bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framework to Determine the Upper Bound on Extractable Power as a Function of Input Vibration Parameters
Authors: Heit John D. , Roundy Shad
Published: January 2016

This paper outlines a mathematical framework to determine the upper bound on extractable power as a function of the forcing vibrations. In addition, the method described provides insight into the dynamic transducer forces required to attain the upper bound. The relationship between vibration parameters and transducer force gives a critical first step in determining the optimal transducer architecture for a given vibration source. The method developed is applied to three specific vibration inputs: a single sinusoid, the sum of two sinusoids, and a single sinusoid with a time-dependent frequency. As expected, for the single sinusoidal case, the optimal transducer force is found to be that produced by a resonant linear spring and a viscous damping force, with matched impedance to the mechanical damper. The resulting transducer force for the input described by a sum of two sinusoids is found to be inherently time dependent. The upper bound on power output is shown to be twice that obtainable from a linear harvester centered at the lower of the two frequencies. Finally, the optimal transducer force for a sinusoidal input with a time-dependent frequency is characterized by a viscous damping term and a linear spring with a time-dependent coefficient.
Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A alters mouse fetal pancreatic morphology and islet composition
Authors: Whitehead Rebecca , Guan Haiyan , Arany Edith , Cernea Maria , Yang Kaiping
Published: January 2016

Background: Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting chemical, during gestation is associated with a variety of metabolic dysfunctions in adulthood, including hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. These modifications in glucose homeostasis largely stem from alterations in pancreatic function. However, the effects of BPA on the fetal pancreas have never been explored. The present study addressed this important question by examining the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on the mouse fetal pancreatic development.

Materials and methods: Pregnant mice were fed a BPA diet (25 mg BPA/kg diet) from embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) to E18.5. At E18.5, fetal pancreata were collected and analyzed for morphological changes in the endocrine pancreas such as islet size, number and β and α cell distribution.

Results: We showed that BPA exposed fetal pancreata had a greater number of islet-cell clusters (ICCs; <300 μm2; p<0.05) compared with controls. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that prenatal BPA exposure increased both glucagon expression in islets and the numbers of glucagon-expressing islet-cell clusters (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Considering that ICCs represent the initial stages of islet development in the fetal pancreas, our findings suggest that BPA promotes islet differentiation or delays the conversion of ICCs into mature islets. Moreover, the increase in glucagon expression suggests a potential alteration in the α:β-cell ratio in islets, which may have significant implications for the fetal pancreas both structurally and functionally. This study provides novel insight into the effects of BPA exposure on the fetal pancreata, indicating alterations in glucagon expression in islets and ICCs.
Spontaneous conception following GnRHa and progestogen therapy in adenomyosis
Authors: Dasrilsyah Rima Anggrena , Shan Lim Pei , Kwang Ng Beng , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Omar Mohd Hashim
Published: January 2016

Adenomyosis is a common gynaecological disorder that is associated with infertility and miscarriage. We report a case of adenomyosis presented with urinary retention and infertility. The patient successfully conceived spontaneously following GnRHa followed by progestogen therapy. This treatment option might provide a synergistic effect in improving fertility and pregnancy outcome for women with adenomyosis. This modality has no potential surgical risk; it minimises the long-term side effects of GnRHa and also provides luteal support.
Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 against Meloidogyne javanica in the rhizosphere of tomato plants
Authors: Saeedizadeh A.
Published: January 2016

Root-knot nematodes are among the most important pests that reduce tomato yield in greenhouses and fields in Iran. The scope of this research was to evaluate the antagonistic effect of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0 on the reproduction and galling rate of Meloidogyne javanica in tomato roots. A pot experiment was conducted on seedlings of tomato cultivars Bony best, Falat, Mobile and Walter grown in sterilized sandy loam soil. Inocula used for artificial inoculation were 3 J2/g of soil for the nematode, 1×106 spores/ml for the fungus and 1×109 cfu/ml for the bacterium. The nematicide RUGBY® 10 G (cadusafos) was used as a reference product at 2g per each pot. Two months after inoculation, the number of knots and egg masses per root in the treatments were (with descending order): control (nematode), nematode+bacterium, nematode+fungus, nematode+fungus+bacterium and nematode+nematicide. The combination fungus+bacterium enhanced the biocontrol effect against M. javanica activity as compared to the fungus and bacterium stand-alone treatments except for the cases of the cultivars Mobile and Bonny best in which the effect was similar to the one by the fungus alone. The fungus + bacterium combined treatment was equally effective to the nematicide treatment for all cultivars. The highest and lowest rate of nematode activity was observed in Walter and Mobile cultivars, respectively.
Testing Equality in Ordinal Data with Repeated Measurements: A Model-Free Approach
Authors: Lui Kung-Jong
Published: January 2016

In randomized clinical trials, we often encounter ordinal categorical responses with repeated measurements. We propose a model-free approach with using the generalized odds ratio (GOR) to measure the relative treatment effect. We develop procedures for testing equality of treatment effects and derive interval estimators for the GOR. We further develop a simple procedure for testing the treatment-by-period interaction. To illustrate the use of test procedures and interval estimators developed here, we consider two real-life data sets, one studying the gender effect on pain scores on an ordinal scale after hip joint resurfacing surgeries, and the other investigating the effect of an active hypnotic drug in insomnia patients on ordinal categories of time to falling asleep.
Crystal structure of bis[4-(3-carboxy-6-fluoro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinolin-7-yl)piperazin-1-ium] benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (C20H18F2N3O3)2(C8H4O4), C48H40F4N6O10
Authors: An Zhe , Zhu Ling , Zhao Xin-Hua
Published: January 2016

C48H40N6O10F4, monoclinic, C2/c
a = 29.701(2) Å, b = 11.1940(8) Å, c = 13.1275(9) Å, β = 97.393(6)°, V = 4328.2(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0462, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1337, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of 3-(thiophen-2-yl)-5-(p-tolyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboxamide
Authors: Barakat Assem , Shivalingegowda Naveen , Renuka Nagamallu , Kariyappa Ajay Kumar , Abdoh Muneer , Warad Ismail , Lokanath Neratur Krishnappagowda
Published: January 2016

C15H15N3OS, monoclinic, P21/c (No. 14), a = 10.2852(5) Å, b = 10.1649(5) Å, c = 14.7694(8) Å, β = 107.442(2)°, V = 1473.12(13) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0449, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1275, T = 293(2) K.
Indicating verbs in British Sign Language favour motivated use of space
Authors: Cormier Kearsy , Fenlon Jordan , Schembri Adam
Published: January 2016

Sign languages have traditionally been described as having a distinction between (1) arbitrary (referential or syntactic) space, considered to be a purely grammatical use of space in which locations arbitrarily represent concrete or abstract subject and/or object arguments using pronouns or indicating verbs, for example, and (2) motivated (topographic or surrogate) space, involving mapping of locations of concrete referents onto the signing space via classifier constructions. Some linguists have suggested that it may be misleading to see the two uses of space as being completely distinct from one another. In this study, we use conversational data from the British Sign Language Corpus (www.bslcorpusproject.org) to look at the use of space with modified indicating verbs – specifically the directions in which these verbs are used as well as the co-occurrence of eyegaze shifts and constructed action. Our findings suggest that indicating verbs are frequently produced in conditions that use space in a motivated way and are rarely modified using arbitrary space. This contrasts with previous claims that indicating verbs in BSL prototypically use arbitrary space. We discuss the implications of this for theories about grammaticalisation and the role of gesture in sign languages and for sign language teaching.
Effects Of Gelatine-Coated Vascular Grafts On Human Neutrophils
Authors: Meyer Frank , Buerger Thomas , Halloul Zuhir , Lippert Hans , König Brigitte , Tautenhahn Joerg
Published: January 2016

was to investigate the immune-modulatory potential of commercially available PTFE and polyester vascular grafts with and without gelatine-coating. The biomaterial-cell-interaction was characterized by changes of established parameters such as PMN-related receptors/mediators, phagocytosis potential and capacity as well as the effect of an additional plasma-dependent modulation.

By means of a standardized experimental in vitro model, various vascular graft material (PTFE/polyester/uncoated/gelatine-coated) was used for incubation with or without plasma and co-culturing with human neutrophile granulocytes (PMN) followed by analysis of representative receptors and mediators (CD62L, CD11b, CXCR2, fMLP-R, IL-8, Elastase, LTB

Comparing the vascular grafts, un-coated PTFE induced the lowest magnitude of cell stimulation whereas in case of gelatine-coating, cell response exceeded those of the other vascular grafts. This was also found comparing the polyester-based prosthetic material. Gelatine-coated polyester led to a more pronounced release of elastase than gelatine-coated PTFE and the uncoated materials. The results of oxidative burst indicated a reduced phagocytosis capacity in case of gelatine-coated polyester. Plasma incubation did also provide an impact on the cellular response. While in case of gelatine-coating, PMN-related receptor stimulation became lower, it increased by native polyester. The latter one did also induce more mediators such as IL-8 and LTB

There have been no extensive data on cell-cell interactions, cytokines and general histo-/hemocompatibility of human cells by the new generation of vascular grafts. It remains still open whether healing process and infectious resistance can be compromised by material-dependent over-stimulation or reduced phagocytosis potential of the immune cells of the primary unspecific immune response induced by gelatine-coated materials.
Patients’ Awareness Of The Prevention And Treatment Of Colorectal Cancer*
Authors: Dziki Łukasz , Puła Anna , Stawiski Konrad , Mudza Barbara , Włodarczyk Marcin , Dziki Adam
Published: January 2016

was to assess patients’ awareness of the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, hospitalised at the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery of the Medical University in Łódź during the period from January 2015 to April 2015, were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning their families’ medical case record, factors predisposing them to the development of colorectal cancer, the tests applied in diagnostics, and the treatment process. The questionnaire comprised 42 closed-ended questions with one correct answer. A statistical analysis of all answers was carried out.

The study group consisted of 30 men and 20 women aged 27–94 years old. A strong, statistically significant negative correlation between a patient’s age and his/her awareness of the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer was noted (p<0.001; r= −0.51). The study demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of neoplasms in a patient’s family (p=0.009) or, more specifically, the occurrence of colorectal cancer (p=0.008), and the awareness of the prevention programme. The women’s group was characterised by statistically significantly greater awareness of colonoscopy as a screening examination (p=0.004).

Patients need more information on colorectal cancer, its risk factors, prevention, the treatment process, and postoperative care. Lack of awareness of the colorectal cancer issue can be one of the major factors contributing to the high incidence of this disease.
The Use Of The VEINES-QOL/Sym Questionnaire In Patients Operated For Varicose Veins
Authors: Migdalski Łukasz , Kuzdak Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

Venous insufficiency is a common, chronic disease that affects nearly half of the population in highly developed countries. The vast majority of affected patients suffer from varicose veins (VV). Recently, the priority in medicine has been patient satisfaction with treatment and high quality of life. Therefore, disease-specific questionnaires that measure quality of life have been developed. One of these is VEINES-QOL/Sym with two subscales that assess quality of life and disease symptoms. To date, it has been used to examine patients with venous ulcers and thrombosis. No data are available concerning the use of VEINES to assess patients after VV surgery.

was to investigate the change in QOL after VV surgery and verify the usefulness of VEINES in daily phlebological practice.

The study recruited 69 patients (CEAP class C2-C3) in need of surgery for VV. The patients responded 2 hours before surgery and after 3 months. Patients were differentiated into several categories according to CEAP stage, age, sex, BMI, the use/lack of compression therapy, and education level.

The quality of life increased significantly in C3 patients and in patients over the age of 50. Quality of life increased significantly in all patients regardless of education. There were no differences between groups differentiated according to sex, the use or lack of compression therapy, or BMI.

The VEINES-QOL/Sym questionnaire can be used in daily phlebological practice to assess patients before and after surgical treatment of VV. VEINES-QOL/Sym is reliable and highly valid.
The Use Of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) In The Management Of Enteroatmospheric Fistula – Case Report And Literature Review
Authors: Jaguścik Rajmund , Walczak Dominik A. , Porzeżyńska Joanna , Trzeciak Piotr W.
Published: January 2016

An enteric fistula that occurs in an open abdomen is called an enteroatmospheric fistula (EAF) and is the most challenging complication for a surgical team to deal with. The treatment of EAF requires a multidisciplinary approach. First of all, sepsis has to be managed. Any fluid, electrolyte and metabolic disorders need to be corrected. Oral intake must be stopped and total parenteral nutrition introduced. The control and drainage of the effluent from the fistula is a separate issue. Since there are no fixed algorithms for the treatment of EAF, surgeons need to develop their own, often highly unconventional solutions.

We present the case of a 24-year-old man who developed enteroatmospheric fistula after laparotomy and relaparotomy due to acute necrotic pancreatitis. Both the laparostomy and the fistula were successfully managed using modified negative pressure wound therapy. The literature regarding this issue was also reviewed.
Invasiveness of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from animals in Poland
Authors: Wałecka-Zacharska E. , Kosek-Paszkowska K. , Bania J. , Staroniewicz Z. , Bednarski M. , Wieliczko A.
Published: January 2016

Animals are important reservoir ofListeria monocytogenes, a pathogen causing serious infections in both humans and livestock. However, data on invasiveness ofL. monocytogenesstrains of animal origin is very scarce. Ability of 18L. monocytogenesstrains of animal origin to invade HT-29 cells was investigated. Plaque forming assay was used to assess invasiveness and ability of the pathogen to spread in the cell line. Almost 40% ofL. monocytogenesstrains were weakly invasive. It was shown that strains from serogroup 4b exhibited the highest invasiveness, whereas serogroup 1/2b consisted of strains of invasiveness below 0.0001%. Analysis of translatedinlAandinlBgene sequences revealed no premature stop codons. Lineage-specific mutations in low invasive strains were identified withininlAandinlBsequences. Our results demonstrate high incidence of low invasive animalL. monocytogenesstrains, which may be at least partly explained by unique point mutations in the InlA and InlB.
A multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of classical swine fever virus, African swine fever virus, highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and pseudorabies in swines
Authors: Hu L. , Lin X.Y. , Yang Z.X. , Yao X.P. , Li G.L. , Peng S.Z. , Wang Y.
Published: January 2016

In this assay, we developed and evaluated a multiplex PCR (mPCR) for its ability in detecting multiple infections of swine simultaneously. Four pairs of primers were used to detect five viruses. Specific primers were designed for classical swine fever virus (CSFV), African swine fever virus (ASFV) and pseudorabies (PRV). A pair of primers was designed prudently for two different types of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus that respectively were porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV). The detection limits of the mPCR were 1.09×104, 1.50×103, 2.10×103, 1.30×103 and 8.97×102 copies/reaction for CSFV, ASFV, HP-PRRSV, PRRSV and PRV, respectively. A total of 49 clinical specimens were tested by the mPCR, and the result showed that co-infection by two or three viruses was 51%. In conclusion, the PCR is a useful tool for clinical diagnosis of not only single infections but also mixed infections in swines.
Is downer cow syndrome related to chronic botulism?
Authors: Rulff R. , Schrödl W. , Basiouni S. , Neuhaus J. , Krüger M.
Published: January 2016

The present work was directed to investigate the relationship between Downer cow syndrome (DCS) and chronic botulism in dairy cattle. For this purpose, a total of 52 fresh calving downer cows and 206 apparently healthy cows at 14 dairy farms were investigated for Clostridium botulinum ABE and CD antibody levels, C. botulinum and botulinum neurotoxin in rumen fluids as well as in faeces. Results indicated that the downer cows had higher IgG titers for C. botulinum ABE and CD than the healthy cows. All tested rumen fluids were negative for BoNT and C. botulinum. BoNT/D, however, and C. botulinum type D spores were detected in faecal samples of healthy and downer cows in the selected farms. In conclusion, the presence of a significantly higher C. botulinum ABE and CD antibody levels in DCS cows than in the healthy animals suggests that chronic C. botulinum toxico-infection could be a predisposing factor for DCS.
Biofilm-formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from subclinical mastitis in conditions mimicking the udder environment
Authors: Seixas R. , Varanda D. , Bexiga R. , Tavares L. , Oliveira M.
Published: January 2016

Staphylococcusis the genus most commonly isolated from bovine mastitis in many countries. It may express several virulence factors including biofilm formation, which may protect the bacterial community from antimicrobials’ action, preventing these compounds from reaching its interior, where they reach subinhibitory concentrations (subMIC).

Most biofilm production assays are performed in static conditions, while studies regarding antimicrobial resistance usually do not resemble the udder environment because they are performed at high concentrations. In this study we evaluated the influence of dynamic conditions and media, including Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB) and UHT whole milk (WM), as well as the effect of subMIC concentrations of five different antimicrobial agents on biofilm formation by staphylococci isolated from subclinical mastitis. Results suggest that dynamic conditions and media may influence biofilm formation and revealed that milking simulation may significantly increase biofilm production. Sub-MIC concentrations decrease biofilm formation in MHB but increase in WM, suggesting a protective role of milk against antimicrobial compounds’ action. Therefore,in vitroconditions that simulate the udder environment andin vivoconditions should be included as one of the parameters in evaluation of biofilm producing strains, in order to provide more reliable results.
Prevalence and risk factors for Lawsonia intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Salmonella spp. in finishing pigs in Polish farrow-to-finish swine herds
Authors: Dors A. , Pomorska-Mól M. , Czyżewska E. , Wasyl D. , Pejsak Z.
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to estimate the herd-level, within-herd prevalence, the frequency of mixed infections and risk factors forL. intracellularis,B. hyodysenteriaeandSalmonellaspp. in selected farrow-to-finish Polish pig herds. A total of 254 pooled fecal samples were collected from 9 to 24 week-old pigs in 70 herds. Real time PCR for detection ofL. intracellularisandB. hyodysenteriaewas performed. ForSalmonellaspp. bacteriological examination was performed. The herd-level prevalences ofL. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriaeandSalmonellaspp. among examined herds were 65.7%, 1.4% and 8.6%, respectively. The within-herd prevalences (in positive herds) forL. intracellularis,B. hyodysenteriaeandSalmonellaspp. were 51.5%, 75.0% and 30.4%, respectively. All herds with diarrhea observed during sampling were infected withL. intracellularisand 60% of herds with no diarrhea at the moment of sampling were infected withL. intracellularis(p=0.035). In herds with more than 200 sows the prevalence ofSalmonellaspp. was significantly higher compared to herds with less than 200 sows (p=0.027). In herds where all-in/all-out (AIAO) was respected, prevalence ofL. intracellulariswas significantly lower than in herds where this rule was not kept (p=0.024). Obtained results confirm thatL. intracellularisis the major cause of bacterial diarrhea in finishing pigs. The present study identified AIAO and herd size as a risk factor, at the herd level, forL. intracellularisandSalmonellaspp., respectively.
Spleen content of selected polyphenols, splenocytes morphology and function in mice fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts during pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Lewicki S. , Stankiewicz W. , Skopińska-Różewska E. , Wilczak J. , Leśniak M. , Suska M. , Siwicki A.K. , Skopiński P. , Zdanowski R.
Published: January 2016

The genusRhodiola (Crassulaceae) consists of many species, growing mainly in Asia and traditionally used as adaptogens and anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to elaborate herbal immunostimulator which could be safely given to pregnant women, we performed a study on immunotropic effects of feeding pregnant and lactating miceRhodiola kirilowiiextracts. This paper presents the results of the first part of our study – spleen content of selected polyphenols, spleen cellularity, splenocytes phenotype and their response to mitogens. Experiments were performed on adult inbred females of Balb/c strain, mated with adult males. Females, since copulatory plug was noted, up to the 28-th day after delivery were fed daily with 20 mg/kg b.m. water (RKW) or hydro-alcoholic (RKW-A) extracts ofRhodiola kirilowii. Results: 1. Significantly lower proportion of pregnant mice in experimental groups than in the control. 2. Cellularity of spleen and flavonol quercetin spleen concentration were significantly lower in experimental groups in comparison to the controls. 3. Flavanols ((+)-catechin and epicatechin) levels were significantly higher in the spleens of experimental mice than in the controls. 4. Positive correlation between spleen cellularity and quercetin, and negative correlation between spleen cellularity and epicatechin content were observed. 5. Spleen mass and spleen lymphocytes phenotype and proliferation in RKW and RKW-A fed mice did not differ from the control. These results, together with suspicion of some embryo-toxicity, are worrying and eliminate the possibility of useRhodiola kirilowiiextracts for long-term treatment in pregnant females.
Suitability of using serum hialuronic acid concentrations in the diagnosis of canine liver fibrosis
Authors: Glińska-Suchocka K. , Orłowska A. , Spużak J. , Jankowski M. , Kubiak K.
Published: January 2016

There are multiple dynamic changes associated with the metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which occur in the course of liver fibrosis. Therefore, the evaluation of parameters reflecting the deposition of ECM, the activity of myofibroblasts and the synthesis and degradation of collagen may aid in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Hyaluronic acid is considered to be a marker of ECM deposition. It is a glycosaminoglycan synthesized by hepatic stellate cells and degraded by hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of hyaluronic acid in dogs with different degrees of liver fibrosis. The study was carried out on 29 dogs with liver disease. A core needle biopsy of the liver was performed in order to assess the degree of hepatic inflammation. Then, hyaluronic acid serum concentrations were measured. The dogs were divided into five groups based on the histopathological examination and the evaluation of the degree of hepatic fibrosis. The study showed that serum hyaluronic acid concentrations were low in patients with first stage liver fibrosis and in controls, while they were twice as high as control values in the group of dogs with second stage liver fibrosis. These concentrations were three-fold greater than control values in patients with third stage liver fibrosis, and seven-fold greater in patients with liver cirrhosis. Based on the results, it was concluded that serum hyaluronic acid is a useful marker of liver fibrosis and may aid in determining the degree of its advancement.
Expression of goose parvovirus whole VP3 protein and its epitopes in Escherichia coli cells
Authors: Tarasiuk K. , Woźniakowski G. , Holec-Gąsior L.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was the expression of goose parvovirus capsid protein (VP3) and its epitopes in Escherichia coli cells. Expression of the whole VP3 protein provided an insufficient amount of protein. In contrast, the expression of two VP3 epitopes (VP3ep4, VP3ep6) in E. coli, resulted in very high expression levels. This may suggest that smaller parts of the GPV antigenic determinants are more efficiently expressed than the complete VP3 gene.
Winter blood values of selected parameters in a group of non-hibernating captive brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Sergiel A. , Bednarski M. , Maślak R. , Piasecki T. , Huber D.
Published: January 2016

Bears undergo some significant changes reflected in blood values during winter season. The most significant are reduced urea and increased creatinine, by some authors considered to be physiological indicators of hibernation. Studied group of six captive brown bears (Ursus arctos) showed decreased activity in winter but were accepting food and walked outdoors. Blood parameters assessed in February 2011 revealed mean values of leucocytes and neutrophils as significantly lower, and creatinine significantly increased compared to captive and free living bears sampled during other seasons when bears are active.
Fungi Causing Storage Rot of Apple Fruit in Integrated Pest Management System and their Sensitivity to Fungicides
Authors: Grantina-Ievina Lelde
Published: January 2016

Apple fruit rot can be caused by several fungi. In Northern Europe, the most common storage rot, Bull’s eye rot, is caused by Neofabraea spp., bitter rot by Colletotrichum spp., brown rot by Monilinia fructigena, grey mould is caused by Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium rot by several Fusarium species. Blue mold decay caused by Penicillium expansum is an important disease in several European countries. Incidence of different causal agents may vary depending on cultivar, climate during growing season and agricultural practices. The main objective of the study was to obtain baseline information about apple rot-causing fungi, their incidence during fruit storage and to evaluate the fungicide sensitivity of most of isolated fungal species. The study was performed during the storage period of apples after the growth season of 2013. Rotten apples were sorted in the storage and part of them was brought to the laboratory in order to obtain fungal isolates. Fungi were identified according to the morphological characteristics and sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. During storage in February and March the total percentage of rotten apples in various cultivars varied from 3.6 to 58.9%. All post-harvest diseases described in Northern Europe were detected. In part of the storehouses apple rot caused by Cadophora luteo-olivacea was observed. Alternaria spp. and Cladosporium spp. were detected on few apples as secondary infection agents. Using the most often isolated fungal species, sensitivity tests were performed against five commonly used fungicides. In general, the sensitivity of tested fungi to the fungicides was high with exception of several Neofabraea and Alternaria isolates.
The Composition and Use Value of Tree Biomass Ash
Authors: Okmanis Modris , Lazdiņa Dagnija , Lazdiņš Andis
Published: January 2016

Wood-based ash landfilling is increasing issue not only in Latvia but in the whole world as more biomass is used for energy production. Utilization of wood burning waste as fertilizer is already used worldwide, but there is lack of information about chemical composition of wood ash obtained from Latvia plants, so the aim of this study was to determine chemical composition and analyse possible utilization options of wood-based ash from Latvia plants. Therefore wood ash samples from 53 companies were collected, sieved and chemical composition of samples was determined. It was concluded that within higher capacity of furnace more coarse fraction of wood ash was observed which is less valuable as fertilizer. Wood ash is good liming material consisting alkali compounds and other biogenic elements but also heavy metals, which are pollutants and could cause environmental problems.
Global challenges for e-waste management: the societal implications
Authors: Magalini Federico
Published: January 2016

Over the last decades the electronics industry and ICT Industry in particular has revolutionized the world: electrical and electronic products have become ubiquitous in today’s life around the planet. After use, those products are discarded, sometimes after re-use cycles in countries different from those where they were initially sold; becoming what is commonly called e-waste. Compared to other traditional waste streams, e-waste handling poses unique and complex challenges. e-Waste is usually regarded as a waste problem, which can cause environmental damage and severe human health consequences if not safely managed. e-Waste contains significant amounts of toxic and environmentally sensitive materials and is, thus, extremely hazardous to humans and the environment if not properly disposed of or recycled. On the other hand, e-waste is often seen as a potential source of income for individuals and entrepreneurs who aim to recover the valuable materials (metals in particular) contained in discarded equipment. Recently, for a growing number of people, in developing countries in particular, recycling and separation of e-waste has become their main source of income. In most cases, this is done informally, with no or hardly any health and safety standards, exposing workers and the surrounding neighborhoods to extensive health dangers as well as leading to substantial environmental pollution. Treatment processes of e-waste aim to remove the hazardous components and recover as much reusable material (e.g. metals, glass and plastics) as possible; achieving both objectives is most desired. The paper discuss societal implications of proper e-waste management and key elements to be considered in the policy design at country level.
Bayesian networks in infectious disease eco-epidemiology
Authors: Lau Colleen L. , Smith Carl S.
Published: January 2016

Globally, infectious diseases are responsible for a significant burden on human health. Drivers of disease transmission depend on interactions between humans, the environment, vectors, carriers, and pathogens; transmission dynamics are therefore potentially highly complex. Research in infectious disease eco-epidemiology has been rapidly gaining momentum because of the rising global importance of disease emergence and outbreaks, and growing understanding of the intimate links between human health and the environment. The scientific community is increasingly recognising the need for multidisciplinary translational research, integrated approaches, and innovative methods and tools to optimise risk prediction and control measures. Environmental health experts have also identified the need for more advanced analytical and biostatistical approaches to better determine causality, and deal with unknowns and uncertainties inherent in complex systems. In this paper, we discuss the use of Bayesian networks in infectious disease eco-epidemiology, and the potential for developing dynamic tools for public health decision-making and improving intervention strategies.
Solar-driven membrane distillation demonstration in Leupp, Arizona
Authors: Ravisankar Vishnu Arvind , Seaman Robert , Mirchandani Sera , Arnold Robert G. , Ela Wendell P.
Published: January 2016

The Navajo Nation is the largest and one of the driest Native American reservations in the US. The population in the Navajo Nation is sporadically distributed over a very large area making it extremely ineffective to connect homes to a centralized water supply system. Owing to this population distribution and the multi decadal drought prevailing in the region, over 40% of the 300,000 people living on Navajo Tribal Lands lack access to running potable water. For many people the only alternative is hauling water from filling stations, resulting in economic hardship and limited supply. A solution to this problem is a de-centralized off-grid water source. The University of Arizona and US Bureau of Reclamation’s Solar Membrane Distillation (SMD), stand-alone, pilot desalination system on the Navajo Reservation will provide an off-grid source of potable water; the pilot will serve as a proximal water source, ease the financial hardships caused by the drought, and provide a model for low-cost water treatment systems in arid tribal lands. Bench-scale experiments and an earlier field prototype plant showed viable operation of a solar heated, membrane distillation (MD) system, but further optimization is required. The objectives of the Navajo pilot study are to i) demonstrate integration of solar collectors and membrane distillation, ii) optimize operational parameters, iii) demonstrate and monitor technology performance during extended duration operation, and iv) facilitate independent system operation by the Navajo Water Resources Department, including hand-over of a comprehensive operations manual for implementation of subsequent SMD systems. The Navajo SMD system is designed as a perennial installation that includes remote communication of research data and full automation for remote, unmanned operation.
Putative duality of presynaptic events
Authors: Borisova Tatiana , Borysov Arsenii
Published: January 2016

The main structure in the brain responsible not only for nerve signal transmission but also for its simultaneous regulation is chemical synapse, where presynaptic nerve terminals are of considerable importance providing release of neurotransmitters. Analyzing transport of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS, the authors suggest that there are two main relatively independent mechanisms at the presynaptic level that can influence the extracellular glutamate concentration, and so signaling, and its regulation. The first one is well-known precisely regulated compound exocytosis of synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters stimulated by membrane depolarization, which increases significantly glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft and initiates glutamate signaling through postsynaptic glutamate receptors. The second one is permanent glutamate turnover across the plasma membrane that occurs without stimulation and is determined by simultaneous non-pathological transporter-mediated release of glutamate thermodynamically synchronized with uptake. Permanent glutamate turnover is responsible for maintenance of dynamic glutamatein/glutamateoutgradient resulting in the establishment of a flexible extracellular level of glutamate, which can be unique for each synapse because of dependence on individual presynaptic parameters. These two mechanisms, i.e. exocytosis and transporter-mediated glutamate turnover, are both precisely regulated but do not directly interfere with each other, because they have different intracellular sources of glutamate in nerve terminals for release purposes, i.e. glutamate pool of synaptic vesicles and the cytoplasm, respectively. This duality can set up a presynaptic base for memory consolidation and storage, maintenance of neural circuits, long-term potentiation, and plasticity. Arguments against this suggestion are also considered.
Effects Of Compressed Air Foam Application On Heat Conditions In Fire Within A Closed Space
Authors: Thomitzek Adam , Ondruch Jan , Chudová Dana , Kučera Petr
Published: January 2016

This article evaluates the knowledge obtained in firefighting tests using compressed air foam system (CAFS) within a confined space. Six experiments were conducted for verification during the cooling of rooms and the self-extinguishing effect. The simulation was for a fully developed fire within a room. The fuel was chosen to simulate ordinary combustible materials utilized in residential areas. Mantel thermocouples were placed in the rooms to record the temperature changes. Compressed air foam was first applied with a standard fire hose nozzle to the ceiling and then to the epicenter of fire. Fire extinguishing was initiated after reaching the desired temperature in the room. The temperature for the start of fire extinguishing matched the third phase of development of a fire. Fire extinguishing was terminated after no obvious signs of fire were shown in epicenter of fire. The outputs of the experiments were evaluated on the basis of the amount of time passed for the temperature to drop below the suggested limit. Individual experiments were also conducted with various different admixing foaming agents over different locations. In the experiments, it has been verified that the application of compressed air foam has a positive effect on room cooling. Use of a compressed air foaming agent does not allow for the development of steam that can scald firefighters and reduce visibility. Furthermore, the extinguishing agent used is more efficient utilizing less water flow out of the fire area.
Studies of the Local Distortions and the EPR Parameters for Cu2+inxLi2O-(30–x)Na2O-69·5B2O Glasses
Authors: Ding Chang-Chun , Wu Shao-Yi , Kuang Min-Quan , Hu Xian-Fen , Li Guo-Liang
Published: January 2016

The local distortions and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters for Cu2+in lithium sodium borate (LNB) glassesxLi2O·(30–x)·Na2O·69.5B2O3(5≤x≤25 mol%) are theoretically studied at various concentrationsxin a consistent way. Owing to the Jahn–Teller effect, the [CuO6]10−clusters are found to experience the significant tetragonal elongations of 16% along C4axis. Despite the nearly unchanging observedgfactors, measured d–d transition band (or cubic field parameterDq) shows remarkable linear increases with concentrationx, whose influences ong‖andg⊥are actually cancelled by the linearly increasing covalency factorNand relative elongation ratioηwithx. The almost unvarying hyperfine structure constants are attributed to the fact that the influences of the linearly increasingNand the linearly decreasing core polarisation constantκlargely cancel one another. The microscopic mechanisms of the above concentration dependences for these quantities are illustrated from mixed alkali effect (modification of B2O3network by transforming some BO3units into BO4ones with variations in modifier Li2O concentration).
The Strange (Hi)story of Particles and Waves
Authors: Zeh H. Dieter
Published: January 2016

This is an attempt of a non-technical but conceptually consistent presentation of quantum theory in a historical context. While the first part is written for a general readership, Section 5 may appear a bit provocative to some quantum physicists. I argue that the single-particle wave functions of quantum mechanics have to be correctly interpreted asfield modesthat are “occupied once” (i.e. first excited states of the corresponding quantum oscillators in the case of boson fields). Multiple excitations lead to apparent many-particle wave functions, while the quantum states proper are defined by wave function(al)s on the “configuration” space of fundamental fields, or on another, as yet elusive, fundamental local basis.
Excitation by Axon Terminal GABA Spillover in a Sound Localization Circuit
Authors: Weisz Catherine J.C. , Rubio Maria E. , Givens Richard S. , Kandler Karl
Published: January 2016

Synapses from neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) onto neurons of the lateral superior olive (LSO) in the auditory brainstem are glycinergic in maturity, but also GABAergic and glutamatergic in development. The role for this neurotransmitter cotransmission is poorly understood. Here we use electrophysiological recordings in brainstem slices from P3-P21 mice to demonstrate that GABA release evoked from MNTB axons can spill over to neighboring MNTB axons and cause excitation by activating GABAAR. This spillover excitation generates patterns of staggered neurotransmitter release from different MNTB axons resulting in characteristic “doublet” postsynaptic currents in LSO neurons. Postembedding immunogold labeling and electron microscopy provide evidence that GABAARs are localized at MNTB axon terminals. Photolytic uncaging ofp-hydroxyphenacyl (pHP) GABA demonstrates backpropagation of GABAAR-mediated depolarizations from MNTB axon terminals to the soma, some hundreds of microns away. These somatic depolarizations enhanced somatic excitability by increasing the probability of action potential generation. GABA spillover excitation between MNTB axon terminals may entrain neighboring MNTB neurons, which may play a role in the developmental refinement of the MNTB-LSO pathway. Axonal spillover excitation persisted beyond the second postnatal week, suggesting that this mechanism may play a role in sound localization, by providing new avenues of communication between MNTB neurons via their distal axonal projections.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn this study, a new mechanism of neuronal communication between auditory synapses in the mammalian sound localization pathway is described. Evidence is provided that the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA can spill over between axon terminals to cause excitation of nearby synapses to further stimulate neurotransmitter release. Excitatory GABA spillover between inhibitory axon terminals may have important implications for the development and refinement of this auditory circuit and may play a role in the ability to precisely localize sound sources.
Modulation of Premotor and Primary Motor Cortical Activity during Volitional Adjustments of Speed-Accuracy Trade-Offs
Authors: Thura David , Cisek Paul
Published: January 2016

Recent work suggests that while animals decide between reaching actions, neurons in dorsal premotor (PMd) and primary motor (M1) cortex reflect a dynamic competition between motor plans and determine when commitment to a choice is made. This competition is biased by at least two sources of information: the changing sensory evidence for one choice versus another, and an urgency signal that grows over time. Here, we test the hypothesis that the urgency signal adjusts the trade-off between speed and accuracy during both decision-making and movement execution. Two monkeys performed a reaching decision task in which sensory evidence continuously evolves over the course of each trial. In different blocks, task timing parameters encouraged monkeys to voluntarily adapt their behavior to be either hasty or conservative. Consistent with our hypothesis, during the deliberation process the baseline and gain of neural activity in decision-related PMd (29%) and M1 cells (45%) was higher when monkeys applied a hasty policy than when they behaved conservatively, but at the time of commitment the population activity was similar across blocks. Other cells (30% in PMd, 30% in M1) showed activity that increased or decreased with elapsing time until the moment of commitment. Movement-related neurons were also more active after longer decisions, as if they were influenced by the same urgency signal controlling the gain of decision-related activity. Together, these results suggest that the arm motor system receives an urgency/vigor signal that adjusts the speed-accuracy trade-off for decision-making and movement execution.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis work addresses the neural mechanisms that control the speed-accuracy trade-off in both decisions and movements, in the kinds of dynamic situations that are typical of natural animal behavior. We found that many “decision-related” premotor and motor neurons are modulated in a time-dependent manner compatible with an “urgency” signal that changes between hasty and conservative decision policies. We also found that such modulation influenced cells related to the speed of the reaching movements executed by the animals to report their decisions. These results suggest that a unified mechanism determines speed-accuracy trade-off adjustments during decision-making and movement execution, potentially influencing both the cognitive and motor aspects of reward-oriented behavior.