bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Plant Growth Promoting Potential of Two Nickel Accumulating Morphotypes Isolated from River Hooghly on Indian Yellow Mustard (Brassica hirta)
Authors: Mukherjee Tanoy , Ghosh Avijit , Maitra Santanu
Published: January 2015

Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are known to influence plant growth by various direct or indirect mechanisms. Present study was conducted with an aim to estimate the PGPB potential of two nickel tolerant bacterial isolates from river Hooghly. Isolates (I-3) (Gram negative coccobacilli) and (II-1) (Gram positive rods) were observed, among a total of 22 other isolates, to tolerate and accumulate significant amounts of nickel and also have multiple Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) activities like IAA production and phosphate solubilization. Present study also shows that seeds of yellow mustard (Brassica hirta) inoculated with both the test isolates individually, significantly enhanced root and shoot growth and also protected the plant from the various phytotoxic effects of nickel.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11107 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 413-419
Identification and Characterization of Panama Wilt Causing Fungal Isolates to Musa Paradisiaca cv. Puttabale
Authors: Venkatesh Dr , Krishna Venkatarangaiah , Pradeepa Krishnappa , Rajanna Santosh Kumar S , Nagaraja Deeplanaik , Kumar Mohan , Kumar Santhosh
Published: January 2015

Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae) cultivar ‘Puttabale’ is an indigenous banana commonly cultivated in the farmyards of Chitradurga,Davanagere, Chikmagalur and Shivamogga district of Karnataka. The fruits are valued for delicious taste. This banana cultivar is highlysusceptible to Fusarium infection and the yield loss has estimated to 30-40% at standing stage. The corm tissue of Musa paradisiaca cv.Puttabale showing typical panama wilt symptoms were collected from pathogen infected banana farmyard of Bhadravati, Sagara, Shikaripura,Holehonnur, Soraba, Thirthahalli, Gonibeedu and Lakkavalli regions of Shivamogga district of Karnataka. These infected corms were cultureon PDA medium and examined carefully by morphological and molecular identification. Out of the eight fungal isolates, the colonies of fungalisolates collected from Bhadravati, Sagara, Holehonnur, Thirthahalli, Gonibeedu and Lakkavalli regions produced a dense white aerialmycelium that evenly spread on the growth medium similar to the colony texture of Fusarium species. Among these fungal isolates, thepathogen collected from Gonibeedu region showed the presence of sickle or rod shaped, four-celled macro conidiophores, round or ovalshaped chlamydospores and the BLASTn search result showed 99 % similarity with the sequences of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense(Foc). The only one fungal isolate showed the presence of actual panama wilt causing fungi.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11135 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 420-425
Study on Livelihood through Adaptation and Diversification in Flood Prone Areas in West Bengal
Authors: Sarkar Debashis , Hazra Sumantra
Published: January 2015

The study points out the need for third party intervention in promoting the livelihood patterns which are less exposed to the damaging effects of flood. Self-employment in small business or trading is a good option for households to supplement their streams of income. But such business even though required small capital, required at least some degree of training and skills development. Therefore, the financing and consultancies agencies can intervene. Promotion of ancestral occupation based on traditional skills and local level resources may be considered. Once again intervention of government and non-government organizations is highly required. Similarly, non-farm wage employment can also be promoted by introduction of “year round” public projects and employment guarantee schemes. Promotion of activity-wise micro financing, self-help groups may be involved. However, none of the areas as identified can be taken sufficient to substitute the flood risk prone livelihoods as most of them are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture in the context of a farming community. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11217Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 446-450
Comparative Foraging Behavior of Apis Cerana F. and Apis Mellifera L. in Rapeseed under Cage Condition in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Pudasaini Rameshwor , Thapa Resham Bahadur
Published: January 2015

An experiment was conducted to determine the foraging behavior of Apis mellifera L. and Apis cerana F. in rapeseed under cage condition in Chitwan, Nepal during 2012-2013. This experiment showed that Apis cerana F. foraged extra 42 minute per day as compared to Apis mellifera L. Apis cerana F. were more attracted to nectar, whereas Apis mellifera L. were more attracted to pollen collection throughout the day. The activities, in into hives and out from hives, for both species were recorded more at 2:00 pm and least at 8:00 am. The highest in-out were observed at 2:00 pm on both species as Apis mellifera L. 44.33 bees entered into hives and 49.66 bees went out of hives, whereas lower number of Apis cerana F. 43.66 bees entered into hives and 48.16 bees were out of hives. Apis mellifera L. collect 1.22:1 and 0.41:1 pollen nectar ratio at 10:00 am and 4:00 am whereas at same hours Apis cerana collect 1.16:1 and 0.30:1 pollen nectar ratio. Apis cerana F. foraged significantly higher number of rapeseed flowers and plants as compared to Apis mellifera L. under caged condition. It shows that Apis cerana F. was more efficient pollinator as compared to Apis mellifera L. under caged condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11238Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 483-487
Profitability and Major Problems of Coffee Production in Palpa District, Nepal
Authors: Acharya Bibek , Dhakal Shiva C.
Published: January 2015

The survey was conducted in Palpa district of Nepal in 2013 to assess the profitability and major problems associated with coffee production. Barangdi, Boughapokharathok, Madanpokhara and Khaseauli Village development committees (VDCs) were selected for the survey. A household survey of 110 coffee growers was conducted. Primary data were collected through face to face interview, direct observation; secondary data were collected from different publications. Data was analysed by using SPSS V16, Microsoft Excel and STATA 12. It was found that the coffee contributes about 10 percent to the annual household income. The GM was found NRs. 6637.52 and net profit of NRs. 4783.52 per ropani and the profitability index of 1.47 shows the coffee business as profitable business. The major problems in the coffee production were the high insect pest attack such as red and white borer. About 63 percentage respondents had said that the insect pest (white borer) was the major problem followed by low market price of the fresh cherry. It shows that the coffee business may be the suitable and financially feasible business in the mid hills of Nepal and need to address the major problems associated in production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11252   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 460-463
Partial Proteome Map of Campylobacter Jejuni Strain Nctc11168 by Gel-Free Proteomics Analysis
Authors: Shi Zilun , Dawson Chris , On Stephen L.W. , Hussain Malik Altaf
Published: January 2015

A proteome map of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni NCTC11168 was analyzed using a state-of-the-art gel-free proteomic approach for the first time. A whole cell protein extract was prepared from the C. jejuni strain NCTC11168 grown in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth at 42°C under microaerobic conditions. A gel-free technique using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) was employed to create a protein expression profile of the strain. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify the proteins. Protein functionalities were searched to classify them. A total of 235 proteins were identified in the whole cell protein fraction of C. jejuni NCTC11168 cells using iTRAQ analysis. Functional grouping of the identified proteins showed that forty percent of these proteins were associated with energy metabolism, protein synthesis and genetic information processing. iTRAQ was faster, easier and proved more sensitive than two-dimensional gel-based proteomics approaches previously applied to C. jejuni, making it an attractive tool for further studies of cellular physiological response. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11253  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 464-477
EGFR Signaling and its inhibition by EGFR inhibitors in NSCLC
Authors: Patel Rajvi
Published: January 2015

Lung cancer is the third most cancer among the population. The American society’s estimation for lung cancer in the United States for 2014 states that about 2,24,210 people are suffering from the lung cancer and 1,59,260 deaths are occur from lung cancer. Among all the types of lung cancer, NSCLC (Non-Small cell Lung Cancer) represents 85% of the lung cancer. The estimated spread of NSCLC is 2,26,160 and 1,60,340 cases are of death in 2012. One of the risk factor for NSCLC is over expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its intracellular signaling pathways. EGFR is over expressed in 40-80 % cases of NSCLC. EGFR belongs to the ErbB family of receptor tyrosinekinases (RTK) having molecular weight 170 to 185 kDa. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) binds to the EGFR at its extracellular domain and this binding leads to the homo or hetero dimerization and autophosphorylation of EGFR which initiates the several intracellular pathways. Several mutations in EGFR or in any of the proteins of the pathway leads to the growth and survival of the tumor cells. So in order to inhibit the growth of tumor cell, several EGFR inhibitors and targeted therapies are found to target the particular mutations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11263 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 375-388
Production, Purification and Standardization of Anticancerous Enzyme (L-Asparaginases) from Aspergillus Niger Using Soil Samples by Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Rahiman OM Fasalu , Mohthash Musambil , Faris U Salmanul , Muneersha TK Mohammed , Shejina M
Published: January 2015

Biotechnology techniques can provide an unlimited and pure source of enzymes as an alternative to the harsh chemicals traditionally used in industry for accelerating chemical reactions. L-asparaginase is one among them, found in various plants, animals and bacterial cells. Lasparaginase is studied to be responsible for catalyzing the deamination of Asparagines to yield Aspartic acid and an ammonium ion, resulting in depletion of free circulatory Asparagines in plasma. Its use in therapeutics is found to be remarkable, especially for those specific cases where blood cells become cancerous, such as in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this study we have made an effort to isolate, identify and screen micro-organism (Aspergillus niger) for the production of anticancerous enzyme (L-asparaginases) by solid state fermentation process and the produced enzyme was purified and characterized for L-asparaginases. The aim of the study was to validate the solid fermentation process in terms of its reliability and feasibility for production of L-asparaginase enzyme. This method was found to be very cost effective and reliable when compared to the other expensive techniques used around the globe for enzyme production. Even though the product yield and purity is comparatively less in comparison with the other techniques it can be still used as a reliable technique for short scale enzyme production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11278  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 488-492
Antibacterial Activity of Solanum pubescens - An Ethnomedicinal Plant from South Western Region of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Rahman Haseebur , Mahmood Riaz , Rahman Nazneen , Haris Mir
Published: January 2015

The present movement to find out alternative antibacterial drugs from medicinal plants and the presence bioactive phytochemicals in fruit andstem bark of Solanum pubescens, promoted the authors to take up the antibacterial evaluation of fruit and stem bark extracts of Solanumpubescens. Against clinical and plant pathogenic bacterial strains by employing the methods of National Committee for Clinical LaboratoryStandards (NCCLS). It was observed that all the extracts showed inhibition zone against one or more of the tested bacteria between 80 to 160 μg/ml concentrationswith 3.17 ±0.17 to 10 ± 0.17 mm inhibition. The spectroscopic determination of MIC and MBC exhibited by extracts went between 100-300μg/ml. In fruit extracts, fruit chloroform (FC) has inhibited all the tested organisms, similarly, fruit ethyl acetate (FEA) inhibited Bacillussubtilis and Xanthomonas sp. whereas, fruit ethanol (FET) has been restricted to inhibit Bacillus subtilis at 100 μg/ml. Furthermore, amongall the active extracts of stem bark extracts bark chloroform (BC) showed potential inhibition of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli with81.44% and 82.17% respectively. Similarly, bark bottom crystals (BBC) extracts inhibited Bacillus cereus and Xanthomonas sp. with 77.38%and 77.72% respective inhibition at 100 μg/ml concentration.The present exploration has revealed that the extracts from fruit and stem bark of S. pubescens revealed potential antibacterial activity againstGram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria, which are validating the ethnomedicinal claims and this the first report of investigation of above extracts forits antibacterial activity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11280 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 501-509
Comparative Study on the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Methanolic Extract of Root, Callus and Fruit Extracts of Myxopyrum smilacifolium Blume
Authors: Praveen RP , Nair Ashalantha
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of methanolic extract of root, callus and fruit of Myxopyrum smilacifolium Blume. Antimicrobial activity was tested using agar well diffusion with four bacterial strains viz: Escherechia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus of which E. coli alone was gram negative. The fungal strain employed was Candida albicans. Root extracts shown to be effective only against B. subtilis. Fruit extracts showed the maximum antimicrobial activity against all the microbial species considered for the current study except against S. aureus. Highlight of the present study was the antimicrobial activity of callus extracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11362  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 521-524
Study of Corrosion Inhibition Mechanism of Sputter-Deposited W-42Cr-5Ni and Cr-10Zr-10w Alloys by Sodium Nitrite as Green Inhibitor in 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M NaOH Solutions
Authors: Subedi Dhruba Babu , Pokharel Durga Bhakta , Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: January 2015

The effect of different concentrations of sodium nitrite as a green corrosion inhibitor on the corrosion inhibition mechanism of the sputterdeposited ternary W-42Cr-5Ni and Cr-10Zr-10W alloys was studied in 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M NaOH solutions open to air at 25ºC using corrosion tests. The use of the sodium nitrite enhanced the corrosion resistance properties of both the alloys in 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M NaOH solutions. It is found that the sodium nitrite is strongly adsorbed on the surface of the sputter-deposited these two alloys by physical adsorption, not by the chemisorption. As a result the corrosion resistance property of the alloys was found to be significantly increased with increasing the concentration of the green corrosion inhibitor of sodium nitrite. The corrosion rates of the sputter-deposited W-42Cr-5Ni and Cr-10Zr-10W alloys were decreased with increasing the concentrations of sodium nitrite of 2400 ppm. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11531Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 537-543
Assessment of Fruit and Vegetable Losses at Major Wholesale Markets in Nepal
Authors: Devkota A. R. , Dhakal D. D. , Gautam D. M. , Dutta J. P.
Published: January 2015

A study regarding the losses of harvested horticultural produces in the major fruit and vegetable wholesale markets of Nepal was conducted to identify the major causes of fruits and vegetable wastage. This study aimed at generating useful information about the causes of loss of horticultural produce, types of loss and also about the possibility of reuse and recycling of such organic wastes as resource for composting and vermicomposting. Survey of the three major market centers namely; Narayangadh, Pokhara, and Kalimati fruit and vegetable wholesale market was conducted. Forty five wholesalers and 90 retailers were selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. From regression analysis it was concluded that lack of cold storage facility and inappropriate packaging facility had significant effect on the loss of the produce. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11551  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 559-562
Ecosystem Services and Stakeholder Analysis in Bishajari Lake and Associated Wetland Areas, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Khanal S. , Gurung S. B. , Pant K. K. , Chaudhary P. , Dangol D.R.
Published: January 2015

Wetlands as other ecosystems deliver goods and services of enormous value to the human society and are regarded as one of the most productive ecosystems. We assessed the ecosystem services delivered by Bishajari Lake and its associated wetland areas of Chitwan district during June to August, 2012. A household survey consisting 110 households, interviews with key informants, group discussions and stakeholder analysis were carried out for this purpose to document the overall status of ecosystem services, evaluate the provisional services generated by the lakes, understand potentials for payment to ecosystem services, and identify stakeholders involved and their roles and responsibilities. A total of 12 fish species, 17 wild and domestic fruits, 12 timber species, 15 fodder species, 20 wild vegetables species and 31 medicinal plant species were recorded. Moreover 65.5% of respondents were found receiving some sort of income from the wetland area. The majority of respondents felt that the ecosystem is being changed mostly on provisional services. So far with little support from government, the local people have practiced some adaptive responses like biogas plant, afforestation, electric fencing, contract fisheries, ecotourism and other climate-smart measures. It suggest that raising awareness and sharing information among the locals should be done more frequently and effectively to continuously cope with ecosystem change. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11552  Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 563-569
Bioinformatics Study on Zaire Ebolavirus (EBOV) Protein for Better Understanding the Vaccine Development
Authors: Mundaganur D.S. , Mundaganur D.Y. , Kannarath Ashokan
Published: January 2015

Nine, Ebola viruse EBOV (Zaire ebolavirus), proteins are extracted from the NCBI repository and their study was carried out. The physicchemical properties and evolutionary link with other such viruses by homology modeling were carried out. All the proteins show rich in leucine domain an ideal requirement for fast attachment of the virus to the receptor molecule on the host cell surface. The prediction of trans-membrane sequence for the entire glycoprotein component reveals the ability of the virus to enter the host with ease. The lack of adequate homology model for the viral proteins indicates its novel origin and lack of well traceable evolutionary link. We studied the homology based model by using various available tools and find similar approach in all, hence finally concentrated only on one method. The model predicted shows well acceptable region on Ramchandran plot. This discrepancy is only due to the fact that we validate the model to Ramchandran plot and the model predicted were not under the well acceptable ‘e’ value range i.e. >1. Therefore we suggests that vaccine production against this deadly virus should be concentrated on the structure and functions of glycoprotein like low quality secreted glycoprotein (NP_066248), low quality spike glycoprotein(NP_066246)0, small secreted glycoprotein (NP_066247) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (NP_066251). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11588Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 544-552
Rethinking generational categories at the border for Latino immigrants
Authors: Catania R. Tina
Published: January 2015

In studies of immigration, generation is typically considered a static categorical system. I argue, however, that generation is a fluid construct and must be understood as place-based. Drawing on fieldwork conducted among Latino/as along the Texas–Mexico border, I seek to explore what current framings of generation leave out. Many in Laredo, Texas, see this border as allowing or preventing movement; these perceptions impact the constructions of generational categories. Cross-border travel, conceptualizations of place and immigration, and mixed-generational unions shape immigrant experiences, and in turn, affect concepts of generation. I conclude by offering ideas and inviting discussion on how the concept of generation can be re-worked to move beyond blunt categories and be re-conceptualized from the perspective of immigrants.

Spanish
Usualmente los estudios sobre inmigración consideran la generación cómo un sistema categórico estático. Este artículo argumenta que es una construcción fluida que debe ser comprendida como una iniciativa local. Mediante un trabajo de campo realizado a latinos/as en la frontera entre Texas y México, el artículo explora qué corrientes actuales de generaciones están excluidas. Muchos en Laredo (Texas) ven esa frontera como un factor que permite o impide los desplazamientos, percepciones que influyen en las construcciones de categorías generacionales. Los viajes transfronterizos, las conceptualizaciones del lugar y de la inmigración y las uniones generacionales mixtas, dibujan las experiencias de los inmigrantes, lo que a su vez, influye en los conceptos de las generaciones. El autor concluye abriendo un espacio de discusión sobre la manera de cómo se debe de re-trabajar el concepto de generación para sobrepasar las categorías terminantes y para ser re-conceptualizadas desde la perspectiva de los inmigrantes.

French
Dans les études portant sur l'immigration, la génération est généralement considérée comme un système rigide statique. Cependant, nous soutenons que la génération est une construction fluide et doit être comprise comme une initiative locale. Partant d'un travail de terrain réalisé auprès des Latino / le long de la frontière entre le Texas et le Mexique, je cherche à explorer les courants qui traversent ce e génération lésée. Beaucoup à Laredo, au Texas voient ce e frontière comme un facteur favorisant ou empêchant les déplacements; ces perceptions influent sur la construction des catégories générationnelles. La migration transfrontalière, les conceptualisations de l'espace et de l'immigration, et les mariages générationnels mixtes façonnent les expériences vécues par les migrants, qui à leur tour, influent sur les concepts de génération. Nous concluons en proposant des idées et invitant à la discussion sur la façon dont le concept de génération peut être retravaillé pour s'étendre au-delà des catégories franches et être re-conceptualisé du point de vue des immigrés.
¿Qué le pasó a Monterrey? Análisis de una crisis urbana de inseguridad a través del duelo colectivo
Authors: Sánchez Santana Ana Gabriela ,  Pérez Esparza David
Published: January 2015

La ciudad de Monterrey está localizada en el estado mexicano de Nuevo
León, donde viven poco más de 4.6 millones de habitantes, el octavo estado
más poblado de México. De éstos, 2.3 millones de personas, 62.2%
hombres y 37.8% mujeres se encuentran económicamente activos (INEGI,
2010). Sin embargo, las condiciones de vida para estos casi cinco millones
de personas no han sido fáciles: el 93% de sus 64,000 kilómetros cuadrados
está en zona árida con escasas precipitaciones y altas temperaturas. A
pesar de las adversidades que le supone su entorno, el siglo 20 signifi có
para la Zona Metropolitana de Monterrey (ZMM)1—y en general para el
estado de Nuevo León,2 una etapa de consolidación económica y social
poco vista en las urbes de México y América Latina. De manera particular,
el estado ha ocupado el tercer lugar nacional tanto en disponibilidad de
capital como en productividad laboral, siendo esta última, la de mayor
crecimiento del país.
Mechanical thrombectomy for pediatric stroke arising from an atrial myxoma: case report
Authors: Vega Rafael A. , Chan Julie L. , Anene-Maidoh Tony I. , Grimes Margaret M. , Reavey-Cantwell John F.
Published: January 2015

Children experiencing severe neurological deficit due to acute ischemic stroke may benefit from endovascular intervention. The authors describe the use of mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of embolic occlusion secondary to an atrial myxoma in a pediatric patient. This case involved an 11-year-old boy with a history notable for Raynaud syndrome and a distal extremity rash who presented to the emergency department with dense hemiparesis secondary to thromboembolic occlusion of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. Following mechanical thrombectomy, the patient's pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improved from a 16 to a 7. In the setting of acute pediatric stroke due to atrial myxoma emboli, mechanical thrombectomy may be a first-line therapy.
Shock Wave Diffraction Phenomena around Slotted Splitters
Authors: Gnani Francesca , Lo Kin , Zare-Behtash Hossein , Kontis Konstantinos
Published: January 2015

In the field of aerospace engineering, the study of the characteristics of vortical flows and their unsteady phenomena finds numerous engineering applications related to improvements in the design of tip devices, enhancement of combustor performance, and control of noise generation. A large amount of work has been carried out in the analysis of the shock wave diffraction around conventional geometries such as sharp and rounded corners, but the employment of splitters with lateral variation has hardly attracted the attention of researchers. The investigation of this phenomenon around two-dimensional wedges has allowed the understanding of the basic physical principles of the flow features. On the other hand, important aspects that appear in the third dimension due to the turbulent nature of the vortices are omitted. The lack of studies that use three-dimensional geometries has motivated the current work to experimentally investigate the evolution of the shock wave diffraction around two splitters with spike-shaped structures for Mach numbers of 1.31 and 1.59. Schlieren photography was used to obtain an insight into the sequential diffraction processes that take place in different planes. Interacting among them, these phenomena generate a complicated turbulent cloud with a vortical arrangement.
Selecting a Conservation Surrogate Species for Small Fragmented Habitats Using Ecological Niche Modelling
Authors: Nekaris K. , Arnell Andrew , Svensson Magdalena
Published: January 2015

Flagship species are traditionally large, charismatic animals used to rally conservation efforts. Accepted flagship definitions suggest they need only fulfil a strategic role, unlike umbrella species that are used to shelter cohabitant taxa. The criteria used to select both flagship and umbrella species may not stand up in the face of dramatic forest loss, where remaining fragments may only contain species that do not suit either set of criteria. The Cinderella species concept covers aesthetically pleasing and overlooked species that fulfil the criteria of flagships or umbrellas. Such species are also more likely to occur in fragmented habitats. We tested Cinderella criteria on mammals in the fragmented forests of the Sri Lankan Wet Zone. We selected taxa that fulfilled both strategic and ecological roles. We created a shortlist of ten species, and from a survey of local perceptions highlighted two finalists. We tested these for umbrella characteristics against the original shortlist, utilizing Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling, and analysed distribution overlap using ArcGIS. The criteria highlighted Loris tardigradus tardigradus and Prionailurus viverrinus as finalists, with the former having highest flagship potential. We suggest Cinderella species can be effective conservation surrogates especially in habitats where traditional flagship species have been extirpated.
Studies on Modulation of Gut Microbiota by Wine Polyphenols: From Isolated Cultures to Omic Approaches
Authors: Dueñas Montserrat , Cueva Carolina , Muñoz-González Irene , Jiménez-Girón Ana , Sánchez-Patán Fernando , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Moreno-Arribas M. , Bartolomé Begoña
Published: January 2015

Moderate consumption of wine seems to produce positive health effects derived from the occurrence of bioactive polyphenols. The gut microbiota is involved in the metabolism of phenolic compounds, and these compounds and/or their metabolites may modulate gut microbiota through the stimulation of the growth of beneficial bacteria and the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria. The characterization of bacterial metabolites derived from polyphenols is essential in order to understand their effects, including microbial modulation, and therefore to associate dietary intake with particular health effects. This review aims to summarize the current information about the two-way “wine polyphenols–gut microbiota” interaction, from a perspective based on the experimental and analytical designs used. The availability of advanced methods for monitoring bacterial communities, along with the combination of in vitro and in vivo models, could help to assess the metabolism of polyphenols in the human body and to monitor total bacterial communities, and, therefore, to elucidate the implications of diet on the modulation of microbiota for delivering health benefits.
c-Met and miRs in Cancer
Authors: Giglio Simona , Vecchione Andrea
Published: January 2015

c-Met, a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including tumor survival, cell growth, angiogenesis and metastasis, and resulting in overexpression in many human cancers, leading to a constitutive activation of the downstream pathways. Recently identified MicroRNAs are a family of small noncoding RNA molecules, extensively studied in cancer, that exert their action by inhibiting gene expression at the posttranscriptional level in several biological processes. Aberrant regulation of microRNAs expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different human neoplasia. Several publications point out the connections between c-Met and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and microRNAs. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the interplay between c-Met/HGF and microRNAs and provides evidence that microRNAs are a novel and additional system to regulate c-Met expression in tumors. In the future, microRNAs connected to c-Met may provide an additional option to inhibiting this oncogene from orchestrating an invasive growth program.
Tracking Traction Force Changes of Single Cells on the Liquid Crystal Surface
Authors: Soon Chin , Tee Kian , Youseffi Mansour , Denyer Morgan
Published: January 2015

Cell migration is a key contributor to wound repair. This study presents findings indicating that the liquid crystal based cell traction force transducer (LCTFT) system can be used in conjunction with a bespoke cell traction force mapping (CTFM) software to monitor cell/surface traction forces from quiescent state in real time. In this study, time-lapse photo microscopy allowed cell induced deformations in liquid crystal coated substrates to be monitored and analyzed. The results indicated that the system could be used to monitor the generation of cell/surface forces in an initially quiescent cell, as it migrated over the culture substrate, via multiple points of contact between the cell and the surface. Future application of this system is the real-time assaying of the pharmacological effects of cytokines on the mechanics of cell migration.
Empowering Sedentary Adults to Reduce Sedentary Behavior and Increase Physical Activity Levels and Energy Expenditure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Barwais Faisal , Cuddihy Thomas
Published: January 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 4-week intervention in which an online personal activity monitor (Gruve-Technologies™) was used to reduce sedentary behavior among sedentary adults. Method: Eighteen, sedentary adult volunteers (12 men, six women, mean age 29 ± 4.0 years) were recruited to participate in the study. Time spent in sedentary activities and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity physical activity and energy expenditure were assessed during waking hours using the monitor and the 7-day SLIPA Log at both baseline and post-intervention. Results: A significant decrease of 33% (3.1 h/day; p < 0.001) was found between the time spent in sedentary activities measured at baseline (9.4 ± 1.1 h/day) and at the end of the 4-week intervention (6.3 ± 0.8 h/day). Consequent to the changes in sedentary time, significant increases were found in the amount of time spent in light- (45% (2.6 h/day), p < 0.001), moderate- (33% (1 h/day) p < 0.001), vigorous-intensity physical activity (39% (0.16 h/day), p < 0.001), and energy expenditure (47% (216.7 kcal/day), p < 0.001). Conclusion: This monitor contributes to a meaningful reduction in time spent in sedentary activities and has a large effect on energy expenditure and physical activity patterns.
Lipid Metabolism, Apoptosis and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Huang Chunfa , Freter Carl
Published: January 2015

Lipid metabolism is regulated by multiple signaling pathways, and generates a variety of bioactive lipid molecules. These bioactive lipid molecules known as signaling molecules, such as fatty acid, eicosanoids, diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, lysophophatidic acid, ceramide, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, phosphatidylinositol-3 phosphate, and cholesterol, are involved in the activation or regulation of different signaling pathways. Lipid metabolism participates in the regulation of many cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, inflammation, motility, membrane homeostasis, chemotherapy response, and drug resistance. Bioactive lipid molecules promote apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway by modulating mitochondrial membrane permeability and activating different enzymes including caspases. In this review, we discuss recent data in the fields of lipid metabolism, lipid-mediated apoptosis, and cancer therapy. In conclusion, understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism and the function of different lipid molecules could provide the basis for cancer cell death rationale, discover novel and potential targets, and develop new anticancer drugs for cancer therapy.
Revealing the Supramolecular Nature of Side-Chain Terpyridine-Functionalized Polymer Networks
Authors: Brassinne Jérémy , Jochum Florian , Fustin Charles-André , Gohy Jean-François
Published: January 2015

Nowadays, finely controlling the mechanical properties of polymeric materials is possible by incorporating supramolecular motifs into their architecture. In this context, the synthesis of a side-chain terpyridine-functionalized poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) is reported via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. By addition of transition metal ions, concentrated aqueous solutions of this polymer turn into metallo-supramolecular hydrogels whose dynamic mechanical properties are investigated by rotational rheometry. Hence, the possibility for the material to relax mechanical constrains via dissociation of transient cross-links is brought into light. In addition, the complex phenomena occurring under large oscillatory shear are interpreted in the context of transient networks.
Ca2+-Dependent Regulations and Signaling in Skeletal Muscle: From Electro-Mechanical Coupling to Adaptation
Authors: Gehlert Sebastian , Bloch Wilhelm , Suhr Frank
Published: January 2015

Calcium (Ca2+) plays a pivotal role in almost all cellular processes and ensures the functionality of an organism. In skeletal muscle fibers, Ca2+ is critically involved in the innervation of skeletal muscle fibers that results in the exertion of an action potential along the muscle fiber membrane, the prerequisite for skeletal muscle contraction. Furthermore and among others, Ca2+ regulates also intracellular processes, such as myosin-actin cross bridging, protein synthesis, protein degradation and fiber type shifting by the control of Ca2+-sensitive proteases and transcription factors, as well as mitochondrial adaptations, plasticity and respiration. These data highlight the overwhelming significance of Ca2+ ions for the integrity of skeletal muscle tissue. In this review, we address the major functions of Ca2+ ions in adult muscle but also highlight recent findings of critical Ca2+-dependent mechanisms essential for skeletal muscle-regulation and maintenance.
Phenolic Composition from Different Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Cultivars Grown in China and Their Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zhang Wenna , Zhao Xiaoyong , Sun Chongde , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong
Published: January 2015

China is one of the most important centers of diversity for Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. in the world. In this study, seven loquat cultivars grown in China were evaluated for their phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Eleven phenolic compounds, i.e., 3-p-coumaroylquinincacid (3-p-CoQA), 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), 4-caffeoylquinic acid (4-CQA), 3-caffeoylquinic acid (3-CQA), 5-feruloylquinic acid (5-FQA), quercetin-3-O-galactoside (Q-3-Gal), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q-3-Glu), quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (Q-3-Rha), kaempferol-3-O-galactoside (K-3-Gal), kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (K-3-Rha), and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (K-3-Glu) were identified and quantified in the peel and pulp of the cultivars tested. 3-CQA and 5-CQA were the predominant components in both fruit parts. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used for the antioxidant evaluation. Results showed that peel extracts had higher antioxidant activities than their pulp counterparts in all the cultivars tested, which was correlated with their higher total phenolic contents. The antioxidant potency composite (APC) index showed obvious variations ranging from 64.15 to 100 in the peel and from 59.49 to 97.95 in the pulp of different cultivars, where “Dahongpao” (DHP) and “Luoyangqing” (LYQ) had the highest APC index in the peel and pulp, respectively. Overall, loquat cultivars rich in hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) such as 3-p-CoQA, 5-CQA, 4-CQA, 3-CQA and 5-FQA showed relatively higher antioxidant activities, and may be excellent sources of phytochemicals and natural antioxidants.
Nutritional Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bossola Maurizio
Published: January 2015

The present review aimed to define the role of nutritional interventions in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition in HNC patients undergoing CRT as well as their impact on CRT-related toxicity and survival. Head and neck cancer patients are frequently malnourished at the time of diagnosis and prior to the beginning of treatment. In addition, chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) causes or exacerbates symptoms, such as alteration or loss of taste, mucositis, xerostomia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, with consequent worsening of malnutrition. Nutritional counseling (NC) and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) should be used to increase dietary intake and to prevent therapy-associated weight loss and interruption of radiation therapy. If obstructing cancer and/or mucositis interfere with swallowing, enteral nutrition should be delivered by tube. However, it seems that there is not sufficient evidence to determine the optimal method of enteral feeding. Prophylactic feeding through nasogastric tube or percutaneous gastrostomy to prevent weight loss, reduce dehydration and hospitalizations, and avoid treatment breaks has become relatively common. Compared to reactive feeding (patients are supported with oral nutritional supplements and when it is impossible to maintain nutritional requirements enteral feeding via a NGT or PEG is started), prophylactic feeding does not offer advantages in terms of nutritional outcomes, interruptions of radiotherapy and survival. Overall, it seems that further adequate prospective, randomized studies are needed to define the better nutritional intervention in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.
Smart Laser Interferometer with Electrically Tunable Lenses for Flow Velocity Measurements through Disturbing Interfaces
Authors: Czarske Jürgen , Radner Hannes , Leithold Christoph , Büttner Lars
Published: January 2015

Interferometric velocity measurements are of great importance at flow investigations. However, the laser beams can be distorted at the interfaces between optical media of different refractive indices. Temporal fluctuations of these distortions will cause a deterioration of the laser interferometer signals. We have harnessed the power of programmable photonics devices to eliminate this signal deterioration. Non-invasive flow velocity measurements through a rapidly fluctuating media interface with large strokes of about 100 microns are presented. Our work represents a paradigm shift for interferometric velocity measurement techniques from using static to dynamic optical elements.
Quantum Magneto-Optics in Graphene
Authors: Falkovsky Leonid
Published: January 2015

The optical conductivity of graphene in quantizing magnetic fields is studied. Both dynamical conductivities, longitudinal and Hall’s, are analytically evaluated. The conductivity peaks are explained in terms of electron transitions. The optical transitions obey the selection rule with Δn = 1 for the Landau number n. The light transmission and Faraday rotation in the quantizing magnetic fields are calculated.
Fusion of WiFi, Smartphone Sensors and Landmarks Using the Kalman Filter for Indoor Localization
Authors: Chen Zhenghua , Zou Han , Jiang Hao , Zhu Qingchang , Soh Yeng , Xie Lihua
Published: January 2015

Location-based services (LBS) have attracted a great deal of attention recently. Outdoor localization can be solved by the GPS technique, but how to accurately and efficiently localize pedestrians in indoor environments is still a challenging problem. Recent techniques based on WiFi or pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) have several limiting problems, such as the variation of WiFi signals and the drift of PDR. An auxiliary tool for indoor localization is landmarks, which can be easily identified based on specific sensor patterns in the environment, and this will be exploited in our proposed approach. In this work, we propose a sensor fusion framework for combining WiFi, PDR and landmarks. Since the whole system is running on a smartphone, which is resource limited, we formulate the sensor fusion problem in a linear perspective, then a Kalman filter is applied instead of a particle filter, which is widely used in the literature. Furthermore, novel techniques to enhance the accuracy of individual approaches are adopted. In the experiments, an Android app is developed for real-time indoor localization and navigation. A comparison has been made between our proposed approach and individual approaches. The results show significant improvement using our proposed framework. Our proposed system can provide an average localization accuracy of 1 m.
Automatic Laser Glare Suppression in Electro-Optical Sensors
Authors: Ritt Gunnar , Eberle Bernd
Published: January 2015

Progress in laser technology has led to very compact but nevertheless powerful laser sources. In the visible and near infrared spectral region, lasers of any wavelength can be purchased. Continuous wave laser sources pose an especially serious threat to the human eye and electro-optical sensors due to their high proliferation and easy availability. The manifold of available wavelengths cannot be covered by conventional safety measures like absorption or interference filters. We present a protection concept for electro-optical sensors to suppress dazzling in the visible spectral region. The key element of the concept is the use of a digital micromirror device (DMD) in combination with wavelength multiplexing. This approach allows selective spectral filtering in defined regions of interest in the scene. The system offers the possibility of automatic attenuation of dazzling laser radiation.
A facile synthesis of functionalized 7,8-diaza[5]helicenes through an oxidative ring-closure of 1,1’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diamines (BINAMs)
Authors: Takeda Youhei , Okazaki Masato , Maruoka Yoshiaki , Minakata Satoshi
Published: January 2015

A facile and moderately functional-group-tolerant synthetic method for the preparation of 7,8-diaza[5]helicenes has been developed. It comprises of an oxidative ring-closing process of 1,1’-binaphthalene-2,2’-diamine (BINAM) derivatives with a chlorine-containing oxidant (t-BuOCl) in the presence of a base (2,6-lutidine). In addition the basic physicochemical properties of newly synthesized compounds have been investigated.
La conception de Hicks de la causalité en économie
Authors: Hamouda Omar
Published: January 2015

Résumé Selon Hicks la causalité en économie peut être considérée sous l’angle de des classifications logiques et des méthodes inductive et deductive appliquées aux relations causales. Hicks lie trois concepts de causalité aux différentes théories économiques. La causalité statique renvoie à la théorie statique. La causalité contemporaine est introduite dans la théorie des flux et des stocks. La causalité séquentielle est la structure causalement explicative des théories dynamiques. Aussi bien dans ses catégories logiques de causes que dans leurs applications théoriques, Hicks révèle clairement sa conviction que différentes causalités sont à l’œuvre dans la réalité économique. En tant qu’historien des idées, Hicks n’est pas enclin à passer sous silence les idées de ces prédécesseurs, entre autres Hume et Kant, mais, en tant que penseur autonome, il ne peut se cantonner à leurs seules idées. Confronté à un phénomène économique donné, Hicks croyant qu’il est mieux d’avoir une explication partielle que de ne pas avoir d’explication du tout, il défend donc l’idée de causalité faible et le principe d’un déterminisme "doux". Il pensait que ses idées sur la causalité peuvent nous libérer de la causalité forte et du déterminisme "dur", si souvent identifiés à l’essence même de la science économique.
L'entreprise dans valeur et capital une approche évolutionniste
Authors: Bévant Didier
Published: January 2015

Résumé Dans Valeur et Capital , Hicks se propose de dynamiser l’équilibre général walrassien. Dans cette perspective, l’entreprise "concrète" semble n’avoir que peu de place, assurément moins que dans les Principes de Marshall. Pourtant, nous trouvons dans le livre de Hicks de nombreuses indications sur ce que pourrait être une telle entreprise. Nous cherchons donc ici à reconstituer l’entreprise hicksienne, d’un point de vue évolutionniste inspiré par Marshall. Organisation en situation d’incertitude, soumise aux rendements décroissants et évoluant dans un milieu moins favorable que la firme de Marshall (pas d’externalités positives), l’entreprise est bien, selon Hicks, l’unité active d’un "processus d’évolution". Bien que structurant le milieu de l’entreprise, les institutions du marché sont peu évoquées dans Valeur et Capital. Leur analyse, selon Hicks, relève de l’histoire économique. C’est le sujet de la Théorie de l’Histoire Economique .