bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of glycerol or fructose via drinking water to enhance marbling deposition and meat quality of finishing cattle1
Authors: Volpi-Lagreca Gabriela , Duckett Susan K.
Published: December 2015

Thirty-six Angus-cross steers (667 ± 34.4 kg initial BW, 24.5 mo) were used to assess the impact of short-term glycerin or high-fructose corn syrup administration via drinking water on meat quality and marbling deposition. Steers blocked by BW (3 blocks) were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 drinking water treatments: 1) control (CON), 2) 4.3% crude glycerin (GLYC), or 3) 4.3% high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for the final 25 d before slaughter. Average daily gain was lower (P = 0.01) and final live weight was lower (P < 0.01) with HFCS administration compared with CON. Dry matter intake and water intake did not differ among treatments. Fat thickness, muscle depth, and intramuscular fat measured by ultrasound did not differ among treatments. Crude glycerin or HFCS via water supplementation did not alter HCW, dressing percentage, rib eye area, fat thickness, KPH, skeletal maturity, or marbling score. Longissimus muscle and subcutaneous fat color (L*, a*, and b*) were not affected by drinking water treatment. Total lipid content, total fatty acid content, and fatty acid composition of the LM did not differ among drinking water treatments. Supplementation of drinking water with GLYC or HFCS did not alter Warner-Bratzler shear force values or water-holding capacity (drip loss, cook shrink). Intramuscular mean adipocyte diameter was greater (P = 0.02) for steers offered HFCS compared with steers offered GLYC, with CON steers being intermediate. These differences in mean adipocyte size were related to changes in the adipocyte size distribution. There were greater proportions of small (20 to 30 μm) adipocytes in GLYC compared with HFCS and CON. In contrast, HFCS and CON had greater proportions of medium (40 to 50 μm) adipocytes than GLYC. The relative mRNA expression of lipogenic genes (acetyl Co-A carboxylase [ACC], fatty acid binding protein 4 [FABP4], fatty acid synthase [FASN], glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase [GPAT], retinol-binding protein 4 [RBP4], and stearoyl-CoA desaturase [SCD]), adipocyte differentiation genes (delta-like 1 homolog [DLK1]), and transcription factors (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α [C/EBPα], and PPARγ) was similar for GLYC and HFCS compared with CON. Longissimus glycogen and lactate concentrations and glycolytic potential were not affected by drinking water treatments. Overall, HFCS or GLYC supplementation via drinking water did not alter carcass or meat quality variables but did alter the size and distribution of intramuscular adipocytes. These results indicate that a longer supplementation time or a higher substrate level may be needed to obtain differences in meat quality.
Yield and Quality of Kenaf Seed as Influenced by De-Topping and Spacing Under Transplanting Method
Authors: Mollah A.F. , Rahman M. M. , Tareq M. Z. , Hasan M.M. , Hoque A.B.M.Z.
Published: December 2015

An experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Regional Station, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh during July to December 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of spacing and time of de-topping on yield and quality of kenaf seed cv. HC-95 grown under transplanting method. The experiment comprised three plant spacing (viz.,  40 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 15 cm and 20 cm × 15 cm) and five de-topping (viz., no de-topping, de-topping at transplanting, de-topping at 15, 30 and 45  days after transplanting (DAT) in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest yield of kenaf seed was obtained from planting at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing. The best quality seed in respect to germination and vigour was also obtained from transplanting at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing. The highest seed yield, germination and vigour of seed were obtained for de-topped at 30 DAT. The study concludes that late season kenaf produces highest seed yield with best quality when planted at 30 cm x 15 cm spacing and for de-topping at 30 DAT. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 626-634
Challenges of Freshwater Fisheries in Nepal: A Short Overview
Authors: Gautam Nawaraj
Published: December 2015

Abundant freshwater resources originated from Himalayas and high geographical variations in Nepal are two factors which might be positive benefits to improve the aquaculture in land locked country. Low labor cost is also another plus point to get better management in fisheries sector. Freshwater fisheries in Nepal are mostly dominated by catch up fisheries of indigenous fish species available in rivers, lakes and paddy fields but exotic and sophisticated species been also introduced in small scales. Beside these, poly cultural pond fish farming is most viable. Carp fishes are the major species and uncontrolled unmanaged capture fisheries dominants over systematic aquaculture. Poor technological implementations, poor budgetary plan, not proper management strategies, lack of quality fish feed and fingerlins, lower market availability are some of the major challenges of Nepalese freshwater fisheries. Long-term sustainable plan, scientific and technological study on indigenous fish species, proper hygiene management and better disease control might improve the current aquaculture status of Nepal.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 579-583
Azolla as an Economic Substitute to Soybean Based Feed for Poultry
Authors: Paudel Dev Raj , Dhakal Pramila , Timsina Kailash P. , Dahal Ananta
Published: December 2015

A study on azolla as an economical substitute to soybean based poultry feed was conducted. The experiment consisted of four treatments laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Each experimental unit consisted of three birds. For this purpose, eight-day old, unsexed Hubbard broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to each treatment. Four different levels of azolla meal were incorporated in the starter and finisher ration at a level of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% respectively. Body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency were measured. The average cumulative weekly body weight for all weeks were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) for the various treatments. Maximum cumulative body weight (1360 g) was found in broiler fed T2 ration in 5th week. Similar trend was also observed in 6th week showing highest cumulative weight (1882 g) in control diet (T1) which was at par with T2 (1841 g). Significantly highest (420.3 g) live weight gain was observed in T2 diet during 5th week. Overall mean of weekly feed consumption was recorded highest (784.33 g) in T2 diet. The economic analysis of net income/kg live weight was the highest (Rs 18.86) in T1 which was at par with T2 (Rs 18.35). Likewise, cost of production/bird was highest (Rs 124.5) in T1 and lowest (Rs 112.2) in T4. The results show that azolla meal could be utilized to substitute up to 10% soybean meal from overall production and economic point of view.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 619-625
Novel Keratinolytic Activity of Cyberlindnera fabianii Nrc3 Aza as A Plant Growth Promoting Agent (PGPA)
Authors: Abdel-fattah Azza M. , Nashy EL-Shahat H. A. , Sabiel El-Tahir A. , Hussien Manal M. , Attia Ahmed S.
Published: December 2015

Two field experiments had been conducted in Nubaria sandy soil, Behaira Governate, Egypt to show the effect of keratinase enzyme produced by the novel microbial isolate (Cyberlindnera fabianii NRC3 Aza) on plants.The trials had been conducted in the two successive summer seasons (2011/2012 and 2012/2013) to show the effect of keratinase enzyme from degraded feather–waste on the morphology and chemical composition of peas pods (Pisumsativum L.)–family Fabaceae (Leguminasae). In 2011/2012 season, only the chemical analysis of the dried powdered beads was studied. In 2012/2013 season, the morphological studies of the yield were considered beside the chemical ones. The results depicted significant effects of the sprayed enzyme (keratinase) on peas as plant growth promoting agent (PGPA), compared with the blank (sprayed with water). Electrophoreses and amino acid analysis were carried out for the characterization of the partial pure keratinase enzyme. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 609-618
Effect of Drought on Antioxidant System at Seedling and Vegetative Stage of Eleusine coracana
Authors: Sharma Shipra , Arora Sandeep , Lohani Pushpa
Published: December 2015

Adverse environmental factors like drought stress result in increased levels of ROS that adversely affect the growth and productivity of plants. The alleviation of oxidative damage and increased resistance to environmental stresses is correlated with an efficient antioxidant system. Antioxidant non enzymatic system as well as enzymatic system neutralize the effects of these reactive oxygen species and help plants to survive in stress conditions. The study was carried out with the aim to understand the effect of drought on antioxidant system in seedling and vegetative stages of drought tolerant as well as sensitive genotypes of Eleusine coracana. Drought was imposed by withholding water for 8 days at seedling and vegetative stages of drought tolerant ie PRM-6107 and sensitive ie PES-400 genotypes of E. coracana. Different enzyme assays and biochemical analysis were performed in leaf samples by following the standard protocols. With the induction of drought, an increment in the level of ascorbate, flavonoid, phenol and proline was recorded in PRM-6107 whereas no significant increase was observed in PES-400. The level of these antioxidants was more in seedling stage than at vegetative stage. Similarly the level of antioxidant enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, guaicol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase was high in tolerant genotype as compared to sensitive genotype under unstressed condition. Under stress condition, the level of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaicol peroxidase increased at seedling stage while the levels of glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase increased significantly at vegetative stage of both the genotypes. These results show that PRM-6107 is drought tolerant because the level of antioxidants as well as antioxidative enzymes is high in this genotype in seedling and vegetative stages. Also, the elevated levels of antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes at seedling stage show that plant start combating drought more strongly at seedling stage than at vegetative stage. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 642-650
An Assessment of Major Nutritional Components and Some Secondary Metabolites of In-Vitro Propagated Stevia Rebaudiana (Cultured in Bangladesh) Plant Leaves Dry Powder
Authors: Shuvo Md. Moinul Abedin , Mamun Mohammad AL - , Chowdhury Tuhina , Absar Nurul , Hasanuzzaman Md.
Published: December 2015

Stevia rebaudiana, belongs to the family of Asteraceae, is a perennial and medicinal shrub. It’s leaves dry powder widely used as a natural sweetener which has no calories but reported to be 50– 300 times sweetener as sweet as sugar, that are said to be having insulin balancing properties without any side effects. This research was first time conducted in Bangladesh where a quantitative analysis were performed for determining the major constituents of in vitro propagated Stevia rebaudiana plant leaves dry powder that was prepared through oven dry after sun dry. The analysis revealed the powder as mild acidic (PH 5.345). Total chlorophyll contents were found to be 0.845mg% where chlorophyll–a and -b were 0.088 and 0.761 mg% respectively.  The major macro nutrients such as ash, crude fiber, total carbohydrate, total protein and fat were determined at the amount of 7.05, 10.5, 53.52, 13.13 and 3.55 gm% respectively where the micro nutrients like Iron (Fe), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P) and Chloride (Cl) were found at the amount of 34.2, 184.3, 2500, 534.43, 465.34, 304.7 and 49.6 mg% accordingly.  Screening for secondary metabolites showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins as the amount of 2.83, 17.20, 6.69 and 5.84 mg% respectively in dry powder. These findings also have been compared with the other reported values on Stevia from different countries of the world.   Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 721-726
Effect of Number of Seedlings Hill-1 and Rate and Time of Nitrogen Application on the Yield of Late Transplant Aman Rice (cv. Br23)
Authors: Ali N.A.M.Y. , Sarkar M.A.R. , Paul S.K.
Published: December 2015

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to examine the effect of number of seedlings hill‑1 and rate and time of nitrogen application on the yield of late transplant Aman rice (cv. BR23). The experiment comprised three levels of number of seedlings hill-1 viz. 2, 4, and 6, three nitrogen rates viz. 0, 60 and 120 kg N ha-1 and three levels of time of nitrogen application viz. nitrogen application in two equal splits at 15 DAT and early tillering stage (ET); nitrogen application in three equal splits at 15 DAT, ET and panicle initiation (PI) stage; nitrogen application in four equal splits at 15 DAT, ET, PI and flowering (F) stages. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Number of effective tillers hill‑1, grain yield and straw yield were the highest when 6 seedlings were transplanted hill‑1 while all yield contributing characters, grain and straw yields were the highest at 120 kg N ha-1. In case of interaction, the highest grain yield was recorded in combination of 6 seedlings hill-1 × 120 kg N ha-1 and 120 kg N ha-1 × three times of nitrogen applications (15 DAT + ET + PI). The highest number of effective tillers hill-1 and grain yield were recorded in 6 seedlings hill-1 × 120 kg N ha-1 × three times N application (15 DAT + ET + PI) and thus this practice appears as the promising one for late transplant Aman rice ( cv. BR23) cultivation.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 692-698
Control Strategies of Papaya Mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Willink in the Laboratory Condition
Authors: Biswas M.J.H. , Khan M.A.M. , Ahmed K.S.
Published: December 2015

The laboratory experiment was conducted at the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University to determine the effectiveness of polythene band, predatory ladybird beetles (available species found in Bangladesh viz. Coccinella transversalis (F.), Micraspis discolor (F.), Menochilus sexmaculatus (F.), Cyclonida sanguinea, Adalia bipunctata, Coccinella novemnotata and Illeis koebelei), four chemical insecticides and three botanical oils in controlling papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink. The chemical insecticides were Sevin 85 SP, Dimethoate 40 EC, Fipronil 50 EC, Deltamethrin 2.5 EC, and the botanical oils were Neem oil, Mahogany oil and Karanja oil. In the laboratory experiment, polythene banding failed to prevent the plant from the infestation of papaya mealybug. Seven commonly available species of ladybird beetles in Bangladesh did not provide any control to papaya mealybug. Among the chemical insecticides, Sevin 85 SP and Dimethoate 40 EC showed significant mortality of papaya mealybug. Deltamethrin 2.5 EC and Neem oil (2%) provided moderate control of the pest. The remaining insecticides and botanical oils were less effective to control papaya mealybug. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 687-691
Cecocolic Intussusception in an Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) in Sri Lanka Associated with Chronic Hepato-Intestinal Schistosomiasis: A Case Report
Authors: Karawita A.C. , Rajapakse R.C. , Amarasiri P.G.I.D. , Ramanayake R.M.T.M. , Jayaweera W.R. , Bollinger Trent K. , Gunawardena G.S.P.De.S.
Published: December 2015

A 25 year old female captive Asian elephant weighing approximately 3000kgs died and was subjected to a complete necropsy within 5 hours post mortem. Grossly, the elephant had sub-cutaneous edema, cecocolic intussusception and ascites. Histopathological examination revealed multifocal, granulomatous, portal phlebitis in the liver, multifocal, granulomatous, peri-portal hepatitis with marked portal and perisinusoidal fibrosis, and multifocal granulomatous colitis with intralesional Schistosoma eggs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cecocolic intussusception in an Asian elephant associated with Schistosoma infection. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 744-746
Effect of Different Pollinator Attractant Crops for Seed Setting and Maximizing Seed Yield of Onion
Authors: Uddin Md. Kalim , Kamal M. M. , Akand M. M. , Hasan M. M. , Chowdhury M. N. A.
Published: December 2015

The experiment was conducted at the Spices Research Centre, Shibgonj, Bogra during rabi season, 2010-11and 2011-12 to identify the suitable pollinator attractant crops for increasing the vigilance of pollinators and higher seed settings and thereby increasing seed yield of onion. In 2010-11, the highest seed setting was recorded in onion + fennel (69.88%) which was statistically identical to Onion + coriander (67.45 %) and Onion + black cumin (64.15 %) while the highest seed setting was recorded in Onion + Fennel (73.70 %) which was identical to Onion + Dill (70.50%) and Onion + Coriander( 72.37%) during 2011-12. In 2010-11, the highest seed yield (865.5 kg/ha) was obtained from Onion + fennel which was identical to Onion + coriander (838.1 kg/ha) but in 2011-12, the highest seed yield (1165.34 kg/ha) was recorded from Onion + fennel which was identical to Onion + coriander (1064.59 kg/ha). In both the years, percent seed setting was lowest in Sole onion (55.93 % in 2010-11and 57.73% in 2011-12). Accordingly, the lowest seed yield was also recorded from Sole onion (623.3 kg/ha in 2010-11 and 685.44 kg/ha in 2011-12). Dill and Fennel was the better attractant crop for pollination while coriander acted as intermediate. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 737-743
Establishment of an Efficient Regeneration System Amenable to Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation of Two Elite Indica Rice Varieties of North East India
Authors: Dey Mohitosh , Panda Sanjib Kumar , Sahoo Lingaraj
Published: December 2015

An efficient plant regeneration system from embryogenic callus of two elite indica rice (Oryza sativa spp. indica) varieties of Northeast India, Ketokijoha and Monoharsali is established. The effect of auxin, 2,4-dicholorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) on callus induction was optimized. Friable, nodular and creamish-white embryogenic calli were induced from mature seeds on NB medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D. Plants were regenerated from 40-50 days old embryogenic callus on NB medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 0.25 mg/l ABA (abscisic acid). Regenerated plants with multiple tillers were rooted on half strength MS medium and rooted plants were acclimatized with 94% survival rate. Higher frequency of callus induction as well as plant regeneration was recorded in Ketokijoha as compared to Monoharsali. The calli of both the varieties were found amenable to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation as evident from strong GUS (β-glucuronidase) expression. The results may find wide application for genetic improvement for valuable traits these elite indica rice varieties of Northeast India. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 680-686
Detection and Quantitation of Aflatoxin for the Diagnosis of Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Shrestha Geeta Rajbhandari , Mridha Amin Udhin
Published: December 2015

Aflatoxins are the potent mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, which is hepatotoxic causing hepatocellular carcinoma. A. flavus produces sufficient amount of Aflatoxin B1 under favourable environments. Inhalation of spores and use of Aflatoxin B1, contaminated food by Aspergillus spp., could transfuse the toxins in the blood streams. The presence of these toxins in body fluid can be detected by immunological assays and which provides an effective technique for the diagnosis of the disease caused by A. flavus. Aflatoxins producing strain of A. flavus were screened in Aflatoxin Producing Medium. Production of Aflatoxin B1 by A. flavus was studied in different parameters such as incubation periods, temperatures, pH variations, sucrose concentration in Yeast Extract Sucrose medium and different natural media such as par-boiled rice, corn and groundnuts. The detection of toxins was done by TLC using silica gel (Merk) coated plates and confirmative test was done by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method. Presence and quantization was done by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Highest amount of Aflatoxin B1 was reported 68.56 ng/ml by ELISA in synthetic medium (Yeast Extract Sucrose) with 2% sucrose, pH 5.5, on 14th days of incubation, at 28±1°C (p-value 0.05). Similarly, highest amount was recorded in groundnuts (121.20ng/g) by ELISA and (500ng/kg) by TLC methods. ELISA is one of the most efficient methods used for detection and diagnosis of human diseases cause due to exposure of Aflatoxin B1 and A. flavus.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 6-9
Non-Resonant Magnetoelectric Energy Harvesting Utilizing Phase Transformation in Relaxor Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Finkel Peter , Pérez Moyet Richard , Wun-Fogle Marilyn , Restorff James , Kosior Jesse , Staruch Margo , Stace Joseph , Amin Ahmed
Published: December 2015

Recent advances in phase transition transduction enabled the design of a non-resonant broadband mechanical energy harvester that is capable of delivering an energy density per cycle up to two orders of magnitude larger than resonant cantilever piezoelectric type generators. This was achieved in a [011] oriented and poled domain engineered relaxor ferroelectric single crystal, mechanically biased to a state just below the ferroelectric rhombohedral (FR)-ferroelectric orthorhombic (FO) phase transformation. Therefore, a small variation in an input parameter, e.g., electrical, mechanical, or thermal will generate a large output due to the significant polarization change associated with the transition. This idea was extended in the present work to design a non-resonant, multi-domain magnetoelectric composite hybrid harvester comprised of highly magnetostrictive alloy, [Fe81.4Ga18.6 (Galfenol) or TbxDy1-xFe2 (Terfenol-D)], and lead indium niobate–lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate (PIN-PMN-PT) domain engineered relaxor ferroelectric single crystal. A small magnetic field applied to the coupled device causes the magnetostrictive element to expand, and the resulting stress forces the phase change in the relaxor ferroelectric single crystal. We have demonstrated high energy conversion in this magnetoelectric device by triggering the FR-FO transition in the single crystal by a small ac magnetic field in a broad frequency range that is important for multi-domain hybrid energy harvesting devices.
On Description of Acceleration of Spinless Electrons in Law of Heat Conduction a capite ad calcem in Temperature
Authors: Sharma Kal
Published: December 2015

Acceleration effects of heat flow are included in the law of heat conduction by eliminating the acceleration term between the equation of motion for a spinless electron and the Boltzmann equipartition energy theorem differentiated with respect to time. The resulting law of heat conduction is a capite ad calcem in temperature as given in Equations (17), (19) and (20). (qz/k)z = -(δT/δz) - 1/vh(δT/δt). Evaluation of use of this equation using the entropy production term reveals that as long as the flux, q, and the temperature accumulation both have the same signs, the law does not violate the second law of thermodynamics. For systems that obey the first law of thermodynamics, this is the case. σ == q/T2(q/k + 1/vh • q(δT/δt)). In the chemical potential Stokes-Einstein formulation, when acceleration of the molecule is accounted for, a law of diffusion a capite ad calcem concentration results. In cartesian one-dimensional heat conduction in semi-infinite coordinates, the governing equation for temperature or concentration was solved for by the method of Laplace transforms. The results are in terms of the modified Bessel composite function in space and time of the first order and first kind. This is when τ > X. X > τ the solution is in terms of the Bessel composite function in space and time of the first order and first kind. The wave temperature is a decaying exponential in time when X = τ. An approximate expression for dimensionless temperature was obtained by expanding the binomial series in the exponent in the Laplace domain and after neglecting fourth- and higher-order terms before inversion from the Laplace domain. The Fourier model, the damped wave model and the a capite ad calcem in temperature/concentration model solutions are compared side by side in the form of a graph. The a capite ad calcem model solution is seen to undergo the convex to concave transition sooner than the damped wave model. The results of the a capite ad calcem temperature model for distances further from the surface are closer to the Fourier model solution.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Cellulose to Gluconate on Carbon Aerogel Supported Gold Nanoparticles Anode in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Xiao Hanshuang , Wu Meifen , Zhao Guohua
Published: December 2015

The development of high efficient and low energy consumption approaches for the transformation of cellulose is of high significance for a sustainable production of high value-added feedstocks. Herein, electrocatalytic oxidation technique was employed for the selective conversion of cellulose to gluconate in alkaline medium by using concentrated HNO3 pretreated carbon aerogel (CA) supported Au nanoparticles as anode. Results show that a high gluconate yield of 67.8% and sum salts yield of 88.9% can be obtained after 18 h of electrolysis. The high conversion of cellulose and high selectivity to gluconate could be attributed to the good dissolution of cellulose in NaOH solution which promotes its hydrolysis, the surface oxidized CA support and Au nanoparticles catalyst which possesses high amount of active sites. Moreover, the bubbled air also plays important role in the enhancement of cellulose electrocatalytic conversion efficiency. Lastly, a probable mechanism for electrocatalytic oxidation of cellulose to gluconate in alkaline medium was also proposed.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Fibrolamellar Variant: Diagnostic Pathologic Criteria and Molecular Pathology Update. A Primer
Authors: Sergi Consolato
Published: December 2015

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is generally a fairly rare event in routine pathology practice. This variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is peculiarly intriguing and,in addition, poorly understood. Young people or children are often the target individuals with this type of cancer. Previously, I highlighted some pathology aspects of FL-HCC, but in this review, the distinctive clinico-pathologic features of FL-HCC and the diagnostic pathologic criteria of FL-HCC are fractionally reviewed and expanded upon. Further, molecular genetics update data with reference to this specific tumor are particularly highlighted as a primer for general pathologists and pediatric histopathologists. FL-HCC may present with metastases, and regional lymph nodes may be sites of metastatic spread. However, peritoneal and pulmonary metastatic foci have also been reported. To the best of our knowledge, FL-HCC was initially considered having an indolent course, but survival outcomes have recently been updated reconsidering the prognosis of this tumor. Patients seem to respond well to surgical resection, but recurrences are common. Thus, alternative therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are ongoing. Overall, it seems that this aspect has not been well-studied for this variant of HCC and should be considered as target for future clinical trials. Remarkably, FL-HCC data seem to point to a liver neoplasm of uncertain origin and unveiled outcome. A functional chimeric transcript incorporating DNAJB1 and PRKACA was recently added to FL-HCC. This sensational result may give remarkable insights into the understanding of this rare disease and potentially provide the basis for its specific diagnostic marker. Detection of DNAJB1-PRKACA seems to be, indeed, a very sensitive and specific finding in supporting the diagnosis of FL-HCC. In a quite diffuse opinion, prognosis of this tumor should be reconsidered following the potentially mandatory application of new molecular biological tools.
Stochastic Reorder Point-Lot Size (r,Q) Inventory Model under Maximum Entropy Principle
Authors: Castellano Davide
Published: December 2015

This paper takes into account the continuous-review reorder point-lot size (r,Q) inventory model under stochastic demand, with the backorders-lost sales mixture. Moreover, to reflect the practical circumstance in which full information about the demand distribution lacks, we assume that only an estimate of the mean and of the variance is available. Contrarily to the typical approach in which the lead-time demand is supposed Gaussian or is obtained according to the so-called minimax procedure, we take a different perspective. That is, we adopt the maximum entropy principle to model the lead-time demand distribution. In particular, we consider the density that maximizes the entropy over all distributions with given mean and variance. With the aim of minimizing the expected total cost per time unit, we then propose an exact algorithm and a heuristic procedure. The heuristic method exploits an approximated expression of the total cost function achieved by means of an ad hoc first-order Taylor polynomial. We finally carry out numerical experiments with a twofold objective. On the one hand we examine the efficiency of the approximated solution procedure. On the other hand we investigate the performance of the maximum entropy principle in approximating the true lead-time demand distribution.
On the Stability and Electronic Structure of Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayer Alloys Mo1−xXxS2−ySey with X = W, Nb
Authors: Kuc Agnieszka , Heine Thomas
Published: December 2015

Layered transition-metal dichalcogenides have extraordinary electronic properties, which can be easily modified by various means. Here, we have investigated how the stability and electronic structure of MoS 2 monolayers is influenced by alloying, i.e., by substitution of the transition metal Mo by W and Nb and of the chalcogen S by Se. While W and Se incorporate into the MoS 2 matrix homogeneously, forming solid solutions, the incorporation of Nb is energetically unstable and results in phase separation. However, all three alloying atoms change the electronic band structure significantly. For example, a very small concentration of Nb atoms introduces localized metallic states, while Mo 1 - x W x S 2 and MoS 2 - y Se y alloys exhibit spin-splitting of the valence band of strength that is in between that of the pure materials. Moreover, small, but evident spin-splitting is introduced in the conduction band due to the symmetry breaking. Therefore, transition-metal dichalcogenide alloys are interesting candidates for optoelectronic and spintronic applications.
Life Sciences—Life Writing: PTSD as a Transdisciplinary Entity between Biomedical Explanation and Lived Experience
Authors: Paul Norbert , Banerjee Mita , Efferth Thomas
Published: December 2015

Since the second half of the 20th century, the life sciences have become one of the dominant explanatory models for almost every aspect of human life. Hand in hand with biomedical developments and technologies, the life sciences are constantly shaping and reshaping human lives and changing human biographies in manifold ways. The orientation towards life sciences and biomedicine from the very beginning to the end of human life is driven by the utopian notion that all forms of contingency could be technologically and medically controlled. This paper addresses the interrelatedness of life sciences and human biographies in a field where contingency and risk become essential and existential parts of lived experience: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the one hand, this diagnostic entity is related to (neuro-)biological underpinnings of (a lack of) psychic resilience as well as to those of contemporary pharmacotherapy. On the other hand, PTSD is also understood as based on a traumatic life event, which can be accessed through and addressed by talk therapy, particularly narrative exposure therapy (NET). We argue that a novel focus on concepts of narrativity will generate pathways for an interdisciplinary understanding of PTSD by linking biological underpinnings from neurobiological findings, to brain metabolism and pharmacotherapy via the interface of psychotherapy and the specific role of narratives to the lived experience of patients and vice versa. The goal of our study is to demonstrate why therapies such as psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy are successful in controlling the disease burden of PTSD to some extent, but the restitutio ad integrum, the reestablishing of the bodily and psychic integrity remains out of reach for most PTSD patients. As a test case, we discuss the complementary methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the established procedures of talk therapy (NET) to show how a methodological focus on narratives enhanced by notions of narrativity from the humanities grants access to therapeutically meaningful, enriched notions of PTSD. We focus on TCM because trauma therapy has long since become an intrinsic part of this complementary medical concept which are more widely accessible and accepted than other complementary medical practices, such as Ayurveda or homeopathy. Looking at the individual that suffers from a traumatic life event and also acknowledging the contemporary concepts of resilience, transdisciplinary concepts become particularly relevant for the medical treatment of and social reintegration of patients such as war veterans. We emphasize the necessity of a new dialogue between the life sciences and the humanities by introducing the concepts of corporeality, capability and temporality as boundary objects crucial for both the biomedical explanation, the narrative understanding and the lived experience of trauma.
A Modified Hopfield Neural Network Algorithm (MHNNA) Using ALOS Image for Water Quality Mapping
Authors: Kzar Ahmed , Mat Jafri Mohd , Mutter Kussay , Syahreza Saumi
Published: December 2015

Decreasing water pollution is a big problem in coastal waters. Coastal health of ecosystems can be affected by high concentrations of suspended sediment. In this work, a Modified Hopfield Neural Network Algorithm (MHNNA) was used with remote sensing imagery to classify the total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations in the waters of coastal Langkawi Island, Malaysia. The adopted remote sensing image is the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS) image acquired on 18 January 2010. Our modification allows the Hopfield neural network to convert and classify color satellite images. The samples were collected from the study area simultaneously with the acquiring of satellite imagery. The sample locations were determined using a handheld global positioning system (GPS). The TSS concentration measurements were conducted in a lab and used for validation (real data), classification, and accuracy assessments. Mapping was achieved by using the MHNNA to classify the concentrations according to their reflectance values in band 1, band 2, and band 3. The TSS map was color-coded for visual interpretation. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm was investigated by dividing the validation data into two groups. The first group was used as source samples for supervisor classification via the MHNNA. The second group was used to test the MHNNA efficiency. After mapping, the locations of the second group in the produced classes were detected. Next, the correlation coefficient (R) and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated between the two groups, according to their corresponding locations in the classes. The MHNNA exhibited a higher R (0.977) and lower RMSE (2.887). In addition, we test the MHNNA with noise, where it proves its accuracy with noisy images over a range of noise levels. All results have been compared with a minimum distance classifier (Min-Dis). Therefore, TSS mapping of polluted water in the coastal Langkawi Island, Malaysia can be performed using the adopted MHNNA with remote sensing techniques (as based on ALOS images).
Distribution and Predictors of Pesticides in the Umbilical Cord Blood of Chinese Newborns
Authors: Silver Monica , Shao Jie , Chen Minjian , Xia Yankai , Lozoff Betsy , Meeker John
Published: December 2015

Rates of pesticide use in Chinese agriculture are five times greater than the global average, leading to high exposure via the diet. Many are neurotoxic, making prenatal pesticide exposure a concern. Previous studies of prenatal exposure in China focused almost entirely on organochlorines. Here the study goals were to characterize the exposure of Chinese newborns to all classes of pesticides and identify predictors of those exposures. Eighty-four pesticides and 12 metabolites were measured in the umbilical cord plasma of 336 infants. Composite variables were created for totals detected overall and by class. Individual pesticides were analyzed as dichotomous or continuous, based on detection rates. Relationships between demographic characteristics and pesticides were evaluated using generalized linear regression. Seventy-five pesticides were detected. The mean number of detects per sample was 15.3. Increased pesticide detects were found in the cord blood of infants born in the summer (β = 2.2, p = 0.01), particularly in July (β = 4.0, p = 0.03). Similar trends were observed for individual insecticide classes. Thus, a summer birth was the strongest predictor of pesticide evidence in cord blood. Associations were more striking for overall pesticide exposure than for individual pesticides, highlighting the importance of considering exposure to mixtures of pesticides, rather than individual agents or classes.
Ferroelectrics under the Synchrotron Light: A Review
Authors: Fuentes-Cobas Luis , Montero-Cabrera María , Pardo Lorena , Fuentes-Montero Luis
Published: December 2015

Currently, an intensive search for high-performance lead-free ferroelectric materials is taking place. ABO3 perovskites (A = Ba, Bi, Ca, K and Na; B = Fe, Nb, Ti, and Zr) appear as promising candidates. Understanding the structure–function relationship is mandatory, and, in this field, the roles of long- and short-range crystal orders and interactions are decisive. In this review, recent advances in the global and local characterization of ferroelectric materials by synchrotron light diffraction, scattering and absorption are analyzed. Single- and poly-crystal synchrotron diffraction studies allow high-resolution investigations regarding the long-range average position of ions and subtle global symmetry break-downs. Ferroelectric materials, under the action of electric fields, undergo crystal symmetry, crystallite/domain orientation distribution and strain condition transformations. Methodological aspects of monitoring these processes are discussed. Two-dimensional diffraction clarify larger scale ordering: polycrystal texture is measured from the intensities distribution along the Debye rings. Local order is investigated by diffuse scattering (DS) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) experiments. DS provides information about thermal, chemical and displacive low-dimensional disorders. XAFS investigation of ferroelectrics reveals local B-cation off-centering and oxidation state. This technique has the advantage of being element-selective. Representative reports of the mentioned studies are described.
Determination of FVIIa-sTF Inhibitors in Toxic Microcystis Cyanobacteria by LC-MS Technique
Authors: Anas Andrea , Nakajima Anna , Naruse Chiaki , Tone Mineka , Asukabe Hirohiko , Harada Ken-ichi
Published: December 2015

The blood coagulation cascade involves the human coagulation factors thrombin and an activated factor VII (fVIIa). Thrombin and fVIIa are vitamin-K-dependent clotting factors associated with bleeding, bleeding complications and disorders. Thrombin and fVIIa cause excessive bleeding when treated with vitamin-K antagonists. In this research, we explored different strains of toxic Microcystis aeruginosa and cyanobacteria blooms for the probable fVIIa-soluble Tissue Factor (fVIIa-sTF) inhibitors. The algal cells were subjected to acidification, and reverse phase (ODS) chromatography-solid phase extraction eluted by water to 100% MeOH with 20%-MeOH increments except for M. aeruginosa NIES-89, from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), which was eluted with 5%-MeOH increments as an isolation procedure to separate aeruginosins 89A and B from co-eluting microcystins. The 40%–80% MeOH fractions of the cyanobacterial extract are active against fVIIa-sTF. The fVIIa-sTF active fractions from cultured cyanobacteria and cyanobacteria blooms were subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The 60% MeOH fraction of M. aeruginosa K139 exhibited an m/z 603 [M + H]+ attributed to aeruginosin K139, and the 40% MeOH fraction of M. aeruginosa NIES-89 displayed ions with m/z 617 [M − SO3 + H]+ and m/z [M + H]+ 717, which attributed to aeruginosin 89. Aeruginosins 102A/B and 298A/B were also observed from other toxic strains of M. aeruginosa with positive fVIIa-sTF inhibitory activity. The active fractions contained cyanobacterial peptides of the aeruginosin class as fVIIa-sTF inhibitors detected by LC-MS.
YSZ-Reinforced Alumina Multi-Channel Capillary Membranes for Micro-Filtration
Authors: Wang Bo , Lee Melanie , Li Kang
Published: December 2015

The combined phase-inversion and sintering method not only produces ceramic hollow fibre membranes with much lower fabrication costs than conventional methods, but these membranes can also be designed to have greatly reduced transport resistances for filtration processes. The bottleneck of this technique is the weak mechanical property of the fibres, due to the small dimensions and the brittle nature of the ceramic materials. In this study, yttrium stabilised zirconia (YSZ) reinforced alumina seven-channel capillary microfiltration membranes were prepared with a pore size of ~230 nm and their mechanical property and permeation characteristics were studied. It is found that the addition of YSZ can effectively enhance the mechanical property of the membrane and also increase pure water permeation flux. The Al2O3-YSZ seven-channel capillary membranes could reach a fracture load of 23.4 N and a bending extension of 0.54 mm when being tested with a 6 cm span, to meet the requirements for most industrial microfiltration applications.
Uranium-Series Disequilibria in the Groundwater of the Shihongtan Sandstone-Hosted Uranium Deposit, NW China
Authors: Peng Xinjian , Min Maozhong , Qiao Haiming , Wang Jinping , Fayek Mostafa
Published: December 2015

Uranium (U) concentration and the activities of 238U, 234U, and 230Th were determined for groundwaters, spring waters, and lake water collected from the Shihongtan sandstone-hosted U ore district and in the surrounding area, NW China. The results show that the groundwaters from the oxidizing aquifer with high dissolved oxygen concentration (O2) and oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) are enriched in U. The high U concentration of groundwaters may be due to the interaction between these oxidizing groundwaters and U ore bodies, which would result in U that is not in secular equilibrium. Uranium is re-precipitated as uraninite on weathered surfaces and organic material, forming localized ore bodies in the sandstone-hosted aquifer. The 234U/238U, 230Th/234U, and 230Th/238U activity ratios (ARs) for most water samples show obvious deviations from secular equilibrium (0.27–2.86), indicating the presence of water-rock/ore interactions during the last 1.7 Ma and probably longer. The 234U/238U AR generally increases with decreasing U concentrations in the groundwaters, suggesting that mixing of two water sources may occur in the aquifer. This is consistent with the fact that most of the U ore bodies in the deposit have a tabular shape originati from mixing between a relatively saline fluid and a more rapidly flowing U-bearing meteoric water.
Turkish Scorzonera Species Extracts Attenuate Cytokine Secretion via Inhibition of NF-κB Activation, Showing Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Vitro
Authors: Bahadır Acikara Özlem , Hošek Jan , Babula Petr , Cvačka Josef , Budešínský Miloš , Dračinský Martin , Saltan İşcan Gülçin , Kadlecová Daniela , Ballová Ludmila , Šmejkal Karel
Published: December 2015

Scorzonera species are used in different folk medicines to combat many diseases, including the illnesses connected with inflammation. Previous experiments showed anti-inflammatory activity of Scorzonera extracts in vivo. S. latifolia, S. cana var. jacquiniana, S. tomentosa, S. mollis ssp. szowitsii, S. eriophora, S. incisa, S. cinerea, and S. parviflora extracts were, therefore, evaluated for their inhibitory activities of TNF-α and IL-1β production, and NF-κB nuclear translocation in THP-1 macrophages. The HPLC analysis was carried out to elucidate and to compare the composition of these extracts. Major compounds of the tested extracts have been isolated using different chromatographic techniques and further tested for their inhibitory activities on TNF-α and IL-1β production. Several extracts showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in these in vitro tests. Results of HPLC analysis revealed chlorogenic acid as a compound present in all tested extracts. Hyperoside, quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside and rutin were also present in varying amount in some Scorzonera species analyzed. Furthermore, eight phenolics which were identified as quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside (1), hyperoside (2), hydrangenol-8-O-glucoside (3), swertisin (4), 7-methylisoorientin (5), 4,5-O-dicaffeoyl-quinic acid (6), 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl-quinic acid (7), and chlorogenic acid (8) have been isolated as major phenolic compounds of the tested extracts and, together with eight terpenoids (9–16) previously obtained from different Scorzonera species, have been tested for the inhibition of TNF-α production, unfortunately with no activity comparable with standard.
Design, Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Activity of Novel Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Amide-Cinnamamide Hybrids
Authors: Li Linhu , Li Zhuorong , Liu Mingliang , Shen Weiyi , Wang Bin , Guo Huiyuan , Lu Yu
Published: December 2015

We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine amide-cinnamamide hybrids linked via an alkyl carbon chain. All 38 new hybrids were evaluated for their antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv ATCC 27294 using the microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA). Although the hybrids are less active than the two reference compounds, the promising activity (MICs: 4 μg/mL) of 2,6-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine amide-cinnamamide hybrids 11e and 11k could be a good starting point to further find new lead compounds against multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.