bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tartaric acid on anodic behaviour of titanium alloy
Authors: Yu M. , Liang H. , Liu J. , Wu L. , Li X. , Zhu M.
Published: October 2014

Anodic oxidation of titanium alloy Ti–6·5Al–1Mo–1V–2Zr was carried out in sulphuric acid and tartaric acid/sulphuric acid. The effect of tartaric acid on the growth process of sulphuric anodic film on titanium alloy was evaluated using scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, Raman spectroscope, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The presence of tartaric acid in sulphuric acid reduced the crystallinity of the anodic film and decreased the intensity of oxygen evolution in the pores of the anodic film. Further, the dissolution rate of the anodic film was also reduced by the addition of tartaric acid. Therefore, the growth rate of the anodic film on the titanium alloy was accelerated by the addition of 40 g L−1 tartaric acid in sulphuric acid electrolyte.
Filamin A interaction with the CXCR4 third intracellular loop regulates endocytosis and signaling of WT and WHIM-like receptors
Authors: Gómez-Moutón Concepción , Fischer Thierry , Peregil Rosa M. , Jiménez-Baranda Sonia , Stossel Thomas P. , Nakamura Fumihiko , Mañes Santos
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Filamin A interacts directly with the third intracellular loop and the C-terminal tail of CXCR4. Disruption of FLNA binding to the ICL3 attenuates signaling and restores CXCL12-mediated endocytosis of WHIM-like CXCR4 receptor mutants.
Spatial-temporal distribution of salinity and temperature in the Oued Loukkos estuary, Morocco: using vertical salinity gradient for estuary classification
Authors: Geawhari Mohamed Ali , Huff Lloyd , Mhammdi Nadia , Trakadas Athena , Ammar Abdellah
Published: October 2014

Background

Several different classifications to characterize estuarine systems have been proposed. In this present paper, one of the most important estuaries in North Africa, the Oued Loukkos (Morocco), forms a case-study for proposing a systematic classification of this particular tidal estuary according to the vertical salinity gradient.

Findings

This study, conducted using a CTD, shows that the spatial-temporal distribution of salinity depends on the stage of the tide and the upstream distance from the mouth of the river. In this case, it is also evident that the morphology of the bottom was capable of impacting the distribution of salinity by locally changing the water circulation.

Conclusions

Based on the vertical salinity gradient measurement, the Oued Loukkos represents an estuarine environment with one section near its mouth that can be characterized as a mixed mesotidal estuary and another section upstream which can be characterized as a stratified mesotidal estuary. Between, there is an intermediate zone with a low vertical gradient of salinity, classified as a partially mixed mesotidal estuary. When the effect of terrestrial inputs is low compared to marine inputs, the river bed topography plays a role in the stratification of salinity by either disrupting the vertical stratification of the water or by changing the lateral distribution of salinity. The proposed classification deepens our hydrological knowledge and provides descriptive labels to the Oued Loukkos estuary. It provides a valid starting point for predicting the environmental impact of future recreational, agricultural and commercial activities on the estuary.
Self-organized Superstructure and Electronic Properties of a Liquid-crystalline Tetraazapentacene Derivative
Authors: Isoda Kyosuke , Abe Tomonori , Kawamoto Ippei , Tadokoro Makoto
Published: October 2014

Herein, we report the syntheses and characterization of liquid-crystalline (LC) 5,6,13,14-tetraazapentacene (BTANC) derivatives. A LC BTANC derivative self-organized to form a layered smectic A LC phase over a wide temperature range, including room temperature. Cyclic voltammetry of the LC BTANC derivate showed a reversible two-step and two-electron transfer in the reduction region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the derivatives of LC BTANC.
A Mild CuCl-catalyzed Glaser-type Homocoupling Reaction: Air Oxidation and Room Temperature
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Hailong , Chen Jinping , Gong Hang
Published: October 2014

A mild and efficient Cu(I)-catalyzed Glaser-type homocoupling reaction is described. Various terminal alkynes can be transformed into the corresponding 1,3-diynes in good to excellent yields. The reaction is carried out in air at room temperature and is operationally simple.
Response of leaf area and dry matter of crop, weeds and cover crops to competition and fertilizer resources
Authors: DADASHI Fahimeh , ZAEFARIAN Faezeh , ABBASI Rahmat , BAHMANYAR Mohammad Ali , REZVANI Mohammad
Published: October 2014

Plasticity of plants to allocate leaf area and dry matter to upper layer of canopy play important role in canopy architecture and competition. In order to study the vertical distribution of leaf area and dry matter of corn (Zea mays L.), cover crops and weeds canopy in different fertilizer condition and competition, a randomized complete block design experiment with 8 treatments and 3 replicates was conducted at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in 2012. Treatments were included corn with soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as cover crop without fertilizer application, corn with soybean as cover crop with chemical fertilizer application, corn with soybean as cover crop with compost fertilizer application, corn with wheat (Triticum aesitivum L.) as cover crop without fertilizer application, corn with wheat as cover crop with chemical fertilizer application, corn with wheat as cover crop with compost fertilizer application and corn monoculture both in weedy and weed free conditions. The results showed that weed infestation reduced total leaf area and dry matter of corn. Corn distributed more leaf area and dry mater of canopy to the upper layer in weedy conditions. Between cover crops, soybeans allocated corn leaf area and dry mater to the higher layers of canopy than wheat. Also, soybean reduced leaf area and dry mater production of weeds more than wheat. Soybean as cover crop with the use of compost treatment was more efficient in reducing of weed biomass and corn yield production.
Cultivation of three medicinal mushroom species on olive oil press cakes containing substrates
Authors: GREGORI Andrej , POHLEVEN Franc
Published: October 2014

Olive oil press cakes (OOPC) represent a waste that has a negative impact on environment. OOPC have little or no use and because of that solutions for their alternative use are sought after. In our experiments we investigated substrate mixtures composed of different proportions of OOPC, wheat bran, crushed corn seeds and beech sawdust for cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes and Grifola frondosa fruiting bodies. The increasing amount of OOPC in fruiting bodies cultivation substrates resulted in decreasing production of fruiting bodies. Results show, that although OOPC in small portion can be successfully used as a medicinal mushroom fruiting bodies cultivating substrate, their use is rational only, if no other substrate composing materials can be found or when OOPC usage solves the problem of its deposition.
Genetic diversity of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) landraces collected in Iran using some morphological traits
Authors: SABAGHNIA Naser , ASADI-GHARNEH H.A. , JANMOHAMMADI Mohsen
Published: October 2014

Spinach has become an important vegetable crop in most regions of the world and remarkable changes in production amounts have occurred in the past decades due to demand increase in many countries. Fifty-four spinach landraces collected from diverse geographical regions of Iran were evaluated for several qualitative and quantitative traits. Landraces indicated a high variability for measured morphologic characteristics regarding results of variance analysis and descriptive statistics. The first three factors of factors analysis explained 76.8% of variation of spinach landraces. The first extracted factor can be regarded as a leaf property vector; the extracted second factor could be named as yield vector and the third factor was female plants percent vector. The dendrogram of cluster analysis generated from genotypes distance matrices showed that in a distance linkage of 800, the 54 spinach landraces could be agglomerated into sixteen clusters. The number of clusters was verified by multivariate analysis of variance test through Wilks' Lambda statistics. Some spinach landraces such as G10 G13, G38 and G41 were individual cluster and were not similar to the other collected genotypes while some of the spinach landraces were similar to each other and grouped as one cluster such as cluster 9 (C9). The cluster C14 (landrace Karaj 2) was the most favorable genotype due to good performance for most measured quantitative traits. This landrace could be recommended for commercial release after complementary experiments. Also, landraces G1 (Arak) and G3 (Urmia) indicate good potential regarding the measured traits. These landraces could be used directly as commercial cultivars or introduced in spinach breeding programs.
Graphic analysis of yield stability in new improved lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes using nonparametric statistics
Authors: SABAGHNIA Naser , KARIMIZADEH Rahmatollah , MOHAMMADI Mohtasham
Published: October 2014

Yield stability is an interesting feature of today’s lentil breeding programs, due to the high annual variation in mean yield, particularly in the arid and semi-arid areas. The genetic effects including genetic main and genotype × environment (GE) interaction effects for grain yield of eighteen lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes were studied with fourteen nonparametric stability statistics. Results of five distinct nonparametric tests of GE interaction and combined ANOVA showed there were both additive and crossover interaction types and genotypes varied significantly for grain yield. According to most of the nonparametric stability statistics, genotypes G5, G6, G8 and G18 were the most stable genotypes. Considering mean yield versus stability values via their plotting, indicates that genotypes G2, G11 and G14 following to G5, G16 and G18 were the most favorable genotypes. None of the nonparametric stability statistics were correlated with mean yield and so had static concept of stability. Our results confirmed that rankings of genotypes within environments and using mean yield information permit ease of interpretation of nonparametric results. Finally genotypes G2 (FLIP 92-12L), G11 (Gachsaran) and G14 (ILL 6206) were found to be the most stable and high mean yielding genotype and thus recommended for commercial release. Such an outcome could be used to delineate predictive, more rigorous recommendation strategies as well as to help define stability concepts for lentil and other crops.
Liquid Flow and Mixing in Bottom Regions of Baffled and Unbaffled Vessels Agitated by Turbine-Type Impeller
Authors: Yoshida Masanori , Shimada Naoki , Kanno Rei , Matsuura Satoshi , Otake Yohei
Published: October 2014

For a vessel agitated by the turbine-type impeller, the liquid flow and mixing in the bottom region were studied for comparison between conditions with and without baffles. Visualization of the flow and its measurement were done using particle tracking velocimetry. The flow along the bottom surface of the unbaffled vessel was observed to be more intensified than that of the baffled one. The related local energy dissipation was larger and the effective energy transmission was indicated for the condition without the baffles. For the unbaffled vessel, enhancement of micromixing near the bottom was demonstrated through a mixing experiment in a system involving chemical reactions.
Joseph Smith’s uses of pseudo-, intralingual and intersemiotic translation in the creation of the Mormon canon: The Book of Mormon, the Bible and the Book of Abraham
Authors: Valdeón Roberto
Published: October 2014

The 19thcenturyBook of Mormon, which was at the base of the creation and spread of a new religious movement in the United States, has been used as an example of what translation scholars have called pseudo-translations (Toury 1995, 2005; Hermans 2007; Vidal 2010). However, the Mormon canon is based upon other documents, also presented as translations to Mormon believers. This paper examines the use of translation as the instrument of normalization of the Mormon movement. The first sections provide a short introduction to the emergence of Mormonism in New York State and to the role of translation in the spread of Christianity. From here we move to study the three types of translations Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, claimed to have resorted to for the production of his three major works, i.e.The Book of Mormon, the translation of theBibleand theBook of Abraham. In other words, pseudo-translation, interlingual translation and intersemiotic translation. The final section contends that translation is the key element that gives cohesion to the three. It also discusses a controversial component of the original “translated” doctrine: the allegations that racism is present in the original works and the ways in which the Church has coped with such allegations.
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach through the glasses of Hans von Bülow
Authors: Komlós Katalin
Published: October 2014

Two separate publications of C. P. E. Bach’s keyboard works appeared during the 19th century in the edition of Hans von Bülow: Sechs Sonaten (Leipzig, Peters, 1862), and the ‘Concertvortrag’ version of a rondo movement in the Anthologie Classique (Berlin, Schlesinger, 1860). Both editions alter the original text heavily, by dressing it up in the raiment of the flamboyant and virtuosic style of their own time. The long Preface to the Sechs Sonaten, in which Bülow explains the necessity of a ‘revision’, but, at the same time, betrays his uneasiness about his procedures, is an extremely important document of the historical/artistic thinking of Bülow’s generation.Bülow’s revisions are examined in the following aspects of the music: enrichment of the keyboard texture; change of harmony; obliteration of the fantasia character; performance indications and tempo changes; abolishment of the aposiopesis. Differences between the original and the revised text are illustrated with several musical examples.Although Bülow was a true son of the nineteenth century, his attitude to textual fidelity was stricter than that of his colleagues. His troubled conscience about the revision of the C. P. E. Bach sonatas shows a fundamentally ethical principle, independent from the artistic disposition of his age.
György Kurtág’s Hungarian identity and The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza (1963–1968)
Authors: Dalos Anna
Published: October 2014

After the political and cultural seclusion of the 1950s young Hungarian composers turned to Western European new music. While learning contemporary compositional techniques they were searching for a new Hungarian identity in music. The musicological discourse about new Hungarian music concentrated on the ‘Hungarianness’ of their music too. Composers used Hungarian literary texts, and referred to Hungarian music culture with musical allusions. They inherited the idea of the combination of the up-to-date Western European compositional techniques with the old Hungarian tradition from Kodály and Bartók, i.e. they were aware of the primacy of tradition. György Kurtág’s (1926) concerto for soprano and piano, The Sayings of Péter Bornemisza (1963–1968) represented for Hungarian musicians the paradigmatic example of new Hungarian music, modern and traditional at the same time. It was based on an old Hungarian text from the 16th-century, like Kodály’s Psalmus Hungaricus (1923). The vocal part, however, refers to Webern’s melodic concept, the piano part follows Stockhausen’s piano writing, and Kurtág quotes neither Hungarian folk music nor old Hungarian art music. The paper investigates by means of musical analysis the question why contemporaries felt that Kurtág’s piece represents unambiguously a Hungarian identity. Kurtág — as well as his contemporaries — uses symbols, allusions connected to certain words and word-paintings while concentrating on the picturesque elements of music. The source of this compositional attitude is Kodály’s oeuvre, foremost the Psalmus Hungaricus. From this angle Kurtág’s The Sayings stands for the new-old Hungarian musical tradition.
Granular anchors for stabilising slopes
Authors: Sivakumar V. , Lively J. , Solan B. , Black J.
Published: October 2014

A series of small-scale tests was undertaken to verify if granular anchors could be used as a slope stabilisation technique. The nature of the material used and the resulting loading configuration are described here. The work confirms that the inclusion of anchors within a slope mass, irrespective of their number or orientation, significantly enhances the capacity and ductility of the failure mode. The small-scale nature of this research did influence the observed capacities, but the overarching hypothesis was confirmed. A simple analysis method is proposed that allows designers to accurately remediate natural or man-made slopes using existing analytical methods for slope stability.
Meeting Veterans Where They're @: A VA Home-Based Telemental Health (HBTMH) Pilot Program
Authors: Shore Peter , Goranson Anders , Ward Mark F. , Lu Mary W.
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

The first Home-Based Telemental pilot program (HBTMH) in the Department of Veterans Affairs addresses the significant challenge of access to mental health treatment for rural veterans. Though the feasibility of telemental healthcare in clinic-based settings has been well documented, the feasibility of telemental health via webcam and computer in a patient's home or other non-clinic settings is unknown.

Methods:

The HBTMH program, established in December 2009 at the Portland VA Medical Center, delivers a wide range of mental health services into the homes and other non-clinic settings of rural veterans via webcam, secure and encrypted software and veteran-owned personal computers. The program adhered to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manual, evaluated patients with the Assessment for Suitability for Home Based Telemental Health (ASH-25), utilized a Patient Support Person (PSP), and incorporated a peer technical consultant to provide assistance to veterans. The authors describe satisfaction and safety survey results from the initial 40 veterans enrolled.

Results:

Survey results support the feasibility and safety of using webcams, secure/encrypted software and veteran-owned personal computers for the delivery of mental health services into the home. Veterans report high levels of satisfaction and perceived safety with home-based telemental health. Results also suggest fewer no-show appointments in home-based telemental health compared to clinic-based telemental health.

Conclusions:

The authors discuss the strength and limitations of the program as well as potential areas of future research.
Feasibility Assessment of a Brief, Web-Based Behavioral Activation Intervention for Adolescents with Depressed Mood
Authors: Davidson Tatiana M. , Yuen Erica K. , Felton Julia W. , McCauley Jenna , Gros Kirstin Stauffacher , Ruggiero Kenneth J.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Adolescent depression is a major public health concern. Efficacious interventions exist, but are underutilized. Novel approaches to improving access are therefore a top priority. Web-based approaches offer a viable treatment delivery solution; this approach may reach adolescents who might not otherwise receive formal treatment. Behavioral activation (BA) approaches have had success in treatment of depressive symptoms in youth. The purpose of this article is to: (1) describe the development process of a web-based, behavioral activation intervention for adolescents; (2) summarize the preliminary feasibility data; and (3) discuss the benefits and challenges associated with development and evaluation of adolescent self-help resources.

Methods:

The current study is part of a larger NIMH funded study focusing on the development and evaluation of Bounce Back Now (BBN), an evidence-informed, web resource for disaster-affected adolescents and their families. This study is specifically on the development of the BA component of the mood module of BBN, which was evaluated more extensively than other components. We present data from a formal usability evaluation conducted with 24 adolescents, and preliminary usage data collected from 2,000 disaster affected adolescents recruited from the tornado-affected coordinates in Alabama and Joplin, MO.

Results:

Preliminary data supported the feasibility of this approach: qualitative data with the clinic-based sample revealed favorable reactions to the intervention, and preliminary data from the large ongoing randomized controlled trial have indicated moderate levels of access.

Conclusions:

Brief, web-based approaches may offer a promising alternative to address access barriers for adolescents with depressed mood.
Leveraging High Performance Computing for Managing Large and Evolving Data Collections
Authors: Arora Ritu , Esteva Maria , Trelogan Jessica
Published: October 2014

The process of developing a digital collection in the context of a research project often involves a pipeline pattern during which data growth, data types, and data authenticity need to be assessed iteratively in relation to the different research steps and in the interest of archiving. Throughout a projectâ€™s lifecycle curators organize newly generated data while cleaning and integrating legacy data when it exists, and deciding what data will be preserved for the long term. Although these actions should be part of a well-oiled data management workflow, there are practical challenges in doing so if the collection is very large and heterogeneous, or is accessed by several researchers contemporaneously. There is a need for data management solutions that can help curators with efficient and on-demand analyses of their collection so that they remain well-informed about its evolving characteristics. In this paper, we describe our efforts towards developing a workflow to leverage open science High Performance Computing (HPC) resources for routinely and efficiently conducting data management tasks on large collections. We demonstrate that HPC resources and techniques can significantly reduce the time for accomplishing critical data management tasks, and enable a dynamic archiving throughout the research process. We use a large archaeological data collection with a long and complex formation history as our test case. We share our experiences in adopting open science HPC resources for large-scale data management, which entails understanding usage of the open source HPC environment and training users. These experiences can be generalized to meet the needs of other data curators working with large collections.
Exact nonreflecting boundary conditions for exterior wave equation problems
Authors: Falletta Silvia , Monegato Giovanni
Published: October 2014

We consider the classical wave equation problem defined on the exterior of a
bounded 2D space domain, possibly having far field sources. We consider this
problem in the time domain, but also in the frequency domain. For its
solution we propose to associate with it a boundary integral equation (BIE)
defined on an artificial boundary surrounding the region of interest. This
boundary condition is nonreflecting (or transparent) for both outgoing and
incoming waves and it does not have to include necessarily the problem datum
supports. The problem physical domain can even be a multi-domain, defined by
the union of several disjoint domains. These domains can be convex or
nonconvex. This transparent boundary condition is imposed pointwise on the
chosen artificial boundary; therefore, its (space collocation) discretization
can be coupled with a (space) finite difference or finite element method for
the associated PDE problem. In the time-domain case, a classical (explicit or
implicit) time integrator is also used. We present a consistency result for
the BIE discretization and a sample of the intensive numerical testing we
have performed.
A fast algorithm for the numerical solution of an integral equation with logarithmic kernel
Authors: Flemming Katharina , Junghanns Peter
Published: October 2014

We describe an algorithm for the numerical solution of an integral equation
of the form ? 1/? ?1?1 [(y ? x) ln |y ? x| ? h(x, y)] u(y) dy/?1?y2 =
f(x), ?1 < x < 1, which is based on a collocation-quadrature method and
which has the same convergence rate as this method, but only O(n log n)
complexity. This integral equation turns out to be an ill-posed problem in
(the best possible choice of) a pair of non-periodic Sobolev-like spaces.
The present paper presents the technique, how to overcome this peculiarity
in the investigation of the fast algorithm.
Control of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: a region-wide intervention
Authors: Gagliotti C , Cappelli V , Carretto E , Marchi M , Pan A , Ragni P , Sarti M , Suzzi R , Tura G A , Moro M L , on behalf of the Emilia-Romagna Group for CPE Control collective
Published: October 2014

Starting in 2010, there was a sharp increase in infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to carbapenems in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. A region-wide intervention to control the spread of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) in Emilia-Romagna was carried out, based on a regional guideline issued in July 2011. The infection control measures recommended to the Health Trusts (HTs) were: phenotypic confirmation of carbapenemase production, active surveillance of asymptomatic carriers and contact isolation precautions for carriers. A specific surveillance system was activated and the implementation of control measures in HTs was followed up. A significant linear increase of incident CPKP cases over time (p<0.001) was observed at regional level in Emilia-Romagna in the pre-intervention period, while the number of cases remained stable after the launch of the intervention (p=0.48). Considering the patients hospitalised in five HTs that provided detailed data on incident cases, a downward trend was observed in incidence after the release of the regional guidelines (from 32 to 15 cases per 100,000 hospital patient days). The spread of CPKP in Emilia-Romagna was contained by a centrally-coordinated intervention. A further reduction in CPKP rates might be achieved by increased compliance with guidelines and specific activities of antibiotic stewardship.
Prevalence of Loss of All Teeth (Edentulism) and Associated Factors in Older Adults in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Hewlett Sandra , Yawson Alfred , Moynihan Paula , Preet Raman , Wu Fan , Guo Godfrey , Arokiasamy Perianayagam , Snodgrass James , Chatterji Somnath , Engelstad Mark , Kowal Paul
Published: October 2014

Little information exists about the loss of all one’s teeth (edentulism) among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the prevalence of edentulism and associated factors among older adults in a cross-sectional study across six such countries. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO’s) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Wave 1 was used for this study with adults aged 50-plus from China (N = 13,367), Ghana (N = 4724), India (N = 7150), Mexico (N = 2315), Russian Federation (N = 3938) and South Africa (N = 3840). Multivariate regression was used to assess predictors of edentulism. The overall prevalence of edentulism was 11.7% in the six countries, with India, Mexico, and Russia has higher prevalence rates (16.3%–21.7%) than China, Ghana, and South Africa (3.0%–9.0%). In multivariate logistic analysis sociodemographic factors (older age, lower education), chronic conditions (arthritis, asthma), health risk behaviour (former daily tobacco use, inadequate fruits and vegetable consumption) and other health related variables (functional disability and low social cohesion) were associated with edentulism. The national estimates and identified factors associated with edentulism among older adults across the six countries helps to identify areas for further exploration and targets for intervention.
Comparative In Vitro Toxicity Profile of Electronic and Tobacco Cigarettes, Smokeless Tobacco and Nicotine Replacement Therapy Products: E-Liquids, Extracts and Collected Aerosols
Authors: Misra Manoj , Leverette Robert , Cooper Bethany , Bennett Melanee , Brown Steven
Published: October 2014

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) continues to increase worldwide in parallel with accumulating information on their potential toxicity and safety. In this study, an in vitro battery of established assays was used to examine the cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity and inflammatory responses of certain commercial e-cigs and compared to tobacco burning cigarettes, smokeless tobacco (SLT) products and a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product. The toxicity evaluation was performed on e-liquids and pad-collected aerosols of e-cigs, pad-collected smoke condensates of tobacco cigarettes and extracts of SLT and NRT products. In all assays, exposures with e-cig liquids and collected aerosols, at the doses tested, showed no significant activity when compared to tobacco burning cigarettes. Results for the e-cigs, with and without nicotine in two evaluated flavor variants, were very similar in all assays, indicating that the presence of nicotine and flavors, at the levels tested, did not induce any cytotoxic, genotoxic or inflammatory effects. The present findings indicate that neither the e-cig liquids and collected aerosols, nor the extracts of the SLT and NRT products produce any meaningful toxic effects in four widely-applied in vitro test systems, in which the conventional cigarette smoke preparations, at comparable exposures, are markedly cytotoxic and genotoxic.
Betulinic Acid Derivatives NVX-207 and B10 for Treatment of Glioblastoma—An in Vitro Study of Cytotoxicity and Radiosensitization
Authors: Bache Matthias , Bernhardt Stephan , Passin Sarina , Wichmann Henri , Hein Anja , Zschornak Martin P , Kappler Matthias , Taubert Helge , Paschke Reinhard , Vordermark Dirk
Published: October 2014

Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene, represents a new therapeutic substance that has potential benefits for treating glioblastoma. Recently, new strategies for producing BA derivatives with improved properties have evolved. However, few studies have examined the combination of BA or BA derivatives using radiotherapy. The effects of two BA derivatives, NVX-207 and B10, on cellular and radiobiological behavior were analyzed using glioblastoma cell lines (U251MG, U343MG and LN229). Based on IC50 values under normoxic conditions, we detected a 1.3–2.9-fold higher cytotoxicity of the BA derivatives B10 and NVX-207, respectively, compared to BA. Incubation using both BA derivatives led to decreased cell migration, cleavage of PARP and decreased protein expression levels of Survivin. Weak radiation sensitivity enhancement was observed in U251MG cells after treatment with both BA derivatives. The enhancement factors at an irradiation dose of 6 Gy after treatment with 5 µM NVX-207 and 5 µM B10 were 1.32 (p = 0.029) and 1.55 (p = 0.002), respectively. In contrast to BA, neither NVX-207 nor B10 had additional effects under hypoxic conditions. Our results suggest that the BA derivatives NVX-207 and B10 improve the effects of radiotherapy on human malignant glioma cells, particularly under normoxic conditions.
Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor from Vigna unguiculata Seeds Enhances the Action of Bradykinin-Related Peptides
Authors: Álvares Alice , Schwartz Elisabeth , Amaral Nathalia , Trindade Neidiane , Pedrino Gustavo , Silva Luciano , De Freitas Sonia
Published: October 2014

The hydrolysis of bradykinin (Bk) by different classes of proteases in plasma and tissues leads to a decrease in its half-life. Here, Bk actions on smooth muscle and in vivo cardiovascular assays in association with a protease inhibitor, Black eyed-pea trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor (BTCI) and also under the effect of trypsin and chymotrypsin were evaluated. Two synthetic Bk-related peptides, Bk1 and Bk2, were used to investigate the importance of additional C-terminal amino acid residues on serine protease activity. BTCI forms complexes with Bk and analogues at pH 5.0, 7.4 and 9.0, presenting binding constants ranging from 103 to 104 M−1. Formation of BTCI-Bk complexes is probably driven by hydrophobic forces, coupled with slight conformational changes in BTCI. In vitro assays using guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) ileum showed that Bk retains the ability to induce smooth muscle contraction in the presence of BTCI. Moreover, no alteration in the inhibitory activity of BTCI in complex with Bk and analogous was observed. When the BTCI and BTCI-Bk complexes were tested in vivo, a decrease of vascular resistance and consequent hypotension and potentiating renal and aortic vasodilatation induced by Bk and Bk2 infusions was observed. These results indicate that BTCI-Bk complexes may be a reliable strategy to act as a carrier and protective approach for Bk-related peptides against plasma serine proteases cleavage, leading to an increase in their half-life. These findings also indicate that BTCI could remain stable in some tissues to inhibit chymotrypsin or trypsin-like enzymes that cleave and inactivate bradykinin in situ.
Changes in Phytochemical Synthesis, Chalcone Synthase Activity and Pharmaceutical Qualities of Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans L.) in Relation to Plant Age
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Ali , Nasiri Alireza , Jaafar Hawa , Baghdadi Ali , Ahmad Izham
Published: October 2014

In the current study, changes in secondary metabolite synthesis and the pharmaceutical quality of sabah snake grass leaves and buds were considered in relation to plant age (1 month, 6 months, and 1 year old). The activity of the enzyme chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74) was measured, as it is a key enzyme for flavonoid production. Significant differences in total flavonoid (TF) production were observed between the three plant growth periods and the different plant parts. The highest contents of TF (6.32 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and total phenolic (TP) (18.21 mg/g DW) were recorded in 6-month-old buds. Among the flavonoids isolated in this study the most important ones based on concentration were from high to low as follows: catechin > quercetin > kaempferol > luteolin. Production of phenolic acids increased from 1 to 6 months, but after 6 months up to 1 year of age, they decreased significantly. The highest contents of caffeic acid (0.307 mg/g DW) and gallic acid (5.96 mg/g DW) were recorded in 1-year and 6-month-old buds, respectively. The lowest and highest activity of CHS was recorded in 1-month and 6-month-old buds with values of 3.6 and 9.5 nkat/mg protein, respectively. These results indicate that the increment in flavonoids and phenolic acids in 6-month-old buds can be attributed to an increase in CHS activity. The highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity was observed in the extract of 1-year-old buds followed by 6-month-old buds, with 50% of free radical scavenging (IC50) values of 64.6 and 73.5 µg/mL, respectively. Interestingly, a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay showed a higher activity in 6-month-old buds (488 μM of Fe(II)/g) than in 1-year-old buds (453 μM of Fe(II)/g), in contrast to the DPPH result. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between CHS enzyme activity and FRAP activity, TF, catechin, and kaempferol content. Extracts of 6-month-old bud exhibited a significant in vitro anticancer activity against HeLa cancer cells with IC50 value of 56.8 µg/mL. These results indicate that early harvesting of snake grass (6-month-old) may yield increased concentrations of secondary metabolites, which are potent antioxidant compounds.
β-Sitosterol Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride Hepatotoxicity but not Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity in Rats via the Induction of Mitochondrial Glutathione Redox Cycling
Authors: Wong Hoi-Shan , Chen Ji-Hang , Leong Pou-Kuan , Leung Hoi-Yan , Chan Wing-Man , Ko Kam-Ming
Published: October 2014

Previous findings have demonstrated that β-sitosterol (BSS), an active component of Cistanches Herba, protected against oxidant injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in rat hearts by enhancing mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling, possibly through the intermediacy of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. We therefore hypothesized that BSS pretreatment can also confer tissue protection against oxidant injury in other vital organs such as liver and kidney of rats. In this study, the effects of BSS pretreatment on rat models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity were investigated. The findings showed that BSS pretreatment protected against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. The hepatoprotection afforded by BSS was associated with the improvement in mitochondrial glutathione redox status, presumably through the glutathione reductase-mediated enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling. The hepatoprotection afforded by BSS was also accompanied by the improved mitochondrial functional ability in rat livers. The inability of BSS to protect against gentamicin nephrotoxicity was likely due to the relatively low bioavailability of BSS in rat kidneys. BSS may serve as potential mitohormetic agent for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced injury in livers.
On the Downscaling of Actual Evapotranspiration Maps Based on Combination of MODIS and Landsat-Based Actual Evapotranspiration Estimates
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Senay Gabriel , Velpuri Naga , Bohms Stefanie , Verdin James
Published: October 2014

Downscaling is one of the important ways of utilizing the combined benefits of the high temporal resolution of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images and fine spatial resolution of Landsat images. We have evaluated the output regression with intercept method and developed the Linear with Zero Intercept (LinZI) method for downscaling MODIS-based monthly actual evapotranspiration (AET) maps to the Landsat-scale monthly AET maps for the Colorado River Basin for 2010. We used the 8-day MODIS land surface temperature product (MOD11A2) and 328 cloud-free Landsat images for computing AET maps and downscaling. The regression with intercept method does have limitations in downscaling if the slope and intercept are computed over a large area. A good agreement was obtained between downscaled monthly AET using the LinZI method and the eddy covariance measurements from seven flux sites within the Colorado River Basin. The mean bias ranged from −16 mm (underestimation) to 22 mm (overestimation) per month, and the coefficient of determination varied from 0.52 to 0.88. Some discrepancies between measured and downscaled monthly AET at two flux sites were found to be due to the prevailing flux footprint. A reasonable comparison was also obtained between downscaled monthly AET using LinZI method and the gridded FLUXNET dataset. The downscaled monthly AET nicely captured the temporal variation in sampled land cover classes. The proposed LinZI method can be used at finer temporal resolution (such as 8 days) with further evaluation. The proposed downscaling method will be very useful in advancing the application of remotely sensed images in water resources planning and management.
A Three-Dimensional Microdisplacement Sensing System Based on MEMS Bulk-Silicon Technology
Authors: Wu Junjie , Lei Lihua , Chen Xin , Cai Xiaoyu , Li Yuan , Han Tao
Published: October 2014

For the dimensional measurement and characterization of microsized and nanosized components, a three-dimensional microdisplacement sensing system was developed using the piezoresistive effect in silicon. The sensor was fabricated using microelectromechanical system bulk-silicon technology, and it was validated using the finite element method. A precise data acquisition circuit with an accuracy of 20 μV was designed to obtain weak voltage signals. By calibration, the sensing system was shown to have a sensitivity of 17.29 mV/μm and 4.59 mV/μm in the axial and lateral directions, respectively; the nonlinearity in these directions was 0.8% and 1.0% full scale, respectively. A full range of 4.6 μm was achieved in the axial direction. Results of a resolution test indicated that the sensing system had a resolution of 5 nm in the axial direction and 10 nm in the lateral direction.
Integrative Approach to Diagnosis of Genital Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) Infection of Female
Authors: Dunjic Momir , Stanisic Slavisa , Krstic Dejan , Stanisic Miodrag , Ignjatic Z. Jovanovic , Dunjic Marija
Published: October 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus from the papillomavirus family that is capable of infecting humans. Some types of HPVs cause warts, while others can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, oropharynx and anus. High-risk human papillomavirus (hr HPV) has been detected
in almost all cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. All patients examined by colposcopy. Cervical swab is routinely done and patients are screened with both HPV DNA by Real Time Polimerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR) testing and Pap testing. Pictures obtained by colposcopy were
examined by indirect Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT) by using reference control substance (RCS): HPV 16, HPV 18, and Integrin α5 β1. BDORT was developed by Prof. Omura Y. of New York and received U. S. patent in 1993. For detection of HPV DNA we used RT PCR and standard Qiagen method
which detect 18 types (16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58,59,68, 6,11,42,43,44) of HPV from smear. From 63 patients where is BDORT indicated presence of HPV, in 49 pateints (77,8%) RT PCR confirmed presence of HPV. From 63 patients in 54 patients (85,7%), we detected, by colposcopic exam, some
kind of lesions associated with HPV infection. Results obtained by RT PCR: one type (1/18) of DNA HPV in 25 patients (51,02%), 2 types (2/18) in 15 patients (30,61%) and 3 types (3/18) in 9 patients (18,37%). Although BDORT results usually have higher sensitivity and detection rate is much
higher, it can be used together with RT PCR in detection of HPV and cervical lesions associated with HPV infection.
Environmental factors that drive the distribution and abundance of a threatened cyanolichen in Southern Europe: A multi‐scale approach
Authors: Merinero Sonia , Rubio‐Salcedo Marta , Aragón Gregorio , Martínez Isabel
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: High‐quality information about threatened species is required to prevent current global biodiversity losses. Lichens are important components of forest biodiversity and help to maintain ecosystem functioning. The epiphytic cyanolichen Lobarina scrobiculata is red‐listed in Europe and North America, but knowledge of its ecology and distribution in Southern Europe is scarce.

• Methods: We used a multispatial scale design to investigate the effects of macroclimate, forest structure, tree features, and microhabitat on the occurrence, abundance, spatial distribution, and performance of Lobarina scrobiculata in the Iberian Peninsula at plot and tree scales. Generalized linear models and mixed models were used for analysis.

• Key results: We recorded ca 14000 individuals of the threatened species Lobarina scrobiculata from 22 populations in the Iberian Peninsula. Our results suggest that L. scrobiculata thrives mainly in oak forests with highly variable annual precipitation levels. At the plot scale, the L. scrobiculata abundance increased with annual precipitation and tree density (habitat quantity). At the tree scale, our models highlighted the importance of tree size and bark roughness (habitat quality) as the main drivers of species occurrence and abundance. We detected a marked spatial pattern on tree trunks, i.e., L. scrobiculata occurred preferentially on north‐facing surfaces and close to the ground where humidity is higher.

• Conclusions: By integrating multiscale modeling, we analyzed a unique large dataset and these results are essential for understanding the ecology of this threatened cyanolichen. There is an urgent need to preserve the forests that this species currently inhabits as well as potential colonization sites.
Directional Benefit Is Present with Audiovisual Stimuli: Limiting Ceiling Effects
Authors: Aspell Elizabeth , Picou Erin , Ricketts Todd
Published: October 2014

Background:Past research demonstrates that as the speech recognition performance of listeners fitted with omnidirectional hearing aids approaches maximum (ceiling), the benefit afforded by directional microphones is necessarily lessened. This effect could potentially eliminate
the benefit provided by directional microphones in easier listening situations, such as environments with visual cues and favorable signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate directional benefit using auditory-visual stimuli in SNRs commonly found
in the real world (ranging from +3 to +12 dB). In order to maximize the possibility of directional benefit, a bilateral beamformer was used, which functions as a highly directional microphone.Research Design:Sentence recognition was evaluated in three SNRs and in two levels of reverberation
(low and moderate). For each SNR and reverberation combination, sentence recognition was evaluated using omnidirectional and bilateral beamformer microphone modes.Study Sample:A total of 15 adults with hearing loss participated. Only listeners who had significant difficulty understanding
speech in noise were included.Data Collection and Analysis:Sentence recognition scores were evaluated using analysis of variance with three within-participant variables (SNR, reverb, microphone mode). Follow-up analyses were conducted using linear contrast while controlling for family-wise
error rate.Results:Results revealed significant bilateral beamformer benefit ranging from approximately 22‐30 rationalized arcsine units (∼20‐28 percentage points) in both low and moderate reverberation across all tested SNRs (+3 to +12 dB).Conclusions:These
results provide support for the use of bilateral beamformers, even at relatively favorable SNRs and in the presence of visual cues, for listeners who demonstrate poor sentence recognition in noise.