bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes After Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Case-Cohort Study
Authors: Hamood Rola , Hamood Hatem , Merhasin Ilya , Keinan-Boker Lital
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Breast cancer treatments have been associated with an increased risk of multiple health-related adverse outcomes, but the relationship with diabetes remains unclear. This study investigated the association between hormone therapy and diabetes risk in breast cancer survivors.

Patients and Methods

We performed a case-cohort study of 2,246 female survivors recruited from the Leumit health care fund who were diagnosed with primary nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer in 2002 through 2012. A 20% random subcohort was sampled at baseline, and all diabetes cases were identified. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated by weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Of 2,246 breast cancer survivors, 324 developed diabetes over a mean follow-up of 5.9 years. The crude cumulative incidence of diabetes that accounted for death as a competing risk was 20.9% (95% CI, 18.3% to 23.7%). In multivariable-adjusted models, hormone therapy was associated with increased diabetes risk (HR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.26 to 4.55; P = .008). The hazard for tamoxifen use (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.19 to 4.26; P = .013) was less pronounced than the use of aromatase inhibitors (HR, 4.27, 95% CI, 1.42 to 12.84; P = .010).

Conclusion

Active hormone therapy is a significant risk factor of diabetes among breast cancer survivors. Although cessation of treatment is not recommended because the survival benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks, preventive strategies aimed at lifestyle modifications may minimize the risk.
Multicenter Phase IB Trial of Carboxyamidotriazole Orotate and Temozolomide for Recurrent and Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma and Other Anaplastic Gliomas
Authors: Omuro Antonio , Beal Kathryn , McNeill Katharine , Young Robert J. , Thomas Alissa , Lin Xuling , Terziev Robert , Kaley Thomas J. , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Daras Mariza , Gavrilovic Igor T. , Mellinghoff Ingo , Diamond Eli L. , McKeown Andrew , Manne Malbora , Caterfino Andrew , Patel Krishna , Bavisotto Linda , Gorman Greg , Lamson Michael , Gutin Philip , Tabar Viviane , Chakravarty Debyani , Chan Timothy A. , Brennan Cameron W. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Karmali Rashida A. , Pentsova Elena
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Carboxyamidotriazole orotate (CTO) is a novel oral inhibitor of non–voltage-dependent calcium channels with modulatory effects in multiple cell-signaling pathways and synergistic effects with temozolomide (TMZ) in glioblastoma (GBM) models. We conducted a phase IB study combining CTO with two standard TMZ schedules in GBM.

Methods

In cohort 1, patients with recurrent anaplastic gliomas or GBM received escalating doses of CTO (219 to 812.5 mg/m2once daily or 600 mg fixed once-daily dose) combined with TMZ (150 mg/m25 days during each 28-day cycle). In cohort 2, patients with newly diagnosed GBM received escalating doses of CTO (219 to 481 mg/m2/d once daily) with radiotherapy and TMZ 75 mg/m2/d, followed by TMZ 150 mg to 200 mg/m25 days during each 28-day cycle.

Results

Forty-seven patients were enrolled. Treatment was well tolerated; toxicities included fatigue, constipation, nausea, and hypophosphatemia. Pharmacokinetics showed that CTO did not alter TMZ levels; therapeutic concentrations were achieved in tumor and brain. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed; the recommended phase II dose was 600 mg/d flat dose. Signals of activity in cohort 1 (n = 27) included partial (n = 6) and complete (n = 1) response, including in O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase unmethylated and bevacizumab-refractory tumors. In cohort 2 (n = 15), median progression-free survival was 15 months and median overall survival was not reached (median follow-up, 28 months; 2-year overall survival, 62%). Gene sequencing disclosed a high rate of responses among EGFR-amplified tumors ( P = .005), with mechanisms of acquired resistance possibly involving mutations in mismatch-repair genes and/or downstream components TSC2, NF1, NF2, PTEN, and PIK3CA.

Conclusion

CTO can be combined safely with TMZ or chemoradiation in GBM and anaplastic gliomas, displaying favorable brain penetration and promising signals of activity in this difficult-to-treat population.
Generation of an animal model of Pten hamartoma tumour syndrome in the retina
Authors: Tachibana Nobuhiko , Touahri Yacine , Dixit Rajiv , David Luke Ajay , Adnani Lata , Cantrup Robert , Aavani Tooka , Wong Rachel O. , Logan Cairine , Kurek Kyle C. , Schuurmans Carol
Published: April 2018

PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS) is a heterogeneous group of rare, autosomal dominant disorders associated with PTEN germline mutations. PHTS patients routinely develop hamartomas, which are benign tissue overgrowths comprised of disorganized ‘normal’ cells. Efforts to generate PHTS animal models have been largely unsuccessful due to the early lethality of homozygous germline mutations in Pten, together with the lack of hamartoma formation in most conditional mutants generated to date. We report herein a novel PHTS mouse model that reproducibly forms hamartoma-like lesions in the central retina by postnatal day 21. Specifically, we generated a Pten conditional knock-out (cKO) using a retinal-specific Pax6-Cre-driver that leads to a nearly complete deletion of Pten in the peripheral retina but produces a mosaic of ‘wild-type’ and Pten cKO cells centrally. Structural defects were only observed in the mosaic central retina, including in Müller glia and in the outer and inner limiting membranes, suggesting that defective mechanical integrity partly underlies the hamartoma-like pathology. Finally, we used this newly-developed model to test whether rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor that is currently the only PHTS therapy, can block hamartoma growth. When administered in the early postnatal period, prior to hamartoma formation, rapamycin reduces hamartoma size, but also induces new morphological abnormalities in the Pten cKO retinal periphery. In contrast, administration of rapamycin after hamartoma initiation fails to reduce lesion size. We have thus generated and used an animal model of retinal PHTS to show that while current therapies reduce hamartoma formation, they also induce new retinal dysmorphologies.
Building a plant cell wall at a glance
Authors: Lampugnani Edwin R. , Khan Ghazanfar Abbas , Somssich Marc , Persson Staffan
Published: April 2018

Plant cells are surrounded by a strong polysaccharide-rich cell wall that aids in determining the overall form, growth and development of the plant body. Indeed, the unique shapes of the 40-odd cell types in plants are determined by their walls, as removal of the cell wall results in spherical protoplasts that are amorphic. Hence, assembly and remodeling of the wall is essential in plant development. Most plant cell walls are composed of a framework of cellulose microfibrils that are cross-linked to each other by heteropolysaccharides. The cell walls are highly dynamic and adapt to the changing requirements of the plant during growth. However, despite the importance of plant cell walls for plant growth and for applications that we use in our daily life such as food, feed and fuel, comparatively little is known about how they are synthesized and modified. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we aim to illustrate the underpinning cell biology of the synthesis of wall carbohydrates, and their incorporation into the wall, in the model plant Arabidopsis.
CRL7SMU1 E3 ligase complex-driven H2B ubiquitylation functions in sister chromatid cohesion by regulating SMC1 expression
Authors: Shah Varun Jayeshkumar , Maddika Subbareddy
Published: April 2018

Cullin–RING-type E3 ligases (CRLs) control a broad range of biological processes by ubiquitylating numerous cellular substrates. However, the role of CRL E3 ligases in chromatid cohesion is unknown. In this study, we identified a new CRL-type E3 ligase (designated as CRL7SMU1 complex) that has an essential role in the maintenance of chromatid cohesion. We demonstrate that SMU1, DDB1, CUL7 and RNF40 are integral components of this complex. SMU1, by acting as a substrate recognition module, binds to H2B and mediates monoubiquitylation at the lysine (K) residue K120 through CRL7SMU1 E3 ligase complex. Depletion of CRL7SMU1 leads to loss of H2B ubiquitylation at the SMC1a locus and, thus, subsequently compromised SMC1a expression in cells. Knockdown of CRL7SMU1 components or loss of H2B ubiquitylation leads to defective sister chromatid cohesion, which is rescued by restoration of SMC1a expression. Together, our results unveil an important role of CRL7SMU1 E3 ligase in promoting H2B ubiquitylation for maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion during mitosis.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Effects of long-term sucrose overfeeding on rat brown adipose tissue: a structural and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Velickovic Ksenija D. , Ukropina Mirela M. , Glisic Radmila M. , Cakic-Milosevic Maja M.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of long-term sucrose overfeeding on functional capacity and ultrastructural characteristics of the rat brown adipose tissue (BAT). For the study, sixteen male Wistar rats, chow-fed and kept under standard laboratory conditions were divided into 2 equal groups. The rats from a control group drank tap water, while those from a sucrose overfed group were allowed to drink 10% sucrose solution for 21 days. Structural changes of BAT were analysed at the level of light and electron microscopy on routinely prepared tissue sections or using immunohistochemical staining, in combination with stereological methods. Obtained results have shown that significantly increased energy intake in sucrose overfed rats did not result in elevated body mass gain. The light microscopy analysis revealed that the BAT acquired the appearance of a thermogenically active tissue, with intensified vascularisation, reduced size of brown adipocytes and increased multilocularity. At the ultrastructural level, mitochondria of brown adipocytes became more abundant, enlarged, and contained more cristae in comparison to control animals. The immunoexpression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and noradrenaline, as markers of BAT thermogenic status was increased, while the pattern of PGC1α was slightly modified. Taken together, the results of this investigation indicated that BAT possesses the ability to increase thermogenic capacity/activity in response to high energy intake and to prevent body mass gain. These findings are particularly relevant in the view of recent reports on the existence of functional BAT in adult humans and its potential use to combat obesity.
The Problem with “Magnitude-based Inference”
Authors: SAINANI KRISTIN L.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

A statistical method called “magnitude-based inference” (MBI) has gained a following in the sports science literature, despite concerns voiced by statisticians. Its proponents have claimed that MBI exhibits superior type I and type II error rates compared with standard null hypothesis testing for most cases. I have performed a reanalysis to evaluate this claim.

Methods

Using simulation code provided by MBI’s proponents, I estimated type I and type II error rates for clinical and nonclinical MBI for a range of effect sizes, sample sizes, and smallest important effects. I plotted these results in a way that makes transparent the empirical behavior of MBI. I also reran the simulations after correcting mistakes in the definitions of type I and type II error provided by MBI’s proponents. Finally, I confirmed the findings mathematically; and I provide general equations for calculating MBI’s error rates without the need for simulation.

Results

Contrary to what MBI’s proponents have claimed, MBI does not exhibit “superior” type I and type II error rates to standard null hypothesis testing. As expected, there is a tradeoff between type I and type II error. At precisely the small-to-moderate sample sizes that MBI’s proponents deem “optimal,” MBI reduces the type II error rate at the cost of greatly inflating the type I error rate—to two to six times that of standard hypothesis testing.

Conclusions

Magnitude-based inference exhibits worrisome empirical behavior. In contrast to standard null hypothesis testing, which has predictable type I error rates, the type I error rates for MBI vary widely depending on the sample size and choice of smallest important effect, and are often unacceptably high. Magnitude-based inference should not be used.
Evaluation of an internet-based animated preparatory video for children undergoing non-sedated MRI
Authors: McGlashan Hannah L , Dineen Rob A , Szeszak Sofia , Whitehouse William P , Chow Gabriel , Love Andrew , Langmack Gill , Wharrad Heather
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

We evaluate the value of an internet-based educational animated video designed to prepare children for MRI scans, and whether this video reduces scan-related anxiety in children with a neurological disorder, and healthy controls.

Methods:

Participants completed a pre- and post-scan questionnaire evaluating participant online viewing behaviour, understanding of the MRI procedure, anxiety regarding the MRI, impact of animation in preparing the child and whether the child’s expectation of the MRI scan matched their experience.

Results:

21 children were recruited (12 healthy controls) ranging in age from 6.5 to 11.5 years. The animation was successfully accessed by participants on a range of digital devices and had high levels of approval. Children who viewed the animation had a good understanding of the MRI procedure and low anxiety levels prior to the scan, and reported that their expectations broadly matched the real-life MRI experience. Children reported that the animation positively impacted on their preparation with similar ratings before and after the scan, and the impact on preparation was rated greater by younger children. There were no group differences between healthy children and those with the neurological disorder for ratings of anxiety, impact on preparation and expectation of the experience.

Conclusion:

This evaluation demonstrates accessibility, acceptability and relevance of internet-based educational animation for typically developing children, and children with a neurodisability aged 6 to 11 years, with positive impact on preparation for MRI.

Advances in knowledge:

The internet-based educational animation provides a widely accessible tool to support preparation of children for non-sedated MRI.
Emerging therapies for hemophilia: controversies and unanswered questions
Authors: Arruda Valder R. , Doshi Bhavya S. , Samelson-Jones Benjamin J.
Published: April 2018

Several new therapies for hemophilia have emerged in recent years. These strategies range from extended half-life factor replacement products and non-factor options with improved pharmacokinetic profiles to gene therapy aiming for phenotypic cure. While these products have the potential to change hemophilia care dramatically, several challenges and questions remain regarding broader applicability, long-term safety, and which option to pursue for each patient. Here, we review these emerging therapies with a focus on controversies and unanswered questions in each category.
Recent advances in managing/understanding meningioma
Authors: Shaikh Nawal , Dixit Karan , Raizer Jeffrey
Published: April 2018

Meningiomas are the most common adult primary intracranial tumor. Despite their higher incidence, there have not—until recently—been as many advances in understanding and managing meningiomas. Thus far, two broad classes of meningiomas have emerged on the basis of their mutational profile: those driven by neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) inactivation and those with non-NF2 driver gene alterations, such as mammalian target of rapamycin and Hedgehog, Wingless/b-catenin, Notch, transforming growth factor-b receptor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phospholipase C pathway alterations. In addition to improvements in molecular diagnostics, advances in imaging are being studied to better predict tumor behavior, stratify risk, and potentially monitor for disease response. Management consists primarily of surgery and radiation therapy and there has been limited success from medical therapies, although novel targeted agents are now in clinical trials. Advances in imaging and understanding of the genetic makeup of meningiomas demonstrate the huge potential in revolutionizing the classification, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of meningiomas..
Stage 1 Registered Report: Variation in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with sex chromosome trisomies: protocol for a test of the double hit hypothesis
Authors: Newbury Dianne F. , Simpson Nuala H. , Thompson Paul A. , Bishop Dorothy V. M.
Published: April 2018

Background: The presence of an extra sex chromosome is associated with an increased rate of neurodevelopmental difficulties involving language. Group averages, however, obscure a wide range of outcomes.

Hypothesis: The 'double hit' hypothesis proposes that the adverse impact of the extra sex chromosome is amplified when genes that are expressed from the sex chromosomes interact with autosomal variants that usually have only mild effects. Neuroligin-4 genes are expressed from X and Y chromosomes; they play an important role in synaptic development and have been implicated in neurodevelopment. We predict that the impact of an additional sex chromosome on neurodevelopment will be correlated with common autosomal variants involved in related synaptic functions.

 We describe here an analysis plan for testing this hypothesis using existing data. The analysis of genotype-phenotype associations will be conducted after this plan is published and peer-reviewed

Methods: Neurodevelopmental data and DNA are available for 130 children with sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs: 42 girls with trisomy X, 43 boys with Klinefelter syndrome, and 45 boys with XYY). Children from a twin study using the same phenotype measures will form two comparison groups (Ns = 184 and 186). Three indicators of a neurodevelopment disorder phenotype will be used: (i) Standard score on a test of nonword repetition; (ii). A language factor score derived from a test battery; (iii) A general scale of neurodevelopmental challenges based on all available information. Autosomal genes were identified by literature search on the basis of prior association with (a) speech/language/reading phenotypes and (b) synaptic function. Preselected regions of two genes scoring high on both criteria, CNTNAP2 and NRXN1, will be tested for association with neurodevelopmental outcomes using Generalised Structural Component Analysis. We predict the association with one or both genes will be detectable in children with SCTs and stronger than in the comparison samples.
Features of the Use of Modern Information Technologies in the Production of Accounting Expertise of Budget Institutions
Authors: Каширская Л. , Kashirskaya L. , Ситнов Алексей , Sitnov Alyeksyey
Published: April 2018

Th e article revealed and systematized the possibility of conducting the accounting expertise of public institutions in terms of their use of contemporary hardware and soft ware. Th e authors off ered their point of view on the ways of development of methodology and tools of expert research that meets the modern needs of social development.
New records of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) in Alagoas state, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Bruno Corrêa , Marciel Tatiane Tagliatti , Prezoto Fábio
Published: April 2018

Abstract: In this study, the social wasps Mischocyttarus rotundicollis (Cameron)and Polybia bistriata (Fabricius) were recorded for the first time in Alagoas state, including a brief description of the species.Novos registros de vespas sociais (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) no estado de Alagoas, Brasil Resumo: Neste estudo, foram registradas as vespas sociais Mischocyttarus rotundicollis (Cameron) e Polybia bistriata (Fabricius) pela primeira vez no estado de Alagoas e foi incluída uma breve descrição de espécies.
Analysis of Microclimate and Cucumber Fruit Yield in a Screenhouse and an Evaporatively Cooled Greenhouse in a Semi-Arid Location
Authors: Al-Mulla Yaseen A. , Al-Balushi Mohammed I. , Al-Busaidi Hamad A. , Al-Mahdouri Adil A. , Kittas Constantinos , Katsoulas Nikolaos
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

The microclimate and cucumber crop response in a screenhouse and in an evaporatively cooled greenhouse were studied in Oman during winter/spring and spring/summer cultivation periods. Measurements were carried out in two similarly shaped structures: (1) a greenhouse equipped with a pad-and-fan system for evaporative cooling of the greenhouse environment and (2) a screenhouse with no cooling system. Analysis of the spring/summer period climate data showed that the evaporative cooling in the greenhouse reduced the mean air temperature by about 4.5°C compared to outside and maintained the leaf temperature close to the greenhouse air temperature. The 24 h mean leaf and air temperatures in the greenhouse reached 25.8°C ±1.3°C and 25.9°C ±0.8°C, respectively. On the other hand, the 24 h mean leaf and air temperatures in the screenhouse were higher by 1.0°C and 1.3°C, respectively, compared to outside. The 24 h mean leaf and air temperatures in the screenhouse reached 32.8°C ±1.2°C and 31.8°C ±1.5°C, respectively. Furthermore, the evaporative cooling in the greenhouse maintained the 24 h mean air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) values at levels lower than 1.1 kPa, while the 24 h mean air VPD in the screenhouse reached values up to 4.5 kPa. These differences resulted in a 50% decrease in crop fruit yield during the spring/summer period. The radiation and water use efficiency (WUE) values observed in the two structures were similar during the winter/spring period but were higher in the greenhouse during the spring/summer period. However, for the greenhouse, when the water evaporated in the wet pad was also considered, the overall WUE was at the same level in both structures during summer. Furthermore, the evaporative cooling applied in the greenhouse enhanced the mean values of fruit quality characteristics measured during the spring/summer, such as fruit dry matter content (5.6%), fruit firmness (5.0 kg cm-2), and chroma (18.6), compared to that of the screenhouse (5.0%, 4.9 kg cm-2 and 16.3, respectively), but did not significantly affect other fruit quality characteristics, such as mean fruit weight (128 g for greenhouse and 123 g for screenhouse), total soluble solids content (3.9 °Brix for both structures), and juice pH (5.7 for greenhouse and 5.6 for screenhouse). Overall, it can be concluded that under the weather conditions of Oman, although greenhouses are still needed during spring/summer, screenhouses can be used during winter without jeopardizing crop production quantity and quality. Keywords: Evaporative cooling, Evapotranspiration, Radiation use efficiency, Water user efficiency. Total water use efficiency, Climate.
Prediction of Human Responses to Dairy Odor Using an Electronic Nose and Neural Networks
Authors: Chang Fangle , Heinemann Paul
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

Odor emitted from dairy operations may cause negative reactions by farm neighbors. Identification and evaluation of such malodors is vital for better understanding of human response and methods for mitigating effects of odors. The human nose is a valuable tool for odor assessment, but using human panels can be costly and time-consuming, and human evaluation of odor is subjective. Sensing devices, such as an electronic nose, have been widely used to measure volatile emissions from different materials. The challenge, though, is connecting human assessment of odors with the quantitative measurements from instruments. In this work, a prediction system was designed and developed to use instruments to predict human assessment of odors from common dairy operations. The model targets are the human responses to odor samples evaluated using a general pleasantness scale ranging from -11 (extremely unpleasant) to +11 (extremely pleasant). The model inputs were the electronic nose measurements. Three different neural networks, a Levenberg-Marquardt back-propagation neural network (LMBNN), a scaled conjugate gradient back-propagation neural network (CGBNN), and a resilient back-propagation neural network (RPBNN), were applied to connect these two sources of information (human assessments and instrument measurements). The results showed that the LMBNN model can predict human assessments with accuracy as high as 78% within a 10% range and as high as 63% within a 5% range of the targets in independent validation. In addition, the LMBNN model performed with the best stability in both training and independent validation. Keywords: Animal production, Hedonic tone, Olfactometric models.
Terahertz Imaging Applications in Agriculture and Food Engineering: A Review
Authors: Wang Chen , Qin Jianyuan , Xu Wendao , Chen Min , Xie Lijuan , Ying Yibin
Published: April 2018

Terahertz technology, including terahertz spectroscopy and terahertz imaging, is gaining increasing attention and plays an important role in various fields. With the development of terahertz sources and detectors in recent decades, terahertz imaging has been applied in many fields, including security screening, material evaluation, biomedicine, agriculture, and food science. However, progress has been comparatively slow in applying terahertz imaging to agriculture and food engineering. In this article, some commonly used terahertz imaging systems are summarized, and various applications of terahertz imaging in agriculture and food engineering are reviewed, including food safety and quality inspection, seed inspection, water content evaluation of plant leaves, and others. Challenges and the future outlook of terahertz imaging are also discussed. Keywords: Agriculture, Food, Instrumentation, Seed, Terahertz imaging.
An Image-Assisted Rod-Platform Weighing System for Weight Information Sampling of Broilers
Authors: Wang Kailao , Pan Jinming , Rao Xiuqin , Yang Yefeng , Wang Fujie , Zheng Rongjin , Ying Yibin
Published: April 2018

The average weight and flock uniformity of broilers in group housing is important information that allows producers to know the flock growth conditions and determine the selling time. However, gathering weight information of chickens is not only labor-intensive for humans but also frightening for the birds. In this study, an image-assisted rod-platform weighing system was developed to automatically monitor the average weight and flock uniformity of broilers in chicken houses. This weighing system consists of a computer and several weighing scales. Each weighing scale contains a rod-platform weighing module and a surveillance camera module. The principle of the automated weighing system is to estimate population weight information using samples. The design of the rod-platform weighing module was based on the perching habit of birds to attract more broilers to stand on the rod platform and thus get more weight samples. The surveillance camera module is used to detect the number of broilers on the rod using image processing technology. A data processing method called PORWI, which includes elimination of redundant records and trim of non-redundant records, was designed to optimize the results of chicken number identification from images to improve the accuracy of the results. An experiment was done in two small groups of broilers with approximately 100 chickens and 8.58 m2 of area for each group. A weekly weighing was conducted, and three kinds of weight information were obtained, which included manual population weight information (MPWI), manual sample-based weight information (MSWI), and automated sampling weight information (ASWI). Each weight information set comprised the group average weight and flock uniformity, which were then used to evaluate accuracy. The perching rate of chickens using the rod platform reached an average of 60 times h-1, and the rate was retained with increasing age. Compared with the MPWI obtained by individual weighing, the manual sample-based measurement method provided results with errors of 0% to +5%, while our automated weighing system achieved accuracies within ±2% for average weight and ±1.5% for flock uniformity. Keywords: Automatic weighing, Average weight, Broiler, Chicken detection, Uniformity.
A Laboratory-Scale Tempering and Milling Method for Grain Sorghum
Authors: Zhao Yumeng , Ambrose R. P. Kingsly
Published: April 2018

Abstract.

The current commercial milling process for pigmented sorghum leads to inconsistent milling quality and performance. Proper pretreatment of sorghum may improve the milling performance. The effects of cold water, hot water, and steam tempering of sorghum on the milling performance and flour quality were investigated in this study. A tabletop roller mill system that had five break rolls and two smooth rolls was used. The millstream output at different stages of roller milling was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the conditioning treatments. Steamed sorghum had high bran yield due to toughening of the bran, which allowed gradual scraping of the endosperm from the bran. Flour yield was not significantly different among the pretreatments. Flour crude fiber content of the 1 min steam treated sorghum was 1.28% ±0.09%, which was significantly higher than that of cold water treated sorghum (0.87% ±0.19%). The damaged starch content in the milled flour was highest in the cold water treated (5.96% ±0.24%) sorghum, and steam treatment resulted in lower damaged starch content (3.63% to 4.18%). Steam treatment resulted in flour with more convex and circular particles compared to the other treatments, indicating better separation of starch granules from the endosperm. Steam treatment of sorghum kernels at high temperature and pressure led to better separation of bran and endosperm without negatively impacting flour quality. Steam tempering could be a better pretreatment process for milling sorghum for food purposes. Keywords: Flour properties, Milling, Sorghum, Tempering.
Vis- and NIR-Based Instruments for Detection of Black-Tip Damaged Wheat Kernels: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wu Tingting , Armstrong Paul   R. , Maghirang Elizabeth   B.
Published: April 2018

Black-tip (BT) is a non-mycotoxic fungus that attacks wheat kernels, forming a dark brown or black sooty area at the tip of the kernel. Visual inspection, which is the approved reference method for determining the amount of BT in wheat, requires substantial time and has high potential for subjective evaluation. Three spectrometers covering the spectral ranges 950-1636 nm (Spec1), 600-1045 nm (Spec2), and 380-780 nm (Spec3) were evaluated for their ability to predict the presence of BT. Kernels were quantified into four levels: (A) sound, (B) low black-tip symptoms (BTS), (C) high BTS, and (D) BT damaged (BTD). Discriminant classification models were developed to evaluate combinations of levels. The combinations were (1) levels A, B, C, and D separately; (2) A, B+C, and D; and (3) A+B and C+D. Spectral data for 2,760 kernels obtained from 23 hard red winter (HRW) wheat samples, each comprising 30 kernels that were visually selected for each of the four levels of black-tip severity (A, B, C, and D), were collected with each spectrometer. Discriminant calibration models for each spectrometer and classification category were developed based on (1) three combinations of 17 HRW wheat samples, with the six remaining samples used for independent validation, and (2) combinations of 20 randomly selected kernels from each of the 23 HRW wheat samples as calibration samples, with the remaining ten kernels used as validation samples. Discriminant analysis was based on five wavelengths for each model. Spectra pretreatment was the standard normal variate (SNV). Results showed that all three spectrometers were capable of detecting BT damage on wheat kernels. BT classification accuracy was observed to have been affected by wheat varieties for Spec1 and Spec2 (both with NIR wavelengths) but not for Spec3, which was entirely in the visible region. The two-category classification (A+B, C+D) provided higher accuracy than the three-category (A, B+C, D) and four-category (A, B, C, D) classifications. Based on the percent correct classification and Youden’s index, Spec2 performed better in detecting sound and BTD wheat kernels, with classification accuracies of the best two-category classification calibration model ranging from 85.6% to 87.5%, compared to Spec1 at 74.8% to 78.4% and Spec3 at 76.7% to 79.2%. This study also showed the potential of using a five-wavelength model, which equates to the potential for developing simple, less expensive, high-speed photoelectric detection instruments. These instruments can serve as important tools in plant breeding, grading, or grain processing facilities to enable BT detection and, with proper selection of wavelengths, may also find applications in simultaneous single-kernel detection, measurement, and segregation of other chemical characteristics, such as protein and starch content. Keywords: Black-tip damage, NIR, VIS, Spectroscopy, Wheat.

Keywords: Black-tip damage, NIR, VIS, Spectroscopy, Wheat.
Effect of Soil on Fast Pyrolysis Products from Pine (Pinus taeda) Biomass
Authors: Pradhan Ujjain , Adhikari Sushil , Fasina Oladiran , Nam Hyungseok
Published: April 2018

Detrital soil contamination during wood harvesting cannot be avoided without a further cleaning step. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of Piedmont soil on pinewood pyrolysis products. Ash content was varied at 0.56%, 1.16%, 2.77%, 4.40%, 6.87%, 8.35%, and 15.52% by adding soil to woodchips to mimic the highly soil-contaminated biomass that can be found in biorefineries. This study found that bio-oil yield decreased from 47.1% to 26.3% with an increase in ash content from 0.56% to 15.52%. However, the oxygen content of the bio-oil decreased and the carbon content increased, which led to an increase in heating value from 22.5 to 24.9 MJ kg-1. Inorganics in the soil aided in the catalytic cracking and dehydration reactions for bio-oil formation. A slight increase in the total acid number (106 to 117 mg KOH g-1) and water content (20.72% to 24.99%) was observed with more soil inclusion in the pyrolysis. The effect of soil on biochar O/C and H/C ratios was minimal even though the heating value decreased with an increase in soil content. This study showed that soil (4%wt to 7%wt) in the biomass assisted in deoxygenating the bio-oil and lowered the total mass yield while keeping the total energy yield almost constant. Keywords: Fast pyrolysis, Pinewood, Pinus taeda, Soil, Thermochemical conversion.
Stored Grain Pack Factor Measurements for Soybeans, Grain Sorghum, Oats, Barley, and Wheat
Authors: Bhadra Rumela , Casada Mark   E. , Turner Aaron   P. , Montross Michael   D. , Thompson Sidney   A. , McNeill Samuel .  G , Maghirang Ronaldo   G. , Boac Josephine   M.
Published: April 2018

Grain and oilseed crops stored in bins undergo compaction due to overbearing pressure of the grain inside the structure. Thus, volume measurements of grain in bins need to be combined with the amount of packing (usually called pack factor) in addition to the initial density so that the mass in the structure can be calculated. Multiple pack factor prediction methods are in use in the grain industry, but they have only been validated in the literature and compared with field data for corn and hard red winter wheat. Predictions from WPACKING, the program in ASABE Standard EP413.2, and two standard USDA methods, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) and USDA Farm Service Agency-Warehouse Licensing and Examination Division (FSA-W) methods, were compared to field measurements of 92 bins containing soybeans, grain sorghum, oats, barley, or soft white or durum wheat. The WPACKING predictions had the lowest absolute average error of predicted mass for soybeans, grain sorghum, barley, and wheat, while the FSA-W method had the lowest error for oats. The RMA method gave the largest prediction errors for all five crops and struggled especially with the low-density, high-compaction crops oats and barley, giving average percent absolute errors near or above 10% in both cases. Overall, WPACKING, the RMA method, and the FSA-W method had average percent absolute errors of 2.09%, 5.65%, and 3.62%, respectively, for the 92 bins. These results can be used to improve pack factor predictions for the grain industry. Keywords: Barley, Grain, Grain sorghum, Oats, Pack factor, Sorghum, Soybeans, Steel and concrete bins, Stored grain inventory, Test weight, Wheat.
Semi-Supervised Learning-Based Live Fish Identification in Aquaculture Using Modified Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Yihao , Zhang Fengdeng , Zhu Songming , Liu Ying , Lu Huanda , Ye Zhangying
Published: April 2018

Aiming at live fish identification in aquaculture, a practical and efficient semi-supervised learning model, based on modified deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DCGANs), was proposed in this study. Benefiting from the modified DCGANs structure, the presented model can be trained effectively using relatively few labeled training samples. In consideration of the complex poses of fish and the low resolution of sampling images in aquaculture, spatial pyramid pooling and some improved techniques specifically for the presented model were used to make the model more robust. Finally, in tests with two preprocessed and challenging datasets (with 5%, 10%, and 15% labeled training data in the fish recognition ground-truth dataset and 25%, 50%, and 75% labeled training data in the Croatian fish dataset), the feasibility and reliability of the presented model for live fish identification were proved with respective accuracies of 80.52%, 81.66%, and 83.07% for the ground-truth dataset and 65.13%, 78.72%, and 82.95% for the Croatian fish dataset. Keywords: Aquaculture, Deep convolutional generative adversarial networks, Few labeled training samples, Live fish identification, Semi-supervised learning, Spatial pyramid pooling.
Basic income: confusion, claims and choices
Authors: Piachaud David
Published: April 2018

Basic Income is gaining increasing prominence. The paper analyses the idea. Six confusions are discussed and suggestions made for greater clarity. Five claims made for Basic Income are considered – that unconditionality is just, that individualised simplicity is fair, that it is economically efficient, that it is compatible with the future labour market, and is politically feasible. All five of these claims are found to be wanting. Some of the choices that must be made in developing policy to reduce poverty are reviewed. The paper concludes that if the aim is to tackle poverty, Basic Income is not the solution.
Interesting Mechanistic Approach for Nitrogen Heterocycles of Industrial Importance
Authors: Zargar N.D. , Khan K.Z.
Published: April 2018

Nitrogen heterocycles have played an important role in different industrial sectors.Porphyrins the macrocyclic compounds containing pyrrole rings provide an extremely versatile platform with desired peripheral functionality and metal complexes to form the self assembly under varying reaction conditions. Haemoglobin an iron complex is responsible for binding molecular oxygen and transporting it to different sites. Mechanistically interesting N-heterocycles, Arylidene-1,3-indandione adducts (6) and (7) synthesized frequently are of immense pharmaceutical importance showing fungicidal and bactericidal activities. Nitrogen heteroatom phthalimide derivatives(8),(9) and (10) have been evaluated as possible potential prodrugs. A wide range of Nitrogen heterocycles have been synthesized for every imaginable use in dye and polymer industries.
Ethanolic Extract of Hedyotis corymbosa L. Inhibits Migration and MMP-9 Activity on Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Novitasari Dhania , Handayani Sri , Jenie Riris Istighfari
Published: April 2018

Many natural products have been widely explored for their pharmacological activities, including anticancer activity. Hedyotis corymbosa L. is known for its anticancer properties toward several cancer cell lines. The study aims to investigate whether ethanolic extract of Hedyotis corymbosa L. (EEH) performs anticancer properties by inhibiting migration and metastasis on breast cancer cells. Cytotoxic evaluation by using MTT assay was carried out to determine EEH effect on 4T1 breast cancer cells, meanwhile to investigate the treatment of EEH in migration and metastasis inhibitory effect, scratch wound healing assay and gelatin zymography were conducted in this study. The data showed that EEH possessed cytotoxic activity with IC50 value of 400 μg/mL.  Interestingly, migration inhibitory effect was shown up to 42 hours and the activity of MMP-9 was also decreased after the treatment with EEH. According to these findings, we suggest that Hedyotis corymbosa L. promotes another anticancer properties by inhibiting migration and metastasis towards breast cancer cells.Keywords : Hedyotis corymbosa L., cytotoxicity, migration, metastatic, 4T1 breast cancer cells
Zielfindung leicht gemacht
Authors: Ankele Kathrin
Published: April 2018

Die Implementierung betrieblicher Umweltschutzinstrumente hat zu einer Erhöhung der Ökoeffizienz der Unternehmen beigetragen. Umweltentlastungen sind jedoch in stärkerem Ausmaß von der Ökoeffektivität, also der ökologischen Wirksamkeit, abhängig. Diese wurde bislang kaum in Betracht gezogen. In einem IÖW-Forschungsvorhaben wurde eine Methode entwickelt, die dieses Defizit beheben soll.
Eine Frage der Rechte und Pflichten
Authors: Schrader Ulf
Published: April 2018

Die Zahl von Publikationen zu öko-effizienten Dienstleistungen wächst schnell. Eine vergleichbare reale Entwicklung solcher Konzepte im Konsum­güterbereich steht hingegen noch aus. Von welchen Faktoren hängt die noch geringe Konsumentenakzeptanz ab? Mit der Erweiterung des Verfügungs­rechteansatzes der Property-Rights-Theorie wird in diesem Beitrag eine neue Struktur relevanter Einflussfaktoren vorgestellt und für die Bedürfnis­felder Automobilität und saubere Wäsche empirisch getestet (1).
Vielfältige Hemmnisse überwinden
Authors: Graehl Sven , Fichtner Wolf , Rentz Otto
Published: April 2018

Sowohl das überbetriebliche Stoffstrommanagement als auch die Regionalisierung von Wirt­schaftsaktivitäten sind in der theoretischen Diskussion über eine nachhaltige Entwicklung von großer Bedeutung. In der betrieblichen Praxis werden Konzepte, die beide Ansätze miteinander verbinden, jedoch nur sehr vereinzelt umgesetzt. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt deshalb Umset­zungskonzepte, Hemmnisse und daraus resultierenden Forschungsbedarf auf.
Vor neuen Herausforderungen
Authors: Matthes Felix Christian
Published: April 2018

Wohl kein anderes Politikfeld ist in den letzten Jahren mit so grundlegend veränderten Rahmenbedingungen konfrontiert worden wie die Energiepolitik. Der auf Druck der Europäischen Union (EU) zustande gekommene Liberalisierungsprozess des Strom- und Gassektors ist jedoch mit gravierenden Problemen verbunden. Der Handlungsbedarf für die europäische Energie- und Umweltpolitik ist erheblich.
Jenseits des Gleichgewichts
Authors: Geisendorf Sylvie , Briegel Ramón
Published: April 2018

Für ein Verständnis der Mensch-Umwelt-Beziehungen, wie sie im Zentrum der Ökologischen Ökonomik stehen, bedarf es auch einer differenzierten Vorstellung von menschlichen Handlungsabläufen. Erst vor diesem Hintergrund können auch ökologisch motivierte Maßnahmen zur Veränderung des Verhaltens sinnvoll beurteilt werden. Neue Modellierungsansätze bieten hierzu die Möglichkeit. Vorgestellt werden drei Bausteine, mit denen sich ein Lern- oder Regeländerungsverhalten der Akteure, komplexere Interaktionsstrukturen sowie das Handeln verschiedenartiger Akteure in einer räumlichen Umwelt abbilden lassen.
Blickpunkt Veränderungsprozesse
Authors: Nill Jan
Published: April 2018

Nachhaltigkeit als Herausforderung ernst zu nehmen heißt, sich mit der Gestaltung erheblicher Veränderungen in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft zu beschäftigen. Daher ist gerade für die Ökologische Ökonomik ein Verständnis von Treibern und Hemmnissen ökonomischer Veränderungsprozesse von hoher Relevanz. Hierzu können neuere Ansätze der evolutorischen Ökonomik einen Beitrag leisten. Sie bieten auch Ansatzpunkte für neuere Konzepte, wie mittels einer geeigneten Innovationspolitik Pfadwechsel in Richtung Nachhaltigkeit unterstützt werden können.
Contributions and Challenges
Authors: Scholte Jan Aart
Published: April 2018

Wie kann und sollte die Zivilgesellschaft am globalen Finanzsystem beteiligt werden? Es ist festzustellen, dass ihre Bedeutung wächst. Trägt sie zu einer effektiven Steuerung der globalen Finanzmärkte bei oder gilt eher das Gegenteil? Eine Bilanz ergibt ein ambivalentes Bild. Die Rolle der Zivilgesellschaft sollte weder idealisiert noch dämonisiert werden.
Ende gut, alles gut?
Authors: Volkery Axel
Published: April 2018

Das neue Bundesnaturschutzgesetz steht kurz vor der Verabschiedung. An­gesichts des Scheiterns einer Gesamtno­vellierung in den drei Legislaturperioden zuvor ist schon dies allein als ein Erfolg zu werten. Ob die Novelle aber ihrem Ziel gerecht wird, das Naturschutzrecht umfassend zu modernisieren, ist zu bezweifeln
Ökosteuer und Zertifikate – Gegensatz oder Ergänzung?
Authors: Meinecke Mario , Schrader Bettina
Published: April 2018

Bisher galt in Deutschland die ökologische Steuerreform als Königsinstrument für Schritte in Richtung eines ökologischen Strukturwandels. Allerdings bleibt die praktische Umsetzung hinter diesem Anspruch zurück. International gewin­nen Emissionszertifikate an Bedeutung. Ergibt sich daraus eine neue Perspekti­ve oder handelt es sich um eine bloße Neuauflage einer Instrumentendebatte, die wirkliche Strukturveränderungen verhindern soll?
Schwachstelle Datenqualität
Authors: Schmid Uwe
Published: April 2018

Die Flusskostenrechnung bietet Unternehmen die Möglichkeit, Optimierungspo­tenziale zur Umweltentlastung bei gleichzeitiger Kostensenkung aufzuspüren. Dies setzt allerdings eine geeignete Datenbasis voraus. Das folgende Pra­xisprojekt macht deutlich, wie ein systematisches Ausschöpfen dieser Potenzi­ale im Prozess der Flusskostenrechnung durch entsprechende Anpassungen der bestehenden betrieblichen Informationssysteme ermöglicht wird.
EuRegionale 2008: Drei + drei + fünf = eine Region?!
Authors: Burgdorff Frauke , Meyer Ralf
Published: April 2018

Die Bedeutung von Kommunikation nimmt bei grenzüberschreitenden Regional­entwicklungsprojekten zu. Ein Beispiel ist das Drei-Länder-Land um Aachen, das derzeit die EuRegionale 2008 vorbereitet. Aus dem Entwicklungsprozess des Konzeptes lassen sich erste Schlussfolgerungen für ein grenzüberschreitendes Regionalmanagement ableiten
Verschobene Kräfteverhältnisse
Authors: Libbe Jens
Published: April 2018

Das Deutsche Institut für Urbanistik hat im Rahmen einer Sondierungsstudie für das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung sozial-ökologische Probleme und Chancen untersucht, die aus der zunehmenden Privatisierung und Liberali­sierung bisher öffentlicher Aufgabenbereiche erwachsen können (1). Es zeigt sich, dass sich die Rolle und auch das Selbstverständnis von Kommunen erheb­lich verändern wird. Für die Bürger als Verbraucher können daraus neue Chan­cen erwachsen, wenn Markttransparenz und die Einhaltung ökologischer Rah­menbedingungen gewährleistet bleiben.
TATuPDates
Authors: Redaktion TATuP
Published: April 2018

Ausblick auf TATuP 2/2018