bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POKRZYWA ZWYCZAJNA (URTICA DIOICA L.) – CHARAKTERYSTYKA BOTANICZNA, BIOCHEMICZNA I WŁAŚCIWOŚCI PROZDROWOTNE
Authors: Jakubczyk Karolina , Janda Katarzyna , Szkyrpan Sylwia , Gutowska Izabela , Wolska Jolanta
Published: August 2016

Pokrzywa zwyczajna (Urtica dioica L.) należy do rodziny pokrzywowatych (Urticaceae). Rośnie w formie dzikiej w Azji, Europie, Ameryce Północnej i Afryce Północnej. Jako roślina ruderalna powszechnie znajduje się również w Polsce. Pokrzywa zwyczajna dzięki składowi bogatemu w związki biologicznie czynne uważana jest za jedną z najcenniejszych roślin stosowanych w fitoterapii. W modelach in vitro i in vivo wykazano jej właściwości antyoksydacyjne, przeciwzapalne, antyagregacyjne, hipoglikemiczne oraz hipocholesterolemiczne. Badania prowadzone w ostatnich latach wskazują na możliwość wykorzystania pokrzywy zwyczajnej w chemoprewencji, leczeniu cukrzycy, łagodnego rozrostu gruczołu krokowego oraz schorzeń urologicznych.
WPŁYW WYBRANYCH CZYNNIKÓW SOCJOMEDYCZNYCH NA JAKOŚĆ ŻYCIA I FUNKCJONOWANIE PSYCHOSEKSUALNE KOBIET PO LECZENIU OPERACYJNYM RAKA GRUCZOŁU PIERSIOWEGO
Authors: Zdończyk Sebastian Artur
Published: August 2016

Wstęp: Według Krajowego Rejestru Nowotworów w 2011 r. stwierdzono w Polsce 16 534 nowe zachorowania na raka piersi oraz zarejestrowano 5437 zgonów. Leczenie chirurgiczne stanowi nie tylko poważny problem onkologiczny, lecz również kosmetyczny i psychologiczny. Kobiety odczuwają lęk przed utratą kobiecości i atrakcyjności seksualnej po operacji. Czują się niepełnowartościowe („kompleks połowy kobiety”) oraz towarzyszą im takie uczucia jak: wstyd, gniew i depresja. Seksualność jest sferą życia szczególnie podatną na wszelkie zakłócenia stanów fizycznego i psychicznego. Podstawowym celem poznawczym prezentowanych badań była ocena poziomu jakości życia i funkcjonowania psychoseksualnego kobiet po leczeniu operacyjnym raka gruczołu piersiowego.Materiał i metody: Badania przeprowadzono w grupie 250 dorosłych kobiet po leczeniu chirurgicznym raka piersi. Ankieta zawierała pytania dotyczące czynników socjomedycznych i socjoseksuologicznych oraz pięć standaryzowanych narzędzi badawczych: Kwestionariusz oceny jakości życia SF -36 v.2, Kwestionariusz Mell–Krat opracowany przez Z. Lwa -Starowicza, Kwestionariusz FSFI – Ocena Funkcjonowania Seksualnego Kobiet, Inwentarz Zachowań Zdrowotnych (IZZ) autorstwa Z. Juczyńskiego, Skalę Kontroli Emocji (CECS) – w adaptacji Z. Juczyńskiego. Badania uzyskały pozytywną opinię Komisji Bioetycznej Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Szczecinie.Wyniki: Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań i analiz statystycznych wykazano, że wpływ na jakość życia i funkcjonowanie psychoseksualne mają: rozległość zabiegu operacyjnego, skuteczność leczenia onkologicznego, wiek, liczba posiadanych dzieci, wykształcenie, sytuacja materialna oraz sytuacja zawodowa badanych kobiet.Wnioski: Kobiety, u których wykonano mastektomię z rekonstrukcją gruczołu piersiowego, uzyskały wyższe wyniki od kobiet po mastektomii bez wykonanej rekonstrukcji w obszarze fizycznego i psychicznego funkcjonowania w zakresie jakości życia. Respondentki, u których zostało zakończone leczenie onkologiczne, charakteryzowały się niższym nasileniem dysfunkcji seksualnych niż kobiety w trakcie leczenia. Uczestniczki badań z wyższym wykształceniem, wysokim statusem materialnym i stabilną sytuacją zawodową odznaczały się wyższym wskaźnikiem nasilenia zachowań zdrowotnych niż kobiety z niskim statusem materialnym i wykształceniem.
Structural Variation within the Potato Ve Gene Locus and Correlation with Molecular Marker Analysis
Authors: Meier A. , Halterman D.A.
Published: August 2016

Plant breeders rely on molecular markers to guide the selection of traits that are difficult to phenotype or that show wide variation in field trials as they seek to uncover the intricate relationship between an organism's genotype and resulting phenotype. Specificity of molecular markers in wild potato (Solanum spp.) and other less‐adapted germplasm is complicated by the existence of homologous gene clusters. This study examines the consistency and effectiveness of two previously published cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers that have been shown to predict Verticillium wilt (VW) resistance. The genome of resistant diploid potato clone C287 was resequenced, and examination of the Ve locus indicated only two homologous regions when compared with the three found in the reference potato genome DM1‐3. The prevalence of each homologous region was examined within a panel of 83 diverse wild potato species. Both structural and genetic sequence variation is predicted to complicate the use of molecular markers developed within specific genetic backgrounds. This study demonstrates that primers designed in the noncoding flanking regions of gene homologs increases specificity and avoids off‐target binding. It is suggested that markers be developed by using more specific primers in these regions coupled with conserved primers within the gene's coding sequence.
Soybean Genetic Gain in Maturity Groups III to V in Argentina from 1980 to 2015
Authors: de Felipe Matías , Gerde José A. , Rotundo José L.
Published: August 2016

Genetic progress is assessed to estimate its contribution to on‐farm yield increases and to identify traits that have been improved over some period of time. Although Argentina is a major soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producer, there is limited information about genetic progress in this system. Argentinean soybean cultivars were developed from US commercial cultivars. Because the genetic base of US cultivars is narrow, it would be expected that genetic progress in Argentina to be slower than in the United States. We assessed the genetic gain for yield and related traits in cultivars released in Argentina from 1980 to 2015. One hundred and eighty‐one cultivars belonging to maturity groups (MGs) III, IV, and V were evaluated in three environments in the northern pampas from Argentina. Genetic gain in yield was 43 kg ha−1 yr−1 and was not different across MGs. Relative genetic gain was 1.1% yr−1, similar to reports from the United States or Brazil. Newer cultivars from MGs III and IV had increased days to maturity, while cultivars from MG V showed the opposite trend. Vegetative period was also reduced in newer cultivars from MGs IV and V. Seed protein concentration was reduced over the years. Genetic progress explained 50% of total on‐farm yield increase. Results from this experiment showed that breeding programs in Argentina were able to attain a similar genetic gain to the United States even though the starting parents were only a few US cultivars selected from an already narrow genetic base.
The Mwera lamellophone Luliimba
Authors: Reuster-Jahn Uta
Published: August 2016

The lamellophone of the Makonde/Mwera type from south-eastern Tanzania and north-eastern Mozambique is a particular member of the family of lamellophones in Africa. It has been described by Margot Dias (1982, 1986, 1988) and Gerhard Kubik (1996, 1998), but until recently had not been studied in a performance context. This type of lamellophone has drawn scholarly interest because of its uniqueness. Kubik assumes that it could be the remnant of a small cradle area of lamellophones with metal keys in the lower Rovuma valley, apart from the large metal-keyed lamellophones found in Zimbabwe and the lower Zambezi valley (Kubik 1998:24 f). Furthermore, Kubik et al. point to a similarity of shape between Indonesian metallophones of the saron type and the Makonde/Mwera type of lamellophone, in terms of the curved box resonator and the roof-like top of the instruments.
Pierre Gwa - MpyemÃµ Guitarist: His Songs and Their Sources Central African Republic, 1966
Authors: Kubik Gerhard
Published: August 2016

Early acoustic guitar styles in central Africa. As far as we can reconstruct, the acoustic guitar styles of central Africa sprang up and gained momentum shortly after World War II, first only in a few areas that can be pinpointed on a map (Kubik 1965). These were places of colonial economic activity; mining centres, urban areas, trading posts and so on. people from various parts of the region were attracted to these centres in search of work. The multi-ethnic background of such urban and semi-urban melting pots promoted the use of vehicular, or trade, languages. It was in such places that, besides other commodities, guitars became available in shops, and it was here that the need arose for entertainment in the workersâ€™ milieu using a lingua franca such as Lingala (in western parts ofthe present Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], and across the river at Brazzaville) or Swahili in its Kingwana version (in Katanga), or Icibemba (on the Zambian side of the Copperbelt).
Singing Psalms with owls: A Venda 20th century musical history part two: tshikona, beer songs and personal songs
Authors: Kruger Jaco
Published: August 2016

The three categories of Venda music discussed here are tshikona (the bamboo pipe dance), beer songs (malende, jive) and personal songs. As I indicate in part One of this essay, tshikona is useful for the construction of a musical history because its performance is intimately associated with traditional politics. By contrast, beer songs do not feature directly in politics. However, they not only comprise the largest category of adult music, they also have more elaborate texts than Venda music forms such as tshikona or tshigombela.
Histological and immunohistochemical practical studies of canine cutaneous tumors
Authors: Šimkus Donatas , Petkevičius Saulius , Pridotkas Gediminas , Zorgevica-Pockeviča Ligita , Maskaliovas Viktoras , Šimkienė Virginija , Pockevičius Alius
Published: August 2016

A total of one hundred and fifty-three canine cutaneous tumors were examined and analyzed using the standard haematoxylin-eosin staining method. Additionally, tumors were examined immunohistochemically (41.4%) with antibodies LP34, AE1/AE3, V9 and histochemically (24.8%) with toluidine blue. Epithelial and melanocytic tumors of the skin accounted for 52.3% and mesenchymal tumours constituted 47.7%. All epidermal and follicular tumors demonstrated positive immunostaining for “LP34” antibodies. Fibromas and fibrosarcomas, which were immunohistochemically positive for antibodies “V9”, demonstrated negative immunostaining for antibodies “LP34”. As many as 47.4% of all round cell tumors showed positive staining with toluidine blue. Antibodies “LP34” are helpful for the differential diagnosis of epithelial cells of tumors in canine skin, skin adnexal and subcutaneous tissues. Antibodies “AE1/AE3” could be helpful for detecting metastatic glandular epithelial cells in the skin. Moreover, antibodies “V9” could be a useful tool to diagnose the cutaneous tumors consisting of fibrous tissue cells. Staining round cell tumors with toluidine blue may give valuable information on regarding mast cell tumors.
Monitoring of herpesvirus anguillae (AngHV-1) infections in the European eel in north-west Poland
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Thuc , Kempter Jolanta , Panicz Remigiusz
Published: August 2016

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is an economically important species in Poland, not only due to the quality and price of its meat, but also due to the eel stock management plan implemented since 2010. However, the imported juvenile eels for reintroduction are directly introduced into waters or reared in fish farms without necessary monitoring of the health status, especially for hazardous and pathogenic viruses. The study was conducted in the second half of 2014 using the European eels collected from Poland (Dąbie Lake, Szczecin Lagoon, hatcheries) and Denmark, mainly from importers and organizations producing material for reintroduction. A total of 256 samples were analysed including gills, liver, kidney, spleen, intestine and heart. Detection of the AngHV-1 was performed using pair primers designed to amplify the gene fragment encoding the viral DNA polymerase. Each PCR product was confirmed by bidirectional sequencing and sequence alignment with GenBank sequences. Obtained results indicate that the infection status of the eels imported to Poland is in the range of 0 to 100%, with the highest percentage of asymptomatic carriers among the fish imported from Denmark for the purpose of reintroduction and rearing. The eels collected in natural waters demonstrated an AngHV-1 infection rate of 30% (Dąbie Lake) and 40% (Trzebież). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that all these sequences were identical and represented the haplotype characterized for the first time in Poland by Kempter et al. (2014). The intensity of eel reintroduction in Poland is 1.2 million individuals per year, which permits a conclusion that the species is important for the fishing economy and should be monitored against AngHV-1. The demonstrated existing high risk posed by mass kills of the European eel in domestic waters after the introduction of the herpesvirus AngHV-1 from imported fish.
Tumor Angiogenesis – factors influencing the development of a tumor vascular network and assessment of neoangiogenesis in histopathological samples
Authors: Sobczyńska-Rak Aleksandra , Silmanowicz Piotr , Polkowska Izabela
Published: August 2016

Angiogenesis involves the formation of capillaries on the basis of already existing blood vessels. It is a multi-stage process resultant from the combined influence of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. It begins with the stimulation of endothelial cells and degeneration of the basilemma and extracellular matrix, followed by the proliferation of endothelial cells and eventually the formation of a new vessel. The final stage involves a synthesis of the vessel's basilemma and incorporation of pericytes stabilizing the capillary tube. Any study of angiogenesis necessitates a direct assessment of tissue vascularisation and indirect assessment of the occurrence of pro-angiogenic factors. The degree of vascularisation is determined on the basis of the number of capillaries and endothelial cell concentrations per a surface unit of a given tissue or organ. The same is achieved by staining histopathological samples with immunohistochemical methods using panendothelial antibodies: anti FVIII, anti-CD31 and anti CD34. The antibodies identifying proliferating endotelial cells are also specific to the evaluation of neoangiogenesis. The same include monoclonal antibodies: E9 and TEC-11. The quantitative analysis of blood vessel density in tumor tissue (MVD - microvessel density) is performed with the Weidner method. The total microvascular area (TVA) is also considered a significant angiogenic factor. The assessment of the relative surface area of capillaries within a tumor is performed using Chalkley's method, vessel branching count (VBC) and angiogenic index. Indirect methods of angiogenesis assessment involve the determination of angiogenic cytokine production and the expression of their cellular receptors. The study of modulators and assessment of angiogenesis may facilitate more efficient tumor diagnostics and therapy.
FEATURES OF AUTOIMMUNE PATHOLOGY ON THE BACKGROUND OF THE THYMUS AGE INVOLUTION AND HYPOESTROGENIA
Authors: Goncharova O. A.
Published: August 2016

Гендернi розбiжностi за частотою авто- iмунної патологiї iз превалюванням її поширеностi у жiнок обумовлюють актуальнiсть проблеми визначення впливу статевих гормонiв на iмунну систему. Встановлено, що манiфестацiї автоiмунних захворювань (АIЗ) у жiнок найчастiше спостерiгаються у перiоди дисгормональних змiн. Це або пубертатний перiод, або раннiй пiсляпологовий, а найчастiше — клiмактеричний. Особливо вираженими є статевi розбiжностi за частотою АIЗ, котрi дебютують у вiцi понад 35 рокiв
Itinerarium liturgiczne po Rzymie
Authors: Pleskaczewska Anna
Published: August 2016

Artykuł wskazuje miejsca związane z pojawieniem się poszczególnych obrzędów we współczesnej liturgii. Nie ma tu mowy o sprawach, które występowały wcześniej, a obecnie już nie istnieją. I tak w bazylice S. Maria Maggiore pojawia się śpiew na wejście, msza święta o północy Narodzenia Pańskiego oraz procesja 2 lutego; z kościołem św. Anastazji związana jest msza o świcie Narodzenia Pańskiego; bazylika św. Piotra daje początek mszy w dzień Narodzenia Pańskiego i obchodowi święta Podwyższenia Krzyża na Zachodzie; Lateran wskazuje na początki Gloria; katakumby św. Sebastiana wyjaśniają wspólny obchód św. Piotra i św. Pawła 29 czerwca, a Panteon początkuje uroczystość Wszystkich Świętych.
Oficjum nosalistów
Authors: Fedorowicz Szymon
Published: August 2016

Król Kazimierz Jagiellończyk i jego żona Elżbieta założyli w 1773 roku kolegium dla księży. Jego zadaniem było szerzenie kultu Męki Pańskiej. Kolegium przylegało do kaplicy świętokrzyskiej w katedrze wawelskiej i jego członkowie byli zobowiązani do codziennego śpiewania oficjum o świętym krzyżu, jak również do odprawiania wotywnej mszy o świętym krzyżu. Archiwum kapitulne przy katedrze posiada XV-wieczny rękopis zawierający jedynie oficjum o świętym krzyżu, które było specjalnie ułożone na potrzeby tego kolegium i należało do niego. Artykuł podaje tekst tego oficjum.
Indicadores de calidad física del suelo de la zona cerealera andina del departamento de Nariño, Colombia
Authors: Volverás-Mambuscay Belisario , Amézquita-Collazos Édgar , Campo-Quesada José Manuel
Published: August 2016

Con el fin de determinar los cambios de algunos indicadores de calidad física en suelos en la zona cerealera fría de Nariño, Colombia, se evaluó el efecto del tiempo de uso en diferentes sistemas y pendientes. Los resultados mostraron que el aumento del tiempo de uso generó cambios negativos en algunos indicadores hídricos y volumétricos. El agua disponible disminuyó de manera proporcional a la profundidad, en un 12 % y un 33 % para suelos cultivados durante 45 y 70 años, respectivamente. El cambio a uso agrícola de rotación trigo-maíz (rt-m) durante 25 y 70 años aumentó el nivel de escorrentía en un 95 % y un 97 % respectivamente en cuanto al testigo, lo que significa que algunas propiedades hídricas del suelo se afectan antes de los 25 años de uso intensivo. Frente al testigo, la densidad aparente del suelo con pastura se incrementó un 27,6 % y la del suelo con uso agrícola se incrementó un 10 %. Para el suelo con uso agrícola (rt-m) no hubo diferencias en densidad aparente ni densidad real, lo que sugiere que, en pocos años de uso, el suelo pierde volumen. Con excepción de la pastura, la porosidad total alcanzó valores agronómicos aceptables, con porcentajes de microporos mayores al 50 % de la porosidad total, lo que puede generar problemas de drenaje, suministro de agua y transporte de nutrientes hacia las plantas.
Meeting report: Pre-exposure Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prophylaxis in the EU/EEA: Challenges and Opportunities, Stockholm April 2016
Authors: Noori Teymur , Pharris Anastasia
Published: August 2016

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Rethinking original ownership
Authors: Lifshitz Yael R
Published: August 2016

At the genesis of property, an initial allocation of entitlements takes place. Existing property scholarship identifies two main rules for assigning original ownership – ‘first possession’ and ‘accession’ – and positions them one against another. This article challenges the conventional binary division and the dominance of either first possession or accession as ‘pure’ allocation principles, arguing instead that the ownership of new resources is often allocated through hybrid mechanisms that combine the two rules. This article offers an analysis of hybrid rules and their utility through a novel and contemporary case study of the ongoing allocation of property in wind energy.
Cultivating Sustainability Literacy and Public Engagement in Intag, Ecuador
Authors: D’Amico Linda
Published: August 2016

Abstract

This article describes ways rural women and men in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forests created regional and trans-regional institutions to develop and sustain effective environmental governance. It traces their interpretation of political ecology within local realities, based on household concerns centred upon water and food security, and how they came to draw upon global discourse and increased civic participation. The article shows how they created communities of practice that came to define local (and glocal1) sustainability. Their proactive and generative approaches to environmentalism – expressed through actions and institutions – are significant, offering examples of expanded social equity and adaptive resilience in the face of change.

1Glocal is the connectivity and co-presence of local and global people, ideas and institutions.
Local Trade and Exchange/Employment Systems (LETS) in Future Eco-sustainable Societies
Authors: Westra Richard
Published: August 2016

Abstract

All communities of practice must face questions relating to the material economic foundations of future sustainable societies. David Graeber, Karl Polanyi and Karl Marx each have produced typologies of possible types of economy, synthesised as: (1) the principle of individual reciprocity, (2) the market principle of capitalism, and (3) the planning principle of the state. I apply this synthesis to recent proposals for community change advanced by Bill McKibben and David Korten concerning economic scale and the re-localising of production and consumption sundered by globalisation, focused on the local exchange and trading system (LETS). The operationalising of LETS draws upon Adam Smith’s view of markets as face-to-face exchanges of goods taking place in small morality-bound communities. Smith, McKibben and Korten conflate two different meanings of the term ‘exchange’. To understand the role LETS may play in future sustainable economies in communities of practice demands treatment of this problem.
Narratives of Development
Authors: Ramchandani Taapsi
Published: August 2016

Abstract

The Chaguanas Borough Corporation in Trinidad and Tobago is currently the fastest-growing borough where economic development is complemented by investment in residential, commercial and infrastructural programmes. In tandem with the local government, an inter-governmental organisation (IGO) sought to understand the sociohistorical context within which economic growth has taken place to inform the IGO’s development plans for the area. This article focuses on local narratives collected in 2013 as part of a historical case study that reveals a complex relationship of citizens to the state within the context of a post-colonial, multi-ethnic society. Using an interpretivist framework of narratives as language, metaphor and knowledge, I examine how narratives reflect the lived experience of economic development as a confluence of history, ethnic identity and neoliberal ideas of entrepreneurship. Their inclusion as a source of enquiry in development planning will ensure that exogenous intervention remains holistic, equitable and informed by historical institutions of social practice.
Carbon footprint of lentil in old Brahmaputra floodplain soil
Authors: Haq ME , Kader MA , Farhan S
Published: August 2016

Crop production has contributed significantly to global carbon footprint (CF). Characterizing the carbon footprint of agricultural production offers key information for achieving low carbon agriculture. Bangladesh has struggled for long and worked hard for increasing food production capacity for its large growing population. It is necessary to choose the crops and management practices which have low CF to maintain a win-win situation between food production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the CF of Bangladeshs crop production has not yet been assessed. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the CF of lentil as one of the major legumes cultivated in Bangladesh. The crop was cultivated at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Farm, Mymensingh i.e. Agro-ecological zone (AEZ 9) during November, 2013 to April, 2014 by following standard management practices. The Carbon footprint was calculated by using the collected emission factors from literature as default values for each input and operation used for the production of crops as per guideline of ISO (2006) and IPCC (2006). The GHG emissions in the crop fields are taken from the studies of Pathak and Aggarwal (2012). The yield of lentil was 0.90 t ha-1 with a CF of 406 kg CO2-equivalentst-1 of lentil. Direct and indirect GHG emissions singly contributed the half of CF accounting 52.54% of total CF. The contribution of fertilizer, irrigation, machinery and labor inputs to the overall carbon footprint were 23.16%, 15.97%, 1.26% and 7.06%, respectively. Among the fertilizers, nitrogenous fertilizer was dominant and singly contributed to 70% of fertilizer CF. However, for developing best management practices for climate change mitigation in crop production of Bangladesh, further studies of soil and regional specific CFs of lentil are needed.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 162-167, 2016
Catch assessment of artisanal marine fishing gears in Coxs Bazar and Teknaf of Bangladesh
Authors: Ghosh SK , Ahsan MK , Ahmmed MK , Ahmed SI , Hasan MM , Kamal M
Published: August 2016

Studies were conducted on catch assessment of some artisanal marine fishing gears operated in Coxs Bazar and Teknaf areas from April 2014 to April 2015. Sixteen types of fishing gears were identified, of which gill net, beach seine net, estuarine set bag net, marine set bag net and trammel net occupy major fishing activities. Although estuarine set bag net (ESBN) is a legally restricted fishing gear recorded the highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) (110 kg/gear/day) in July followed by marine set bag net (MSBN) (105 kg/gear/day) in Coxs Bazar and the highest CPUE was recorded 100 kg/gear/day by ESBN in June followed by MSBN (90 kg/gear/day) in Teknaf. Out of 52 species of fishes, the major fish species abundantly caught by these gears were Poa (Otolithoides argenteus), Churi (Trichiurus haumela), Loittya (Harpadon nehereus), Ranga choukha (Lutjanus johni), Lal poa (Johnius argentatus), Olua (Coilia dussumieri), Rup chanda (Stromateus chinensis), (Stromateus argenteus) and Ilish (Tenualosa ilisha). Besides these fish species, 10 commercially important shrimp species and 3 important crab species were also recorded during the study period. The peak season of availability of most fish species was June and July while lean season was December and January. This study indicated that Otolithoides argenteus) was the dominant fish species followed by Trichiurus haumela, Harpadon nehereus and Coilia dussumieri.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 228-234, 2016
A Cytochrome P450 3A4 Biosensor Based on Generation 4.0 PAMAM Dendrimers for the Detection of Caffeine
Authors: Müller Michael , Agarwal Neha , Kim Jungtae
Published: August 2016

Cytochromes P450 (CYP, P450) are a large family of heme-active-site proteins involved in many catalytic processes, including steroidogenesis. In humans, four primary enzymes are involved in the metabolism of almost all xenobiotics. Among these enzymes, CYP3A4 is responsible for the inactivation of the majority of used drugs which makes this enzyme an interesting target for many fields of research, especially pharmaceutical research. Since the late 1970s, attempts have been made to construct and develop electrochemical sensors for the determination of substrates. This paper is concerned with the establishment of such a CYP3A4-containing biosensor. The sensor was constructed by adsorption of alternating layers of sub-nanometer gold particle-modified PAMAM (poly-amido-amine) dendrimers of generation 4.0, along with the enzyme by a layer-by-layer assembly technique. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to elucidate the sensor assembly. Additionally, the biosensor was tested by cyclic voltammetry using caffeine as a substrate.
Potential of Entropic Force in Markov Systems with Nonequilibrium Steady State, Generalized Gibbs Function and Criticality
Authors: Thompson Lowell , Qian Hong
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we revisit the notion of the “minus logarithm of stationary probability” as a generalized potential in nonequilibrium systems and attempt to illustrate its central role in an axiomatic approach to stochastic nonequilibrium thermodynamics of complex systems. It is demonstrated that this quantity arises naturally through both monotonicity results of Markov processes and as the rate function when a stochastic process approaches a deterministic limit. We then undertake a more detailed mathematical analysis of the consequences of this quantity, culminating in a necessary and sufficient condition for the criticality of stochastic systems. This condition is then discussed in the context of recent results about criticality in biological systems.
Proposing Wavelet-Based Low-Pass Filter and Input Filter to Improve Transient Response of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Rahmani Bijan , Li Weixing
Published: August 2016

Available photovoltaic (PV) systems show a prolonged transient response, when integrated into the power grid via active filters. On one hand, the conventional low-pass filter, employed within the integrated PV system, works with a large delay, particularly in the presence of system’s low-order harmonics. On the other hand, the switching of the DC (direct current)–DC converters within PV units also prolongs the transient response of an integrated system, injecting harmonics and distortion through the PV-end current. This paper initially develops a wavelet-based low-pass filter to improve the transient response of the interconnected PV systems to grid lines. Further, a damped input filter is proposed within the PV system to address the raised converter’s switching issue. Finally, Matlab/Simulink simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed wavelet-based low-pass filter and damped input filter within an integrated PV system.
Electromagnetohydrodynamic Effects on Steam Bubble Formation in Vertical Heated Upward Flow
Authors: Mirzaee Mojtaba , Hooshmand Payam , Ahmadi Hamed , Balotaki Hassan , KhakRah HamidReza , Abdollahzadeh Jamalabadi Mohammad
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the modeling of a steady state two phase flow heated through a vertical upward flow under electro-magneto-hydro-dynamic forces is presented. The thermal non-equilibrium, non-homogeneous, two-phase flow model consisting of mass, momentum and energy conservation in each phase has been adjusted for subcooled inlet conditions close to saturation. The P-1 approximation, viscous dissipation and Joule heating are included in the energy equations. It was seen that the Lorentz force can decrease and postpone the bubble generation, as well as affect the slip velocity, flow forces, viscous dissipation and Joule heating. Furthermore, two correlations for the slip velocity under magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) forces are presented. As shown, skin friction and Joule heating increase with the magnetic field strength.
Home Use of a Pyrethroid-Containing Pesticide and Facial Paresthesia in a Toddler: A Case Report
Authors: Perkins Alexandra , Walters Frederick , Sievert Jennifer , Rhodes Blaine , Morrissey Barbara , Karr Catherine
Published: August 2016

Paresthesias have previously been reported among adults in occupational and non-occupational settings after dermal contact with pyrethroid insecticides. In this report, we describe a preverbal 13-month-old who presented to his primary care pediatrician with approximately 1 week of odd facial movements consistent with facial paresthesias. The symptoms coincided with a period of repeat indoor spraying at his home with a commercially available insecticide containing two active ingredients in the pyrethroid class. Consultation by the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit and follow-up by the Washington State Department of Health included urinary pyrethroid metabolite measurements during and after the symptomatic period, counseling on home clean up and use of safer pest control methods. The child’s symptoms resolved soon after home cleanup. A diagnosis of pesticide-related illness due to pyrethroid exposure was made based on the opportunity for significant exposure (multiple applications in areas where the child spent time), supportive biomonitoring data, and the consistency and temporality of symptom findings (paresthesias). This case underscores the vulnerability of children to uptake pesticides, the role of the primary care provider in ascertaining an exposure history to recognize symptomatic illness, and the need for collaborative medical and public health efforts to reduce significant exposures in children.
Association between Natural Resources for Outdoor Activities and Physical Inactivity: Results from the Contiguous United States
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yuan Yongping , Neale Anne , Jackson Laura , Mehaffey Megan
Published: August 2016

Protected areas including national/state parks and recreational waters are excellent natural resources that promote physical activity and interaction with Nature, which can relieve stress and reduce disease risk. Despite their importance, however, their contribution to human health has not been properly quantified. This paper seeks to evaluate quantitatively how national/state parks and recreational waters are associated with human health and well-being, taking into account of the spatial dependence of environmental variables for the contiguous U.S., at the county level. First, we describe available natural resources for outdoor activities (ANROA), using national databases that include features from the Protected Areas Database, NAVSTREETS, and ATTAINSGEO 305(b) Waters. We then use spatial regression techniques to explore the association of ANROA and socioeconomic status factors on physical inactivity rates. Finally, we use variance analysis to analyze ANROA’s influence on income-related health inequality. We found a significantly negative association between ANROA and the rate of physical inactivity: ANROA and the spatial effect explained 69%, nationwide, of the variation in physical inactivity. Physical inactivity rate showed a strong spatial dependence—influenced not only by its own in-county ANROA, but also by that of its neighbors ANROA. Furthermore, community groups at the same income level and with the highest ANROA, always had the lowest physical inactivity rate. This finding may help to guide future land use planning and community development that will benefit human health and well-being.
Chemokine-Like Receptor 1 mRNA Weakly Correlates with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Score in Male but Not Female Individuals
Authors: Neumann Maximilian , Meier Elisabeth , Rein-Fischboeck Lisa , Krautbauer Sabrina , Eisinger Kristina , Aslanidis Charalampos , Pohl Rebekka , Weiss Thomas , Buechler Christa
Published: August 2016

The chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) ligands resolvin E1 and chemerin are known to modulate inflammatory response. The progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with inflammation. Here it was analyzed whether hepatic CMKLR1 expression is related to histological features of NASH. Therefore, CMKLR1 mRNA was quantified in liver tissue of 33 patients without NAFLD, 47 patients with borderline NASH and 38 patients with NASH. Hepatic CMKLR1 mRNA was not associated with gender and body mass index (BMI) in the controls and the whole study group. CMKLR1 expression was similar in controls and in patients with borderline NASH and NASH. In male patients weak positive correlations with inflammation, fibrosis and NASH score were identified. In females CMKLR1 was not associated with features of NAFLD. Liver CMKLR1 mRNA tended to be higher in type 2 diabetes patients of both genders and in hypercholesterolemic women. In summary, this study shows that hepatic CMKLR1 mRNA is weakly associated with features of NASH in male patients only.
Potential of Pseudoshikonin I Isolated from Lithospermi Radix as Inhibitors of MMPs in IL-1β-Induced SW1353 Cells
Authors: Lee Dae , Choi Soo-Im , Han Se , Lee Ye-Joo , Choi Jong-Gil , Lee Young-Seob , Choi Je , Lee Seung-Eun , Kim Geum-Soog
Published: August 2016

Pseudoshikonin I, the new bioactive constituent of Lithospermi radix, was isolated from this methanol extract by employing reverse-phase medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) using acetonitrile/water solvent system as eluents. The chemical structure was determined based on spectroscopic techniques, including 1D NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT), 2D NMR (gCOSY, gHMBC, gHMQC), and QTOF/MS data. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of pseudoshikonin I on matrix-metalloproteinase (MMPs) activation and expression in interleukin (IL)-1β-induced SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells. MMPs are considered important for the maintenance of the extracellular matrix. Following treatment with PS, active MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, -13 and TIMP-2 were quantified in the SW1353 cell culture supernatants using a commercially available ELISA kit. The mRNA expression of MMPs in SW1353 cells was measured by RT-PCR. Pseudoshikonin I treatment effectively protected the activation on all tested MMPs in a dose-dependent manner. TIMP-2 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated by pseudoshikonin I treatment. Overall, we elucidated the inhibitory effect of pseudoshikonin on MMPs, and we suggest its use as a potential novel anti-osteoarthritis agent.
Oxygen Saturation Reference Value by Percutaneous Pulse Oximetry in Asymptomatic Newborn Babies in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ezeanosike Obumneme , Oguonu Tagbo , Ibeziako Ngozi , Ibe Bede
Published: August 2016

About 1/4 of all neonatal deaths in Nigeria are caused by birth asphyxia. Normal values of oxygen saturation vary according to regional altitudes. They are important for the screening of cyanotic congenital heart diseases and during newborn resuscitation. There is a dearth of such information in Nigeria. We determined reference values for oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) in asymptomatic newborns aged ≤7 days in Enugu at an altitude of 180 m. The study was cross-sectional. Neonates weighing ≥1500 g at birth were enrolled consecutively. Pre-and post-ductal oxygen saturation was measured using a Datex-Ohmeda Tuffsat® pulse oximeter with neonatal probes. Five hundred and fourteen babies comprising of 24 (4.4%) preterm and 490 (95.3%) term neonates were studied. The mean pre-ductal SpO2 of all babies was 96.1% ± 1.4% and higher than mean post-ductal SpO2 of 95.9% ± 1.4% (p = 0.022). The mean pre-ductal SpO2 were 96.1% ± 1.5% and 96.1% ± 1.3%, (p = 1.000) for males and females, respectively. The mean pre-ductal SpO2 values were higher than the mean post-ductal SpO2 for the corresponding post-natal ages.
The International Journal of Turbomachinery Propulsion and Power: The Open Access Dissemination Tool for Research on Turbomachinery
Authors: Manna Marcello
Published: August 2016

It is a true privilege for me to welcome the launch issue of the International Journal of Turbomachinery Propulsion and Power, a new open access journal focussing on science and technology development of turbomachinery in the related relevant ﬁelds of turbomachinery based propulsion and power systems.
Performance Assessment of NAMI DANCE in Tsunami Evolution and Currents Using a Benchmark Problem
Authors: Velioglu Deniz , Kian Rozita , Yalciner Ahmet , Zaytsev Andrey
Published: August 2016

Numerical modeling of tsunami evolution, propagation, and inundation is complicated due to numerous parameters involved in the phenomenon. It is important to assess the performance of numerical codes that solve tsunami motion, as well as flow and velocity patterns. NAMI DANCE is a computational tool developed for the modeling of long waves. It provides numerical modeling and efficient visualization of tsunami generation, propagation, and inundation mechanisms and computes the tsunami parameters. In the theory of long waves, the vertical motion of water particles has no effect on the pressure distribution. Based upon this approximation and neglecting vertical acceleration, the equations of mass conservation and momentum are reduced to two-dimensional depth-averaged equations. NAMI DANCE uses finite difference computational method to solve linear and nonlinear forms of depth-averaged shallow water equations in long wave problems. In this study, NAMI DANCE is applied to a benchmark problem which was discussed in the 2015 National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) annual meeting in Portland, USA. The benchmark problem features a series of experiments in which a single solitary wave propagates up a triangular shaped shelf which has an offshore island feature. The problem provides detailed free surface elevation and velocity time series in the vicinity of the island. The comparison of the results showed that NAMI DANCE is able to satisfactorily predict long wave evolution, propagation, amplification, and tsunami currents.
Urban Agriculture Oriented towards Self-Supply, Social and Commercial Purpose: A Typology
Authors: Krikser Thomas , Piorr Annette , Berges Regine , Opitz Ina
Published: August 2016

Urban agriculture, a dynamic multifunctional phenomenon, affects the spatial diversification of urban land use, its valorization and its governance. Literature acknowledges its contribution to the development of sustainable cities. The dimension and extent of this contribution depends significantly on the particular form and function of urban agriculture. However, the complexity of interests and dimensions is insufficiently covered by theory. This paper proposes a typology for urban agriculture, supporting both theory building and practical decision processes. We reviewed and mapped the diversity of the types of agriculture found along three beneficial dimensions (self-supply, socio-cultural, commercial) for product distribution scale and actors. We distinguish between ideal types, subtypes and mixed types. Our intention is to include a dynamic perspective in the typology of urban agricultural land use because transition processes between types are observable due to the existence of complex motivations and influences. In a pilot study of 52 urban agriculture initiatives in Germany, we tested the validity of the typology and discussed it with stakeholders, proving novelty and relevance for profiling discussions.
Pressure as a Limiting Factor for Life
Authors: Hazael Rachael , Meersman Filip , Ono Fumihisa , McMillan Paul
Published: August 2016

Facts concerning the stability and functioning of key biomolecular components suggest that cellular life should no longer be viable above a few thousand atmospheres (200–300 MPa). However, organisms are seen to survive in the laboratory to much higher pressures, extending into the GPa or even tens of GPa ranges. This is causing main questions to be posed concerning the survival mechanisms of simple to complex organisms. Understanding the ultimate pressure survival of organisms is critical for food sterilization and agricultural products conservation technologies. On Earth the deep biosphere is limited in its extent by geothermal gradients but if life forms exist in cooler habitats elsewhere then survival to greater depths must be considered. The extent of pressure resistance and survival appears to vary greatly with the timescale of the exposure. For example, shock experiments on nanosecond timescales reveal greatly enhanced survival rates extending to higher pressure. Some organisms could survive bolide impacts thus allowing successful transport between planetary bodies. We summarize some of the main questions raised by recent results and their implications for the survival of life under extreme compression conditions and its possible extent in the laboratory and throughout the universe.
σ-Bond Electron Delocalization in Oligosilanes as Function of Substitution Pattern, Chain Length, and Spatial Orientation
Authors: Hlina Johann , Stella Filippo , Aghazadeh Meshgi Mohammad , Marschner Christoph , Baumgartner Judith
Published: August 2016

Polysilanes are known to exhibit the interesting property of σ-bond electron delocalization. By employing optical spectroscopy (UV-vis), it is possible to judge the degree of delocalization and also differentiate parts of the molecules which are conjugated or not. The current study compares oligosilanes of similar chain length but different substitution pattern. The size of the substituents determines the spatial orientation of the main chain and also controls the conformational flexibility. The chemical nature of the substituents affects the orbital energies of the molecules and thus the positions of the absorption bands.
Assessment of Intakes and Patterns of Cooked Oatmeal Consumption in the U.S. Using Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
Authors: Musa-Veloso Kathy , Fallah Shafagh , O’Shea Marianne , Chu YiFang
Published: August 2016

The objective of the present study was to characterize the consumption of cooked oatmeal in the United States (U.S.) and to determine whether oatmeal consumption is associated with body mass index (BMI). To estimate current intakes of cooked oatmeal in the various age and gender population groups, we used dietary intake data from Day 1 of the U.S. 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). We also used dietary intake data from Day 1 of the U.S. 2003–2012 NHANES to assess associations between intakes of cooked oatmeal (in g/kg body weight) and NHANES cycle (2003–2004, 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012), age category (3–11 years, 12–18 years, 19–44 years, 45 years+), gender, and BMI classification (underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese), using a multiple linear regression model. A consumer of oatmeal was defined as any individual who reported the consumption of any amount of oatmeal on Day 1 of the survey. Approximately 6% of the total population consumed oatmeal, with an average intake of 238 g/day of cooked oatmeal among consumers. The greatest prevalence of oatmeal consumption was in infants (14.3%) and older female adults (11.1%). Amongst oatmeal consumers, underweight, normal weight, and overweight individuals consumed significantly more oatmeal than obese individuals. Oatmeal was consumed almost exclusively at breakfast and, among consumers, contributed an average of 54.3% of the energy consumed at breakfast across all age groups examined. The association between oatmeal consumption and BMI is interesting and requires confirmation in future clinical studies.
Stimuli-Directed Helical Chirality Inversion and Bio-Applications
Authors: Lv Ziyu , Chen Zhonghui , Shao Kenan , Qing Guangyan , Sun Taolei
Published: August 2016

Helical structure is a sophisticated ubiquitous motif found in nature, in artificial polymers, and in supramolecular assemblies from microscopic to macroscopic points of view. Significant progress has been made in the synthesis and structural elucidation of helical polymers, nevertheless, a new direction for helical polymeric materials, is how to design smart systems with controllable helical chirality, and further use them to develop chiral functional materials and promote their applications in biology, biochemistry, medicine, and nanotechnology fields. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of high-performance systems with tunable helical chirality on receiving external stimuli and discusses advances in their applications as drug delivery vesicles, sensors, molecular switches, and liquid crystals. Challenges and opportunities in this emerging area are also presented in the conclusion.