bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of artificial seed and preservation in Mimosa pudica L., an important medicinal plant in Bangladesh
Authors: Banu LA , Rashid M Harun Or , Miah MA Bari
Published: October 2016

Context: Mimosa pudica L. is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family- Mimosaceae has becoming a rare species in Bangladesh. The application of artificial seed technology using encapsulated shoot tips and nodal segments may contribute to the protection of rare and threatened medicinal plant like Mimosa pudica L.Objective: Synthetic seed technology has been developed for Mimosa pudica L. in order to develop an alternative protocol on propagation and conservation.Materials and Methods: For this purpose shoot tip and nodal segments obtained from in vitro grown plants were encapsulated with sodium alginate solution followed by subsequent immersion in CaCl2 solution. Different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators were used and explants were treated in alginate bead to investigate the hormonal effect on artificial seed germination. These encapsulated seeds were cultured either on MS medium with hormone (same growth regulators containing alginate beads) or MS0 (without hormone).Results: Highest shoot regeneration frequency (100%) were recorded when alginate beads were infused by MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP + 0.2 mg/l NAA and cultured in MS medium containing same growth regulators. When synthetic seed containing 2.0 mg/l BAP+0.2 mg/l NAA and cultured on MS0 medium, 54% explants produced multifarious root with shoot in both cases. Under different storage period encapsulated seed retained germination capacity even after preserving for 60 days at 4°C.Conclusion: For artificial seed production a suitable protocol established under this study for Mimosa pudica L. that provides an alternative method for micropropagation and its conservation. For long term storage of Mimosa pudica in Bangladesh this protocol would provide promising avenues for the easy transference of propagules and its improvement.J. bio-sci. 22: 89-99, 2014
Effects of fungicides and plant extracts on seed germination and seed associated mycoflora of Lens arietinum L. and Lathyrus sativus
Authors: Mahal Mst Ferdowsi
Published: October 2016

Contexts: seed treatment reduced seed mycoflora. Evidences revealed that chemical fungicides and plant extracts were effectively controlled seed mycoflora and enhanced seed germination of pulse crops.Objectives: To determine the effects of chemical fungicides and plant extracts on seed germination and seed associated mycoflora on Lens arietinum L. (lentil) and Lathyrus sativus (khesari).Materials and Methods: All the samples were collected Rajshahi region during June - August 2012. The detection of seed mycoflora, seed germination and seed treatment with fungicides and plant extracts were carried out by using the blotter test (ISTA-1966).Results: Seed germination percentage was significantly (p?0.05) increased with both the treatments. Captan (1.2%) was more effective in comparison with Dithane M-45 (1.4%) and seed germination (%) was gradually increased with increase of the doses of fungicides. Seed associated mycoflora also significantly (p?0.05) varied with the treatments. Aspergillus flavus was the most dominant fungi in lentil and Fusarium oxysporum was in khesari for both the treatments and control. No fungi were recorded at 1.2 and1.4% doses of Captan and Dithane M-45 treated seeds of both pulses. Plant extracts increased germination percentage over control and showed different levels of antifungal activity against seed associated mycoflora (SAM) of both pulse seeds. Among the extracts, Allium sativum showed promising result in controlling of SAM of lentil and khesari. Besides this, A. flavus was remarkably eliminated with the all types of used extracts.Conclusion: From this study it had been clearly found that seed treatment with chemical fungicides and plant extracts were controlled seed mycoflora of lentil and khesari and increased seed germination.J. bio-sci. 22: 101-110, 2014
Genetic approaches of increasing nutrient use efficiency especially nitrogen in cereal crops  A review
Authors: Kabir G
Published: October 2016

Nutrient use efficiency determines precisely a certain amount of plant yield in terms of grains or biomass per unit of applied nutrients. Crop plants contain many more elements but for their growth and development basically they require almost sixteen mineral nutrients, among which N, P, K are used in large amount and N covers manifold function for contribution of the yield attributes. In deficiency of any micro- or macro-nutrient and due to few environmental factors plant growth along with its yield are affected adversely. In addition to physiological and breeding strategies genetic progress and implications have characterized this area to some extent. As nutrient efficiency is expressed in several ways, this phenomenon is taken in a wrong sense among the concerned persons and thus, there should be a balance between optimum nutrient use efficiency and optimum crop productivity based on the selected phenotypic characters of crop plants. Nutrient use efficiency is said to be a complex trait. Even its different stages of action are also considered complicated in nature. In such case a single gene can provide huge benefit. This is why modern genetic tools and resources available to the scientists have provided a great possibility for increasing nutrient use efficiency in crop plants. Molecular biology offers possibility for improving the desired characters by introduction of the specific gene(s). Augmentation of nutrient content of crop plants is being caused through genetic engineering. This article makes review and discussion on the genetic approaches in terms of exploited genetic engineering and biotechnological tools for increasing the specific nutrients especially nitrogen in cereal crops.J. bio-sci. 22: 111-125, 2014
Comparison between a Water-Based and a Solvent-Based Impregnation Method towards Dispersed CuO/SBA-15 Catalysts: Texture, Structure and Catalytic Performance in Automotive Exhaust Gas Abatement
Authors: Xin Qi , Glisenti Antonella , Philippopoulos Constantine , Poulakis Evangelos , Mertens Myrjam , Nyalosaso Jeff , Meynen Vera , Cool Pegie
Published: October 2016

Supported copper oxide nanoparticles are a potential candidate for replacing the rare and expensive precious metals within the automotive three-way catalyst. However, a well-designed dispersion method is necessary to allow a stable high loading of active material, compensating its lower intrinsic activity and stability. In this work, a CuO-loaded SBA-15 catalyst has been manufactured by two methods. The ammonia-driven deposition precipitation (ADP) and the molecular designed dispersion (MDD) methods are both considered as efficient deposition methods to provide well-dispersed copper oxide-based catalysts. Their morphology, copper dispersion and the chemical state of copper were characterized and compared. Due to the differences in the synthesis approach, a difference in the obtained copper oxide phases has been observed, leading to a distinct behavior in the catalytic performance. The structure-activity correlation of both catalysts has also been revealed for automotive exhaust gas abatement. Results demonstrate that various copper species can be formed depending on the precursor–support interaction, affecting selectivity and conversion during the catalytic reaction.
Exploring the Limits of Cell Adhesion under Shear Stress within Physiological Conditions and beyond on a Chip
Authors: Stamp Melanie , Jötten Anna , Kudella Patrick , Breyer Dominik , Strobl Florian , Geislinger Thomas , Wixforth Achim , Westerhausen Christoph
Published: October 2016

Cell adhesion processes are of ubiquitous importance for biomedical applications such as optimization of implant materials. Here, not only physiological conditions such as temperature or pH, but also topographical structures play crucial roles, as inflammatory reactions after surgery can diminish osseointegration. In this study, we systematically investigate cell adhesion under static, dynamic and physiologically relevant conditions employing a lab-on-a-chip system. We screen adhesion of the bone osteosarcoma cell line SaOs-2 on a titanium implant material for pH and temperature values in the physiological range and beyond, to explore the limits of cell adhesion, e.g., for feverish and acidic conditions. A detailed study of different surface roughness Rq gives insight into the correlation between the cells’ abilities to adhere and withstand shear flow and the topography of the substrates, finding a local optimum at Rq = 22 nm. We use shear stress induced by acoustic streaming to determine a measure for the ability of cell adhesion under an external force for various conditions. We find an optimum of cell adhesion for T = 37 °C and pH = 7.4 with decreasing cell adhesion outside the physiological range, especially for high T and low pH. We find constant detachment rates in the physiological regime, but this behavior tends to collapse at the limits of 41 °C and pH 4.
A Phase Current Reconstruction Approach for Three-Phase Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive
Authors: Yan Hao , Xu Yongxiang , Zou Jibin
Published: October 2016

Three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) are widely used in renewable energy applications such as wind power generation, tidal energy and electric vehicles owing to their merits such as high efficiency, high precision and high reliability. To reduce the cost and volume of the drive system, techniques of reconstructing three-phase current using a single current sensor have been reported for three-phase alternating current (AC) control system using the power converts. In existing studies, the reconstruction precision is largely influenced by reconstructing dead zones on the Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) plane, which requires other algorithms to compensate either by modifying PWM modulation or by phase-shifting of the PWM signal. In this paper, a novel extended phase current reconstruction approach for PMSM drive is proposed. Six novel installation positions are obtained by analyzing the sampling results of the current paths between each two power switches. By arranging the single current sensor at these positions, the single current sensor is sampled during zero voltage vectors (ZVV) without modifying the PWM signals. This proposed method can reconstruct the three-phase currents without any complex algorithms and is available in the sector boundary region and low modulation region. Finally, this method is validated by experiments.
Can Retention Harvest Maintain Natural Structural Complexity? A Comparison of Post-Harvest and Post-Fire Residual Patches in Boreal Forest
Authors: Moussaoui Louiza , Fenton Nicole , Leduc Alain , Bergeron Yves
Published: October 2016

Variable retention harvest promotes biodiversity conservation in managed boreal forests by ensuring forest continuity and structural complexity. However, do post-harvest and post-fire patches maintain the same structural complexity? This study compares post-harvest and post-fire residual patches and proposes retention modalities that can maintain the same structural complexity as in natural forests, here considering both continuous forest stands and post-fire residual patches. In boreal black spruce forests, 41 post-fire residual patches, and 45 post-harvest retention patches of varying size and ages (exposure time to disturbed matrix) and 37 continuous forest stands were classified into six diameter structure types. Types 1 (inverted-J) and 2 (trunked-unimodal) characterized stands dominated by small trees. The abundance of small trees decreased and the abundance of large trees increased from Type 1 to Type 6. Type 6 had the most irregular structure with a wide range of diameters. This study indicates that: (1) old post-harvest residual retentions maintained the range of structural complexity found in natural stands; (2) Types 1 and 2 were generally associated with young post-fire patches and post-harvest retention clumps; (3) the structure of residual patches containing only small trees was usually younger (in terms of the age of the original forest from which residual patches were formed) than those with larger trees. To avoid the risk of simplifying the structure, retention patches should be intentionally oriented towards Types 3–6, dominated by intermediate and large trees.
Yeast Nanobiotechnology
Authors: Willaert Ronnie , Kasas Sandor , Devreese Bart , Dietler Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Yeast nanobiotechnology is a recent field where nanotechniques are used to manipulate and analyse yeast cells and cell constituents at the nanoscale. The aim of this review is to give an overview and discuss nanobiotechnological analysis and manipulation techniques that have been particularly applied to yeast cells. These techniques have mostly been applied to the model yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccaromyces pombe, and the pathogenic model yeast Candida albicans. Nanoscale imaging techniques, such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including electron tomography) are reviewed and discussed. Other nano-analysis methods include single-molecule and single-cell force spectroscopy and the AFM-cantilever-based nanomotion analysis of living cells. Next, an overview is given on nano/microtechniques to pattern and manipulate yeast cells. Finally, direct contact cell manipulation methods, such as AFM-based single cell manipulation and micropipette manipulation of yeast cells, as well as non-contact cell manipulation techniques, such as optical, electrical, and magnetic cells manipulation methods are reviewed.
Associated Clinical Disorders Diagnosed by Medical Specialists in 188 FMR1 Premutation Carriers Found in the Last 25 Years in the Spanish Basque Country: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Merino Sonia , Ibarluzea Nekane , Maortua Hiart , Prieto Begoña , Rouco Idoia , López-Aríztegui Maria-Asunción , Tejada Maria-Isabel
Published: October 2016

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) are definitely related to the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation (PM). Additional medical problems have also been associated with the PM, such as fibromyalgia, endocrine, and psychiatric disorders. To improve our understanding in the field, we reviewed all PM carriers and their reasons for any medical referrals from 104 fragile X families molecularly diagnosed in our laboratory and living in the Spanish Basque Country. After signing the written informed consent, we studied their electronic medical records in order to identify the disorders associated with the PM and their frequencies. We obtained clinical data in 188 PM carriers (147 women and 41 men). In women, the frequency of FXPOI (22.61%) was similar to that previously reported in PM carriers. In men, the frequency of definite FXTAS (28.57%) was lower than reported elsewhere. Furthermore, thyroid pathology was associated with the PM, the frequency of hypothyroidism being much higher in the studied region than in the general population (8.84% vs. 0.93%). Finally, we found no association with fibromyalgia or psychiatric problems. These findings represent another population contribution in this field and may be useful for the clinical management of PM carriers.
Dementia: Sustaining Self in the Face of Cognitive Decline
Authors: Hampson Caroline , Morris Karen
Published: October 2016

It is argued that the way in which we view a person with dementia can have a significant effect on the level of disability and wellbeing of the person. There is a divergence between a belief that the self disintegrates, leaving a non-person, and a belief that the self remains but is misplaced and can be maintained with the appropriate approach from others. This article seeks to examine the differing approaches to self and personhood in dementia care, and establish ways of approaching care for the person with dementia which may limit the extent of disability in the face of cognitive decline.
Towards Stratified Medicine in Plasma Cell Myeloma
Authors: Egan Philip , Drain Stephen , Conway Caroline , Bjourson Anthony , Alexander H.
Published: October 2016

Plasma cell myeloma is a clinically heterogeneous malignancy accounting for approximately one to 2% of newly diagnosed cases of cancer worldwide. Treatment options, in addition to long-established cytotoxic drugs, include autologous stem cell transplant, immune modulators, proteasome inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, plus further targeted therapies currently in clinical trials. Whilst treatment decisions are mostly based on a patient’s age, fitness, including the presence of co-morbidities, and tumour burden, significant scope exists for better risk stratification, sub-classification of disease, and predictors of response to specific therapies. Clinical staging, recurring acquired cytogenetic aberrations, and serum biomarkers such as β-2 microglobulin, and free light chains are in widespread use but often fail to predict the disease progression or inform treatment decision making. Recent scientific advances have provided considerable insight into the biology of myeloma. For example, gene expression profiling is already making a contribution to enhanced understanding of the biology of the disease whilst Next Generation Sequencing has revealed great genomic complexity and heterogeneity. Pathways involved in the oncogenesis, proliferation of the tumour and its resistance to apoptosis are being unravelled. Furthermore, knowledge of the tumour cell surface and its interactions with bystander cells and the bone marrow stroma enhance this understanding and provide novel targets for cell and antibody-based therapies. This review will discuss the development in understanding of the biology of the tumour cell and its environment in the bone marrow, the implementation of new therapeutic options contributing to significantly improved outcomes, and the progression towards more personalised medicine in this disorder.
Screening the Toxicity of Selected Personal Care Products Using Embryo Bioassays: 4-MBC, Propylparaben and Triclocarban
Authors: Torres Tiago , Cunha Isabel , Martins Rosário , Santos Miguel
Published: October 2016

Recently, several emerging pollutants, including Personal Care Products (PCPs), have been detected in aquatic ecosystems, in the ng/L or µg/L range. Available toxicological data is limited, and, for certain PCPs, evidence indicates a potential risk for the environment. Hence, there is an urgent need to gather ecotoxicological data on PCPs as a proxy to improve risk assessment. Here, the toxicity of three different PCPs (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC), propylparaben and triclocarban) was tested using embryo bioassays with Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Paracentrotus lividus (sea urchin). The No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) for triclocarban was 0.256 µg/L for sea urchin and 100 µg/L for zebrafish, whereas NOEC for 4-MBC was 0.32 µg/L for sea urchin and 50 µg/L for zebrafish. Both PCPs impacted embryo development at environmentally relevant concentrations. In comparison with triclocarban and 4-MBC, propylparaben was less toxic for both sea urchin (NOEC = 160 µg/L) and zebrafish (NOEC = 1000 µg/L). Overall, this study further demonstrates the sensitivity of embryo bioassays as a high-throughput approach for testing the toxicity of emerging pollutants.
Gold Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric and Electrochemical Methods for Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Activity Assay and Inhibitor Screening
Authors: Xia Ning , Wang Xin , Wang Xiaojin , Zhou Binbin
Published: October 2016

We presented the colorimetric and electrochemical methods for determination of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) activity and screening of its inhibitor using gold nanoparticle (AuNP) as the probe. In the colorimetric assay, the substrate peptide with a sequence of Arg-Pro-Arg induced the aggregation and color change of AuNPs, whereas cleavage of the peptide by DPP-IV prevented the aggregation of AuNPs. Furthermore, the aggregation of AuNPs in the solution was easily initiated on a solid/liquid (electrode/electrolyte) surface, which induced a decrease in the electron-transfer resistance. However, once the peptide was clipped by DPP-IV, the assembly of AuNPs on electrode surface was prevented. Consequently, a higher electron-transfer resistance was observed. The colorimetric and electrochemical assays allowed for the determination of DPP-IV with the detection limits of 70 μU/mL and 0.55 μU/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed methods were used to determine DPP-IV inhibitor with satisfactory results. Both the colorimetric and electrochemical methods are simple, rapid and sufficiently sensitive for DPP-IV activity assay and inhibitor screening. The results also demonstrated that the AuNP-based colorimetric assay could be converted into an enhanced surface tethered electrochemical assay with improving sensitivity. The simple detection principle may be extended to the design of other peptidases biosensors with easy manipulation procedures.
Computational Modeling and Analysis of Microarray Data: New Horizons
Authors: Ruskin Heather
Published: October 2016

High-throughput microarray technologies have long been a source of data for a wide range of biomedical investigations. Over the decades, variants have been developed and sophistication of measurements has improved, with generated data providing both valuable insight and considerable analytical challenge. The cost-effectiveness of microarrays, as well as their fundamental applicability, made them a first choice for much early genomic research and efforts to improve accessibility, quality and interpretation have continued unabated. In recent years, however, the emergence of new generations of sequencing methods and, importantly, reduction of costs, has seen a preferred shift in much genomic research to the use of sequence data, both less ‘noisy’ and, arguably, with species information more directly targeted and easily interpreted. Nevertheless, new microarray data are still being generated and, together with their considerable legacy, can offer a complementary perspective on biological systems and disease pathogenesis. The challenge now is to exploit novel methods for enhancing and combining these data with those generated by alternative high-throughput techniques, such as sequencing, to provide added value. Augmentation and integration of microarray data and the new horizons this opens up, provide the theme for the papers in this Special Issue.
FRP-Confined Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete: Experimental Investigation and Model Comparison
Authors: Zhou Yingwu , Hu Jingjing , Li Mali , Sui Lili , Xing Feng
Published: October 2016

The in situ application of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is of great significance in environmental protection and construction resources sustainability. However, it has been limited to nonstructural purposes due to its poor mechanical performance. External confinement using steel tubes and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) can significantly improve the mechanical performance of RAC and thus the first-ever study on the axial compressive behavior of glass FRP (GFRP)-confined RAC was recently reported. To have a full understanding of FRP-confined RAC, this paper has extended the type of FRP and presents a systematic experimental study on the axial compressive performance of carbon FRP (CFRP)-confined RAC. The mechanical properties of CFRP-confined RAC from the perspective of the failure mode, ultimate strength and strain, and stress–strain relationship responses were analyzed. Integrated with existing experimental data of FRP-confined RAC, the paper compiles a database for the mechanical properties of FRP-confined RAC. Based on the database, the effects of FRP type (i.e., GFRP and CFRP) and the replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate were investigated. The results indicated that the stress–stain behavior of FRP-confined RAC depended heavily on the unconfined concrete strength and the FRP confining pressure instead of the replacement ratio. Therefore, this study adopted eleven high-performance ultimate strength and strain models developed for FRP-confined normal aggregate concrete (NAC) to predict the mechanical properties of FRP-confined RAC. All the predictions had good agreement with the test results, which further confirmed similar roles played by FRP confinement in improving the mechanical properties of RAC and improving those of NAC. On this basis, this paper finally recommended a stress–strain relationship model for FRP-confined RAC.
Effect of Saponification Condition on the Morphology and Diameter of the Electrospun Poly(vinyl acetate) Nanofibers for the Fabrication of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofiber Mats
Authors: Yang Seong , Kim Jong , Yeum Jeong
Published: October 2016

Novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber mats were prepared for the first time through heterogeneous saponification of electrospun poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) nanofibers. The effect of varying the saponification conditions, including temperature, time, and concentration of the alkaline solution, on the morphology of the saponified PVA fibers were evaluated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. At 25 °C, the saponified PVA fibers exhibited a broad diameter distribution. The average fiber diameter, however, was found to decrease with increasing saponification temperature. When the saponification time was increased from 6 to 30 h, the average fiber diameter decreased gradually from 1540 to 1060 nm. In addition, the fiber diameter and morphology were also affected by the concentration of the alkaline saponification solution. The most optimal conditions for fabrication of thin, uniform, and smooth PVA nanofibers corresponded to an alkaline solution containing 10 g each of NaOH, Na2SO4, and methanol per 100 g of water, a temperature of 25 °C, and a saponification time of 24 h.
Underwater Sensor Network Redeployment Algorithm Based on Wolf Search
Authors: Jiang Peng , Feng Yang , Wu Feng
Published: October 2016

This study addresses the optimization of node redeployment coverage in underwater wireless sensor networks. Given that nodes could easily become invalid under a poor environment and the large scale of underwater wireless sensor networks, an underwater sensor network redeployment algorithm was developed based on wolf search. This study is to apply the wolf search algorithm combined with crowded degree control in the deployment of underwater wireless sensor networks. The proposed algorithm uses nodes to ensure coverage of the events, and it avoids the prematurity of the nodes. The algorithm has good coverage effects. In addition, considering that obstacles exist in the underwater environment, nodes are prevented from being invalid by imitating the mechanism of avoiding predators. Thus, the energy consumption of the network is reduced. Comparative analysis shows that the algorithm is simple and effective in wireless sensor network deployment. Compared with the optimized artificial fish swarm algorithm, the proposed algorithm exhibits advantages in network coverage, energy conservation, and obstacle avoidance.
Netflix and Engage? Implications for Streaming Television on Political Participation during the 2016 US Presidential Campaign
Authors: Groshek Jacob , Krongard Sarah
Published: October 2016

A large body of existing research has consistently demonstrated that the use of social networking sites (SNS) by citizens in elections is positively related to different forms of both offline and online participation. The opposite argument, however, is often advanced with regard to increased viewing broadcast or cable television, particularly entertainment programming. This study proceeds from this broad vantage point by examining survey-based indicators of active SNS use and conventional television viewing in the 2016 presidential primaries, as well as the frequency of streaming television viewing during the early stages of this campaign. Data for this study was drawn from a representative nationwide online panel, and findings observed here suggest that more personalized communication through the ongoing morphology of social networking sites and streaming both political and apolitical television content are significant factors in positively shaping both online and offline participation. Comparisons with other media including conventional television viewing are introduced, and theoretical implications from a media system dependency framework are discussed.
Conservation Measures and Loss of Ecosystem Services: A Study Concerning the Sardinian Natura 2000 Network
Authors: Leone Federica , Zoppi Corrado
Published: October 2016

The seeming dichotomy between the protection of biodiversity and the supply of ecosystem services (ESs) represents an outstanding field of research that requires a structured and detailed analysis. The paper analyzes and discusses the role of ESs within spatial planning and strategic environmental assessment (SEA) procedures through the content analysis methodology and a logical framework (LF) implemented into the SEA of municipal masterplans (MMPs). We discuss the role of ESs as factors that improve the effectiveness of SEA-based processes related to management plans (MPs) of sites that belong to the Sardinian Natura 2000 Network with reference to their positive impacts on environmental quality. The empirical outcomes put in evidence the inconsistencies between MMPs and MPs in terms of sustainability-oriented objectives and potential losses of the ESs productive output due to measures adopted by the MPs in order to protect habitats and species. The scant attention paid to ESs in the operational context of MMPs, MPs and SEA reports, particularly as regards their regulative framework, entails that the issue of the protection of ESs has to be carefully taken into account within the process of the definition and establishment of MPs through an SEA report that integrates the MPs and MMPs LFs.
Differential Expression of MicroRNAs in Hepatitis C Virus-Mediated Liver Disease Between African Americans and Caucasians: Implications for Racial Health Disparities
Authors: Devhare Pradip B. , Steele Robert , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Kaplan David E. , Ray Ratna B.
Published: October 2016

African Americans (AAs) have higher hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality rates than Caucasian Americans (CAs). Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to cirrhosis and HCC. HCV infection is highly prevalent in the AA population compared to other racial groups. AAs are also
less likely to naturally clear HCV, potentially contributing to higher prevalence of HCV. However, the explanation for this disparity is currently unknown. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood are emerging as biomarkers for pathological conditions. Expression analysis of miRNAs in major
racial groups would be important for optimizing personalized treatment strategies. Here we assessed the differential expression of circulatory miRNAs from HCV-infected AA and CA patients. We identified increased expression of miR-146a, miR-150, and miR-155 in HCV-infected AA patient sera compared
to that of CA. Further analysis demonstrated that these miRNAs were significantly elevated in AA patients diagnosed with HCV-mediated HCC. Higher expression of miR-150 was also noted in cirrhosis and HCC in AA patients, which may serve as a predictor of liver disease progression in this population.
The differential expression of miRNAs suggests that these miRNAs and their target genes could be useful to gain further mechanistic insight of racial disparity associated with HCV-mediated pathogenesis.
Mutations in two pollen self‐incompatibility factors in geographically marginal populations of Solanum habrochaites impact mating system transitions and reproductive isolation
Authors: Markova Dragomira N. , Petersen Jennifer J. , Qin Xiaoqiong , Short Daniel R. , Valle Matthew J. , Tovar‐Méndez Alejandro , McClure Bruce A. , Chetelat Roger T.
Published: October 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Self‐incompatibility (SI) is a mechanism that prevents inbreeding in many plant species. The mutational breakdown of SI occurs frequently, yet relatively little is known about the evolutionary steps involved in the progressive loss of pistil and pollen SI function.

METHODS:

In Solanaceae, SI is the S‐RNase‐based gametophytic type. We used SI and SC populations of the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites to study natural variation for two pollen SI factors: a Cullin1 (CUL1) protein and an S‐locus F‐box protein (SLF‐23). Pollen compatibility was assessed on an allotriploid tester line encoding an S‐RNase recognized by SLF‐23. Both pollen factors are required for compatibility on this tester line. Complementation tests and gene sequencing were used to identify mutations in CUL1 or SLF‐23.

KEY RESULTS:

We detected loss‐of‐function mutations in CUL1 and/or SLF‐23 in SC populations collected near the northern and southern geographic margins of this taxon's natural range. Nonmarginal SC and all SI accessions expressed mostly functional alleles of these pollen factors. Comparison of the CUL1 sequences identified several shared deletion mutations present in both northern and southern margin SC accessions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Loss‐of‐function mutations in CUL1 and SLF‐23 likely became fixed relatively late during SI to SC transitions, after loss of pistil SI function. Mutations in CUL1 establish unilateral incompatibility with SI populations and strengthen reproductive isolation. Point mutations common to northern and southern SC biotypes likely derive from shared ancestral variants found in more central SI populations.
HIGH-ENERGY NEUTRINOS FROM RECENT BLAZAR FLARES
Authors: Halzen Francis , Kheirandish Ali
Published: October 2016

The energy density of cosmic neutrinos measured by IceCube matches the one observed by Fermi in extragalactic photons that predominantly originate in blazars. This has inspired attempts to match Fermi sources with IceCube neutrinos. A spatial association combined with a coincidence in time with a flaring source may represent a smoking gun for the origin of the IceCube flux. In 2015 June, the Fermi Large Area Telescope observed an intense flare from blazar 3C 279 that exceeded the steady flux of the source by a factor of 40 for the duration of a day. We show that IceCube is likely to observe neutrinos, if indeed hadronic in origin, in data that are still blinded at this time. We also discuss other opportunities for coincident observations that include a recent flare from blazar 1ES 1959+650 that previously produced an intriguing coincidence with AMANDA observations.
TIDAL RESPONSE OF PRELIMINARY JUPITER MODEL
Authors: Wahl Sean M. , Hubbard William B. , Militzer Burkhard
Published: October 2016

In anticipation of improved observational data for Jupiter’s gravitational field, from the Juno spacecraft, we predict the static tidal response for a variety of Jupiter interior models based on ab initio computer simulations of hydrogen–helium mixtures. We calculate hydrostatic-equilibrium gravity terms, using the non-perturbative concentric Maclaurin Spheroid method that eliminates lengthy expansions used in the theory of figures. Our method captures terms arising from the coupled tidal and rotational perturbations, which we find to be important for a rapidly rotating planet like Jupiter. Our predicted static tidal Love number,

, is ∼10% larger than previous estimates. The value is, as expected, highly correlated with the zonal harmonic coefficient J
2, and is thus nearly constant when plausible changes are made to the interior structure while holding J
2 fixed at the observed value. We note that the predicted static k
2 might change, due to Jupiter’s dynamical response to the Galilean moons, and find reasons to argue that the change may be detectable—although we do not present here a theory of dynamical tides for highly oblate Jovian planets. An accurate model of Jupiter’s tidal response will be essential for interpreting Juno observations and identifying tidal signals from effects of other interior dynamics of Jupiter’s gravitational field.
Freud sur les rives du continent noir
Authors: Kamieniak Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2016

L’adolescence prolongée de l’homme Freud, passée à distance du beau sexe, loin de se réduire à un investissement studieux de la scolarité, se caractérise par un intense travail psychique qui, s’il vise à élaborer son investissement œdipien, se manifeste par l’objectivation d’une conception de la femme qui lui servira de modèle, présidant alors à son choix d’objet, et dont on retrouvera les traces dans les élaborations théoriques du jeune homme devenu savant, ainsi que cet article entend le montrer.
Shéhérazade et la féminité
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie , Ayouch Soraya
Published: October 2016

Cet article, par l’exemple de Shéhérazade, développe une réflexion sur une féminité séductrice qui déjoue la pulsion de cruauté. Si les femmes narcissiques exercent un pouvoir sur les hommes, à l’image des fauves et des grands criminels, on voit comment la position de Shéhérazade dans la relation au roi va déjouer la pulsion au crime, dans un renversement de la situation initiale. La conteuse va produire un mouvement de métaphorisation chez le roi qui écoute les contes dans leur sens symbolique.
Au-delà du phallique : le féminin
Authors: Schaeffer Jacqueline
Published: October 2016

La mère peut transmettre à sa fille la féminité, mais pas le féminin, révélé dans la relation sexuelle de jouissance. L’organisation phallique est un passage obligé, pour les deux sexes, car elle permet le dégagement de l’imago maternelle. Le masochisme érotique féminin permet d’en sortir. Le narcissisme de la femme, corporel, étant fondé sur le désir d’être désirée, son angoisse de castration porte davantage sur la perte de l’objet sexuel et d’amour. L’autre sexe, c’est toujours le sexe féminin.
Nature of Geographic Knowledge Bases
Authors: Laurini Robert
Published: October 2016

In many domains such as environmental and urban planning, experts need to make reasoning and propose solutions. However marketed GIS software products are limited to store, display geographic information together with additional tools such as in spatial analysis, but they do not offer users the real functionalities which are useful for territorial intelligence. This first step is to propose novel models to represent this kind of knowledge needing not only to integrate geographic aspects, but also be independent of data acquisition technologies (satellite images, laser, crowdsourcing, etc.) and able to be used in different languages. After the definitions of geographic ontologies (to organize geographic feature vocabulary) and gazetteers (to structure toponyms in various languages), various examples will be presented in order to extract geographic semantics. A special attention will be devoted to geographic rules.
Urban Development Modelling
Authors: Gharbi Asma , De Runz Cyril , Akdag Herman
Published: October 2016

Modelling and simulating cities evolution has been lately the focus of scientific studies, in the urban field, as it represents a mean for effectively managing and planning land-development. Consequently, the development of urban models has known a remarkable growth. This model boom was a key driver behind many studies aiming at providing comprehensive reviews of existing urban models through classifying them based on various characteristics. In this context, this chapter reviews the different classification studies, proposes a classification of a set of most popular models based on their modelling-task, strategy, and data, then assume and argue how these three elements can majorly affect the modelling-approach choice-making. Indeed, its overall goal is to deliver a sort of “white paper” aiming at assisting researchers in their seeking for the most adequate modelling-approach for their urban modelling-task specifications.
Geographic Information Systems and Its Applications in Marketing Literature
Authors: Yener Dursun
Published: October 2016

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are the systems that store location based data and analyze them. In this study, GIS is defined and its importance and functions are described. Usage of GIS in marketing area is explained in details and finally number of academic publications about GIS in general and in marketing literature for decades are analyzed through five different and some of the mostly used databases in social sciences, which are Ebsco, ProQuest, Sage, Springer and Science Direct. Since the importance and usage of GIS in marketing applications and literature increases, however its ratio in total GIS literature is not sufficient yet.
Re-Territorialising Governance and the State
Authors: Virkar Shefali
Published: October 2016

Attracted by the new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), political actors across the world have adopted computer-based systems for use in government as a means of reforming inefficiencies in public administration. This book chapter critically examines the convergent use of the new digital technologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) within the reform of government administration, through the in-depth examination of a central case study focused around a collaboration between the government of the Indian state of Karnataka and the non-profit eGovernments Foundation, from 2002 to 2006; a partnership which sought to reform existing methods of property taxation via the establishment of an online platform-system across the municipalities of 56 towns and cities within the state. The research analyses prevailing actor behaviour and interactions, their impact on the interplay of local contingencies and external influences shaping project implementation, and the disjunctions in these relationships which inhibit the effective exploitation of ICTs within the given context.
Towards the Integration of Trajectory Information Sources for Semantic Conflicts Detection Purpose
Authors: Manaa Marwa , Jalel Akaichi
Published: October 2016

The advance of remote sensors and positioning technologies is leading to the eruption of disparate mobility data. For a long while, location sensing devices became released. As a result, different structures of mobility data sources may reveal the details of instantaneous behaviors performed by mobile entities. Collected mobility information forms the need of behavior modeling to understanding behaviors from cognitive and analytics perspectives. Each designer may use a different formalism and representation by using either “conceptual modeling” or “ontology”. The phenomenon of adopting ontologies by organizations creates a new type of data called semantic data handled by semantic databases. The diversity of these formalisms highly increases the structural and semantic heterogeneities and consequently increases the complexity of integration tasks. In this chapter, authors propose a semantic and scalable approach that unifies formalisms and representations by the means of ontologies. This approach is supported by a case study.
Nutrients Pollution in Water Bodies
Authors: Val del Río Ángeles , Fernández Paula Carrera , Gómez José Luis Campos , Mosquera-Corral Anuska
Published: October 2016

The pollution of water bodies by an excess of nutrients (N and P) is a worldwide problem with effects on the human health, ecosystems status, climate change, etc. To face with this important issue different regulations were promulgated by the countries, sometimes based on the results from international conventions and programmes. In this chapter, a review of the laws and regulations that affect the discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus is addressed, focused in the case of Europe and the United States. Finally, a brief explanation about international initiatives was performed to understand the global framework concerning nutrients pollution.
Chemical and Biological Processes for Nutrients Removal and Recovery
Authors: Pedemonte Dafne Crutchik , Frison Nicola , Tayà Carlota , Ponsa Sergio , Fatone Francesco
Published: October 2016

This chapter gives an overview on the main technologies for nutrient removal from industrial wastewater by focusing on principles and operational parameters of real applications. A plethora of technologies can achieve the nutrients removal from wastewater depending mainly on their concentration and forms; however, biological nitrification and denitrification and chemical precipitation are the most common processes used today to remove nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. Stripping, adsorption and membrane based processes for nutrients recovery can be economically viable only when nitrogen concentration is higher than 1.5-2 gN/L. On the other hand, phosphorus recovery should always be pursued and struvite crystalization is the most common option that should be evaluated together with biological phosphorus accumulation in sludge or plants for the following post-processing and valorization.
Modelling and Control of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removing Systems
Authors: Valverde-Pérez Borja , Flores-Alsina Xavier , Vangsgaard Anna Katrine , Mauricio-Iglesias Miguel
Published: October 2016

A wide variety of technologies addressing nutrient removal in wastewater treatment have been developed in the latest years. In order to be able to design, manage, operate, optimise and benchmark these novel technologies with potentially existing standard technologies, detailed modelling of nutrient removal becomes essential. Nutrient removal is prominently considered, with different degrees of complexity, in the commonly used Activated Sludge Models (ASM). However, the description of nutrient-related compounds in these standard models is not sufficiently detailed for novel and not so novel technologies. Furthermore, the environmental evaluation of a process, which includes an estimation of the greenhouse gas release, would require a more complex process to represent nitrogen removal. This chapter reviews the current state of nutrient removal modelling, with special focus on the needs created by emerging technologies in nitrogen and phosphorus removal, paying special attention to the objectives that must be evaluated for each technology.
Occurrence of adenovirus infection and clinical impact in paediatric stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Bianco Gabriele , Costa Cristina , Piceghello Andrea , Sidoti Francesca , Giacchino Mareva , Cavallo Rossana
Published: October 2016

In this study, the occurrence and clinical impact of adenovirus (AdV) infection was investigated in paediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. A number of 603 specimens (including whole blood, respiratory and other samples) from 181 patients were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction; clinical outcome was investigated. Overall, 118/603 (19.6%) specimens from 21/181 (11.6%) patients resulted positive to AdV (including 17.3, 29.9, 17.6, and 15.8% of total number of whole blood, respiratory, urine and other specimens, respectively). On whole blood specimens, viral loads ranged from <600 (limit of detection) to >5×106 copies/mL, with a median value 2×104. Multiple specimens were positive in patients in which viral load on whole blood was high. Adenoviral positivity on whole blood was associated to poor prognosis, as death occurred in three of ten (30%) patients with persistent positivity on whole blood specimens, also despite the administration of an antiviral agent (cidofovir). Adenovirus infection can account for systemic and/or organ-specific signs/symptoms in approximately 10% of paediatric HSCT recipients. At moment, there is no indication for routine monitor of AdV in these patients, although AdV aetiology of infectious transplant complications should be taken in account.