bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Synthesis of Bis-Purine Derivatives by a PPh3-catalysed Double Addition of Dialkylated Xanthine Derivatives to Alkyl Propiolates
Authors: Shams Nasim , Mosslemin Mohammad Hossein , Anaraki-Ardakani Hossein
Published: September 2015

Reaction between 5,7-dialkylated xanthine derivatives (2 equiv.) and an alkyl propiolate in the presence of catalytic amounts of triphenyl phosphine yields alkyl 2,3-bis(1,3-dialkyl-2,6-dioxo/oxothio-2,3-dihydro-1H-purin-7(6H)-yl)propanoates in excellent yield.
Synthesis of Benzo[4,5]isoquinolino[2,1-a]Quinazoline Derivatives by Reaction of (Z)-2-amino-N′-arylbenzimidamides with 1,8-naphthalic Anhydride
Authors: El-Shaieb Kamal M.
Published: September 2015

The reaction of (Z)-2-amino-N′-arylbenzimidamides with 1,8-naphthalic anhydride in ethyl alcohol under reflux conditions gave benzo[4,5] isoquinolino[2,1-a]quinazoline derivatives in good yield.
A Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Novel 1,2,4-Triazolo[4,3-a]Pyridine Derivatives Containing the Trifluoromethyl Moiety Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Yang Ming-Yan , Zhai Zhi-Wen , Sun Zhao-Hui , Yu Shu-Jing , Liu Xing-Hai , Weng Jian-Quan , Tan Cheng-Xia , Zhao Wei-Guang
Published: September 2015

A series of novel substituted 8-chloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridines are synthesised from 2,3-dichloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine, hydrazine hydrate as starting materials by multi-step reactions under microwave irradiation. Their chemical structures can be characterised by 1H NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The title compounds exhibit weak antifungal activity.
Fast and Efficient Adsorption of Ag Nanoparticles by Sodium Montmorillonite Nanoclay from Aqueous Systems
Authors: Zarei Ali Reza , Barghak Farideh
Published: September 2015

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are, due to their antimicrobial properties, the most widely used nanoparticles in commercial products. AgNPs are incorporated into medical products such as bandages, as well as in textiles and household items. Besides its antimicrobial effect, exposure to soluble silver compounds produce toxic effects on all living organisms. In this work, the removal of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous sodium montmorillonite nanoclay in the presence of a cationic surfactant stabiliser was investigated. The effects of experimental parameters on the adsorption process, such as pH, surfactant concentration, adsorbent dosage, initial AgNPs concentration and contact time, were studied. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied and the Langmuir model was found to best fit the equilibrium isotherm data. Langmuir adsorption capacity was found to be 71.4 mg g−1 of AgNPs at pH 7. The results indicate that sodium montmorillonite nanoclay can be used for the fast and efficient removal of AgNPs from aqueous solutions.
Biotransformation of Some Steroids by Aspergillus Candidus
Authors: Yildirim Kudret , Kuru Ali
Published: September 2015

The biotransformation of dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone and pregnenolone by Aspergillus candidus MRC 200634 for 5 days is reported. Dehydroepiandrosterone was hydroxylated at C-6β, C-7β, C-7α, C-11α and C-15α. The 17-ketone was reduced to the 17β-alcohol whilst ring A of dehydroepiandrosterone was oxidised to a 4-en-3-one moiety. Progesterone was mainly hydroxylated at C-11α and C-15β and to a lesser extent at C-14α. Pregnenolone gave the same metabolites.
A New Method for Human Posture Recognition Using Principal Component Analysis and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Uddin M. Z. , Yousuf M. A.
Published: September 2015

The recognition of human posture from images is currently a very active area of research in computer vision. This paper presents a novel recognition method to determine a human posture is of walking or sitting using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In this paper, two types of learning are used to recognize the human posture. One is unsupervised and another is supervised learning. We have used PCA for unsupervised learning and ANN for supervised learning. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we have considered four types of human posture; walking, sitting, right leg up-down and left leg up-down. The experimental results on the human action of walking, sitting, right leg up-down and left leg up-down database show that our approach produces accurate recognition.
Formulation and Evaluation of Fixed Dose Combination Suppositories Containing Stavudine, Lamivudine and Nevirapine for Pediatric Applications
Authors: Padmavathi Y. , M. Reddy B. , Renuka M. , Sumedha K. , P. Reddy N.
Published: September 2015

Suppositories are the convenient way of administering drugs in infants. In view of the lack of suitable pediatric antiretroviral formulations in the market, suppositories containing fixed dose combination (FDC) of stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine (SLN) were developed to allow administration of the correct weight-related dose in pediatric HIV patients as recommended by WHO. Suppositories containing 10 mg of stavudine, 40 mg of lamivudine and 70 mg of nevirapine were prepared by the fusion method using Witepsol H15 semi-synthetic suppository base. All the prepared suppositories were evaluated for various physical parameters like weight variation, melting point, drug content and hardness. The rate and extent of drug release was evaluated using USP apparatus I and samples were analyzed by a validated UV-multicomponent method. The use of surfactants significantly increased the drug release from formulations manufactured with Witepsol H 15 fatty base. The development of pediatric fixed-dose combination formulations represent a new era and mark an important milestone for children living with HIV/AIDS.
Vertex Equitable Labeling of Cycle and Star Related Graphs
Authors: Jeyanthi P. , Maheswari A. , Vijaya-Laksmi M,
Published: September 2015

Let G be a graph with p vertices and q edges and A = {0,1,2,..,[q/2]} A vertex labeling f: V (G) ? A induces an edge labeling f* defined by f*(uv) = f(u) + f(v) for all edges uv. For ? ? A, let vf (a) be the number of vertices v with f(v) = a. A graph G is said to be vertex equitable if there exists a vertex labeling f such that for all a and b in A, |?f (?) - ?f (b)|? 1 and the induced edge labels are 1, 2, 3,, q. In this paper, we prove that jewel graph Jn, jelly fish graph (JF)n, balanced lobster graph BL(n,2,m), Ln ? Km (mean value) and  are vertex equitable graphs.
Structural Properties, Impedance Spectroscopy and Dielectric Spin Relaxation of Ni-Zn Ferrite Synthesized by Double Sintering Technique
Authors: Ali M. A. , Khan M. N. I. , Chowdhury F.-U.-Z , Akhter S. , Uddin M. M.
Published: September 2015

Structural properties, impedance, dielectric and electric modulus spectra have been used to investigate the sintering temperature (Ts) effect on the single phase cubic spinel Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 (NZFO) ceramics synthesized by standard ceramic technique. Enhancement of dielectric constants is observed with increasing Ts. The collective contribution of n-type and p-type carriers yields a clear peak in notable unusual dielectric behavior is successfully explained by the Rezlescu model. The non-Debye type long range dielectric relaxation phenomena is explained by electric modulus formalism. Fast response of the grain boundaries of the sample sintered at lower Ts sample leading to small dielectric spin relaxation time, t (several nanoseconds) have been determined using electric modulus spectra for the samples sintered at different Ts. Two clear semicircles in impedance Cole-Cole plot have also been successfully explained by employing two parallel RC equivalent circuits in series configuration taking into account no electrode contribution. Such a long relaxation time in NZFO ceramics could suitably be used in nanoscale spintronic devices.
An assessment blueprint for the Advanced Medical Life Support two-day prehospital emergency medical services training program in the United States
Authors: Becker Les R. , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Traditional approaches to blueprint creation may focus on fine-grained detail at the expense of important foundational concepts. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for constructing an assessment blueprint to guide the creation of a new post-test for a two-day prehospital emergency medical services training program. Methods: In order to create the blueprint, we first determined the proportions of the total classroom and home-study minutes associated with the lower- and higher-order cognitive objectives of each chapter of the textbook and the two-day classroom activities during training courses conducted from January to April 2015. These proportions were then applied to a 50-question test structure in order to calculate the number of desired questions by chapter and content type. Results: Our blueprint called for the test to contain an almost even split of lower- and higher-order cognitive questions. One-best-answer multiple choice items and extended matching-type items were written to assess lower- and higher-order cognitive content, respectively. Conclusion: We report the first known application of an assessment blueprint to a prehospital professional development education program. Our approach to blueprint creation is computationally straightforward and could be easily adopted by a group of instructors with a basic understanding of lower- and higher-order cognitive constructs. By blueprinting at the chapter level, as we have done, item-writers should be more inclined to construct questions that focus on important central themes or procedures.
Hume on the Meaning of ‘Power’
Authors: Jiang Asher
Published: September 2015

Hume frequently states that we are ignorant of genuine power. There is a well-known internal difficulty concerning this claim concerning ignorance. According to Hume, we do not have an impression-based idea of genuine power; on the other hand, every noun needs a corresponding idea to be meaningful. Is his claim concerning ignorance, which makes use of the noun ‘power’, meaningless in light of his own criterion of meaningfulness? I focus on two exegetical approaches to this difficulty proposed in the literature of the ‘New Hume Debate’: 1) we may read Hume's own positive definitions of power (not using any idea of genuine power) back into his claim of ignorance to ensure the meaningfulness of ‘power’; and 2) ‘power’ may correspond to a relative idea of genuine power and derive its meaning from this relative idea. I argue against both of these solutions and offer my own solution that is quite close to the text. However, adopting my proposal demands a price: a considerable part of Hume's argumentative undertaking does not meet his own standard of philosophical precision.
Differences in Aluminium Accumulation and Resistance between Genotypes of the Genus Fagopyrum
Authors: Klug Benjamin , Kirchner Thomas , Horst Walter
Published: September 2015

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is a major factor reducing crop productivity worldwide. There is a broad variation in intra- and inter-specific Al resistance. Whereas the Al resistance mechanisms have generally been well explored in Al-excluding plant species, Al resistance through Al accumulation and Al tolerance is not yet well understood. Therefore, a set of 94 genotypes from three Fagopyrum species with special emphasis on F. esculentum Moench were screened, with the objective of identifying genotypes with greatly differing Al accumulation capacity. The genotypes were grown in Al-enriched peat-based substrate for 21 days. Based on the Al concentration of the xylem sap, which varied by a factor of five, only quantitative but not qualitative genotypic differences in Al accumulation could be identified. Aluminium and citrate and Al and Fe concentrations in the xylem sap were positively correlated suggesting that Fe and Al are loaded into and transported in the xylem through related mechanisms. In a nutrient solution experiment using six selected F. esculentum genotypes differing in Al and citrate concentrations in the xylem sap the significant correlation between Al and iron transport in the xylem could be confirmed. Inhibition of root elongation by Al was highly significantly correlated with root oxalate-exudation and leaf Al accumulation. This suggests that Al-activated oxalate exudation and rapid transport of Al to the shoot are prerequisites for the protection of the root apoplast from Al injury and thus overall Al resistance and Al accumulation in buckwheat.
Multidrug Efflux Systems in Microaerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Xu Zeling , Yan Aixin
Published: September 2015

Active drug efflux constitutes an important mechanism of antibiotic and multidrug resistance in bacteria. Understanding the distribution, expression, and physiological functions of multidrug efflux pumps, especially under physiologically and clinically relevant conditions of the pathogens, is the key to combat drug resistance. In animal hosts, most wounded, infected and inflamed tissues display low oxygen tensions. In this article, we summarize research development on multidrug efflux pumps in the medicinally relevant microaerobic and anaerobic pathogens and their implications in the effort to combat drug-resistant infections.
Notable Aspects of Glycan-Protein Interactions
Authors: Cohen Miriam
Published: September 2015

This mini review highlights several interesting aspects of glycan-mediated interactions that are common between cells, bacteria, and viruses. Glycans are ubiquitously found on all living cells, and in the extracellular milieu of multicellular organisms. They are known to mediate initial binding and recognition events of both immune cells and pathogens with their target cells or tissues. The host target tissues are hidden under a layer of secreted glycosylated decoy targets. In addition, pathogens can utilize and display host glycans to prevent identification as foreign by the host’s immune system (molecular mimicry). Both the host and pathogens continually evolve. The host evolves to prevent infection and the pathogens evolve to evade host defenses. Many pathogens express both glycan-binding proteins and glycosidases. Interestingly, these proteins are often located at the tip of elongated protrusions in bacteria, or in the leading edge of the cell. Glycan-protein interactions have low affinity and, as a result, multivalent interactions are often required to achieve biologically relevant binding. These enable dynamic forms of adhesion mechanisms, reviewed here, and include rolling (cells), stick and roll (bacteria) or surfacing (viruses).
Aptamers and Their Significant Role in Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis
Authors: Prakash Joy , Rajamanickam Karunanithi
Published: September 2015

Aptamers are nucleic acid/peptide molecules that can be generated by a sophisticated, well-established technique known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers can interact with their targets through structural recognition, as in antibodies, though with higher specificity. With this added advantage, they can be made useful for clinical applications such as targeted therapy and diagnosis. In this review, we have discussed the steps involved in SELEX process and modifications executed to attain high affinity nucleic acid aptamers. Moreover, our review also highlights the therapeutic applications of aptamer functionalized nanoparticles and nucleic acids as chemo-therapeutic agents. In addition, we have described the development of “aptasensor” in clinical diagnostic application for detecting cancer cells and the use of aptamers in different routine imaging techniques, such as Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography, Ultrasound, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Synthetic Smectite Colloids: Characterization of Nanoparticles after Co-Precipitation in the Presence of Lanthanides and Tetravalent Elements (Zr, Th)
Authors: Bouby Muriel , Finck Nicolas , Geckeis Horst
Published: September 2015

The magnesian smectite hectorite is a corrosion product frequently detected in nuclear waste glass alteration experiments. The structural incorporation of a single trivalent lanthanide was previously demonstrated. Hectorite was presently synthesized, for the first time, in the presence of several lanthanides (La, Eu, Yb) following a multi-step synthesis protocol. The smallest-sized particles (nanoparticles, NPs) were isolated by centrifugation and analyzed by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AsFlFFF) coupled to ICP-MS, in order to obtain information on the elemental composition and distribution as a function of the size. Nanoparticles can be separated from the bulk smectite phase. The particles are able to accommodate even the larger-sized lanthanides such as La, however, with lower efficiency. We, therefore, assume that the incorporation proceeds by substitution for octahedral Mg accompanied by a concomitant lattice strain that increases with the size of the lanthanides. The presence of a mixture does not seem to affect the incorporation extent of any specific element. Furthermore, syntheses were performed where in addition the tetravalent zirconium or thorium elements were admixed, as this oxidation state may prevail for many actinide ions in a nuclear waste repository. The results show that they can be incorporated as well.
Numerical Simulations of Wave-Induced Flow Fields around Large-Diameter Surface-Piercing Vertical Circular Cylinder
Authors: Alfonsi Giancarlo
Published: September 2015

A computational analysis is performed on the diffraction of water waves induced by large-diameter, surface-piercing, vertical circular cylinder. With reference to linear-wave cases, the phenomenon is preliminarly considered in terms of velocity potential, a simplified theoretical framework in which both hypotheses of inviscid fluid and irrotational flow are incorporated. Then, and as a first-approximation analysis, the Euler equations in primitive variables are considered (a framework in which the fluid is still handled as inviscid, but the field can be rotational). Finally, the real-fluid behavior is analyzed, by numerically integrating the full Navier-Stokes equations (viscous fluid and rotational field) in their velocity-pressure formulation, by following the approach of the Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS, no models are used for the fluctuating portion of the velocity field). For further investigation of the flow fields, the swirling-strength criterion for flow-structure extraction, and the Karhunen-Loève (KL) decomposition technique for the extraction of the most energetic flow modes respectively, are applied to the computed fields. It is found that remarkable differences exist between the wave-induced fields, as derived within the different computing frameworks tested.
Influence of the Systemic Application of Blue–Green Spirulina platensis Algae on the Cutaneous Carotenoids and Elastic Fibers in Vivo
Authors: Darvin Maxim , Jung Sora , Schanzer Sabine , Richter Heike , Kurth Elke , Thiede Gisela , Meinke Martina , Lademann Juergen
Published: September 2015

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of a food supplement rich in antioxidants on the antioxidant status of the skin. For this reason, the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis powder was used for oral application during eight weeks. The effect of oral application of the antioxidant-containing Spirulina platensis on characteristic skin aging parameters, e.g., concentration of cutaneous carotenoids and the collagen/elastin index (SAAID), was investigated in vivo. A significant average increase from 2.67 ± 0.86 arb. units to 3.25 ± 0.93 arb. units (p < 0.001) in the cutaneous carotenoid concentration was detected subsequent to oral application of the carotenoid-containing Spirulina platensis powder, showing a significant improvement of the antioxidant status of the skin. A slight but not significant increase (p = 0.33) in the dermal SAAID mean values was measured from −0.54 ± 0.11 to −0.51 ± 0.11 subsequent to oral intake of Spirulina platensis powder.
Self-Similar Solutions of Rényi’s Entropy and the Concavity of Its Entropy Power
Authors: Hatzinikitas Agapitos
Published: September 2015

We study the class of self-similar probability density functions with finite mean and variance, which maximize Rényi’s entropy. The investigation is restricted in the Schwartz space S(Rd) and in the space of l-differentiable compactly supported functions Clc (Rd). Interestingly, the solutions of this optimization problem do not coincide with the solutions of the usual porous medium equation with a Dirac point source, as occurs in the optimization of Shannon’s entropy. We also study the concavity of the entropy power in Rd with respect to time using two different methods. The first one takes advantage of the solutions determined earlier, while the second one is based on a setting that could be used for Riemannian manifolds.
Nonlinear Predictive Control of a Hydropower System Model
Authors: Zhang Runfan , Chen Diyi , Ma Xiaoyi
Published: September 2015

A six-dimensional nonlinear hydropower system controlled by a nonlinear predictive control method is presented in this paper. In terms of the nonlinear predictive control method; the performance index with terminal penalty function is selected. A simple method to find an appropriate terminal penalty function is introduced and its effectiveness is proved. The input-to-state-stability of the controlled system is proved by using the Lyapunov function. Subsequently a six-dimensional model of the hydropower system is presented in the paper. Different with other hydropower system models; the above model includes the hydro-turbine system; the penstock system; the generator system; and the hydraulic servo system accurately describing the operational process of a hydropower plant. Furthermore, the numerical experiments show that the six-dimensional nonlinear hydropower system controlled by the method is stable. In addition, the numerical experiment also illustrates that the nonlinear predictive control method enjoys great advantages over a traditional control method in nonlinear systems. Finally, a strategy to combine the nonlinear predictive control method with other methods is proposed to further facilitate the application of the nonlinear predictive control method into practice.
An Approach to Identify the Suitable Plant Location for Miscanthus-Based Ethanol Industry: A Case Study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Roy Poritosh , Dutta Animesh , Deen Bill
Published: September 2015

The life cycle (LC) of ethanol extracted from Miscanthus has been evaluated to identify the potential location for the Miscanthus-based ethanol industry in Ontario, Canada to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and minimize the production cost of ethanol. Four scenarios are established considering the land classes, land use, and cropping patterns in Ontario, Canada. The net energy consumption, emissions, and cost of ethanol are observed to be dependent on the processing plant location and scenarios. The net energy consumption, emissions, and cost vary from 12.9 MJ/L to 13.4 MJ/L, 0.79 $/L to 0.84 $/L, and 0.45 kg-CO2e/L to 1.32 kg-CO2e/L, respectively, which are reliant on the scenarios. Eastern Ontario has emerged as the best option. This study reveals that Miscanthus is a potential feedstock for the ethanol industries in Ontario, even if it is cultivated on marginal land. This study also highlights the contribution of energy crops (Miscanthus) to avoid the potential technical and economic constraints of lignocellulosic biomass for the renewable energy industry. Miscanthus may help avoid competition with food crops for prime land (higher quality land that is suitable for food crops), avoid the food versus fuel debate, help meet the ethanol demand, and achieve the GHG emissions abatement target of Canada.
A Two-Stage Algorithm to Estimate the Fundamental Frequency of Asynchronously Sampled Signals in Power Systems
Authors: Moon Joon-Hyuck , Kang Sang-Hee , Ryu Dong-Hun , Chang Jae-Lim , Nam Soon-Ryul
Published: September 2015

A two-stage algorithm is proposed for the estimation of the fundamental frequency of asynchronously sampled signals in power systems. In the first stage, time-domain interpolation reconstructs the power system signal at a new sampling time and the reconstructed signal passes through a tuned sine filter to eliminate harmonics. In the second stage, the fundamental frequency is estimated using a modified curve fitting, which is robust to noise. The evaluation results confirm the efficiency and validity of the two-stage algorithm for accurate estimation of the fundamental frequency even for asynchronously sampled signals contaminated with noise, harmonics, and an inter-harmonic component.
Formulation and Analysis of an Approximate Expression for Voltage Sensitivity in Radial DC Distribution Systems
Authors: Jeong Ho-Yong , Choi Jong-Chan , Won Dong-Jun , Ahn Seon-Ju , Moon Seung-il
Published: September 2015

Voltage is an important variable that reflects system conditions in DC distribution systems and affects many characteristics of a system. In a DC distribution system, there is a close relationship between the real power and the voltage magnitude, and this is one of major differences from the characteristics of AC distribution systems. One such relationship is expressed as the voltage sensitivity, and an understanding of voltage sensitivity is very useful to describe DC distribution systems. In this paper, a formulation for a novel approximate expression for the voltage sensitivity in a radial DC distribution system is presented. The approximate expression is derived from the power flow equation with some additional assumptions. The results of approximate expression is compared with an exact calculation, and relations between the voltage sensitivity and electrical quantities are analyzed analytically using both the exact form and the approximate voltage sensitivity equation.
The Relationship between Energy Consumption and Economic Growth: Evidence from China’s Industrial Sectors
Authors: Hu Yi , Guo Dongmei , Wang Mingxi , Zhang Xi , Wang Shouyang
Published: September 2015

In this article, the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth is examined from the viewpoint of China’s industrial sectors. Panel data from 37 industrial sectors in China covering the period from 1998 to 2010 was used in this study. Not only first generation panel unit root tests and panel cointegration tests, but also second generation tests that account for dependence between cross-sectional units were employed. The empirical results reveal that both energy consumption and economic growth are integrated as order one, and they are cointegrated. Panel fully modified ordinary least squares estimators show that a 1% increase in energy consumption increases the real value added of industrial sectors by 0.871%, and a 1% increase in real value added of industrial sectors increases energy consumption by 1.103%. The panel vector error correction models for causality tests are estimated by a system generalized moment method. We find a unidirectional causal relation running from economic growth to energy consumption in the shortrun. In the long run, however, there is evidence of a unidirectional causality running from energy consumption to economic growth.
Glucose-Treated Manganese Hexacyanoferrate for Sodium-Ion Secondary Battery
Authors: Moritomo Yutaka , Goto Kensuke , Shibata Takayuki
Published: September 2015

Manganese hexacyanoferrate (Mn-PBA) is a promising cathode material forsodium-ion secondary battery (SIB) with high average voltage (=3.4 V) against Na. Here,we find that the thermal decomposition of glucose modifies the surface state of Mn-PBA,without affecting the bulk crystal structure. The glucose treatment significantly improves therate properties of Mn-PBA in SIB. The critical discharge rate increases from 1 C (as-grown)to 15 C (glucose-treated). Our observation suggests that thermal treatment is quite effectivefor insulating coordination polymers.
Mapping Temporal Dynamics in a Forest Stream Network—Implications for Riparian Forest Management
Authors: Ågren Anneli , Lidberg William , Ring Eva
Published: September 2015

This study focuses on avoiding negative effects on surface waters using new techniques for identifying wet areas near surface waters. This would aid planning and designing of forest buffer zones and off-road forestry traffic. The temporal variability in the geographical distribution of the stream network renders this type of planning difficult. A field study was performed in the 68 km2 Krycklan Catchment to illustrate the variability of a boreal stream network. The perennial stream length was 140 km while the stream length during high-flow conditions was 630 km. Comparing the field-measured stream network to the network presented on current maps showed that 58% of the perennial and 76% of the fully expanded network was missing on current maps. Similarly, cartographic depth-to-water maps showed that associated wet soils constituted 5% of the productive forest land during baseflow and 25% during high flow. Using a new technique, maps can be generated that indicate full stream networks, as well as seasonally active streams and associated wet soils, thus, forestry planning can be performed more efficiently and impacts on surface waters can be reduced.
A High-Resolution Map of Emerald Ash Borer Invasion Risk for Southern Central Europe
Authors: Valenta Viktoria , Moser Dietmar , Kuttner Michael , Peterseil Johannes , Essl Franz
Published: September 2015

Ash species (Fraxinus spp.) in Europe are threatened by the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis, EAB), an invasive wood boring beetle native to East Asia and currently spreading from European Russia westwards. Based on a high-resolution habitat distribution map (grid cell size: 25 × 25 m) and data on distribution and abundance of Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), the most widespread and highly susceptive host species of EAB in Europe, we assess the spatial distribution of EAB invasion risks for southern Central Europe (Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, southern Germany, South Tyrol). We found highest F. excelsior abundance and thus invasion risks in extensive lowland floodplain forests, medium risks in zonal lowland forests and low risks in upper montane and subalpine forests. Based on average velocities of spread in Russia (13–31 km/year) and North America (2.5–80 km/year) from flight and human-assisted transport, EAB is likely to cover the distance (1500 km) between its current range edge in western Russia and the eastern border of the study region within few decades. However, secondary spread by infested wood products make earlier introductions likely. The high susceptibility and mortality of F. excelsior leave no doubt that this beetle will become a major forest pest once it reaches Central Europe. Therefore, developing and testing management approaches with the aim to halt or at least slow down the invasion of EAB in Europe have to be pursued with great urgency.
Genotype-Epigenotype Interaction at the IGF2 DMR
Authors: Murphy Susan , Erginer Erin , Huang Zhiqing , Visco Zachary , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: September 2015

Paternally expressed Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF2) encodes a gene whose protein product functions as a potent growth mitogen. Overexpression of IGF2 has been implicated in a wide number of disorders and diseases. IGF2 is regulated in part by differential methylation of the two parentally derived alleles. The differentially methylated region (DMR) located upstream of the imprinted promoters of IGF2 exhibits plasticity under environmental stress and is hypomethylated in several types of cancer. Through bisulfite pyrosequencing and confirmation by nucleotide sequencing, we discovered a CpG to CpC transversion that results in hypomethylation of one of the three CpGs comprising this DMR. The presence of the polymorphism introduces a genetic rather than an environmentally-driven epigenetic source of hypomethylation that is additive to non-genetic sources.
Pediatric Coccidioidomycosis Patients: Perceptions, Quality of Life and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Gaab Erin , Naeem Fouzia
Published: September 2015

Research investigating the effects of coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) on children and the psychosocial implications of this disease in general is lacking. This study reviews what is known about pediatric coccidioidomycosis patients. It documents the psychological functioning, quality of life, and illness perceptions of a sample of coccidioidomycosis patient families. Primary caregivers of pediatric patients and patients from a major hospital in the San Joaquin Valley of California were interviewed regarding their perceptions of disease detection, access to care and the patient/family experience.
Low-Dose Cadmium Upregulates VEGF Expression in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Liu Fuhong , Wang Bei , Li Liqun , Dong Fengyun , Chen Xiaocui , Li Yan , Dong Xiuzhen , Wada Youichiro , Kapron Carolyn , Liu Ju
Published: September 2015

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and environmental toxin. Exposure to Cd has been associated with a variety of human cancers. In this study, we performed in vitro assays to examine the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on A549 cells, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Cd does not affect proliferation, migration, or apoptosis of A549 cells at concentrations of 0.1–10 μM. At 0.5 and 1 μM, Cd increases the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively), but not basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) in A549 cells. The conditioned media were collected from the A549 cells treated with 1 μM Cd and were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Upon treatment with the conditioned media, the proliferation and migration of HUVECs significantly increased (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively), while apoptosis remained unchanged. In addition, 1 μM Cd increases the level of hypoxia inducible factor 1-α (HIF1-α), which is a positive regulator of VEGF expression. Although low-dose Cd does not directly affect the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells, it might facilitate the development of tumors through its pro-angiogenic effects.
Microbiological Food Safety Surveillance in China
Authors: Pei Xiaoyan , Li Ning , Guo Yunchang , Liu Xiumei , Yan Lin , Li Ying , Yang Shuran , Hu Jing , Zhu Jianghui , Yang Dajin
Published: September 2015

Microbiological food safety surveillance is a system that collects data regarding food contamination by foodborne pathogens, parasites, viruses, and other harmful microbiological factors. It helps to understand the spectrum of food safety, timely detect food safety hazards, and provide relevant data for food safety supervision, risk assessment, and standards-setting. The study discusses the microbiological surveillance of food safety in China, and introduces the policies and history of the national microbiological surveillance system. In addition, the function and duties of different organizations and institutions are provided in this work, as well as the generation and content of the surveillance plan, quality control, database, and achievement of the microbiological surveillance of food safety in China.
Abiotic Stresses: Insight into Gene Regulation and Protein Expression in Photosynthetic Pathways of Plants
Authors: Nouri Mohammad-Zaman , Moumeni Ali , Komatsu Setsuko
Published: September 2015

Global warming and climate change intensified the occurrence and severity of abiotic stresses that seriously affect the growth and development of plants,especially, plant photosynthesis. The direct impact of abiotic stress on the activity of photosynthesis is disruption of all photosynthesis components such as photosystem I and II, electron transport, carbon fixation, ATP generating system and stomatal conductance. The photosynthetic system of plants reacts to the stress differently, according to the plant type, photosynthetic systems (C3 or C4), type of the stress, time and duration of the occurrence and several other factors. The plant responds to the stresses by a coordinate chloroplast and nuclear gene expression. Chloroplast, thylakoid membrane, and nucleus are the main targets of regulated proteins and metabolites associated with photosynthetic pathways. Rapid responses of plant cell metabolism and adaptation to photosynthetic machinery are key factors for survival of plants in a fluctuating environment. This review gives a comprehensive view of photosynthesis-related alterations at the gene and protein levels for plant adaptation or reaction in response to abiotic stress.
Evaluation of Appropriate Reference Genes for Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR Studies in Different Tissues of a Desert Poplar via Comparision of Different Algorithms
Authors: Wang Hou-Ling , Li Lan , Tang Sha , Yuan Chao , Tian Qianqian , Su Yanyan , Li Hui-Guang , Zhao Lin , Yin Weilun , Zhao Rui , Xia Xinli
Published: September 2015

Despite the unshakable status of reverse transcription-quantitative PCR in gene expression analysis, it has certain disadvantages, including that the results are highly dependent on the reference genes selected for data normalization. Since inappropriate endogenous control genes will lead to inaccurate target gene expression profiles, the validation of suitable internal reference genes is essential. Given the increasing interest in functional genes and genomics of Populus euphratica, a desert poplar showing extraordinary adaptation to salt stress, we evaluated the expression stability of ten candidate reference genes in P. euphratica roots, stems, and leaves under salt stress conditions. We used five algorithms, namely, ΔCt, NormFinder, geNorm, GrayNorm, and a rank aggregation method (RankAggreg) to identify suitable normalizers. To support the suitability of the identified reference genes and to compare the relative merits of these different algorithms, we analyzed and compared the relative expression levels of nine P. euphratica functional genes in different tissues. Our results indicate that a combination of multiple reference genes recommended by GrayNorm algorithm (e.g., a combination of Actin, EF1α, GAPDH, RP, UBQ in root) should be used instead of a single reference gene. These results are valuable for research of gene identification in different P. euphratica tissues.
Exogenous Carbon Monoxide Decreases Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Rats
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Jian , Li Yi , Chang Ruiming , Wu Haidong , Lin Jiali , Huang Zitong
Published: September 2015

Carbon monoxide (CO) has shown various physiological effects including anti-inflammatory activity in several diseases, whereas the therapeutic efficacy of CO on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been reported as of yet. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of exogenous CO on sepsis-induced AKI and nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in rats. Male rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis and AKI. Exogenous CO delivered from CO-releasing molecule 2 (CORM-2) was used intraperitoneally as intervention after CLP surgery. Therapeutic effects of CORM-2 on sepsis-induced AKI were assessed by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney histology scores, apoptotic cell scores, oxidative stress, levels of cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, and NLRP3 inflammasome expression. CORM-2 treatment protected against the sepsis-induced AKI as evidenced by reducing serum Scr/BUN levels, apoptotic cells scores, increasing survival rates, and decreasing renal histology scores. Furthermore, treatment with CORM-2 significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels and oxidative stress. Moreover, CORM-2 treatment significantly decreased NLRP3 inflammasome protein expressions. Our study provided evidence that CORM-2 treatment protected against sepsis-induced AKI and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and suggested that CORM-2 could be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating sepsis-induced AKI.
Biogas Production from Sugarcane Waste: Assessment on Kinetic Challenges for Process Designing
Authors: Janke Leandro , Leite Athaydes , Nikolausz Marcell , Schmidt Thomas , Liebetrau Jan , Nelles Michael , Stinner Walter
Published: September 2015

Biogas production from sugarcane waste has large potential for energy generation, however, to enable the optimization of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process each substrate characteristic should be carefully evaluated. In this study, the kinetic challenges for biogas production from different types of sugarcane waste were assessed. Samples of vinasse, filter cake, bagasse, and straw were analyzed in terms of total and volatile solids, chemical oxygen demand, macronutrients, trace elements, and nutritional value. Biochemical methane potential assays were performed to evaluate the energy potential of the substrates according to different types of sugarcane plants. Methane yields varied considerably (5–181 Nm3·tonFM−1), mainly due to the different substrate characteristics and sugar and/or ethanol production processes. Therefore, for the optimization of AD on a large-scale, continuous stirred-tank reactor with long hydraulic retention times (>35 days) should be used for biogas production from bagasse and straw, coupled with pre-treatment process to enhance the degradation of the fibrous carbohydrates. Biomass immobilization systems are recommended in case vinasse is used as substrate, due to its low solid content, while filter cake could complement the biogas production from vinasse during the sugarcane offseason, providing a higher utilization of the biogas system during the entire year.
A Simple and Effective Mass Spectrometric Approach to Identify the Adulteration of the Mediterranean Diet Component Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with Corn Oil
Authors: Di Girolamo Francesco , Masotti Andrea , Lante Isabella , Scapaticci Margherita , Calvano Cosima , Zambonin Carlo , Muraca Maurizio , Putignani Lorenza
Published: September 2015

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with its nutraceutical characteristics substantially contributes as a major nutrient to the health benefit of the Mediterranean diet. Unfortunately, the adulteration of EVOO with less expensive oils (e.g., peanut and corn oils), has become one of the biggest source of agricultural fraud in the European Union, with important health implications for consumers, mainly due to the introduction of seed oil-derived allergens causing, especially in children, severe food allergy phenomena. In this regard, revealing adulterations of EVOO is of fundamental importance for health care and prevention reasons, especially in children. To this aim, effective analytical methods to assess EVOO purity are necessary. Here, we propose a simple, rapid, robust and very sensitive method for non-specialized mass spectrometric laboratory, based on the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) coupled to unsupervised hierarchical clustering (UHC), principal component (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation analyses, to reveal corn oil (CO) adulterations in EVOO at very low levels (down to 0.5%).
Feeding Behaviour on Host Plants May Influence Potential Exposure to Bt Maize Pollen of Aglais Urticae Larvae (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)
Authors: Lang Andreas , Otto Mathias
Published: September 2015

Non-target butterfly larvae may be harmed by feeding on host plants dusted with Bt maize pollen. Feeding patterns of larvae and their utilization of host plants can affect the adverse Bt impact because the maize pollen is distributed unequally on the plant. In a field study, we investigated the feeding of larvae of the Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae, on nettles, Urtica dioica. Young larvae used smaller host plants than older larvae. In general, the position of the larvae was in the top part of the host plant, but older larvae showed a broader vertical distribution on the nettles. Leaf blades and leaf tips were the plant parts most often consumed. Leaf veins were consumed but midribs were fed on to a lesser extent than other plant veins, particularly by young larvae. The feeding behavior of the larvae may increase possible exposure to Bt maize pollen because pollen densities are expected to be higher on the top parts and along leaf veins of nettles.
Near Infrared Investigation of Polypropylene–Clay Nanocomposites for Further Quality Control Purposes—Opportunities and Limitations
Authors: Witschnigg Andreas , Laske Stephan , Holzer Clemens , Patel Raj , Khan Atif , Benkreira Hadj , Coates Phil
Published: September 2015

Polymer nanocomposites are usually characterized using various methods, such as small angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) or transmission electron microscopy, to gain insights into the morphology of the material. The disadvantages of these common characterization methods are that they are expensive and time consuming in terms of sample preparation and testing. In this work, near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) spectroscopy is used to characterize nanocomposites produced using a unique twin-screw mini-mixer, which is able to replicate, at ~25 g scale, the same mixing quality as in larger scale twin screw extruders. We correlated the results of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, G′ and G″ from rotational rheology, Young’s modulus, and tensile strength with those of NIR spectroscopy. Our work has demonstrated that NIR-technology is suitable for quantitative characterization of such properties. Furthermore, the results are very promising regarding the fact that the NIR probe can be installed in a nanocomposite-processing twin screw extruder to measure inline and in real time, and could be used to help optimize the compounding process for increased quality, consistency, and enhanced product properties.