bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification and Characterization of Chitinases from Ridgetail White Prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Jiquan , Song Fengge , Gui Tianshu , Xiang Jianhai
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we purified two native chitinases from the hepatopancreas of the ridgetail white prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda by using ion-exchange resin chromatography (IEC) and gel filtration. These two chitinases, named EcChi1 and EcChi2, were identified by chitinolytic activity assay and LC-ESI-MS/MS. Their apparent molecular weights were 44 kDa and 65 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The specific activity of EcChi1 and EcChi2 was 1305.97 U·mg−1 and 28.69 U·mg−1. The optimal temperature and pH of EcChi1 were 37 °C and pH 4.0, respectively. Co2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ had an obvious promoting effect upon chitinase activity of EcChi1. For colloidal chitin, the Km and Vmax values of EcChi1 were 2.09 mg·mL−1 and 31.15 U·mL−1·h−1.
Preparation of Eleutherine americana-Alginate Complex Microcapsules and Application in Bifidobacterium longum
Authors: Phoem Atchara , Chanthachum Suphitchaya , Voravuthikunchai Supayang
Published: January 2015

Microencapsulation using extrusion and emulsion techniques was prepared for Bifidobacterium longum protection against sequential exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal juices, refrigeration storage and heat treatment. Eleutherine americana was used as the co-encapsulating agent. Hydrolysis of E. americana by gastric and intestinal juices was also determined. E. americana and its oligosaccharide extract demonstrated their resistance to low pH and partial tolerance to human α-amylase. Microencapsulated B. longum with E. americana and oligosaccharide extract prepared by the extrusion technique survived better than that by the emulsion technique under adverse conditions. Survival of microencapsulated cells after exposure to the juices and refrigeration storage was higher than free cells at Weeks 2 and 4. In addition, the viability of microencapsulated cells was better than free cells at 65 °C for 15 min. This work suggested that microencapsulated B. longum with E. americana offers the effective delivery of probiotics to colon and maintains their survival in food products.
Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.) as Source of Oil with Potential Anticancer Activity
Authors: Rosa Antonella , Nieddu Mariella , Piras Alessandra , Atzeri Angela , Putzu Danilo , Rescigno Antonio
Published: January 2015

The present study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of fixed oil obtained from Maltese mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.), an edible, non-photosynthetic plant, used in traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries to treat various ailments and as an emergency food during the famine. We investigated the effect of the oil, obtained from dried stems by supercritical fractioned extraction with CO2, on B16F10 melanoma and colon cancer Caco-2 cell viability and lipid profile. The oil, rich in essential fatty acids (18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6), showed a significant growth inhibitory effect on melanoma and colon cancer cells. The incubation (24 h) with non-toxic oil concentrations (25 and 50 μg/mL) induced in both cancer cell lines a significant accumulation of the fatty acids 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 and an increase of the cellular levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) with anticancer activity. Moreover, the oil exhibited the ability to potentiate the growth inhibitory effect of the antitumor drug 5-fluorouracil in Caco-2 cells and to influence the melanin content in B16F10 cells. The results qualify C. coccineum as a resource of oil, with potential benefits in cancer prevention, for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Nutritional Ingredients Modulate Adipokine Secretion and Inflammation in Human Primary Adipocytes
Authors: Romacho Tania , Glosse Philipp , Richter Isabel , Elsen Manuela , Schoemaker Marieke , Van Tol Eric , Eckel Jürgen
Published: January 2015

Nutritional factors such as casein hydrolysates and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been proposed to exert beneficial metabolic effects. We aimed to investigate how a casein hydrolysate (eCH) and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids could affect human primary adipocyte function in vitro. Incubation conditions with the different nutritional factors were validated by assessing cell vitality with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and neutral red incorporation. Intracellular triglyceride content was assessed with Oil Red O staining. The effect of eCH, a non-peptidic amino acid mixture (AA), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on adiponectin and leptin secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intracellular adiponectin expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were analyzed by Western blot, while monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release was explored by ELISA. The eCH concentration dependently increased adiponectin secretion in human primary adipocytes through its intrinsic peptide bioactivity, since the non-peptidic mixture, AA, could not mimic eCH’s effects on adiponectin secretion. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and DHA combined with arachidonic acid (ARA) upregulated adiponectin secretion. However, only DHA and DHA/ARA exerted a potentanti-inflammatory effect reflected by prevention of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced NF-κB activation and MCP-1 secretion in human adipocytes. eCH and DHA alone or in combination with ARA, may hold the key for nutritional programming through their anti-inflammatory action to prevent diseases with low-grade chronic inflammation such as obesity or diabetes.
Aetiology of Acute Lower Respiratory Infections among Children Under Five Years in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Adiku Theophilus , Asmah Richard , Rodrigues Onike , Goka Bamenla , Obodai Evangeline , Adjei Andrew , Donkor Eric , Armah George
Published: January 2015

The study aimed to investigate the aetiological agents and clinical presentations associated with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) among children under five years old at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. This was a cross-sectional study carried from February to December 2001. Nasopharyngeal aspirates and venous blood specimens obtained from 108 children with features suggestive of ALRI, were cultured and the isolated bacterial organisms were identified biochemically. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were also tested for Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) antigen using a commercial kit (Becton Dickinson Directigen RSV test kit). A multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was also used to detect and characterize RSV using extracted RNA. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also obtained from the study subjects. Bronchopneumonia (55.5%), bronchiolitis (25%), lobar pneumonia (10.2), non-specific ALRI (4.6%), TB, bronchitis and respiratory distress (0.67%) were diagnosed. The prevalence of septicaemia was 10% and bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and enteric bacteria, including Salmonella spp., Enterobacter spp and Klebsiella spp, were isolated. Out of the 108 cases, 18% tested positive for RSV, with two cases having RSV as the only aetiological pathogen detected. The subtyping analysis of RSV strains by a multiplex RT-PCR showed that subgroups A and B circulated in the season of analysis.
A Novel Ultrasensitive ECL Sensor for DNA Detection Based on Nicking Endonuclease-Assisted Target Recycling Amplification, Rolling Circle Amplification and Hemin/G-Quadruplex
Authors: Luo Fukang , Xiang Guimin , Pu Xiaoyun , Yu Juanchun , Chen Ming , Chen Guohui
Published: January 2015

In this study, we describe a novel universal and highly sensitive strategy for the electrochemiluminescent (ECL) detection of sequence specific DNA at the aM level based on Nt.BbvCI (a nicking endonuclease)-assisted target recycling amplification (TRA), rolling circle amplification (RCA) and hemin/G-quadruplex. The target DNAs can hybridize with self-assembled capture probes and assistant probes to form “Y” junction structures on the electrode surface, thus triggering the execution of a TRA reaction with the aid of Nt.BbvCI. Then, the RCA reaction and the addition of hemin result in the production of numerous hemin/G-quadruplex, which consume the dissolved oxygen in the detection buffer and result in a significant ECL quenching effect toward the O2/S2O82− system. The proposed strategy combines the amplification ability of TRA, RCA and the inherent high sensitivity of the ECL technique, thus enabling low aM (3.8 aM) detection for sequence-specific DNA and a wide linear range from 10.0 aM to 1.0 pM. At the same time, this novel strategy shows high selectivity against single-base mismatch sequences, which makes our novel universal and highly sensitive method a powerful addition to specific DNA sequence detection.
Development of FT-NIR Models for the Simultaneous Estimation of Chlorophyll and Nitrogen Content in Fresh Apple (Malus Domestica) Leaves
Authors: Tamburini Elena , Ferrari Giuseppe , Marchetti Maria , Pedrini Paola , Ferro Sergio
Published: January 2015

Agricultural practices determine the level of food production and, to great extent, the state of the global environment. During the last decades, the indiscriminate recourse to fertilizers as well as the nitrogen losses from land application have been recognized as serious issues of modern agriculture, globally contributing to nitrate pollution. The development of a reliable Near-Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS)-based method, for the simultaneous monitoring of nitrogen and chlorophyll in fresh apple (Malus domestica) leaves, was investigated on a set of 133 samples, with the aim of estimating the nutritional and physiological status of trees, in real time, cheaply and non-destructively. By means of a FT (Fourier Transform)-NIR instrument, Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models were developed, spanning a concentration range of 0.577%–0.817% for the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) content (R2 = 0.983; SEC = 0.012; SEP = 0.028), and of 1.534–2.372 mg/g for the total chlorophyll content (R2 = 0.941; SEC = 0.132; SEP = 0.162). Chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b contents were also evaluated (R2 = 0.913; SEC = 0.076; SEP = 0.101 and R2 = 0.899; SEC = 0.059; SEP = 0.101, respectively). All calibration models were validated by means of 47 independent samples. The NIR approach allows a rapid evaluation of the nitrogen and chlorophyll contents, and may represent a useful tool for determining nutritional and physiological status of plants, in order to allow a correction of nutrition programs during the season.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Nest Usage Sensor to Detect Double Nest Occupations of Laying Hens
Authors: Zaninelli Mauro , Costa Annamaria , Tangorra Francesco , Rossi Luciana , Agazzi Alessandro , Savoini Giovanni
Published: January 2015

Conventional cage systems will be replaced by housing systems that allow hens to move freely. These systems may improve hens’ welfare, but they lead to some disadvantages: disease, bone fractures, cannibalism, piling and lower egg production. New selection criteria for existing commercial strains should be identified considering individual data about laying performance and the behavior of hens. Many recording systems have been developed to collect these data. However, the management of double nest occupations remains critical for the correct egg-to-hen assignment. To limit such events, most systems adopt specific trap devices and additional mechanical components. Others, instead, only prevent these occurrences by narrowing the nest, without any detection and management. The aim of this study was to develop and test a nest usage “sensor”, based on imaging analysis, that is able to automatically detect a double nest occupation. Results showed that the developed sensor correctly identified the double nest occupation occurrences. Therefore, the imaging analysis resulted in being a useful solution that could simplify the nest construction for this type of recording system, allowing the collection of more precise and accurate data, since double nest occupations would be managed and the normal laying behavior of hens would not be discouraged by the presence of the trap devices.
Fourier-Sparsity Integrated Method for Complex Target ISAR Imagery
Authors: Gao Xunzhang , Liu Zhen , Chen Haowen , Li Xiang
Published: January 2015

In existing sparsity-driven inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging framework a sparse recovery (SR) algorithm is usually applied to azimuth compression to achieve high resolution in the cross-range direction. For range compression, however, direct application of an SR algorithm is not very effective because the scattering centers resolved in the high resolution range profiles at different view angles always exhibit irregular range cell migration (RCM), especially for complex targets, which will blur the ISAR image. To alleviate the sparse recovery-induced RCM in range compression, a sparsity-driven framework for ISAR imaging named Fourier-sparsity integrated (FSI) method is proposed in this paper, which can simultaneously achieve better focusing performance in both the range and cross-range domains. Experiments using simulated data and real data demonstrate the superiority of our proposed framework over existing sparsity-driven methods and range-Doppler methods.
Impact of Oceanographic Environmental Shifts and Atmospheric Events on the Sustainable Development of Coastal Aquaculture: A Case Study of Kelp and Scallops in Southern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Liu Yang , Saitoh Sei-Ichi , Nakada Satoshi , Zhang Xun , Hirawake Toru
Published: January 2015

We provide an overview of selected recent operational applications of satellite remote sensing and marine Geographic Information Systems (GIS) procedures to the practice of sustainable aquaculture in southern Hokkaido, Japan, focusing mainly on kelp and scallop aquaculture. We also developed a suitable aquaculture site-selection model (SASSM) for suspension culture of Gagome (a kelp species) in the same region. Models for Japanese kelp and Gagome showed that the distributions of the most suitable areas for both species overlapped. Competition between kelps was especially marked along the coastline between Hakodate and Esan. In addition, we examined the impact of oceanographic environmental changes and atmospheric events on scallop and kelp aquaculture sites, demonstrating that variations in the coastal Oyashio Current and the Tsugaru Warm Current significantly influenced the growth and harvesting seasons of scallops and kelps in Funka Bay and other sections of southern Hokkaido. Because a strong El Niño event occurred in 2010, January of that year was extremely cold. The proportion of suitable areas for both scallops and kelps during their respective growing seasons contracted in 2010. Thus, shifts in oceanographic and atmospheric conditions should be incorporated into sustainability management planning for coastal scallop and kelp aquaculture in southern Hokkaido.
Toxicity of Glutathione-Binding Metals: A Review of Targets and Mechanisms
Authors: Rubino Federico
Published: January 2015

Mercury, cadmium, arsenic and lead are among priority metals for toxicological studies due to the frequent human exposure and to the significant burden of disease following acute and chronic intoxication. Among their common characteristics is chemical affinity to proteins and non-protein thiols and their ability to generate cellular oxidative stress by the best-known Fenton mechanism. Their health effects are however diverse: kidney and liver damage, cancer at specific sites, irreversible neurological damages with metal-specific features. Mechanisms for the induction of oxidative stress by interaction with the cell thiolome will be presented, based on literature evidence and of experimental findings.
3α,5α-Cyclocholestan-6β-yl ethers as donors of the cholesterol moiety for the electrochemical synthesis of cholesterol glycoconjugates
Authors: Tomkiel Aneta M , Biedrzycki Adam , Płoszyńska Jolanta , Naróg Dorota , Sobkowiak Andrzej , Morzycki Jacek W
Published: January 2015

3α,5α-Cyclocholestan-6β-yl alkyl and aryl ethers were proved to be efficient cholesteryl donors in the electrochemical synthesis of glycoconjugates. 3α,5α-Cyclocholestan-6β-ol (i-cholesterol) and its tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether can also be used for this purpose. The i-cholesterol derivatives show similar reactivities to those of previously studied 3α,5α-cyclocholestan-6β-thioethers.
The impact of early gut microbiota modulation on the risk of child disease: alert to accuracy in probiotic studies
Authors: Isolauri E. , Salminen S.
Published: January 2015

The composition of the gut microbiota, and thus also the modification of the gut microbiota by specific probiotics or prebiotics early in life, may have an impact on the risk of disease in the child. Above the impact on gut microecology, probiotic effects have been attributed to restoration to normal of increased intestinal permeability, improvement of the intestine's immunological barrier functions, alleviation of the intestinal inflammatory response, and reduced generation of proinflammatory cytokines characteristic of local and systemic allergic inflammation. Recent demonstrations from experimental and clinical studies suggest that the gut microbiota is also involved in the control of body weight and energy metabolism, affecting the two main causes of obesity: energy acquisition and storage, and contributing to insulin resistance and the inflammatory state characterising obesity. Current research focuses both on characterising specific probiotic strains and on how the food matrix and the dietary content interacts with the most efficient probiotic strains. It is important to characterise each probiotic to species and strain level and to select strains with documented properties, the probiotic potential being strain-specific. As any proof of causality requires clinical intervention studies in humans in different populations, rigorous and detailed documentation will enhance reproducibility and circumvent confusion.
A Neonate with a Vesiculopustular Rash
Authors: Ansari Dominic O. , Lapping-Carr Gabrielle , Alikhan Mir , Tsoukas Maria L. , Stein Sarah L. , de Jong Jill L. O.
Published: January 2015

Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) is a unique form of acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) that spontaneously regresses and is found in 3% to 10% of neonates with Down syndrome (DS). We report the case of a neonate with DS who presented with a widespread vesiculopustular eruption as an initial sign of TMD. Complete blood count was normal but peripheral smear revealed circulating megakaryoblasts. The severity of skin lesions correlated with the blast count. By age 2 months the TMD resolved and the patient remains disease-free after 18 months of follow-up. Several important features of TMD are highlighted: skin findings may provide an important clinical clue to TMD diagnosis; manual review of the peripheral smear is necessary when TMD is suspected; and patients with a history of TMD have a very high (∼30%) risk of recurrence with a persistent AMKL within the first 3 years of life. [

Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(1):e1–e5.]
A 3-Year-Old Female with Abdominal Pain, Vomiting, and an Abdominal Mass
Authors: Holbrook Jaimee , Schneller Christopher , Lapping-Carr Gabrielle , Hageman Joseph R. , Lo Andrea
Published: January 2015

We present a case of a 3-year-old female with a 10-day history of lower abdominal pain, distention, and vomiting, as well as fatigue, low-grade fever, and subjective weight loss who was found to have utero-ovarian torsion with pathology revealing hemorrhagic and infarcted tissue. While the literature is limited, it suggests that utero-adnexal torsion in children may be more common than previously recognized. A missed, or even delayed, diagnosis of utero-adnexal torsion has the potential to result in irreversible ischemic damage. Utero-adnexal torsion should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis for girls presenting with acute abdominopelvic pain. Pelvic ultrasound to evaluate the uterus and adnexae is an important non-invasive first step in establishing the diagnosis. Computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging can be considered in the case of indeterminate ultrasound. The diagnosis of utero-adnexal torsion must be made early, and surgical intervention must be timely in order to preserve fertility.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(1):e6–e9.]
A 9-Year-Old Male with Hypertension
Authors: Poole Nicole , Schwab Joel , Hageman Joseph
Published: January 2015

Blood pressure screening is an important component of the pediatric outpatient visit. The following case describes a 9-year-old male with a medical history significant for prematurity, obesity, asthma, and secondary nighttime enuresis who was admitted to our institution with hypertensive urgency. His blood pressure on presentation was 166/122 mm Hg, and he was clinically asymptomatic. There is a strong family history of hypertension, renal disease, and brain cancer. During his admission, his blood pressures were medically managed. He received a comprehensive diagnostic investigation of possible primary or secondary causes of hypertension, including consultation with nephrology, endocrinology, and ophthalmology subspecialty teams. The etiology of the hypertension was determined, and he was subsequently treated for a rare and life-threatening disease. This case highlights the importance of the close surveillance of children with hypertension.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2015;44(1):e10–e13.]
An Adolescent Girl with Crohn’s Disease, Fever, and Sore Throat
Authors: Garg Richa , Rusciolelli Colleen , Gerber Mark E.
Published: January 2015

An adolescent female with a past medical history significant for Crohn’s disease presented with fevers, tonsillitis without exudate, and tender posterior cervical lymphadenopathy. Laboratory results showed transaminitis, leukocytosis with a left shift, and atypical lymphocytes on a blood smear. The patient did not respond to supportive care or dexamethasone, necessitating a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Although her presentation was consistent with infectious mononucleosis, diagnosis was not confirmed until Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from tonsillar tissue was positive. False-negative results on the heterophile antibody test are common in pediatric populations and the detection of EBV antibodies is further complicated in immunocompromised patients. Studies indicate PCR is a more sensitive test, although there is no consensus regarding ideal material to use or quantitative levels necessitating intervention.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2015;44(1):e14–e17.]
Thumba (Citrullus colocynthis L.) seed oil: a potential bio-lubricant base-stock
Authors: Kamalakar K. , Sai Manoj G. N.V.T. , Prasad R. B.N. , Karuna M. S.L.
Published: January 2015

Thumba seed oil, a minor, renewable tree borne oil, was exploited for the preparation of biolubricant base-stocks. The different base-stocks prepared were epoxy thumba oil (ETO), branched, 2-ethylhexyl ester (T2-EtHE), and polyol esters, namely, neopentyl glycol (TNPGE), trimethylolpropane (TTMPE) and pentaerythritol (TPEE) esters of thumba fatty acids. All the base-stocks were thoroughly characterized using spectral techniques. When evaluated for lubricant properties, ETO showed much higher viscosity (216.9 cSt), good oxidative stability (RBOT Method, ASTM D 2272) (20 min) and weld load (ASTM IP 239) (180 kg) behavior when compared to the branched and polyol esters. Polyol esters, T2-EtHE, TNPGE and TTMPE (−9 to −18 °C) showed low pour points compared to ETO and TPEE. The thermal stabilities (Thermo gravimetric analysis, TGA) of ETO and TPEE (425 °C) were higher compared to other base-stocks. The lubricant properties of ETO matched well with ISO VG 220 and Aviation Grade 100 lubricant specifications, while polyol esters can be well exploited for hydraulic and metal working fluid applications.
Changes in the composition of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita moschata) during development and maturation
Authors: Petkova Zh. Y. , Antova G. A.
Published: January 2015

Changes in the chemical and lipid composition of Cucurbita moschata seeds and seed oils at different stages of development were investigated. The oil content of the seeds at 30, 60 and 90 days after flowering was 10.7, 41.1, and 47.1%, respectively. The amount of proteins was 26.0, 35.9, and 38.2%. The contents of carbohydrates soluble in ethanol were 9.5, 1.8 and 1.3%. The starch and fiber percentage contents were 16.3, 6.8, 2.3 and 4.0, 6.9 and 10.0, respectively and the ash contents were 7.2, 4.7, and 4.5%. The total sterol percentages were found to be 2.0, 0.8 and 0.6 in the oils and 0.2, 0.3 and 0.3 in the seeds. The tocopherol contents were 2010, 512 and 527 mg·kg−1 in the oil, and 215, 210 and 250 mg·kg−1 in the seeds. The total phospholipid percentages were 8.7, 0.8 and 0.4 in the oils and 0.9, 0.3 and 0.2 in the seeds. Fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography and the major fatty acids in the oils at all stages of ripening were linoleic (40.8–50.2%) followed by palmitic (21.5–25.9%) and oleic (20.5–21.0%).
Quality parameters of olive oil from stoned and nonstoned Koroneiki and Megaritiki Greek olive varieties at different maturity levels
Authors: Katsoyannos E. , Batrinou A. , Chatzilazarou A. , Bratakos S. M. , Stamatopoulos K. , Sinanoglou V. J.
Published: January 2015

Virgin olive oil is a natural functional food and its beneficial role in health as an integral ingredient of the Mediterranean diet is universally recognized. The effects of olive pitting, degree of ripeness and variety (Greek varieties Koroneiki and Megaritiki) were investigated on the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant constituent contents and capacity and on the fatty acid profile of olive oil. Ripeness resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in phenolic and tocopherol contents and the unsaturated/saturated and C18:1ω-9/C18:2ω-6 fatty acid ratios. The pitting technique resulted in a significant increase in phenolic and tocopherol contents, in most cases, without significantly affecting the fatty acid profile and sums. Olive oils from the Koroneiki variety showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios, which are particularly important for the stability of the oil against oxidation. It was concluded that olive oil from pitted olives maintains a high content in bioactive compounds and a high level of antioxidant activity.
Properties and stability of deep-fat fried chickpea products
Authors: Bozdemir S. , Güneṣer O. , Yılmaz E.
Published: January 2015

The aims of this study were to develop new snack foods prepared from deep frying whole chickpeas and evaluating the properties and storage stability of the new products. The most remarkable results found were: moisture content (3.48–9.19%), water activity (0.1833–0.5936), hardness (3243–4056 g), L (42.01–65.79), a* (10.56–19.24), b* (30.80–42.20), free fatty acidity (0.2195–0.3467%), pero xide value (3.167–5.25 meq O2·kg−1), total phenolic (22.34–37.34 mgGA·100g−1 chickpea), antioxidant capacity (6.53–31.61 mmol Trolox·100g−1 chickpea), absorbed fat (13.46–13.92%), and caloric value (453.17–488.49 kcal·100g−1 chickpea). Hexanal, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, nonanal, benzaldehyde, p-cymene, and carvacrol were the major volatile compounds determined. The color, hardness, moisture content, water activity, free fatty acids, and peroxide value of the products were monitored for three months at room temperature. Consumer acceptance tests were conducted to reveal the changes which occurred during the storage period. All the products developed and evaluated in this study show potential in the market and industry, with the plain type being the preferred product.
Detoxification of Jatropha curcas oil by ultraviolet irradiation combined with ethanol washing
Authors: Xiao Jh. , Mao X. , Zhang H. , Niu L.
Published: January 2015

Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) is non-edible due to the content of phorbolesters (PEs) which are very toxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of JCO, treated by ultraviolet irradiation combined with ethanol washing, as an edible oil. The results showed that PEs can be significantly decreased by 100% (p < 0.05), but the treatments produced no significant changes (p < 0.05) in the fatty acids composition (FAC) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) in the detoxified Jatropha curcas oil (DJCO). In addition, the quality of DJCO was improved with enhanced DPPH radical scavenging. Therefore, DJCO with good quality will become a good resource for edible oil.
Non-conventional cement-based composites reinforced with vegetable fibers: A review of strategies to improve durability
Authors: Santos S. F. , Tonoli G. H.D. , Mejia J. E.B. , Fiorelli J. , Savastano Jr H.
Published: January 2015

The present review shows the state-of-art on the approachs about improving the processing, physical- mechanical performance and durability of non-conventional fiber-cement composites. The objective of this review is to show some of these strategies to mitigate the degradation of the vegetable fibers used as reinforcement in cost-effective and non-conventional fiber-cement and, consequently, to improve their mechanical and durability properties for applications in the housing construction. Beyond the introduction about vegetable fibers, the content of this review is divided in the following sections: (i) surface modification of the fibers; (ii) improving fiber-to-cement interface; (iii) natural pozzolans; (iv) accelerated carbonation; (v) applications of nanoscience; and (vi) principles of functionally graded materials and extrusion process were briefly discussed with focus on future research needs.
External sulfate attack in dam concretes with thaumasite formation
Authors: Chinchón-Payá S. , Aguado A. , Nugterenc H. W. , Chinchón S.
Published: January 2015

Concrete core samples extracted from different areas of the Mequinenza Dam (Spain) have been studied and expansive reactions affecting the structure were not found. However, expansive reactions in the concrete of certain parts located near the abutments of two galleries have been observed as a consequence of an external sulfate attack due to the sulfur compounds contained in the lignites that are present on the surrounding terrain. Secondary gypsum, ettringite, and thaumasite, as well as several sulfate efflorescence have been detected. The thaumasite formed in the degraded concrete is related to a Thaumasite Sulfate Attack (TSA). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Rietveld analyses of the TSA samples would show that thaumasite could have been formed thanks to ettringite acting as nuclei or by a direct precipitation from solutions within the pores of the cement matrix.
Topographic migration of 2D and 3D ground‐penetrating radar data considering variable velocities
Authors: Allroggen Niklas , Tronicke Jens , Delock Marcel , Böniger Urs
Published: January 2015

We present a 2D/3D topographic migration scheme for ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) data which is able to account for variable velocities by using the root mean square (rms) velocity approximation. We test our migration scheme using a synthetic 2D example and compare our migrated image to the results obtained using common GPR migration approaches. Furthermore, we apply it to 2D and 3D field data. These examples are recorded across common subsurface settings including surface topography and variations in the GPR subsurface velocity field caused by a shallow ground water table. In such field settings, our migration strategy provides well focused images of common‐offset GPR data without the need for a detailed interval velocity model. The synthetic and field examples demonstrate that our topographic migration scheme allows for accurate GPR imaging in the presence of variations in surface topography and subsurface velocity.
Spectral Induced Polarization measurements on New Zealand sands ‐ dependence on fluid conductivity
Authors: Joseph Sheen , Ingham Malcolm , Gouws Gideon
Published: January 2015

Spectral induced polarization (SIP) measurements explore the variation of the complex conductivity of a material with frequency. Much of this variation results from polarization effects associated with the electric double layer on the surfaces of pore spaces. The consequent dependence of the SIP signature on pore structure thus has the potential to provide a link to the hydraulic properties of the material, which have a similar dependence. We report here on the variation of the SIP signature of unconsolidated sands, typical of those found in coastal aquifers in New Zealand, with the conductivity of the pore fluid. The SIP parameters of the measurements are modelled in terms of a Cole‐Cole model and demonstrate the independence of relaxation time on fluid conductivity. The contribution of surface conductivity to the overall conductivity is calculated and the variation of the imaginary part of the surface conductivity with fluid conductivity is tested against two models for the origin of surface conductivity. The measured hydraulic conductivity is also compared with estimates provided by three proposed equations relating hydraulic properties to structural and electric properties.
Deriving shallow‐water sediment properties using post‐stack acoustic impedance inversion
Authors: Vardy Mark E.
Published: January 2015

In contrast to the use of marine seismic reflection techniques for reservoir‐scale applications, where seismic inversion for quantitative sediment analysis is common, shallow‐waterm, very‐high‐resolution seismic reflection data are seldom used for more than qualitative reflection interpretation. Here, a quantitative analysis of very‐high‐resolution marine seismic reflection profiles from a shallow‐water (<50 m water depth) fjord in northern Norway is presented. Acquired using Sparker, Boomer, and Chirp sources, the failure plane of multiple local landslides correlates with a composite reflection that reverses polarity to the south. Using a genetic algorithm, a 1D post‐stack acoustic impedance inversion of all three profiles is performed, calibrating against multi‐sensor core logger (MSCL) data from cores. Using empirical relationships the resulting impedance profiles are related to remote sediment properties, including: P‐wave velocity; density; mean grain size; and porosity. The composite reflector is consistently identified by all three data sources as a finer‐grained (by one ), lower density (c. 0.2 g/cm3 less than background) thin bed, with an anomalous low velocity zone (at least 100 m/s lower than background) associated with the polarity reversal to the south. Such a velocity contrast is consistent with an accumulation of shallow free gas trapped within the finer‐grain, less permeable layer. This study represents the first application of acoustic impedance inversion to very‐high‐resolution seismic reflection data and demonstrates the potential for directly relating seismic reflection data with sediment properties using a variety of commonly used shallow seismic profiling sources.
Seismic monitoring and vibrational characterization of small wind turbines: A case study of the potential effects on the Eskdalemuir International Monitoring System Station in Scotland
Authors: Westwood Rachel F. , Styles Peter , Toon Samuel M.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a case study of the ground‐borne vibrations generated by small wind turbines. This is of particular importance for assessing the possible impact on the detection capabilities of the International Monitoring System seismic array at Eskdalemuir in Scotland. Measurements were gathered from a selection of small wind turbines (≤50 kW), from three different manufacturers, varying in hub height, power and construction using a range of accelerometers and seismometers fixed to the tower and buried in the adjacent ground at increasing distances. Previous studies have shown that medium and large turbines generate harmonic vibrations. Planning guidelines exist but have inadvertently led to a ban on the deployment of individual small‐turbines within 50 km of the array. This study investigates whether their inclusion in these guidelines is necessary.

Vibration levels on the tower are in the region of 10−3 m/sqrt(Hz), are transferred into the ground and decay rapidly away from the turbine (10−5 m/sqrt(Hz) in the ground at 200 m). The spectral content of the vibrations shows variations between the turbines, but each have peaks in the band of interest for Eskdalemuir. Further, sources of the peaks in the spectra are identified as either originating from the blades’ rotation or the resonant modes of the turbines.

Analysis of the relationship between wind speed and seismic amplitude on the tower shows an exponential trend, individual to each wind turbine and the frequency band of interest. Similarly, analysis of the seismic amplitude between the tower and foundation shows that this can be described by a power law, but this is individual to each turbine. It is our opinion that there is little requirement to include turbines of 50 kW or less in planning guidelines outside the statutory exclusion zone of 10 km, but each turbine should be considered on an individual basis.
Mapping the spatial variation of soil moisture at the large scale using GPR for pavement applications
Authors: Benedetto Andrea , Tosti Fabio , Ortuani Bianca , Giudici Mauro , Mele Mauro
Published: January 2015

The characterization of shallow soil moisture spatial variability at the large scale is a crucial issue in many research studies and fields of application ranging from agriculture and geology to civil and environmental engineering. In this framework, this work contributes to the research in the area of pavement engineering for preventing damages and planning effective management. High spatial variations of subsurface water content can lead to unexpected damage of the load‐bearing layers; accordingly, both safety and operability of roads become lower, thereby affecting an increase in expected accidents.

A pulsed ground‐penetrating radar system with ground‐coupled antennas, i.e., 600‐MHz and 1600‐MHz center frequencies of investigation, was used to collect data in a 16 m × 16 m study site in the Po Valley area in northern Italy. Two ground‐penetrating radar techniques were employed to non‐destructively retrieve the subsurface moisture spatial profile. The first technique is based on the evaluation of the dielectric permittivity from the attenuation of signal amplitudes. Therefore, dielectrics were converted into moisture values using soil‐specific coefficients from Topp’s relationship. Ground‐penetrating‐radar‐derived values of soil moisture were then compared with measurements from eight capacitance probes. The second technique is based on the Rayleigh scattering of the signal from the Fresnel theory, wherein the shifts of the peaks of frequency spectra are assumed comprehensive indicators for characterizing the spatial variability of moisture. Both ground‐penetrating radar methods have shown great promise for mapping the spatial variability of soil moisture at the large scale.
Modeling Urban Growth at a Micro Level
Authors: Mohapatra Rama Prasada , Wu Changshan
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the historical trend of urban growth and the associated drivers were examined through econometric analysis for the rapidly growing Grafton area in the State of Wisconsin. Specifically, panel data analysis was carried out to examine the drivers of urban growth such as demographic factors, location of jobs, travel time, housing types, property values, etc. Results reveal that panel data analysis, particularly the random effects model, was successful in analyzing the drivers of urban growth at the census block group level. This study found that population, local jobs, household income, and house price were positively associated with urban growth. The study also found that urban growth in the study area is not decided by the access to the nearest central city, but other factors, such as the rural atmosphere of the region, local jobs, and emerging centers of employment opportunities, have significant influences on urban development.
Spatiotemporal Network Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Gelernter Judith , Carley Kathleen M.
Published: January 2015

Spatiotemporal social network analysis shows relationships among people at a particular time and location. This paper presents an algorithm that mines text for person and location words and creates connections among words. It shows how this algorithm output, when chunked by time intervals, may be visualized by third-party social network analysis software in the form of standard network pin diagrams or geographic maps. Its data sample comes from newspaper articles concerning the 2006 Darfur crisis in Sudan. Given an immense data sample, it would be possible to use the algorithm to detect trends that would predict the next geographic center(s) of influence and types of actors (foreign dignitaries or domestic leaders, for example). This algorithm should be widely generalizable to many text domains as long as the external resources are modified accordingly.
Enabling Healthy Living
Authors: Adu-Prah Samuel , Oyana Tonny
Published: January 2015

The increasing burden of overweight and obesity in the United States (U.S.) demands a better understanding of its local and regional spatial patterns and trends. The study examines the hypothesis that there are spatial differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in U.S. youths at regional and local levels. It used spatial, statistical, and spatiotemporal analyses and a synthesis of regionally and locally relevant data from a cohort of large, nationally representative, longitudinal data sets, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY`97) to analyze overweight and obesity prevalence. Specifically, the methods used included the spatial Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM), spatial interpolation techniques (Inverse Distance Weighting – IDW), and Kulldorf's scan space-time analysis. The paper analyzed 12 waves (1997–2008) of data from the NLSY data sets. Its findings revealed there is an upward trend both in males and in females in obesity prevalence in US youths during the twelve-year period. Youth obesity prevalence was also higher among females than among males. The cohort shows evidence of increase in overweight and obesity prevalence. There are mixed trends in youth obesity prevalence patterns in rural and urban areas. Counties identified as consistently experiencing higher prevalence of obesity and with the potential of becoming an obesogenic environment are Copiah, Holmes, and Hinds in Mississippi; Harris and Chamber, Texas; Oklahoma and McCain, Oklahoma; Jefferson, Louisiana; and Chicot and Jefferson, Arkansas. The twelve-year study indicated spatial variation in obesity and overweight prevalence among U.S. youths, with pockets of clustered prevalence. This information can guide programs, policies, and initiatives for obesity prevention at regional and local levels.
To Implement an Open-MAS Architecture for Semantic Web Services Discovery
Authors: Gharzouli Mohamed , Derdour Makhlouf
Published: January 2015

Recently, several models have been proposed to design distributed and collaborative infrastructures for web services based systems. In this area, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks and Multi-Agents Systems offer many techniques for web services discovery and composition. However, both of the two combinations (P2P/web services and MAS/web services) have suffered from some problems. This article presents a generic P2P/MAS architecture for semantic web services discovery. It tries to merge these two distributed technologies and demonstrate how P2P networks can implement open-MAS architectures to build a collaborative distributed system. The main objective of this article is to find the most appropriate P2P protocol to make such systems. Before the presentation of the proposed architecture, it already presents a background of P2P categories and models. After, it chooses four different P2P protocols wherever it analyzes and discusses, for each one, the stabilization and traffic generation of the network.
Pattern Retrieval through Classification from Pattern Warehouse
Authors: Thakur Ramjeevan Singh , Tiwari Vivek
Published: January 2015

The pattern is special kinds of data which are created through various data mining techniques and stored in the pattern warehouse through a specialized pattern management system (PMS). Pattern warehouse makes the pattern non-volatile or persists. Now a day's persistent pattern retrieval is a very new and important issue. This paper focuses on problems and challenges with pattern retrieval. One can see the applicability of classification in pattern retrieval as an opportunity and trying to bring attention to probable issues and challenges behind the physical implementation of this concept. This paper concluded that the applicability of classification in pattern retrieval is well feasible. It has also discussed that how of pattern classification is different with data's classification. Classification method should be defined in such a way that it can handle pattern efficiently. So far, little emphasis has been posed on developing an overall classification system for pattern retrieval. This paper concerns only association kinds of patterns. It has presented some issues regarding (i) Decision boundary of pattern classes. (ii) Problem of calculating a reliable estimate of pattern classes. (iii) How to define class boundary (iv) How to handle overlapping of pattern classes (v) Parameter selection for pattern classes estimation (v) Preprocessing of patterns (vi) How to handle classification on demand. (vii) Updating of pattern classes (vii) Finding optimal test conditions.
Exploring Big Data Opportunities for Online Customer Segmentation
Authors: Fotaki Georgia , Spruit Marco , Brinkkemper Sjaak , Meijer Dion
Published: January 2015

In today's competitive business environment, more and more organizations move or extent their business online. Thus, there is an increasing need for organizations to build concrete online marketing strategies in order to engage with their customers. One basic step towards achieving the objectives related to online marketing is the segmentation of online customers, based on the customer data gathered online. Since there is an onslaught of customer information collected from online sources, new techniques are required for managing and analyzing the huge amount of data, and this is where the concept of Big Data can play an essential role. This research sheds light on three fields: Online Marketing, Customer Segmentation, and Big Data Analytics. The three domains are integrated into the Online Customer Segmentation (OCS) framework, which attempts to show how online marketing objectives can be supported by techniques and tools applicable to extremely large datasets. For the creation of the OCS framework a set of main online marketing objectives is defined. Moreover, the differences among customer attributes gathered from offline and online channels are discussed and OCS categories are identified. Finally, the concept of Big Data is introduced and relevant techniques and tools suitable for analyzing customer segmentation categories and segmenting customers effectively are described. This work demonstrates the OCS framework by applying it on a hypothetical business scenario using an online customer data set.