bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Approach of Synthesizing Mineral Product from Industrial Waste
Authors: Sabri Siti Noorzidah Mohd , Othman Rohaya , Isa Nasharuddin , Anuar Othman
Published: May 2016

A new approach of using industrial waste to produce synthetic mineral product was studied in this paper. A synthetic mineral product which is precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was synthesized by using ionic sucrose solution method, whereby sucrose solution acts as promoter to increase the production of the PCC. Carbide lime, a waste from acetylene gas industry was used as starting material and first dissolved in the sucrose solution. The concentrations of the sucrose solution were varied from 5to 15 °Brix. The effect of the sucrose solution concentration was studied by using multiple characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Florescence (XRF) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The XRD and XRF results had proven that the synthesized PCC was calcium carbonate with > 98% purity. The morphologies of the PCC were observed by FESEM in which cubical shape was formed at 5 to 12 °Brix and grain shape at 13 to 15 °Brix. The distribution of the PCC particles was observed to be homogenous. The yield of the PCC increased as the Brix values increased.
The Effect of Hydrogen Dilution on the Morphology of Carbon Nanowalls Decorated Carbon Nanotubes Deposited by Hot-Wire r.f. Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Abdul Rashid Nur Maisarah , Chiu Wee Siong , Khanis Noor Hamizah , Othman Maisara , Ritikos Richard , Abdul Rahman Saadah
Published: May 2016

An investigation on the effects of hydrogen (H2) gas dilution on the morphology and growth of carbon nanowalls (CNWs) decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by hot-wire r.f. plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique is presented. With the assistance of nickel nanoparticle catalyst, CNWs decorated CNTs formed only under the presence of 25% of H2 gas, relative to the methane (CH4) gas precursor. By varying the amount of H2 incorporated with CH4, the role of H2 dilution in the development of CNWs decorated CNTs was studied. Based on the FESEM and HRTEM results, it is hypothesized that H2 density and relative carbon radical concentration are the important parameters for the deposition of CNWs decorated CNTs. The effect of H2 dilution on the formation of CNWs decorated CNTs is presented.
Nanostructured Hematite Prepared by Thermal Oxidation of Iron
Authors: Ismail Syahriza , Saad Nur Syafini , Abd Razak Jeeferie
Published: May 2016

This paper reports on the synthesis of iron oxide nanowires using thermal oxidation of iron. The α-Fe2O3 (hematite) and Fe3O4 (magnetite) were successfully formed using this method. The morphological observation was done through the FESEM, while the XRD, EDX and Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the physical and structural properties of the produced nanostructures. It was found that the peaks intensities relative to the hematite, increased with the extent of oxidation period. The growth and final morphology of hematite was significantly controlled by the heating duration. A surface diffusion mechanism for nano-hematite growth was then proposed to account for the growth phenomena of this nanostructured formation.
Surface Characterization of Alkali Treated Kenaf Fibers by XPS and AFM
Authors: Razaina Mat Taib , Ariawan Dody , Mohd Ishak Zainal Arifin
Published: May 2016

Kenaf fibers were immersed in 6% solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours. The treated fibers were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The XPS results showed that the alkali treatment increased the proportion of oxygen atoms on the fiber surface as indicated by the increase in oxygen-carbon ratio. An increase in C2 peak (C-OH bonds) was also observed suggesting the present of cellulose on the fiber surface. The decrease in C1 peak (C-C bonds) suggested that lignin was removed from the fiber surface following the alkali treatment. Scale-like structures were observed from the AFM topographic images to indicate the presence of cellulose microfibrils in the primary cell wall of the treated fiber. Alkali treated fiber surface showed lower mean surface roughness than the untreated fiber indicating smoother fiber surface. The fiber surface became relatively smooth after the alkali treatment due to the removal of non-cellulosic layer.
Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Kenaf (LLDPE/PVA/KNF) Composites: Effect of 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl Methacrylate as Silane Coupling Agent on Tensile and Morphological Properties
Authors: Pang Ai Ling , Hanafi Ismail , Abu Bakar Azhar
Published: May 2016

The tensile properties and morphological studies of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/kenaf (KNF) composites with and without 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (silane coupling agent) were investigated. The composites with different KNF loading (10, 20, 30, 40 phr) were prepared using a Thermo Haake Polydrive internal mixer at 150°C and 50 rpm for 10 min. The results indicated that composites with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate gives higher tensile strength and modulus but lower elongation at break than composites without. The presence of 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate found to enhance the interfacial adhesion between LLDPE/PVA matrix and KNF fiber. Morphological studies on tensile fractured surfaces showed good adhesion between LLDPE/PVA matrix and KNF, and better dispersion of KNF for the composites with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate.
A Facile Coating Method for Superhydrophobic Magnetic Composite Sheet from Biodegradable Durian Peel for Electromagnetic Wave Absorbance Application
Authors: Munawar Rose Farahiyan , Arif Afraha Baiti , Wan Abdullah Shani Wan Nur Fateehah , Azam Mohd Asyadi , Abd Manaf Mohd Edeerozey , Abu Maisarah , Zainal Abidin Muhammad Zaimi , Ismail Syahriza
Published: May 2016

Most of the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers are commonly made from polymer-based materials. A large number of polymers are resistant to the environmental degradation and are thus responsible for the buildup of polymeric solid waste materials. These solid wastes cause acute environmental problems and remain undegraded for quite a long time. In a view of the awareness and concern for the problems created by the polymeric solid wastes, new biodegradable cellulosic composite with low cost and nontoxic materials, have been designed and developed. However, the properties of natural fibers that tends to absorb water, thus limiting their application. In this study, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was added with stearic acid (SA) in order to generate a hydrophobic coating formulation. PCC works as filler and SA acts as surface hydrophobic modification agent. Polymer latex was then added to the coating compound as the binder. The composite surface morphology was inspected using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results show that durian peel composite sheet had successfully achieved a superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 154.85° which exceed 150°.
Synthesis and Characterizations of MOF-199 Using PODFA as Porogen for CO2 Adsorption Applications
Authors: Mahadi Nurfatihah , Misran Halina , Othman S.Z.
Published: May 2016

Copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF-199, also known as Cu-BTC and HKUST-1) materials were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method using renewable straight-chain fatty alcohol with eight carbon chain length (i.e. octyl alcohol). The addition of palm oil derived fatty alcohol (PODFA) was suggested to act as porogen (structure directing agent) that aided the particle formation and flexible porous structure. This synthesis approach was environmental-friendly and sustainable by utilizing the fatty alcohols originated from biomass such as palm oil. The resulting MOF-199 materials exhibited single crystalline octahedral morphology structure by X-ray diffraction analyses and SEM images. The optimum ratio of octyl alcohol exhibited well-defined single octahedral particles at size range of ca. 10-50 µm and reduced by-product formation of cuprous oxide at high temperature synthesis. The nature of MOF-199 having apparently high surface area, high pore volume and low density provided the possibility in carbon capture storage. The CO2 adsorption capacity of MOF-199 investigated using high pressure volumetric analyser (HPVA-II) at ambient temperature (i.e. 25 °C) was found to be at maximum working capacity.
The Impact of Different Polydimethylsiloxane Core Materials on the Properties of Melamine Formaldehyde Microcapsules
Authors: Ullah Hafeez , Azizli Khairun Azizi , Man Zakaria , Khan Muhammad Irfan
Published: May 2016

Three different functionalized polydimethylsiloxane based probable self-healing materials were encapsulated by oil-in-water emulsion polymerization melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microcapsules for future applications in self-healing composites systems. The diameter and morphology, thermal properties, and structural analysis of the synthesized microcapsules were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that nature of core material plays an important role in the morphology and thermal stability of the microcapsules.
Morphology and Phase Identification of Bioactive Freeze-Dried β-CaSiO3
Authors: Ismail Hamisah , Yau Shun Xiang , Shamsudin Roslinda , Hamid Muhammad Azmi Abdul , Awang Rozidawati
Published: May 2016

Freeze-dried β-wollastonite (β-CaSiO3) powders were synthesized via sol-gel, combined with autoclaved, sintered and finally freeze-dried at -50 °C for 12 h using rice straw ash and calcined limestone as the starting materials. To prepare β-CaSiO3, the precursor ratio of SiO2:CaO was set at 45:55. Pure β-CaSiO3 was obtained after sintering at 950 °C for 3 h. The bioactivity of freeze-dried β-CaSiO3 was investigated by soaking the cylinderical shape samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) up to 21 days. The surface compositional, morphological and structural changes of the samples before and after soaking were analyzed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) coupled with EDS. Sintered freeze-dried β-CaSiO3 has a porous structure and changed to cauliflower-like after soaking in simulated body fluid solution. After 21 days of soaking process, an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) were formed with the molar ratio of Ca/P between 1.76 to 1.63.
Precipitation of Hydroxyapatite on Pure Titanium Substrate via Single Step Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Lee Te Chuan , Rashid Muhammad Hanif Abd , Selimin Mohamad Ali , Abdullah Hasan Zuhudi , Idris Maizlinda Izwana
Published: May 2016

Anodic oxidation is an electrochemical method that deposits ceramic coatings on the metal substrates to improve the bioactivity of implant. In this study, a novel approach was proposed to precipitate hydroxyapatite (HAP) directly on the surface of pure titanium through anodic oxidation approach. As part of the proposed approach, a new formulation of electrolyte was introduced, which consists of 0.04 M β-glycerophosphate (β-GP), 0.4 M calcium acetate (CA) and 1.0 M sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The approach herein only requires a single step to precipitate the HAP directly on the surface of titanium through anodisation process within the electrolyte. High purity titanium foils were anodised in 0.04 M β-GP + 0.4 M CA + 1.0 M H2SO4 at 350 V and 70 mA.cm-2 for 10 minutes at varying fractions of mixture volumes of H2SO4 (0-100 vol%). The surface properties of anodised titanium were characterised by using several methods, namely the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), glancing angle X-ray diffractometer (GAXRD) and goniometer. The outcome of the characterisation showed that the needle-like HAP was precipitated on the titanium, whereby anodising in electrolyte contains 12.5 vol% H2SO4. Combinations of anatase, rutile, titanium, tricalcium phosphate (Ca3O8P2) and calcium diphosphate (Ca2O7P2) elements were detected within the anodised titanium, whereby the anodising in electrolyte contains 50 vol% H2SO4.
Mechanical Properties and Failure Analysis of Laminated Glass Reinforced Composite with Various Gelcoat Thickness
Authors: Yuhazri M.Yaakob , Nilson G.C.H. , Sihombing Haeryip , Abd Manaf Mohd Edeerozey
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties and study the failure of laminated glass reinforced composite coated with gelcoat of different thickness. Firstly, the gelcoat was applied to the mould using brush and subsequently, glass fiber reinforced composite laminates were fabricated on it using vacuum bagging technique. The mechanical properties of the composites various were tested by using tensile and three-point flexural tests. The fracture behaviour of different gelcoat thickness was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the failure behaviour that occurred. The flexural test was performed in two ways, i.e., gelcoat layer facing top and facing down. For both flexural tests, composite coated with 0.30 mm thick of gelcoat shows the highest mechanical strength. Tensile test is useful to investigate the interfacial bonding in between gelcoat and laminate composite. The composite coated with 0.40 mm of gelcoat showed the highest tensile strength, an increase of 38 % compared to the uncoated composite. It was observed that an increase in gelcoat thickness increased the brittleness of the laminated composite. From the failure analysis, failures were caused by the delamination of matrix between the plies, while the gelcoat was still strongly bonded with composite laminate.
Characterizations on Morphology and Adhesion of Calcium Silicate Coating on Ti6Al4V Substrate
Authors: Abdul Azam Farah ‘Atiqah , Ismail Hamisah , Shamsudin Roslinda , Zainuddin Zalita , Hamid Muhammad Azmi Abdul
Published: May 2016

The morphology and surface topography of calcium silicate coated on Ti6Al4V implant were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) respectively. The surface of titanium alloy plates was mechanically ground with 320, 800 and 1200 grits of SiC abrasive paper followed by surface polishing into mirror-like finish. The synthesized β-CaSiO3 was deposited onto the Ti6Al4V substrate using electron beam evaporator. After coating, calcium silicate was heat treated at 500 °C for 1 hour. Characterization of the calcium silicate coated on Ti6Al4V substrate using e-beam evaporation technique demonstrated that 5 wt% of PVA addition was able to improve the coating-to-substrate adhesion.
Sintering of Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold Using Polyurethane Template
Authors: Wong Wai Yee , Mohd Noor Ahmad Fauzi , Othman Radzali
Published: May 2016

Porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramic has been reported as synthetic graft for cancellous bone substitute due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. A highly porous and interconnected porosity architecture of bone scaffold facilitates attachment and in-growth of new bone tissue. β-TCP foam, a porous 3-dimensional scaffold was fabricated by employing polymeric foam replica method in this study. Polyurethane (PU) foam was used as the sacrificial template, in which β-TCP slurry with powder to water ratio of 10g:10ml was coated on PU template and sintered to 1100, 1200, 1250 and 1300°C. Observation on architecture of the foam, macrostructure and microstructure of pores and surface topography of porous strut showed that sintering at 1250°C produced sufficient densification of grains and micropores on the β-TCP strut. The β-TCP foams exhibited high porosity (92 – 97%) and large pore size (200 - 750um) that resemble cancellous bone structure.
Hybrid Napier (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) VAR. CO-3: a resourceful fodder grass for dairy development in Sri Lanka
Authors: Premaratne S. , Premalal G. G. C.
Published: May 2016

Less availability of good quality green forages has led to low productivity from national dairy herd of Sri Lanka. Growing fodder to suit the particular production system is an efficient and economical solution for this problem. Hybrid Napier var. CO-3 is a high yielding perennial fodder grass developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatoor, India in 1997. The Livestock Breeding Project introduced this fodder crop to Sri Lanka in 1999. This grass is placed in a higher category, especially on tillering capacity, green forage yield, regeneration capacity, leaf to stem ratio, crude protein content, in resistance of pest and diseases and in free from adverse factors along with other fodder varieties grown in the country. It recorded an average green fodder of 5 – 8kg/plant/cut or 250 -350 t/ha/yr under local conditions. Under this situation, nearly a block of 500 grass bushes (approximately 500 m2 or 20 perches land area) is adequate to supply year-round quality fodder without concentrates for two milking cows.This grass is propagated through root-slips or stem-cuttings and could be maintained as a perennial crop up to 4 - 5 years. Endowed with quick regeneration capacity, it can be harvested once in 30 - 45 days. Proper management practice together with correct application of fertilizer, irrigation in drought spells, cutting at the suitable height and interval is essential for maximum profit and persistence of the crop. When harvested at correct stage, CO-3 grass contains 18 -20% dry matter and 15 –16% crude proteins, 9.8 – 12.8% ash, 34 – 37% crude fiber and 74 – 78% neutral detergent fiber on dry matter basis. Surprisingly high crude protein content is one of a distinctive feature of this grass.The Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Research Institute, Gannoruwa and Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya have launched research and development activities under field situation to investigate the potentials and limitations under on-farm conditions and popularize the grass among small holders.
Productivity and soil fertility status as influenced by integrated use of n-fixing biofertilizers, organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in onion
Authors: Jayathilake P. K. S. , Reddy I. P. , Srihari D. , Reddy K. R.
Published: May 2016

One of the major constraints associated with onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation is improper nutrient management. This necessitates to ascertain an efficient and economical integrated approach with renewable source such as organic manure and biofertilizers. In this context a field experiment was carried out at Acharya N.G.Ranga Agricultural university, Hyderabad, India to study the productivity and soil fertility status as influenced by integrated nutrient management in onion using cv. N-53. The twelve treatments arranged in randomized complete block design which consisted of two kinds of organic manure i.e. farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) alone and in combination with two kinds of bio fertilizers (Azotobacter chroococum and Azospirillum brasilianse ) and chemical fertilizers which were tested in comparison with recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as control. The amount of FYM and vermicompost applied was calculated on the basis of their results of chemical analysis for NPK. Roots were dipped into the slurry of biofertilizer (1 kg in 10 liters) for 20 minutes before planting and thirty days after transplanting the soil between the seedling rows was also treated with biofertilizers at the rate of 2 kg per ha. Productivity indicated by yield and harvest index and soil fertility indicated by available NPK in soil after harvest were significantly increased with the application of biofertilizer in combination with 50% N through organic manure (FYM or VC) and rest of 50% N and 100% PK through chemical fertilizer. Those were significantly superior to the application of 50% recommended N through organic manure with 50% N and 100% PK through chemical fertilizer, application of chemical fertilizer (control) alone and application of organic manure alone, respectively. Judicious application of bio fertilizers, organic manure and chemical fertilizer increased 22% more yield over control (RDF) and economic analysis revealed that highest net return and benefit cost ratio obtained when FYM used as an organic source which replaced the 50% of recommended dose of inorganic nitrogen. Bacterial population of Azotobacter and Azospirillum in soil after harvest was markedly increased with integrated use of bio fertilizer, organic manure and chemical fertilizer system and was reduced with the exclusive application of chemical fertilizers. The results indicated that integrated nutrient management with biofertilizer (Azotobacter and Azospirillum) in combination with 50% inorganic N through organic manure (VC or FYM) and rest of the N and PK through chemical fertilizer is considered most useful for obtaining maximum yield with higher fertility status in soil for onion cultivation.
Current status and future research focus of tea in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mohamed M. T. Ziyad , Zoysa A. K. N.
Published: May 2016

Sri Lankan tea ranks the best among world teas and over the 138 year of tea industry in Sri Lanka, it faced many challenges and the Tea Research Institute (TRI) played a pivotal role in developing new technologies to stand against the competing forces both within and outside the country. This paper makes an attempt to collate the available information on the current situation of the industry and the research trends and developments in the resent time and its focus for the future.
Biochemical changes of four different coconut (Cocos nusifera L.) Forms under moisture stress conditions
Authors: Lakmini W. G. D. , Nainanayake N. P. A. D. , De Costa W. A. J. M.
Published: May 2016

Drought causes a substantial reduction in national yield of coconut and also a loss of coconut palms in severe droughts thus resulting in serious economic consequences to the coconut industry in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is of prime importance to identify some putative drought tolerant forms to use in drought-prone areas. As the long generation and maturation periods of coconut restrict the selection of coconut forms based on yield, the knowledge on physiological and biochemical responses to water deficit conditions plays an important role in developing a rapid selection criterion. Therefore, the objectives of this research was to quantify the variations in drought tolerance in selected coconut forms, based on their biochemical responses to progressive soil moisture deficits in the field.Four coconut forms (Clovis, Dwarf Green, Dwarf Brown, Cameron Red Dwarf) were selected for the experiment. Palms were subjected to 80-day natural drought experienced in early 2005. Biochemicals namely leaf proline, total soluble sugar and starch contents were studied during the drought period along with the corresponding soil moisture contents at 50 and 100 cm depths. They showed slightly increasing trends with progressive water stress but not significantly different in between four forms. However, duration of natural drought that occurred during the experimental period was shorter than the dry spells which are commonly observed in the area. Therefore, further research under long dry spells is needed to reach a more comprehensive and repeatable results before coming to a final conclusion.
Evaluating the performance of farmer companies in Sri Lanka: a case study of Ridi Bendi Ela farmer company
Authors: Esham M. , Usami K.
Published: May 2016

Farmer companies in Sri Lanka were established with the view to accelerating commercialization in non-plantation agriculture. However, due to various constraints they have failed to achieve expected objectives. Hence, in this study, we review the potential of a successful farmer company from the aspects of farmer perception, farmer company management and performance. A field survey and secondary published data were used for the study. The study revealed that farmer perception of the farmer company as a service provider and awareness gap between shareholders and the farmer company coupled with restriction on share capital ownership limited the ability of the farmer company to expand the share capital and its commercial activities. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen the capital base of the farmer companies to enable the expansion of commercial activities and attract more farmer participation. In this regard, the active participation of the agribusiness industry should be sought considering the need to preserve the independence of the farmer company.
LAG-3 Confers a Competitive Disadvantage upon Antiviral CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Cook Kevin D. , Whitmire Jason K.
Published: May 2016

Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the benefits of systemic blockade of lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) signals to improve immunity to tumors. Those studies are founded on the well-established inhibitory role of LAG-3 in regulating CD8+ T cells during chronic virus infection and antitumor responses. However, the T cell response in LAG-3–deficient mice is similar in size and function to that in wild type animals, suggesting LAG-3 has nuanced immune-regulatory functions. We performed a series of adoptive transfer experiments in mice to better understand the T cell–intrinsic functions of LAG-3 in the regulation of CD8+ T cell responses. Our results indicate that LAG-3 expression by CD8+ T cells inhibits their competitive fitness and results in a slightly reduced rate of cell division in comparison with LAG-3–deficient cells. This cell-intrinsic effect of LAG-3 was consistent across both acute and chronic virus infections. These data show that LAG-3 directly modulates the size of the T cell response and support the use of LAG-3 blockade regimens to enhance CD8+ T cell responses.
LFA-1/ICAM-1 Ligation in Human T Cells Promotes Th1 Polarization through a GSK3β Signaling–Dependent Notch Pathway
Authors: Verma Navin K. , Fazil M. H. U. Turabe , Ong Seow Theng , Chalasani Madhavi Latha S. , Low Jian Hui , Kottaiswamy Amuthavalli , P Praseetha , Kizhakeyil Atish , Kumar Sunil , Panda Aditya K. , Freeley Michael , Smith Sinead M. , Boehm Bernhard O. , Kelleher Dermot
Published: May 2016

In this study, we report that the integrin LFA-1 cross-linking with its ligand ICAM-1 in human PBMCs or CD4+ T cells promotes Th1 polarization by upregulating IFN-γ secretion and T-bet expression. LFA-1 stimulation in PBMCs, CD4+ T cells, or the T cell line HuT78 activates the Notch pathway by nuclear translocation of cleaved Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) and upregulation of target molecules Hey1 and Hes1. Blocking LFA-1 by a neutralizing Ab or specific inhibition of Notch1 by a γ-secretase inhibitor substantially inhibits LFA-1/ICAM-1–mediated activation of Notch signaling. We further demonstrate that the Notch pathway activation is dependent on LFA-1/ICAM-1–induced inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which is mediated via Akt and ERK. Furthermore, in silico analysis in combination with coimmunoprecipitation assays show an interaction between NICD and GSK3β. Thus, there exists a molecular cross-talk between LFA-1 and Notch1 through the Akt/ERK–GSK3β signaling axis that ultimately enhances T cell differentiation toward Th1. Although clinical use of LFA-1 antagonists is limited by toxicity related to immunosuppression, these findings support the concept that Notch inhibitors could be attractive for prevention or treatment of Th1-related immunologic disorders and have implications at the level of local inflammatory responses.
The Cytosolic Microbial Receptor Nod2 Regulates Small Intestinal Crypt Damage and Epithelial Regeneration following T Cell–Induced Enteropathy
Authors: Zanello Galliano , Goethel Ashleigh , Rouquier Sandrine , Prescott David , Robertson Susan J. , Maisonneuve Charles , Streutker Catherine , Philpott Dana J. , Croitoru Kenneth
Published: May 2016

Loss of function in the NOD2 gene is associated with a higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease (CD). CD is characterized by activation of T cells and activated T cells are involved in mucosal inflammation and mucosal damage. We found that acute T cell activation with anti-CD3 mAb induced stronger small intestinal mucosal damage in NOD2−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. This enhanced mucosal damage was characterized by loss of crypt architecture, increased epithelial cell apoptosis, delayed epithelial regeneration and an accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and Th17 cells in the small intestine. Partial microbiota depletion with antibiotics did not decrease mucosal damage 1 d after anti-CD3 mAb injection, but it significantly reduced crypt damage and inflammatory cytokine secretion in NOD2−/− mice 3 d after anti-CD3 mAb injection, indicating that microbial sensing by Nod2 was important to control mucosal damage and epithelial regeneration after anti-CD3 mAb injection. To determine which cells play a key role in microbial sensing and regulation of mucosal damage, we engineered mice carrying a cell-specific deletion of Nod2 in villin and Lyz2-expressing cells. T cell activation did not worsen crypt damage in mice carrying either cell-specific deletion of Nod2 compared with wild-type mice. However, increased numbers of apoptotic epithelial cells and higher expression of TNF-α and IL-22 were observed in mice carrying a deletion of Nod2 in Lyz2-expressing cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that microbial sensing by Nod2 is an important mechanism to regulate small intestinal mucosal damage following acute T cell activation.
Predictive value of isolated DLCO reduction in systemic sclerosis patients without cardio-pulmonary involvement at baseline
Authors: Colaci M. , Giuggioli D. , Sebastiani M. , Manfredi A. , Lumetti F. , Luppi F. , Cerri S. , Ferri C.
Published: May 2016

Impaired diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was frequently observed in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, generally related to the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, in clinical practice abnormally low DLCO values may be found also in the absence of these SSc complications. The objective was to investigate the prospective clinical relevance of isolated DLCO reduction at baseline in SSc patients. Ninety-seven SSc female patients (age at the diagnosis: 51.3±14.5 years; disease duration: 10.4±6.6 years; limited/diffuse skin subsets: 92/5), without any clinical, radiological (high resolution computed tomography), and echocardiographic manifestations of ILD or PAH at baseline, nor other lung or heart diseases able to affect DLCO, were recruited at our Rheumatology Centre. Patients with DLCO <55% (15 patients; group A) were compared with those with normal DLCO (82 patients; group B), at baseline and at the end of follow-up. At baseline, patients of group A showed significantly higher percentage of anticentromere autoantibodies compared to group B (13/15, 86.6% vs 48/82, 58.5%; p=0.044). More interestingly, at the end of long-lasting clinical follow-up (11.6±6.7 years), pre-capillary PAH (right heart catheterization) solely developed in some patients of group A (3/15, 20% vs 0/82; p=0.003). In SSc patients, the presence at baseline of isolated, marked DLCO reduction (<55% of predicted) and serum anticentromere autoantibodies might characterize a peculiar SSc subset that may precede the development of PAH. Therefore, careful clinical follow-up of patients with isolated moderate-severe DLCO reduction should be mandatory.
Systemic vasculitis in a patient with rhupus syndrome
Authors: Zengin O. , Onder M. E. , Sarica M. A. , Turkbeyler I. H. , Kimyon G. , Demir Z. H. , Yildiz H. , Kisacik B. , Onat A. M.
Published: May 2016

Rhupus is a rare syndrome characterized by overlap of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous reports mentioned that rhupus patients have prominent RA associated clinical manifestations and only mild organic damage related to SLE. Progressive or life-threatening manifestations are rare in rhupus patients. Our patient diagnosed as rhupus was a young women, presented with multi-organ involvement of systemic vasculitis. Rheumatologists should be aware of possibility that rhupus may be accompanied by progressive or life-threatening conditions such as vasculitis.
Mereological concepts for modelling parthood relations between אלהים and natural phenomena in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Gericke Jacobus W.
Published: May 2016

In the Hebrew Bible, some texts represent what we would call �natural� phenomena as being in some way related to entities classed to be אלהים in some sense of the Hebrew term; that is, God, gods, divine, deity, etc. Although various perspectives on these relations already exist in the available research on the topic, no philosophical approach to the data has of yet been conceived. In order to facilitate the latter, this study brackets the question as to what the relations between אלהים and natural phenomena in any given biblical context actually were. Yet its contribution lies in the way it aims to offer an introductory overview of some of the potentially relevant core concepts in mereology (parthood theory in metaphysics) that may be of aid in any future attempt at modelling such relations, however they were conceived.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article challenges the tradition of non-philosophical discourse in Old Testament theology, particularly with reference to the relational properties of Yhwh vis-a-vis natural phenomena. Its meta-theoretical application of concepts in formal descriptive mereological analysis represents an interdisciplinary supplementation of current ways of modelling God/World in the text.Keywords: Hebrew Bible; natural phenomena; philosophy; mereology; parthood; relations
The Relationship between Eating Disorder Symptoms and Treatment Rejection among Young Adult Men in Residential Substance Use Treatment
Authors: Elmquist JoAnna , Shorey Ryan C. , Anderson Scott E. , Temple Jeff R. , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: May 2016

Research has demonstrated that individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) and comorbid mental health problems evidence heightened negative consequences, including poorer treatment outcomes, a higher risk for relapse, and mortality compared to individuals with a single disorder. In this study, we focus on the comorbidity between SUDs and eating disorder (ED) symptomatology, as EDs are similarly associated with high rates of relapse, morbidity, and mortality. Of particular importance is research examining treatment rejection among individuals in treatment for SUDs with cooccurring ED symptomatology. This study seeks to add to the literature by examining treatment rejection among young adult men in residential treatment for SUDs ( N = 68) with cooccurring ED symptomatology. Results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated that ED symptoms were significantly associated with treatment rejection after controlling for alcohol and drug use and problems and depression symptoms. Although this is a preliminary study, the results add to a growing body of research examining the comorbidity between SUDs and ED symptomatology. Future research examining this relationship is needed to further elucidate the treatment patterns among individuals with comorbid ED symptoms and substance use diagnoses.
Trends in atmospheric ammonia at urban, rural and remote sites across North America
Authors: Yao Xiaohong , Zhang Leiming
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Interannual variabilities in atmospheric ammonia (NH3) during the most recent seven to eleven years were investigated at fourteen sites across North America using the monitored data obtained from NAPS, CAPMoN and AMoN networks. The long-term average of atmospheric NH3 ranged from 0.8 to 2.6 ppb, depending on location, at four urban and two rural/agriculture sites in Canada. The annual average at these sites did not show any deceasing trend with largely decreasing anthropogenic NH3 emission. An increasing trend was actually identified from 2003 to 2014 at the downtown Toronto site using either the Mann-Kendall or the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition method, but “no” or “stable” trends were identified at other sites. The ~20 % increase during the 11-year period at the site was likely caused by changes in NH4+/NH3 partitioning and/or air-surface exchange process as a result of the decreased sulfur emission and increased ambient temperature. The long-term average from 2008 to 2015 was 1.6–4.9 ppb and 0.3–0.5 ppb at four rural/agriculture and at four remote U.S. sites, respectively. A stable trend in NH3 mixing ratio was identified at one rural/agricultural site while increasing trends were identified at three rural/agricultural (0.6–2.6 ppb, 20–50 % increase from 2008–2015) and four remote sites (0.3–0.5 ppb, 100–200% increase from 2008–2015). Increased ambient temperature was identified to be a cause for the increasing trends in NH3 mixing ratio at four out of the seven U.S. sites, but what caused the increasing trends at other U.S. sites needs further investigation.
Volatility and lifetime against OH heterogeneous reaction of ambient Isoprene Epoxydiols-Derived Secondary Organic Aerosol (IEPOX-SOA)
Authors: Hu Weiwei , Palm Brett B. , Day Douglas A. , Campuzano-Jost Pedro , Krechmer Jordan E. , Peng Zhe , de Sá Suzane S. , Martin Scot T. , Alexander M. Lizabeth , Baumann Karsten , Hacker Lina , Kiendler-Scharr Astrid , Koss Abigail R. , de Gouw Joost A. , Goldstein Allen H. , Seco Roger , Sjostedt Steven J. , Park Jeong-Hoo , Guenther Alex B. , Kim Saewung , Canonaco Francesco , Prévôt André. S. H. , Brune William H. , Jimenez Jose L.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Isoprene epoxydiols-derived secondary organic aerosol (IEPOX-SOA) can contribute substantially to organic aerosol (OA) concentrations in forested areas under low NO conditions, hence significantly influencing the regional and global OA budgets, accounting for example for 16–36 % of the submicron OA in the SE US summer. Particle evaporation measurements from a thermodenuder show that the volatility of ambient IEPOX-SOA is lower than that of bulk OA and also much lower than that of known monomer IEPOX-SOA tracer species, indicating that IEPOX-SOA likely exists mostly as oligomers in the aerosol phase. The OH aging process of ambient IEPOX-SOA was investigated with an oxidation flow reactor (OFR). New IEPOX-SOA formation in the reactor was negligible, as the OFR cannot accelerate processes such as aerosol uptake and reactions that do not scale with OH. Simulation results indicate that adding ~ 100 µg m−3 of pure H2SO4 to the ambient air allows to efficiently form IEPOX-SOA in the reactor. The heterogeneous reaction rate coefficient of ambient IEPOX-SOA with OH radical (kOH) was estimated as 4.0 ± 2.0 × 10−13 cm3 molec−1 s−1, which is equivalent to more than a 2-week lifetime. A similar kOH was found for measurements of OH oxidation of ambient Amazon forest air in an OFR. At higher OH exposures in the reactor (> 1 × 1012 molec. cm−3 s), the mass loss of IEPOX-SOA due to heterogeneous reaction was mainly due to revolatilization of fragmented reaction products. We report for the first time OH reactive uptake coefficients (γOH = 0.59 ± 0.33 in SE US and γOH = 0.68 ± 0.38 in Amazon) for SOA under ambient conditions. A relative humidity dependence of kOH and γOH was observed, consistent with surface area-limited OH uptake. No decrease of kOH was observed as OH concentrations increased. These observation of physicochemical properties of IEPOX-SOA can help to constrain OA impact on air quality and climate.
Retrieving atmospheric turbulence information from regular commercial aircraft using Mode-S and ADS-B
Authors: Kopeć Jacek M. , Kwiatkowski Kamil , de Haan Siebren , Malinowski Szymon P.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Navigational information broadcast by commercial aircraft in the form of Mode-S EHS (Mode-S Enhanced Surveillance) and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) messages can be considered a new source of upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric turbulence estimates. A set of three processing methods is proposed and analysed using a quality record of turbulence encounters made by a research aircraft.The proposed methods are based on processing the vertical acceleration or the background wind into the eddy dissipation rate. Turbulence intensity can be estimated using the standard content of the Mode-S EHS/ADS-B.The results are based on a Mode-S EHS/ADS-B data set generated synthetically based on the transmissions from the research aircraft. This data set was validated using the overlapping record of the Mode-S EHS/ADS-B received from the same research aircraft. The turbulence intensity, meaning the eddy dissipation rate, obtained from the proposed methods based on the Mode-S EHS/ADS-B is compared with the value obtained using on-board accelerometer. The results of the comparison indicate the potential of the methods. The advantages and limitation of the presented approaches are discussed.
Quantifying the missing link between forest albedo and productivity in the boreal zone
Authors: Hovi Aarne , Liang Jingjing , Korhonen Lauri , Kobayashi Hideki , Rautiainen Miina
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Albedo and fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR) determine the shortwave radiation balance and productivity of forests. Currently, the physical link between forest albedo and productivity is poorly understood, yet it is crucial for designing optimal forest management strategies for mitigating climate change. We investigated the relationships between boreal forest structure, albedo and FAPAR using radiative transfer model FRT and extensive forest inventory data sets ranging from southern boreal forests to the northern tree line in Finland and Alaska (N = 1086 plots). The forests in the study areas vary widely in structure, species composition, and human interference, from intensively managed in Finland to natural growth in Alaska. We show that FAPAR of tree canopies (FAPARCAN) and albedo are tightly linked in boreal coniferous forests, but the relationship is weaker if the forest has broadleaved admixture, or if canopies have low leaf area and the composition of forest floor varies. Furthermore, the functional shape of the relationship between albedo and FAPARCAN depends on solar angle. We also show that forest floor can contribute to over 50 % of albedo or total ecosystem FAPAR. Based on our simulations, forest albedos vary notably across the biome. Because of larger proportion of broadleaved trees, the forests in Alaska have higher albedo (0.141–0.184) than those in Finland (0.136–0.171) even though the albedo of pure coniferous forests is lower in Alaska. Our results reveal that variation in solar angle will need to be accounted for when evaluating climate effects of forest management in different latitudes. Furthermore, increasing the proportion of broadleaved trees in coniferous forests is the most important means of maximizing albedo without compromising productivity: based on our findings the potential of controlling forest density (i.e., basal area) to increase albedo may be limited compared to the effect of favoring broadleaved species.
Subsurface flow mixing in coarse, braided river deposits
Authors: Huber Emanuel , Huggenberger Peter
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Coarse, braided river deposits show a large hydraulic heterogeneity on the metre scale. One of the main depositional elements found in such deposits is a trough structure filled with layers of bimodal gravel and open-framework gravel, the latter being highly permeable. However, the impact of such trough fills on subsurface flow and advective mixing has not drawn much attention. A geologically realistic model of trough fills is proposed and fitted to a limited number of ground-penetrating radar records surveyed on the river bed of the Tagliamento River (northeast Italy). A steady-state, saturated subsurface flow simulation is performed on the small-scale, high-resolution, synthetic model (size: 75 m  ×  80 m  ×  9 m). Advective mixing (i.e. streamline intertwining) is visualised and quantified based on particle tracking. The results indicate strong advective mixing as well as a large flow deviation induced by the asymmetry of the trough fills with regard to the main flow direction. The flow deviation induces a partial, large-scale rotational effect. These findings depict possible advective mixing found in natural environments and can guide the interpretation of ecological processes such as in the hyporheic zone.
Analysis of the characteristics of global virtual water trade network using degree and eigenvector centrality, with a focus on food and feed crops
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyun , Mohtar Rabi H. , Choi Jin-Yong , Yoo Seung-Hwan
Published: May 2016

Abstract. This study aims to analyse the characteristics of global virtual water trade (GVWT) such as connectivity of each trader, vulnerable importers, and influential countries using degree and eigenvector centrality during the period 2006–2010. The degree centrality was used to measure the connectivity and eigenvector centrality was used to measure the influence on entire GVWT network. Mexico, Egypt, China, Korea Rep., and Japan were classified to vulnerable importers because they imported a lot of virtual water with the low connectivity. Especially, Egypt had 15.3 Gm³ year-1 blue water savings effects through GVWT, thus the vulnerable structure could cause the water shortage problem in importer. The entire GVWT network could be changed by a few nodes which call influential traders, and we figured out the influential traders using eigenvector centrality. In GVWT for food crops, the USA, Russian Federation, Thailand, and Canada had high eigenvector with a large volume of green water trade. In case of blue water trade, western Asia, Pakistan, and India had high eigenvector centrality. For feed crops, the green water trade in the USA, Brazil, and Argentina was the most influential. However, Argentina and Pakistan used the high proportion of internal water resource for virtual water export (32.9 and 25.1 %), thus rest of traders should consider the water resource management in these exporters carefully.
Matching the Turc–Budyko functions with the complementary evaporation relationship: consequences for the drying power of the air and the Priestley–Taylor coefficient
Authors: Lhomme Jean-Paul , Moussa Roger
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Turc–Budyko functions B1(Φp) are dimensionless relationships relating the ratio E/P (actual evaporation over precipitation) to the aridity index Φp = Ep/P (potential evaporation over precipitation). They are valid on long timescales at catchment scale with Ep generally defined by Penman's equation. The complementary evaporation (CE) relationship stipulates that a decreasing actual evaporation enhances potential evaporation through the drying power of the air which becomes higher. The Turc–Mezentsev function with its shape parameter λ is chosen as example among various Turc–Budyko curves and the CE relationship is implemented in the form of the Advection-Aridity model. First, we show that there is a functional dependence between the Turc–Budyko curve and the drying power of the air. Then, we examine the case where potential evaporation E0 is calculated by means of the Priestley–Taylor equation with a varying coefficient α0. Introducing the CE relationship into the Turc–Budyko function leads to a new transcendental form of the Turc–Budyko function B1'(Φ0) linking E/P to Φ0 = E0/P. The two functions B1(Φp) and B1'(Φ0) are equivalent only if α0 has a specified value which is determined. The functional relationship between the Priestley–Taylor coefficient, the Turc–Mezentsev shape parameter and the aridity index is specified and analysed.