bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of postveraison water regime on the phenolic composition of grapes and wines of cv. Agiorgitiko (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Koundouras Stefanos , Kanakis Ioannis , Drossou Efrosyni , Kallithraka Stamatina , Kotseridis Yorgos
Published: October 2016

Aims: Vine water deficit is widely accepted as a powerful means to control grape and wine attributes. However, quality improvement is often achieved at the expense of a reduction in yield, especially when water deficit conditions are applied during the preveraison period. The aim of the present work was to test an irrigation regime based on manipulating water availability from veraison to harvest, as a means to control berry and wine composition with minimum effect on reproductive growth parameters.

Methods and results: A field trial was conducted during two consecutive years (2007-2008) in Nemea, Southern Greece. Three irrigation treatments were applied on seven-year-old, vertical shoot positioned and spur pruned Agiorgitiko vines (Vitis vinifera L.), from veraison through harvest : irrigation at 70 % of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) (I70), irrigation at 30 % of ETc (I30) and non irrigated (NI). Irrigation amount produced significant differences in postveraison midday stem water potential pattern, especially during the drier year 2008. Yield was increased by irrigation in 2008, whereas berry growth was unaffected in both seasons. Berries of NI vines achieved higher total skin anthocyanin content in 2007, although individual anthocyanin levels were not affected by water regime. Irrigation effect on skin tannins was inconsistent but seed tannins were higher in I70 vines, with increased levels of catechin and epicatechin monomers. Among wine attributes, tannin concentration, but not anthocyanin, was mostly responsive to water deficit-induced changes in berry phenolic composition. The wines made from I70 grapes had a higher tannin content than those made from NI grapes.

Conclusions: The results presented show that postveraison water regime had a significant effect on skin anthocyanins and, more markedly, on seed tannins, without altering berry growth parameters. Especially for seed tannins, this effect appears to predominate over variations in climatic conditions between years.

Significance and impact of the study: This trial suggests that Agiorgitiko vines grown on the loamy soils of Nemea perform better under non irrigated conditions during the postveraison period since rainfed vines had improved phenolic composition (higher colour with lower contribution of seed tannins) without significant loss in productivity.
Comparative study of salinity effects on ionic balance and compatible solutes in nine Iranian table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes
Authors: Mohammadkhani Nayer , Heidari Reza , Abbaspour Nasser , Rahmani Fatemeh
Published: October 2016

Aim: To study the salinity tolerance of own rooted grape cuttings taken from nine table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) genotypes growing in the Urmia Salt Lake region (Iran): LaaleBidaneh, Gharashani, Sachagh, Shahroodi, LaaleSefid, Khalili, Chawga, GhezelUzum and Gharagandomeh.

Methods and results: Plants were treated with nutrient solutions containing 0, 25, 50 and 100 mM NaCl for two weeks. Shoot and root growth and dry weights (DW) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in all treatments. Chloride (Cl-) and sodium (Na+) ions highly accumulated in the various parts of the vines with increasing external NaCl concentration. Na+ accumulation exceeded that of Cl- in all treatments and all genotypes. However, Gharashani showed a higher ability to restrict Cl- and Na+ accumulation in lamina (1.08% of DW and 2.56% of DW, respectively) in comparison to the other genotypes, particularly to GhezelUzum (4.1% of DW and 9.10% of DW, respectively), which showed intensive leaf burn symptoms. Lamina soluble sugar, proline and glycine betaine contents increased with increasing salinity. Correlation analysis (P<0.01) indicated that there was a high positive correlation between Cl- and Na+ contents and osmolyte accumulation in lamina.

Conclusion: Taken together, it seems that Gharashani and GhezelUzum, respectively, had a higher and a lower capacity to alleviate salt stress symptoms when compared to the other genotypes.

Significance and impact of the study: Salinity is a serious environmental stress in the regions around Urmia Salt Lake and grapevine is one of the most economically important fruit crops in Urmia. Therefore, screening the native grape genotypes for salt tolerance and using the tolerant genotypes directly as rootstocks or producing hybrids with desirable traits could be one of the improvement programs for viticulture in this area.
The effect of leaf area to yield ratio on secondary metabolites in grapes and wines of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon Blanc
Authors: Šuklje Katja , Baša Česnik Helena , Janeš Lucija , Kmecl Veronika , Vanzo Andreja , Deloire Alain , Sivilotti Paolo , Lisjak Klemen
Published: October 2016

Aim: To investigate the effect of reducing leaf area by shoot hedging in combination with bunch thinning on metabolite concentration and sensorial quality of Sauvignon blanc grapes and wines.

Methods and results: Four vine treatments were conducted: shoot hedging/bunch thinning (SH/BT), shoot hedging/no bunch thinning (SH/NBT), full canopy/bunch thinning (FC/BT) and full canopy/no bunch thinning (FC/NBT). Shoot hedging delayed total soluble solids accumulation at the beginning of the grape maturation in SH/BT and SH/NBT treatments. At harvest there were no significant differences in the concentration of hydroxycinnamoyl tartaric acids, glutathione, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH value in grape juice between all treatments and methoxypyrazines were below the limit of detection. Lutein concentration in grape berry was higher in treatments without bunch thinning, while there was no significant difference in the concentration of β-carotene and neoxanthin. The highest leaf area to yield ratio (FC/BT) resulted in higher concentration of glutathione in must and higher concentration of thiols in Sauvignon blanc wines. Upon sensory evaluation, the FC/BT wine was best scored for overall quality and heavier tropical aroma, whereas the FC/NBT wine was best scored for fresh tropical aroma and second best for overall quality.

Conclusion: Leaf area to yield ratio impacted berry ripening kinetics, grape and wine metabolite composition, and sensorial properties of Sauvignon blanc wine.

Significance and impact of the study: The study showed that the highest leaf area to yield ratio resulted in the best overall sensorial quality of wine.
Unexpected relationships between δ13C and wine grape performance in organic farming
Authors: Costantini Edoardo Antonio Costantino , Agnelli Alessandro , Bucelli Pierluigi , Ciambotti Aldo , Dell’Oro Valentina , Natarelli Laura , Pellegrini Sergio , Perria Rita , Priori Simone , Storchi Paolo , Tsolakis Christos , Vignozzi Nadia
Published: October 2016

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) and wine grape viticultural and oenological performance in organic farming.

Methods and results: The study was carried out for four years in the Chianti Classico wine production district (Central Italy), on five non irrigated vineyards conducted in organic farming. The reference variety was Sangiovese. Eleven sites were chosen for vine monitoring and grape sampling. The performance parameters were alcohol and must sugar content, sugar accumulation rate, mean berry weight, and extractable polyphenols. δ13C, stem water potential, and soil water availability were also monitored. Finally, soil nitrogen as well as yeast available nitrogen in the must were measured. δ13C was directly related to stem water potential and soil water deficit, and indicated a range of water stress conditions from none and moderate to strong. However, its relationship with viticultural and oenological results was contrary to expectation, that is, performance linearly increased along with soil moisture. On the other hand, the worst performance was obtained where both water and nitrogen were more limiting.

Conclusions: The unexpected relationship between δ13C and Sangiovese performance was caused by low nitrogen availability. The studied sites all had low-fertility soils with poor or very poor nitrogen content. Therefore, in the plots where soil humidity was relatively higher, nitrogen plant uptake was favoured, and Sangiovese performance improved. Macronutrient being the main limiting factor, the performance was not lower in the plots where soil water availability was relatively larger. Therefore, the best viticultural result was obtained with no water stress conditions, at low rather than at intermediate δ13C values.

Significance and impact of the study: Water nutrition is crucial for wine grape performance. δ13C is a method used to assess vine water status during the growing season and to estimate vine performance. A good performance is expected at moderate stress and intermediate δ13C values. A better knowledge of the interaction between water and nutrient scarcity is needed, as it can affect the use of δ13C to predict vine performance.
Fictitious Reference Signal Based Real-Time Update of State Feedback Gains and its Experimental Verification
Authors: Okano Yuki ,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kaneko Osamu ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, The University of Electro-Communications
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/02.jpg' width='300' text='Real-time update of state feedback gains' ] This paper presents a new real-time parameter tuning in the data-driven framework. We focus on the tuning of state feedback gains to realize the desired performance of closed loop systems. For a real-time update tuning of this type of a controller, the notion of fictitious reference signal or the fictitious exogenous signal is utilized to generate the optimal gains in the real-time by using the measured past data. We also explain how the optimization can be realized as a recursive computation in real-time updates. Finally, an experiment is done to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Simulation of Surfactant/Polymer Floods With a Predictive and Robust Microemulsion Flash Calculation
Authors: Khorsandi Saeid , Qiao Changhe , Johns Russell T.
Published: October 2016

A compositional reservoir simulator that uses a predictive microemulsion phase-behavior model is essential for accurate estimation of oil recovery from surfactant/polymer (SP) floods. Current chemical-flooding simulators, however, use Hand's model (Hand 1939) for phase-behavior calculation. Hand's model can reasonably fit a limited set of experimental data, such as those of a salinity scan, but because it is empirical, it cannot predict phase behavior outside the matched data set. Hydrophyllic/lypophyllic difference (HLD) and net-average-curvature (NAC) equation of state (EOS) (Acosta et al. 2003) has shown great performance for tuning and prediction of experimental data. In this paper, the EOS model with the extension to two-phase regions has been incorporated for the first time into UTCHEM (2000) and our in-house general-purpose compositional simulator, PennSim (2013). All Winsor regions (Type II−, II+, III, and IV) are modeled by use of a consistent physics-based EOS model without the need for Hand's approach. The new simulator is therefore able to account correctly for gridblock properties, which can vary temporally and spatially, and significantly improve the modeling of phase behavior and oil recovery. The results show excellent agreement between UTCHEM and PennSim both in composition space and for composition/saturation profiles for the 1D simulation. The effects of varying pressure, temperature, equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN), and salinity on recoveries are demonstrated also in 1D simulations.
Drought Enhances Nitrogen Uptake and Assimilation in Maize Roots
Authors: Wang Huan , Yang Zongze , Yu Yanan , Chen Siyu , He Zhang , Wang Yong , Jiang Li , Wang Guan , Yang Chunwu , Liu Bao , Zhang Zhian
Published: October 2016

Core Ideas

Different tissues displayed different N‐metabolic responses to drought condition.

Drought stress enhanced N uptake and assimilation in maize roots.

AMT1;1b, AMT1;3, NRT1;2 and NRT2;5 play important roles in maize drought tolerance.

Nitrogen metabolism has important roles in plant drought tolerance, and higher N uptake can enhance plant drought tolerance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of N metabolism regulation in maize drought tolerance. We measured the expression of genes known to be involved in N uptake and assimilation, together with various photosynthetic parameters, and nutrient content, in different tissues from maize plants exposed to water deficit conditions. Different tissues displayed significant differences in their regulation of N metabolism during the adaptation of maize plants to drought stress. The impact of drought on ammonium (NH4+) assimilation was much greater in old and mature leaves than in younger leaves. Correspondingly, drought had a smaller effect on photosynthesis in young leaves than in old and mature leaves, suggesting that the disruption of NH4+ assimilation in the latter may be attributable to a greater reduction in photosynthesis. In roots, we found that drought stress dramatically enhanced the expression levels of nearly all genes involved in N uptake and assimilation, including AMT1;3, AMT1;1b, NRT1;2 and NRT2;5, NR, GS2, and GS1;2. We suggest that increasing the expression of AMT1;1b, AMT1;3, NRT1;2, and NRT2;5 in maize roots under drought condition will increase N uptake and promote rapid accumulation of amino acids. The data revealed that AMT1;1b, AMT1;3, NRT1;2, and NRT2;5 may play important roles in drought tolerance of maize.
Achieving Diverse Cover Crop Mixtures: Effects of Planting Date and Seeding Rate
Authors: Murrell Ebony G. , Schipanski Meagan E. , Finney Denise M. , Hunter Mitchell C. , Burgess Mac , LaChance James C. , Baraibar Barbara , White Charles M. , Mortensen David A. , Kaye Jason P.
Published: October 2016

Cover crop mixtures retain higher diversity when allowed sufficient growth in fall.

Cereal rye dominates mixtures in spring, particularly when fall planting is delayed.

Grasses overperform in cover crop mixtures compared to their growth in monoculture.

Brassicas underperform in cover crop mixtures compared to their growth in monoculture.

Legumes’ growth in cover crop mixtures varies depending on species and planting time.

Cover crop mixtures may provide greater diversity of benefits than monocultures. To develop management principles to establish diverse cover crop mixtures, we conducted a 3‐yr study in which monocultures and mixtures of six cover crop species (cereal rye [Secale cereale L.], oat [Avena sativa L.], common medium red clover [Trifolium pratense L.], Austrian winter pea [Pisum sativum L.], forage radish [Raphanus sativus L.], and winter canola [Brassica napus L.]) were planted in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation after wheat (AW) and after maize (AM). Post‐emergence stand counts and aboveground biomass in fall and spring were measured by species for all cover crop treatments. All species planted manifested in monocultures and mixtures in fall, though oat dominated and red clover, canola, and radish underperformed in mixtures. Cereal rye had the highest spring biomass in all mixtures, especially AM. Pea spring biomass was disproportionally greater in relation to seeding rate in the six‐species mixture (6 Spp.) than in monoculture when planted AW. A four‐species mixture (4 Spp.) planted AW retained the highest diversity after overwintering in two of the three planting years. Our study demonstrated that (i) cover crop mixtures retain higher diversity when allowed sufficient growth in fall; (ii) cereal rye dominates mixtures in spring, particularly when fall planting is delayed; (iii) grasses overperform in mixtures compared to their growth in monocultures; (iv) brassicas underperform in mixtures vs. monocultures; and (v) legume growth in mixtures depends on species and planting time.
Calcium Cyanamide Effects on Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Yield, Nitrates, and Dry Matter Content of Lettuce
Authors: Di Gioia Francesco , Gonnella Maria , Buono Vito , Ayala Osman , Cacchiarelli Josefina , Santamaria Pietro
Published: October 2016

Core Ideas

Calcium cyanamide may be a good N fertilizer source for lettuce crops.

Calcium cyanamide can reduce nitrate accumulation in lettuce crops.

Calcium cyanamide did not improve lettuce crop N use efficiency.

Lettuce genotypes influence the crop N uptake and N utilization efficiency.

A 2‐yr field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of calcium cyanamide as an alternative nitrogen (N) fertilizer source on N use efficiency (NUE), yield, and quality of two types of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), romaine (var. longifolia, cv. Manavert) and red oak‐leaf (var. crispa, cv. Aruba), grown on clay soil under a Mediterranean environment. Pretransplanting application of 120 kg ha−1 of N as calcium cyanamide (120CC) was compared with a traditional split application of 120 kg ha−1 of soluble N (120SN) consisting of 50% ammonium sulfate applied before transplanting and 50% as ammonium nitrate applied after transplanting. An unfertilized control (0‐N) was included to calculate NUE indices. At harvest leaf area index, dry weight, fresh yield, dry matter concentration, and NUE indices were not affected by the N source. Leaf nitrate (NO3−) content was on average 55 and 41% higher in Aruba than in Manavert in the first (Exp‐1) and second (Exp‐2) season, respectively. Plants fertilized with 120CC had lower leaf NO3− content (41 and 18% in Aruba and 70 and 21% in Manavert in Exp‐1 and Exp‐2, respectively) compared with those fertilized with 120SN. These results suggest calcium cyanamide may be used as an effective tool to reduce leaf NO3− accumulation and to produce high‐quality lettuce in compliance with European Regulation No. 1258/2011 while assuring competitive yields.
Assessing Organic Phosphorus Contributions for Predicting Soybean Response to Fertilization
Authors: Appelhans Stefania C. , Melchiori Ricardo J. , Barbagelata Pedro A. , Novelli Leonardo E.
Published: October 2016

Core Ideas

The contribution of P indices that include organic P to predict soybean P fertilization response was evaluated.

Bioavailable P and MA‐P indices correlated with soybean relative yield.

MA‐P index correlated with labile organic P fractions.

MA‐P index improved the accuracy to predict soybean yield response to applied P.

The use of organic P fraction in soil test P for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] under no‐till could improve the accuracy to predict crops response to P fertilization. The research objectives were to assess the contribution and accuracy of P indices that include organic‐P fractions to predict soybean yield response to P fertilization in comparison with Bray soil test P (BP). The study included P fertilization experiments conducted in the Pampas Region of Argentina during three growing seasons. We selected sites considering Cate and Nelson quadrants (I, II, III), established by a critical BP concentration of 9 mg P kg−1 and a relative soybean yield (RY) of 85%. Bray P, bioavailable (BioP), particulate (POM‐P), and mineral‐associated (MA‐P) soil P fractions were determined in soil samples from the 0‐ to 5‐cm and 0‐ to 20‐cm depths. Bray P varied from 4.8 to 31 mg P kg−1 and BioP from 8 to 29 mg P kg−1 at the 0‐ to 20‐cm depth. Phosphorus content in POM ranged from 19 to 171 mg P kg−1, and MA‐P ranged from 208 to 446 mg P kg−1. Bioavailable P and MA‐P correlated with RY, whereas POM‐P did not. Bioavailable P performed similarly to BP test to predict soybean yield response to P fertilization. Phosphorus content in MA fraction reduced Cate–Nelson classification errors, improving the accuracy to predict soybean yield response to applied P in comparison with BP test. Sampling at the 0‐ to 5‐cm depth did not improve soil test P performance compared with the 0‐ to 20‐cm depth.
Drought aspects – fostering resilience through insurance
Authors: Kron Wolfgang , Schlüter-Mayr Sabine , Steuer Markus
Published: October 2016

Droughts are silent killers, with the potential to cause enormous losses to society as a whole and to the insurance industry. Many loss-bringers are unseen, and the result of secondary events. This makes it difficult to assess the losses involved. Insurance against drought is particularly important in the agricultural sector, but in practice only feasible with governmental involvement. Some crop insurance schemes have proven quite successful and have gained importance in recent years, both in developed and developing countries. As drought is not only a consequence of unusual weather conditions, but also subject to the way in which water resources are managed, overall awareness is a key factor in being prepared to cope with the resulting risk, and in avoiding catastrophic consequences.
Adsorption of phosphate ions from an aqueous solution by calcined nickel-cobalt binary hydroxide
Authors: Ogata Fumihiko , Ueta Erimi , Toda Megumu , Otani Masashi , Kawasaki Naohito
Published: October 2016

Different molar ratios of a Ni/Co binary hydroxide (NiCo82, NiCo91, and Ni100) were prepared and calcined at 270 °C (NiCo82-270, NiCo91-270, and Ni100-270). The properties of the adsorbents and the amount of adsorbed phosphate ions were evaluated. The adsorbents calcined at 270 °C had a nickel oxide structure. The amount of adsorbed phosphate ions, the amount of hydroxyl groups, and the specific surface area of the calcined adsorbents at 270 °C were greater than those of the uncalcined adsorbents. The amount of adsorbed phosphate ions was related to the amount of hydroxyl groups and the specific surface area; the correlation coefficients were 0.966 and 0.953, respectively. The adsorption isotherm data for NiCo91 and NiCo91-270 were fit to both the Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The amount of adsorbed phosphate ions increased with increasing temperature. The experimental data fit the pseudo-second-order model better than the pseudo-first-order model. A neutral pH was optimal for phosphate ion adsorption. In addition, the phosphate ions that were adsorbed onto NiCo91-270 could be recovered using sodium hydroxide, and the adsorbent was useful for the repetitive adsorption/desorption of phosphate ions. Collectively, these results suggest that NiCo91-270 is prospectively useful for the adsorption of phosphate ions from aqueous solutions.
Pós-graduação na Amazônia: o desafio de formar (em) redes
Authors: Oliveira Rodrigues Ronaldo de
Published: October 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um breve panoramada pós-graduação na Amazônia em uma perspectiva quantitativa, possibilitando comparações com as demais regiões do Brasil, bem como esboçar algumas considerações sobre os desafios e as possibilidades da formação de redes de pesquisa em uma região de características geográficas e naturais muito peculiares. Para tanto, foram utilizados dados e indicadores nacionais da pós-graduação no Brasil, além de pesquisa sobre os meios de comunicação na Amazônia, destacando-se a Internet. Conclui-se que, apesar do considerável avanço na última década, ainda se tem uma realidade inexpressiva quando comparada à do eixo Sudeste-Sul e se acrescenta que, para o alcance de expressividade, um dos caminhos é um trabalho sistemático a partir da formação de redes.
A interface currículo-educação em Ciências na Amazônia: narrativa de professores em formação continuada
Authors: Silva Simone Souza , Gonzaga Amarildo Menezes
Published: October 2016

Investigação sobre a interface currículo-educação em Ciências e suas implicações para a educação e o ensino de ciências na Amazônia a partir da narrativa de um grupo de professores em um curso de mestrado acadêmico, do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação e Ensino de Ciências na Amazônia da UEA. Fundamentada em estudos realizados por autores como Goodson (2003), Delizoicov (2004), Cachapuz (2005),Moraes, Hachmann e Mancuso (2005), Silva (2007), Lopes (2007), Arroyo(2011), Demo (2010) e Chassot (2011). Percurso metodológico centrado na abordagem qualitativa do tipo narrativa, sustentado pelas técnicas de observação participante, entrevista narrativa, grupo focal e análise documental. Constatação de que a valorização da vivência e experiência de professores em formação continuada em Educação em Ciências a partir da pesquisa narrativa pode auxiliar processos de (re)pensar o currículo na Amazônia.
Effect of electric fields on tin nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in water
Authors: Sapkota Deepak , Li Yilu , Musaev Omar R. , Wrobel Jerzy M. , Kruger Michael B.
Published: October 2016

A pulsed laser beam from an excimer laser was used to ablate a solid tin target immersed in water in the presence of an external electric field. High fluence resulted in the formation of an overheated melt at the target surface resulting in homogeneous nucleation and phase explosion. The ablation products were studied with transmission electron microscopy. It was found that with no external field the size distribution of particles has peaks at ∼1 and ∼10 nm and that externally applied electric fields resulted in a decrease of particle size. A model based on Rayleigh instability and polarization effects was proposed to explain the observations. This work demonstrates a possible approach for controlling nanoparticle size.
Evaluation of Commercial Agrochemicals as New Tools for Malaria Vector Control
Authors: Hoppé Mark , Hueter Ottmar F. , Bywater Andy , Wege Philip , Maienfisch Peter
Published: October 2016

Malaria is a vector-borne and life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The vector control insecticide market represents a small fraction of the crop protection market and is estimated
to be valued at up to $500 million at the active ingredient level. Insecticide resistance towards the current WHOPES-approved products urgently requires the development of new tools to protect communities against the transmission of malaria. The evaluation of commercial products for
malaria vector control is a viable and cost effective strategy to identify new malaria vector control products. Several examples of such spin-offs from crop protection insecticides are already evidencing the success of this strategy, namely pirimiphos-methyl for indoor residual sprays and
spinosad, diflubenzuron, novaluron, and pyriproxifen for mosquito larvae control, a supplementary technology for control of malaria vectors. In our study the adulticidal activities of 81 insecticides representing 23 insecticidal modes of action classes, 34 fungicides from 6 fungicidal mode
of action classes and 15 herbicides from 2 herbicidal modes of action classes were tested in a newly developed screening system. WHOPES approved insecticides for malaria vector control consistently caused 80–100% mortality of adult Anopheles stephensi at application rates between
0.2 and 20 mg active ingradient (AI) litre–1. Chlorfenapyr, fipronil, carbosulfan and endosulfan showed the expected good activity. Four new insecticides and three fungicides with promising activity against adult mosquitoes were identified, namely the insecticides acetamiprid,
thiamethoxam, thiocyclam and metaflumizone and the fungicides diflumetorin, picoxystrobin, and fluazinam. Some of these compounds certainly deserve to be further evaluated for malaria vector control. This is the first report describing good activity of commercial fungicides against malaria vectors.
Thanks to the Clever 'String Pullers' at biotechnet
Authors: Baumberger, Franz , Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: October 2016

For years biotechnet Switzerland has provided access to biotechnology capacity at Swiss universities of applied sciences, universities and research centres. Innovative companies put their trust in its support and services in research, development and training. Now two of the individuals
who have made biotechnet what it is while keeping it on course for the future are departing.
Fatigue Performance of Re-Refined Engine Oil Bottom–Modified Asphalt: Laboratory Study
Authors: Bennert Thomas , Ericson Christopher , Pezeshki Darius , Corun Ron
Published: October 2016

Re-refined engine oil bottom (REOB), one of several products obtained from refining recovered engine oil, has been used in the asphalt industry since the 1980s. Generally, REOBs are used to help soften the base asphalt binder and are commonly used from 3% to 10% by weight to achieve desired low temperature asphalt binder properties. Recently, blame for poor cracking performance in a number of Canadian and northern U.S. pavement sections has been laid on the use of REOBs. This issue has prompted state agencies in the northeast United States to ban its use, without necessarily understanding how REOB affects asphalt binder and mixture performance. A research effort was conducted to evaluate the laboratory performance of asphalt binders and mixtures modified with REOB. Performance grading, master stiffness curves, the double-edge notch tension test (DENT), and black space analysis were conducted on the asphalt binders at different levels of laboratory aging. The research study showed that while being able to achieve softer asphalt binder grades in accordance with AASHTO R29, the addition of REOB accelerated the age-hardening effects in the asphalt binder, with higher levels of age hardening occurring at higher REOB dosage rates. The study also indicated that while the stiffness properties at low temperatures were not affected by REOB, the relaxation properties were highly affected. The black space analysis, using the Glover–Rowe approach, and the DENT test showed promise in identifying the age-hardening effects and correlated well with mixture fatigue cracking.
Effect of Polymer and Oil Modification on the Aging Susceptibility of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Li Ying , Moraes Raquel , Lyngdal Erik , Bahia Hussain
Published: October 2016

Oxidative aging causes hardening of asphalt binders and, consequently, contributes to the deterioration of asphalt pavements. The principal cause of asphalt aging and embrittlement in service is the atmospheric oxidation of molecules with the formation of highly polar and strongly interacting functional groups containing oxygen. Therefore, aging is a complex process in unmodified asphalt binders, and the complexity increases for modified binders. The dynamics of world resource economics suggest that the asphalt pavement industry should be exploring economically and environmentally sustainable approaches to development, such as the addition of recycled oils to the base asphalt binder, and thus research activities are noteworthy in this area. The effect of oil and polymer modification on asphalt binder rheology and oxidative aging has become a popular topic for research in recent years. However, the effects of oil and polymers are often studied independently. The objective of this study was to investigate the modification effects of bio-oil, re-refined wasted engine oil, polymers, and the interaction between polymers and oil on the aging susceptibility of asphalt binders. After laboratory accelerated aging procedures were conducted, dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheometer tests were used for the rheological performance evaluation. Gel permeation chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to verify the rheological results with chemical analysis tools. Results indicate that the aging susceptibility of modified asphalt binders is dependent on modification chemistry. Certain polymers and combinations of polymers with oil can reduce the base asphalt binder’s susceptibility to aging.
Evaluating Diffusion and Aging Mechanisms in Blending of New and Age-Hardened Binders During Mixing and Paving
Authors: He Yuan , Alavi Zia , Harvey John , Jones David
Published: October 2016

As virgin pavement material sources become scarcer and costlier, the use of higher quantities of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the production of new asphalt mixes becomes desirable. A major concern associated with the use of high percentages of RAP in new mixes is the interaction between age-hardened and new binders because the performance of the mix can be highly influenced by the properties of the composite binder. The objective of this study was to use asphalt binder testing and diffusion and aging theory to investigate the evolution of blending of virgin and RAP binders during asphalt mix production, storage, and placement. The rheological properties of a two-layer asphalt binder sample composed of virgin and simulated RAP binder and conditioned over time at different temperatures were measured with a dynamic shear rheometer. The conditioning process simulated the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and warm-mix asphalt (WMA) time–temperature paths during mixing, storage, and placement. The diffusion and aging coefficients for the composite binder were estimated by comparing measured shear stiffness values with those predicted with a diffusion model and considering asphalt binder aging over time. The diffusion model was solved numerically with the finite control volume approach. On the basis of the preliminary laboratory test results, full blending of the age-hardened binder and the new binder was observed during HMA mixing and construction, while only partial blending was achieved during WMA production and construction. The blending of age-hardened and new binders could potentially be improved with the aid of warm-mix admixtures, rejuvenating agents, or both.
Measuring Adhesion Between Modified Asphalt Binders and Aggregate Minerals: Use of Particle Probe Scanning Force Microscopes
Authors: Li Yujie , Yang Jie , Tan Ting
Published: October 2016

Adhesion between asphalt binders and aggregates is important to the performance of asphalt mixtures. Polymeric modifiers are added to improve the performance of different binders. Thus, it is essential to characterize quantitatively the adhesion between modified binders and aggregates. In this study, a scanning force microscope with particle probes was used to measure the adhesion between the control binder PG 64-22 and three modifications using styrene–butadiene rubber, polyphosphoric acid, and styrene–butadiene–styrene. Unit surface energies were used to distinguish the adhesion between modified binders. Results showed that the adhesion between alumina particles and binders increased as weight percentages of the modifier increased. However, no monotonic trends were observed for the adhesion between silica or calcium carbonate particles and binders. The surface morphologies of the modified binders were different from those of the control binder as a result of modifications.
Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Anti-HBc (Total) Positivity in CKD Patients before Dialysis
Authors: Rabbi Fareha Jesmin , Alam Md Morshed , Rezwan Kamar , Sultana Rosy
Published: October 2016

Background: CKD patients are associated with HBV infection both as a cause and complication of treatment. CKD patients before starting dialysis therapy are considered as a high risk group because of impaired immune response compared with healthy individuals and also other risk factors related with treatment and management. Only HBsAg marker does not always follow the presence or absence of HBV infection. Anti-HBc (total) alone positivity indicates previous exposure to HBV infection, window period and even after reactivation of resolved HBV infection. In some cases only anti-HBc positivity is interpreted as possible chronic low dose HBV infection (chronic carriage). Predialytic CKD patients were tested with three serological markers [HBsAg, anti-HBc (total) and anti-HBs] for screening HBV infection. Proper diagnosis before dialysis and knowing the infection status would help both the patient and doctor to choose proper treatment approach.Objective: This cross-sectional study was done in the CKD patients before starting dialysis therapy to find out the HBV infection and to evaluate the infection by minimal serological markers as for screening.Materials and Methods: A total of 211 patients with chronic kidney disease stage five (CKD-V) before starting dialysis therapy were included as subjects of this cross-sectional study. Among the CKD patients HBsAg was tested to see the prevalence. Other serological markers, i.e., anti-HBc (total) and anti-HBs were tested in combination with HBsAg in 89 randomly selected patients among the subjects. The patients were also tested for anti-HCV to assess co-infection. After collecting all the data of different test results analyses were done by SPSS version 15.0.Results: Among total study population 10 (4.7%) patients were found HBsAg positive. No patient was found positive for both HBsAg and anti-HCV. Among the 89 CKD patients only 2 (2.2%) patients were HBsAg positive, and only one patient (0.9%) was found positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HCV. Of them, a total of 22 (24.7%) patients were anti-HBs positive, and 35 (39.3%) patients were anti-HBc (total) positive. Of the three markers anti-HBc (total) alone positivity were in 20 (22.5%) patients.Conclusion: Data indicate a large proportion of HBV infected patients were underdiagnosed by usual screening method by HBsAg in our country. The finding of anti-HBc (total) alone cannot be clearly interpreted in terms of patient prognosis or infectivity. Patients are simply regarded as potentially infectious. Due to this uncertainty, different countries employ different procedures when faced anti-HBc alone findings. In some countries including ours the test is not performed. Since a substantial number of CKD patients with HBV infection have this anti- HBc (total) positivity, standard screening procedures and precautions should be taken in blood donation, hemodialysis and for other invasive procedures to prevent transmission of infection.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(3): 128-133
Smoking Pattern in Students of a Selected Medical College in Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Rukhsana , Begum Noortaj , Khan Md Aminul Haque
Published: October 2016

Background: Smoking is a recognized harmful factor for general health. The prevalence of smoking is gradually increasing among the young people. Medical students are also vulnerable in this arena. Worldwide studies revealed that students start and continue smoking during their school and college periods.Objectives: To determine the current tobacco use among medical college students and to find out the risk factors associated with smoking and also to assess the knowledge of students regarding smoking.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of different educational levels (first year to fifth year) in Enam Medical College, Savar, Dhaka during the period January to March 2012. An anonymous, pretested, selfadministered study questionnaire was distributed among the subjects. Data collected included smoking habits, demographic factors such as age, gender, parents occupation and monthly income. Study subjects were categorized as smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. Smoking-related knowledge was assessed and opinion regarding cessation of smoking was documented. The data were entered into the computer and statistical analyses were done using GraphPad Prism version 6.01.Results: Among the study subjects 290 were male and 202 were female. There were 79 (27.24%) smokers, 199 (68.62%) non-smokers and 12 (4.13%) ex-smokers among male and 197 (97.52%) non-smokers, 4 (1.98%) smokers and 1 (0.49%) ex-smoker in female. Regarding age, 196 (39.83%) students were below 20 years of age and 296 (60.16%) were more than 20 years of age. Most of the smokers (43.37%) are from affluent families. Influence of friends (44.57%) is the major reason of smoking followed by depression (27.71%). About 37.34% smokers have family members who are currently smoking. Regarding quitting smoking, 66% intended to stop smoking. The reasons for no intention to stop smoking include lack of incentive followed by addiction. There are significant differences among study subjects regarding smoking related knowledge.Conclusion: Even medical students are not fully aware of health consequences due to smoking and this lack of knowledge may lead to increase the number of smokers among students. Appropriate anti-smoking measures should be taken to create awareness about smoking and its health consequences and to reduce the incidence of smoking among the students.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(3): 152-156
Modeling and Simulation of IGCC Considering Pressure and Flow Distribution of Gasifier
Authors: Huang Di , Zhang Huisheng , Weng Shilie , Su Ming
Published: October 2016

The integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is a power generation technology which combines clean coal technology with a combined cycle. The system modeling is significant for design, operation and maintenance of the IGCC power plant. However, the previous IGCC modeling methods only contained a simplified compartment gasifier model, which is useful to consider the heat transfer and chemical reaction inside the gasifier, but cannot analyze the pressure and flow distribution. In order to obtain a more accurate model of IGCC system, the volume-resistance technique and modular modeling method are utilized in this paper. The new model can depict the dynamic response and distribution characteristics of the gasifier, as well as their influence on the IGCC system. The simulation result of the gasifier and IGCC system shows an obvious delay after considering pressure and flow distribution. Therefore, the proposed IGCC system model can obtain a more reliable result when considering the distribution characteristics of the gasifier.
Environmental Exposure to Ultrafine Particles inside and nearby a Military Airport
Authors: Campagna Marcello , Frattolillo Andrea , Pili Sergio , Marcias Gabriele , Angius Natalia , Mastino Costantino , Cocco Pierluigi , Buonanno Giorgio
Published: October 2016

Airport activities can contribute to the emission of ultrafine particles (UFPs) in the environment. The aim of our study is to assess the airborne levels of UFPs in a military airport and in the surrounding area. Four outdoor air samplings were carried out inside a military airport during flight activities, twelve nearby the military airport, five in an urban area, and one in a rural area. We used a portable Electrical Low Pressure Impactor to detect the particle number size distribution as well as the number concentration. Particles were chemically analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Inside the military airport, we observed an inverse correlation with distance from flight activities. The median UFP count ranged 3.7 × 103 –2.9 × 104 particles/cm3, and the highest UFP count was 4.0 × 106 particles/cm3 (during the taxi and take-off activities). Nearby the airport, UFP number concentrations were more elevated in the winter season and we did not observe a correlation with flight activities. Our results show a constant presence of UFPs regardless of the flight activities nearby the airport. Other anthropic sources may generate UFP concentrations significantly higher than those generated by airport activities.
Corticospinal Excitability in Children with Congenital Hemiparesis
Authors: Chen Chao-Ying , Rich Tonya , Cassidy Jessica , Gillick Bernadette
Published: October 2016

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used as an assessment or intervention to evaluate or influence brain activity in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy (CP) commonly caused by perinatal stroke. This communication report analyzed data from two clinical trials using TMS to assess corticospinal excitability in children and young adults with hemiparetic CP. The results of this communication revealed a higher probability of finding a motor evoked potential (MEP) on the non-lesioned hemisphere compared to the lesioned hemisphere (p = 0.005). The resting motor threshold (RMT) was lower on the non-lesioned hemisphere than the lesioned hemisphere (p = 0.013). There was a significantly negative correlation between age and RMT (rs = −0.65, p = 0.003). This communication provides information regarding MEP responses, motor thresholds (MTs) and the association with age during TMS assessment in children with hemiparetic CP. Such findings contribute to the development of future pediatric studies in neuroplasticity and neuromodulation to influence motor function and recovery after perinatal stroke.
Isothermal Oxidation of Aluminized Coatings on High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Tsai Che-Wei , Sung Kuen-Cheng , Kasai Kzauki , Murakami Hideyuki
Published: October 2016

The isothermal oxidation resistance of Al0.2Co1.5CrFeNi1.5Ti0.3 high-entropy alloy is analyzed and the microstructural evolution of the oxide layer is studied. The limited aluminum, about 3.6 at %, leads to the non-continuous alumina. The present alloy is insufficient for severe circumstances only due to chromium oxide that is 10 μm after 1173 K for 360 h. Thus, the aluminized high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are further prepared by the industrial packing cementation process at 1273 K and 1323 K. The aluminizing coating is 50 μm at 1273 K after 5 h. The coating growth is controlled by the diffusion of aluminum. The interdiffusion zone reveals two regions that are the Ti-, Co-, Ni-rich area and the Fe-, Cr-rich area. The oxidation resistance of aluminizing HEA improves outstandingly, and sustains at 1173 K and 1273 K for 441 h without any spallation. The alumina at the surface and the stable interface contribute to the performance of this Al0.2Co1.5CrFeNi1.5Ti0.3 alloy.
Tropical Forestry Handbook, Second Edition. Edited by Laslo Pancel and Michael Köhl, Springer-Verlag, 2016; 3633 pages, 4 Volumes. Price: $2,500.00, ISBN 978-3-642-54600-6
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: October 2016

The Tropical Forestry Handbook [1] has been prepared by professionals that are dedicated to the protection and the sustainable management of tropical forests.[...]
Simulating the Impact of Crossover Kidney Transplantation on the Nord Italia Transplant Program
Authors: Salvioli Monica , Lucchetti Roberto , Torelli Rosanna
Published: October 2016

The increasing number of patients affected by chronic kidney disease makes it necessary to rely on living donors. However, a patient often cannot exploit her potential donor, due to blood or tissue incompatibility. Therefore, crossover transplantation programs have been developed in several countriesin order to increase the number of people receiving a kidney from a living donor. After reviewing the essential medical facts needed for the subsequent results, we quickly introduce two known algorithms for crossover transplantation. Next, we consider a dataset provided by the Nord Italia Transplant program, and we apply the above algorithms in order to highlight the benefits of these efficient procedures.