bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of spacing and nitrogen levels on yield and yield contributing characters of maize
Authors: Rahman MM , Paul SK , Rahman MM
Published: December 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2014 to April 2015 to investigate the effect of planting spacing and nitrogen levels on yield attributes and yield of maize cv. Khaibhutta. The experiment comprised three nitrogen levels viz. 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 and five plant spacings viz. 75 cm × 25 cm, 75 cm × 20 cm, 50 cm × 25 cm, 50 cm × 20 cm and 100 cm × 20 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that nitrogen levels and plant spacing had significant effect on yield attributes and yield of Khaibhutta. The highest number of cobs plant-1, grains row-1, grain yield and stover yield were recorded with 150 kg N ha-1 followed by 100 kg N ha- 1and the lowest values were observed in 50 kg N ha-1. The highest number of cobs plant-1, grain rows cob-1, grains row-1, grains cob-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and harvest index were recorded at 75 cm × 25 cm spacing. In contrast, the closest spacing of 50 cm x 20 cm produced the lowest values of grain rows cob-1, grains row-1, grains cob-1, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. In case of interaction, the highest grain yield and harvest index were obtained at 75 cm × 25 cm spacing fertilized with 150 kg N ha-1. The lowest values of the above parameters were recorded in the closest spacing 50 cm × 20 cm with 50 kg N ha-1. From this study it may be concluded that maize (cv. Khaibhutta) can be cultivated at the spacing of 75 cm × 25 cm with 150 kg N ha-1 for appreciable grain yield.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 43-48, June 2016
Evaluation of anti-coccidial drug sensitivity against experimental coccidiosis in broiler chicks
Authors: Lovelu MA , Talukder MH , Alam MZ , Karim MA
Published: December 2016

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of sulphaclozine sodium and toltrazuril for the treatment of experimentally induced caecal coccidosis. Day-old chicks (n=96) reared in a coccidia free condition divided into six Groups (A, B, C, D, E and F) each having 4 subgroups of 4 chicks in each. At the age of 23 days the chicks were infected with 104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella except control Group F and treated for 4 consecutive days from 3 days post infection. Then treatment was given in Group A (2 gm/L), B (3 gm/L) with sulphaclozine sodium and in Group C (1 ml/L), D (1.5 ml/L) with toltrazuril. Group E was maintained as infected, but untreated and Group F as negative control. After treatment Group A gained almost similar weight with Group F. A significantly higher (P<0.05) weight gain was recorded in Group A and B compared with Group C and D.The infected untreated chicks passed a large number of oocysts from day 5 till the end of the experiment. Chicks receiving sulphaclozine sodium (Groups A and B) had large oocysts count compared with the Groups C and D treated with toltrazuril but lower than the untreated chicks. At the end of experiment the lowest oocysts count was found in Group D (31.32 x 106) and highest in Group E (53.59 x106). Hence this study recommends to use sulphaclozine sodium and toltrazuril for chicken coccidiosis.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 57-61, June 2016
Performance of exporting shrimps and dry fishes from Bangladesh
Authors: Sen BR , Islam T , Alam K , Hassan F
Published: December 2016

This study shows the present status of exporting shrimps and dry fishes from Bangladesh in the pre-and -post liberalization period, estimates the growth rate and instability of exporting shrimps and dry fishes for earnings, quantity & price for five years. Recent status presents that farming of shrimp and processing of dry fish are increasing over the year. Status of exporting shrimp & dry fish (value, volume & price) are decreasing in recent years compared to previous years. The overall estimated growth of exported shrimp and dry fish (value) were found 19.48% and 16.53% and (volume) were found 11.52% and 12.86%, respectively. On the other hand, overall estimated export growth of shrimp & dry fish (price) were 175.94% and 37.58%, respectively. Instability in shrimp export earnings was found the highest in period I which was 62.16% and the lowest in period II which was 12.56%. Dry fish export instability was the highest for period I which was 128.08% & the lowest percentage was 54.49% in period II. Instability in quantity export of shrimp was found the highest in period I at 63.29% whereas it was 155.92% in period I for dry fish export and the lowest percentage for both were 14.5% & 48.66% in period II, respectively. On the other hand, instability in prices of exported shrimp & dry fish were found the highest in period I which were 25.26% & 140.63%, respectively. The lowest percentage for shrimp in period II which was 11.29% and for dry fish it was 63.56% in period III. It also affects export of shrimp & dry fish from Bangladesh. The circumstances of shrimp & dry fish export demand different institutional supports to enhance the marketing activities and to strengthen the competitive position in the international market with a view to ensuring more contribution to our economy.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 69-74, June 2016
Consumers willingness to pay for organic beef: Evidence from Dhaka City
Authors: Sarma PK , Raha SK
Published: December 2016

This study was carried out in order to identify consumers willingness to pay a price premium for organic beef in Dhaka city of Bangladesh during the period July-December 2015. The research surveyed 180 consumers using semistructured questionnaires to examine consumers perception about organic beef and assess their willingness to pay for beef. The study revealed that all respondents are willing to pay price premium for organic beef. Consumers are willing to purchase organic beef because these beef are free of pesticides, chemical, drug, steroid, etc. A health conscious is one of the main determinants of willing to pay followed by consumer perception and quality towards the organic beef. A total of 41% of the consumers are willing to pay 0-5% price premium, whereas 30% are willing to pay up to 10% price premium. About 19% of the respondents feel the extra cost for organic beef is reasonable, while 10% considered it too high. The survey also suggested that the consumption of organic beef is increasing; however, develop production method, slaughtering process, processing, packaging, labeling, and innovations hallal certification from Islamic foundation are needed to stimulate further demand. It was also found that only some groups of consumers are willing to pay the premium necessary for alternative methods of production.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 83-91, June 2016
Adoption of conservation agriculture practice in Bangladesh: Impact on crop profitability and productivity
Authors: Uddin MT , Dhar AR , Islam MM
Published: December 2016

The study was conducted to assess the impact of conservation agriculture practice on crop profitability in Bangladesh and to identify the determinants of adopting such practice. A total of 300 farmers (50 focal, 100 proximal and 150 control) from five districts (Mymensingh, Bogra, Tangail, Sherpur and Jamalpur) were selected. Focal farmers were selected purposively; and proximal and control farmers were selected randomly. Descriptive statistics like sum, averages, percentages and ratios were calculated to evaluate the socioeconomic data. Profitability of crop production was measured in terms of gross return, gross margin, net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR). Crop productivity was measured using the Enyedis crop productivity index. The BCR of focal, proximal and control farmers were 2.58, 2.24 and 2.18, respectively. The crop productivity of focal, proximal and control farmers were increased by 0.5, 1.1 and 1.4 percent, respectively with respect to the entire region. Educational level of household head, farm size, farm income, extension contact and farming experience were found as significant factors through logit model that affect the adoption of this practice by the farmers. Input support, motivation, training programmes and extension services by different government and non-government organizations should be properly organized and implemented to raise the consciousness and enhance the knowledge of the farmers on conservation agriculture practice.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 101-112, June 2016
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis: An Emerging Bacterial Disease of Global Public Health Significance
Authors: Pal Mahendra , Rahman Md Tanvir
Published: December 2016

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of chronic enteric disease of ruminant known as paratuberculosis (Johne's disease). The disease causes considerable economic losses worldwide due to reduced milk production and eventually, diarrhoea, weight loss and death. Johne's disease (JD) has some pathological similarities with Crohn's disease (CD) in humans, and the role of MAP in the causation of CD has been under investigation for last 100 years. Animals infected with JD shed viable MAP in the blood, and tissues. Consequently, transmission to humans may occur via consumption of animal derived foods. In developing countries, limited information is available on the occurrence of MAP infection in animals and humans. MAP infection has been established in animals and humans may get the MAP exposure through food chain or contaminated environment. Presently, MAP is of great public health significance because it is speculated to be involved in Crohn's disease in humans. The present review summarizes the information primarily on the nature of MAP in animals and humans, economic losses and morbidity and mortality due to JD and CD at global level. Current concept on the possible relationship between MAP and Crohn's disease has also been reviewed.Microbes and Health, January 2015. 4(1): 4-13
In vitro Conservation of Campanula sclerophylla Kolak ? Endemic Endangered Species of Western Caucasus
Authors: Kolomiets TM , Malyarovskaya VI , Samarina LS
Published: December 2016

The study was conducted to develop micropropagation and slow?growth conservation protocol for endangered relict plant species Campanula sclerophylla. The best multiplication rate up to 7.2 shoots per explant was obtained on half strength MS supplemented with 3 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l IAA. The effects of temperature/light conditions, sorbitol and ABA on shoot growth of Campanula sclerophylla were studied. Addition of 3 g/l sorbitol and 5 mg/l ABA inhibited shoot length and multiplication of C. sclerophylla. Explants were stored for 9 months without subculture at 7º? and light intensity of 23 lux.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 143-149, 2016 (December)
In vitro Shoot Multiplication of Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal
Authors: Joshi Harsh , Nekkala Sureshkumar , Soner Deepak , Kher Mafatlal M , Nataraj M
Published: December 2016

Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal is an important medicinal plant of Solanaceae. Nodal segments obtained from field grown plants were used as explants. 1 ? 2 cm long nodal segment with a single one bud was cultured on MS containing 2.5 mg/l thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg/l NAA and 50 mg/l adenine sulphate (AdS) resulted in formation of 5.16 shoots per node. However, vitrification was observed in all explants within one month. On the other hand nodal explants cultured on MS supplemented with 2.50 mg/l meta?topoline (mT) with 0.1 mg/l NAA and 50 mg/l AdS resulted in the formation of 4.50 healthy and uniformly grown shoots per node.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 187-195, 2016 (December)
Improvement of Flax Drought Tolerance Using Gene Transfer
Authors: Tawfik Rasha Sabry , Badr Abdelfattah , Sammour Reda , Ibrahim Usama , Matter Mohamed , Sakr Mahmoud
Published: December 2016

Attempt was made to produce transgenic cell lines of flax cv. Blanka tolerant to drought stress. Genetic transformation systems were used to incorporate the DREB2A gene, as the specific gene for drought stress tolerance. In biolistic transformation, hypocotyl segments were bombarded with DREB2A and GFP genes at particle flight distance of 9 cm and rupture disc pressure of 1300 psi. The expression of the gene was observed under a light microscope after 24 and 48 hrs. In Agrobacterium?mediated transformation, the hypocotyl segments were incubated overnight with Agrobacterium culture at five optical density OD600 i.e. 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 for 30 min with occasional stirring. Later, the explants were transferred to a selection regeneration medium supplemented with 50 mg/dm3 hygromycin and 300 mg/dm3 cefotaxime and subcultured every two weeks on a new selection medium. Molecular analysis confirmed the expression of the target DREB2A gene in flax genome.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 197-207, 2016 (December
Genetic Diversity Assessment of Luffa aegyptiaca Landraces Endemic in Egypt Based on Some Molecular Markers
Authors: Al Tahlawy Mohammad Abdel Sttar , Ibrahim Mahmoud Abdel Aziz , Matter Mohamed Ahmed , Mohamed Mervat El Sayed , Sakr Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: December 2016

Luffa aegyptiaca is a popular climbing herb endemic in Egypt. We studied the genetic diversity among ten Luffa landraces (Cairo, Beni Suef, Menoufiya, Damietta, Banha, Aswan, Kafr el?Sheikh, Bir el?Abd, MarsaMatruh and Asyut) collected from different districts in Egypt. The results obtained from DNA fingerprinting revealed that there were polymorphic loci with average percentage of 44.6 among collected landraces whereas polymorphic loci obtained from SDS?PAGE were 23%. Discrimination between landraces was more efficient by using RAPD?PCR marker than total proteins SDS?PAGE which showed a limited level of intraspecific diversity.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 209-217, 2016 (December)
Somatic Embryogenesis from Anther, Whole Flower, and Leaf Explants of Some Grapevine Cultivars
Authors: Alavijeh Maryam Karimi , Ebadi Ali , Zarei Abdolkarim , Omidi Mansour
Published: December 2016

To investigate the influence of cultivar, medium, and explants on production of somatic embryogenic callus in grapevine (Vitis vinifera) an attempt was made. After callus production, calli were transferred into GS1CA medium for embryogenesis. In GS1CA medium, anther explant of Shahroodi cultivar showed the highest potential for production of embryogenic calli. Results showed that whole flower explants did not produce any embryogenic calli. In addition, leaf explants of Red?Sultanina and Flame Seedless were cultured on MS containing 1mg 2,4?D, 0.1 mg BA, 1 g/l casein hydrolisate, 20 g/l sucrose and 7 g/l agar were able to produce embryonic calli. After three months, calli were transferred to the MS with different concentrations of BA (1, 2 and 3.5 mg/l) and IAA (2, 5 and 15 mg/l). Results showed that among cultivars and different hormonal treatments, the medium containing 5 mg/l BA and 2 mg/l IAA induced maximum embryogenesis in Flame?Seedless calli.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 219-230, 2016 (December)
Isolation and Characterization of Indigenous Lipase Producing Bacteria from Lipid?rich Environment
Authors: Aktar Lovely , Khan Farhana Islam , Islam Tahmina , Mitra Shawon , Saha Mihir Lal
Published: December 2016

To isolate and characterize lipase producing bacteria from lipid?rich environment and screen the best lipolytic indigenous bacteria a study was made. For the isolation of bacteria, oil based wastewater and soil were collected from ten different sampling sites. Four different media were used for study the aerobic heterotrophic bacterial count. The highest bacterial count (1.56 × 107 cfu/gm) was observed in dairy farm soil and lowest (8.3 × 102 cfu/ml) in the Buriganga river water. The highest percentage (94.51) of lipase producing bacteria was found in edible oil mill soil and lowest (23.44) in the Buriganga river water. Among the total isolates 30 showed better lipase activity. Potential ten lipase producers were taken for molecular identification. Among them, nine genera were matched with their conventional identification but conventionally identified Acetobacter liquifaciens was found to be as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The enzyme produced by the isolated bacteria could be used for the treatment of lipid?rich wastewater.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 243-253, 2016 (December)
In vitro Regeneration of Blepharispermum subsessile DC: An Endangered Medicinal Plant of Odisha, India using Cotyledon Explants
Authors: Nayak Pranati , C Kalidass
Published: December 2016

Multiple shoots were induced on cotyledon explants of in vitro grown seedlings of Blepharispermum subsessile DC, cultured on MS medium supplemented with various combinations and concentrations of BAP, IBA and GA3. The highest regenerative response was observed on medium containing 2.5 mg/l BAP where shoot buds initiated after 12 days of inoculation and about 32 shoots were produced in 30 days time. Addition of GA3 played a key role in leaf expansion and elongation of shoot buds. Addition of the auxin IBA to the induction medium resulted in more callus proliferation rather than shoot bud induction. The elongated shoots were transferred to root induction medium consisting of half strength MS supplemented with IAA, NAA and IBA. Highest rooting response (90%) was recorded in ½ MS supplemented with 1.0 mg/l IAA. Acclimatized plants were maintained in polybags with garden soil for future reintroduction program to their natural habitat.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 255-266, 2016 (December)
Genetic Imprinting: Comparative Analysis Between Plants and Mammals
Authors: Ogunwuyi Oluwaseun , Upadhyay Ankur , Adesina Simeon K , Puri Reema , Foreman Tasha M , Hauser Belinda R , Cox Juanita , Afoakwah Eric , Porter Andre , Annan Emma , Manka Cheu , Olatilewa Denloye , Thompson Bethtrice , Kibanyi Peter R , Miller Kimberly , Ullah Hemayet
Published: December 2016

Genetic imprinting: the parent of origin?specific biased expression of alleles is an important type of epigenetic gene regulation in flowering plants and mammals. All imprinted genes show either maternal ? or paternal?specific mono?allelic expression. Considering that plants and mammals shared a common ancestor more than one billion years ago, significant overlap and potentially equally significant differences in the genomic imprinting mechanisms in these two taxa are emerging. In plants, the imprinted genes are primarily imprinted in the ephemeral endosperm tissues of the seeds which do not contribute any genome to future generations, while in mammals, the imprinted genes are located in embryo, placenta, and the adult body. Though both kingdoms silence imprinted genes using DNA methylation, imprinted alleles in mammals are targeted for silencing while in plants preexisting methylation is specifically removed from the allele destined to be active in maternally expressed genes in the endosperm. It is now accepted that imprinting evolved in both taxa due to competition between parental genomes over resource allocation to offspring. Moreover, the distinct life cycle stages between the taxa may account for the different strategies used by plants and mammals to regulate parent?specific gene expression. The elucidation of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms responsible for genetic imprinting have provided answers to various crucial questions arising in biological sciencesPlant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 26(2): 267-284, 2016 (December)
Musculoskeletal symptoms and physical risk factors among automobile mechanics in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Shamima , Rahman Mahammad Mominur , Mandal Shipra , Nahar Nazmun
Published: December 2016

The occupational health and safety service is still in the developing stage. In Bangladesh, this service is merely focused on welfare for the garments workers. Statistics on musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence and risk factors analysis for any occupational group can assist to develop ergonomic based prevention and intervention programs. However, there is no information available about the musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence amongst automobile mechanics in Bangladesh. The aim of study is to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and reveal association with physical risk factors among automobile mechanics. This cross-sectional study was performed with 100 automobile workers conveniently selected from different automobile workshop of Dhaka Division (Savar and Gabtoli) of Bangladesh. The short version of Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence and associated physical risk factors. Furthermore, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment was used to identify the physical risk level of musculoskeletal symptoms. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months preceding data collection was reported at 77%. The most affected body parts were lower back (67%) then the hip (53%). Socio-demographic and physical risk factors were significantly (p<0.05) associated with reported musculo-skeletal symptoms. It is highly concerning issue for employing occupational health and safety program for those workers.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 8-13
Consumer subsequent plan for selection of hospital in the perspective of hospital services and expenditure
Authors: Begum Farhana , Alam Shahinul
Published: December 2016

Further utilization of hospital facility is influenced by the provision of hospital care and cost of services. This study was conducted among patients of public and private hospitals of Dhaka city, Bangladesh to explore the relationship of further utilization of hospital care and cost of services incurred during previous visits. A total 199 patients of 2 private and 2 public hospitals were included. Of them, 100 (50.25%) were from public and 99 (49.74 %) from private hospitals. Male: female ratio of the respondents was 111:88. The level of services was scored by patients on a 1-5 Likert scale on the aspects of services of doctors, nurses, other staffs; medicine supply; cleanliness; and investigation facilities. Poor people usually sought the services from public hospitals. About three-quarter of the respondents (76.9 %) mentioned that they would avail the facility of same hospital for their further ailment. Seventeen patients (17%) who were treated in government hospitals will not further utilize the services, and this was significantly higher (p-0.02) in the case of patients from private hospitals (29.3%). Regression analysis explored that quality of services (p=-0.000) and cost of services (p=0.001) influenced the plan of future consumption of hospital facility and quality of services having stronger influences. This study concludes that further utilization of the hospital facility was strongly influenced by the quality of services and next to that is cost of services. So we recommend for best and successive utilization of hospital services to improve facilities and minimization of cost are the essential needs.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 14-19
Knowledge, attitude and practice on hepatitis-B infection among infected patients in a Homoeopathy Medical Center in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Huq Sazia , Hossain Sarder Mahmud , Haque Syed Mohammad Tanjilul , Akter Selina
Published: December 2016

Viral hepatitis is the commonest liver disease in Bangladesh. About 10 million people in Bangladesh have been suffering from hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a potentiality life threatening liver infection caused by HBV. It is a major global health problem and the most serious type of viral hepatitis. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on Hepatitis B Virus infection among the selected patients in Essence Homoeopathy Medical Center, Dhaka. A descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out among 150 samples by using non-randomized purposive sampling technique and by the help of pretested modified questionnaire. Statistical association was calculated by chi-square test and all the Hepatitis B related data were analyzed by the help of SPSS (version 16). The study showed that 73.3% of the respondents age ranged from 15-35 years with mean age (32.44±10.54) and of them 96.7% was found to be Muslims. Among injectable drug users (IDUs) (19.3%), 27.6% was sharing same needle. Approximately 5% of the respondents had a history of taking unscreened blood among 28% of the respondents who experienced blood transfusion. Another concerning issue was that 77% of the respondents practiced polygamy sex and among them only 38.8% used protecting device during sexual activity. Majority (70.7%) of the respondents did not take HBV vaccine. Significant statistical association was found between education and vaccination against HBV (p-0.000). To prevent this deadly disease mass awareness has to be created among the people of active age group through media education and policy implementation.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 27-31
MDR-TB: An emerging burden for Bangladesh
Authors: Gupta Rajat Das
Published: December 2016

Abstract not availableSouth East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 52-53
Continuation Methods for Nonlinear Flutter
Authors: Meyer Edward
Published: December 2016

Continuation methods are presented that are capable of treating frequency domain flutter equations, including multiple nonlinearities represented by describing functions. A small problem demonstrates how a series of continuation processes can find all limit-cycle oscillations within a specified region with a reasonable degree of confidence. Curves of the limit-cycle amplitude variation with velocity, indicating regions of stability and instability with colors, give a compact view of the nonlinear behavior throughout the flight regime. A continuation technique for reducing limit-cycle amplitudes by adjusting various system parameters is presented. These processes are economical enough to be a routine part of aircraft design and certification.
Optimized Planning of Power Source Capacity in Microgrid, Considering Combinations of Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Liu Zifa , Chen Yixiao , Luo Ya , Zhao Guankun , Jin Xianlin
Published: December 2016

Since renewable energy resource is universally accepted as a promising method to solve the global energy problem, optimal planning and utilization of various distributed generators (DG) and energy storage (ES) devices deserve special concern. ES devices possess various characteristics in power density, energy density, response speed (switching speed) and lifetime. Besides, as different load types have various requirements on power supply reliability according to their importance, coordinated planning with consideration of reasonable matching between power source and load can efficiently improve power supply reliability and economic efficiency via a customized power supply and compensation strategy. This paper focuses on optimization of power source capacity in microgrid and a coordinated planning strategy is proposed with integrated consideration of characteristics of DG, ES and load. An index named additional compensation ratio (ACR) for balancing economic efficiency and reliability is proposed and considered in the strategy. The objective function which aims to minimize life cycle cost (LCC) is established considering economic efficiency, reliability and environmental conservation. The proposed planning strategy and optimizing model is calculated and verified through case study of an autonomy microgrid.
The Enrichment of Survivin in Exosomes from Breast Cancer Cells Treated with Paclitaxel Promotes Cell Survival and Chemoresistance
Authors: Kreger Bridget , Johansen Eric , Cerione Richard , Antonyak Marc
Published: December 2016

The generation and release of membrane-enclosed packets from cancer cells, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), play important roles in propagating transformed phenotypes, including promoting cell survival. EVs mediate their effects by transferring their contents, which include specific proteins and nucleic acids, to target cells. However, how the cargo and function of EVs change in response to different stimuli remains unclear. Here, we discovered that treating highly aggressive MDAMB231 breast cancer cells with paclitaxel (PTX), a chemotherapy that stabilizes microtubules, causes them to generate a specific class of EV, namely exosomes, that are highly enriched with the cell survival protein and cancer marker, Survivin. Treating MDAMB231 cells with a variety of other chemotherapeutic agents, and inhibitors that block cell growth and survival, did not have the same effect as PTX, with the exception of nocodazole, another inhibitor of microtubule dynamics. Exosomes isolated from PTX-treated MDAMB231 cells strongly promoted the survival of serum-starved and PTX-treated fibroblasts and SKBR3 breast cancer cells, an effect that was ablated when Survivin was knocked-down from these vesicles using siRNA. These findings underscore how the enrichment of a specific cargo in exosomes promotes cell survival, as well as can potentially serve as a marker of PTX resistance.
Structural and Spectral Properties of Deterministic Aperiodic Optical Structures
Authors: Dal Negro Luca , Wang Ren , Pinheiro Felipe
Published: December 2016

In this comprehensive paper we have addressed structure-property relationships in a number of representative systems with periodic, random, quasi-periodic and deterministic aperiodic geometry using the interdisciplinary methods of spatial point pattern analysis and spectral graph theory as well as the rigorous Green’s matrix method, which provides access to the electromagnetic scattering behavior and spectral fluctuations (distributions of complex eigenvalues as well as of their level spacing) of deterministic aperiodic optical media for the first time.
Typification for Façade Structures Based on User Perception
Authors: Shen Jie , Fan Hongchao , Mao Bo , Wang Menghe
Published: December 2016

Typification is a well-established operator of map generalization. Although it is widely used in many existing research fields, less discussion has been devoted to the quality of typification. This paper presents a user survey for the evaluation of different typification results of façade structures under different constraints. The survey shows that preservation of the shape of the features is the most important constraint for a reasonable typification process, which has also been quantitatively verified by calculating the similarities between the typified façades and the original façade using attributed relational graph (ARG) and nested earth mover’s distance (NEMD) algorithms. Based on that, an algorithm is developed to generate perceivably reasonable representation from the original facade with decreasing map scale. The algorithm is implemented and tested on a number of façades. Experiments reveal that the typification can be automatically conducted and can create results which are well associated with the original façades.
Crystal Structure of a Putative Cytochrome P450 Alkane Hydroxylase (CYP153D17) from Sphingomonas sp. PAMC 26605 and Its Conformational Substrate Binding
Authors: Lee Chang , Yu Sang-Cheol , Lee Joo-Ho , Park Sun-Ha , Park Hyun , Oh Tae-Jin , Lee Jun
Published: December 2016

Enzymatic alkane hydroxylation reactions are useful for producing pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical intermediates from hydrocarbons. Several cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze the regio- and stereo-specific hydroxylation of alkanes. We evaluated the substrate binding of a putative CYP alkane hydroxylase (CYP153D17) from the bacterium Sphingomonas sp. PAMC 26605. Substrate affinities to C10–C12 n-alkanes and C10–C14 fatty acids with Kd values varied from 0.42 to 0.59 μM. A longer alkane (C12) bound more strongly than a shorter alkane (C10), while shorter fatty acids (C10, capric acid; C12, lauric acid) bound more strongly than a longer fatty acid (C14, myristic acid). These data displayed a broad substrate specificity of CYP153D17, hence it was named as a putative CYP alkane hydroxylase. Moreover, the crystal structure of CYP153D17 was determined at 3.1 Å resolution. This is the first study to provide structural information for the CYP153D family. Structural analysis showed that a co-purified alkane-like compound bound near the active-site heme group. The alkane-like substrate is in the hydrophobic pocket containing Thr74, Met90, Ala175, Ile240, Leu241, Val244, Leu292, Met295, and Phe393. Comparison with other CYP structures suggested that conformational changes in the β1–β2, α3–α4, and α6–α7 connecting loop are important for incorporating the long hydrophobic alkane-like substrate. These results improve the understanding of the catalytic mechanism of CYP153D17 and provide valuable information for future protein engineering studies.
Ammonothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Diamminetriamidodizinc Chloride [Zn2(NH3)2(NH2)3]Cl and Diamminemonoamidozinc Bromide [Zn(NH3)2(NH2)]Br
Authors: Richter Theresia , Strobel Sabine , Alt Nicolas , Schlücker Eberhard , Niewa Rainer
Published: December 2016

The treatment of excess zinc in the presence of ammonium chloride under ammonothermal conditions of 873 K and 97 MPa leads to diamminetriamidodizinc chloride [Zn2(NH3)2(NH2)3]Cl with a two-dimensionally μ-amido-interconnected substructure. Similar reaction conditions using ammonium bromide instead of the chloride (773 K, 230 MPa) result in diamminemonoamidozinc bromide [Zn(NH3)2(NH2)]Br with one-dimensional infinite μ-amido-bridged chains. Both compounds were obtained as colorless, very moisture sensitive crystals. Crystal structures and hydrogen bond schemes are analyzed. Raman spectroscopic data of the chloride are reported.
Continued-Fraction Expansion of Transport Coefficients with Fractional Calculus
Authors: Garcia-Bernabé Abel , Hernández S. , Del Castillo L. , Jou David
Published: December 2016

The main objective of this paper is to generalize the Extended Irreversible Thermodynamics in order to include the anomalous transport in systems in non-equilibrium conditions. Considering the generalized entropy, the corresponding flux and entropy production, and using the time fractional derivative, we have derived a space-time generalized telegrapher’s equation with a fractional nested hierarchy which can be used in separate developments for the mass transport, for the heat conduction and for the flux of ions. We have obtained a new formalism which includes the contribution of fast of higher-order fluxes in the mesoscopic and inhomogeneous media. The results take the form of continued fraction expansions. The balance equations are used in a scheme of continued fractions, and they appear as a closure condition. In this way the transport equation and its corresponding wave number-frequency relation are obtained, both of them in the mathematical structure of the continued fraction scheme. Numerical examples are included to show the dispersive nature of the solutions, and the generalized fractional transport equation in the same mathematical form, which can be applied to the mass transport, the heat conduction and the flux of ions.
Iron Profile and Glycaemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Misra Gunjan , Bhatter Surendra , Kumar Ajai , Gupta Varsha , Khan Mohd
Published: December 2016

Iron overload is increasingly being connected to insulin resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Free iron causes the assembly of reactive oxygen species that invariably steer the body’s homeostasis towards oxidative stress-mediated diabetic complications. This study aims to assess the serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and percentage transferrin saturation (Tsat) of 150 subjects divided into three groups (I,II,III) of 50. Healthy individuals (controls) constituted Group I. Group II consisted of T2DM patients with optimal glycaemic control. T2DM patients with suboptimal glycaemic control formed group III. Mean serum free iron concentration was 105.34 ± 3.5, 107.33 ± 3.45, and 125.58 ± 3.45 μg/dL in Group I, Group II, and Group III, respectively. Mean serum TIBC concentration in Group I, Group II, and Group III was 311.39 ± 5.47, 309.63 ± 6.1, and 284.2 ± 3.18 μg/dL, respectively. Mean serum transferrin saturation (%) in Group I, Group II, and Group III was 34.17 ± 1.21, 35.02 ± 1.2, and 44.39 ± 1.07, respectively. The difference between TIBC, mean serum free iron concentration, and transferrin saturation between Group I and Group III (for all, p values <0.001), as well as between Group II and Group III (p values 0.0012, 0.0015, and <0.0001, respectively) was statistically significant. The fasting plasma glucose values of Groups II and III were significantly higher than those of Group I, (p < 0.0001). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values were also shown to increase from Group I to II and then III, and the increase was highly significant (all p values <0.0001). Thus, decreased glycaemic control and an increase in the glycation of haemoglobin was the key to elevation in serum iron values and alterations in other parameters. However, a significant correlation was absent between serum iron and HbA1c (r = 0.05) and transferrin saturation (r = 0.0496) in Group III.
Pressure–Temperature–Fluid Constraints for the Poona Emerald Deposits, Western Australia: Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope Studies
Authors: Marshall Dan , Downes Peter , Ellis Sarah , Greene Robert , Loughrey Lara , Jones Peter
Published: December 2016

Emerald from the deposits at Poona shows micrometre-scale chemical, optical, and cathodoluminescence zonation. This zonation, combined with fluid inclusion and isotope studies, indicates early emerald precipitation from a single-phase saline fluid of approximately 12 weight percent NaCl equivalent, over the temperature range of 335–525 °C and pressures ranging from 70 to 400 MPa. The large range in pressure and temperature likely reflects some post entrapment changes and re-equilibration of oxygen isotopes. Secondary emerald-hosted fluid inclusions indicate subsequent emerald precipitation from higher salinity fluids. Likewise, the δ18O-δD of channel fluids extracted from Poona emerald is consistent with multiple origins yielding both igneous and metamorphic signatures. The combined multiple generations of emerald precipitation, different fluid compositions, and the presence of both metamorphic and igneous fluids trapped in emerald, likely indicate a protracted history of emerald precipitation at Poona conforming to both an igneous and a metamorphic origin at various times during regional lower amphibolite to greenschist facies metamorphism over the period ~2710–2660 Ma.
Virtual-Wall Model for Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Qian Lijuan , Tu Chengxu , Bao Fubing , Zhang Yonghao
Published: December 2016

A large number of molecules are usually required to model atomic walls in molecular dynamics simulations. A virtual-wall model is proposed in this study to describe fluid-wall molecular interactions, for reducing the computational time. The infinite repetition of unit cell structures within the atomic wall causes the periodicity of the force acting on a fluid molecule from the wall molecules. This force is first calculated and then stored in the memory. A fluid molecule appearing in the wall force field is subjected to the force from the wall molecules. The force can then be determined by the position of the molecule relative to the wall. This model avoids excessive calculations of fluid-wall interactions and reduces the computational time drastically. The time reduction is significant for small fluid density and channel height. The virtual-wall model is applied to Poiseuille and Couette flows, and to a flow in a channel with a rough surface. Results of the virtual and atomic wall simulations agree well with each other, thereby indicating the usefulness of the virtual-wall model. The appropriate bin size and cut-off radius in the virtual-wall model are also discussed.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Benzofuran Derivatives Bearing N-Aryl Piperazine Moiety
Authors: Ma Yulu , Zheng Xi , Gao Hui , Wan Chunping , Rao Gaoxiong , Mao Zewei
Published: December 2016

A series of novel hybrid compounds between benzofuran and N-aryl piperazine have been synthesized and screened in vitro for anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophages and for anticancer activity against three human tumor cell lines. The results demonstrated that derivative 16 not only had inhibitory effect on the generation of NO (IC50 = 5.28 μM), but also showed satisfactory and selective cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer line (A549) and gastric cancer cell (SGC7901) (IC50 = 0.12 μM and 2.75 μM, respectively), which was identified as the most potent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent in this study.
Optimized and Automated Radiosynthesis of [18F]DHMT for Translational Imaging of Reactive Oxygen Species with Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Cai Zhengxin , Li Lin , Ropchan Jim , Lim Keunpoong , Boutagy Nabil , Wu Jing , Stendahl John , Chu Wenhua , Gropler Robert , Sinusas Albert , Liu Chi , Huang Yiyun
Published: December 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in cell signaling and homeostasis. However, an abnormally high level of ROS is toxic, and is implicated in a number of diseases. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of ROS can assist in the detection of these diseases. For the purpose of clinical translation of [18F]6-(4-((1-(2-fluoroethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)phenyl)-5-methyl-5,6-dihydrophenanthridine-3,8-diamine ([18F]DHMT), a promising ROS PET radiotracer, we first manually optimized the large-scale radiosynthesis conditions and then implemented them in an automated synthesis module. Our manual synthesis procedure afforded [18F]DHMT in 120 min with overall radiochemical yield (RCY) of 31.6% ± 9.3% (n = 2, decay-uncorrected) and specific activity of 426 ± 272 GBq/µmol (n = 2). Fully automated radiosynthesis of [18F]DHMT was achieved within 77 min with overall isolated RCY of 6.9% ± 2.8% (n = 7, decay-uncorrected) and specific activity of 155 ± 153 GBq/µmol (n = 7) at the end of synthesis. This study is the first demonstration of producing 2-[18F]fluoroethyl azide by an automated module, which can be used for a variety of PET tracers through click chemistry. It is also the first time that [18F]DHMT was successfully tested for PET imaging in a healthy beagle dog.
Could a Proto-Ribosome Emerge Spontaneously in the Prebiotic World?
Authors: Agmon Ilana
Published: December 2016

An indispensable prerequisite for establishing a scenario of life emerging by natural processes is the requirement that the first simple proto-molecules could have had a realistic probability of self-assembly from random molecular polymers in the prebiotic world. The vestige of the proto-ribosome, which is believed to be still embedded in the contemporary ribosome, is used to assess the feasibility of such spontaneous emergence. Three concentric structural elements of different magnitudes, having a dimeric nature derived from the symmetrical region of the ribosomal large subunit, were suggested to constitute the vestige of the proto-ribosome. It is assumed to have materialized spontaneously in the prebiotic world, catalyzing non-coded peptide bond formation and simple elongation. Probabilistic and energetic considerations are applied in order to evaluate the suitability of the three contenders for being the initial proto-ribosome. The analysis points to the simplest proto-ribosome, comprised of a dimer of tRNA-like molecules presently embedded in the core of the symmetrical region, as the only one having a realistic statistical likelihood of spontaneous emergence from random RNA chains. Hence it offers a feasible starting point for a continuous evolutionary path from the prebiotic matter, through natural processes, into the intricate modern translation system.
Antibacterial Properties of Visible-Light-Responsive Carbon-Containing Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Nanoparticles against Anthrax
Authors: Sun Der-Shan , Kau Jyh-Hwa , Huang Hsin-Hsien , Tseng Yao-Hsuan , Wu Wen-Shiang , Chang Hsin-Hou
Published: December 2016

The bactericidal activity of conventional titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst is effective only on irradiation by ultraviolet light, which restricts the applications of TiO2 for use in living environments. Recently, carbon-containing TiO2 nanoparticles [TiO2(C) NP] were found to be a visible-light-responsive photocatalyst (VLRP), which displayed significantly enhanced antibacterial properties under visible light illumination. However, whether TiO2(C) NPs exert antibacterial properties against Bacillus anthracis remains elusive. Here, we evaluated these VLRP NPs in the reduction of anthrax-induced pathogenesis. Bacteria-killing experiments indicated that a significantly higher proportion (40%–60%) of all tested Bacillus species, including B. subtilis, B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, and B. anthracis, were considerably eliminated by TiO2(C) NPs. Toxin inactivation analysis further suggested that the TiO2(C) NPs efficiently detoxify approximately 90% of tested anthrax lethal toxin, a major virulence factor of anthrax. Notably, macrophage clearance experiments further suggested that, even under suboptimal conditions without considerable bacterial killing, the TiO2(C) NP-mediated photocatalysis still exhibited antibacterial properties through the reduction of bacterial resistance against macrophage killing. Our results collectively suggested that TiO2(C) NP is a conceptually feasible anti-anthrax material, and the relevant technologies described herein may be useful in the development of new strategies against anthrax.
Frozen: The Potential and Pitfalls of Ground-Penetrating Radar for Archaeology in the Alaskan Arctic
Authors: Urban Thomas , Rasic Jeffrey , Alix Claire , Anderson Douglas , Manning Sturt , Mason Owen , Tremayne Andrew , Wolff Christopher
Published: December 2016

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) offers many advantages for assessing archaeological potential in frozen and partially frozen contexts in high latitude and alpine regions. These settings pose several challenges for GPR, including extreme velocity changes at the interface of frozen and active layers, cryogenic patterns resulting in anomalies that can easily be mistaken for cultural features, and the difficulty in accessing sites and deploying equipment in remote settings. In this study we discuss some of these challenges while highlighting the potential for this method by describing recent successful investigations with GPR in the region. We draw on cases from Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The sites required small aircraft accessibility with light equipment loads and minimal personnel. The substrates we investigate include coastal saturated active layer over permafrost, interior well-drained active layer over permafrost, a frozen thermo-karst lake, and an alpine ice patch. These examples demonstrate that GPR is effective at mapping semi-subterranean house remains in several contexts, including houses with no surface manifestation. GPR is also shown to be effective at mapping anomalies from the skeletal remains of a late Pleistocene mammoth frozen in ice. The potential for using GPR in ice and snow patch archaeology, an area of increasing interest with global environmental change exposing new material each year, is also demonstrated.