bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mannan oligosakkarit (MOS) İlaveli Yemlerle Beslenen Oreochromis niloticus’un Karaciğer Paraoksonaz Enzim Aktivitesi ve Malondialdehit Düzeyinin Araştırılması
Authors: Özkan-Yılmaz Ferbal , Özlüer-Hunt Arzu , Berköz Mehmet
Published: April 2017

In this study, it was evaluated paraoxonase activity (PON) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver tissue of Oreochromis niloticus fed with mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) supplemented diet. For this purpose, fish were fed commercial diet supplemented with 0.25%, 0.35% and 0.45% dietary MOS for 60 days. At the end of experiment, PON activity of liver tissue was increased in MOS groups when compared to control group. It was determined that MDA level of tissue was decreased significantly in MOS groups when compared to control group.
Mycoflora and Aflatoxin levels of Left-over Harvest in some Farms, South West of Nigeria
Authors: Oluwafemi Flora , Badmos Aminat Omodolapo , Kolapo Adelodun Lawrence
Published: April 2017

More than ninety percent of the ruminant livestock in Nigeria lies in the hands of herders who keep them under extensive and semi-intensive management systems, whereby the animals rely only on natural pasture and crop residues for survival. In this work, the mycoflora and aflatoxin levels of ten farms were determined by sampling crop residues on farms grazed by cattle. Samples of the remains of farm harvest were surface-disinfected and cultured using standard microbiological techniques while aflatoxins in the left over harvest were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Fungal counts in leftover harvest ranged from 1.2 x 106 to 3.8 x106cfu/g. Aspergillus flavus, A. terreus, A.parasiticus, Rhizopus sp and a yeast, Candida sp were most prevalent on all the investigated crop residues. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the crop residues ranged between 3.0 and 13.30 μg/Kg, while the levels of AFG1 were between 2.30 and 4.50 μg/Kg. Results of the present study is indicative that the accumulation of these doses of AFB1 can lead to transfer of AFB1 into cattle and subsequently into milk. So there is an urgent need to control the feeding pattern of cattle in order to protect the health of the consuming public.
Peyniraltı Suyu Tozu İlave Edilmiş Meyveli İçecek Üretimi ve Bazı Kalite Karakteristikleri
Authors: Argan Büşra Ece , Güneşer Onur , Toklucu Ayşegül Kırca , Yüceer Yonca Karagül
Published: April 2017

In this study, functional fruit beverages were produced by mixing whey with fruit concentrates (apple and cherry) or pulp (apricot) at certain amounts, and some physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of the beverages were revealed during storage. While the highest total phenol content and antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were determined in beverages with cherry juice, TEAC values of the products changed based on fruit types used in the beverages during storage. In addition, it was determined that fruit type had significant effect on acidity, invert sugar, total sugar and total phenol of beverages. Beverage with apricot pulp was the most liked product by consumers.
Scrotal Circumference as a Parameter of Breeding age for West African Dwarf Bucks.
Authors: Raji Lukman Oladimeji , Ajala Oluwatoyin Oluwasola
Published: April 2017

This study evaluated the correlation between scrotal circumference (SC), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) in relation to breeding age in West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. A total of 320 WAD bucks from birth to 15 months of age from various farms in Ibadan, Nigeria, were studied. They were grouped as A-birth to 3, B-4 to 7, C-8 to 11 and D-12 to 15 months old respectively, comprising of 80 bucks per group. Semen was collected from 10 randomly selected bucks in each group and analysed. Results showed positive correlation between SC and age; SC increased with age; and at about 8 months of age and over, a consistent SC of 17 cm–18 cm was observed. BW also increased with age; BW significantly affected SC. Also, at 8 months of age and over, SC of 17 cm-18 cm was observed from 9 kg BW and above. However, the correlation between SC and BCS was low and not significant. Semen analysis revealed the best semen quality for groups C and D bucks. In conclusion, we suggest that WAD bucks of 8 months and above, with at least SC between 17 cm–18 cm and of over 9 kg BW, could be used to breed does successfully on the farm.
Giresun Sahilindeki Bazı Derelerin Denize Deşarj Olduğu Noktalardaki Su ve Sedimentte Ağır Metal Kirliliği
Authors: Türkmen Aysun , Akbulut Selin
Published: April 2017

Carrying between February 2012 and February 2013 as seasonal, the present study aims to determine heavy metal loads of five different creeks pass through Giresun city center and disembogue to Black Sea. Heavy metal analyses were performed from selected stations by ICP-MS instrument. Without seasonal and station differences, metal levels were found as follow; Cd: 0.129-5.113, Mn: 0.009-2.937, Fe: 0.007-1.985, Cu: 0.002-1.344, Zn: 0.002-1.901, Ni: 0.003-0.149, Pb: 0.009-21.22, Cr: 0.002-0.177, Co: 0.001-0.087 mg/L in water. Cd: 0.118-166.3, Pb: 5.62-398.9, Mn: 111.7-988.2, Fe: 2919-117973, Cu: 18.60-963.9, Zn: 11.09-2471, Ni: 11.29-813.1, Cr: 10.76-860.5, Co: 8.59-757.1 mg/kg in sediment. There were statistically significant differences between seasons in sea water. Statistically differences were found on Aksu, Güre, and Batlama stations. In sediment, statically differences in Cu, Zn, Ni, Co levels were found in winter season. The same elements were also statistically different on Güre station.
Çeltik Üreticileri Birliklerinin Mevcut Durumu ve Finansal Performans Analizi
Authors: Adıgüzel Faruk , Kızılaslan Nuray
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study is to determine the current situation and to analyze financial performance of rice farmers associations. The data obtained with the questionnaire method from a single rice farmers association selected as purposeful constitute material of the research. First, a general assessment of the association was conducted, and then, the financial performance of the association was analyzed using Financial Statement Analysis, Percentage Method, Trend Analysis and Ratio Analysis techniques with the aid of financial statement and income chart for the period of 2011-2013. As a result, it is determined association was founded in 2006, have a total of 220 active members and 10 women members in district and 18 villages and two university graduate staff. In addition, management and audit committee members are men, middle-aged, and primary or secondary graduated. The participation rate of members in general assembly is high. The important problems of the association are lack of solidarity among members and irregular payment of membership’s fee. In the period under investigation, decreased use of external resource, strengthening equity and increased profitability in the association were determined. It is possible to develop association as financial statue with positive relationships between association and members and activation of association in terms of marketing.
Tarım İşletmelerinde Buğday Tohumu Kullanımı ve Sorunları: Burdur ve Isparta İlleri Örneği
Authors: Gül Hülya , Gül Mevlüt , Acun Sultan , Türk Aslan Sinem , Öztürk Ayşe , Kara Burhan , Akman Zekeriya
Published: April 2017

The main objective of the study is to determine the structure of seed usage of the wheat farms and development of its production in Isparta and Burdur provinces. The primary data used in this study were obtained by questionnaires in the region. Data obtained from the 150 of wheat cultivation farms belongs to the 2011 production period. The most important problems faced by farms were the low product prices and high input prices. Farmers pointed out that the development of wheat production can be provided by reducing the input costs such as; fertilizer, fuel, pesticide etc. The 97.3% of the wheat growing farms in the region make the seed dressing. About 52.7% of the interviewed enterprises are storing wheat and 74.7% of the farms are aware of the wheat varieties grown. About 52% of farms were found to be the use of certified seed. Certified seed usage rate is higher in the province of Isparta (69.3%) than Burdur. There is also a statistical difference in the use of certified seeds among the provinces. In the region, it was found that farms do not have enough information about the usage of certified seed and therefore it is necessary to transfer knowledge to the grower by the extension services.
Yumurta Tavuğu Yemlerinde Gama Işınlanmış Buğday ve Arpa Kullanılmasının Yumurta Verim Kriterleri ve Kalitesi Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: Yıldız Turgay , Ceylan Necmettin
Published: April 2017

In this study, the effect of using gamma irradiated barley and wheat 0, 10 and 100 kiloGray (kGy) and enzyme supplementation on the egg product criterions and external and internal egg quality was examined. In this experiment, 36 weeks old, 324 Brown Nick laying hens were used for ten week. The study was a randomized complete block design with 9 dietary treatments within 6 blocks of 54 pens each 6 birds per pen. Although egg weight was not significantly affected by gamma irradiation; enzyme supplementation of barley based diet significantly increased egg weight compared to barley control group. As egg mass production was considered, enzyme and 100 kGy gamma irradiation significantly improved the egg mass production compared to barley control. The feed conversion ratio was significantly improved by using gamma irradiated barley and enzyme in barley based diets (P
Amelioration of Lead-induced Toxicity in Blood, Liver and Kidney Tissues of Male Wistar Rats by Fermented Ofada Rice
Authors: Aganbi Eferhire , Avwioroko Oghenetega Jonathan , Enabulele Emmanuel Rex , Osagu Onyeka Joshua , Uwandu Chinedu Kennis , Ike Assumpta , Akpede Aaron , Eferusuoa Prince
Published: April 2017

The protective effects of ‘ofada’ rice koji (ORK, fermented ofada rice) and ascorbic acid (AA) against lead (Pb)-induced toxicity in the blood, liver and kidney tissues of male Wistar rats was investigated. The animals were divided into four treatment groups (A – D, n = 5). Groups B, C and D were intoxified by intra-peritoneal injection of 75 mg lead acetate/kg body weight. Groups C and D only had their feed mixed with ORK and AA, respectively. The results showed no significant difference in % packed cell volume (PCV) and Pb concentrations. Feeding with ORK and AA significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase activities (36.50 ± 3.54 and 34.02 ± 0.05 UL-1 respectively) compared to Pb-only treated group (85.50 ± 3.25 UL-1). The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) for organs increased significantly following intake of feeds mixed with ORK and AA; increases in FRAP was higher for ORK-treated group possibly due to increased total flavonoids concentration following fermentation. Furthermore, Pb-induced high plasma creatinine levels decreased upon treatment with feeds mixed with ORK and ascorbic acid. These findings strongly indicated that feed supplementation with ORK by 45% may be more effective at ameliorating the effects of Pb-induced toxicity in tissues compared to supplementation with AA by 2%.
'Publish or Perish !’ - A Friend or a Foe for Author?
Authors: Karkii Binod
Published: April 2017

Writing has always fascinated human beings! Be it the stone carving of ancient Greek history or the hand-written manuscripts of medieval times, they always show the existence of the writer. It shows that somebody has hunted the giant mammoth or how the ancient sculpture was built. In other words, we remember them. “Publish or perish!” has always been taken as a pressure in the academia to continuously publish ones’ work in the journals. This sometimes can have negative impact of submitting poor quality articles to the journals. The same can sometimes deviate oneself from the actual research agenda and lead to many unethical behaviors such as plagiarism and fabrication. The teaching capabilities of a certain individual in an institution can sometimes get overshadowed by his inability to publish on time. An institute nowadays may hire a teacher looking at the number of articles he has published rather than his intrinsic ability to make his pupils understand the profoundness of certain topic. Hence, some of them even consider this publish or perish as a tyranny in the field of literature. Nevertheless, publication is and will be an important pedestal for the progression of our scientific work. The truthfulness of our research is the responsibility of ourselves only. The intellectual theft will lead us nowhere other than the self-devaluation and remorse. There are certain rules and we all should follow them. Publication is the requirement of our academic progression; hence its importance cannot be undermined. Writing should begin from within oneself only. There is no age bar to learning hence the culture of writing in each one of us will eventually lessen the burden of gifted and ghost authors in our scientific society. Sharing of work amongst our peers and learning from each other will overcome the hindrance in publishing our work and so does the regular conduction of workshops and seminars for sensitizing our authors. No work can be great work without mutual effort. The time has come for the authors and the editors to sit down for a cup of tea to remove prejudices from each other and aid each other. Happy writing !
Study on Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor and HER-2/ neu Expression Pattern by Immunohistochemistry in 87 cases of Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Hossain Md Shahadat , Begum Ferdousy , Barua Ashim Ranjan
Published: April 2017

Background: Now a day's determination of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2/neu expression pattern by immunohistochemistry in invasive breast cancer have become the standard procedure for breast cancer management.Objective: To see the expression pattern of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER-2/neu in Bangladeshi women with invasive breast carcinoma.Method: This cross sectional study was performed in 87 cases of invasive breast cancer. Estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2/neu expression pattern were assessed by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies for detecting estrogen and progesterone receptors, and polyclonal antibody for detecting HER-2/neu.Results: All the cases were graded according to Bloom-Richardson grading system. Of those, Grade I tumour was 18 (20.69%), Grade II tumour was 58 (66.67%) and Grade III tumour was 11(12.64%). Both ER and PR positive reactivity were same and it was found 65 (74.71%) and HER-2/neu reactivity pattern were found negative in 59 (67.82%) cases and positive in 28 (32.18%) cases. A statistically significant correlation was found between the expression of ER and low grade tumour (p=0.011) and combined estrogen and progesterone receptor positive reactivity with low grade tumour (p=0.002).Conclusion: ER, PR and HER-2/neu expression do not correlated with each other, so it is recommended that each test should be independently determined by immunohistochemistry in all cases of invasive breast cancer. All equivocal cases of HER-2/neu (score 2+) should be analyzed by FISH technique to find out the percentage of real score.KYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-1, Jul 2014, Page 436-443
A study of Complications and Outcome of Major Gynaecological Operations-Analysis of 100 Cases
Authors: Siddiqua Fatema , Moni Sabiha Yasmin , Doty Nasrin Begum , Khanum Merina
Published: April 2017

Objective: To demonstrate complications and difficulties that had been encountered during major gynaecological surgery.Materials & Methods: This retrospective hospital based study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Rajshahi Medical College & Hospital, Rajshahi, between 1st January 2002 to 30th june 2002.Result: Among 266 operated patients during the above mentioned 6 months period 100 samples were taken randomly. Regarding age distribution of the operated patients, 38% were in the age group of 31 to 40 years, more than ¼ th (33%) were in the age group of 41 to 50 years. Out of 100 patients about half (54%) of them were in the parous group of 1 - 5 children, next to this 28% had more than 5 and above babies. After sugery, 70 patients had no postoperative complications; only in 30 patients minor complications were noted. Among these, pyrexia above 100.0F was noted in 15 patients, lower abdominal pain in 8 patients and urinary tract infection in 5 patients.Conclusion: This study revealed a low rate of complications and difficulties encountered during major gynaecological surgery. In most cases due to highly skilled personnel, improvement of surgical technique, safe anaesthesia and appropriate use of antibiotics with blood transfusion, the mortality rate has remarkably decreased to nil.KYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-1, Jul 2014, Page 444-448
Electrolyte Imbalance in Admitted Diabetic Patients: Patterns and Factors Responsible- A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Salahuddin , Nur Fazle , Ullah Md Rahamat , Mamun Abdullah Al , Laila Tarafdar Runa , Khan Md Abdul Mahid , Ali Md Zulfikar
Published: April 2017

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major burden upon health-care facilities in all countries. Electrolyte imbalances (EI) are very common in admitted patients with diabetes which leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Every patient with diabetes needs thorough evaluation for the etiology and precipitating factors responsible for EI and therefore rational management. Data regarding the incidence of EI in DM in our country is limited. There is no existing record for profiling of EI in Bangladeshi diabetic subjects. The objective of this study was to find out the common types of EI in hospitalized diabetic patients and to determine the influencing factors responsible for them. Samples were selected from all adult nonpregnant diabetic patients admitted in the indoor, department of Medicine with electrolyte disturbances irrespective of their cause of admission. A total number of 150 admitted diabetic patients with electrolyte imbalance were interviewed, examined physically and laboratory specimen taken for biochemical analysis. Information was collected in a semi structured data collection form for analysis. Hyponatremia was found to be the most common EI in admitted diabetic patients. Electrolyte imbalance was found to be more common in the aged and female populations. Common factors influencing EI were vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, uncontrolled diabetes with severe hyperglycemia and certain drugs especially diuretics. Among the other well established complications of diabetes like acute metabolic complications, microangiopathy and macroangiopathy, EI should also be considered especially in the admitted patients.KYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-1, Jul 2014, Page 458-466
Obesity and Cardiovascular Disase Risk Factors, Paradox and Impact of Weight Loss
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Hossain Md Alamgir
Published: April 2017

Obesity has reached global epidemic proportions in both adults and children and is associated with numerous comorbidities, including hypertension (HTN), type II diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing, certain cancers and major cardiovascular (CV) disease. Because of its maladaptive effects on various CV risk factors and its adverse effects on CV structure and function, obesity has a major impact on CV diseases, such as heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD), sudden cardiac death, and atrial fibrillation, and is associated with reduced overall survival. Despite this adverse association, numerous studies have documented an obesity paradox in which overweight and obese people with established CV disease, including non-obese patients. This review summarizes the adverse effects of obesity on CV disease risk factors and its role in the pathogenesis of various CV diseases, review the obesity paradox and potential explanation for these puzzling data, and concludes with a discussion regarding the current state of weight reduction in the prevention and treatment of CV diseases.KYAMC Journal Vol. 5, No.-1, Jul 2014, Page 476-479
Development of a Statistical Crop Model to Explain the Relationship between Seed Yield and Phenotypic Diversity within the Brassica napus Genepool
Authors: Bennett Emma , Brignell Christopher , Carion Pierre , Cook Samantha , Eastmond Peter , Teakle Graham , Hammond John , Love Clare , King Graham , Roberts Jeremy , Wagstaff Carol
Published: April 2017

Plants are extremely versatile organisms that respond to the environment in which they find themselves, but a large part of their development is under genetic regulation. The links between developmental parameters and yield are poorly understood in oilseed rape; understanding this relationship will help growers to predict their yields more accurately and breeders to focus on traits that may lead to yield improvements. To determine the relationship between seed yield and other agronomic traits, we investigated the natural variation that already exists with regards to resource allocation in 37 lines of the crop species Brassica napus. Over 130 different traits were assessed; they included seed yield parameters, seed composition, leaf mineral analysis, rates of pod and leaf senescence and plant architecture traits. A stepwise regression analysis was used to model statistically the measured traits with seed yield per plant. Above-ground biomass and protein content together accounted for 94.36% of the recorded variation. The primary raceme area, which was highly correlated with yield parameters (0.65), provides an early indicator of potential yield. The pod and leaf photosynthetic and senescence parameters measured had only a limited influence on seed yield and were not correlated with each other, indicating that reproductive development is not necessarily driving the senescence process within field-grown B. napus. Assessing the diversity that exists within the B. napus gene pool has highlighted architectural, seed and mineral composition traits that should be targeted in breeding programmes through the development of linked markers to improve crop yields.
A Program Model of Fuzzy Interpreted Petri Net to Control Discrete Event Systems
Authors: Markiewicz Michał , Gniewek Lesław
Published: April 2017

Using Petri nets (PNs) to control discrete event systems (DES) has many benefits, because of their graphical representations, the possibility of parallel process control, and their formal descriptions. Amongst the different PNs that are applied for this purpose, most have some limitations for visualization. For many of these PNs, another restriction is the length of time between the creation of the control algorithm in the form of a graph and its practical implementation. These two issues can be resolved with one solution called fuzzy interpreted PN (FIPN). This article proposes the use of a program model based on FIPN to control DES and the method for generation of this model using the graphical representation of the net. FIPN offers a better visualization in comparison to discrete PNs and it allows for the quick creation of program code through the application of a simulator called FIPN-SML. This computer tool implements a method that transforms the graphical form of FIPN into Structured Text (ST) language supported by the IEC 61131-3.
Dense Pure Tungsten Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Wang Dianzheng , Yu Chenfan , Zhou Xin , Ma Jing , Liu Wei , Shen Zhijian
Published: April 2017

Additive manufacturing using tungsten, a brittle material, is difficult because of its high melting point, thermal conductivity, and oxidation tendency. In this study, pure tungsten parts with densities of up to 18.53 g/cm3 (i.e., 96.0% of the theoretical density) were fabricated by selective laser melting. In order to minimize balling effects, the raw polyhedral tungsten powders underwent a spheroidization process before laser consolidation. Compared with polyhedral powders, the spherical powders showed increased laser absorptivity and packing density, which helped in the formation of a continuous molten track and promoted densification.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Signaling in Head and Neck Cancer and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Rothenberger Natalie , Stabile Laura
Published: April 2017

Aberrant signaling of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met pathway has been identified as a promoter of tumorigenesis in several tumor types including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite a relatively low c-Met mutation frequency, overexpression of HGF and its receptor c-Met has been observed in more than 80% of HNSCC tumors, with preclinical and clinical studies linking overexpression with cellular proliferation, invasion, migration, and poor prognosis. c-Met is activated by HGF through a paracrine mechanism to promote cellular morphogenesis enabling cells to acquire mesenchymal phenotypes in part through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to metastasis. The HGF/c-Met pathway may also act as a resistance mechanism against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition in advanced HNSCC. Furthermore, with the identification of a biologically distinct subset of HNSCC tumors acquired from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that generally portends a good prognosis, high expression of HGF or c-Met in HPV-negative tumors has been associated with worse prognosis. Dysregulated HGF/c-Met signaling results in an aggressive HNSCC phenotype which has led to clinical investigations for targeted inhibition of this pathway. In this review, HGF/c-Met signaling, pathway alterations, associations with clinical outcomes, and preclinical and clinical therapeutic strategies for targeting HGF/c-Met signaling in HNSCC are discussed.
Preparation of Rh/Ni Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Activities for Hydrogen Generation from Hydrolysis of KBH4
Authors: Wang Liqiong , Huang Liang , Jiao Chengpeng , Huang Zili , Liang Feng , Liu Simin , Wang Yuhua , Zhang Haijun
Published: April 2017

ISOBAM-104 protected Rh/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) of 3.1 nm in diameter were synthesized by a co-reduction method with a rapid injection of KBH4 solution. The catalytic activities of as-prepared BNPs for hydrogen generation from hydrolysis of a basic KBH4 solution were evaluated. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were employed to characterize the structure, particle size, and chemical composition of the resultant BNPs. Catalytic activities for hydrolysis of KBH4 and catalytic kinetics of prepared BNPs were also investigated. It was shown that Rh/Ni BNPs displayed much higher catalytic activities than that of Rh or Ni monometallic nanoparticles (MNPs), and the prepared Rh10Ni90 BNPs possessed the highest catalytic activities with a value of 11580 mol-H2·h−1·mol-Rh−1. The high catalytic activities of Rh/Ni BNPs could be attributed to the electron transfer effect between Rh and Ni atoms, which was confirmed by a density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The apparent activation energy for hydrogen generation of the prepared Rh10Ni90 BNPs was about 47.2 ± 2.1 kJ/mol according to a kinetic study.
Distinct Fiber Type Signature in Mouse Muscles Expressing a Mutant Lamin A Responsible for Congenital Muscular Dystrophy in a Patient
Authors: Barateau Alice , Vadrot Nathalie , Agbulut Onnik , Vicart Patrick , Batonnet-Pichon Sabrina , Buendia Brigitte
Published: April 2017

Specific mutations in LMNA, which encodes nuclear intermediate filament proteins lamins A/C, affect skeletal muscle tissues. Early-onset LMNA myopathies reveal different alterations of muscle fibers, including fiber type disproportion or prominent dystrophic and/or inflammatory changes. Recently, we identified the p.R388P LMNA mutation as responsible for congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD) and lipodystrophy. Here, we asked whether viral-mediated expression of mutant lamin A in murine skeletal muscles would be a pertinent model to reveal specific muscle alterations. We found that the total amount and size of muscle fibers as well as the extent of either inflammation or muscle regeneration were similar to wildtype or mutant lamin A. In contrast, the amount of fast oxidative muscle fibers containing myosin heavy chain IIA was lower upon expression of mutant lamin A, in correlation with lower expression of genes encoding transcription factors MEF2C and MyoD. These data validate this in vivo model for highlighting distinct muscle phenotypes associated with different lamin contexts. Additionally, the data suggest that alteration of muscle fiber type identity may contribute to the mechanisms underlying physiopathology of L-CMD related to R388P mutant lamin A.
Research on Similarity Measurements of 3D Models Based on Skeleton Trees
Authors: Chen Xin , Hao Jingbin , Liu Hao , Han Zhengtong , Ye Shengping
Published: April 2017

There is a growing need to be able to accurately and efficiently recognize similar models from existing model sets, in particular, for 3D models. This paper proposes a method of similarity measurement of 3D models, in which the similarity between 3D models is easily, accurately and automatically calculated by means of skeleton trees constructed by a simple rule. The skeleton operates well as a key descriptor of a 3D model. Specifically, a skeleton tree represents node features (including connection and orientation) that can reflect the topology and branch features (including region and bending degree) of 3D models geometrically. Node feature distance is first computed by the dot product between node connection distance, which is defined by 2-norm, and node orientation distance, which is defined by tangent space distance. Then branch feature distances are computed by the weighted sum of the average regional distances, as defined by generalized Hausdorff distance, and the average bending degree distance as defined by curvature. Overall similarity is expressed as the weighted sum of topology and geometry similarity. The similarity calculation is efficient and accurate because it is not necessary to perform other operations such as rotation or translation and it considers more topological and geometric information. The experiment demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.
Double-Carrier Phase-Disposition Pulse Width Modulation Method for Modular Multilevel Converters
Authors: Zhou Fayun , Luo An , Li Yan , Xu Qianming , He Zhixing , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: April 2017

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have become one of the most attractive topologies for high-voltage and high-power applications. A double-carrier phase disposition pulse width modulation (DCPDPWM) method for MMCs is proposed in this paper. Only double triangular carriers with displacement angle are needed for DCPDPWM, one carrier for the upper arm and the other for the lower arm. Then, the theoretical analysis of DCPDPWM for MMCs is presented by using a double Fourier integral analysis method, and the Fourier series expression of phase voltage, line-to-line voltage and circulating current are deduced. Moreover, the impact of carrier displacement angle between the upper and lower arm on harmonic characteristics is revealed, and further the optimum displacement angles are specified for the circulating current harmonics cancellation scheme and output voltage harmonics minimization scheme. Finally, the proposed method and theoretical analysis are verified by simulation and experimental results.
Forest Company Dependencies and Impacts on Ecosystem Services: Expert Perceptions from China
Authors: Wan Minli , D’Amato Dalia , Toppinen Anne , Rekola Mika
Published: April 2017

Global awareness of sustainability issues is growing rapidly, and business organizations are called to address wider social and environmental concerns along with economic performance. However, limited systematic knowledge exists on the interactions between forest industries and natural ecosystems. We thus investigated the role of ecosystem services in the context of China’s forest sector. A qualitative research approach was used to elicit company external expert viewpoints on the topic. Our analysis focused on three themes: (1) forest company dependencies and impacts on ecosystem services; (2) business risks arising from dependencies and impacts; and (3) risk response strategies. The interviewed 20 experts identified a series of forest company dependencies and impacts (including negative and positive impacts) on several ecosystem services. The extent of dependencies and impacts is largely influenced by the business portfolio of the company. The perceived business risks include intense competition and the consequently increasing price for natural resources, which would affect forest company business plans, costs and outputs. The suggested strategies for turning risks into opportunities include outsourcing wood, changing production focus, promoting industrial upgrading and implementing regular assessments of corporate dependencies and impacts on ecosystem services. The findings of our study can guide companies’ decision-making in managing forest ecosystems sustainably.
Chemical and Biochemical Properties of Soils Developed from Different Lithologies in Northwestern Spain (Galicia)
Authors: Cardelli Valeria , Cocco Stefania , Agnelli Alberto , Nardi Serenella , Pizzeghello Diego , Fernández-Sanjurjo Maria , Corti Giuseppe
Published: April 2017

Physical and chemical soil properties are generally correlated with the parent material, as its composition may influence the pedogenetic processes, the content of nutrients, and the element biocycling. This research studied the chemical and biochemical properties of the A horizon from soils developed on different rocks like amphibolite, serpentinite, phyllite, and granite under a relatively similar climatic regime from Galicia (northwest Spain). In particular, the effect of the parent material on soil evolution, organic carbon sequestration, and the hormone-like activity of humic and fulvic acids were tested. Results indicated that all the soils were scarcely fertile because of low concentrations of available P, exchangeable Ca (except for the soils on serpentinite and phyllite), and exchangeable K, but sequestered relevant quantities of organic carbon. The scarce soil fertility was common to all soils independently of the parent material, and we attributed this similarity to the pedogenetic pressure induced by the climatic conditions. Also, the hormone-like activity of humic and fulvic acids, similar for all the soils, was probably due to pedogenesis. We hypothesized that the hormone-like activity of the humic substances helps growth and diffusion of vegetation in low fertile soils and, consequently, soil organic carbon sequestration too.
Job Strain and Casual Blood Pressure Distribution: Looking beyond the Adjusted Mean and Taking Gender, Age, and Use of Antihypertensives into Account. Results from ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Juvanhol Leidjaira , Melo Enirtes , Carvalho Marilia , Chor Dóra , Mill José , Griep Rosane
Published: April 2017

Methodological issues are pointed to as the main sources of inconsistencies in studies about the association between job strain and blood pressure (BP)/hypertension. Our aim was to analyze the relationship between job strain and the whole BP distribution, as well as potential differences by gender, age, and use of antihypertensives. Additionally, we addressed issues relating to the operationalization of the exposure and outcome variables that influence the study of their inter-relations. We evaluated the baseline date of 12,038 participants enrolled in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) (2008–2010), a multicenter cohort study of 35–74-year-old civil servants. Job strain was assessed by the Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire. The distribution of casual BP by categories of job strain was compared by a combination of exploratory techniques. Participants were classified into three subgroups (normotensives, medicated hypertensives, and unmedicated hypertensives), and analyses were stratified by gender and age. The relationship between job strain and casual BP varied along the whole outcome distribution. Hypertensive participants had greater differences in casual BP by job strain category, especially medicated hypertensives. Differences in casual BP were also greater for systolic than for diastolic BP and for older participants. No differences were encountered by gender. The exclusion of participants susceptible to misclassification for the exposure and outcome variables increased the differences observed between the categories of low and high job strain. In conclusion, the relationship between job strain and casual BP varied along the whole outcome distribution and by use of antihypertensive drugs, age, and BP parameter evaluated. Misclassification for exposure and outcome variables should be considered in analyses of this topic.
Generating Up-to-Date and Detailed Land Use and Land Cover Maps Using OpenStreetMap and GlobeLand30
Authors: Fonte Cidália , Minghini Marco , Patriarca Joaquim , Antoniou Vyron , See Linda , Skopeliti Andriani
Published: April 2017

With the opening up of the Landsat archive, global high resolution land cover maps have begun to appear. However, they often have only a small number of high level land cover classes and they are static products, corresponding to a particular period of time, e.g., the GlobeLand30 (GL30) map for 2010. The OpenStreetMap (OSM), in contrast, consists of a very detailed, dynamically updated, spatial database of mapped features from around the world, but it suffers from incomplete coverage, and layers of overlapping features that are tagged in a variety of ways. However, it clearly has potential for land use and land cover (LULC) mapping. Thus the aim of this paper is to demonstrate how the OSM can be converted into a LULC map and how this OSM-derived LULC map can then be used to first update the GL30 with more recent information and secondly, enhance the information content of the classes. The technique is demonstrated on two study areas where there is availability of OSM data but in locations where authoritative data are lacking, i.e., Kathmandu, Nepal and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The GL30 and its updated and enhanced versions are independently validated using a stratified random sample so that the three maps can be compared. The results show that the updated version of GL30 improves in terms of overall accuracy since certain classes were not captured well in the original GL30 (e.g., water in Kathmandu and water/wetlands in Dar es Salaam). In contrast, the enhanced GL30, which contains more detailed urban classes, results in a drop in the overall accuracy, possibly due to the increased number of classes, but the advantages include the appearance of more detailed features, such as the road network, that becomes clearly visible.
CoQ10 Deficiency May Indicate Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cr(VI) Toxicity
Authors: Zhong Xiali , Yi Xing , Da Silveira e Sá Rita , Zhang Yujing , Liu Kaihua , Xiao Fang , Zhong Caigao
Published: April 2017

To investigate the toxic mechanism of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and search for an antidote for Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity, a study of mitochondrial dysfunction induced by Cr(VI) and cell survival by recovering mitochondrial function was performed. In the present study, we found that the gene expression of electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) was strongly downregulated by Cr(VI) exposure. The levels of coenzyme 10 (CoQ10) and mitochondrial biogenesis presented by mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial DNA copy number were also significantly reduced after Cr(VI) exposure. The subsequent, Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial damage and apoptosis were characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ATP production, increased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) content, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, increased Ca2+ levels, Cyt c release, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and significantly elevated Bax expression. The Cr(VI)-induced deleterious changes were attenuated by pretreatment with CoQ10 in L-02 hepatocytes. These data suggest that Cr(VI) induces CoQ10 deficiency in L-02 hepatocytes, indicating that this deficiency may be a biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction in Cr(VI) poisoning and that exogenous administration of CoQ10 may restore mitochondrial function and protect the liver from Cr(VI) exposure.
Methanediide Formation via Hydrogen Elimination in Magnesium versus Aluminium Hydride Complexes of a Sterically Demanding Bis(iminophosphoranyl)methanediide
Authors: Sindlinger Christian , Lawrence Samuel , Cordes David , Slawin Alexandra , Stasch Andreas
Published: April 2017

Substituted bis(iminophosphoranyl)methanes are CH acidic compounds that can form complexes with formally dianionic central carbon centres. The reaction of H2C(Ph2P=NDip)2 (≡ H2L), Dip = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, with one equivalent of di-n-butylmagnesium afforded the methanide complex [HLMgnBu] 1. Treatment of Complex 1 with phenylsilane in aromatic solvents at elevated temperatures afforded the methanediide complex [(LMg)2] 2 presumably via the MgH intermediate [(HLMgH)n] (n = 1 or 2). The reaction of 1 with LiAlH4 in diethyl ether yielded the AlH complex [HLAlH2] 3. Alternatively, this complex was also obtained from the reaction of H2L with AlH3∙NMe3. The molecular structures of [HLMgnBu] 1, [(LMg)2] 2, and [HLAlH2] 3 are reported. Complex 3 shows no sign of H2 elimination to a methanediide species at elevated temperatures in contrast to the facile elimination of the putative reaction intermediate [(HLMgH)n] (n = 1 or 2) to form [(LMg)2] 2. The chemical properties of Complex 2 were investigated, and this complex appears to be stable against coordination with strong donor molecules.
3D Reconstructions Using Unstabilized Video Footage from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Byrne Jonathan , O'Keeffe Evan , Lennon Donal , Laefer Debra F.
Published: April 2017

Structure from motion (SFM) is a methodology for automatically reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) models from a series of two-dimensional (2D) images when there is no a priori knowledge of the camera location and direction. Modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) now provide a low-cost means of obtaining aerial video footage of a point of interest. Unfortunately, raw video lacks the required information for SFM software, as it does not record exchangeable image file (EXIF) information for the frames. In this work, a solution is presented to modify aerial video so that it can be used for photogrammetry. The paper then examines how the field of view effects the quality of the reconstruction. The input is unstabilized, and distorted video footage obtained from a low-cost UAV which is then combined with an open-source SFM system to reconstruct a 3D model. This approach creates a high quality reconstruction by reducing the amount of unknown variables, such as focal length and sensor size, while increasing the data density. The experiments conducted examine the optical field of view settings to provide sufficient overlap without sacrificing image quality or exacerbating distortion. The system costs less than e1000, and the results show the ability to reproduce 3D models that are of centimeter-level accuracy. For verification, the results were compared against millimeter-level accurate models derived from laser scanning.
In Situ TEM Study of Microstructure Evolution of Zr-Nb-Fe Alloy Irradiated by 800 keV Kr2+ Ions
Authors: Lei Penghui , Ran Guang , Liu Chenwei , Ye Chao , Lv Dong , Lin Jianxin , Wu Yizhen , Xu Jiangkun
Published: April 2017

The microstructure evolution of Zr-1.1Nb-1.51Fe-0.26Cu-0.72Ni zirconium alloy, irradiated by 800 keV Kr2+ ions at 585 K using the IVEM-Tandem Facility at Argonne National Laboratory, was observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy. A number of β-Nb precipitates with a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure were distributed in the as-received zirconium alloy with micrometer-size grains. Kr2+ ion irradiation induced the growth of β-Nb precipitates, which could be attributed to the segregation of the dissolved niobium atoms in the zirconium lattice and the migration to the existing precipitates. The size of precipitates was increased with increasing Kr2+ ion fluence. During Kr2+ iron irradiation, the zirconium crystals without Nb precipitates tended to transform to the nanocrystals, which was not observed in the zirconium crystals with Nb nanoparticles. The existing Nb nanoparticles were the key factor that constrained the nanocrystallization of zirconium crystals. The thickness of the formed Zr-nanocrystal layer was about 300 nm, which was consistent with the depth of Kr2+ iron irradiation. The mechanism of the precipitate growth and the formation of zirconium nanocrystal was analyzed and discussed.
Crystallization of Polymers Investigated by Temperature-Modulated DSC
Authors: Righetti Maria
Published: April 2017

The aim of this review is to summarize studies conducted by temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) on polymer crystallization. This technique can provide several advantages for the analysis of polymers with respect to conventional differential scanning calorimetry. Crystallizations conducted by TMDSC in different experimental conditions are analysed and discussed, in order to illustrate the type of information that can be deduced. Isothermal and non-isothermal crystallizations upon heating and cooling are examined separately, together with the relevant mathematical treatments that allow the evolution of the crystalline, mobile amorphous and rigid amorphous fractions to be determined. The phenomena of ‘reversing’ and ‘reversible‘ melting are explicated through the analysis of the thermal response of various semi-crystalline polymers to temperature modulation.
Strong Photoluminescence Enhancement of Silicon Oxycarbide through Defect Engineering
Authors: Ford Brian , Tabassum Natasha , Nikas Vasileios , Gallis Spyros
Published: April 2017

The following study focuses on the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of chemically synthesized silicon oxycarbide (SiCxOy) thin films and nanowires through defect engineering via post-deposition passivation treatments. SiCxOy materials were deposited via thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD), and exhibit strong white light emission at room-temperature. Post-deposition passivation treatments were carried out using oxygen, nitrogen, and forming gas (FG, 5% H2, 95% N2) ambients, modifying the observed white light emission. The observed white luminescence was found to be inversely related to the carbonyl (C=O) bond density present in the films. The peak-to-peak PL was enhanced ~18 and ~17 times for, respectively, the two SiCxOy matrices, oxygen-rich and carbon-rich SiCxOy, via post-deposition passivations. Through a combinational and systematic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and PL study, it was revealed that proper tailoring of the passivations reduces the carbonyl bond density by a factor of ~2.2, corresponding to a PL enhancement of ~50 times. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent and temperature-dependent time resolved PL (TDPL and TD-TRPL) behaviors of the nitrogen and forming gas passivated SiCxOy thin films were investigated to acquire further insight into the ramifications of the passivation on the carbonyl/dangling bond density and PL yield.