours or fragrances and their manufacturing represents an important economic resource for chemical companies. The strict correlation between stereochemical structure and odour has made the stereospecific synthesis of the latter biological active compounds increasingly important. In this review, the recent advances on the synthesis of the most relevant carotenoid-derived flavours and fragrances are discussed. In particular, the new synthetic methods that have given new and innovative perspectives from a scientific standpoint and the preparative approaches that might possess industrial importance are described thoroughly.
Large-Area Landslides Monitoring Using Advanced Multi-Temporal InSAR Technique over the Giant Panda Habitat, Sichuan, China
Authors: Tang Panpan , Chen Fulong , Guo Huadong , Tian Bangsen , Wang Xinyuan , Ishwaran Natarajan
Published: July 2015

The region near Dujiangyan City and Wenchuan County, Sichuan China, including significant giant panda habitats, was severely impacted by the Wenchuan earthquake. Large-area landslides occurred and seriously threatened the lives of people and giant pandas. In this paper, we report the development of an enhanced multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (MTInSAR) methodology to monitor potential post-seismic landslides by analyzing coherent scatterers (CS) and distributed scatterers (DS) points extracted from multi-temporal l-band ALOS/PALSAR data in an integrated manner. Through the integration of phase optimization and mitigation of the orbit and topography-related phase errors, surface deformations in the study area were derived: the rates in the line of sight (LOS) direction ranged from −7 to 1.5 cm/a. Dozens of potential landslides, distributed mainly along the Minjiang River, Longmenshan Fault, and in other the high-altitude areas were detected. These findings matched the distribution of previous landslides. InSAR-derived results demonstrated that some previous landslides were still active; many unstable slopes have developed, and there are significant probabilities of future massive failures. The impact of landslides on the giant panda habitat, however ranged from low to moderate, would continue to be a concern for conservationists for some time in the future.
Spatial Distribution of Energy Consumption and Carbon Emission of Regional Logistics
Authors: Xiao Fan , Hu Zhi-Hua , Wang Ke-Xin , Fu Pei-Hua
Published: July 2015

Facing serious energy-related constraints and environmental stress, the development of the green logistics industry is restricted by degrees of logistics energy utilization and carbon emissions. Considering different logistics spatial distributions, this paper uses the degree of regional logistics energy utilization and the spatial distribution of carbon emissions as two indicators of green logistics to investigate the regional differences and changes in spatiotemporal logistics energy efficiency. We firstly measure the regional logistics in terms of energy consumption and carbon emission, then further measure the logistics by energy intensity and carbon intensity. Based on these four indicators, the relations between spatiotemporal logistics and regional logistics development are analyzed. Through studying the spatial and temporal evolution trends of the above indicators, we found that a certain convergence exists. Finally, based on the analysis, the suggestions for energy saving and emission reduction are proposed according to regional conditions. The results benefit to narrow the efficiency gap between regions and achieve the goal of improving logistics energy efficiency.
A Viral Pilot for HCMV Navigation?
Authors: Adler Barbara
Published: July 2015

gH/gL virion envelope glycoprotein complexes of herpesviruses serve as entry complexes and mediate viral cell tropism. By binding additional viral proteins, gH/gL forms multimeric complexes which bind to specific host cell receptors. Both Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) express alternative multimeric gH/gL complexes. Relative amounts of these alternative complexes in the viral envelope determine which host cells are preferentially infected. Host cells of EBV can modulate the gH/gL complex complement of progeny viruses by cell type-dependent degradation of one of the associating proteins. Host cells of HCMV modulate the tropism of their virus progenies by releasing or not releasing virus populations with a specific gH/gL complex complement out of a heterogeneous pool of virions. The group of Jeremy Kamil has recently shown that the HCMV ER-resident protein UL148 controls integration of one of the HCMV gH/gL complexes into virions and thus creates a pool of virions which can be routed by different host cells. This first mechanistic insight into regulation of the gH/gL complex complement of HCMV progenies presents UL148 as a pilot candidate for HCMV navigation in its infected host.
Phylogenetic congruence of parasitic smut fungi (Anthracoidea, Anthracoideaceae) and their host plants (Carex, Cyperaceae): Cospeciation or host‐shift speciation?
Authors: Escudero Marcial
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Fahrenholz's rule states that common ancestors of extant parasites were parasites of the common ancestors of extant hosts. Consequently, parasite phylogeny should mirror host phylogeny. The smut fungi genus Anthracoidea (Anthracoideaceae) is mainly hosted by species of the genus Carex (Cyperaceae). Whether smut fungi phylogeny mirrors sedge phylogeny is still under debate.

• Methods: The nuclear large subunit DNA region (LSU; 57 accessions) from 31 Anthracoidea species and the ITS, ETS, and trnL‐F spacer–trnL intron complex from 41 Carex species were used to infer the phylogenetic history of parasites and their hosts using a maximum likelihood approach. Event‐based and distance‐based cophylogenetic methods were used to test the hypothesis of whether the phylogeny of smut fungi from the genus Anthracoidea matches the phylogeny of the sedge Carex species they host.

• Results: Cophylogenetic reconstructions taking into account phylogenetic uncertainties based on event‐based analyses demonstrated that the Anthracoidea phylogeny has significant topological congruence with the phylogeny of their Carex hosts. A distance‐based test was also significant; therefore, the phylogenies of Anthracoide and Carex are partially congruent.

• Conclusions: The phylogenetic congruence of Anthracoidea and Carex is partially based on smut fungi species being preferentially hosted by closely related sedges (host conservatism). In addition, many different events rather than only codivergence events are inferred. All of this evidence suggests that host‐shift speciation rather than cospeciation seems to explain the cophylogenetic patterns of Anthracoidea and Carex.
THE EUROPEAN WELFARE STATE REGIMES: QUESTIONING THE TYPOLOGY DURING THE CRISIS
Authors: JOSIFIDIS Kosta , HALL John B. , SUPIC Novica , BEKER PUCAR Emilija
Published: July 2015

This paper examines the nature of changes within the EU–15 welfare states affected by the 2008 crisis. We try to answer the question of whether the differences that exist among different welfare state regimes, according to prevailing welfare state typologies, lead to different responses to the consequences of the crisis. Welfare state regimes are the result of different institutional perceptions of social risks hence it is realistic to expect specific responses to the effects of crisis among different welfare state regimes, and similar responses among the countries that belong to the same welfare state regimes. In order to recognize convergent vs. divergent processes, we perform a comparative analysis of the dynamics of the key welfare state determinants of the EU–15 countries, grouping according to welfare state regimes, in the pre-crisis and crisis periods. The results indicate that institutional rigidity and inherent inertia has remained a key factor of convergent welfare state processes in countries that belong to the Social Democratic and Corporatist welfare state regimes. Deviations from such a course are the most evident in the Mediterranean welfare state regimes, especially in Greece and Portugal where austerity measures have been formulated under the strong influence of the Troika.
A MODEL-DRIVEN DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR REALLOCATION OF SUPPLY TO ORDERS UNDER UNCERTAINTY IN CERAMIC COMPANIES
Authors: ALEMANY M. M. E. , A. A. , BOZA Andrés , FUERTES-MIQUEL Vicente S.
Published: July 2015

In ceramic companies, uncertainty in the tone and gage obtained in first quality units of the same finished good (FG) entails frequent discrepancies between planned homogeneous quantities and real ones. This fact can lead to a shortage situation in which certain previously committed customer orders cannot be served because there are not enough homogeneous units of a specific FG (i.e., with the same tone and gage). In this paper, a Model-Driven Decision Support System (DSS) is proposed to reassign the actual homogeneous stock and the planned homogeneous sublots to already committed orders under uncertainty by means of a mathematical programming model (SP-Model). The DSS functionalities enable ceramic decision makers to generate different solutions by changing model options. Uncertainty in the planned homogeneous quantities, and any other type of uncertainty, is managed via scenarios. The robustness of each solution is tested in planned and real situations with another DSS functionality based on another mathematical programming model (ASP-Model). With these DSS features, the ceramic decision maker can choose in a friendly fashion the orders to be served with the current homogeneous stock and the future uncertainty homogeneous supply to better achieve a balance between the maximisation of multiple objectives and robustness.
THE EFFICIENCY OF STRUCTURAL SUPPORT AND IMPACT ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INDICATORS
Authors: DUMCIUVIENE Daiva , STUNDZIENE Alina
Published: July 2015

The economic and social cohesion is one of the economic objectives of the European Union. It is, therefore, important to analyse the impact of policies of the European Union on cohesion. The establishment of the common market still did not offer a solution for economic problems faced by the Member States. The economic and social cohesion is very important to strengthen the political and economic development of the Member States. This article includes the analysis of Lithuanian economic environment compared with the other Member States and the impact of EU structural funds on economic growth of the country. The detailed analysis of the correlation between funding and economic and social indicators of Lithuania showed that there is the significant direct relationship between the funding and the direct foreign investments per inhabitant. The significant correlation between EU support and other economic and social indicators was not found. Nevertheless the EU funding is undoubtedly useful and necessary to promote the economic growth. The efficiency of the use of EU funds is the largest problem and the task achieving the maximum benefit for the economics of Lithuania.