bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe3O4@silica Sulfonic Acid Nanocomposite as a Magnetically Separable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2-Arylpyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]Acridin-1(2H)-Ones
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Mohammad Ali , Mirhosseini-Eshkevari Boshra
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of a series of 2-arylpyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridin-1(2H)-ones, three of which are novel, though a one-pot three-component reaction of dimedone, various anilines, and isatin has been achieved in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles supported silica-sulfonic acid as catalyst under solvent-free conditions at 80 °C. The procedure avoids hazardous reagents/solvents and is more eco-friendly than existing methods. Fe3O4@silica-sulfonic acid is shown to be a highly efficient catalyst, and could be readily recovered using a simple external magnet and reused several times without any significant loss in activity. The catalyst was fully characterised by FTIR, SEM, XRD, EDX and VSM.
Synthesis of 3-[(acetylamino)(aryl)Methyl]-4-Hydroxy-6-Methyl-2H-Pyran-2-Ones
Authors: Ramroodi-Khastehdel Elham , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: July 2015

A one-pot, three-component reaction between aryl aldehydes, 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one, and acetonitrile in the presence of chlorosulfonic acid affords 3-[(acetylamino)(aryl)methyl]-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-ones in excellent yields.
ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles as a Robust and Reusable Magnetically Catalyst in the four Component Synthesis of [(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4yl) (phenyl) Methyl]propAnedinitriles and Substituted 6-Amino-Pyrano[2,3-c]Pyrazoles
Authors: Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Shahbazi-Alavi Hossein , Heidari-Baghbahadorani Elham
Published: July 2015

A simple method has been developed for the synthesis of [(5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(phenyl)methyl]propanedinitriles and 6-amino-4-aryl-3-methyl-2,4-dihydro pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile derivatives through a one-pot four-component condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, ethyl acetoacetate and hydrazine hydrate using ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles under solvent-free conditions. This has the advantages of excellent yields, short reaction times, simple workup and environmentally benign.
Concise Total Synthesis of 1,3-Diphenylpropane Derivatives Griffithanes A, B and F
Authors: Gan Haifeng , Cao Weiwei , Feng Weiyang , Guo Kai
Published: July 2015

Concise and efficient total syntheses of diarylpropanes griffithane A, B and F, isolated from Combretum griffithii, have been accomplished from methoxybenzaldehyde. The Claisen–Schmidt condensation between aldehyde and acetophenone was applied to form chalcone as a key step. The structures of chalcones are confirmed by crystal X-ray crystallography.
Phytochemical characterization of phenolics by LC-MS/MS and biological evaluation of Ajuga orientalis from Turkey
Authors: Göger Fatih , Köse Yavuz Bülent , Göger Gamze , Demirci Fatih
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to reveal the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Ajuga orientalis. According to the antimicrobial results, the methanol extract of A. orientalis showed a MIC value of 312.5 µg/mL against the tested pathogenic bacterial strains. Anticandidal activity of extract was found as 156.3 µg/mL both against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis strains. Whereas the extract was more effective against C. tropicalis with the MIC value of 78.1 µg/mL. The in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extract was determined as IC50=0.4 ± 0.02 mg/mL whereas the standard BHT IC50 was 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/mL. Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) of extract was determined 1.3 mM TEAC, while BHT, 1.9 mM TEAC.

 
Estimation of genetic components for plant growth and physiological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) under normal and stress conditions
Authors: Naeem MK , Ahmed M , Noreen S , Shah MKN , Iqbal MS
Published: July 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the genetic variability of plant growth and physiological characters in thirty wheat genotypes under normal and drought stress conditions. Selection of important plant growth and physiological traits are essential component for wheat yield improvement. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted in the glasshouse during 2012-13 to estimate the extent of genetic components viz., genetic variance, coefficient of variability and broad sense heritability for plant growth and physiological traits under normal and drought stress conditions. Higher genetic variance was observed between the genotypes for the cell membrane stability, excised leaf water loss, relative water content, proline, sugar and glycine betain under both conditions. This suggested that these indices can be used as direct selection criteria for wheat improvement. While excised leaf water loss and fresh root weight revealed the least variability for GCV and PCV correspond to high heritability under stress condition. Hence, these traits can be used as indirect selection criteria under stress condition.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 90-98 (2015)
Quality of Indian mackerel as affected by pomegranate peel and tea leaf extracts during ice storage
Authors: Shinde PA , S VK Reddy , Patange SB
Published: July 2015

The effect of dip treatments of Indian mackerel (Rastriliger kanagurta) in 0.5 % & 1 % pomegranate peel extracts (Punica granatum) (PPE) and 3 % & 5 % green tea (Camelia sinensis) (GTE) extracts; on the ice storage characteristics was evaluated. Total phenolic content of PPE and GTE were found to be 212±20.55 and 159.3±7.72 mg g-1tannic equivalent. Fish treated with PPE and GTE were evaluated for bio-chemical, microbiological and sensory attributes during the period of storage in ice. Indicator organisms like Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected in any sample, whereas biochemical attributes increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the storage period. The fishes were acceptable up to 17th and 16th days in ice in case of PPE & GTE treatments, respectively. On the other hand the untreated fish was acceptable only up to 8 days. From this study it is concluded that; the natural extracts of PPE & GTE can be used to preserve the fatty fish and extend the shelf life during ice storage for a considerable period.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 109-122 (2015)
Determining behaviour of maize genotypes and growing environments using AMMI statistics
Authors: Kumar P , Singh NK
Published: July 2015

Thirty three maize genotypes including hybrids and pure lines were evaluated to assess the grain yield performance under four environments; normal nitrogen (NN 120 kg ha-1), high nitrogen (HN 160 kg ha-1), low nitrogen (LN 80 kg ha-1) and excess water (EW). Environment wise analysis revealed significant variance for grain yield. Analysis of data across the environments using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) statistics revealed significant variance for genotypes, environment and genotype x environment (GxE) interaction. Genotype main effects had the largest contribution (55.23%) to the total sum of square for grain yield followed by GxE interaction (22.73%) and environment (22.02%). The interaction component was further divided into three interaction principal component axes (IPCAs), IPCA I, IPCA II and IPCA III which accounted for 45.24%, 29.60% and 25.16% of GxE interaction component, respectively. The AMMI 1 biplot analysis using genotype main effect and IPCA I scores indicate that genotypes had high variance compared to the variance due to environments as evidenced by the distribution as well position occupied by the 33 hybrids and 4 environments on biplot display. The AMMI 2 biplot analysis identified three hybrids SCH-10, SCH-21, SCH-19 with relatively stable performance across the environments. AMMI 2 biplot analysis also categorized hybrids specifically adapted to NN, LN, HN and EW environments. However, all the hybrids exhibited specific adaptability to LN and EW environments having lower grain yield than the average yield. The inbred lines identified to have stable performance across the environments were IL-5 and IL-10, however it is interesting to note that none of the inbred lines exhibited specific adaptability to NN and HN environments which may due to inherently poor nitrogen use efficiency of inbred lines in comparison to hybrids.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 162-173 (2015)
Effect of dietary supplementation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on the growth performance and carcass traits of broiler chicks
Authors: Mondal MA , Yeasmin T , Karim R , Siddiqui M Nurealam , Nabi SM Raihanun , Sayed MA , Siddiky MNA
Published: July 2015

The present study was aimed to investigate the dietary effect of different levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder on the performance of broiler during summer (June-July), 2013. Four experimental rations designated as T0, T1, T2 and T3 having 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% Turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder were fed to 120 broiler chicks (Ross 308), randomly distributed into 12 replicates, so as to have 3 replicates per treatment and 10 chicks per replicate. Average weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, dressing yield and survivability were used as criteria of response to feeding turmeric powder. Organs weight including heart, liver and gizzard were also recorded. The mean body weight gain and average feed efficiency (feed gain-1) per broiler significantly increased (P<0.01) by turmeric supplemented feed compared to control feed. The average feed consumption and survivability of broiler chick non- significantly (P>0.05) improved due to by turmeric supplementation in the diets. Inclusion of turmeric powder caused slightly increased the carcass traits of broiler chicks i.e., average weight of liver, heart and gizzard but the differences were non-significant (P>0.05). A significant decrease (P<0.01) in abdominal fat pad and significant increase (P<0.05) in dressing yield was observed in chickens fed the turmeric supplemented diets. The results of the present study suggest that the use of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder as feed additive at a level of 0.5% enhances the growth performances and carcass yield of broiler chicks.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 188-199 (2015)
Comparative production and reproduction performances of local and Murrah-cross buffaloes managed by smallholder farmers in Bhutan
Authors: Timsina MP , Tamang NB , Rai DB , Siddiky MN A
Published: July 2015

This study was undertaken to evaluate production and reproduction performances of local and Murrah-cross buffaloes managed by smallholder farmers of Bhutan. Data was collected from 80 buffalo farming households in three buffalo rearing districts (Samtse, Sarpang and Samdrupjongkhar) in the sub-tropical belts of Bhutan. There were 1- 2 milking buffaloes per household and the duration of the field study was from 14 -29 December, 2014. Results indicated that average herd size is six buffaloes per household and are managed through open grazing with supplementary feeding but without proper housing. Study also revealed that genetic up-gradation of local buffalo population through introduction of Murrah breeding bulls and heifers has improved their productivity. Average daily milk yield of Murrah-cross buffalo is 5.9±0.18 l/day/cow (Mean ±SE) which is significantly higher (p ?0.000) than that of local buffaloes yielding 2.6±0.04 l day-1. Murrah-cross buffaloes had better productive and reproductive efficiency than local buffaloes and have added advantage to buffalo farmers. Average age at first calving is 35.1±2.49 months (Mean±SD) for Murrahcross buffaloes compared to 43.4±6.86 months for local buffaloes. Similarly, lactation length for Murrah-cross buffaloes is 10.1±0.50 month which is longer than local buffaloes (9.2±1.90 month). Calving interval of 14.6±0.52 months for Murrah-cross is lower than that of local buffaloes (17.4±1.01). Sale of fresh milk, butter and cheese from these animals contributed a major share of household income (54%) and has helped to improve livelihoods of farmers despite major challenges faced: limited government support, shrinking of grazing areas and labour constraints. However, with intensified support, many farmers are enthusiastic to rear quality buffaloes that can be an opportunity to accelerate buffalo farming. Study concluded that owing to higher productivity of Murrah-cross buffaloes, it can be a viable dairy animal for subtropical belt of Bhutan. Regular exchange of breeding bulls, supply of quality heifers and artificial insemination facilities with adequate technical support are crucial for greater positive outcome of enhancing milk production in the country.SAARC J. Agri., 13(1): 200-206 (2015)
Opportunities for Conformation-Selective Antibodies in Amyloid-Related Diseases
Authors: Westwood Marta , Lawson Alastair
Published: July 2015

Assembly of misfolded proteins into fibrillar deposits is a common feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. Developing effective therapies to these complex, and not yet fully understood diseases is currently one of the greatest medical challenges facing society. Slow and initially asymptomatic onset of neurodegenerative disorders requires profound understanding of the processes occurring at early stages of the disease including identification and structural characterisation of initial toxic species underlying neurodegeneration. In this review, we chart the latest progress made towards understanding the multifactorial process leading to amyloid formation and highlight efforts made in the development of therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of amyloid-based disorders. The specificity and selectivity of conformational antibodies make them attractive research probes to differentiate between transient states preceding formation of mature fibrils and enable strategies for potential therapeutic intervention to be considered.
Qualitative Study of Functional Groups and Antioxidant Properties of Soy-Based Beverages Compared to Cow Milk
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra , Gabrielli Paolo , Manzi Pamela
Published: July 2015

Soy-based beverages are a source of high quality proteins and balanced nutrients; they thus represent an alternative to milk in case of allergy to cow milk proteins or intolerance to lactose. In this research, antioxidant properties of soy-based beverages and UHT cow milk were studied. In addition, color parameters, by a quick and non-destructive methodology, were studied in order to verify a possible correlation with antioxidant properties and a qualitative analysis of the major functional groups undertaken by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) on Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) was carried out. Extractable and hydrolysable polyphenols were studied in soy-based beverages. However, only the extractable fraction was studied in UHT milk, which was characterized by a small amount of polyphenols. All color parameters showed highly significant differences among soy-based beverages and between soy-based beverages and cow milk. FTIR-ATR spectra of soy-based beverages and cow milk showed several differences in the various regions depending on both the specific contribution of molecular groups and different food items.
Evaluation of the Shearing Strength of a WC-12Co Thermal Spray Coating by the Scraping Test Method
Authors: Kaneko Kenji
Published: July 2015

This paper reports on an experimental and analytical investigation conducted into efficacy of the scraping shear-test method in estimating the shearing adhesive strength of a thermally sprayed coating. It was found that the critical average shear stress, the apparent failure strength of WC-Co thermal spray coating, depends on both the dimensions of the test piece and the loading position around the interface between the coating and the substrate. More specifically, the apparent critical shear stress decreased as the height and width of the test piece increased. In addition, the apparent critical shear stress increased with increasing coating thickness and with decreasing loading point distance measured from the interface. Consequently, the real adhesive strength of thermally sprayed coating could not be ascertained from these experimental results. Furthermore, most of the failure initiation points were inside the coating, as opposed to at the interface. This fact means that the results of the tests do not indicate the interfacial adhesive strength, but rather the shear strength of the coating. Three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) analysis showed that the distributions of the shearing stress at the loading points were virtually the same at failure, regardless of the dimensions of the test piece. These results suggest that the scraping test method needs a corresponding numerical analysis of the failure mode in order to produce reliable results and is not necessarily able to estimate the interfacial adhesive strength of thermally sprayed coating.
Maximum Entropy Estimation of Probability Distribution of Variables in Higher Dimensions from Lower Dimensional Data
Authors: Das Jayajit , Mukherjee Sayak , Hodge Susan
Published: July 2015

A common statistical situation concerns inferring an unknown distribution Q(x) from a known distribution P(y), where X (dimension n), and Y (dimension m) have a known functional relationship. Most commonly, n ≤ m, and the task is relatively straightforward for well-defined functional relationships. For example, if Y1 and Y2 are independent random variables, each uniform on [0, 1], one can determine the distribution of X = Y1 + Y2; here m = 2 and n = 1. However, biological and physical situations can arise where n > m and the functional relation Y→X is non-unique. In general, in the absence of additional information, there is no unique solution to Q in those cases. Nevertheless, one may still want to draw some inferences about Q. To this end, we propose a novel maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach that estimates Q(x) based only on the available data, namely, P(y). The method has the additional advantage that one does not need to explicitly calculate the Lagrange multipliers. In this paper we develop the approach, for both discrete and continuous probability distributions, and demonstrate its validity. We give an intuitive justification as well, and we illustrate with examples.
Low Nitrogen Retention in Soil and Litter under Conditions without Plants in a Subtropical Pine Plantation
Authors: Xiong Yanmei , Xu Xingliang , Zeng Hui , Wang Huimin , Chen Fusheng , Guo Dali
Published: July 2015

Soil acts as a major sink for added nitrogen (N) in forests, but it remains unclear about the capacity of soil to immobilize N under conditions without plant roots and whether added N interacts with ecosystem N to affect N retention. We added 15NH415NO3 to in situ soil columns (with leaching) and leaf litter (without leaching) of two tree species in a subtropical Pinus elliottii plantation. Soil and litter were collected three or eight months after N addition to measure concentrations of indigenous and exogenous N. About 70% of exogenous N was retained in soil three months after N addition, of which 65.9% were in inorganic forms. Eight months after N addition, 16.0% of exogenous N was retained in soil and 9.8%–13.6% was immobilized in litter. N addition increased the mineral release and nitrification of soil indigenous N. Loss of litter indigenous N was also increased by N addition. Our results suggest that N deposition on lands with low root activities or low soil carbon (C) contents may lead to increased N output due to low N immobilization. Moreover, the effects of added N on ecosystem indigenous N may decrease the capacity of soil and litter in N retention.
Adapting Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) to Local Contexts in REDD+: Lessons from Three Experiments in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thuy , Castella Jean-Christophe , Lestrelin Guillaume , Mertz Ole , Le Dung , Moeliono Moira , Nguyen Tan , Vu Hien , Nguyen Tien
Published: July 2015

Free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) is a means of ensuring that people’s rights are respected when reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and enhancing forest carbon stocks (REDD+) projects are established in developing countries. This paper examines how FPIC has been applied in three projects in Vietnam and highlights two key lessons learnt. First, as human rights and democracy are seen as politically sensitive issues in Vietnam, FPIC is likely to be more accepted by the government if it is built upon the national legal framework on citizen rights. Applying FPIC in this context can ensure that both government and citizen’s interests are achieved within the permitted political space. Second, FPIC activities should be seen as a learning process and designed based on local needs and preferences, with accountability of facilitators, two-way and multiple communication strategies, flexibility, and collective action in mind.
Comparing the Costs and Revenues of Transformation to Continuous Cover Forestry for Sitka Spruce in Great Britain
Authors: Davies Owen , Kerr Gary
Published: July 2015

Recently continuous cover forestry (CCF) has become an accepted approach to forest management in Britain, but uncertainty about its economic consequences may be a barrier to its wider use. A study was carried out to examine the costs and revenues of transforming a stand of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) to CCF. The main conclusion is that transformation to CCF need not be more costly than clearfelling and replanting if natural regeneration is successful and the aim is to produce a simple canopy structure. The long-term value of transformation to a more complex canopy structure, with three or more strata, is lower and the extra costs need to be justified in terms of management objectives. The main output from the study is an analysis spreadsheet that empowers practitioners and policy makers to investigate the effects of costs, revenues and discount rates on estimates of net present value over 20 years, 100 years and in perpetuity, to suit local conditions. This paper summarises the method and results of the study in a British context, sets these in a wider international context, and considers the merits, applications and possible further developments of the approach.
Nucleosome Dancing at the Tempo of Histone Tail Acetylation
Authors: Galvani Angélique , Thiriet Christophe
Published: July 2015

The impact of histone acetylation on transcription was revealed over 50 years ago by Allfrey and colleagues. However, it took decades for an understanding of the fine mechanism by which this posttranslational modification affects chromatin structure and promotes transcription. Here, we review breakthroughs linking histone tail acetylation, histone dynamics, and transcription. We also discuss the histone exchange during transcription and highlight the important function of a pool of non-chromatinized histones in chromatin dynamics.
Identification of Rhopalosiphum Padi Virus 5′ Untranslated Region Sequences Required for Cryptic Promoter Activity and Internal Ribosome Entry
Authors: Liu Ming-Kun , Lin Jie-Zue , Jinn Tzyy-Rong , Chan Hong-Lin , Wu Tzong-Yuan
Published: July 2015

The 579-nucleotide 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) possesses a cross-kingdom internal ribosome entry site (IRES) activity that functions in insect, mammalian, and plant-derived in vitro translation systems, and six TAAG motifs within the DNA fragment encoding the RhPV 5′UTR were previously found to confer the RhPV 5′UTR with late promoter activity in baculovirus. In the present study, various truncated RhPV 5′UTR sequences were produced, and among them, a fragment of 110 bp ranging from nucleotides 309 to 418 was identified to be the shortest fragment responsible for the late promoter activity in baculovirus infected Sf21 cells. This 110 bp fragment contains a TAAG tandem repeat that retains more than 60% of the late promoter activity of the full length RhPV 5′UTR sequence. Further, IRES activity remained unchanged in all truncated RhPV 5′UTR constructs. Taken together, this novel 110 bp fragment having late promoter activity in baculovirus as well as IRES activity in mammalian cell, renders it a useful tool for the development of a “shuttle” bi-cistronic baculovirus gene expression and/or delivery vector.
Neolignans from Nectandra megapotamica (Lauraceae) Display in vitro Cytotoxic Activity and Induce Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells
Authors: Ponci Vitor , Figueiredo Carlos , Massaoka Mariana , De Farias Camyla , Matsuo Alisson , Sartorelli Patricia , Lago João
Published: July 2015

Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. (Lauraceae) is a well-known Brazilian medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine to treat several diseases. In continuation of our ongoing efforts to discover new bioactive natural products from the Brazilian flora, this study describes the identification of cytotoxic compounds from the MeOH extract of N. megapotamica (Lauraceae) leaves using bioactivity-guided fractionation. This approach resulted in the isolation and characterization of eight tetrahydrofuran neolignans: calopeptin (1), machilin-G (2), machilin-I (3), aristolignin (4), nectandrin A (5), veraguensin (6), ganschisandrin (7), and galgravin (8). Different assays were conducted to evaluate their cytotoxic activities and to determine the possible mechanism(s) related to the activity displayed against human leukemia cells. The most active compounds 4, 5 and 8 gave IC50 values of 14.2 ± 0.7, 16.9 ± 0.8 and 16.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL, respectively, against human leukemia (HL-60) tumor cells. Moreover, these compounds induced specific apoptotic hallmarks, such as plasma membrane bleb formation, nuclear DNA condensation, specific chromatin fragmentation, phosphatidyl-serine exposure on the external leaflet of the plasma membrane, cleavage of PARP as well as mitochondrial damage, which as a whole could be related to the intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
7-Epiclusianone, a Benzophenone Extracted from Garcinia brasiliensis (Clusiaceae), Induces Cell Cycle Arrest in G1/S Transition in A549 Cells
Authors: Ionta Marisa , Ferreira-Silva Guilherme , Niero Evandro , Costa Éderson , Martens Adam , Rosa Welton , Soares Marisi , Machado-Santelli Gláucia , Lago João , Santos Marcelo
Published: July 2015

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Disease stage is the most relevant factor influencing mortality. Unfortunately, most patients are still diagnosed at an advanced stage and their five-year survival rate is only 4%. Thus, it is relevant to identify novel drugs that can improve the treatment options for lung cancer. Natural products have been an important source for the discovery of new compounds with pharmacological potential including antineoplastic agents. We have previously isolated a prenylated benzophenone (7-epiclusianone) from Garcinia brasiliensis (Clusiaceae) that has several biological properties including antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines. In continuation with our studies, the present work aimed to investigate the mechanisms involved with antiproliferative activity of 7-epiclusianone in A549 cells. Our data showed that 7-epiclusianone reduced the viability of A549 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 of 16.13 ± 1.12 μM). Cells were arrested in G1/S transition and apoptosis was induced. In addition, we observed morphological changes with cytoskeleton disorganization in consequence of the treatment. Taken together, the results showed that cell cycle arrest in G1/S transition is the main mechanism involved with antiproliferative activity of 7-epiclusianone. Our results are promising and open up the prospect of using this compound in further anticancer in vivo studies.
Ferulic Acid: A Hope for Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy from Plants
Authors: Sgarbossa Antonella , Giacomazza Daniela , Di Carlo Marta
Published: July 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the deposition of extracellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillar tangles, associated with loss of neurons in the brain and consequent learning and memory deficits. Aβ is the major component of the senile plaques and is believed to play a central role in the development and progress of AD both in oligomer and fibril forms. Inhibition of the formation of Aβ fibrils as well as the destabilization of preformed Aβ in the Central Nervous System (CNS) would be an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. Moreover, a large number of studies indicate that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may play an important role in AD and their suppression or reduction via antioxidant use could be a promising preventive or therapeutic intervention for AD patients. Many antioxidant compounds have been demonstrated to protect the brain from Aβ neurotoxicity. Ferulic acid (FA) is an antioxidant naturally present in plant cell walls with anti-inflammatory activities and it is able to act as a free radical scavenger. Here we present the role of FA as inhibitor or disaggregating agent of amyloid structures as well as its effects on biological models.
Fruit, Vegetable and Dietary Carotenoid Intakes Explain Variation in Skin-Color in Young Caucasian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pezdirc Kristine , Hutchesson Melinda , Whitehead Ross , Ozakinci Gozde , Perrett David , Collins Clare
Published: July 2015

Fruit and vegetables contain carotenoid pigments, which accumulate in human skin, contributing to its yellowness. This effect has a beneficial impact on appearance. The aim was to evaluate associations between diet (fruit, vegetable and dietary carotenoid intakes) and skin color in young women. Ninety-one Caucasian women (Median and Interquartile Range (IQR) age 22.1 (18.1–29.1) years, BMI 22.9 (18.5–31.9) kg/m2) were recruited from the Hunter region (Australia). Fruit, vegetable and dietary carotenoid intakes were estimated by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Skin color was measured at nine body locations (sun exposed and unexposed sites) using spectrophotometry. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between fruit and vegetable intakes and skin yellowness adjusting for known confounders. Higher combined fruit and vegetable intakes (β = 0.8, p = 0.017) were associated with higher overall skin yellowness values. Higher fruit combined fruit and vegetable intakes (β = 1.0, p = 0.004) were associated with increased unexposed skin yellowness. Combined fruit and vegetables plus dietary carotenoid intakes contribute to skin yellowness in young Caucasian women. Evaluation of interventions using improvements in appearance as an incentive for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in young women is warranted.
Major Dietary Patterns in Relation to General and Central Obesity among Chinese Adults
Authors: Yu Canqing , Shi Zumin , Lv Jun , Du Huaidong , Qi Lu , Guo Yu , Bian Zheng , Chang Liang , Tang Xuefeng , Jiang Qilian , Mu Huaiyi , Pan Dongxia , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming
Published: July 2015

Limited evidence exists for the association between diet pattern and obesity phenotypes among Chinese adults. In the present study, we analyzed the cross-sectional data from 474,192 adults aged 30–79 years from the China Kadoorie Biobank baseline survey. Food consumption was collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were extracted by factor analysis combined with cluster analysis. After being adjusted for potential confounders, individuals following a traditional southern dietary pattern had the lowest body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC); the Western/new affluence dietary pattern had the highest BMI; and the traditional northern dietary pattern had the highest WC. Compared to the traditional southern dietary pattern in multivariable adjusted logistic models, individuals following a Western/new affluence dietary pattern had a significantly increased risk of general obesity (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.08) and central obesity (PR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.06–1.08). The corresponding risks for the traditional northern dietary pattern were 1.05 (1.02–1.09) and 1.17 (1.25–1.18), respectively. In addition, the associations were modified by lifestyle behaviors, and the combined effects with alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, and physical activity were analyzed. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the diet-obesity relationships.
A Temporal-Spatial Iteration Method to Reconstruct NDVI Time Series Datasets
Authors: Xu Lili , Li Baolin , Yuan Yecheng , Gao Xizhang , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2015

Reconstructing normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series datasets is essential for monitoring long-term changes in terrestrial vegetation. Here, a temporal–spatial iteration (TSI) method was developed to estimate the NDVIs of contaminated pixels, based on reliable data. The NDVIs of contaminated pixels were first computed through linear interpolation of adjacent high-quality pixels in the time series. Then, the NDVIs of remaining contaminated pixels were determined based on the NDVI of a high-quality pixel located in the same ecological zone, showing the most similar NDVI change trajectories. These two steps were repeated iteratively, using the estimated NDVIs as high-quality pixels to predict undetermined NDVIs of contaminated pixels until the NDVIs of all contaminated pixels were estimated. A case study was conducted in Inner Mongolia, China. The accuracies of estimated NDVIs using TSI were higher than the asymmetric Gaussian, Savitzky–Golay, and window-regression methods. Root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) decreased by 16.7%–86.6% and 18.3%–33.0%, respectively. The TSI method performed better over a range of environmental conditions, the variation of performance by the compared methods was 1.4–5 times that of the TSI method. The TSI method will be most applicable when large numbers of contaminated pixels exist.
Infrared and Visual Image Fusion through Fuzzy Measure and Alternating Operators
Authors: Bai Xiangzhi
Published: July 2015

The crucial problem of infrared and visual image fusion is how to effectively extract the image features, including the image regions and details and combine these features into the final fusion result to produce a clear fused image. To obtain an effective fusion result with clear image details, an algorithm for infrared and visual image fusion through the fuzzy measure and alternating operators is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the alternating operators constructed using the opening and closing based toggle operator are analyzed. Secondly, two types of the constructed alternating operators are used to extract the multi-scale features of the original infrared and visual images for fusion. Thirdly, the extracted multi-scale features are combined through the fuzzy measure-based weight strategy to form the final fusion features. Finally, the final fusion features are incorporated with the original infrared and visual images using the contrast enlargement strategy. All the experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective for infrared and visual image fusion.
Developing a Conceptual Framework for Investigating Communication Supporting Community Resilience
Authors: Hyvärinen Jenni , Vos Marita
Published: July 2015

In crisis management, cooperation within the response network is seen as crucial. Usually, this network refers to authorities and nongovernmental organizations, such as the Red Cross. However, the authors argue that to improve societal resilience one should take a broader overview of the actors involved in crisis preparedness and mitigation, and also include the public. With this in mind, the role of communication is scrutinized and a conceptual framework developed as a starting point for further investigation into how communication may be developed to strengthen a community approach to crisis management that includes citizen groups in the broader response network. A model is presented along with four propositions for future research. These include developing inventory methods to assist in stakeholder mapping in the pre-crisis phase, investigating all-hazard approaches to preparedness, scrutinizing collaboration during crisis situations to identify barriers to community resilience, and clarifying the kinds of communication competence needed in crisis situations and reflecting on lessons learned.
Interdisciplinarity as an Emergent Property: The Research Project “CINTERA” and the Study of Marine Eutrophication
Authors: Bailey Jennifer , Van Ardelan Murat , Hernández Klaudia , González Humberto , Iriarte José , Olsen Lasse , Salgado Hugo , Tiller Rachel
Published: July 2015

Research projects combining different disciplines are increasingly common and sought after by funding agencies looking for ways to achieve environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Creating and running a truly integrated research project that combines very different disciplines is, however, no easy task. Large-scale efforts to create interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research efforts have reported on their experiences in trying to achieve this goal. This article shares the methods, challenges and achievements experienced by a smaller group of researchers who have developed an interdisciplinary approach based on former results of Norwegian and Chilean experiments. The project “A Cross-disciplinary Integrated Eco-system Eutrophication Research and Management Approach” (CINTERA), funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN, project 216607), brings together the fields of political science, economics, marine biology/oceanography and marine bio-geo-chemistry to improve the understanding of marine eutrophication and its possible socio-economic impacts. CINTERA is a multidisciplinary project that evolved into an interdisciplinary project and in so doing, transformed the attitudes of participants. The transformative process was generated particularly by the need to work closely together in making the CINTERA project useful for policy-makers.
Education for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Linking Theory with Practice in Ghana’s Basic Schools
Authors: Apronti Priscilla , Osamu Saito , Otsuki Kei , Kranjac-Berisavljevic Gordana
Published: July 2015

Current understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR) concurs that, when provided the right education, children have the potential to reduce their own vulnerability and the vulnerability of others in their community. What, then, comprises the right education for DRR? Research has established the need for disaster education to address the causes and effects, prevention and response, and management and recovery from disaster events. The educational process must include diverse and practical techniques that reinforce disaster knowledge and builds a culture of safety and resilience amongst students. Drawing on syllabus content analysis and field research in two rural communities in semi-arid Northern Ghana, this study explored the presence and nature of DRR within the syllabi of the basic school system. By comparing the result of the content analysis with results from interviews and questionnaires completed by teachers and students, significant gaps were identified between the disaster pedagogy outlined in the syllabi (theory) and that which occurs in the classroom (practice). It was realized that while the theory outlines active and innovative techniques for teaching, learning, and evaluating DRR lessons, various challenges hinder the practical application of these techniques in the classroom. The study concludes that a lack of teacher training and professional development, and inadequate teaching and learning materials, generally account for these results. A new and consolidated effort is required from all stakeholders to train teachers and to provide the appropriate learning materials to improve on the current DRR education.
In Memoriam: Slavik Jablan 1952–2015
Authors: Crowe Donald , Darvas György , Huylebrouck Dirk , Kappraff Jay , Kauffman Louis , Lambropoulou Sofia , Przytycki Jozef , Radović Ljiljana , Sazdanovic Radmila , De Spinadel Vera , Zeković Ana , Office Symmetry
Published: July 2015

After a long and brave battle with a serious illness, our dear friend and colleague Slavik Jablan passed away on 26 February 2015. [...]
Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: Effects, Mechanisms and Protection Strategies
Authors: Callejo Angela , Sedó-Cabezón Lara , Juan Ivan , Llorens Jordi
Published: July 2015

Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent that is widely used to treat solid organ malignancies. However, serious side effects have been associated with its use, such as bilateral, progressive, irreversible, dose-dependent neurosensory hearing loss. Current evidence indicates that cisplatin triggers the production of reactive oxygen species in target tissues in the inner ear. A variety of agents that protect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity have been successfully tested in cell culture and animal models. However, many of them interfere with the therapeutic effect of cisplatin, and therefore are not suitable for systemic administration in clinical practice. Consequently, local administration strategies, namely intratympanic administration, have been developed to achieve otoprotection, without reducing the antitumoral effect of cisplatin. While a considerable amount of pre-clinical information is available, clinical data on treatments to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity are only just beginning to appear. This review summarizes clinical and experimental studies of cisplatin ototoxicity, and focuses on understanding its toxicity mechanisms, clinical repercussions and prevention strategies.
Chloroplast heterogeneity and historical admixture within the genus Malus
Authors: Volk Gayle M. , Henk Adam D. , Baldo Angela , Fazio Gennaro , Chao C. Thomas , Richards Christopher M.
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: The genus Malus represents a unique and complex evolutionary context in which to study domestication. Several Malus species have provided novel alleles and traits to the cultivars. The extent of admixture among wild Malus species has not been well described, due in part to limited sampling of individuals within a taxon.

• Methods: Four chloroplast regions (1681 bp total) were sequenced and aligned for 412 Malus individuals from 30 species. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using maximum parsimony. The distribution of chloroplast haplotypes among species was examined using statistical parsimony, phylogenetic trees, and a median‐joining network.

• Key results: Chloroplast haplotypes are shared among species within Malus. Three major haplotype‐sharing networks were identified. One includes species native to China, Western North America, as well as Malus domestica Borkh, and its four primary progenitor species: M. sieversii (Ledeb.) M. Roem., M. orientalis Uglitzk., M. sylvestris (L.) Mill., and M. prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh; another includes five Chinese Malus species, and a third includes the three Malus species native to Eastern North America.

• Conclusions: Chloroplast haplotypes found in M. domestica belong to a single, highly admixed network. Haplotypes shared between the domesticated apple and its progenitors may reflect historical introgression or the retention of ancestral polymorphisms. Multiple individuals should be sampled within Malus species to reveal haplotype heterogeneity, if complex maternal contributions to named species are to be recognized.
IMPACT OF INNOVATIONS UPON ECONOMIC GROWTH DURING RECESSION
Authors: SNIESKA Vytautas , VALODKIENE Gitana
Published: July 2015

The role of the factors influencing economic growth during economic recessions and the role of these factors in separate economic phases are analysed. The purpose of the research is to assess the impact of innovations on economic growth during recession. The analysis of the situation in manufacturing sectors of Lithuania during economic recession in 2007 to 2009 has revealed several characteristics of innovations for this period due to which Lithuanian manufacturing enterprises managed to successfully function and remain competitive. The influence of household consumption expenditure on the growth of GDP in Lithuania is described by the function close to the linear, so we see a direct relation between these two variables. The influence of export on GDP is described by a convex function which has showed the declining influence of export on the GDP growth in the long-term perspective. Thus, contrary to a rather popular belief in transition countries, the main engine of growth in the long-term is not export. The long-term GDP growth is impossible without stimulating the growth in household consumption expenditure.
Engineering graphics’ knowledge: its persistence and application evaluation
Authors: Turskis Zenonas , Juodagalvienė Birutė , Garnytė Sapranavičienė Inga
Published: July 2015

The article deals with the knowledge of engineering graphics, obtained during studies and its application in architectural and constructional design. Data analysis was carried out and the relationship between the exams’ grades in lower and upper semesters was determined. The evaluations of the following subjects have been examined: General Engineering Graphics, Applied Engineering Graphics, Building Architecture and Structures 1, Building Architecture and Structures 2. The present paper describes the development of an approach that uses a real data set. The investigated data illustrates relevant concepts and methods in the application of introductory civil engineering. The creative use of students' scores evaluation data is recommended to facilitate the learning of civil engineering. The course has enrolments of approximately 250 students.
Videogrammetry and one of its applications
Authors: Velichova Daniela
Published: July 2015

Videogrammetry is presented in the paper as a new branch of photogrammetry that offers some effective algorithms for direct reconstruction of moving objects from video records. Videogrammetry can solve two major problems: reconstruction of surfaces (body, face, etc.) and determination of trajectories of moving targets. Videogrammetry can inspect permanently provided and stored records taken by video cameras, so it can be used for additional measurements and re-measurements, and verification at any time. Basic concepts and algorithms for reconstruction of real dimensions of a 3 dimensional moving object from its video records are introduced. Basic formulas for algorithms of point positioning and calibration calculation are explained.
Peculiarities of staircase representation in educational process
Authors: Juodagalvienė Birutė , Vdovinskienė Sonata
Published: July 2015

Every day we climb the stairs. The Lithuanian documents such as construction standards and technical building regulations show the rules of graphical representation of staircase elements. The graphical representation of staircase in the training measures for VGTU students is explained in two ways: old “pencil” methods (such as vertical and horizontal sections of the elements) and the adapted computer program in AutoCAD. Despite the different approaches, it is important to future building engineers to be able to understand and draw relationships between the elements of the stairs in the plan and cut. Students need to draw stairs projections in single family and public building course projects in two semesters. However there is no time to explain the peculiarities of drawing, although it should be done. Therefore, the authors believe that graphical representations .are necessary for additional demos (posters) helping to realize the features of stairs elements.