bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Landscape Sensitivity Based on Fragmentation Caused by the Artificial Barriers in Hungary
Authors: Bata Teodóra , Mezősi Gábor
Published: April 2013

Artificial barriers significantly disturb the landscape unit. Roads split the contiguous landscape units, thus basically modi fying their ecological characters. The more artificial barriers are constructed in the landscape, the more fragmented it is. Theref ore, the contiguous landscape unit is divided into two or more patches, weakening resilience and stability of ecological systems. During decrease in patch size, the stability reduces until the patch size is at its minimum viable or effective population size. In current study analysing the degree of fragmentation caused by artificial barriers in meso-scale landscape units (meso-regions) we can get an overall picture about changes in their stability and sensitivity. The major aims of this study is to investigate the fragmentation of landscape units caused by three types of artificial barriers (roads, railways and settlements) in micro-regions, and to measure the degree of fragmentation and its spatial-temporal (1990, 2011 and future scenario to 2027) changes using mathemat ical/ statistical analysis and landscape metrics (Number of Patches, Division, Landscape Splitting Index and Effective Mesh Size). By calculating landscape fragmentation metrics, the micro-regions are identified, which must be protected with high priority in the future. In the planning processes, type and position of artificial barriers could be more properly determined by calculation of these landscape metrics.
A New Species of Mites of the Genus Geckobia (Prostigmata, Pterygosomatidae), Parasitic on Mediodactylus Kotschyi (Reptilia, Gekkota) from Crimea
Authors: Bertrand M. , Kukushkin O. , Pogrebnyak S.
Published: April 2013

Geckobia sharygini Bertrand, Kukushkin et Pogrebnyak, sp. n., a parasite of gecko Mediodactylus kotschyi danilewskii (Strauch, 1887) collected from Crimea (Ukraine) is described. The new species differs from other species of the genus by the scutum with convex posterior edge and seven pairs of dorsal stout setae on scutum. Almost 89 % of mites were found on the ventral surface of lizard’s body. Maximum observed parasite charge is 60 specimens for a synanthropic locality and 17 mites for a natural locations. With exception of the newborn lizards, the infestation slightly increased from spring to autumn. The improved key to Pterygosomatidae and some Geckobia is provided. Position of G. sharygini sp. n. and some related species in the genus Geckobia is discussed in connection with phylogeny, distribution and ecological peculiarities of the hosts.
Anomalonine Wasps of the Genus Agrypon (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Ukraine
Authors: Nuzhna A. D.
Published: April 2013

A key to the 12 species of the genus Agrypon Forster recorded from Ukraine is given. Some additional invariable characters such as morphometric index CI of the forewing, the presence of the small concavity on the anterior margin of mesoscutum and the metasternal tooth on propodeum are used in the key
Species of the Genus Idiomacromerus (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Torymidae) Reared from Flower Heads of Some Asteraceae in Israel
Authors: Zerova M. D. , Seryogina L. Ya. , Kuslitzky W. S. , Argov Ya.
Published: April 2013

Four species of the genus Idiomacromerus Crawford, 1914 are recorded from Israel as reared from flower heads of Centaurea spp. (Asteraceae). Two of them, Idiomacromerus artusis Zerova, sp. n. and I. persimilis Zerova, sp. n. are described
Sero-Surveillance of Infectious Laryngotracheitis in Layer Birds in Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Mohammad Sorwar , Khan Mohammad Ferdousur Rahman , Nazir KHM Nazmul Hussain , Amin Md Mansurul , Rahman Md Bahanur
Published: April 2013

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically important respiratory disease primarily of chicken caused by Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) belonging to the family Herpesviridae. After infecting its host, the virus induces immune response; antibodies are produced, which can be easily detected by several immunological or serological methods like Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). In the present study, the research work was conducted to reveal the prevalence of antibodies (IgG) against ILTV in layer birds in Bangladesh during the period of July 2010 to April 2011. A total of 324 blood samples were collected randomly from 30 layer farms located in 15 different districts in the country, and subsequently sera were prepared. Aiming to detect the antibody against ILTV, the sera samples were subjected to indirect ELISA using a commercial ILTV Antibody Test kit. Out of 324 sera samples examined, a total of 299 (92.28%) were positive. The results indicate that layers in the selected poultry farms were exposed to ILTV in Bangladesh and confirms the prevalence of this virus in a wider scale since the first report of its existence in 2010.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14086 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 38-40
Sensitivity and Specificity of an In-house Sandwich ELISA Kit for Newcastle Disease Virus Antigen Detection
Authors: Kamal Md Mostofa , Ali Md Mortuza , Haque Md Ehsanul , Chowdhury Mohammad Muradul Islam , Haque Mohammad Aynul , Aktar Alina , Ara Most. Jesmin , Haque Md Enamul , Islam Mohammed Alimul
Published: April 2013

Of all serological tests enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is still considered the gold standard for the detection of antigens and antibodies of either macro or micro-organisms worldwide. The ELISA kits for serum antibody detection against many viruses and other micro-organisms of both man and animals are available in the market. Whereas, antigen detection ELISA kits for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is not yet available in Bangladesh. The Present study was designed for the development of an economically feasible In-house Sandwich ELISA and to test its sensitivity and specificity for the detection of NDV antigens from clinically suspected field samples. 96- well flat bottom polystyrene plates coated with hyperimmune polyclonal serum against NDV raised in rabbits was used to capture NDV antigens. The anti-rabbit IgG and DAB with 30% H2O2 were used as conjugate and substrate respectively for standardization of the test method. The plate coated with serum diluted 10-3 was found suitable for capturing maximum antigen of NDV by the In-house Sandwich ELISA. The cut-off value of the present ELISA test was calculated as 0.855 and was able to capture the viral antigen present in the 10-4 fold dilution of allantoic fluid (AF) which is equivalent to 1HA unit, indicating the highest degree of sensitivity of the newly developed ELISA. In case of field samples, the newly developed ELISA kit was able to detect 100% viral antigens of NDV present in the feces, 95.50% of the brain tissue and oro-nasal swab and 94.12% of colon swab samples of either naturally and experimentally infected birds in this study. The ND virus specific polyclonal antibody used in the kit bind only with ND virus without any cross reactive antigens of other viruses of chicken like Avian influenza virus (AIV) and Infectious bursal disease viruses (IBDV). Therefore, findings of the present study clearly indicates that the newly developed In-house Sandwich ELISA kit can be used for rapid confirmatory diagnosis of Newcastle disease (ND) with minimum cost, using any kind of field samples from either sick or dead birds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14093 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 65-71
Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Flora from Internal Organs of Broiler and Their Antibiogram Studies
Authors: Roy Sampa Rani , Rahman Md Bahanur , Hassan Jayedul , Nazir KHM Nazmul Hussain
Published: April 2013

The present research work was carried out for the isolation and identification of bacterial flora from internal organs of broiler during the period from January 2012 to June 2012. Ten Hubbard classic broiler bird were purchased from retail market in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The birds were sacrificed and their liver, lung, esophagus, duodenum and tracheal swab samples were collected (n=50). Using standard bacteriological techniques, Escherichia coli was isolated from 26 (52%) samples. Similarly, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., and Pasteurella spp. were isolated from 15 (30%), 10 (20%), 9 (18%) and 4 (8%) samples, respectively. On the basis of individual sample type, E. coli could be isolated from 8 (80%) duodenum samples being the most prevalent organism. On the other hand, Salmonella spp., Staphylococci spp., Bacillus spp. and Pasteurella spp. were identified in 5 (50%) lungs, 5 (50%) liver, 4 (40%) duodenum and 2 (20%) lungs samples, respectively. Among these isolated bacteria, E. coli was found to be pathogenic for mice. Antibiogram studies revealed that Ciprofloxacin was highly sensitive against all the isolated bacteria. Diversified bacterial species are prevalent in broiler. However, E. coli and Salmonella spp. infection might make the bird vulnerable for easy access of infection. Proper vaccination and use of selective antibiotics are crucial in protecting broilers from these pathogens. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14094 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 72-75
The Release of a Captive-Raised Female African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Evans Kate , Moore Randall , Harris Stephen
Published: April 2013

Wild female elephants live in close-knit matrilineal groups and housing captive elephants in artificial social groupings can cause significant welfare issues for individuals not accepted by other group members. We document the release of a captive-raised female elephant used in the safari industry because of welfare and management problems. She was fitted with a satellite collar, and spatial and behavioural data were collected over a 17-month period to quantify her interactions with the wild population. She was then monitored infrequently for a further five-and-a-half years. We observed few signs of aggression towards her from the wild elephants with which she socialized. She used an area of comparable size to wild female elephants, and this continued to increase as she explored new areas. Although she did not fully integrate into a wild herd, she had three calves of her own, and formed a social unit with another female and her calf that were later released from the same captive herd. We recommend that release to the wild be considered as a management option for other captive female elephants.
A Novel MPPT Control Method of Thermoelectric Power Generation with Single Sensor
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki , Kimura Koji , Hanamoto Tsuyoshi , Ishiyama Toshihiko , Sakaguchi Tadashi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes a novel Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control method of thermoelectric power generation for the constant load. This paper reveals the characteristics and the internal resistance of thermoelectric power module (TM). Analyzing the thermoelectric power generation system with boost chopper by state space averaging method, the output voltage and current of TM are estimated by with only single current sensor. The proposed method can seek without calculating the output power of TM in this proposed method. The basic principle of the proposed MPPT control method is discussed, and then confirmed by digital computer simulation using PSIM. Simulation results demonstrate that the output voltage can track the maximum power point voltage by the proposed MPPT control method. The generated power of the TM is 0.36 W when the temperature difference is 35 °C. This is well accorded with the V-P characteristics.
Long-Lasting Neural Circuit Dysfunction Following Developmental Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Sadrian Benjamin , Wilson Donald , Saito Mariko
Published: April 2013

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a general diagnosis for those exhibiting long-lasting neurobehavioral and cognitive deficiencies as a result of fetal alcohol exposure. It is among the most common causes of mental deficits today. Those impacted are left to rely on advances in our understanding of the nature of early alcohol-induced disorders toward human therapies. Research findings over the last decade have developed a model where ethanol-induced neurodegeneration impacts early neural circuit development, thereby perpetuating subsequent integration and plasticity in vulnerable brain regions. Here we review our current knowledge of FASD neuropathology based on discoveries of long-lasting neurophysiological effects of acute developmental ethanol exposure in animal models. We discuss the important balance between synaptic excitation and inhibition in normal neural network function, and relate the significance of that balance to human FASD as well as related disease states. Finally, we postulate that excitation/inhibition imbalance caused by early ethanol-induced neurodegeneration results in perturbed local and regional network signaling and therefore neurobehavioral pathology.
Photovoltaic Design Integration at Battery Park City, New York
Authors: Medio Simone
Published: April 2013

This paper is a study of the photovoltaic (PV) systems in the buildings’ design of the Battery Park City (BPC) residential development, in New York. The BPC development is the first in the US to mandate, through the 2000 Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) guidelines, the use of PV as a renewable energy generation system in its individual buildings. The scope of this study is to show how PV is integrated in the BPC buildings’ design process, and what can be learned for future PV applications. The study draws directly from the design decision making sources, investigating on the concerns and suggestions of the BPCA director of sustainability and the BPC architects and PV installers. It attempts to contrast a theoretical approach that sees PV as a technology to domesticate in architecture and bring, through grounded research, PV industry closer to the architectural design process. The findings of the study suggest that while stringent environmental mandates help, in the short term, to kick-start the use of PV systems in buildings, it is the recognition of the PV’s primary role as energy provider, its assimilation in the building industry, and its use in a less confining building program that allows for its evolution in architecture.
A Direct Numerical Simulation-Based Analysis of Entropy Generation in Turbulent Premixed Flames
Authors: Farran Richard , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: April 2013

A compressible single step chemistry Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) database of freely propagating premixed flames has been used to analyze different entropy generation mechanisms. The entropy generation due to viscous dissipation within the flames remains negligible in comparison to the other mechanisms of entropy generation. It has been found that the entropy generation increases significantly due to turbulence and the relative magnitudes of the augmentation of entropy generation and burning rates under turbulent conditions ultimately determine the value of turbulent second law efficiency in comparison to the corresponding laminar values. It has been found that the entropy generation mechanisms due to chemical reaction, thermal conduction and mass diffusion in turbulent flames strengthen with decreasing global Lewis number in comparison to the corresponding values in laminar flames. The ratio of second law efficiency under turbulent conditions to its corresponding laminar value has been found to decrease with increasing global Lewis number. An increase in heat release parameter significantly augments the entropy generation due to thermal conduction, whereas other mechanisms of entropy generation are marginally affected. However, the effects of augmented entropy generation due to thermal conduction at high values of heat release parameter are eclipsed by the increased change in availability due to chemical reaction, which leads to an increase in the second law efficiency with increasing heat release parameter for identical flow conditions. The combustion regime does not have any major influence on the augmentation of entropy generation due to chemical reaction, thermal conduction and mass diffusion in turbulent flames in comparison to corresponding laminar flames, whereas the extent of augmentation of entropy generation due to viscous dissipation in turbulent conditions in comparison to corresponding laminar flames, is more significant in the thin reaction zones regime than in the corrugated flamelets regime. However, the ratio of second law efficiency under turbulent conditions to its corresponding laminar value does not get significantly affected by the regime of combustion, as viscous dissipation plays a marginal role in the overall entropy generation in premixed flames.
Effect of Nondestructive Evaluation of Veneers on the Properties of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) from a Tropical Species
Authors: Del Menezzi Cláudio , Mendes Luana , De Souza Mário , Bortoletto Geraldo
Published: April 2013

This study aimed at evaluating the potential of Schizolobium parahyba to produce laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and the feasibility of a nondestructive method for grading the veneers. Initially, 64 S. parahyba veneers were nondestructively tested using the stress wave method, and stress wave velocity (wv) and veneer dynamic modulus of elasticity (EdV) were determined. Afterwards, the veneers were graded according to EdV descending values and used to manufacture 8-ply LVL boards. After the manufacturing, the boards were also nondestructively tested, and the board dynamic modulus of elasticity (EdB) was determined. Simple linear regression analysis was run to evaluate the relationship between the nondestructive and mechanical properties of veneers/boards. A positive effect of veneer stress wave properties on the LVL properties was found. Therefore, the higher the EdV values, the higher the LVL properties. The relationships between EdV and EdB properties were highly significant with all mechanical properties. It was clearly observed that when this grading procedure was used, the veneers were indirectly graded by their density. Finally, it could be concluded that S. parahyba showed good potential to produce LVL.
High SINE RNA Expression Correlates with Post-Transcriptional Downregulation of BRCA1
Authors: Peterson Maureen , Chandler Vicki , Bosco Giovanni
Published: April 2013

Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements (SINEs) are non-autonomous retrotransposons that comprise a large fraction of the human genome. SINEs are demethylated in human disease, but whether SINEs become transcriptionally induced and how the resulting transcripts may affect the expression of protein coding genes is unknown. Here, we show that downregulation of the mRNA of the tumor suppressor gene BRCA1 is associated with increased transcription of SINEs and production of sense and antisense SINE small RNAs. We find that BRCA1 mRNA is post-transcriptionally down-regulated in a Dicer and Drosha dependent manner and that expression of a SINE inverted repeat with sequence identity to a BRCA1 intron is sufficient for downregulation of BRCA1 mRNA. These observations suggest that transcriptional activation of SINEs could contribute to a novel mechanism of RNA mediated post-transcriptional silencing of human genes.
Social Service Utilization, Sense of Community, Family Functioning and the Mental Health of New Immigrant Women in Hong Kong
Authors: Wu Qiaobing , Chow Julian
Published: April 2013

Drawing upon a sample of 296 new immigrant women in Hong Kong, this study investigated how social service utilization, family functioning, and sense of community influenced the depressive symptoms of new immigrant women. Results of the structural equation modeling suggested that family functioning and sense of community were both significantly and negatively associated with the depression of new immigrant women. Utilization of community services also influenced the depression of immigrant women indirectly through the mediating effect of sense of community. Implications of the research findings for mental health intervention were discussed.
Differential Activity of Plasma and Vacuolar Membrane Transporters Contributes to Genotypic Differences in Salinity Tolerance in a Halophyte Species, Chenopodium quinoa
Authors: Bonales-Alatorre Edgar , Pottosin Igor , Shabala Lana , Chen Zhong-Hua , Zeng Fanrong , Jacobsen Sven-Erik , Shabala Sergey
Published: April 2013

Halophytes species can be used as a highly convenient model system to reveal key ionic and molecular mechanisms that confer salinity tolerance in plants. Earlier, we reported that quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a facultative C3 halophyte species, can efficiently control the activity of slow (SV) and fast (FV) tonoplast channels to match specific growth conditions by ensuring that most of accumulated Na+ is safely locked in the vacuole (Bonales-Alatorre et al. (2013) Plant Physiology). This work extends these finding by comparing the properties of tonoplast FV and SV channels in two quinoa genotypes contrasting in their salinity tolerance. The work is complemented by studies of the kinetics of net ion fluxes across the plasma membrane of quinoa leaf mesophyll tissue. Our results suggest that multiple mechanisms contribute towards genotypic differences in salinity tolerance in quinoa. These include: (i) a higher rate of Na+ exclusion from leaf mesophyll; (ii) maintenance of low cytosolic Na+ levels; (iii) better K+ retention in the leaf mesophyll; (iv) a high rate of H+ pumping, which increases the ability of mesophyll cells to restore their membrane potential; and (v) the ability to reduce the activity of SV and FV channels under saline conditions. These mechanisms appear to be highly orchestrated, thus enabling the remarkable overall salinity tolerance of quinoa species.
Biomarkers for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in Cancer
Authors: Wehland Markus , Bauer Johann , Magnusson Nils , Infanger Manfred , Grimm Daniela
Published: April 2013

Angiogenesis, the development of new vessels from existing vasculature, plays a central role in tumor growth, survival, and progression. On the molecular level it is controlled by a number of pro- and anti-angiogenic cytokines, among which the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), together with their related VEGF-receptors, have an exceptional position. Therefore, the blockade of VEGF signaling in order to inhibit angiogenesis was deemed an attractive approach for cancer therapy and drugs interfering with the VEGF-ligands, the VEGF receptors, and the intracellular VEGF-mediated signal transduction were developed. Although promising in pre-clinical trials, VEGF-inhibition proved to be problematic in the clinical context. One major drawback was the generally high variability in patient response to anti-angiogenic drugs and the rapid development of therapy resistance, so that, in total, only moderate effects on progression-free and overall survival were observed. Biomarkers predicting the response to VEGF-inhibition might attenuate this problem and help to further individualize drug and dosage determination. Although up to now no definitive biomarker has been identified for this purpose, several candidates are currently under investigation. This review aims to give an overview of the recent developments in this field, focusing on the most prevalent tumor species.
Simple and Rapid Synthesis of Magnetite/Hydroxyapatite Composites for Hyperthermia Treatments via a Mechanochemical Route
Authors: Iwasaki Tomohiro , Nakatsuka Ryo , Murase Kenya , Takata Hiroshige , Nakamura Hideya , Watano Satoru
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a simple method for the rapid synthesis of magnetite/hydroxyapatite composite particles. In this method, superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles are first synthesized by coprecipitation using ferrous chloride and ferric chloride. Immediately following the synthesis, carbonate-substituted (B-type) hydroxyapatite particles are mechanochemically synthesized by wet milling dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and calcium carbonate in a dispersed suspension of magnetite nanoparticles, during which the magnetite nanoparticles are incorporated into the hydroxyapatite matrix. We observed that the resultant magnetite/hydroxyapatite composites possessed a homogeneous dispersion of magnetite nanoparticles, characterized by an absence of large aggregates. When this material was subjected to an alternating magnetic field, the heat generated increased with increasing magnetite concentration. For a magnetite concentration of 30 mass%, a temperature increase greater than 20 K was achieved in less than 50 s. These results suggest that our composites exhibit good hyperthermia properties and are promising candidates for hyperthermia treatments.
Senescence Marker Protein-30 (SMP30) Deficiency Impairs Myocardium-Induced Dilation of Coronary Arterioles Associated with Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Mizukami Hiroyuki , Saitoh Shu-ichi , Machii Hirofumi , Yamada Shinya , Hoshino Yasuto , Misaka Tomofumi , Ishigami Akihito , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: April 2013

Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) decreases with aging. Mice with SMP30 deficiency, a model of aging, have a short lifespan with increased oxidant stress. To elucidate SMP30’s effect on coronary circulation derived from myocytes, we measured the changes in the diameter of isolated coronary arterioles in wild-type (WT) mice exposed to supernatant collected from isolated paced cardiac myocytes from SMP30 KO or WT mice. Pacing increased hydrogen peroxide in myocytes, and hydrogen peroxide was greater in SMP30 KO myocytes compared to WT myocytes. Antimycin enhanced and FCCP (oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler in mitochondria) decreased superoxide production in both groups. Addition of supernatant from stimulated myocytes, either SMP30 KO or WT, caused vasodilation. The degree of the vasodilation response to supernatant was smaller in SMP30 KO mice compared to WT mice. Administration of catalase to arterioles eliminated vasodilation in myocyte supernatant of WT mice and converted vasodilation to vasoconstriction in myocyte supernatant of SMP30 KO mice. This vasoconstriction was eliminated by olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Thus, SMP30 deficiency combined with oxidant stress increases angiotensin and hydrogen peroxide release from cardiac myocytes. SMP30 plays an important role in the regulation of coronary vascular tone by myocardium.
Improved Nutritive Quality and Salt Resistance in Transgenic Maize by Simultaneously Overexpression of a Natural Lysine-Rich Protein Gene, SBgLR, and an ERF Transcription Factor Gene, TSRF1
Authors: Wang Meizhen , Liu Chen , Li Shixue , Zhu Dengyun , Zhao Qian , Yu Jingjuan
Published: April 2013

Maize (Zea mays L.), as one of the most important crops in the world, is deficient in lysine and tryptophan. Environmental conditions greatly impact plant growth, development and productivity. In this study, we used particle bombardment mediated co-transformation to obtain marker-free transgenic maize inbred X178 lines harboring a lysine-rich protein gene SBgLR from potato and an ethylene responsive factor (ERF) transcription factor gene, TSRF1, from tomato. Both of the target genes were successfully expressed and showed various expression levels in different transgenic lines. Analysis showed that the protein and lysine content in T1 transgenic maize seeds increased significantly. Compared to non-transformed maize, the protein and lysine content increased by 7.7% to 24.38% and 8.70% to 30.43%, respectively. Moreover, transgenic maize exhibited more tolerance to salt stress. When treated with 200 mM NaCl for 48 h, both non-transformed and transgenic plant leaves displayed wilting and losing green symptoms and dramatic increase of the free proline contents. However, the degree of control seedlings was much more serious than that of transgenic lines and much more increases of the free proline contents in the transgenic lines than that in the control seedlings were observed. Meanwhile, lower extent decreases of the chlorophyll contents were detected in the transgenic seedlings. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of ten stress-related genes, including stress responsive transcription factor genes, ZmMYB59 and ZmMYC1, proline synthesis related genes, ZmP5CS1 and ZmP5CS2, photosynthesis-related genes, ZmELIP, ZmPSI-N, ZmOEE, Zmrbcs and ZmPLAS, and one ABA biosynthesis related gene, ZmSDR. The results showed that with the exception of ZmP5CS1 and ZmP5CS2 in line 9–10 and 19–11, ZmMYC1 in line 19–11 and ZmSDR in line 19–11, the expression of other stress-related genes were inhibited in transgenic lines under normal conditions. After salt treatment, the expressions of the ten stress-related genes were significantly induced in both wild-type (WT) and transgenic lines. However, compared to WT, the increases of ZmP5CS1 in all these three transgenic lines and ZmP5CS2 in line 9–10 were less than WT plants. This study provides an effective approach of maize genetic engineering for improved nutritive quality and salt tolerance.
The Role of microRNA in Gastric Malignancy
Authors: Nishizawa Toshihiro , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: April 2013

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the main cause of gastritis, gastro-duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that function as endogenous silencers of numerous target genes. Many miRNA genes are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Recent discoveries have shed new light on the involvement of miRNAs in gastric malignancy. However, at the same time, several miRNAs have been associated with opposing events, leading to reduced inflammation, inhibition of malignancy, and increased apoptosis of transformed cells. The regulation of miRNA expression could be a novel strategy in the chemoprevention of human gastric malignancy. In this article, the biological importance of miRNAs in gastric malignancy is summarized.
Personalized Cancer Care Conference
Authors: Zänker Kurt , Mihich Enrico , Huber Hans-Peter , Borresen-Dale Anne-Lise
Published: April 2013

The Oslo University Hospital (Norway), the K.G. Jebsen Centre for Breast Cancer Research (Norway), The Radiumhospital Foundation (Norway) and the Fritz-Bender-Foundation (Germany) designed under the conference chairmen (E. Mihich, K.S. Zänker, A.L. Borresen-Dale) and advisory committee (A. Borg, Z. Szallasi, O. Kallioniemi, H.P. Huber) a program at the cutting edge of “PERSONALIZED CANCER CARE: Risk prediction, early diagnosis, progression and therapy resistance.” The conference was held in Oslo from September 7 to 9, 2012 and the science-based presentations concerned six scientific areas: (1) Genetic profiling of patients, prediction of risk, late side effects; (2) Molecular profiling of tumors and metastases; (3) Tumor-host microenvironment interaction and metabolism; (4) Targeted therapy; (5) Translation and (6) Informed consent, ethical challenges and communication. Two satellite workshops on (i) Ion Ampliseq—a novel tool for large scale mutation detection; and (ii) Multiplex RNA ISH and tissue homogenate assays for cancer biomarker validation were additionally organized. The report concludes that individual risk prediction in carcinogenesis and/or metastatogenesis based on polygenic profiling may be useful for intervention strategies for health care and therapy planning in the future. To detect distinct and overlapping DNA sequence alterations in tumor samples and adjacent normal tissues, including point mutations, small insertions or deletions, copy number changes and chromosomal rearrangements will eventually make it possible to design personalized management plans for individualized patients. However, large individualized datasets need a new approach in bio-information technology to reduce this enormous data dimensionally to simply working hypotheses about health and disease for each individual.
Is Struvite a Prebiotic Mineral?
Authors: Gull Maheen , Pasek Matthew
Published: April 2013

The prebiotic relevance of mineral struvite, MgNH4PO4·6H2O, was studied experimentally as a phosphorylating reagent and, theoretically, to understand the geochemical requirements for its formation. The effectiveness of phosphorylation by the phosphate mineral, monetite, CaHPO4, was also studied to compare to the efficiency of struvite. The experiments focused on the phosphorylation reactions of the minerals with organic compounds, such as nucleosides, glycerol and choline chloride, and heat at 75 °C for about 7–8 days and showed up to 28% phosphorylation of glycerol. In contrast, the compositional requirements for the precipitation of struvite are high ammonium and phosphate concentrations, as well as a little Ca2+ dissolved in the water. Combined, these requirements suggest that it is not likely that struvite was present in excess on the early Earth to carry out phosphorylation reactions. The present study focuses on the thermodynamic aspects of struvite formation, complementing the results given by Orgel and Handschuh (1973), which were based on the kinetic effects.
Prebiotic Chemistry: Geochemical Context and Reaction Screening
Authors: Cleaves Henderson
Published: April 2013

The origin of life on Earth is widely believed to have required the reactions of organic compounds and their self- and/or environmental organization. What those compounds were remains open to debate, as do the environment in and process or processes by which they became organized. Prebiotic chemistry is the systematic organized study of these phenomena. It is difficult to study poorly defined phenomena, and research has focused on producing compounds and structures familiar to contemporary biochemistry, which may or may not have been crucial for the origin of life. Given our ignorance, it may be instructive to explore the extreme regions of known and future investigations of prebiotic chemistry, where reactions fail, that will relate them to or exclude them from plausible environments where they could occur. Come critical parameters which most deserve investigation are discussed.
Comparison of Reactive and Non-Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering Routes for the Fabrication of Monolithic and Composite Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) Materials
Authors: Orrù Roberto , Cao Giacomo
Published: April 2013

A wider utilization of ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTC) materials strongly depends on the availability of efficient techniques for their fabrication as dense bodies. Based on recent results reported in the literature, it is possible to state that Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technology offers a useful contribution in this direction. Along these lines, the use of two different SPS-based processing routes for the preparation of massive UHTCs is examined in this work. One method, the so-called reactive SPS (R-SPS), consists of the synthesis and densification of the material in a single step. Alternatively, the ceramic powders are first synthesized by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) and then sintered by SPS. The obtained results evidenced that R-SPS method is preferable for the preparation of dense monolithic products, while the sintering of SHS powders requires relatively milder conditions when considering binary composites. The different kinetic mechanisms involved during R-SPS of the monolithic and composite systems, i.e., combustion-like or gradual solid-diffusion, respectively, provides a possible explanation. An important role is also played by the SHS process, particularly for the preparation of composite powders, since stronger interfaces are established between the ceramic constituents formed in situ, thus favoring diffusion processes during the subsequent SPS step.
From Waste to Healing Biopolymers: Biomedical Applications of Bio-Collagenic Materials Extracted from Industrial Leather Residues in Wound Healing
Authors: Catalina Mercedes , Cot Jaume , Borras Miquel , Lapuente Joaquín , González Javier , Balu Alina , Luque Rafael
Published: April 2013

The biomedical properties of a porous bio-collagenic polymer extracted from leather industrial waste residues have been investigated in wound healing and tissue regeneration in induced wounds in rats. Application of the pure undiluted bio-collagen to induced wounds in rats dramatically improved its healing after 7 days in terms of collagen production and wound filling as well as in the migration and differentiation of keratinocytes. The formulation tested was found to be three times more effective than the commercial reference product Catrix® (Heal Progress (HP): 8 ± 1.55 vs. 2.33 ± 0.52, p < 0.001; Formation of Collagen (FC): 7.5 ± 1.05 vs. 2.17 ± 0.75, p < 0.001; Regeneration of Epidermis (RE): 13.33 ± 5.11 vs. 5 ± 5.48, p < 0.05).
Accelerated Thermal Cycling Test of Microencapsulated Paraffin Wax/Polyaniline Made by Simple Preparation Method for Solar Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Silakhori Mahyar , Naghavi Mohammad , Metselaar Hendrik , Mahlia Teuku , Fauzi Hadi , Mehrali Mohammad
Published: April 2013

Microencapsulated paraffin wax/polyaniline was prepared using a simple in situ polymerization technique, and its performance characteristics were investigated. Weight losses of samples were determined by Thermal Gravimetry Analysis (TGA). The microencapsulated samples with 23% and 49% paraffin showed less decomposition after 330 °C than with higher percentage of paraffin. These samples were then subjected to a thermal cycling test. Thermal properties of microencapsulated paraffin wax were evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Structure stability and compatibility of core and coating materials were also tested by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), and the surface morphology of the samples are shown by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). It has been found that the microencapsulated paraffin waxes show little change in the latent heat of fusion and melting temperature after one thousand thermal recycles. Besides, the chemical characteristics and structural profile remained constant after one thousand thermal cycling tests. Therefore, microencapsulated paraffin wax/polyaniline is a stable material that can be used for thermal energy storage systems.
The Effect of PtRuIr Nanoparticle Crystallinity in Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Ma Yanjiao , Wang Rongfang , Wang Hui , Liao Shijun , Key Julian , Linkov Vladimir , Ji Shan
Published: April 2013

Two structural forms of a ternary alloy PtRuIr/C catalyst, one amorphous and one highly crystalline, were synthesized and compared to determine the effect of their respective structures on their activity and stability as anodic catalysts in methanol oxidation. Characterization techniques included TEM, XRD, and EDX. Electrochemical analysis using a glassy carbon disk electrode for cyclic voltammogram and chronoamperometry were tested in a solution of 0.5 mol L−1 CH3OH and 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4. Amorphous PtRuIr/C catalyst was found to have a larger electrochemical surface area, while the crystalline PtRuIr/C catalyst had both a higher activity in methanol oxidation and increased CO poisoning rate. Crystallinity of the active alloy nanoparticles has a big impact on both methanol oxidation activity and in the CO poisoning rate.
Waste Minimization Protocols for the Process of Synthesizing Zeolites from South African Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Plessis Pieter , Ojumu Tunde , Petrik Leslie
Published: April 2013

Production of a high value zeolite from fly ash has been shown to be an avenue for the utilization of South African fly ash which presently constitutes a huge disposal problem. The synthesis of zeolites Na-P1 and analcime on a micro-scale has been successful and preliminary investigation shows that scale-up synthesis is promising. However, the post-synthesis supernatant waste generated contains high levels of NaOH that may constitute a secondary disposal problem. A waste minimization protocol was developed to reduce the volume of waste generated with a view to enhancing the feasibility of the scale synthesis. Series of experiments were conducted in 100 mL jacketed batch reactors. Fly ash was reacted with 5 Mol NaOH on a 1:1 mass basis during the aging step, followed by hydrothermal treatment in which ultrapure water was added to the slurry. This study shows that by re-introducing the supernatant waste into the experiments in such a way that it supplies the required reagent (NaOH) for the zeolite synthesis, zeolite Na-P1 and analcime can be synthesized. It also shows that the synthesis process can be altered to allow up to 100% re-use of the supernatant waste to yield high value zeolitic products. This study effectively constructed two protocols for the minimization of waste generated during the synthesis of zeolites from South African coal fly ash. This result could be used to establish a basis for legal and environmental aspects involved in the commission of a full-scale plant synthesizing zeolites NaP1 and analcime.
Fabrication of a Poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) Electrochemiluminescence Device Assisted by Perylene
Authors: Daimon Tatsuya , Nihei Eisuke
Published: April 2013

In this study, we report the light-emitting assistance effect of perylene on a polymer electrochemiluminescence (ECL) device using poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3OT). An ECL device is a liquid type self-luminous device with a simple structure, and can be fabricated by a relatively easy procedure. Significant improvement in luminescence properties was confirmed when 1.0 wt % perylene was added to the ECL device using 3.0 wt % P3OT. Improvements of about 12 times of the maximum luminescence intensity and about 23 times of the light-emitting time ratio compared with that of a P3OT ECL device were obtained. We conclude that the light-emitting assistance of perylene is achieved by perylene radical ions shuttling electrons to P3OT while they are moving around in the emitting solution. The light-emitting assistance effect of perylene was also confirmed when poly(3-dodecylthiophene-2,5-diyl), which has almost identical electrochemical and photophysical characteristics to those of P3OT, was used instead of P3OT.
Butanol Dehydration over V2O5-TiO2/MCM-41 Catalysts Prepared via Liquid Phase Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Choi Hyeonhee , Bae Jung-Hyun , Kim Do , Park Young-Kwon , Jeon Jong-Ki
Published: April 2013

MCM-41 was used as a support and, by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) in the liquid phase, a catalyst was prepared by consecutively loading titanium oxide and vanadium oxide to the support. This research analyzes the effect of the loading amount of vanadium oxide on the acidic characteristics and catalytic performance in the dehydration of butanol. The physical and chemical characteristics of the TiO2-V2O5/MCM-41 catalysts were analyzed using XRF, BET, NH3-TPD, XRD, Py-IR, and XPS. The dehydration reaction of butanol was performed in a fixed bed reactor. For the samples with vanadium oxide loaded to TiO2/MCM-41 sample using the liquid phase ALD method, it was possible to increase the loading amount until the amount of vanadium oxide reached 12.1 wt %. It was confirmed that the structural properties of the mesoporous silica were retained well after titanium oxide and vanadium loading. The NH3-TPD and Py-IR results indicated that weak acid sites were produced over the TiO2/MCM-41 samples, which is attributed to the generation of Lewis acid sites. The highest activity of the V2O5(12.1)-TiO2/MCM-41 catalyst in 2-butanol dehydration is ascribed to it having the highest number of Lewis acid sites, as well as the highest vanadium dispersion.
Spectroscopic Studies of Amino Acid Ionic Liquid-Supported Schiff Bases
Authors: Ossowicz Paula , Janus Ewa , Schroeder Grzegorz , Rozwadowski Zbigniew
Published: April 2013

Amino acid ionic liquid-supported Schiff bases, derivatives of salicylaldehyde and various amino acids (L-threonine, L-valine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-histidine) have been investigated by means of various spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV-Vis, IR, MS) and deuterium isotope effects on 13C-NMR chemical shifts. The results have shown that in all studied amino acid ionic liquid-supported Schiff bases (except the L-histidine derivative) a proton transfer equilibrium exists and the presence of the COO− group stabilizes the proton transferred NH-form.
Identification of Electronic and Structural Descriptors of Adenosine Analogues Related to Inhibition of Leishmanial Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Lozano Norka , Oliveira Rafael , Weber Karen , Honorio Kathia , Guido Rafael , Andricopulo Adriano , Silva Albérico
Published: April 2013

Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) studies were performed in order to identify molecular features responsible for the antileishmanial activity of 61 adenosine analogues acting as inhibitors of the enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase of Leishmania mexicana (LmGAPDH). Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate quantum-chemical descriptors, while several structural descriptors were generated with Dragon 5.4. Variable selection was undertaken with the ordered predictor selection (OPS) algorithm, which provided a set with the most relevant descriptors to perform PLS, PCR and MLR regressions. Reliable and predictive models were obtained, as attested by their high correlation coefficients, as well as the agreement between predicted and experimental values for an external test set. Additional validation procedures were carried out, demonstrating that robust models were developed, providing helpful tools for the optimization of the antileishmanial activity of adenosine compounds.
Interaction between Host Cells and Microbes in Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis
Authors: Stringer Andrea
Published: April 2013

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often develop mucositis as a direct result of their treatment. Recently, the intestinal microbiota has attracted significant attention in the investigation of the pathobiology of mucositis, with a number of studies investigating the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on the microbiota. With significant effects on the intestinal microbiota occurring following the administration of chemotherapy, there is now interest surrounding the downstream pathological effects that may be associated with the altered intestinal ecology. This review seeks to identify links between signalling pathways previously demonstrated to have a role in the development of mucositis, and the altered intestinal microbiota.
Garment Counting in a Textile Warehouse by Means of a Laser Imaging System
Authors: Martínez-Sala Alejandro , Sánchez-Aartnoutse Juan , Egea-López Esteban
Published: April 2013

Textile logistic warehouses are highly automated mechanized places where control points are needed to count and validate the number of garments in each batch. This paper proposes and describes a low cost and small size automated system designed to count the number of garments by processing an image of the corresponding hanger hooks generated using an array of phototransistors sensors and a linear laser beam. The generated image is processed using computer vision techniques to infer the number of garment units. The system has been tested on two logistic warehouses with a mean error in the estimated number of hangers of 0.13%.