bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Cosolvents To Improve Alkaline/Polymer Flooding
Authors: Fortenberry R.. , Kim D.H.. H. , Nizamidin N.. , Adkins S.. , Pinnawala Arachchilage G.W.. W. , Koh H.. , Weerasooriya U.. , Pope G.A.. A.
Published: June 2014

We have found that the addition of low concentrations of certain inexpensive light cosolvents to alkaline/polymer (AP) solutions dramatically improves the performance of AP corefloods in two important ways. First, the addition of cosolvent promotes the formation of low-viscosity microemulsions rather than viscous macroemulsions. Second, these light cosolvents greatly improve the phase behavior in a way that can be tailored to a particular oil, temperature, and salinity. This new chemical enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) technology uses polymer for mobility control and has been termed alkali/cosolvent/polymer (ACP) flooding. ACP corefloods perform as well as alkaline/surfactant/polymer (ASP) corefloods while being simpler and more robust. We report 12 successful ACP corefloods using four different crude oils ranging from 12 to 24°API. The ACP process shows special promise for heavy oils, which tend to have large fractions of soap-forming acidic components, but is applicable across a wide range of oil gravity.
Mobilization of Immobile Water: Connate-Water Mobility During Waterfloods In Heterogeneous Reservoirs
Authors: Graue Arne , Ramsdal Johannes , Fernø Martin A.
Published: June 2014

In a series of laboratory waterfloods, we investigate the extent of mixing of injection water and connate water, connate-water mobility, and connate-water banking during water injection for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Local dynamic water saturations of connate water and injected water were imaged individually by use of a nuclear-tracer technique. The connate water was displaced from the pore space by the injected water and accumulated downstream in a connate-water bank that advanced toward the production end. The connate-water bank significantly reduced the contact between the injected water and mobile oil. During capillary displacement—i.e., during spontaneous imbibition without a viscous pressure drop—the connate water was also mobilized and accumulated downstream in the core. During viscous displacement—i.e. with a pressure gradient as small as 0.3 mbar/cm—the accumulated connate water was mobilized in a miscible displacement and produced from the core. Only a small mixing zone was observed between the injected and connate waters, even with fully miscible conditions by use of identical brine compositions. The results of the displacement mechanisms experimentally visualized in this work are important for water-based EOR techniques, including low-salinity-water and polymer injections, as well as any tertiary oil-recovery method based on chemical injection.
Effects of Site Factors on the Performance of Rigid-Pile Composite Foundation in Tall Buildings
Authors: Han Xiao-Lei , Li Yao-Kun , Ji Jing , Luo Fan
Published: June 2014

Values of site factors in numerical simulation can have profound effects on the calculation accuracy. In order to fully understand the performance of rigid-pile composite foundation in tall buildings, this article set up an overall FEA model of a 25-storey frame-tube structure by considering the interaction of superstructure, foundation and ground. Thereafter, a detailed parametric study was performed by changing values of different key site factors. These parameters include: Ground soil range, distance of neighboring buildings and deformation modulus of cushion. The results show that 1) Ground soil range has a great influence on the stress and settlement of raft, the effective influence range is 2-3 times of the raft dimension; 2) Influence of neighboring buildings on the stress and settlement of the raft can be neglected; 3) With the increase of cushion modulus, the raft stress increases while the settlement decreases, an optimal cushion modulus is recommended to be 20-40MPa.
Effects of Drying Methods on the Chemical Composition of the Sea Cucumber Holothuria forskali
Authors: Telahigue Khaoula , Hajji Tarek , Imen Rabeh , Sahbi Ouertani , Cafsi M’hamed El
Published: June 2014

The effects of artisanal and controlled oven drying methods on the biochemical composition of the body wall of the sea cucumber, Holothuria forskali were investigated. Five combinations of temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) levels were tested (50°C, 20%, 60°C, 25%; 60°C, 15%, 60°C, 20% and 70°C, 20%). The results demonstrate that the treatment (60°C and 20%) yields an improvement of the nutritional quality of the initial product. Improvements were particularly noted in terms of the amount of total proteins and the polyunsaturated fatty acids level in the dry body wall of H. forskali.
Enduring Influence of Elizabethan Ophthalmic Texts of the 1580s: Bailey, Grassus, and Guillemeau
Authors: Leffler Christopher T , Schwartz Stephen G , Davenport Byrd , Randolph Jessica , Busscher Joshua , Hadi Tamer
Published: June 2014

Three English ophthalmic texts of the 1580s were frequently republished: 1) Walter Bailey’s A Briefe Treatise Touching the Preseruation of the Eie Sight, 2) The Method of Phisicke, an adaptation of the medieval treatise of Benevenutus Grassus, and 3) A Worthy Treatise of the Eyes, a translation of Jacques Guillemeau’s treatise. Their history is intertwined through composite publications, some of which lacked clear attribution. At least 21 editions incorporated these texts. Although not previously realized, major elements of all 3 works are found in Two Treatises Concerning the Preseruation of Eie-sight, first published in 1616. To preserve eyesight, Bailey recommended eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), fennel (Fæniculum vulgare), and a moderate lifestyle incorporating wine. In the works of Grassus and Guillemeau, cataracts were believed to lie anterior to the ‘crystalline humor,’ and were treated by the ‘art of the needle,’ or couching. Links are found between Grassus, Guillemeau, and eighteenth century glaucoma concepts. Although one of his students has traditionally received credit, it was English oculist John Thomas Woolhouse who first combined the early concepts and used the term glaucoma to describe the palpably hard eye in the early eighteenth century. The three primary ophthalmic texts of 1580s England influenced ophthalmic thought for over a century.
In Vitro Growth of Lens Epithelial Cells from Cataract Patients - Association with Possible Risk Factors for Posterior Capsule Opacification
Authors: Sundelin Karin , Petersen Anne , Soltanpour Yalda , Zetterberg Madeleine
Published: June 2014

Aim :

Inter-individual differences in intrinsic proliferative capacity of lens epithelial cells may have importance for the risk of developing posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. The purpose of the present study was to determine growth of human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) in culture and investigate possible associations with clinical characteristics of the donors, such as age, sex, pseudoexfoliation, uveitis and diabetes.

Methods :

Pieces of lens capsule and adhering lens epithelial cells were obtained through capsulorhexis at cataract surgery. Specimens were cultured in a humidified CO2-incubator using standard culture medium and 5% fetal calf serum for two weeks after which cultured cells were stained with carboxy-fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester. Image processing software was used to determine the area of the confluent epithelial cell layer in relation to the size of the original capsule specimen.

Results :

The increase in area of confluent HLEC showed a negative correlation with diabetes at the first week after surgery. Lower age and female sex showed border-line significant associations with a higher rate of cell proliferation. The presence of pseudoexfoliation in vivo did not significantly affect cell growth in culture postoperatively. Nor did installation of xylocain in the anterior chamber during surgery.

Conclusion :

Diabetes is associated with lower rate of proliferation of lens epithelial cells in culture. The lack of strong correlations between in vitro growth and known risk factors for PCO in the donors suggest that other factors than the proliferative capacity of the cells per se are important for PCO formation.
Low-grade chronic inflammation perpetuated by modern diet as a promoter of obesity and osteoporosis
Authors: Ilich Jasminka Z. , Kelly Owen J. , Kim Youjin , Spicer Maria T.
Published: June 2014

Some of the universal characteristics of pre-agricultural hominin diets are strikingly different from the modern human diet. Hominin dietary choices were limited to wild plant and wild animal foods, while the modern diet includes more than 70 % of energy consumed from refined sugars, refined vegetable oils, and highly processed cereals and dairy products. The modern diet, with higher intake of fat has also resulted in a higher ratio of omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), contributing to low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) and thus promoting the development of many chronic diseases, including obesity and osteoporosis. In this review, we describe the changes in modern diet, focusing on the kind and amount of consumed fat; explain the shortcomings of the modern diet with regard to inflammatory processes; and delineate the reciprocity between adiposity and inflammatory processes, with inflammation being a common link between obesity and osteoporosis. We present the evidence that overconsumption of n-6 PUFA coupled with under-consumption of n-3 PUFA results in LGCI and, along with the increased presence of reactive oxygen species, leads to a shift in mesenchymal stem cells (precursors for both osteoblasts and adipocytes) lineage commitment toward increased adipogenesis and suppressed osteoblastogenesis. In turn, high n-6 to n-3 PUFA ratios in the modern diet, coupled with increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines due to adiposity, propagate obesity and osteoporosis by increasing or maintaining LGCI.
Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Stress of Thigh Muscles in Chickens Fed The Ration Enriched in Lycopene, Selenium Compounds or Fish Oil
Authors: Rozbicka-Wieczorek Agnieszka Justyna , Więsyk Edyta , Brzóska Franciszek , Śliwiński Bogdan , Kowalczyk Jan , Czauderna Marian
Published: June 2014

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the addition for 6 weeks of 12 ppm lycopene (Lyc), 2% fish oil (FO) or 0.25 ppm Se as selenate (Sevi) or selenized yeast (SeY) to an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous ration containing sunflower oil as the source of energy on the profile of fatty acids (FA) and the oxidative stress in thigh muscles of female and male chickens. The ration with FO most efficiently increased the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA), atherogenic SFA and thrombogenic SFA as well as the concentration sum of all assayed FA in muscles of chickens. the rations with lyc, sevi or SeY revealed negligible and inconsistent impact on the concentration of individual SFA in muscles compared with the control. The ration with FO most efficiently increased the concentration of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), especially n-3 long-chain PUFA and the sum of conjugated linoleic acid isomers in muscles. The ration with SeY most effectively increased the concentration of long-chain PUFA (LPUFA), especially n-6 LPUFA, in muscles of chickens. the Fo, lyc or sevi-fed chickens had a lower concentration of cholesterol in muscles than the control or SeY fed birds. Lyc added to the ration most efficiently stimulated the accumulation of α-tocopherol in muscles of chickens. The ration with Sevi most effectively stimulated the formation of malondialdehyde in muscles.
Evaluation of the Technological Suitability of Beef Muscles: M. Semitendinosus, M. Semimembranosus, Mm. Psoas Major And Minor as Entire Primal Cuts in the Production Of Raw Fermented Meats With Regard to the Raw Pork Products
Authors: Węsierska Ewelina
Published: June 2014

The aim of the study was to evaluate the technological suitability of selected beef muscles: m. semitendinosus (BST), m. semimembranosus (BSM), mm. psoas major and minor (BPM) as entire primal cuts in the production of raw fermented meats, compared to the raw pork rump (RSR) and loin (RSL), widely known in the Podlasie region. The 4-week maturation was conducted by the same traditional method in a genuine ripening room, and the texture, colour and sensory parameters of the pork and beef products were compared. The lowest water activity (0.89 and 0.83), pH (5.16 and 4.75) as well as the highest WB shear force (8.50 and 19.96 kG/cm2) and TPA hardness (52.12 and 199.24 N) were found in the ready-to-eat RSL and BST, respectively. The RSR and BPM were characterized by the lowest values of WB shear force (7.63 and 9.49 kG/cm2), TPA hardness (48.17 and 105.18 N) and TPA chewiness (8.39 and 32.68 N), as well as the highest grades for overall impression (4.50 pts), cross-section colour (4.60 pts), structure (4.60 pts), tenderness (4.30 and 4.70 pts) and flavour desirability (4.60 pts) in the sensory evaluation while the RSL and BPM were the juiciest (4.60 and 4.70 pts). The a* values and chroma showed an increase in redness during the first 2 weeks of beef aging and during the entire aging period in the pork products. The most significant colour differences were found for BSM, BST and BPM products (ΔEL*a*b*=6.48, 5.27 and 4.24, respectively).
An Inversion of Rayleigh Waves Dispersion Curves as a Tool to Recognize the Bedrock Depth in Chorzów Stary, Poland
Authors: Mendecki Maciej Jan , Zuberek Wacław Marian , Hrehorowicz Przemysław , Jarek Szymon
Published: June 2014

Identification of a bedrock beneath soft cover is one of the most important task in engineering geology. The location of boundary-overburden information may be used by investors, builders and municipal authorities to design an infrastructure or land-use plans. In such issues the application of appropriate geophysical methods is useful. However, in urban zones and areas characterized by subsurface soft layer the usage of certain methods (eg.: seismic refraction) is not advisable. The passive method of Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) can fulfill its tasks in the relatively difficult urban environment. The vertical S-wave velocity profiles were carried out as a result of inversion of Rayleigh wave dispersion curves obtained from ReMi method. The change of S-wave velocities allowed to distinguish shallow geological layers in the area of Chorzów Stary. Preliminary measurements allowed to identify the Carboniferous bedrock at a depth of 14 -18 m what has been confirmed by resistivity imaging. Furthermore, unconsolidated deposits are also recognized and the seismic results show a good correlation with the available geological information and resistivity imaging data.
Effect of Organic Matter on the Color of Sphalerite from the Silesia-Cracow Lead-Zinc Deposits, Poland
Authors: Rybicki Maciej
Published: June 2014

Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) sphalerite samples from lead and zinc mines of the Silesian-Cracow region were studied in terms of the effect of organic matter on their coloration. The results indicate no correlation between the abundance and chemical composition of organic matter and sphalerite coloration. TOC values for investigated samples are in the range of 0.5-1.28%. A basic feature characterizing all samples is very similar distribution of n-alkanes, with a predominance of short-chain n-alkanes (from n-C13 to n-C21) over long-chain n-alkanes (from n-C25 to n-C35). Among the isoprenoids pristane dominates over phytane (Pr/Ph ratio in one sample is even 8.95), which does not correspond to previous studies (Karwowski et al. 2001) and may be due to the multi-source nature of organic matter present in sphalerite inclusions from the Silesian-Cracow Zn-Pb deposits. The occurrence of hopanes with 17β,21β(H) stereochemistry indicates a low maturity of test samples.
Preliminary Data on Bismuth Telluride from Izerskie Garby Zone, Karkonosze-Izera Block, South-Western Poland
Authors: Rybicki Maciej
Published: June 2014

This paper describes the first occurrence of bismuth telluride in the Izerskie Garby contact zone. In nature, there are 4 known bismuth tellurides: hedleyite (Bi7Te3), pilsenite (Bi4Te3), tsumoite (BiTe) and tellurobismuthite (Bi2Te3). They are typical accessory minerals of the polymetallic skarns. The Ca-skarns of the "Stanisław" quarry in the Izerskie Garby, bismuth telluride occurs in association with pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and wollastonite and tend to form irregular clusters up to 40μm long and 15μm width . Research methods used so far (SEM) does not allow for unequivocal identification of studied mineral. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further tests using the electron microprobe.
The Use of Digital Terrain Model in the Study of Distribution of Cultural Landscape Elements based on the Example of Silesia Beskid
Authors: Sobala Michał , Czajka Barbara
Published: June 2014

Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and maps based on it, are very valuable tool in investigations of distribution of cultural landscape elements. Connection DTM with a digital land cover maps, clearly illustrate factors determinate location of various landscape elements. The paper presents the applicability of Digital Terrain Model to detect the influence of topographic attributes on landscape elements distribution and to determinate the landscape’s structure in the different altitudinal zones. Presented results, are the effect of the first phase of cultural landscape elements distribution research and they are starting point to look for other factors which could effect on structure of the landscape.
Method of Maintaining the Required Values of Surface Roughness and Prediction of Technological Conditions for Cold Sheet Rolling
Authors: Valíček J. , Harničárová M. , Kušnerová M. , Zavadil J. , Grznárik R.
Published: June 2014

The paper is based on results obtained from topography of surfaces of sheets rolled from deep-drawing steel of the type KOHAL grade 697, non-alloy low-carbon structural steel EN 10263-2:2004 and aluminium. The presented results document correctness of the assumption that the rolling force Froll increases with the increasing reduction Δh and the quality of the rolled surface is improved at the simultaneous increasing of strength of rolled sheets and the decreasing of size of structural grains. The experiment was performed on the two-high rolling stand DUO 210 SVa, which enables only non-continuous technology in contrast to the rolling mill with continuous reduction on one sheet in several degrees on rolling trains, in consequence of which the obtained height parameters of the section are in close correlation with the predicted dependence. Contribution of the work consists in the creation of a mathematical model (algorithm) for predicting technological parameters of the two-high rolling stand DUO 210 SVa at change of the absolute reduction Δh, for example for a deep-drawing steel of the type KOHAL grade 697 and non-alloy lowcarbon structural steel PN EN 10263-2:2004 and aluminium, and also in the development of a method of calculation applicable to any material being rolled in general, because the authors have found that various materials can be differentiated by a derived analytical criterion IKP. This criterion is a function of ratio between the modulus of elasticity of reference material and that of actually rolled material. The reference material is here deep-drawing steel of the type KOHAL grade 697. Verification was carried out by measuring changes of final surface roughness profile and final strength of rolled sheets of the stated materials in relation to reductions and those were compared with theoretically predicted values. It is possible to identify and predict on the basis of this algorithm an instant state of surface topography in respect to variable technological conditions. On this basis it is then possible to calculate and plot individual main technological parameters.
Comparing Saddle, Slotted-tube and Parallel-plate Coils for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Nespor D. , Bartusek K. , Dokoupil Z.
Published: June 2014

The paper is concerned with a comparison of the properties of RF coils of three configurations for MRI measurements on small animals. In comparison with the classical saddle coil the proposed modification of slotted-tube coil exhibits identical homogeneity of B1 field in a larger space. The parallel-plate coil has a satisfactory homogeneity of B1 field over the whole internal space. The signal-to-noise ratio measured for all three coils is roughly the same and is given by the magnitude of RF pre-amplifier noise. As the slotted-tube and parallel-plate coils have a lower inductance compared with the saddle coil, they can be tuned to resonance on the 200 MHz frequency even at larger dimensions. The results show that the parallel-plate coil has very good properties for the measurement of small animals.
A Contribution to the Lichen Family Graphidaceae (Ostropales, Ascomycota) of Bolivia. 2
Authors: Schiefelbein Ulf , Flakus Adam , Sipman Harrie J. M. , Kukwa Martin , Oset Magdalena
Published: June 2014

Microlichens of the family Graphidaceae are important components of the lowland and montane tropical forests in Bolivia. In this paper we present new records for 51 taxa of the family in Bolivia. Leiorreuma lyellii (Sm.) Staiger is reported as new for the Southern Hemisphere, while Diploschistes caesioplumbeus (Nyl.) Vain., Graphis daintreensis (A. W. Archer) A. W. Archer, G. duplicatoinspersa Lücking, G. emersa Müll. Arg., G. hossei Vain., G. immersella Müll. Arg. and G. subchrysocarpa Lücking are new for South America. Thirty taxa are reported for the first time from Bolivia. Notes on distribution are provided for most species.
PI3K pathway inhibitor LY294002 alters Jurkat T cell biobehaviours via ERK1/2-ICBP90 mediation
Authors: Guo Zhongfeng , Huo Jie , Di Jingfang , Zeng Shan , Liu Jing , Xing Feiyue
Published: June 2014

Little is known about whether there is a relationshipbetweenPI3K/AKT, ERK1/2 and an inverted CCAAT box binding protein (ICBP90) in biological behaviours of tumour cells. The aim of this study was to determine thisusing Jurkat T cells. Compared to PD98059 (an ERK1/2 signaling inhibitor), DAPT (a Notch signaling inhibitor) or adriamycin (a classical anti-tumour drug), the inhibition of Jurkat T cell growth by LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt signaling inhibitor) was more obvious. LY294002 combined with adriamycin appeared to have a synergistic effect. LY294002 strongly blocked Jurkat T cells at each phase of cell cycle with a decrease of DNA content, superior to adriamycin. Consistent with these changes, the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was markedly decreased in the LY294002-treated Jurkat T cells, leading to the reduction of ICBP90 production, followed by moderate attenuation of TGF-β secretion. The results suggest that deactivation of PI3K/Akt signalling can surpress Jurkat T cell growth through inhibiting cell proliferation and blocking the cell cycle. ICBP90 may mediate the PI3K/AKT-ERK1/2 signalling to regulate leukemia cell growth.
Onset of Crack Initiation in Uniaxial and Triaxial Compression Tests of Dolomite Samples
Authors: Cieślik Jerzy
Published: June 2014

The paper presents results of laboratory investigation and analysis of crack initiation threshold identification of dolomite samples. First, selected methods for determining crack initiation thresholds are briefly described with special attention paid to four methods: crack volume strain method [14], change in Poisson’s ratio [8], lateral strain response method [16], and dilatancy method [4]. The investigation performed on dolomite samples shows that for the uniaxial and conventional triaxial compression tests, the above mentioned methods give quite similar values, except for the crack volume strain method. Crack initiation threshold determined by this method has a distinctively lower value than that obtained by the other methods. The aim of the present paper was to review and assess these methods for identifying crack initiation threshold based on laboratory tests of dolomite samples.
The Influence of the Salt Mist on the Deterioration of Rock Materials
Authors: Kłopotowska Agnieszka Katarzyna , Łukaszewski Paweł
Published: June 2014

The paper is focused on changes of geomechanical properties with regard to loss of long-term resistance in studies on the influence of salt spray on the structure of selected rocks from Poland. The investigation has shown that the analyzed rock material shows variable susceptibility to this corrosive factor. The most susceptible to ageing by salt mist were Śmiłów sandstones, whose progressive deterioration was observed in subsequent cycles. Analysis of resistance parameters has shown decreased resistance to uniaxial compression exceeding 30% also in the case of the Józefów limestones. Limestones from Raciszyn have revealed high resistance to ageing by salt mist.
Scedosporium apiospermum fungaemia: the ramification of broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments
Authors: Ding Chuan Hun , Muttaqillah Najihan Abdul Samat , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Abidin Nor Zanariah Zainol , Biswas Suvra , Tzar Mohd Nizam
Published: June 2014

Scedosporium apiospermum is a cosmopolitan mycotic agent with unique characteristics. This is a case of a 65-year-old immunocompetent patient who presented with shortness of breath and fever. Consolidation was observed in both lung fields on chest X-ray. A diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia was made. Extended-spectrum ?-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified from his tracheal aspirate and imipenem was administered. Initial blood cultures were negative but after 10 days on imipenem, Candida glabrata was isolated. Amphotericin B was added to the treatment regimen, but after a week on this antifungal, Scedosporium apiospermum was cultured from the blood. The patient succumbed to illness before a change in the antifungal regimen. The case highlights the unwelcome consequence of using a broad spectrum antibiotic and later a broad spectrum antifungal agent. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19154 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.326-328Note: updated with minor changes on 20th June 2014. Last author added.
Cholecystocolic Fistula: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Sharma Narayan Swarop , Sharma Ram Gopal , Sing Narender , Singal Kiran , Chowdhary Kunal
Published: June 2014

Cholecystocolic fistula is a rare biliary-enteric fistula with a variable clinical presentation. Despite modern diagnostic tools a high degree of suspicion is required to diagnose it preoperatively1,2. Biliary-enteric fistulae have been found in 0.9% of patients undergoing biliary tract surgery. The most common site of communication of the fistula is a cholecystoduodenal (70%), followed by cholecystocolic (10-20%), and the least common is the cholecystogastric fistula accounting for the remainder of the cases. Even a case of choledochocolonic fistula through a cystic duct remnant has been reported3. These fistulae are treated by open as well as laparoscopic surgery with no difference in intraoperative and postoperative complications. We report a case of obstructive jaundice, which was relieved by itself and was investigated with abdominal ultrasonography and routine investigations but none of these gave us any clue to the presence of the fistula which was discovered incidentally during an open surgery and was appropriately treated. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19156 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.329-331
Comparison of Performance, Meat Lipids and Oxidative Status of Pigs from Commercial Breed and Organic Crossbreed
Authors: Martino Giuseppe , Mugnai Cecilia , Compagnone Dario , Grotta Lisa , Del Carlo Michele , Sarti Francesca
Published: June 2014

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of rearing systems for pig production, as concerns performance, meat lipid content, the fatty acid profile, histidinic antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, and TBARs. One hundred pigs were assigned to one of three treatments: intensively reared commercial hybrid pig (I), free range commercial hybrid pig (FR) or organically reared crossbred pig (O), according to organic EU Regulations. I pigs showed the best productive performance, but FR and O increased: C20:1n9, Δ9-desaturase (C18) and thioesterase indices in meat. Lipid, dipeptides and CoQ10 appeared correlated to glycolytic and oxidative metabolic pathways. We can conclude that all studied parameters were influenced by the rearing system used, and that differences were particularly evident in the O system, which produced leaner meat with higher oxidative stability. In this respect, the organic pig rearing system promotes and enhances biodiversity, environmental sustainability and food quality.
Ideal Coulomb Plasma Approximation in Line Shape Models: Problematic Issues
Authors: Rosato Joel , Capes Hubert , Stamm Roland
Published: June 2014

In weakly coupled plasmas, it is common to describe the microfield using a Debye model. We examine here an “artificial” ideal one-component plasma with an infinite Debye length, which has been used for the test of line shape codes. We show that the infinite Debye length assumption can lead to a misinterpretation of numerical simulations results, in particular regarding the convergence of calculations. Our discussion is done within an analytical collision operator model developed for hydrogen line shapes in near-impact regimes. When properly employed, this model can serve as a reference for testing the convergence of simulations.
Influence of Microfield Directionality on Line Shapes
Authors: Calisti Annette , Demura Alexander , Gigosos Marco , González-Herrero Diego , Iglesias Carlos , Lisitsa Valery , Stambulchik Evgeny
Published: June 2014

In the framework of the Spectral Line Shapes in Plasmas Code Comparison Workshop (SLSP), large discrepancies appeared between the different approaches to account for ion motion effects in spectral line shape calculations. For a better understanding of these effects, in the second edition of the SLSP in August, 2013, two cases were dedicated to the study of the ionic field directionality on line shapes. In this paper, the effects of the direction and magnitude fluctuations are separately analyzed. The effects of two variants of electric field models, (i) a pure rotating field with constant magnitude and (ii) a time-dependent magnitude field in a given direction, together with the effects of the time-dependent ionic field on shapes of the He II Lyman-α and -β lines for different densities and temperatures, are discussed.
PA28αβ: The Enigmatic Magic Ring of the Proteasome?
Authors: Cascio Paolo
Published: June 2014

PA28αβ is a γ-interferon-induced 11S complex that associates with the ends of the 20S proteasome and stimulates in vitro breakdown of small peptide substrates, but not proteins or ubiquitin-conjugated proteins. In cells, PA28 also exists in larger complexes along with the 19S particle, which allows ATP-dependent degradation of proteins; although in vivo a large fraction of PA28 is present as PA28αβ-20S particles whose exact biological functions are largely unknown. Although several lines of evidence strongly indicate that PA28αβ plays a role in MHC class I antigen presentation, the exact molecular mechanisms of this activity are still poorly understood. Herein, we review current knowledge about the biochemical and biological properties of PA28αβ and discuss recent findings concerning its role in modifying the spectrum of proteasome’s peptide products, which are important to better understand the molecular mechanisms and biological consequences of PA28αβ activity.
Effects of Anticipation in Individually Motivated Behaviour on Survival and Control in a Multi-Agent Scenario with Resource Constraints
Authors: Guckelsberger Christian , Polani Daniel
Published: June 2014

Self-organization and survival are inextricably bound to an agent’s ability to control and anticipate its environment. Here we assess both skills when multiple agents compete for a scarce resource. Drawing on insights from psychology, microsociology and control theory, we examine how different assumptions about the behaviour of an agent’s peers in the anticipation process affect subjective control and survival strategies. To quantify control and drive behaviour, we use the recently developed information-theoretic quantity of empowerment with the principle of empowerment maximization. In two experiments involving extensive simulations, we show that agents develop risk-seeking, risk-averse and mixed strategies, which correspond to greedy, parsimonious and mixed behaviour. Although the principle of empowerment maximization is highly generic, the emerging strategies are consistent with what one would expect from rational individuals with dedicated utility models. Our results support empowerment maximization as a universal drive for guided self-organization in collective agent systems.
The Structure and Dynamics of BmR1 Protein from Brugia malayi: In Silico Approaches
Authors: Khor Bee , Tye Gee , Lim Theam , Noordin Rahmah , Choong Yee
Published: June 2014

Brugia malayi is a filarial nematode, which causes lymphatic filariasis in humans. In 1995, the disease has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the second leading causes of permanent and long-term disability and thus it is targeted for elimination by year 2020. Therefore, accurate filariasis diagnosis is important for management and elimination programs. A recombinant antigen (BmR1) from the Bm17DIII gene product was used for antibody-based filariasis diagnosis in “Brugia Rapid”. However, the structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein is yet to be elucidated. Here we study the three dimensional structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein using comparative modeling, threading and ab initio protein structure prediction. The best predicted structure obtained via an ab initio method (Rosetta) was further refined and minimized. A total of 5 ns molecular dynamics simulation were performed to investigate the packing of the protein. Here we also identified three epitopes as potential antibody binding sites from the molecular dynamics average structure. The structure and epitopes obtained from this study can be used to design a binder specific against BmR1, thus aiding future development of antigen-based filariasis diagnostics to complement the current diagnostics.
Corrosion Prevention of Aluminum Nanoparticles by a Polyurethane Coating
Authors: Nishimura Toshiyasu , Raman Vedarajan
Published: June 2014

In order to prevent corrosion, aluminum nanoparticles were coated with a polyurethane polymer. The coverage of the polyurethane polymer was controlled from 0 to 100%, which changed the corrosion rate of the nanoparticles quantitatively. The surface of the polymer coating was investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and the corrosion resistance of the nanoparticles was estimated by a wet/dry corrosion test on a Pt plate with a NaCl solution. From a TEM with EDAX analysis, the 10 mass% polymer coated Al particles in the synthesis were almost 100% covered on the surface by a polymer film of 10 nm thick. On the other hand, the 3 mass% polymer coated Al was almost 40% covered by a film. In the AFM, the potential around the Al particles had a relatively low value with the polymer coating, which indicated that the conductivity of the Al was isolated from the Pt plate by the polymer. Both the corrosion and H2 evolution reaction rates were quantitatively reduced by the mass% of polymer coating. In the case of the 10 mass% coated sample, there was no corrosion of Al nanoparticles. This fact suggested that the electrochemical reaction was suppressed by the polymer coating. Moreover, the reaction rate of Al nanoparticles was suppressed in proportion to the coverage percentage of the coating. Thus, to conclude, it was found that the corrosion rate of Al nanoparticles could be quantitatively suppressed by the coverage percentage of the polymer coating.
Experimental Investigation into the Transmembrane Electrical Potential of the Forward Osmosis Membrane Process in Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Bian Lixia , Fang Yanyan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2014

The transmembrane electrical potential (TMEP) in a forward osmosis membrane process with a single electrolyte solution as the draw and feed solutions was investigated by experiments. The effects of membrane orientation, the electrolyte species (KCl, NaCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2), concentration and concentration ratio of solutions at both sides of membrane on water flux and TMEP were investigated. The results showed that the TMEPs at different membrane orientation cannot completely coincide, which confirmed the effect of membrane asymmetry. The ion diffusion coefficients significantly affected the TMEP across the membrane, with different patterns for different electrolytes and concentrations.
Evidence for the Involvement of Spinal Cord-Inhibitory and Cytokines-Modulatory Mechanisms in the Anti-Hyperalgesic Effect of Hecogenin Acetate, a Steroidal Sapogenin-Acetylated, in Mice
Authors: Quintans Jullyana , Barreto Rosana , De Lucca Waldecy , Villarreal Cristiane , Kaneto Carla , Soares Milena , Branco Alexsandro , Almeida Jackson , Taranto Alex , Antoniolli Angelo , Freitas Rivelilson , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo
Published: June 2014

Hecogenin is a steroidal sapogenin largely drawn from the plants of the genus Agave, commonly known as ‘sisal’, and is one of the important precursors used by the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of steroid hormones. Hecogenin acetate (HA) is a steroidal sapogenin-acetylated that produces antinociceptive activity. Thus, we evaluate the antihyperalgesic profile of HA in mice in inflammatory models, as well as its possible involvement with c-fos expression on spinal cord area and cytokines to produces analgesic profile. Acute pretreatment with HA (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg; i.p.) inhibited the development of mechanical hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, TNF-α, dopamine and PGE2. Additionally, the immunofluorescence data demonstrated that acute pretreatment with HA, at all doses tested, significantly inhibited Fos-like expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn normally observed after carrageenan-inflammation. Moreover, HA did not affect the motor performance of the mice as tested in the Rota rod test. This antinociceptive profile seems to be related, at least in part, to a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as IL-1β. The present results suggest that HA attenuates mechanical hyperalgesia by blocking the neural transmission of pain at the spinal cord levels and by cytokines-inhibitory mechanisms.
Sulfur Amino Acids in Diet-induced Fatty Liver: A New Perspective Based on Recent Findings
Authors: Toohey John
Published: June 2014

The relationship of sulfur amino acids to diet-induced fatty liver was established 80 years ago, with cystine promoting the condition and methionine preventing it. This relationship has renewed importance today because diet-induced fatty liver is relevant to the current epidemics of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Two recent papers provide the first evidence linking sulfane sulfur to diet-induced fatty liver opening a new perspective on the problem. This review summarizes the early data on sulfur amino acids in fatty liver and correlates that data with current knowledge of sulfur metabolism. Evidence is reviewed showing that the lipotropic effect of methionine may be mediated by sulfane sulfur and that the hepatosteatogenic effect of cystine may be related to the removal of sulfane sulfur by cysteine catabolites. Possible preventive and therapeutic strategies are discussed.
RNA Interference of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid Oxidase (ACO1 and ACO2) Genes Expression Prolongs the Shelf Life of Eksotika (Carica papaya L.) Papaya Fruit
Authors: Sekeli Rogayah , Abdullah Janna , Namasivayam Parameswari , Muda Pauziah , Bakar Umi , Yeong Wee , Pillai Vilasini
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using RNA interference in down regulating the expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase gene in Eksotika papaya. One-month old embryogenic calli were separately transformed with Agrobacterium strain LBA 4404 harbouring the three different RNAi pOpOff2 constructs bearing the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase gene. A total of 176 putative transformed lines were produced from 15,000 calli transformed, selected, then regenerated on medium supplemented with kanamycin. Integration and expression of the targeted gene in putatively transformed lines were verified by PCR and real-time RT-PCR. Confined field evaluation of a total of 31 putative transgenic lines planted showed a knockdown expression of the targeted ACO1 and ACO2 genes in 13 lines, which required more than 8 days to achieve the full yellow colour (Index 6). Fruits harvested from lines pRNAiACO2 L2-9 and pRNAiACO1 L2 exhibited about 20 and 14 days extended post-harvest shelf life to reach Index 6, respectively. The total soluble solids contents of the fruits ranged from 11 to 14° Brix, a range similar to fruits from non-transformed, wild type seed-derived plants.
Microwave Resonant and Zero-Field Absorption Study of Doped Magnetite Prepared by a Co-Precipitation Method
Authors: Aphesteguy Juan , Jacobo Silvia , Lezama Luis , Kurlyandskaya Galina , Schegoleva Nina
Published: June 2014

Fe3O4 and ZnxFe3−xO4 pure and doped magnetite magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in aqueous solution (Series A) or in a water-ethyl alcohol mixture (Series B) by the co-precipitation method. Only one ferromagnetic resonance line was observed in all cases under consideration indicating that the materials are magnetically uniform. The shortfall in the resonance fields from 3.27 kOe (for the frequency of 9.5 GHz) expected for spheres can be understood taking into account the dipolar forces, magnetoelasticity, or magnetocrystalline anisotropy. All samples show non-zero low field absorption. For Series A samples the grain size decreases with an increase of the Zn content. In this case zero field absorption does not correlate with the changes of the grain size. For Series B samples the grain size and zero field absorption behavior correlate with each other. The highest zero-field absorption corresponded to 0.2 zinc concentration in both A and B series. High zero-field absorption of Fe3O4 ferrite magnetic NPs can be interesting for biomedical applications.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, DFT Studies and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of 3,4-Dimethoxybenzenamine Schiff Bases
Authors: Aziz Ahmad , Taha Muhammad , Ismail Nor , Anouar El , Yousuf Sammer , Jamil Waqas , Awang Khalijah , Ahmat Norizan , Khan Khalid , Kashif Syed
Published: June 2014

Schiff bases of 3,4-dimethoxybenzenamine 1–25 were synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant activity. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. In addition, the characterizations of compounds 13, 15 and 16 were supported by crystal X-ray determinations and their geometrical parameters were compared with theoretical DFT calculations at the B3LYP level of theory. Furthermore, the X-ray crystal data of two non-crystalline compounds 8 and 18 were theoretically calculated and compared with the practical values of compounds 13, 15, 16 and found a good agreement. The compounds showed good DPPH scavenging activity ranging from 10.12 to 84.34 μM where compounds 1–4 and 6 showed stronger activity than the standard n-propyl gallate. For the superoxide anion radical assay, compounds 1–3 showed better activity than the standard.
Dietary Supplementation with a Superoxide Dismutase-Melon Concentrate Reduces Stress, Physical and Mental Fatigue in Healthy People: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Carillon Julie , Notin Claire , Schmitt Karine , Simoneau Guy , Lacan Dominique
Published: June 2014

Background: We aimed to investigate effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD)-melon concentrate supplementation on psychological stress, physical and mental fatigue in healthy people. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 61 people divided in two groups: active supplement (n = 32) and placebo (n = 29) for 12 weeks. Volunteers were given one small hard capsule per day. One capsule contained 10 mg of SOD-melon concentrate (140 U of SOD) and starch for the active supplement and starch only for the placebo. Stress and fatigue were evaluated using four psychometric scales: PSS-14; SF-36; Stroop tests and Prevost scale. Results: The supplementation with SOD-melon concentrate significantly decreased perceived stress, compared to placebo. Moreover, quality of life was improved and physical and mental fatigue were reduced with SOD-melon concentrate supplementation. Conclusion: SOD-melon concentrate supplementation appears to be an effective and natural way to reduce stress and fatigue. Trial registration: trial approved by the ethical committee of Poitiers (France), and the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT01767922.
Spectral-Spatial Classification of Hyperspectral Image Based on Kernel Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Wei , Su Hongjun , Liu Kui
Published: June 2014

Extreme learning machine (ELM) is a single-layer feedforward neural network based classifier that has attracted significant attention in computer vision and pattern recognition due to its fast learning speed and strong generalization. In this paper, we propose to integrate spectral-spatial information for hyperspectral image classification and exploit the benefits of using spatial features for the kernel based ELM (KELM) classifier. Specifically, Gabor filtering and multihypothesis (MH) prediction preprocessing are two approaches employed for spatial feature extraction. Gabor features have currently been successfully applied for hyperspectral image analysis due to the ability to represent useful spatial information. MH prediction preprocessing makes use of the spatial piecewise-continuous nature of hyperspectral imagery to integrate spectral and spatial information. The proposed Gabor-filtering-based KELM classifier and MH-prediction-based KELM classifier have been validated on two real hyperspectral datasets. Classification results demonstrate that the proposed methods outperform the conventional pixel-wise classifiers as well as Gabor-filtering-based support vector machine (SVM) and MH-prediction-based SVM in challenging small training sample size conditions.
Optical Characteristic Research on Fiber Bragg Gratings Utilizing Finite Element and Eigenmode Expansion Methods
Authors: He Yuejing , Chen Xuanyang
Published: June 2014

Compared with coupled-mode theory (CMT), which is widely used for studies involving optical fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), the proposed investigation scheme is visualized, diagrammatic, and simple. This method combines the finite element method (FEM) and eigenmode expansion method (EEM). The function of the FEM is to calculate all guided modes that match the boundary conditions of optical fiber waveguides. Moreover, the FEM is used for implementing power propagation for HE11 in optical fiber devices. How the periodic characteristic of FBG causes this novel scheme to be substantially superior to CMT is explained in detail. Regarding current numerical calculation techniques, the scheme proposed in this paper is the only method capable of the 3D design and analysis of large periodic components. Additionally, unlike CMT, in which deviations exist between the designed wavelength λD and the maximal reflection wavelength λmax, the proposed method performs rapid scans of the periods of optical FBG. Therefore, once the operating wavelength is set for the component design, the maximal reflection wavelength of the final products can be accurately limited to that of the original design, such as λ = 1550 nm. Furthermore, a comparison between the period scan plot and the optical spectra plot for FBG indicated an inverse relationship between the periods and wavelengths. Consequently, this property can be used to predict the final FBG spectra before implementing time-consuming calculations. By employing this novel investigation scheme involving a rigorous design procedure, the graphical and simple calculation method reduces the studying time and professional expertise required for researching and applying optical FBG.