bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategias modernas para la conservación de forrajes en sistemas de producción bovina tropical
Authors: Matta Leonardo Sánchez
Published: August 2016

Los sistemas de producción bovina en Colombia emplean el pastoreo de especies forrajeras para la alimentación básicamente porque este sistema demanda menor uso de mano de obra. No obstante, la dependencia de las praderas de pastoreo tiene como desventajas los efectos de las variaciones climáticas y las condiciones químicas y físicas del suelo que ocasionan considerables reducciones en la disponibilidad y calidad nutricional del forraje; este efecto se denomina 'estacionalidad forrajera' y acompaña las épocas secas, lo cual impacta negativamente las tasas de crecimiento animal y su producción,  además de reducir la carga animal. Por otra parte, durante las épocas de lluvias se presentan excedentes de forrajes que no se conservan o se ofrecen en estados avanzados de madurez, lo que afecta su calidad nutricional y la productividad. Si bien ha habido avances en las prácticas de conservación de forrajes, es necesario intensificar estos procesos así como desarrollar otras alternativas, como los forrajes resistentes a la sequía, para enfrentar los efectos adversos de la estacionalidad. En este artículo se revisan algunas estrategias y tecnologías disponibles para optimizar los procesos fermentativos que aseguren la calidad del producto ensilado, altos niveles de consumo y una alta productividad animal.
Variabilidad fenotípica en poblaciones de ají y pimentón de la colección colombiana del género Capsicum
Authors: Medina Clara Inés , Lobo Mario , Gómez Aldemar Farley
Published: August 2016

A fin de conocer la variabilidad cualitativa y cuantitativa de 111 poblaciones de la colección nacional de referencia del género Capsicum, a cargo de Corpoica en el Centro de Investigación “La Selva”, se analizaron las especies C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. pubescens y C. spp. (silvestres). Se aplicó una lista de descriptores con 69 atributos, 47 cualitativos y 22 cuantitativos, a partir de los cuales se encontró amplia variabilidad cualitativa con polimorfismos en 45 de las 47 variables, así como 146 estados (morfoalelos) diferentes frente a 176 que han sido reconocidos y publicados. Esto indica que la metapoblación posee 3,1 morfoalelos por atributo en promedio con un intervalo intraespecífico entre 1,5 para los silvestres y 2,6 para C. annuum y C. chinense. El fenograma cualitativo mostró una similaridad mínima del 48% entre poblaciones lo cual, considerado en forma conjunta con el porcentaje total de morfoalelos, denota que hay arreglos variables en las poblaciones individuales. Se detectó variabilidad cuantitativa en la metapoblación para todas las características de esta índole. Los polimorfismos cuantitativos se relacionaron principalmente con atributos del fruto en las especies domesticadas y del follaje en las silvestres. En estas últimas se halló una contribución importante a la variabilidad de los atributos del fruto relacionados con la atracción de pájaros frugívoros dispersores de la semilla. La variabilidad cualitativa y cuantitativa encontrada en las poblaciones de Capsicum evaluadas indica que se cuenta con suficiente germoplasma de calidad para programas de fitomejoramiento.
Propagación in vitro de Psidium guajaba mediante organogénesis directa a partir de segmentos nodales
Authors: Ocampo Fabiola , Núñez Víctor Manuel
Published: August 2016

Se indujeron múltiples brotes mediante organogénesis directa a partir de segmentos nodales de 10 genotipos diferentes de guayaba. Para ello se estableció un sistema de propagación clonal in vitro combinado con inducción rápida de brotes ex vitro para propagar árboles élite. La utilización de segmentos nodales permitió obtener en poco tiempo brotes adventicios adecuados para multiplicación masiva. La respuesta in vitro de los genotipos fue evaluada usando los medios de cultivo MS (Murashige y Skoog, 1962), Mc (Mascarenhas) y WPM (Woody Plant Medium) suplementados con 0,1 mg•L-1 de ácido indolácetico (AIA) y 0,25 mg•L-1 de bencilaminopurina (BAP). El procedimiento de desinfección con hipoclorito de sodio previno eficientemente la contaminación de los explantes después de la inoculación en el medio de cultivo. El mayor porcentaje en la inducción de brotes se logró con 0,25 mg•L-1 de BAP. Los segmentos nodales presentaron de 1 a 2 brotes adventicios por explante después de 15 días de inoculados y de 3 a 7 brotes a los 30 días después del inicio del cultivo. Una vez individualizados los brotes se usaron en una nueva fase de multiplicación masiva en la que se probaron cuatro sustratos diferentes durante el enraizamiento y el endurecimiento. Esta metodología permitió la propagación in vitro de guayaba cuatro semanas después del inicio del cultivo. Los mejores resultados se lograron con el medio WPM que permitió obtener las primeras plántulas enraizadas dos semanas después de la transferencia al sustrato de enraizamiento.
Modelos alométricos para estimar el área de los foliolos de arveja (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Galindo Julio Ricardo , Clavijo Jairo
Published: August 2016

La estimación del área foliar de la plantas a partir de las dimensiones de las hojas, sin recurrir a métodos destructivos, permite evaluar los factores que afectan el crecimiento de los cultivos de una manera precisa y en intervalos cortos de  tiempo. Con el fin de establecer un modelo para calcular el área foliar de la arveja (Pisum sativum L.) en ambientes de trópico alto propios de la Sabana de Bogotá, se sembraron dos lotes de arveja v. ‘Santa Isabel’ cada uno con 2 ha de extensión en dos semestres diferentes. En cada lote se marcaron 32 puntos para la toma de muestras, de cada punto se escogieron 20 hojas y de cada hoja se tomaron todos los foliolos para medir el largo y el ancho mediante análisis de imágenes. En uno de los lotes se hicieron evaluaciones a los 42 y 62 días después de la siembra; en el otro lote se hizo una única evaluación 72 días después de la siembra. Se estableció que el área de los foliolos y las estípulas de arveja se puede calcular eficientemente mediante modelos alométricos convencionales (largo y ancho) durante las etapas vegetativa y reproductiva del cultivo. El área de estos órganos también se puede estimar con base únicamente en la longitud de la lámina (bajo la forma 0,366L2), modelo con un solo factor que redujo a la mitad el tiempo de evaluación y fue aplicable por igual a los dos ciclos de crecimiento y las dos edades de cultivo.
Evaluación del uso de atmósferas modificadas pasivas y temperaturas bajas en la conservación de pitaya amarilla (Selinicereus megalanthus Shuman)
Authors: García María Cristina , Robayo Pilar
Published: August 2016

La ausencia de alternativas tecnológicas económicamente competitivas para la conservación de los productos frutícolas ha reducido el desarrollo de esta agrocadena en el país. Siendo Colombia uno de los principales productores de pitaya su participación en el mercado internacional es mínima. Las deficiencias en el manejo poscosecha se reflejan en tiempos de vida útil cortos, pérdidas poscosecha significativas, costos de comercialización altos y una amplia fluctuación de precios, factores que limitan el crecimiento de esta cadena e impiden su posicionamiento en el mercado internacional. Con el fin de ofrecer soluciones a esta problemática se evaluó el uso de bajas temperaturas y atmósferas modificadas pasivas en la conservación de la pitaya. A tal fin se usó fruta almacenada a 10°C en dos estados de madurez (verde o pintón), con o sin empaque, así como películas de polietileno o polipropileno perforadas y sin perforar. El comportamiento poscosecha se estimó según el porcentaje del área deteriorada, el color de la corteza, la pérdida de peso y firmeza, el contenido de sólidos solubles y la acidez. El estudio mostró que la principal ventaja que presenta el uso de empaques es la reducción de la deshidratación de la fruta. Los mejores resultados se encontraron en pitaya verde empacada en polipropileno sin perforar y almacenada a 10°C, condiciones en las cuales la fruta alcanzó una vida útil de 18 días con un deterioro inferior a 5% y de 21 días con un deterioro inferior al 10%.
Water quality assessment in a shallow lake used for tourism
Authors: Dembowska Ewa A. , Pul Patrycja L.
Published: August 2016

The routine evaluation of water quality is limited to lakes with the largest area. In Poland, only lakes with an area exceeding 50 hectares are monitored by the State Environmental Monitoring System. For many local communities, however, small lakes are more important. This applies mainly to areas with a small number of lakes, where even the smallest lakes are used for various purposes. This paper presents the results of phytoplankton analysis in a small and shallow lake used for recreation. The study was conducted at three sites located in different parts of the lake. A total of 122 algae taxa were identified in the phytoplankton, mainly diatoms and green algae. The most constant taxa in the lake were: Stephanodiscus hantzschii, Desmodesmus communis, Pediastrum tetras and Crucigenia tetrapedia. The average phytoplankton biomass was 37 mg l−1. The maximum biomass, almost 140 mg dm−3, was recorded in late July at the site located near the beach. At that time, there was a massive cyanobacterial bloom composed of Microcystis wesenbergii and Aphanizomenon issatschenkoi. Based on these studies, the lake should be classified as hypertrophic with bad ecological status. This lake should not be used for recreational purposes in the current state.
Is diagnostic accuracy of Alvarado scoring feasible in acute surgery for management of acute appendicitis?
Authors: Malhotra Mohinder Kumar , Sharma Ram Gopal , Goyal Subhash , Panwar Udit , Singal Kiran Kumar , Dwivedi Sankalp
Published: August 2016

Aim: To evaluate the usefulness and feasibility of the Alvarado scoring system in acute surgery in reducing the percentage of negative appendicectomy in our institute.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted, comprising 100 patients, admitted to department of Surgery in Maharishi Markendeshwar Institute of Medical sciences & Research (M.M.I.M.S.R), Mullana, Ambala, India during the period October 2012 to July 2014 with a preliminary diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Patients of both sexes and all age groups were included in the study and their Alvarado scores calculated, on the basis of which patients were divided into three groups: group1 (alv. Score >7) , group 2 (alv. score 5-6), group 3 (alv. Score <4). The signs, symptoms, laboratory values, surgical interventions, and pathology reports of each patient were evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of scoring system were calculated. Results: Out of 100 cases (82 males, 18 females), 76 Patients belonged to be in group1 (76%), 20 patients were in group 2 (20%) and 4 patients were in group 3 (4%). All 100 patients were operated, of which 86 patients found to have inflamed appendix (86%). 82 (82%) of operated patients were male and 18 (18%) were females. Out of 82 of operated males, 64 were having score > 7, 8 were having score 5-6 and 1 had score <4. Out of 18 operated females, 6 were having score > 7, 4 were having score 5-6, and 2 females had scoring <4. Negative appendectomy rate in our study was 14% which showed that Alvarado score helped in making diagnosis of acute appendicitis; thus reducing negative appendicectomy. Sensitivity and specificity of the Alvarado scoring system were found to be 83.7% and 71% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 94.7% and 83.3% respectively. Conclusion: Alvarado score can be used effectively in acute surgery in our setup to reduce the incidence of negative appendectomies in both male and females. It can be applied easily for acute surgery even by junior surgical colleagues with limited diagnostic facilities available to them.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.166-171
Usage of Silver-Stained Polyacrylamide Gels Electrophoresis (PAGE) for Detection of Rotavirus Infection by Direct Identification of Viral Nucleic Acid
Authors: Kabir Md Rashedul , Afrose Rafika , Shahidullah ASM , Hossain Md Akram , Paul Shyamal Kumar , Rahman Mahamudur , Kobayashi Nobumichi
Published: August 2016

Background: Rotavirus infects almost all children by the age of five. More than 180,000 annual deaths due to rotavirus, occurs in Bangladesh. Aims: This study aimed to determine the incidence of rotavirus infection in children by a modified polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in stool samples. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive type cross sectional study, a total of 400 stool samples were examined for the presence of rotavirus by a modified PAGE analysis of viral genome. Stool culture was done for common enteric pathogens. The study was carried out from November 2012 to July 2013 in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. Results: PAGE results were found in 365 of 400 (91%) specimens. Maximum incidence of rotavirus infection was seen in age group of 6 months - 24 months (67.25%). All 151 rotavirus positive cases did not show infection with bacterial pathogens.Conclusion: The modified PAGE technique for the detection of viral RNA was found to be rapid, simple, reliable and less expensive technique.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.154-159
Seasonal Variation of Nitrate Concentration and Its Direct Radiative Forcing over East Asia
Authors: Li Jiawei , Han Zhiwei
Published: August 2016

This study investigated the seasonal variation of nitrate concentration and its radiative forcing over East Asia by using an online-coupled regional climate model. Comparison with a series of in-situ observations from Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) and China demonstrated a good skill of the model in reproducing the magnitude and seasonality of nitrate concentration across East Asia. It was found that nitrate concentration in Beijing and Tianjin exhibited the maximum in summer and the minimum in winter possibly due to stronger chemical oxidation and regional transport effect of larger emissions from the north China Plain in summer, whereas in most areas of East Asia, nitrate concentration was higher in winter and lower in summer, consistent with the seasonality of NOx emission. Surface nitrate concentration was higher over the lower reaches of the Yellow River, followed by the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River and portions of south China, and lower in Korean Peninsula and Japan. The annual mean surface nitrate concentration was predicted to be 2.9 μg·m−3 for East Asia and 8.5 μg·m−3 for east China. All-sky direct radiative forcing (DRF) due to nitrate at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) exhibited the largest forcing up to −7 W·m−2 over the lower reaches of the Yellow River, and lower forcing of ~−2 W·m−2 in the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Clear-sky DRF by nitrate reached the maximum in spring and the minimum in summer over both East Asia and east China, whereas DRF under all-sky condition showed its maximum in autumn, associated with seasonalities of nitrate column burden, relative humidity, and cloud effect. Annual mean all-sky DRFs at TOA were estimated to be −1.7 W·m−2 and −3.7 W·m−2 over East Asia and east China, respectively, significantly larger than global annual mean, suggesting the important role of nitrate aerosol in environment and climate change over East Asia.
Coproduction as an Approach to Technology-Mediated Citizen Participation in Emergency Management
Authors: Díaz Paloma , Carroll John , Aedo Ignacio
Published: August 2016

Social and mobile computing open up new possibilities for integrating citizens’ information, knowledge, and social capital in emergency management (EM). This participation can improve the capacity of local agencies to respond to unexpected events by involving citizens not only as first line informants, but also as first responders. This participation could contribute to build resilient communities aware of the risks they are threatened by and able to mobilize their social capital to cope with them and, in turn, decrease the impact of threats and hazards. However for this participation to be possible organizations in charge of EM need to realize that involving citizens does not interfere with their protocols and that citizens are a valuable asset that can contribute to the EM process with specific skills and capabilities. In this paper we discuss the design challenges of using social and mobile computing to move to a more participatory EM process that starts by empowering both citizens and organizations in a coproduction service envisioned as a partnership effort. As an example, we describe a case study of a participatory design approach that involved professional EM workers and decision makers in an effort to understand the challenges of using technology-based solutions to integrate citizen skills and capabilities in their operation protocols. The case study made it possible to identify specific roles that citizens might play in a crisis or disaster and to envision scenarios were technologies could be used to integrate their skills into the EM process. In this way the paper contributes to the roles and the scenarios of theory-building about coproduction in EM services.
Enhanced Brain Responses to Pain-Related Words in Chronic Back Pain Patients and Their Modulation by Current Pain
Authors: Ritter Alexander , Franz Marcel , Puta Christian , Dietrich Caroline , Miltner Wolfgang , Weiss Thomas
Published: August 2016

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in healthy controls (HC) and pain-free migraine patients found activations to pain-related words in brain regions known to be activated while subjects experience pain. The aim of the present study was to identify neural activations induced by pain-related words in a sample of chronic back pain (CBP) patients experiencing current chronic pain compared to HC. In particular, we were interested in how current pain influences brain activations induced by pain-related adjectives. Subjects viewed pain-related, negative, positive, and neutral words; subjects were asked to generate mental images related to these words during fMRI scanning. Brain activation was compared between CBP patients and HC in response to the different word categories and examined in relation to current pain in CBP patients. Pain-related words vs. neutral words activated a network of brain regions including cingulate cortex and insula in subjects and patients. There was stronger activation in medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior midcingulate cortex in CPB patients than in HC. The magnitude of activation for pain-related vs. negative words showed a negative linear relationship to CBP patients’ current pain. Our findings confirm earlier observations showing that pain-related words activate brain networks similar to noxious stimulation. Importantly, CBP patients show even stronger activation of these structures while merely processing pain-related words. Current pain directly influences on this activation.
Emotions and Emotion Regulation in Breast Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Conley Claire , Bishop Brenden , Andersen Barbara
Published: August 2016

Emotional distress in cancer patients is an important outcome; however, emotional experience does not begin and end with emotion generation. Attempts to regulate emotions may lessen their potentially negative effects on physical and psychological well-being. Researchers have called for the study of emotion regulation (ER) in health psychology and psycho-oncology. Thus, this review has three aims. First, we discuss current understandings of emotion and ER across the cancer trajectory, including the principles of ER and methods for its assessment. Second, we present a model for examining the mediating effects of ER on psychosocial outcomes. Third, we “round out” the discussion with an example: new data on the role of ER in recurrent breast cancer. Taken together, these aims illustrate the impact of affective regulatory processes on cancer patients’ long-term outcomes. As survival rates increase, long-term follow-up studies are needed to characterize the dynamic, reciprocal effects of emotion and ER for cancer survivors. Further research on ER may help women with breast cancer better manage the challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment.
Hypergraph+: An Improved Hypergraph-Based Task-Scheduling Algorithm for Massive Spatial Data Processing on Master-Slave Platforms
Authors: Cheng Bo , Guan Xuefeng , Wu Huayi , Li Rui
Published: August 2016

Spatial data processing often requires massive datasets, and the task/data scheduling efficiency of these applications has an impact on the overall processing performance. Among the existing scheduling strategies, hypergraph-based algorithms capture the data sharing pattern in a global way and significantly reduce total communication volume. Due to heterogeneous processing platforms, however, single hypergraph partitioning for later scheduling may be not optimal. Moreover, these scheduling algorithms neglect the overlap between task execution and data transfer that could further decrease execution time. In order to address these problems, an extended hypergraph-based task-scheduling algorithm, named Hypergraph+, is proposed for massive spatial data processing. Hypergraph+ improves upon current hypergraph scheduling algorithms in two ways: (1) It takes platform heterogeneity into consideration offering a metric function to evaluate the partitioning quality in order to derive the best task/file schedule; and (2) It can maximize the overlap between communication and computation. The GridSim toolkit was used to evaluate Hypergraph+ in an IDW spatial interpolation application on heterogeneous master-slave platforms. Experiments illustrate that the proposed Hypergraph+ algorithm achieves on average a 43% smaller makespan than the original hypergraph scheduling algorithm but still preserves high scheduling efficiency.
Characterizing Aciniform Silk Repetitive Domain Backbone Dynamics and Hydrodynamic Modularity
Authors: Tremblay Marie-Laurence , Xu Lingling , Sarker Muzaddid , Liu Xiang-Qin , Rainey Jan
Published: August 2016

Spider aciniform (wrapping) silk is a remarkable fibrillar biomaterial with outstanding mechanical properties. It is a modular protein consisting, in Argiope trifasciata, of a core repetitive domain of 200 amino acid units (W units). In solution, the W units comprise a globular folded core, with five α-helices, and disordered tails that are linked to form a ~63-residue intrinsically disordered linker in concatemers. Herein, we present nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based 15N spin relaxation analysis, allowing characterization of backbone dynamics as a function of residue on the ps–ns timescale in the context of the single W unit (W1) and the two unit concatemer (W2). Unambiguous mapping of backbone dynamics throughout W2 was made possible by segmental NMR active isotope-enrichment through split intein-mediated trans-splicing. Spectral density mapping for W1 and W2 reveals a striking disparity in dynamics between the folded core and the disordered linker and tail regions. These data are also consistent with rotational diffusion behaviour where each globular domain tumbles almost independently of its neighbour. At a localized level, helix 5 exhibits elevated high frequency dynamics relative to the proximal helix 4, supporting a model of fibrillogenesis where this helix unfolds as part of the transition to a mixed α-helix/β-sheet fibre.
Optical and Electrical Performance of MOS-Structure Silicon Solar Cells with Antireflective Transparent ITO and Plasmonic Indium Nanoparticles under Applied Bias Voltage
Authors: Ho Wen-Jeng , Sue Ruei-Siang , Lin Jian-Cheng , Syu Hong-Jang , Lin Ching-Fuh
Published: August 2016

This paper reports impressive improvements in the optical and electrical performance of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)-structure silicon solar cells through the incorporation of plasmonic indium nanoparticles (In-NPs) and an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrode with periodic holes (perforations) under applied bias voltage. Samples were prepared using a plain ITO electrode or perforated ITO electrode with and without In-NPs. The samples were characterized according to optical reflectance, dark current voltage, induced capacitance voltage, external quantum efficiency, and photovoltaic current voltage. Our results indicate that induced capacitance voltage and photovoltaic current voltage both depend on bias voltage, regardless of the type of ITO electrode. Under a bias voltage of 4.0 V, MOS cells with perforated ITO and plain ITO, respectively, presented conversion efficiencies of 17.53% and 15.80%. Under a bias voltage of 4.0 V, the inclusion of In-NPs increased the efficiency of cells with perforated ITO and plain ITO to 17.80% and 16.87%, respectively.
On Generalized Double Statistical Convergence of Order α in Intuitionistic Fuzzy Normed Spaces
Authors: Savaş Ekrem
Published: August 2016

Our goal in this work is to introduce the notion V , λ ( I ) 2 -summability and ideal λ-double statistical convergence of order α with respect to the intuitionistic fuzzy norm μ , v . We also make some observations about these spaces and prove some inclusion relations.
A Method of Three-Dimensional Micro-Rotational Flow Generation for Biological Applications
Authors: Yalikun Yaxiaer , Kanda Yasunari , Morishima Keisuke
Published: August 2016

We report a convenient method to create a three-dimensional micro-rotational fluidic platform for biological applications in the direction of a vertical plane (out-of-plane) without contact in an open space. Unlike our previous complex fluidic manipulation system, this method uses a micro-rotational flow generated near a single orifice when the solution is pushed from the orifice by using a single pump. The three-dimensional fluidic platform shows good potential for fluidic biological applications such as culturing, stimulating, sorting, and manipulating cells. The pattern and velocity of the micro-rotational flow can be controlled by tuning the parameters such as the flow rate and the liquid-air interface height. We found that bio-objects captured by the micro-rotational flow showed self-rotational motion and orbital motion. Furthermore, the path length and position, velocity, and pattern of the orbital motion of the bio-object could be controlled. To demonstrate our method, we used embryoid body cells. As a result, the orbital motion had a maximum length of 2.4 mm, a maximum acceleration of 0.63 m/s2, a frequency of approximately 0.45 Hz, a maximum velocity of 15.4 mm/s, and a maximum rotation speed of 600 rpm. The capability to have bio-objects rotate or move orbitally in three dimensions without contact opens up new research opportunities in three-dimensional microfluidic technology.
Biofilms from Klebsiella pneumoniae: Matrix Polysaccharide Structure and Interactions with Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Benincasa Monica , Lagatolla Cristina , Dolzani Lucilla , Milan Annalisa , Pacor Sabrina , Liut Gianfranco , Tossi Alessandro , Cescutti Paola , Rizzo Roberto
Published: August 2016

Biofilm matrices of two Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates, KpTs101 and KpTs113, were investigated for their polysaccharide composition and protective effects against antimicrobial peptides. Both strains were good biofilm producers, with KpTs113 forming flocs with very low adhesive properties to supports. Matrix exopolysaccharides were isolated and their monosaccharide composition and glycosidic linkage types were defined. KpTs101 polysaccharide is neutral and composed only of galactose, in both pyranose and furanose ring configurations. Conversely, KpTs113 polysaccharide is anionic due to glucuronic acid units, and also contains glucose and mannose residues. The susceptibility of the two strains to two bovine cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides, BMAP-27 and Bac7(1–35), was assessed using both planktonic cultures and biofilms. Biofilm matrices exerted a relevant protection against both antimicrobials, which act with quite different mechanisms. Similar protection was also detected when antimicrobial peptides were tested against planktonic bacteria in the presence of the polysaccharides extracted from KpTs101 and KpTs113 biofilms, suggesting sequestering adduct formation with antimicrobials. Circular dichroism experiments on BMAP-27 in the presence of increasing amounts of either polysaccharide confirmed their ability to interact with the peptide and induce an α-helical conformation.
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Chalcopyrite Dissolution at Controlled Redox Potential of 750 mV in Sulfuric Acid Solution
Authors: Li Yubiao , Wei Zhenlun , Qian Gujie , Li Jun , Gerson Andrea
Published: August 2016

To better understand chalcopyrite leach mechanisms and kinetics, for improved Cu extraction during hydrometallurgical processing, chalcopyrite leaching has been conducted at solution redox potential 750 mV, 35–75 °C, and pH 1.0 with and without aqueous iron addition, and pH 1.5 and 2.0 without aqueous iron addition. The activation energy (Ea) values derived indicate chalcopyrite dissolution is initially surface chemical reaction controlled, which is associated with the activities of Fe3+ and H+ with reaction orders of 0.12 and −0.28, respectively. A surface diffusion controlled mechanism is proposed for the later leaching stage with correspondingly low Ea values. Surface analyses indicate surface products (predominantly Sn2− and S0) did not inhibit chalcopyrite dissolution, consistent with the increased surface area normalised leach rate during the later stage. The addition of aqueous iron plays an important role in accelerating Cu leaching rates, especially at lower temperature, primarily by reducing the length of time of the initial surface chemical reaction controlled stage.
Metallic Nanostructures Based on DNA Nanoshapes
Authors: Shen Boxuan , Tapio Kosti , Linko Veikko , Kostiainen Mauri , Toppari Jari
Published: August 2016

Metallic nanostructures have inspired extensive research over several decades, particularly within the field of nanoelectronics and increasingly in plasmonics. Due to the limitations of conventional lithography methods, the development of bottom-up fabricated metallic nanostructures has become more and more in demand. The remarkable development of DNA-based nanostructures has provided many successful methods and realizations for these needs, such as chemical DNA metallization via seeding or ionization, as well as DNA-guided lithography and casting of metallic nanoparticles by DNA molds. These methods offer high resolution, versatility and throughput and could enable the fabrication of arbitrarily-shaped structures with a 10-nm feature size, thus bringing novel applications into view. In this review, we cover the evolution of DNA-based metallic nanostructures, starting from the metallized double-stranded DNA for electronics and progress to sophisticated plasmonic structures based on DNA origami objects.
RETRACTED: A Bio Polymeric Adhesive Produced by Photo Cross-Linkable Technique
Authors: Abdalla Soliman , Al-Aama Nabil , Al-Ghamdi Maryam
Published: August 2016

The advantages of photo polymerization methods compared to thermal techniques are: rapid cure reactions, low energy demands, solvent free requirements and room temperature use. In order to form a macromer, polycaprolactone (PCL) was cross-linked via ultraviolet power with 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate. Different methods of characterization were carried out: estimation of swelling capacity, adhesive capacity (using aminated substrates), surface energy (by contact angle), and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared. In addition to these experiments, we carried out dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and thermorphology characterizations of PCL. Thus, it has been concluded that the prepared macromer could be transformed into membranes that were effective as a medical adhesive. The degree of cross linking has been estimated using two different techniques: swelling of the samples and photo cross linking of the samples with different periods of irradiation at relatively high UV-power (600 mW/cm2).
Flammability of Cellulose-Based Fibers and the Effect of Structure of Phosphorus Compounds on Their Flame Retardancy
Authors: Salmeia Khalifah , Jovic Milijana , Ragaisiene Audrone , Rukuiziene Zaneta , Milasius Rimvydas , Mikucioniene Daiva , Gaan Sabyasachi
Published: August 2016

Cellulose fibers are promoted for use in various textile applications due their sustainable nature. Cellulose-based fibers vary considerably in their mechanical and flammability properties depending on their chemical composition. The chemical composition of a cellulose-based fiber is further dependent on their source (i.e., seed, leaf, cane, fruit, wood, bast, and grass). Being organic in nature, cellulose fibers, and their products thereof, pose considerable fire risk. In this work we have compared the flammability properties of cellulose fibers obtained from two different sources (i.e., cotton and peat). Compared to cotton cellulose textiles, peat-based cellulose textiles burn longer with a prominent afterglow which can be attributed to the presence of lignin in its structure. A series of phosphoramidates were synthesized and applied on both cellulose textiles. From thermogravimetric and pyrolysis combustion flow analysis of the treated cellulose, we were able to relate the flame retardant efficacy of the synthesized phosphorus compounds to their chemical structure. The phosphoramidates with methyl phosphoester groups exhibited higher condensed phase flame retardant effects on both types of cellulose textiles investigated in this study. In addition, the bis-phosphoramidates exhibited higher flame retardant efficacy compared to the mono-phosphoramidates.
Correction of Dynamic Errors of a Gas Sensor Based on a Parametric Method and a Neural Network Technique
Authors: Roj Jerzy
Published: August 2016

The paper presents two methods of dynamic error correction applied to transducers used for the measurement of gas concentration. One of them is based on a parametric model of the transducer dynamics, and the second one uses the artificial neural network (ANN) technique. This article describes research of the dynamic properties of the gas concentration measuring transducer with a typical sensor based on tin dioxide. Its response time is about 8 min, which may be not acceptable in many applications. On the basis of these studies, a parametric model of the transducer dynamics and an adequate correction algorithm has been developed. The results obtained in the research of the transducer were also used for learning and testing ANN, which were implemented in the dynamic correction task. Despite the simplicity of the used models, both methods allowed a significant reduction of the transducer’s response time. For the algorithm based on the parametric model the response time was shorter by approximately eight-fold (reduced up to 40–80 s, i.e., about 2–4 sample periods), whereas with the use of an ANN the output signal was practically fixed after a time equal to one sampling period, i.e., 20 s. In addition, the use of ANN has allowed reducing the impact of the transducer dynamic non-linearity on the correction effectiveness.
Analyzing Three-Decadal Patterns of Land Use/Land Cover Change and Regional Ecosystem Services at the Landscape Level: Case Study of Two Coastal Metropolitan Regions, Eastern China
Authors: Cai Yuan-Bin , Li Hui-Min , Ye Xin-Yue , Zhang Hao
Published: August 2016

Rapid urbanization, land scarcity, and accompanying ecological deterioration in China have received growing attention. In this paper, two fast-growing metropolitan regions, Greater Shanghai and Greater Hangzhou, were selected as case studies to quantify the impact of land use/land cover (LULC) change on regional ecosystem services value (ESV) at the landscape scale since the late 1970s. The results show that in both regions, dramatic LULC change, especially recent land development at the urban fringes, led to a steady decline in the available area of productive agricultural land, natural land and semi-natural land. This consequently caused remarkable landscape fragmentation along the urban-rural gradient as measured by five class-level landscape metrics. It was estimated that in Greater Shanghai, regulating, supporting, provisioning, and cultural ESVs decreased by 32.05%, 17.89%, 53.72%, and 17.06%, respectively. In Greater Hangzhou, these values decreased by 27.82%, 23.86%, 28.62%, and 22.85%, respectively. In addition, the relationship is quantified between zonal buffer-based ESV and class-level landscape metrics. Further analysis shows that spatiotemporal patterns of zonal ESVs along the urban-rural gradient in these two regions exhibited unbalanced patterns of ecological services delivery.
Automatic Frequency Identification under Sample Loss in Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation Signals Using an Iterative Autocorrelation Algorithm
Authors: Said Alejandro , Davizón Yasser , Espino-Román Piero , Rodríguez-Said Roberto , Hernández-Santos Carlos
Published: August 2016

In this work, we present a simple algorithm to calculate automatically the Fourier spectrum of a Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation Signal (SPWM). Modulated voltage signals of this kind are used in industry by speed drives to vary the speed of alternating current motors while maintaining a smooth torque. Nevertheless, the SPWM technique produces undesired harmonics, which yield stator heating and power losses. By monitoring these signals without human interaction, it is possible to identify the harmonic content of SPWM signals in a fast and continuous manner. The algorithm is based in the autocorrelation function, commonly used in radar and voice signal processing. Taking advantage of the symmetry properties of the autocorrelation, the algorithm is capable of estimating half of the period of the fundamental frequency; thus, allowing one to estimate the necessary number of samples to produce an accurate Fourier spectrum. To deal with the loss of samples, i.e., the scan backlog, the algorithm iteratively acquires and trims the discrete sequence of samples until the required number of samples reaches a stable value. The simulation shows that the algorithm is not affected by either the magnitude of the switching pulses or the acquisition noise.
Chloroquine Analog Interaction with C2- and Iota-Toxin in Vitro and in Living Cells
Authors: Kronhardt Angelika , Beitzinger Christoph , Barth Holger , Benz Roland
Published: August 2016

C2-toxin from Clostridium botulinum and Iota-toxin from Clostridium perfringens belong both to the binary A-B-type of toxins consisting of two separately secreted components, an enzymatic subunit A and a binding component B that facilitates the entry of the corresponding enzymatic subunit into the target cells. The enzymatic subunits are in both cases actin ADP-ribosyltransferases that modify R177 of globular actin finally leading to cell death. Following their binding to host cells’ receptors and internalization, the two binding components form heptameric channels in endosomal membranes which mediate the translocation of the enzymatic components Iota a and C2I from endosomes into the cytosol of the target cells. The binding components form ion-permeable channels in artificial and biological membranes. Chloroquine and related 4-aminoquinolines were able to block channel formation in vitro and intoxication of living cells. In this study, we extended our previous work to the use of different chloroquine analogs and demonstrate that positively charged aminoquinolinium salts are able to block channels formed in lipid bilayer membranes by the binding components of C2- and Iota-toxin. Similarly, these molecules protect cultured mammalian cells from intoxication with C2- and Iota-toxin. The aminoquinolinium salts did presumably not interfere with actin ADP-ribosylation or receptor binding but blocked the pores formed by C2IIa and Iota b in living cells and in vitro. The blocking efficiency of pores formed by Iota b and C2IIa by the chloroquine analogs showed interesting differences indicating structural variations between the types of protein-conducting nanochannels formed by Iota b and C2IIa.
Loop Quantum Cosmology, Modified Gravity and Extra Dimensions
Authors: Zhang Xiangdong
Published: August 2016

Loop quantum cosmology (LQC) is a framework of quantum cosmology based on the quantization of symmetry reduced models following the quantization techniques of loop quantum gravity (LQG). This paper is devoted to reviewing LQC as well as its various extensions including modified gravity and higher dimensions. For simplicity considerations, we mainly focus on the effective theory, which captures main quantum corrections at the cosmological level. We set up the basic structure of Brans–Dicke (BD) and higher dimensional LQC. The effective dynamical equations of these theories are also obtained, which lay a foundation for the future phenomenological investigations to probe possible quantum gravity effects in cosmology. Some outlooks and future extensions are also discussed.
High antiviral effect of TiO2·PL–DNA nanocomposites targeted to conservative regions of (−)RNA and (+)RNA of influenza A virus in cell culture
Authors: Levina Asya S , Repkova Marina N , Bessudnova Elena V , Filippova Ekaterina I , Mazurkova Natalia A , Zarytova Valentina F
Published: August 2016

Background:The development of new antiviral drugs based on nucleic acids is under scrutiny. An important problem in this aspect is to find the most vulnerable conservative regions in the viral genome as targets for the action of these agents. Another challenge is the development of an efficient system for their delivery into cells. To solve this problem, we proposed a TiO2·PL–DNA nanocomposite consisting of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and polylysine (PL)-containing oligonucleotides.

Results:The TiO2·PL–DNA nanocomposites bearing the DNA fragments targeted to different conservative regions of (−)RNA and (+)RNA of segment 5 of influenza A virus (IAV) were studied for their antiviral activity in MDCK cells infected with the H1N1, H5N1, and H3N2 virus subtypes. Within the negative strand of each of the studied strains, the efficiency of DNA fragments increased in the direction of its 3’-end. Thus, the DNA fragment aimed at the 3’-noncoding region of (−)RNA was the most efficient and inhibited the reproduction of different IAV subtypes by 3–4 orders of magnitude. Although to a lesser extent, the DNA fragments targeted at the AUG region of (+)RNA and the corresponding region of (−)RNA were also active. For all studied viral subtypes, the nanocomposites bearing the DNA fragments targeted to (−)RNA appeared to be more efficient than those containing fragments aimed at the corresponding (+)RNA regions.

Conclusion:The proposed TiO2·PL–DNA nanocomposites can be successfully used for highly efficient and site-specific inhibition of influenza A virus of different subtypes. Some patterns of localization of the most vulnerable regions in IAV segment 5 for the action of DNA-based drugs were found. The (−)RNA strand of IAV segment 5 appeared to be more sensitive as compared to (+)RNA.
Level of data quality from Health Management Information Systems in a resources limited setting and its associated factors, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Teklegiorgis Kidist , Tadesse Kidane , Mirutse Gebremeskel , Terefe Wondwossen
Published: August 2016

Background: A Health Information System (HIS) is a system that integrates data collection, processing, reporting, and use of the information necessary for improving health service effectiveness and efficiency through better management at all levels of health services. Despite the credible use of HIS for evidence-based decision-making, countries with the highest burden of ill health and the most in need of accurate and timely data have the weakest HIS in the vast majority of world’s poorest countries. Although a Health Management Information System (HMIS) forms a backbone for strong health systems, most developing countries still face a challenge in strengthening routine HIS. The main focus of this study was to assess the current HIS performance and identify factors affecting data quality in a resource-limited setting, such as Ethiopian health facilities.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using structured questionnaires in Dire Dawa Administration health facilities. All unit and/or department heads from all government health facilities were selected. The data was analysed using STATA version 11. Frequency and percentages were computed to present the descriptive findings. Association between variables was computed using binary logistic regression.Results: Over all data quality was found to be 75.3% in unit and/or departments. Trained staff to fill format, decision based on supervisor directives and department heads seek feedback were significantly associated with data quality and their magnitudes were (AOR = 2.253, 95% CI [1.082, 4.692]), (AOR = 2.131, 95% CI [1.073, 4.233]) and (AOR = 2.481, 95% CI [1.262, 4.876]), respectively.Conclusion: Overall data quality was found to be below the national expectation level. Low data quality was found at health posts compared to health centres and hospitals. There was also a shortage of assigned HIS personnel, separate HIS offices, and assigned budgets for HIS across all units and/or departments.
Characteristics of Ground Ozone Concentration over Beijing from 2004 to
2015: Trends, Transport, and Effects of Reductions
Authors: Cheng Nianliang , Li Yunting , Zhang Dawei , Chen Tian , Sun Feng , Chen Chen , Meng Fan
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Based on the hourly ozone monitoring data during 2004–2015 in urban area and at DL background station in Beijing, a comprehensive discussion of the characteristics of ozone concentration was conducted. Annual concentration of daily maximum 1 h ozone (O3 1 h) was all increasing at urban sites (1.79 ppbv yr−1) and DL background station (2.05 ppbv yr−1) while daily maximum 8 h average ozone concentration (O3 8 h) was increasing in urban area (1.14 ppbv yr−1) and slightly decreasing at DL background station (−0.47 ppbv yr−1) from 2004 to 2015 due to different ozone sensitivity regimes and ratios of NO2/NO. Diurnal variation of ozone peaks obtained at downwind DL station were about 1 h later than that in urban area from May to October in different years and concentration of ozone at a DL background station was much higher than that of urban sites. Moreover, the difference of ozone peaks between urban sites and DL background station was significantly becoming smaller in recent years, which may be related to the regional ozone transport and the expansion urbanization of Beijing. Based on the joint efforts of regional air pollution prevention and control,Beijing achieved Sep 3 military blue. Calculated average concentrations of CO, NO2, and O3 in S2 (Aug 20~31, 2015) and S3 (Sep 01~03, 2015) decreased by 31.48 %, 43.97 %, and 13.21 % at urban sites, and by 20.93 %, 57.10 %, and 23.62 % at DL station, respectively compared with those in S1 (Aug 01~19,2015) and S4 Sep 04~30, 2015). A reduction of local anthropogenic emissions such as VOCs and NOx could reduce ozone efficiently especially in downwind areas of Beijing and made the ozone peaks decrease significantly and appear 2~3 h earlier compared to the scenarios of no emission reductions. Compared to the increasing ozone during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)meeting period,to decrease the ozone concentration in Beijing, VOCs emissions should be reduced larger and be controlled stricter than that of NOx in Beijing and the policy of regional air pollution joint prevention and control should still be promoted unswervingly and jointly in the further.