bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophilic modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride) ultrafiltration membranes by surface UV photo-grafting with N,N′-methylene-bisacrylamide as monomer and Ce(IV) as initiator
Authors: Shi Baoli , Li Zheng , Su Xing
Published: December 2015

A UV photo-grafting method was utilised to enhance the hydrophilicity and anti-fouling property of self-made poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes. N,N′-methylene-bisacrylamide (MBAA) was used as monomer and Ce(IV) was used as initiator to obtain balance between grafting treatment consumption and enhanced performance. MBAA could be grafted onto the surface of pure PVDF membranes through a water-phase grafting method under UV photoradiation. When the MBAA concentration was 0.07 mol/L, the Ce(IV) concentration was 0.04 mol/L, and the irradiation duration was 3 min, the membrane surface was grafted with a sufficient amount of monomer under a UV photoradiation intensity of 5.0 mW/cm2. The water contact angle on the surface of the modified membrane decreased by approximately 16°, and flux recovery increased by approximately 40% compared with the pure PVDF membrane when treating river water. For bovine serum albumin rejection and porosity measurements no significant changes were observed between pure PVDF and graft-treated membranes. The enhanced performance of the modified membrane in this work was moderate, but the UV irradiation duration (3 min) was short. The integrative effects of UV modification in this work were satisfactory when both irradiation duration and enhanced performance were considered.
NDMA formation potential removal in treated effluent by UV/H2O2 process
Authors: Qi Wang , Jiangyong Hu
Published: December 2015

NDMA formation from treated wastewater is one of the concerns in water reuse. This study focused on NDMA formation potential (NDMAFP) removal in wastewater treated effluent by UV/H2O2 technology. A UV/H2O2 system was tested for the removal performance on both organic precursors and NDMAFP. The system consisted of a low pressure ultra-violet (LPUV) with an intensity of 2 mW/cm2 and a H2O2 dosage of 100 ppm. Reaction time was 60 minutes. Two types of wastewater treated effluents were collected: activated sludge process (ASP) effluent and membrane bio-reactor (MBR) effluent. Results showed efficient dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal (70%). Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) removal was less efficient (20–30%). Eighty per cent of NDMAFP in ASP effluent was removed within 1 hour. However, no NDMAFP removal was discovered in MBR effluent. This indicated that the effect of the UV/H2O2 system on NDMAFP removal was water specific. A generation of intermediate NDMA precursors was observed in the ASP effluent. Results indicated that sufficient oxidation should be provided to reduce intermediate NDMA precursors and to achieve NDMAFP removal.
A case for aerobic sludge granulation: from pilot to full scale
Authors: Yang H. G. , Li J. , Liu J. , Ding L. B. , Chen T. , Huang G. X. , Shen J. Y.
Published: December 2015

A pilot-scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) treating 120 m3/d of a town's wastewater was set up in 2009 and aerobic granules with a mean diameter of 0.28 mm, mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) of 7,500 mg/L and sludge volume index (SVI)30 of 43 mL/g were achieved. A full-scale SBR with 50,000 m3/d for treating a town's wastewater was operated in 2010 and aerobic granules with a mean MLSS of 2,285 mg/L and SVI30 of 52.5 mL/g were obtained. Aerobic granules had excellent performances of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH4+-N removal and remained stable for a long time. Raw wastewater and SBR operating mode had a positive effect on aerobic granule formation. Therefore, aerobic granular technology could be successfully applied in the full-scale bioreactor under specific conditions. Future development of aerobic granular technology is the application in full-scale continuous-flow reactors.
Application of 3D-fluorescence/PARAFAC to monitor the performance of managed aquifer recharge facilities
Authors: Stahlschmidt Maximilian , Regnery Julia , Campbell Andy , Drewes Jörg E.
Published: December 2015

3D-fluorescence spectroscopy was used as a monitoring tool to describe the fate and transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during groundwater recharge using recycled water, imported water, and stormwater at a managed aquifer recharge site in California. The study was supplemented by analysis of conservative wastewater-derived trace organic chemicals using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Parallel factor analyses (PARAFAC) yielded six different independent fluorophoric components by mathematically decomposing the excitation emission spectra. The results revealed that this approach was successful in showing the decrease of chromophoric DOM in the subsurface over time and distance during recharge and detecting anthropogenic contaminations that were introduced into the recharge basins, most likely from weed and vector control applications. PARAFAC was able to extract at least one herbicide with chromophoric features from surface and groundwater excitation-emission matrices, suggesting that this approach could also be applied as a pollution control tool for hazardous events.
Fate of bulk organic carbon and bromate during indirect water reuse involving ozone and subsequent aquifer recharge
Authors: Hübner U. , Kuhnt S. , Jekel M. , Drewes J. E.
Published: December 2015

Long-term column studies with ozonated secondary effluent were conducted to evaluate the removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and to assess formation and stability of the oxidation by-product bromate in combined ozonation and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) systems. DOC removal during simulated MAR was continuously increased from approximately 20 to 40% by pretreatment with ozone indicating the high potential of this combination to remove disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors. This improvement in DOC removal was likely caused by transforming DOC into fractions that are more amenable to biodegradation, as well as the supply of dissolved oxygen favouring aerobic degradation processes. Bromate formation during ozonation of secondary effluent from the Berlin-Ruhleben WWTP exceeded the limit of the EU Drinking Water Directive at a specific ozone consumption of >0.9–1.0 mg O3/mg DOC0. During oxic infiltration, no significant removal of bromate could be observed. Under anoxic conditions, bromate concentration was efficiently reduced. Additional biodegradation tests in small-scale columns indicated a simultaneous consumption of nitrate and bromate as electron acceptors.
Effect of common inorganic ions on aniline degradation in groundwater by activated persulfate with ferrous iron
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhao Yongsheng , Li Qin , Zhou Rui , Chen Xu
Published: December 2015

Aniline is widespread in groundwater and of great toxicity. Advanced oxidation processes, such as the ferrous iron (Fe2+)-activated persulfate process, have been proven to be effective for organic pollutants. However, few studies have focused on the effects of coexisting ions on the degradation of aniline. In this study, the degradation efficiency of aniline and the effects of common inorganic ions (CO32−, PO43−, HCO3−, SO42−, NO3−, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) on aniline degradation were examined. Under the optimum operating conditions, 86.33% aniline degradation (C0 = 11 mmol/L) was observed within 60 min. The effects of cations on aniline degradation were negligible. Anions decreased the removal efficiency of aniline because of the radicals generated by the reaction between sulfate radical or hydroxyl radical and these anions. As the concentrations of PO43−, CO32−, SO42−, HCO3−, and NO3− increased from 0 mmol/L to 5 mmol/L, the removal efficiency of aniline decreased to 19.72%, 24.56%, 66.76%, 68.76%, and 82.42%, respectively. The order of inhibitory effects was PO43− > CO32− > >SO42− > HCO3− > >NO3−.
Mesquite wood chips (Prosopis) as filter media in a biofilter system for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Sosa-Hernández D. B. , Vigueras-Cortés J. M. , Garzón-Zúñiga M. A.
Published: December 2015

The biofiltration system over organic bed (BFOB) uses organic filter material (OFM) to treat municipal wastewater (MWW). This study evaluated the performance of a BFOB system employing mesquite wood chips (Prosopis) as OFM. It also evaluated the effect of hydraulic loading rates (HLRs) in order to achieve the operational parameters required to remove organic matter, suspended material, and pathogens, thus meeting Mexican and US regulations for reuse in irrigation. Two biofilters (BFs) connected in series were installed; the first one aerated (0.62 m3air m−2h−1) and the second one unaerated. The source of MWW was a treatment plant located in Durango, Mexico. For 200 days, three HLRs (0.54, 1.07, and 1.34 m3m−2d−1) were tested. The maximum HLR at which the system showed a high removal efficiency of pollutants and met regulatory standards for reuse in irrigation was 1.07 m3m−2d−1, achieving removal efficiencies of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) 92%, chemical oxygen demand (COD) 78%, total suspended solids (TSS) 95%, and four log units of fecal coliforms. Electrical conductivity in the effluent ensures that it would not cause soil salinity. Therefore, mesquite wood chips can be considered an innovative material suitable as OFM for BFs treating wastewaters.
Are the Condition, Growth and Diet of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens)
Different between the Three Major Basins of Lake George, New York?
Authors: D’Arco Brett D. , Farrell Jeremy L. , Nierzwicki-Bauer Sandra A. , Boylen Charles W.
Published: December 2015

Gill netting was carried out at 25 sites in Lake George, New York to determine if interbasin differences of yellow
perch (Perca flavescens) exist. Fish relative weight, growth and diet were analyzed for 267 yellow perch. Yellow
perch are known to be omnivorous in the lake eating zooplankton, benthos and small fishes in both the littoral and pelagic
waters. The length-weight relationship exhibited a significant difference amongst the Narrows, North and South basins for
condition constants (p < 0.05). Relative weights were consistently found to be below the general target range and had significant
differences between the basins. Growth models of fish caught in the three basins showed variation in growth of
yellow perch. The yellow perch from the North basin exhibited allometric growth, while those in the South and Narrows
displayed isometric growth. The diets of yellow perch between the basins also were found to be different. Previous studies
have noted differences between the basins with respect to chlorophyll a, chemistry, and biota. This study provides evidence
of differences in the fishery amongst the basins that follow similar, previously defined, differences in chemistry.
Age-related response of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic miceto phthalic anhydrideexposure
Authors: Sung Ji , Kim Ji , Go Jun , Koh Eun , Song Sung , Lee Hyun , Hwang Dae
Published: December 2015

Age-related changes are associated with susceptibility to infection,
malignancy, autoimmunity, response to vaccination and wound healing. To
investigate the relationship of several pathological phenotypes of allergic
inflammationto age, alterations in theIL-4 derived luciferase signal and
general phenotype biomarkers were measured in young (2-month-old) and old
(12-month-old) IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) mice with phthalic anhydride
(PA)-induced allergic inflammationfor 2 weeks. There was no difference in
the ear phenotypes and thickness between young and old mice, although these
levels were higher in the PA-treated group thantheacetone-olive oil
(AOO)-treated group. The luciferase signal was detected in the mesenteric
lymph node (ML), thymus and pancreas of both young and old PA-treated mice,
but showed a greater increasein old Tg mice (exceptin thethymus).
Agreaterincrease inthe epidermal thickness and dermal thickness was measured
in old PA-treated mice than young PA-treated mice, while total mast cell
number remainedconstant in both groups. Furthermore, the concentration of
IgE was greater in young PA-treated mice than in old PA-treated mice,as
wasthe expression of VEGF and IL-6. Taken together, theresults of this study
showed that an animal?s age is an important factor that must be considered
when PA-induced allergic inflammation in IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 Tg mice
areinvestigated to screen for allergens and therapeutic compounds.
Evaluation of genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of essential oils of Seseli rigidum Waldst. & Kit. (Apiaceae)
Authors: Zivkovic Lada , Cabarkapa Andrea , Marcetic Mirjana , Kovacevic Nada , Bajic Vladan , Jovicic Snezana , Spremo-Potparevic Biljana
Published: December 2015

The essential oils of genus Seseli are known for their beneficial biological
activities and could present novel targets in the development of safe and
effective preparations of plant products. The objective was to test the
essential oils of different parts of Seseli rigidum from two natural habitats
for potential genotoxic and antigenotoxic activities against H202-induced DNA
damage in human whole blood cells in vitro, by the comet assay. The essential
oil analysis showed a high falcarinol content in oil from the root, while
oils of the fruit and aerial parts contained ?-pinene as the main compound.
Genotoxicity was not detected at any of the concentrations of the essential
oils from the three parts of the plant from localities I and II. Although the
antioxidant activity (established by the FRAP and DPPH tests) of the
investigated oils was low, all oils demonstrated a strong antigenotoxic
effect against H2O2-induced damage post-treatment, when the oils were applied
after the oxidant. Based on the lack of pretreatment activity and the
post-treatment reduction in DNA damage, the antigenotoxic effect of S.
rigidum essential oils was probably based on the stimulation of DNA repair
mechanisms. Environmental conditions did not affect the antigenotoxic
properties of the oils. In conclusion, our results revealed the antigenotoxic
properties of S. rigidum essential oils and appropriate and safe doses with
beneficial effects under the described conditions.
Dynamic Decision Making Using the Balanced Scorecard Framework
Authors: Humphreys Kerry A. , Gary Michael Shayne , Trotman Ken T.
Published: December 2015

This study examines the effects that two balanced scorecard framework (BSF) elements, causal linkages between strategic objectives (“causal linkages”) and time delay information (“delays”) in a strategy map, have on long-term profit performance in a dynamic decision-making environment. Using a computer-based simulation task, we conduct a 3 × (4) experiment (control group; causal linkages without delays; causal linkages with delays; four simulation rounds) and find that managers presented with causal linkages without delays generate greater long-term profit compared to a control group. For managers presented with causal linkages with delays, long-term profit generation is higher than the control group, but is not significantly different from the causal linkages without delays treatment. Those managers presented with causal linkages with delays, however, demonstrate learning across the four simulation rounds. In contrast, learning is found to plateau for the causal linkages without delays treatment and is not present for the control group. We also examine the cognitive mechanism through which these two BSF elements impact performance, by measuring the accuracy of two components of managers' mental models.

Data Availability: Experimental materials are available upon request from the authors.
Professional Role and Normative Pressure: The Case of Voluntary XBRL Adoption in Germany
Authors: Pinsker Robert E. , Felden Carsten
Published: December 2015

This paper examines voluntary eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) adoption intent in 2009 Germany. Our setting provides a unique opportunity to examine voluntary adoption behavior related to a global information technology (IT) in one of the largest non-U.S. economies. In conjunction with the organizing visions framework, we combine technology framing theory, institutional theory, and the professional role literature to serve as our theoretical guide. Results from 101 finance and IT managers indicate that professional role (finance managers more so than IT managers) and normative pressure (i.e., social networks) have positive relationships with XBRL adoption intent and explain approximately 66 percent of the variation when including top management leadership as a control variable. We also find weak evidence that finance managers' XBRL adoption intentions are more significantly influenced by normative pressure vis-à-vis IT managers; however, we find no evidence that the professional role affects the normative pressure felt by the manager in general. Our findings may be of interest to academics interested in IT adoption, as well as German regulators and other groups considering mandatory or voluntary XBRL adoption.

Data Availability: Data are available from the first author upon request.
Two-year Randomized Clinical Trial of Self-etching Adhesives and Selective Enamel Etching
Authors: Pena CE , Rodrigues JA , Ely C , Giannini M , Reis AF
Published: December 2015

Objective: The aim of this randomized, controlled prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of restoring noncarious cervical lesions with two self-etching adhesive systems applied with or without selective enamel etching.

Methods: A one-step self-etching adhesive (Xeno V+) and a two-step self-etching system (Clearfil SE Bond) were used. The effectiveness of phosphoric acid selective etching of enamel margins was also evaluated. Fifty-six cavities were restored with each adhesive system and divided into two subgroups (n=28; etch and non-etch). All 112 cavities were restored with the nanohybrid composite Esthet.X HD. The clinical effectiveness of restorations was recorded in terms of retention, marginal integrity, marginal staining, caries recurrence, and postoperative sensitivity after 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months (modified United States Public Health Service).

Results: The Friedman test detected significant differences only after 18 months for marginal staining in the groups Clearfil SE non-etch (p=0.009) and Xeno V+ etch (p=0.004). One restoration was lost during the trial (Xeno V+ etch; p>0.05).

Conclusions: Although an increase in marginal staining was recorded for groups Clearfil SE non-etch and Xeno V+ etch, the clinical effectiveness of restorations was considered acceptable for the single-step and two-step self-etching systems with or without selective enamel etching in this 24-month clinical trial.
Electron Percolation In Copper Infiltrated Carbon
Authors: Krcho Stanislav
Published: December 2015

The work describes the dependence of the electrical conductivity of carbon materials infiltrated with copper in a vacuum-pressure autoclave on copper concentration and on the effective pore radius of the carbon skeleton. In comparison with non-infiltrated material the electrical conductivity of copper infiltrated composite increased almost 500 times. If the composite contained less than 7.2 vol% of Cu, a linear dependence of the electrical conductivity upon cupper content was observed. If infiltrated carbon contained more than 7.2 vol% of Cu, the dependence was nonlinear – the curve could be described by a power formula (x − xc
)
t
. This is a typical formula describing the electron percolation process in regions containing higher Cu fraction than the critical one. The maximum measured electrical conductivity was 396 × 104 Ω−1 m−1 for copper concentration 27.6 vol%. Experiments and analysis of the electrical conductivity showed that electron percolation occurred in carbon materials infiltrated by copper when the copper volume exceeded the critical concentration. The analysis also showed a sharp increase of electrical conductivity in composites with copper concentration higher than the threshold, where the effective radius of carbon skeleton pores decreased to 350 nanometres.
Moments Of Microdiversity EGC Receivers And Macrodiversity SC Receiver Output Signal Over Gamma Shadowed Nakagami–m Multipath Fading Channel
Authors: Djordjević Nebojša , Jaksić Branimir S. , Matović Ana , Matović Marija , Smilić Marko
Published: December 2015

A system with macrodiversity selection combining (SC) receiver and for microdiversity equal gain combining (EGC) receivers is considered. Received signal is subjected, simultaneously to multipath fading and shadowing, resulting in signal envelope and signal power variation. Closed form expressions for moments of macrodiversity SC receiver output signal envelope are calculated. Numerical expressions are plotted to present the influences of Gamma shadowing severity and Nakagami-m severity on moments of proposed system output signal.
The Tragedies of Canadian International History
Authors: Meren David
Published: December 2015

The early twenty-first century witnessed a shift in Canadian international action, how such action is portrayed, and how Canada's international history is deployed to understand Canada and its evolution. This shift has contributed to a growing awareness of the intellectual and political significance of Canada's international history and a heightened awareness of the need for a re-engagement with this history to produce more complex narratives. Demonstrating and encouraging such a re-engagement is the purpose of this historiographical article, which traces the writing of Canadian international history from its origins to a period of crisis in the last three decades of the twentieth century. In so doing, it explores how “empire” and its legacy run through this historiography's various overlapping currents. Flowing from this discussion, the article highlights three “tragedies” that have marked the historiography and that are reflective of, and linked to, tragedies in the history of Canadian encounters with the world. This is followed by an examination of current trends that are contributing to a renewed, more expansive literature, thereby emphasizing the value and potential of Canadian international history as a means to obtain greater understanding of Canada as a project of rule.
Confessions of a Teacher, and Historian, of Canadian Diplomacy
Authors: Chapnick Adam
Published: December 2015

This brief response unpacks and contextualizes the alleged tragedy of a “lack of an effective countervailing voice that could respond to the instrumentalization of Canada's international history for reactionary ends.” Rather than advocating a single voice, it suggests the use of multiple perspectives. For international history to flourish in Canada, it explains, we must welcome all sorts of histories, from the bottom and from the top, written for academic and popular audiences and from micro- and macro-level perspectives. A failure to work together, and thereby validate one another's interests and passions, can only lead to further instrumentalization, and nothing would be more tragic than that.
Réponse à “The Tragedies of Canadian International History” : un autre survol historiographique
Authors: Marshall Dominique
Published: December 2015

Ce commentaire apporte quelques nuances au survol historiographique de David Meren en diminuant la portée des lacunes identifiées. L'article attire aussi l'attention sur des études traditionnellement peu prises en compte par les grandes fresques de l'histoire des relations internationales canadiennes, mais dont les résultats devraient figurer dans la perspective plus englobante dont il esquisse les contours.
Getting Over Tragedy: Some Further Thoughts on Canadian International History
Authors: Meren David
Published: December 2015

In addition to engaging with the three commentaries regarding the historiographical essay under discussion, this author's response considers the future of Canadian international history by posing the following questions: (1) who is Canadian international history for?; (2) what is Canadian international history in service to?; and (3) how should we explore Canadian international history? The answers to these questions emphasize the value of a more inclusive and expansive approach.
De petite fille abusée à mère négligente: protection de la jeunesse et matrice de domination
Authors: Bernheim Emmanuelle
Published: December 2015

Comment les interventions des institutions étatiques supposées organiser la solidarité sociale peuvent-elles se traduire par la stigmatisation, la perte de pouvoir, la domination? Dans un contexte où ces interventions dépendent de plus en plus des diagnostics issus de l'évaluation clinique, la superposition des catégories psychiatrique, administrative et juridique répond davantage aux logiques de prise en charge et de contrôle qu'aux besoins des personnes concernées. À la lumière d'un entretien biographique mené auprès d'une femme elle-même enfant de la direction de la protection de la jeunesse, puis considérée comme mère négligente à l'âge adulte, cette réflexion est une incursion dans une matrice de domination à l'interface des conditions socioéconomiques, du genre et du diagnostic psychiatrique. Il s'agit plus particulièrement d'explorer la nature des fonctions respectives du droit et de la justice, d'une part, et des catégories psychiatrique, juridique et administrative, d'autre part, dans le processus de domination.
Why Feminism Matters to the Study of Law
Authors: Brooks Kim
Published: December 2015

Queen's University's Faculty of Law is home to Feminist Legal Studies Queen's (FLSQ), a research group that expands awareness and development of scholarship in feminist legal studies, enables the development of feminist legal scholars at Queen's, and fosters connections among feminists with an interest in law. In the fall of 2014, I had the privilege of returning to Queen's Law to give the first seminar in FLSQ's 2014–15 lecture series. I was tasked with providing some reflections on why feminist legal theory matters. Some of the people attending the talk were also enrolled in the Queen's Feminist Legal Studies Workshop. The readings assigned for those students were (1) Toni Pickard's (retired Queen's law faculty member) wonderful introduction to law students at Queen's from 1987, 1 (2) Patricia Monture's (a graduate of Queen's) 2004 piece, “Women's Words,” 2 and (3) Ruthann Robson's (lesbian legal theorist and class critic) piece “To Market, To Market.” 3 What follows is the text from that talk.
Critical Indigenous Legal Theory Part 1: The Dialogue Within
Authors: Lindberg Tracey
Published: December 2015

In this article, I have attempted to outline the ways and means in which I entered my training and understanding as an Indigenous legal scholar. This took me to a Canadian law school, an American law school, and finally to an Indigenous community that took responsibility for educating me in Indigenous lands, laws, and legal orders. The struggles I have detailed here and the stories I have provided serve a few purposes. The first is one that I hope assists Indigenous students attending law school. The purpose in writing this article is to let you know that you do not have to lose the incredibly challenging and beautiful stuff put in us by birth. We come from critical Indigenous legal traditions that allow us to critique, question, and build something better. Canadian law can make our processes of learning this and our substantive knowledge feel like marginalized information. That gut feeling you have that tells you something is not fair is very likely precisely right. Pay attention to it, hone it, and listen to it. It is a part of your critical consciousness, and it is going to make you a very good thinker and potentially an excellent lawyer. The second purpose for, and rationale behind, publishing this article is to provide an understanding for non-Indigenous students about the existence of, and need to ask about, Indigenous laws and legal orders in your legal studies. We are all being short-changed if we do not investigate, inquire, and require discussion. This article also serves as a reminder for faculty and staff at law schools that there is an obligation to address with seriousness and studiousness the reality of Indigenous laws and legal orders in Canada as a multi-juridical entity. Many of our students know this and are living this—we need to catch up with, be informed about, and be respectful of them. The final reason I wrote this piece is to introduce the notion of the praxis of critical Indigenous legal theory. Having taught the course content to a generation of law students and now having had feedback from some of the practitioners, I think that understanding Indigenous law as a praxis/practice, and not just a theory, requires more of us as educators, students, and practitioners.
A Bradford multiplexing method for protein estimation in fermented foods: Soy sauces
Authors: Shukla Shruti
Published: December 2015

Proteins for foods, in addition to providing nutrition, should also possess specific functional properties that facilitate processing and serve as the basis of product performance. Soy protein is a major component of the diet of food and is increasingly important in the human diet. Hence, here in the present article, we are focusing a rapid and easy method for quantitative determination of total protein content with multiplex samples in any food products such as soy sauce or other traditional fermented foods. We described a bioassay procedure (Bradford method) for the evaluation of total protein content in foods. This method involves measurement of the protein efficiency ratio under standardized conditions. The experiment will provide researchers a scientific way to determine pretentious quality of variety of foods and/or health supplements.

 

VIDEO CLIPS

Requirement and sample preparation method:   3 min 26 sec

Assay procedure:                                         6 min   4 sec

Measurement of absorbance using an ELISA microtiter plate reader:5 min 1 sec
Electric Field Signatures in Wideband, 3 MHz and 30 MHz of Negative Ground Flashes Pertinent to Swedish Thunderstorms
Authors: Ismail Mohd , Rahman Mahbubur , Cooray Vernon , Sharma Shriram , Hettiarachchi Pasan , Johari Dalina
Published: December 2015

In this study, the electric field signatures of negative ground flashes pertinent to the Swedish thunderstorms were recorded simultaneously during the summer of 2014 using wide (up to 100 MHz) and narrow (at 3 MHz and 30 MHz as central frequencies) bandwidth antenna systems. The electric field signatures were recorded for a time duration of 250 ms. In the analysis, the whole flash was considered and a total of 98 flashes were chosen where electric field signatures of all wideband, 3 MHz and 30 MHz signals were present. It is observed that preliminary breakdown pulses are stronger radiators at 3 and 30 MHz compared to the return strokes. A comparison of our results with those of the previous studies obtained from different geographical regions clearly shows that the strength of preliminary breakdown pulses is higher in the temperate region (Sweden for instance) and is a function of latitude.
Recent Advances in Management of Pediatric Food Allergy
Authors: Anagnostou Katherine , Swan Kate , Fox Adam
Published: December 2015

Many children now suffer with a food allergy, immunoglobulin E (IgE) and/or non-IgE mediated. Food allergies have a significant impact on the child’s quality of life, as well as that of their family, due to the resultant dietary restrictions and the constant threat of a potentially life-threatening reaction. At present, there is no cure for food allergies, but there are exciting advances occurring in the management of IgE mediated allergies, including a more active approach to management with anticipatory screening testing, early introduction of common food allergens, active tolerance induction, use of biologics and active risk management. These areas will be discussed in this review.
Properties of PAN Fibers Solution Spun into a Chilled Coagulation Bath at High Solvent Compositions
Authors: Morris E. , Weisenberger Matthew , Rice Gregory
Published: December 2015

In this work, multifilament, continuous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber tow was solution spun mimicking industrial processing at the small pilot scale (0.5 k tow), while carefully altering the composition of the coagulation bath, in order to determine the effect on the resulting fiber shape, density, orientation, and tensile properties at varying points in the spinning process. Novel here are the abnormally high coagulation bath solvent compositions investigated, which surpass those often reported in the literature. In addition, the coagulation bath was maintained at a slightly chilled temperature, contrary to reported methods to produce round fibers. Further, by altering the composition of the bath in a step-wise fashion during a single spinning run, variations in all other process parameters were minimized. We found that with increasing solvent composition in the coagulation bath, the fibers not only became round in cross section, but also became smaller in diameter, which persisted down the spin line. With this decrease in diameter, all else equal, came an accompanying increase in apparent fiber density via a reduction in microvoid content. In addition, molecular orientation and tensile properties also increased. Therefore, it was found that inadequate understanding of the coagulation bath effects, and spinning at low coagulation bath solvent compositions, can hinder the ability of the fiber to reach optimum properties.
Changes in Eating Behaviours among Czech Children and Adolescents from 2002 to 2014 (HBSC Study)
Authors: Voráčová Jaroslava , Sigmund Erik , Sigmundová Dagmar , Kalman Michal
Published: December 2015

Many children skip breakfast, consume soft drinks/sweets and do not eat the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables. Poor eating habits in children tend to be carried over into adulthood. The changes in eating behaviours of Czech 11-, 13- and 15-year-old children were examined by frequency of breakfast (on weekdays and weekends), fruit, vegetable, sweet and soft drink consumption using data obtained from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) surveys in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Logistic regression was used to analyze changes in eating behaviours. The findings showed a significant increase (only in girls, p ≤ 0.001) in prevalence of breakfast consumption (on weekdays) and a decrease in daily consumption of soft drinks (in boys and girls, p ≤ 0.001), sweets (in boys and girls, p ≤ 0.01) and fruit (in boys, p ≤ 0.01; in girls, p ≤ 0.001) between 2002 and 2014. Daily vegetable and breakfast on weekends consumption remained statistically unchanged over time. More frequent daily fruit, vegetable and breakfast (on weekends) consumption was reported by girls and younger children, whereas daily soft drink intake was more prevalent in boys and older children. There is a need for re-evaluation of current policies and new initiatives to improve the eating habits of Czech children.
Virulence Profiles of Vibrio vulnificus in German Coastal Waters, a Comparison of North Sea and Baltic Sea Isolates
Authors: Bier Nadja , Jäckel Claudia , Dieckmann Ralf , Brennholt Nicole , Böer Simone , Strauch Eckhard
Published: December 2015

Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic bacterium of coastal environments known for sporadically causing severe foodborne or wound infections. Global warming is expected to lead to a rising occurrence of V. vulnificus and an increasing incidence of human infections in Northern Europe. So far, infections in Germany were exclusively documented for the Baltic Sea coast, while no cases from the North Sea region have been reported. Regional variations in the prevalence of infections may be influenced by differences in the pathogenicity of V. vulnificus populations in both areas. This study aimed to compare the distribution of virulence-associated traits and genotypes among 101 V. vulnificus isolates from the Baltic Sea and North Sea in order to assess their pathogenicity potential. Furthermore, genetic relationships were examined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). A high diversity of MLST sequences (74 sequence types) and differences regarding the presence of six potential pathogenicity markers were observed in the V. vulnificus populations of both areas. Strains with genotypes and markers associated with pathogenicity are not restricted to a particular geographic region. This indicates that lack of reported cases in the North Sea region is not caused by the absence of potentially pathogenic strains.
An Autistic Endophenotype and Testosterone Are Involved in an Atypical Decline in Selective Attention and Visuospatial Processing in Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Romero-Martínez Ángel , Moya-Albiol Luis
Published: December 2015

Mothers of offspring with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) could present mild forms of their children’s cognitive characteristics, resulting from prenatal brain exposure and sensitivity to testosterone (T). Indeed, their cognition is frequently characterized by hyper-systemizing, outperforming in tests that assess cognitive domains such as selective attention, and fine motor and visuospatial skills. In the general population, all these start to decline around the mid-forties. This study aimed to characterize whether middle-aged women who are biological mothers of individuals with ASD had better performance in the aforementioned cognitive skills than mothers of normative children (in both groups n = 22; mean age = 45), using the standardized Stroop and mirror-drawing tests. We also examined the role of T in their performance in the aforementioned tests. ASD mothers outperformed controls in both tests, giving more correct answers and making fewer mistakes. In addition, they presented higher T levels, which have been associated with better cognitive performance. Cognitive decline in specific skills with aging could be delayed in these middle-aged women, corresponding to a cognitive endophenotype, T playing an important role in this process.
Transducer of ERBB2.1 (TOB1) as a Tumor Suppressor: A Mechanistic Perspective
Authors: Lee Hun , Kundu Juthika , Kim Ryong , Shin Young
Published: December 2015

Transducer of ERBB2.1 (TOB1) is a tumor-suppressor protein, which functions as a negative regulator of the receptor tyrosine-kinase ERBB2. As most of the other tumor suppressor proteins, TOB1 is inactivated in many human cancers. Homozygous deletion of TOB1 in mice is reported to be responsible for cancer development in the lung, liver, and lymph node, whereas the ectopic overexpression of TOB1 shows anti-proliferation, and a decrease in the migration and invasion abilities on cancer cells. Biochemical studies revealed that the anti-proliferative activity of TOB1 involves mRNA deadenylation and is associated with the reduction of both cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) expressions and the induction of CDK inhibitors. Moreover, TOB1 interacts with an oncogenic signaling mediator, β-catenin, and inhibits β-catenin-regulated gene transcription. TOB1 antagonizes the v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (AKT) signaling and induces cancer cell apoptosis by activating BCL2-associated X (BAX) protein and inhibiting the BCL-2 and BCL-XL expressions. The tumor-specific overexpression of TOB1 results in the activation of other tumor suppressor proteins, such as mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) and phosphatase and tensin homolog-10 (PTEN), and blocks tumor progression. TOB1-overexpressing cancer cells have limited potential of growing as xenograft tumors in nude mice upon subcutaneous implantation. This review addresses the molecular basis of TOB1 tumor suppressor function with special emphasis on its regulation of intracellular signaling pathways.
Syntheses of 4-Indolylquinoline Derivatives via Reductive Cyclization of Indolylnitrochalcone Derivatives by Fe/HCl
Authors: Chen Wen-Chang , Lin Chan-Chieh , Kavala Veerababurao , Kuo Chun-Wei , Huang Chia-Yu , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: December 2015

An easy and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 4-indolylquinoline derivatives is described. This process involves two steps, the first of which is the Michael addition of indole to nitrochalcones promoted by sulfamic acid under solvent free conditions and the second step is a reductive cyclization of the indolylnitrochalcone intermediates to 4-indolylquinoline derivatives by Fe/HCl in ethanol. In both steps, the reactions are clean and the yields of products are high.
Electric Field-Responsive Mesoporous Suspensions: A Review
Authors: Kwon Seung , Piao Shang , Choi Hyoung
Published: December 2015

This paper briefly reviews the fabrication and electrorheological (ER) characteristics of mesoporous materials and their nanocomposites with conducting polymers under an applied electric field when dispersed in an insulating liquid. Smart fluids of electrically-polarizable particles exhibit a reversible and tunable phase transition from a liquid-like to solid-like state in response to an external electric field of various strengths, and have potential applications in a variety of active control systems. The ER properties of these mesoporous suspensions are explained further according to their dielectric spectra in terms of the flow curve, dynamic moduli, and yield stress.
Accuracy and Precision of Habitat Structural Complexity Metrics Derived from Underwater Photogrammetry
Authors: Figueira Will , Ferrari Renata , Weatherby Elyse , Porter Augustine , Hawes Steven , Byrne Maria
Published: December 2015

In tropical reef ecosystems corals are the key habitat builders providing most ecosystem structure, which influences coral reef biodiversity and resilience. Remote sensing applications have progressed significantly and photogrammetry together with application of structure from motion software is emerging as a leading technique to create three-dimensional (3D) models of corals and reefs from which biophysical properties of structural complexity can be quantified. This enables the addressing of a range of important marine research questions, such as what the role of habitat complexity is in driving key ecological processes (i.e., foraging). Yet, it is essential to assess the accuracy and precision of photogrammetric measurements to support their application in mapping, monitoring and quantifying coral reef form and structure. This study evaluated the precision (by repeated modeling) and accuracy (by comparison with laser reference models) of geometry and structural complexity metrics derived from photogrammetric 3D models of marine benthic habitat at two ecologically relevant spatial extents; individual coral colonies of a range of common morphologies and patches of reef area of 100s of square metres. Surface rugosity measurements were generally precise across all morphologies and spatial extents with average differences in the geometry of replicate models of 1–6 mm for coral colonies and 25 mm for the reef area. Precision decreased with complexity of the coral morphology, with metrics for small massive corals being the most precise (1% coefficient of variation (CV) in surface rugosity) and metrics for bottlebrush corals being the least precise (10% CV in surface rugosity). There was no indication however that precision was related to complexity for the patch-scale modelling. The 3D geometry of coral models differed by only 1–3 mm from laser reference models. However, high spatial variation in these differences around the model led to a consistent underestimation of surface rugosity values for all morphs of between 8% and 37%. This study highlights the utility of several off-the-shelf photogrammetry tools for the measurement of structural complexity across a range of scales relevant to ecologist and managers. It also provides important information on the accuracy and precision of these systems which should allow for their targeted use by non-experts in computer vision within these contexts.
Opportunistic Hybrid Transport Protocol (OHTP) for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Sensor Networks
Authors: Zikria Yousaf , Nosheen Summera , Ishmanov Farruh , Kim Sung
Published: December 2015

The inefficient assignment of spectrum for different communications purposes, plus technology enhancements and ever-increasing usage of wireless technology is causing spectrum scarcity. To address this issue, one of the proposed solutions in the literature is to access the spectrum dynamically or opportunistically. Therefore, the concept of cognitive radio appeared, which opens up a new research paradigm. There is extensive research on the physical, medium access control and network layers. The impact of the transport layer on the performance of cognitive radio ad hoc sensor networks is still unknown/unexplored. The Internet’s de facto transport protocol is not well suited to wireless networks because of its congestion control mechanism. We propose an opportunistic hybrid transport protocol for cognitive radio ad hoc sensor networks. We developed a new congestion control mechanism to differentiate true congestion from interruption loss. After such detection and differentiation, we propose methods to handle them opportunistically. There are several benefits to window- and rate-based protocols. To exploit the benefits of both in order to enhance overall system performance, we propose a hybrid transport protocol. We empirically calculate the optimal threshold value to switch between window- and rate-based mechanisms. We then compare our proposed transport protocol to Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)-friendly rate control, TCP-friendly rate control for cognitive radio, and TCP-friendly window-based control. We ran an extensive set of simulations in Network Simulator 2. The results indicate that the proposed transport protocol performs better than all the others.
It’s All about the Children: An Intersectional Perspective on Parenting Values among Black Married Couples in the United States
Authors: Cross-Barnet Caitlin , McDonald Katrina
Published: December 2015

Black families in the United States are usually studied from a deficit perspective that primarily considers single parents in poverty. There is, however, considerable diversity among American Black families in terms of social class, immigration status, marital status, and parenting values and practices. Using data from the Contemporary Black Marriage Study, a study of young married couples who are native-born Black, African immigrants, or Caribbean immigrants, this research examines childbearing and parenting values from an intersectional perspective. A sample of whites is included for comparison purposes. The research considers impacts of social class, immigration, gender, and race as well as structural influences. Diversity exists both within and among social and demographic groups.
Optimisation of Ultrasonic Conditions as an Advanced Extraction Technique for Recovery of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity from Macadamia (Macadamia tetraphylla) Skin Waste
Authors: Dailey Adriana , Vuong Quan
Published: December 2015

Thousands of tons of macadamia skin waste are generated annually with very limited utilisation of this extensive by-product. The aim of this study was to develop optimal ultrasonic extraction conditions for maximized recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties from macadamia skin using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Three ultrasonic parameters, including temperature (30–50 °C), time (10–50 min) and power (150–250 W), were tested for their impact on the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and antioxidant properties. The results showed that ultrasonic temperature, time and power had an impact on TPC and antioxidant capacity; however, the effects varied. The optimum ultrasonic conditions for the maximum recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties from macadamia skin were found to be a temperature of 40 °C, a time of 35 min and a power of 80%/200 W. Under these optimal conditions, approximately 168 mg of TPC, 135 mg of flavonoids and 188 mg of proanthocyanidins can be extracted from one gram of dried macadamia skin.