bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Cool‐Season Species as Cover Crops and Forage in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Han K.J. , Smith D. J. , Pitman W.D.
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Productivity of cool‐season cover crops depends on seasonal weather conditions.

The annual grasses can produce substantial regrowth following winter harvest.

Optimized growth termination justifies dual‐purpose plantings of cool‐season annuals.

Cool‐season annuals can provide nutritious forage from late winter to early spring in addition to contributing soil conservation benefits during the winter season in the lower southern states. This application may reduce the direct input cost coming from adopting a winter cover crop in row crop production. A 2‐year field trial was conducted to determine the relative early‐season forage value of a variety of crops when planted for combined purposes of forage production and winter cover crops. The eight cover crop treatments included seven monocultures—annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), cereal rye (Secale cereal), oats (Avena sativa), triticale (Triticale hexaploide), radish (Raphanus sativus), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)—and a mixture of annual ryegrass/crimson clover/radish. Two harvests were made each year considering potential crop rotation. The dry matter (DM) yield ranged across cool‐season annual crop treatments from 1478 lb/acre for crimson clover in 2016 to 3983 lb/acre for oats in 2015. Delayed fall planting due to excessive rainfall in 2015 reduced DM yields and delayed growth for an initial harvest by almost 3 weeks compared with the first year. All treatments produced highly digestible forage, based on in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) analysis, ranging from 71–92%. As the growing season advanced, acid detergent fiber (ADF) in triticale increased at the greatest rate among the tested cover crops. Crude protein (CP) decreased more than 7 percentage points between harvests in the grasses and radish while CP response of legumes was not consistent between years. Dual‐purpose plantings of oats or an early maturing annual legume for combined cover crop contributions and forage production appear particularly appropriate for cropping systems with no‐till April planting into grazed‐out cover crop stubble.
Weed Control with Bicyclopyrone + Bromoxynil in Wheat
Authors: San Martín Carolina , Lyon Drew J. , Gourlie Jennifer , Wetzel Henry C. , Barroso Judit
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil might be an alternative chemical control tool in wheat in the Pacific Northwest.

Bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil provided a very good control of mayweed chamomile.

High application rates of bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil provided a good control of prickly lettuce.

Chemical weed control options in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are currently limited due to the presence of resistant weed biotypes. The efficacy of a new post‐emergence herbicide in wheat, bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil (Talinor), was evaluated for mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) and prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) control in eastern Washington and Oregon in 2016 and 2017. Bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil provided superior control of mayweed chamomile in winter wheat compared with pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil (Huskie). Mayweed chamomile control was similar across all three rates of bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil used in the study. Pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil provided greater control of prickly lettuce in spring wheat than bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil except when bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil was applied at the highest rate. Bicyclopyrone + bromoxynil will provide winter wheat growers with an effective option for controlling mayweed chamomile, and at higher use rates, with an alternative option for prickly lettuce control in spring wheat.
Antimicrobial‐Resistant E. coli from Surface Waters in Southwest Ontario Dairy Farms
Authors: Taggar Gurleen , Rehman Muhammad Attiq , Yin Xianhua , Lepp Dion , Ziebell Kim , Handyside Patrick , Boerlin Patrick , Diarra Moussa Sory
Published: August 2018

Untreated surface waters can be contaminated with a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, some of which can be pathogenic for both humans and animals. Therefore, such waters need to be treated before their use in dairy operations to mitigate risks to dairy cow health and milk safety. To understand the molecular ecology of E. coli, this study aimed to assess antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli recovered from untreated surface water sources of dairy farms. Untreated surface water samples (n = 240) from 15 dairy farms were collected and processed to isolate E. coli. A total of 234 E. coli isolates were obtained and further characterized for their serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility. Of the 234 isolates, 71.4% were pan‐susceptible, 23.5% were resistant to one or two antimicrobial classes, and 5.1% were resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes. Whole genome sequence analysis of 11 selected multidrug‐resistant isolates revealed AMR genes including blaCMY‐2 and blaCTX‐M‐1 that confer resistance to the critically important extended‐spectrum cephalosporins, as well as a variety of plasmids (mainly of the IncF replicon type) and class 1 integrons. Phylogenetic and comparative genome analysis revealed a genetic relationship between some of the sequenced E. coli and Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC), which warrants further investigation. This study shows that untreated surface water sources contain antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli, which may serve as a reservoir of AMR that could be disseminated through horizontal gene transfer. This is another reason why effective water treatment before usage should be routinely done on dairy farm operations.

Core Ideas

Surface water is a valuable input for livestock production.

Untreated surface water can be a source of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria.

Multidrug‐resistant E. coli strains may facilitate spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Whole genome sequencing provides insight into the molecular ecology of E. coli from surface water.

This highlights the need to implement efficient water treatment units for dairy farms.
Genotype and Regrowth Interval Effects on In Situ Disappearance of Rhizoma Peanut
Authors: Sanchez Joao M.D. , Vendramini Joao M.B. , Silveira Maria L. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Dubeux Jose C.B. , Moriel Philipe , Kuwahara Frank A. , Cecato Ulysses , Yarborough James K. , Soares Filho Cecilio V. , Leite de Oliveira Fabio C.
Published: August 2018

Rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) is a widely used warm‐season legume in Florida. Ecoturf is a rhizoma peanut germplasm with superior nutritive value; however, there is limited information about the effects of regrowth interval on this characteristic. The objective was to investigate the effects of regrowth interval on in situ crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) disappearance of Ecoturf compared with the predominant cultivar ‘Florigraze’. The experiment was conducted from July to October of 2014 and 2015. Treatments were a split‐plot design of Florigraze and Ecoturf (main plots) harvested at regrowth intervals of 4, 8, and 12 wk (subplots), distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Samples of each treatment were incubated in two steers (Bos spp.) for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, and DM and CP disappearance were fit to a nonlinear model. Ecoturf had greater CP concentration than Florigraze (193 vs. 168 g kg−1). There was no effect of genotype on in situ effective disappearance of CP (715 g CP kg−1); however, there was a quadratic effect of regrowth interval. Ecoturf had greater effective disappearance of DM than Florigraze only at 4 wk of regrowth (597 vs. 563 g kg−1). Dry matter and CP disappearance parameters may differ between Ecoturf and Florigraze. Harvesting at a regrowth interval of 8 wk or less may improve rhizoma peanut nutritive value.
Soil Evolution and Mass Flux of Basaltic Cinder Cones in a Cool, Semi‐Arid Climate
Authors: Vaughan Karen L. , McDaniel Paul , Strawn Daniel , Blecker Steve
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Soil development across a chronosequence of basaltic cinder cones.

Elemental mass balance data were used to investigate secondary mineral formation.

Elucidate rates and processes of early stage weathering.

Soil developmental processes on young volcanic cinders in cool, semiarid climates are not well understood and previously under‐studied, but present a unique setting within which to study neoformation of soils under well‐dated time constraints. This study investigates the development of physical, chemical, and mineralogical soil properties on a chronosequence of basaltic cinder cones, aged approximately 2.1, 6.9, and 13.9 ka, at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in southern Idaho. Representative parent material, coarse fragments, and soil samples were analyzed using selective dissolutions and total elemental digests. Elemental mass balance data were used together with the soil physicochemical data to investigate weathering and secondary mineral formation within each soil profile. The highest degree of weathering was identified on the 13.9 ka profile, followed by the 6.9 and 2.1 ka soils. Short‐range ordered minerals, including allophane and ferrihydrite, dominate the colloidal fraction of all soils, with greatest proportions in the oldest soil. Dominant soil‐forming processes documented along the chronosequence of basalt‐derived soils are the accumulation of organic carbon, weathering of rock fragments, loss of base cations, redistribution of Fe, Al, and Ti, and the accumulation of secondary short‐range order and crystalline minerals. This study provides critical information to elucidate rates and processes of early stage weathering, dust influence, and soil evolution on cinders in cool and dry climates.
Characterization of Grain‐Size Distribution, Thermal Conductivity, and Gas Diffusivity in Variably Saturated Binary Sand Mixtures
Authors: Deepagoda T.K.K. Chamindu , Smits Kathleen , Jayarathne J.R.R.N. , Wallen Benjamin M. , Clough Timothy J.
Published: August 2018

Core Ideas

Parameterized models are relevant to applications where different porous media mixtures are used.

Models include a grain‐size distribution function to describe bimodal behavior for binary mixtures.

Improved model describes observed thermal conductivity–saturation relations for binary mixtures.

Combined Buckingham–Penman model used to describe observed gas diffusivity–air content relations.

This work is relevant for proper simulation of mixed porous media.

Characterization of differently textured porous materials, as well as different volumetric porous media mixtures, in relation to mass and heat transport is vital for many engineering and research applications. Functional relations describing physical (e.g., grain‐size distribution, total porosity), thermal, and gas diffusion properties of porous media and mixtures are necessary to optimize the design of porous systems that involve heat and gas transport processes. However, only a limited number of studies provide characterization of soil physical, thermal, and gas diffusion properties and the functional relationships of these properties under varying soil water contents, especially for soil mixtures, complicating optimization efforts. To better understand how mixing controls the physical, thermal, and gas diffusion properties of porous media, a set of laboratory experiments was performed using five volumetric mixtures of coarse‐ and fine‐grained sand particles. For each mixture, the grain‐size distribution (GSD), thermal conductivity, and gas diffusivity were obtained and parameterized using existing and suggested parametric models. Results show that the extended, two‐region Rosin–Rammler particle‐size distribution model proposed in this study could successfully describe the bimodal behavior of the GSD of binary mixtures. Further, the modified Côté and Konrad thermal conductivity model adequately described the thermal conductivity–water saturation relations observed in different mixtures. The proposed simple soil‐gas diffusivity descriptive model parameterized the upper limit, average, and lower limit behavior in gas diffusivity–air content relations in apparently texture‐invariant gas diffusivity data. Results further show a close analogy between gas diffusivity and thermal conductivity and their variation with saturation across different binary mixtures. Overall, the results of the study provide useful numerical insight into the physical, thermal, and gas transport characteristics of binary mixtures, with wide implications for future engineering and research applications that involve multicomponent porous systems.
Light Chain LC and TAT-EGFP-HCS of Botulinum Toxin Expression and Biological Function in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hao Fengjin , Feng Yueqin , Guan Yifu
Published: August 2018

Objective: To verify whether the botulinum toxin heavy chain HCS has specific neuronal
targeting function and to confirm whether TAT-EGFP-LC has hydrolyzable SNAP-25 and has transmembrane
biological activity.

Methods:

We constructed the pET-28a-TAT-EGFP-HCS/LC plasmid. After the plasmid is expressed
and purified, we co-cultured it with nerve cells or tumors. In addition, we used Western-Blot to identify
whether protein LC and TAT-EGFP-LC can digest the protein SNAP-25.

Results:

Fluorescence imaging showed that PC12, BV2, C6 and HeLa cells all showed green fluorescence,
and TAT-EGFP-HCS had the strongest fluorescence. Moreover, TAT-EGFP-LC can hydrolyze
intracellular SNAP-25 in PC12 cells, C6 cells, BV2 cells and HeLa, whereas LC alone cannot. In addition,
the in vivo protein TAT-EGFP-HCS can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter mouse brain
tissue.

Conclusion:

TAT-EGFP-HSC expressed in vitro has neural guidance function and can carry large proteins
across the cell membrane without influencing the biological activity.
iAFP-gap-SMOTE: An Efficient Feature Extraction Scheme Gapped Dipeptide Composition is Coupled with an Oversampling Technique for Identification of Antifreeze Proteins
Authors: Akbar Shahid , Hayat Maqsood , Kabir Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: August 2018

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) perform distinguishable roles in maintaining homeostatic conditions of living organisms and protect their cell and body from freezing in extremely cold conditions. Owing to high diversity in protein sequences and structures, the discrimination of AFPs from non- AFPs through experimental approaches is expensive and lengthy. It is, therefore, vastly desirable to propose a computational intelligent and high throughput model that truly reflects AFPs quickly and accurately. In a sequel, a new predictor called “iAFP-gap-SMOTE” is proposed for the identification of AFPs. Protein sequences are expressed by adopting three numerical feature extraction schemes namely; Split Amino Acid Composition, G-gap di-peptide Composition and Reduce Amino Acid alphabet composition. Usually, classification hypothesis biased towards majority class in case of the imbalanced dataset. Oversampling technique Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique is employed in order to increase the instances of the lower class and control the biasness. 10-fold cross-validation test is applied to appraise the success rates of “iAFP-gap-SMOTE” model. After the empirical investigation, “iAFP-gap-SMOTE” model obtained 95.02% accuracy. The comparison suggested that the accuracy of” iAFP-gap-SMOTE” model is higher than that of the present techniques in the literature so far. It is greatly recommended that our proposed model “iAFP-gap-SMOTE” might be helpful for the research community and academia.
Copper Catalysts in the Synthesis of Five-membered N-polyheterocycles
Authors: Kaur Navjeet
Published: August 2018

Background:

Due to significant biological activity associated with N-, O- and S-heterocycles, a
number of reports for their synthesis have appeared in recent decades. Traditional approaches require expensive
or highly specialized equipment or would be of limited use to the synthetic organic chemist due to their
highly inconvenient approaches. This review summarizes the applications of copper catalysts with the
emphasis on their synthetic applications for nitrogen bearing polyheterocylces. In summary, this review article
describes the synthesis of a number of five-membered poly heterocyclic rings.

Objective:

Nowadays new approaches that employ atom-economical and efficient pathway have been developed.
The researchers are following natural models to design and synthesize heterocycles. The transition metal
catalyzed protocols have attracted the attention as compared to other synthetic methodologies because they use
easily available substrates to build multiple substituted complicated molecules directly under mild conditions.
In organic synthesis, constituted by transition metal catalyzed coupling transformations are one of the most
powerful and useful protocols. The N-heterocycles are synthesized by this convenient and useful tool.

Conclusion:

The efficient and chemoselective synthesis of heterocycles by this technique has appeared as an
important tool. This review shows a highly dynamic research field and the employment of copper catalysts in
organic synthesis. Several strategies have been pointed out in the past few years, to meet more sustainable, efficient
and environmentally benign chemical products and procedures. The catalytic strategies have been the
focus of intense research because they avoid the use of toxic reagents. Among these catalytic strategies, highly
rewarding and an important method in heterocycles synthesis is metal catalyzed synthesis.
HIV Testing in Women in Relation to Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Washio Yukiko , Novack Elizabeth , Teitelman Anne M.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Low-income racial/ethnic minority women are disproportionately
represented in substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) among those who are at risk for or
live with HIV– collectively called the SAVA syndemic. Little is known about how IPV exposure
and substance use impact HIV testing uptake among low-income racial/ethnic minority women.

Aim:

The objective of the current study is to conduct systematic literature review of SAVA
syndemic on HIV testing among women.

Design/Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted between February and September
2016 using databases of PubMed, Ovid/Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, and CINHAL/Nursing.
Quantitative and qualitative peer-reviewed studies published in English that covered the topics of
HIV testing, women, IPV, and substance use were reviewed. Study contents were summarized and
reviewed to identify the gap in studying the impact of substance use and IPV on HIV testing in
women.

Results:

Among women at risk for substance use and IPV (N = 6,259), HIV testing was perceived
to be a priority especially if they were injecting drugs and engaging in risky sexual practice;
however, barriers were also identified including stigma, privacy issue, convenience, and fear of
receiving an HIV-positive result.

Conclusions:

Findings were informative in meeting the needs of HIV testing and counseling for
women at risk for substance use and IPV while addressing the potential barriers to increase access
to the service.
MRI Combined with Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography for Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Pancreatic Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Liu Xiaojin , Xu Wanbo , Liu Zhenhe , Ye Junli
Published: August 2018

Background:

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are among the important
premalignant lesions. Early detection and intervention are critical to positive patient outcomes.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to evaluate the malignancy of IPMNs, and magnetic
resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is recommended for follow-up of pancreatic
cystic lesions.

Objective:

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MRI combined with MRCP in determining
the malignant potential of pancreas IPMN.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of 55 patients with 58 pancreatic lesions confirmed after
surgery, which were analyzed and divided into two groups, a benign IPMN group (n = 27) and a
malignant IPMN group (n = 31). Two radiologists analyzed the high-risk stigmata and worrisome
features of pancreas IPMN to evaluate the malignant potential. Score all the lesions as proposed by
the international consensus guidelines 2012, and calculate the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Results:

There were significant differences of size, enhancement of solid components, and degree
of dilation of the main pancreatic duct between benign and malignant IPMN (P < 0.05). However,
differences in gender, age and location of disease between the two groups were not statistically
significant (P > 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI combined with MRCP in
preoperative diagnosis of malignant IPMNs were 90.3% (28/31), 70.4% (19/27) and 81.0% (47/58)
respectively, when at least one worrisome feature was present.

Conclusion:

MRI combined with MRCP is useful in the evaluation of the benign and malignant
pancreas IPMN.
Radiologic Findings of a Rare Subtype of Invasive Breast Cancer with Poor Prognosis: Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Aydin Hale , Guner Bahar , Bostanci Isil Esen , Ciledag Nazan , Bulut Melda Boyacioglu , Bozgul Mustafa , Dilek Gulay Bilir , Aribas Bilgin Kadri
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mammographic,
sonographic and MRI findings of metaplastic breast carcinoma.

Methods:

In this retrospective review study, we analyzed the medical files of 9600 patients who
were treated for invasive breast cancers. Clinical information, histopathologic and radiologic findings
of 65 patients were included in this study. All existing radiologic images and medical reports
were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-three patients had MG, 58 patients had US and 7 patients had
MRI imaging results.

Results:

Mammographically, the most frequent presentations of MPBC were round shape, microlobulated
margin and high density masses. Calcifications with or without masses were not a frequent
finding. The most common sonographic findings were round shape, partially indistinct angular
margin, hypoechoic and heterogeneous echo patterns and no posterior feature masses. All lesions
were presented as masses rather than non-mass enhancements on magnetic resonance imaging.
Features of masses had more malignant feature on MRI than other modalities in all 7 patients.

Conclusion:

Metaplastic breast carcinoma is one of the rarest poorly differentiated invasive breast
carcinomas. Interestingly, these aggressive tumors demonstrate benign or moderately malign features
on imaging methods. This appearance of MPBC can cause it to be misdiagnosed as a benign
breast lesion especially in young women. MPBC should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis
of large palpable breast masses. Therefore, follow-up at short intervals and/or multimodality
imaging studies which include breast MRI are important for the diagnosis of MPBC.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Novel Benzimidazole Fused Condensed Thienopyrimdines Derivatives
Authors: Kaliraj S. , Kathiravan Muthu K.
Published: August 2018

Background:

Cancer is a major health problem acting as a global killer and one of the leading
causes of death. Most cancer chemotherapeutic drugs currently in clinical use are to kill malignant
tumour cells by inhibiting some of the mechanisms implied in cellular division. Thienopyrimidines occupy
a special position among the fused pyrimidines, along with other pyrimidines containing an annelated
five membered hetero aromatic ring; forms a significant class of drugs which exhibit an array of
various biological activities. One of the important current anticancer agent gefitinib acts as tyrosine
kinase inhibitors is a quinazoline derivative. The thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine ring system, is considered as a
bioisostere of quinazoline moiety and have attracted great attention due to their broad bioactivities, including
antitumor.

Methods:

Novel thienopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized by cyclization of thiophene o-amino
esters with lactam salts such as pyrrolidin-2-one, piperidin-2-one and caprolactam by treating using
phosphorous oxychloride. The next set of compounds thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one were synthesised
by Niementowski condensations between 2-aminothiophene carboxylate and formamide under
reflux condition, followed by its chlorination in good yield. Microwave Fusion of 4-chlorothieno[2,3-d]
pyrimidines with o-phenylenediamine afforded target compounds. The target compounds were tested on
MCF-7 and HEK293 cell line.

Results:

The synthesized thirty compounds structures were established by IR, 1H NMR and Mass spectroscopy.
The synthesized compounds were obtained in the good yield ranging from 45-70%. The synthesized
compounds were subjected to cytotoxicity studies. Among the twenty compounds only one
compound showed moderate activity. One of the compound 2c bearing acetyl group had IC50 48.93 μM.
However decrease in the size of the lactam ring from six to five member ring or increase to seven member
ring resulted in the loss of activity. The IC50 value of 5a was found to be 70.86μg/ml. The compound
5i have more cytotoxic action among the series.

Conclusion:

A series of thirty compounds belonging to novel pyyrolo, pyrido and benzimidazole fused
thienopyrimidines were synthesized, characterized and were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity.
The compounds bearing bulky group such as terbutyl group and chloro substitution had the best activity.
In conclusion, these structures seems to have biological properties and further investigation on this
group could provide a lead.
Ameliorative Effect of Centaurea maroccana and Centaurea acaulis Against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Baali Nacera , Samiya Baali , Ali Bentamen , Samir Benayache , Fadila Benayache , Souad Amedah
Published: August 2018

Background:

The ability of Centaurea maroccana (C. maroccana) and Centaurea acaulis (C. acaulis) to protect the kidney against CCl4-induced renal toxicity in male rats was investigated. Moreover, the total polyphenols and flavonoids amount and DPPH radical scavenging activity were estimated.

Materials and Methods:

Rats were pre-treated orally with C. maroccana and C. acaulis (200 mg/kg, daily for 2 weeks) along with CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg, three times a week for 2 weeks). At the end of the treatment procedure, all rats were sacrificed and renal protective effect of C. maroccana and C. acaulis was evaluated.

Results:

Administration of CCl4 alone significantly elevated kidney malondialdehyde, as well as serum creatinine, urea and uric acid. While kidney level of glutathione and catalase were reduced. These were accompanied by glomerular and tubular degenerations and necrosis. Pre-treatment with C. maroccana and C. acaulis ameliorated the above mentioned biochemical parameters and histological changes associated with nephrotoxicity induced by CCl4. Moreover, both studied extracts showed a noticeable total polyphenols and flavonoids amount and antioxidant activity in DPPH assays.

Conclusion:

From the results, it is suggested that C. maroccana and C. acaulis extract has the ability to protect kidney against oxidative damages, possibly through the antioxidant effects of their bioactive compounds.
Aptamer-based Homogeneous Analysis for Food Control
Authors: Xia Xuhan , He Qiang , Dong Yi , Deng Ruijie , Li Jinghong
Published: August 2018

Background:

Highly sensitive and rapid analysis of food contaminants is of great significance
for food safety control. Aptamer is a new kind of recognition molecules which could be applied
for constructing homogeneous analysis assays, potentially achieving highly sensitive, cheap and rapid
profiling of food contaminants.

Methods:

An overview of the literature concerning the homogeneous analysis of food contaminations
based on aptamers has been reviewed (focused on the most recent literature, 2000-2018).

Results:

Attributed to aptamer’s controllability, designability and feasibility for the adoption of nucleic
acid amplification, rapid, highly sensitive homogeneous assay for various food contaminants could
be constructed. The structure-switching aptamer probe would confer quick, efficient and specific response
to target food contaminants. Besides, the capability of amplification of aptamer sequences or
nucleic acid probes would lead to highly sensitive detection.

Conclusion:

Aptamer-based homogeneous analysis methods have already been applied to detect various
food contaminations ranging from toxins, heavy metal and pesticide to allergen and pathogenic
bacteria. However, it is still a challenge to achieve robust and accurate detection of food contaminants
in complex food samples.
Evaluation of Maximum Lifetime Power Efficient Routing in Ad hoc Network Using Magnetic Resonance Concept
Authors: Bhardwaja Manish , Ahlawat Anil
Published: August 2018

Background:

A mobile Ad-hoc Network is a network in which each node is independent
of all other nodes of the network. In MANETs, nodes do not have proper infrastructure. The power
source of the Mobile Ad-hoc network is battery power. As we all know, battery power has a certain
limit and problems.

Objective:

The main objective of this manuscript is to resolve the power problem of nodes of mobile
ad hoc networks and increase the lifetime of the network.

Methods:

This paper implements the concept of wireless power transfer between the nodes of Adhoc
network and transfers the power to these nodes wirelessly and uses the maximum lifetime power
efficient routing algorithm (MLPER) to reduce the consumption of power used by the nodes. The
wireless power transfer can be achieved with the help of one type of near-field techniques called
magnetic resonance which works at the same resonance frequency. This technique is nonradiative in
nature.

Results:

This paper reduces the problem of power of the ad hoc network nodes nearly 70 to 80 %
from the traditional concept used for lifetime optimization of these nodes.

Conclusion:

In this manuscript, performance optimization can be analysed with the help of AODV
(Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing Protocol) on-demand routing protocol. This manuscript
shows that the proposed algorithm gives significant better results than AODV protocol with
some performance metrics. We revised some patents relating to Wireless power transfer.
Choice of Noncircular Gears Hobbing Linkage Methods
Authors: Yazhou Wang , Junfeng Xiao , Yongping Liu , Jianmin An
Published: August 2018

Background:

Various relevant patents and papers which have reported noncircular gears synthesize the advantages of circular gears and cam mechanisms, and are widely used in many types of mechanical instruments. Hobbing is a better method for fabricating noncircular gears. There are 4 linkagemethods to hob noncircular gears. However, which linkage method should be chosen practically has not yet been reported.

Objective:

The goal of this work is to choose the best linkage method for hobbing noncircular gears.

Method:

Firstly, the hobbing models of noncircular gears was deduced. Then, based on the model, hobbing linkage methods of noncircular gears were obtained. Thirdly, under different hobbing linkage methods, their aspects (developing regularity of hobbing cutter trace, arc length of program blocks and motion axes of machine tools) were compared.

Results:

Finally, with the best characteristics of a high density of shaping cutter trace, high uniformity of arc length of program blocks and ease of control, the equal arc-length of gear billet (EALGB) is obtained. It has been proven that EALGB is an excellent linkage method to hob noncircular gears.

Conclusion:

It has been proven that EALGB is an excellent linkage method to hob noncircular gears.
Sexual Behaviour in Male Healthy Rats: A Comparison Between Indian Tribulus terrestris Linn. Extracts with Protodioscin Standardized Bulgarian Extract
Authors: Mukhram Mohammed Azeemuddin , Rafiq Mohamed , Kumar Neeraj , Jadhav Atul Namdeorao , Anturlikar Suryakanth Dattatray , Sundaram Ramachandran , Babu Uddagiri Venkanna , Paramesh Rangesh
Published: August 2018

Background:

Tribulus terrestris Linn. (TT) is reported for its ability to improve male
sexual performance, and protodioscin is responsible for the activity. This study was designed to correlate
and compare various extracts of Indian TT with Bulgarian TT, and also the effect of protodioscin
content on the activity.

Methods:

Bulgarian TT extract (BT) and prepared solvent extracts [aqueous (WIT), supercritical
fluid (SIT) and methanol (MIT)] of Indian TT were standardized and compared using UV spectrophotometric
method. Forty male rats were randomized into 5 groups of 8 each. Group I served as untreated
control and group II to V were treated with 100 mg/Kg b.wt. of MIT, WIT, BT and SIT, respectively.
The groups received the respective treatment for fourteen days. Sexual behavior of the
rats was observed on Day-1&14. Serum testosterone was estimated after the last observation.

Results:

It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment
groups. However, based on the mean values/ranking analysis of all the parameters, the order of potency
was WIT > SIT ≥ BT > MIT.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that the aqueous extract of Indian TT which contains lesser
protodioscin showed comparatively better sex stimulant activity in comparison to the other tested
extracts.
Security Analysis of Wireless Authentication Protocols
Authors: Joshi Ashish , Mohapatra Amar Kumar
Published: August 2018

Background & Objective:

Cryptographic protocols had been evident method for ensuring
con dentiality, Integrity and authentication in various digital communication systems. However the
validation and analysis of such cryptographic protocols was limited to usage of formal mathematical
models until few years back.

Methods:

In this paper, various popular cryptographic protocols have been studied. Some of these protocols
(PAP, CHAP, and EAP) achieve security goals in peer to peer communication while others
(RADIUS, DIAMETER and Kerberos) can work in multiparty environment. These protocols were
validated and analysed over two popular security validation and analysis tools AVISPA and Scyther.
The protocols were written according to their documentation using the HLPSL and SPDL for analysis
over AVISPA and Scyther respectively. The results of these tools were analysed to nd the possible
attack an each protocol. Afterwards The execution time analysis of the protocols were done by repeating
the experiment for multiple iterations over the command line versions of these tools.As the literature
review suggested, this research also validates that using password based protocols (PAP) is faster
in terms of execution time as compared to other methods, Usage of nonces tackles the replay attack
and DIAMETER is secure than RADIUS.

Results and Conclusion:

The results also showed us that DIAMETER is faster than RADIUS.
Though Kerberos protocol was found to safe, the results tell us that it is compromisable under particular
circumstances.
Randomized Link Repair Reactive Routing Protocol for Vehicular Ad Hoc Network
Authors: Rani Sudesh , Aseri Trilok C.
Published: August 2018

Background and Objective:

Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) now-a-days is popular research
area due to numerous challenges such as congestion control, network management, and security
issues.

Methods:

VANET is a subtype of Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET), therefore, allows a vehicle to
exchange information with neighboring vehicles and with roadside infrastructure units. High mobility
of vehicles results to frequent link breakages. The existing VANET routing protocols follow a trivial
link repair mechanism. Therefore, there is a need to compute stable and reliable routes for vehicular
communication as well as frequently repair the broken links. Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector
(AODV) routing protocol is a reactive routing protocol which is suitable for very dynamic environment
such as VANET. In this paper, an improved Randomized Link Repair based AODV (RLRAODV)
routing protocol is proposed which uses the multiple route reply packets for data transmission
through alternate paths during link failure. The proposed methodology also reduces the network congestion
overhead generated due to broadcasting of route request packets.

Results and Conclusion:

The simulation analysis shows that RLR-AODV gives better performance
with respect to performance parameters such as average end-to-end delay, average packet delivery ratio,
and average packet loss ratio as compared to AODV and AOMDV.
An Analytical Drain Current Model for Dual-material Gate Graded - channel and Dual-oxide Thickness Cylindrical Gate (DMG-GC-DOT) MOSFET
Authors: Jaafar Hind , Aouaj Abdellah , Bouziane Ahmed , Iñiguez Benjamin
Published: August 2018

Background:

A novel Dual Material Gate Graded Channel and Dual Oxide Thickness Cylindrical
Gate (DMG-GC-DOT) MOSFET is presented in this paper.

Methods:

Analytical model of drain current is developed using a quasi-two-dimensional cylindrical
form of the Poisson equation and is expressed as a function of the surface potential, which is calculated
using the expressions of the current density.

Results:

Comparison of the analytical results with 3D numerical simulations using Silvaco Atlas -
TCAD software presents a good agreement from subthreshold to strong inversion regime and for different
bias voltages.

Conclusion:

Two oxide thicknesses with different permittivity can effectively improve the subthreshold
current of DMG-GC-DOT MOSFET.
Ultra-deformable Liposomes as Flexible Nanovesicular Carrier to Penetrate Versatile Drugs Transdermally
Authors: Tiwari Gaurav , Tiwari Ruchi , Singh Rachna , Rai Awani K.
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Transferosomes also known as ultra-deformable liposomes were introduced by
Gregor Cevc in 1990. These are deformable vesicles that transport drug across the skin, which is the best
route of drug delivery because skin is the largest human organ with 3 kg total weight and a surface area
of 1.5-2.0 m2.

Methods:

Transferosomes are able to efficiently deliver low as well as high molecular weight drug
across the skin in terms of quantity and depth. Various methods used for the preparation of transferosomes
such as thin film hydration method, reverse phase evaporation method, vortex/sonication
method, ethanol injection method and freeze thaw method.

Results:

The prepared transferosomal preparation will be evaluated for particle shape and size, entrapment
efficiency, stability study, penetration ability and skin permeation study. In vitro release studies are
to be performed using a specific dissolution medium.

Conclusion:

Ultra deformable liposomes can be used for delivery of different drugs e.g. analgesic, anesthetic,
corticosteroids, anticancer, sex hormone, insulin, gap junction protein, and albumin.
Evolutionary Trends in Industrial Production of α-amylase
Authors: Jujjavarapu Satya Eswari , Dhagat Swasti
Published: August 2018

Background: Amylase catalyzes the breakdown of long-chain carbohydrates to yield maltotriose, maltose, glucose and dextrin as end products. It is present in mammalian saliva and helps in digestion.  Objective: Their applications in biotechnology include starch processing, biofuel, food, paper, textile and detergent industries, bioremediation of environmental pollutants and in clinical and medical applications. The commercial microbial strains for production of α-amylase are Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens and Aspergillus oryzae. Industrial production of enzymes requires high productivity and cannot use wild-type strains for enzyme production. The yield of enzyme from bacteria can be increased by varying the physiological and genetic properties of strains.  Results: The genetic properties of a bacterium can be improved by enhancing the expression levels of the gene and secretion of the enzyme outside the cells, thereby improving the productivity by preventing degradation of enzymes. Overall, the strain for specific productivity should have the maximum ability for synthesis and secretion of an enzyme of interest. Genetic manipulation of α-amylase can also be used for the production of enzymes with different properties, for example, by recombinant DNA technology.  Conclusion: This review summarizes different techniques in the production of recombinant α- amylases along with the patents in this arena. The washing out of enzymes in reactions became a limitation in utilization of these enzymes in industries and hence immobilization of these enzymes becomes important. This paper also discusses the immobilization techniques for used α-amylases.
Biomarkers and Spectroscopic Methods: The Strategies for Diagnostics of Selected Diseases
Authors: Krajčíková Kristína , Glinská Gabriela , Tomečková Vladimíra
Published: August 2018

Background:

There are many different tools for diagnostics of various diseases.
One of the simplest approach for the early, rapid and accurate diagnosis represents
determination of biomarkers.

Focus: In the following text, we describe review of the latest discoveries in the field of
biomarkers of selected diseases: intestinal ischemia and atherosclerosis. The aim of this
review article is to show the problems which the researchers have been dealing with in the
process of discovering and establishing novel biomarkers. This work describes the
possibilities of monitoring biomarkers from noninvasive samples such as tears. Additionally,
the actual possibilities of the spectroscopy techniques in monitoring and diagnostics of
selected diseases are mentioned which might replace the need of biomarkers of several
diseases.

Prospect: For the most diagnostic purposes, biomarkers should be analyzed in body fluid
samples. For the biofluids, metabolic signatures could be determined, although there is no
consensus on possible biomarkers yet. Metabolomics, the comprehensive, qualitative, and
quantitative study of secondary metabolites and signaling molecules reveal a wide range of
dysregulated molecules in various diseases. However, using spectroscopic methods could
contribute to the traditional view on biomarkers by monitoring the relevant tissues and body
fluid samples.
Seedling Quality in Serbia – Results from a Three-Year Survey
Authors: Ivetić Vladan , Maksimović Zoran , Kerkez Ivona , Devetaković Jovana R
Published: August 2018

During a three-year survey in 14 forest nurseries in Serbia we measured seedlings of 19 species and 96 stocktypes of both conifers and broadleaves. Seedlings were measured in the nurseries for height and diameter, and subsamples was taken for measurements of shoot and root dry weight, and presence of mycorrhiza. Results of mean values and variation of measured morphological attributes are presented and compared to Serbian standard for seedlings quality. We found mycorrhiza on seedlings root from almost every nursery, seedbed and tray. Our results show that current nursery cultural practice need to be improved and that seedlings quality standards should be updated.
European white elm biomass production (Ulmus laevis Pall.) in high-density plantation
Authors: Devetaković Jovana R , Todorović Nebojša , Vilotić Dragica , Ivetić Vladan
Published: August 2018

This paper provides first report for European white elm potential for biomass production. High density plantation (71,428 seedlings ha-1) was established on spring 2012th near Belgrade from one-year-old seedlings, produced from seed. Weed control and irrigation was practiced only in the first growing season, without fertilization. In a three year rotation, European white elm plants in a high density plantation reach average height of 341.11 cm and average root collar diameter of 31.9 mm, with height increase of about 1 m, diameter increase of about 1 cm per year. At the end of three-years rotation total produced biomass was 90 odt ha-1, or 30 odt ha-1 year-1. Biomass production of European white elm is in range or higher compared to traditionally used species, indicating the need for further research on planting material, plant density and cultural practices.
Cost of inoculating seedlings with Pisolithus tinctorius spores
Authors: South David B.
Published: August 2018

Although the production of commercial products of vegetative Pt (Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch) inoculums has ceased in North America due to a lack of demand by consumers, the number of products that contain Pt spores has increased.  The quality, quantity and price of these products vary considerably.  The cost of inoculating 1,000 tree seedlings with Pt basidiospores can vary from $0.45 to more than $30.  The cost of treating with Pt spores is lowest when seedlings are inoculated in a container nursery using rates that are less than 0.4 mg per seedling.  However, with some products the cost to treat 1,000 bareroot seedlings is greater than $500 when spores are applied in the planting hole.  Three decades ago, 1 g of Pt spores could be purchased for $0.13 and now the price of 1 g can exceed $14. Although many research papers provide data on the biological response to inoculating seedlings with spores, few document the cost of inoculation. Commercial products that are marketed toward homeowners containing both ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal spores are more expensive than products that contain only ectomycorrhizal spores.  In situations where survival and growth of seedlings are not increased, the benefit/cost ratio will typically be less than one.
PEDIDOS DE VISTA NO TRIBUNAL SUPERIOR ELEITORAL
Authors: Hartmann Ivar Alberto , Junior Fernando Alberto Correia dos Santos , Silva Felipe Araujo , Appel Osias , Craizer Luis Eduardo Torres de Melo dos Santos Lima
Published: August 2018

O artigo é o resultado de pesquisa quantitativa com objetivo de responder duas perguntas: 1) os pedidos de vista no TSE são comuns? 2) Os pedidos de vista no TSE são curtos? Foram capturados os dados básicos, incluindo informações de andamentos processuais, de 235.416 casos ingressados no tribunal entre janeiro de 2006 e maio de 2017. Os dados mostram que os pedidos de vista não são comuns no TSE. Apenas 1.17% dos processos no período tiveram um pedido de vista. Os dados também mostram que os pedidos de vista não são curtos. A média geral é de 66.97 dias, sendo que aproximadamente 1/5 dos pedidos ultrapassa 100 dias – 5 vezes o prazo mais alongado, pelo novo CPC.
JURISDIÇÃO CONSTITUCIONAL E A QUESTÃO DO ABORTO A PARTIR DO HC 124.306/RJ
Authors: Gervasoni Tássia Aparecida , Dias Felipe da Veiga
Published: August 2018

Este estudo investigará a atuação do Supremo Tribunal Federal no julgamento do Habeas Corpus 124.306/RJ, buscando identificar, a partir da análise jurisprudencial, os parâmetros da decisão e o que este julgamento revela sobre o exercício da jurisdição constitucional pela Corte. Para tanto, empregar-se-á uma metodologia de abordagem indutiva, um método de procedimento monográfico e a técnica de pesquisa por documentação indireta. A pesquisa desenvolve-se em três momentos, partindo de (1) um exame detalhado do Habeas Corpus 124.306/RJ, na perspectiva formal e (2) material da decisão, para (3) um estudo crítico sobre o exercício da jurisdição constitucional e sobre o que as decisões analisadas revelam em termos de comportamento dos ministros enquanto membros de uma Corte Constitucional. Dentre as principais conclusões da pesquisa, destaca-se o protagonismo dos ministros em prejuízo das competências constitucionais destinadas ao plenário do tribunal, o constitui ameaça à efetividade do texto constitucional e à própria democracia.