bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different modes of pollination on quantitative and qualitative parameters of Egyptian Clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L.
Authors: Jat M. K. , Chaudhary O. P. , Kaushik H. D. , Yadav Sunita , Tetarwal A. S.
Published: April 2018

The effect of different modes of pollination on quantitative and qualitative parameters of Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L. was studied at Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2012 and 2013. Maximum seed setting (81.5%) was recorded in A. mellifera pollination with an 8 frame colony (BP-8F) followed by 4 frame colony (BP-4F) (75.1%), open pollination (OP) (73.8%) and 2 frame colony (BP-2F) (71.5%). Maximum seed yield (2662.3 seeds) was observed in treatment BP-8F followed by BP-4F (2373.8), OP (2316.3) and BP-2F (2235.5). Still lower yield of 2103.0 seeds was found in hand pollination (HP) treatment that was significantly higher than the without insect pollination (WIP) treatment (1114.2). Minimum 1000-seed weight was observed in WIP (2.64 g). The seed weight of BP-4F (3.30), HP (3.20), BP-2F (3.17) and OP (3.03), the heaviest seeds were recorded in BP-8F (3.62 g/1000 grains) and it was at par with the treatment BP-4F (3.30 g). Highest seed germination per cent was recorded in BP-8F (94.7) followed by OP (90.7%). Lowest germination was found in WIP (84.7%). Though some work has been done on this aspect in India but comprehensive pollination studies has not been worked out.
Ethno-botanical survey for wild plants in fringe villages around Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Rana Dipika , Masoodi Haseeb Ul Rashid
Published: April 2018

In this study an ethno-botanical survey was carried out in the fringe villages located at the periphery of Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary. As the sanctuary area is not completely fenced the villagers have an access inside the sanctuary. An attempt was made to prepare a document of important flora and information from local community about their ethnic uses. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional uses was collected by personal interviews during field trips. Plants with their correct nomenclature were arranged by family name, vernacular name, part use, ethno-botanical remedies and uses. Plants having uses in medicine, ornamental, fodder and many other were studied. The study was entirely focused on revealing the medicinal potential possessed by the plants growing wild in this area and their sustainability for the betterment of mankind.
Heterosis analysis in relation to drought tolerance in rice land races and their genotypes
Authors: Ushakumari R. , Muthukamatchi R. , Thamodharan G.
Published: April 2018

An experiment was conducted in rice to study the heterosis for drought tolerance and grain yield in 24 hybrids developed from six landraces viz., Kallurundaikar, Kuliadichan, Kuruvaikalangiam, Mattaikar, Nootripathu and Vellaichithiraikar used as lines and four high yielding varieties viz., PMK 3, MDU 5, ASD 16 and ADT 36 used as testers for physio-morphological traits by Line x tester analysis. The experimental results revealed that the hybrids viz., Nootripathu / MDU 5, which had significant standard heterosis for eight characters namely days to 50% flowering, plant height, productive tillers, root length, root dry weight, root : shoot ratio, harvest index and grain yield per plant, Nootripathu / PMK 3 exhibited significant standard heterosis for seven characters namely plant height, root length, root dry weight, root : shoot ratio, 100 grain weight, harvest index, and grain yield per plant were found to be superior hybrids over the standard check variety PMK 3. High proline content which is an index for drought tolerance was recorded in hybrid Kuruvaikalangiam / ADT 36 (11.94%) exhibited significant standard heterosis which is found to be drought tolerant among the hybrids.
Inibidores da enzima Fosfodiesterase-5 (PDE-5)
Authors: Leal Gabriel Vieira , Terra Júnior André Tomaz
Published: April 2018

O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de apresentar de forma clara, concisa e sistemática, uma revisão de literatura de natureza qualitativa sobre o uso recreativo de inibidores da enzima fosfodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). Metodologicamente, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica visando à obtenção de dados para a pesquisa, sendo utilizados materiais já publicados, como, livros, artigos científicos, teses e dissertações nas áreas de fisiopatologia da disfunção erétil e farmacologia, além do uso desses medicamentos pelos jovens. A princípio, compreendeu-se a fisiopatologia de quem realmente sofre com a disfunção erétil. Na sequência, apresentaram-se, sob o aspecto farmacológico, os medicamentos classificados como inibidores da enzima fosfodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). Por fim, relataram-se estudos que apresentam a possibilidade de reações adversas durante o uso de inibidores dessas enzimas. Em suma, verifica-se que existem reações adversas relacionadas ao medicamento, destacando-se, dor de cabeça, rubor da face, transpiração excessiva e aumento da frequência dos batimentos cardíacos. Ademais, de acordo com alguns trabalhos pesquisados, o seu uso recreativo viabiliza a possibilidade de uso concomitante com outras drogas ilícitas e lícitas, como o álcool. Assim, torna-se importante reconhecer que é um problema de saúde pública entre os mais jovens, uma vez que mesmo sem apresentar a patologia, fazem o seu consumo de forma indiscriminada.

ABSTRACT: The present article aims to demonstrate a clear, concise and systematic literature review of qualitative nature about the  recreational use of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Methodologically, a bibliographic research was carried out in order to obtain data for the research, using already published materials such as books, scientific articles, theses and dissertations in the areas of physiopathology of erectile dysfunction and pharmacology, besides the use of these drugs by young. At first, it has understood the pathophysiology of who actually suffers from erectile dysfunction. Subsequently, drugs classified as inhibitors of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) were pharmacologically presented. Finally, studies have been reported that show the possibility of adverse reactions during the use of inhibitors of these enzymes. In summary, it is found that there are adverse reactions related to the drug, such as headache, facial flushing, excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat. In addition, according to some researches, its recreational use facilitates the possibility of concomitant use with other illicit and licit drugs, such as alcohol. So it is important to recognize that it is a public health problem among young people, since even without presenting the pathology, they consume it indiscriminately.
Análise e quantificação do teor alcoólico do fermentado artesanal de jabuticaba
Authors: Barbosa Patrícia Silva , Andrade Érica De Sousa , De Jesus Jociel Honorato , Brondani Filomena Maria Minetto , Vieira Rafael
Published: April 2018

Um dos maiores produtores de frutas no mundo é o Brasil, incluindo frutas subtropicais, onde se inclui a jabuticaba. É produzida em diversas regiões do Brasil, além de ser uma fruta saborosa, possui muitas propriedades benéficas à saúde, entre elas, auxilia na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares, porém os benefícios são observados não apenas no consumo da fruta in natura, como também em bebidas (vinho) e geleias. Ela se apresenta em grande parte do Brasil, tratando-se de uma fruta saborosa e com muitos benefícios à saúde, na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares, cardíacas, e entre outras, não só seu consumo in natura, mas como também o seu vinho. O momento pós-colheita é crítico, pois nessa etapa há muitos danos, o que implica diretamente na perda da qualidade da fruta. Por esse motivo, geraram-se alguns aproveitamentos devido à perda das frutas, como a fabricação de geléias, compotas, licores, vinhos etc. Portanto, o estudo de Análise e quantificação do teor alcoólico do vinho artesanal da jabuticaba torna-se relevante, como contribuição para novas fontes alimentares derivadas de espécies nativas e inseridas nos hábitos alimentares dos brasileiros, onde nesse trabalho durante a identificação das propriedades físico-químicas do vinho de jabuticaba foi possível quantificar 17,5% de teor alcoólico; além de a análise indicar acidez total em 187 meq/L e acidez volátil 0,6 meq/L.

ABSTRACT: One of the largest fruit producers in the world is Brazil, including subtropical fruits, which includes jabuticaba. It is produced in several regions of Brazil, besides being a tasty fruit, has many beneficial properties to health, among them helps to prevent cardi-ovascular diseases, but the benefits are observed not only in the consumption of fresh fruit, but also in beverages (Wine) and jams. It is present in a large part of Brazil, being a fruit tasty and with many health benefits, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cardiac, and among others, not only its in natura consumption, but also its wine. The post-harvest moment is critical, because at this stage there is a lot of damage, which directly implies loss of fruit quality. For this reason, some uses have been generated due to the loss of fruits, such as the manufacture of jams, jams, liqueurs, wines, etc. There-fore, the study of Analysis and quantification of the alcoholic content of the artisanal wine of jabuticaba becomes relevant, as a contribution to new food sources derived from native species and inserted in the eating habits of Brazilians, where in this work during the identification of the physicochemical properties Of the jabuticaba wine it was possible to quantify 17.5% of alcohol content; Besides the analysis indicate total acidity at 187 mEq / L and volatile acidity 0.6 mEq / L.
Estudo comparativo das propriedades funcionais do amido da batata doce (Ipomoea batatas) nativo e modificado por acetilação
Authors: Rodrigues Camila Pedrosa , Vieira Rafael , Lima Regiane Rossi Oliveira
Published: April 2018

O amido é um carboidrato essencial para sobrevivência, pois atual na nutrição das células do sistema nervoso central. Sua aplicabilidade na indústria farmacêutica e alimentícia se dá pela exploração de suas propriedades físico-químicas, como a consistência, textura e durabilidade. No entanto, existem métodos que propiciam melhorias para a estrutura do amido, no caso, uma das principais formas de modificação estrutural de carboidratos se dá por acetilação, que tem sido uma opção para alterar as propriedades físico-químicas do amido. A batata doce é uma raiz bastante calórica, apresentando uma faixa de 82,3% de carboidratos, se destacando como uma fonte energética importante e alternativa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a extração do amido da batata doce nativo, modificá-lo por acetilação e estudar suas propriedades funcionais. O amido foi extraído da polpa da raiz da batata doce. Fez-se uso da microscopia óptica para verificação dos tamanhos dos grânulos do amido nativo e acetilado. Já o poder de intumescimento e a solubilidade foram aplicados em condições diferenciadas de pH e temperaturas diferentes. Na avaliação final, o amido acetilado apresentou melhoras com relação à solubilidade e poder de intumescimento, bem como a capacidade de absorver água/óleo.

ABSTRACT: Starch is an essential carbohydrate for survival as it currently nourishes the cells of the central nervous system. Its applicability in the pharmaceutical and food industry is given by the exploration of its physical-chemical properties, such as consistency, texture and durability. However, there are methods that provide improvements to the structure of the starch, in this case, one of the main forms of structural modification of carbohydrates is by acetylation which has been an option to change the physicochemical properties of the starch. The sweet potato is an extremely caloric root, presenting a range of 82.3% of carbohydrates, standing out as an important and alternative energy source. The objective of this work was to extract native sweet potato starch, to modify it by acetylation and to study its functional properties. The starch was extracted from the sweet potato root pulp. Optical microscopy was used to verify the sizes of the native and acetylated starch granules. The swelling power and the solubility were applied under different conditions of pH and different temperatures. In the final evaluation, the acetylated starch presented improvements with respect to solubility and swelling power, as well as the ability to absorb water / oil.
Histopathological diagnosis of ovarian mass
Authors: Shadab Shahali , Tadayon Tadayon
Published: April 2018

Background:  Ovarian cysts are common forms of gynecological problems that can be range from physiological cysts to highly aggressive neoplastic lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalence and frequency of different histopathological patterns of ovarian lesions and their correlation with various parameters in Ahvaz, Iran.Materials and Methods: This is the retrospective study of patients with the ovarian masses at Ahvaz Imam Khomeini Hospital from 2010 - 2015. The relevant clinical details about the patient were retrieved from hospital data. Clinical characteristics of patients such as patient's age, presenting signs and symptoms, histopathological diagnosis, mass type, mass subtype, size of cysts and ovary which is involved were noted. Results: Two hundred sixty seven specimens of ovarian tumor obtained for histopathological examination. Of these, 163(61.0%) were tumor like, 96(36.0%) were benign tumor and 8(3.0%) were malignant. The most common tumor like conditions was Corpus luteum cyst (43.4% cases), among benign and malignant tumors, mature cystic teratoma (17.2% of total) and Epithelial tumors (n=4) were most common. There is a statistically significant positive relation between age and various ovarian masses. (P= 0.002). Histopathological diagnosis wasn't correlated with ovarian involvement.Conclusion: Benign tumors are more common than malignant tumors in all age groups. Germ cell tumors followed by surface epithelial cell tumors are the commonest tumor. Mature cystic teratoma was the most common tumor. Unilaterality is more frequently seen in ovarian tumors and various tumors are seen in various age groups.
Clinico-histological analysis of non-neoplastic lesions of cervix
Authors: Dayal Seema
Published: April 2018

Background: Cervix from hysterectomy constitutes the majority of gynecological specimens and includes genital infections to invasive carcinoma. These cervical lesions are the source of morbidity and mortality in women. But, there are many benign lesions which appears malignant on gross and microscopy so, misdiagnosed. Hence, clinical and histopathological examination of cervix is required for proper diagnosis and to exclude misdiagnosis.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in Histopathology section of Pathology Department of Rural Institute of Medical Science and Research, Saifai, Etawah (U.P) India from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2015 on 1544 hysterectomy specimens. Histopathology examination was the diagnostic tool. Cervical pathologies in hysterectomy specimens were evaluated grossly and microscopically and correlated with clinical findings. Results: Vaginal discharge was the most common clinical complaint (43.00%), followed by bleeding complaints (23.38 %). Grossly normal cervix was seen in (32.51 %) and nabothian follicles were found in (20.07%). On histopathology examination, chronic cervicitis was the most common pathology (79.66  %).Conclusion: Cervix is site of shades of grey lesions that include cervical dysplasia to malignancy. But majority of cervical pathologies are benign lesions. However, many times benign lesions are misdiagnosed as malignant. Histopathological examination along with clinical findings is mandatory for the early and accurate diagnosis. Health camps along with cervix screening and educational awareness program should be carried out.
A study of gastrointestinal tumors at kathmandu medical college teaching hospital
Authors: Pradhan Sailesh Bahadur , Pradhan Binita , Maharjan Sailuja , Thapa Prabin Bikram
Published: April 2018

Background: Gastrointestinal tract tumour is responsible for more cancers and death than any other cancers.  The tumour in GIT include the tumour of the Oral cavity, Esophagus, Stomach, Colon, Rectum, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas and Biliary tree.Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among all the gastrointestinal tract tumours specimens received for histopathological examination in between January 2016 to June 2017 in Department of Pathology, Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. All tumors diagnosed either benign or malignant were included in this study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee in KMCTH.Results: Colorectum was found to be the most commonly involved site for malignant lesion comprising 40.2% among all malignant lesions followed by stomach comprising 28.6%. Malignancy was found to be more prevalent among male with M:F ratio of 1.6:1 in colorectal region and 1.4:1 in stomach cancers. Regarding benign lesions (polyps), rectum was found to be the commonest site (57.5%), followed by colon (20.0%) and stomach, the least common site.Malignant lesions were more common among the age group of 51-60 years (37.66%) with 70.13% above 50 years. Benign lesions were also found to be the most common above 50 years comprising 40.0 percent.Conclusion: Rectum & colon was found to be the most commonly involved site for both malignant and benign lesion. Malignancy is more prevalent among male and common above 50 years of age. However, malignant cases noted in the adult age group are a matter of great concern.
Lesion with blue bone-a case report
Authors: Ilias Laila Mohamed , Mohammed Babitha Alingal , PS Roshini , Ponniah Anupama , Vijayan Poornima
Published: April 2018

Bizzare parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, or Nora‘s lesion is a unique bone lesion that most often arises in the small bones of hands and feet.  It is characterised by proliferation of chondroid, bony and fibrous tissue, and is occasionally misdiagnosed as a malignant process.  Our case was a 31 yr old lady, who presented with a painless swelling near the 5th metacarpal bone of right hand.  X-ray showed well marginated mineralised mass arising from the cortical surface of the metacarpal bone.  Histopathological examination revealed bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation composed of varying amounts of cartilage, bone and spindle cells. Cartilage was hypercellular and chondrocytes were enlarged. Ossification was irregular and had a peculiar blue tinctorial quality.
The spatial distributions of characteristic parameters for plasma created by hypervelocity impact
Authors: Tang Enling , Liu Mei , Han Yafei , Wang Ruizhi , He Liping , Liu Shuhua , Wang Meng , Xiang Shenghai , Xia Jin , Guo Kai , Ma Jianjun
Published: April 2018

In order to better describe the spatial distributions of characteristic parameters for plasma generated by hypervelocity impact, a large number of experiments have been performed by using two-stage light gas gun loading system and measurement system of plasma characteristic parameters. Based on experimental results determining the splash process, the expanding process of the plasma cloud ejected is obtained near the impact point. For physical process of oblique collision, the expansion of plasma cloud is approximately ellipsoidal distribution. Based on expanding characteristics of plasma cloud determine the space layout of triple Langmuir probe, characteristic parameters of plasma generated by hypervelocity impact are acquired at the incidence angles of 45[Formula: see text] and 60[Formula: see text] and the impact velocities of about 3 km/s. In the paper, the ellipsoidal equations of the plasma cloud generated by collisions are determined in the three-dimensional space, and the spatial distributions of the plasma characteristic parameters are established. According to the geometric distribution established by hypervelocity impact on 2A12 aluminum plate, the rules and average expanding velocity of the plasma cloud are obtained. Furthermore, the average expanding velocity of plasma cloud increase with the decreasing of the distance from the measured point to impact point at the impact velocities of about 3 km/s and the incidence angles of 45[Formula: see text] and 60[Formula: see text], respectively. Meanwhile, the linear relationships about impact velocities and distances from the measured point to the impact point are more stronger at the incidence angle of 60[Formula: see text] than that at the incidence angle of 45[Formula: see text]. It is of great significant to further reveal the physical process of the plasma generated by hypervelocity impact.
Optimal Piezoelectric Potential Distribution for Controlling Multimode Vibrations
Authors: Botta Fabio , Scorza Andrea , Rossi Andrea
Published: April 2018

Vibration damping is prominent in engineering; in fact, vibrations are related to many phenomena (e.g., the fatigue of structural elements). The advent of smart materials has significantly increased the number of available solutions in this field. Among smart materials, piezoelectric materials are most promising. However, their efficiency depends on their placement. There are many studies on their optimal placement for damping a particular mode, but few account for multimodal vibrations damping. In a previous work, an analytical method was proposed to find the optimal placement of piezoelectric plates to control the multimode vibrations of a cantilever beam. In this study, the efficiency of the above method has been improved, considering all plates active simultaneously, regardless of the eigenmodes that are excited, and changing, instead of the plates, the potential distribution. The method results indicate the optimal potential distribution for different excited eigenmodes. The results have been compared with those obtained by experimental tests and numerical simulations, exhibiting very good agreement.
Pseudotime Dynamics in Melanoma Single-Cell Transcriptomes Reveals Different Mechanisms of Tumor Progression
Authors: Loeffler-Wirth Henry , Binder Hans , Willscher Edith , Gerber Tobias , Kunz Manfred
Published: April 2018

Single-cell transcriptomics has been used for analysis of heterogeneous populations of cells during developmental processes and for analysis of tumor cell heterogeneity. More recently, analysis of pseudotime (PT) dynamics of heterogeneous cell populations has been established as a powerful concept to study developmental processes. Here we perform PT analysis of 3 melanoma short-term cultures with different genetic backgrounds to study specific and concordant properties of PT dynamics of selected cellular programs with impact on melanoma progression. Overall, in our setting of melanoma cells PT dynamics towards higher tumor malignancy appears to be largely driven by cell cycle genes. Single cells of all three short-term cultures show a bipolar expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) signatures. Furthermore, opposing gene expression changes are observed for genes regulated by epigenetic mechanisms suggesting epigenetic reprogramming during melanoma progression. The three melanoma short-term cultures show common themes of PT dynamics such as a stromal signature at initiation, bipolar expression of the MITF/AXL signature and opposing regulation of poised and activated promoters. Differences are observed at the late stage of PT dynamics with high, low or intermediate MITF and anticorrelated AXL signatures. These findings may help to identify targets for interference at different stages of tumor progression.
Continuous Dimethyl Carbonate Synthesis from CO2 and Methanol Using Cu-Ni@VSiO as Catalyst Synthesized by a Novel Sulfuration Method
Authors: Zhang Meng , Alferov Kirill , Xiao Min , Han Dongmei , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: April 2018

Conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals is a valuable task. One way to perform it is to transform CO2 into dimethyl carbonate (DMC) by a reaction with methanol. Catalyst exerts significant impact on this process. During this work, Cu-Ni@VSiO bimetallic catalysts were successfully synthesized by traditional solution and novel sulfuration methods. The catalytic materials were characterized by several analytical techniques and were tested in a continuous fixed-bed reactor under different reaction conditions to promote DMC synthesis from CO2 and methanol in the absence of dehydrating agents. The effects of reaction temperature, pressure, space velocity, metal loading, and bulk density on the catalytic performance were investigated in detail. It was found that the activity of Cu-Ni@VSiO catalyst with the support obtained by the novel sulfuration method is about three times higher when compared to that of the catalyst with the support that is synthesized by the traditional solution method. This result may stem from the difference in microstructure of the studied catalytic materials.
Scenario Analysis of Natural Gas Consumption in China Based on Wavelet Neural Network Optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Deyun , Liu Yanling , Wu Zeng , Fu Hongxue , Shi Yong , Guo Haixiang
Published: April 2018

Natural gas consumption has increased with an average annual growth rate of about 10% between 2012 and 2017. Total natural gas consumption accounted for 6.4% of consumed primary energy resources in 2016, up from 5.4% in 2012, making China the world’s third-largest gas user. Therefore, accurately predicting natural gas consumption has become very important for market participants to organize indigenous production, foreign supply contracts and infrastructures in a better way. This paper first presents the main factors affecting China’s natural gas consumption, and then proposes a hybrid forecasting model by combining the particle swarm optimization algorithm and wavelet neural network (PSO-WNN). In PSO-WNN model, the initial weights and wavelet parameters are optimized using PSO algorithm and updated through a dynamic learning rate to improve the training speed, forecasting precision and reduce fluctuation of WNN. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed model compared with ANN and WNN based models. Then, this study conducts the scenario analysis of the natural gas consumption from 2017 to 2025 in China based on three scenarios, namely low scenario, reference scenario and high scenario, and the results illustrate that the China’s natural gas consumption is going to be 342.70, 358.27, 366.42 million tce (“standard” tons coal equivalent) in 2020, and 407.01, 437.95, 461.38 million tce in 2025 under the low, reference and high scenarios, respectively. Finally, this paper provides some policy suggestions on natural gas exploration and development, infrastructure construction and technical innovations to promote a sustainable development of China’s natural gas industry.
Routes towards Novel Collagen-Like Biomaterials
Authors: Golser Adrian , Scheibel Thomas
Published: April 2018

Collagen plays a major role in providing mechanical support within the extracellular matrix and thus has long been used for various biomedical purposes. Exemplary, it is able to replace damaged tissues without causing adverse reactions in the receiving patient. Today’s collagen grafts mostly are made of decellularized and otherwise processed animal tissue and therefore carry the risk of unwanted side effects and limited mechanical strength, which makes them unsuitable for some applications e.g., within tissue engineering. In order to improve collagen-based biomaterials, recent advances have been made to process soluble collagen through nature-inspired silk-like spinning processes and to overcome the difficulties in providing adequate amounts of source material by manufacturing collagen-like proteins through biotechnological methods and peptide synthesis. Since these methods also open up possibilities to incorporate additional functional domains into the collagen, we discuss one of the best-performing collagen-like type of proteins, which already have additional functional domains in the natural blueprint, the marine mussel byssus collagens, providing inspiration for novel biomaterials based on collagen-silk hybrid proteins.
Exposure to Formaldehyde Perturbs the Mouse Gut Microbiome
Authors: Guo Junhui , Zhao Yun , Jiang Xingpeng , Li Rui , Xie Hao , Ge Leixin , Xie Bo , Yang Xu , Zhang Luoping
Published: April 2018

Exposure to Formaldehyde (FA) results in many pathophysiological symptoms, however the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Given the complicated modulatory role of intestinal microbiota on human health, we hypothesized that interactions between FA and the gut microbiome may account for FA’s toxicity. Balb/c mice were allocated randomly to three groups: a control group, a methanol group (0.1 and 0.3 ng/mL MeOH subgroups), and an FA group (1 and 3 ng/mL FA subgroups). Groups of either three or six mice were used for the control or experiment. We applied high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene approaches and investigated possible alterations in the composition of mouse gut microbiota induced by FA. Changes in bacterial genera induced by FA exposure were identified. By analyzing KEGG metabolic pathways predicted by PICRUSt software, we also explored the potential metabolic changes, such as alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism and pathways in cancer, associated with FA exposure in mice. To the best of our knowledge, this preliminary study is the first to identify changes in the mouse gut microbiome after FA exposure, and to analyze the relevant potential metabolisms. The limitation of this study: this study is relatively small and needs to be further confirmed through a larger study.
Geology and Isotope Systematics of the Jianchaling Au Deposit, Shaanxi Province, China: Implications for Mineral Genesis
Authors: Yue Su-Wei , Li Deng-Feng , Bagas Leon , Fang Jing , Lin Zhen-Wen
Published: April 2018

The giant Jianchaling Au (52 t Au) deposit is located in the Mian-Lue-Yang Terrane in the southern part of the Qinling Orogen of central China and is hosted by metamorphosed carbonate rocks of the Late Neoproterozoic Duantouya Formation. The deposit consists of multiple generations of mineralised quartz(-carbonate) veins in WNW-trending extensional ductile-brittle shear zones. Based on the mineral assemblages and cross-cutting relationships between the quartz(-carbonate) veins, the paragenesis is characterised by an early coarse-grained pyrite-pyrrhotite-pentlandite-dolomite-quartz assemblage (I), followed by pyrite-sphalerite-galena-carbonate-arsenopyrite-fuchsite-carbonate-quartz containing gold (II), and fine-grained pyrite-dolomite-calcite-quartz-realgar (As2S2)-orpiment (As2S3) (III). The H-O-C isotope systematics for the three vein sets indicate that the mineralising fluid is probably sourced from the metamorphic dehydration of carbonate rocks in the Duantouya Formation, and gradually mixed with meteoric water during the emplacement of the third vein set. The δ34S values for sulfides (6.3–16.6‰) from the second auriferous vein set are greater than zero, indicating sulfates reduction from the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks (Duantouya Fm). The (206Pb/204Pb)i ratios from pyrite (17.521–18.477) from each of the vein sets overlap those of the ultramafic rocks (18.324–18.717) and the Bikou Group (17.399–18.417), indicating that the units are possible sources for the sulfides in the mineralisation. Both εNd(t) and Isr(t) of sulfide overlap with the meta-ultramafic field and Duantouya formation and dominated with mature Sr-Nd character, which indicated that the Duantouya may play an important role during the ore formation and there may exist a minor ultramafic source that is involved in the ore fluid. The S-Pb-Sr-Nd isotopic ratios are closely related to those of the Bikou Group and Duantouya Formation, which indicates that the mineralised fluid has interacted with both units. Combining the previously published data with data from this study on the mineralised area, we surmise that Jianchaling is characteristic of an orogenic-type gold deposit related to the Triassic Qinling Orogeny associated with continental collision.
Value Recovery from Waste Liquid Crystal Display Glass Cullet through Leaching: Understanding the Correlation between Indium Leaching Behavior and Cullet Piece Size
Authors: Swain Basudev , Lee Chan , Hong Hyun
Published: April 2018

For hydrometallurgical recovery of indium from glass cullet after dismantling a waste liquid crystal display (LCD), leaching is the rudimentary stage. Though size reduction of the cullet pieces adds convenience for recycling, from an efficiency and cost-effectiveness perspective regarding leaching process development, determining the proper cullet piece size is essential. Hence, in this study, leaching efficiency of indium as a function of cullet piece size was investigated, wherein the proper mechanical classification of crushed glass cullet could be addressed. The optimum conditions of 5 M mineral acid as the lixiviant, pulp density of 500 g/L, temperature of 75 °C, agitation speed of 500 rpm, 2 h process time were kept constant for the leaching studies. It was concluded that the size of the waste LCD cullet inversely affected the leaching efficiency of indium. For efficient leaching, a smaller cullet size is recommended; hence, waste LCD should be crushed to pieces 1 mm or smaller. Indium leaching behavior comparison using HCl, HNO3, H2SO4 revealed that all three mineral acids had similar leaching efficiencies. The reported process provides the missing link between physical dismantling and chemical processing for indium recovery via techno-economical-sustainable process development.
Basic Characteristics of Hemimorphite and Its Transformation Mechanism with Na2CO3
Authors: Wang Qihong , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Dianwen , Cao Shiming , Song Kaiwei , Jing Man , Li Kangkang , Wu Luqing , Liu Ruizeng
Published: April 2018

The crystal of hemimorphite is a non-conductor. The Si–O bond in the crystal is strong, whereas the Zn–O bond is weak. These properties lead to the easy breakage of the Zn–O bond in the crushing process of hemimorphite. Thus, the interaction between minerals and polar water molecules is strong, and natural floatability of ores is poor. This study systematically investigated the characteristics of hemimorphite and its action mechanism with Na2CO3. Results of SEM-EDS showed that the surface of hemimorphite dissolved after interacting with Na2CO3, and the contents of Si and O decreased, whereas Zn and C increased. XPS analysis showed that the carbonate group was detected. The interaction between CO32− and hemimorphite was calculated using the first principles calculation based on density functional theory. The results indicate that an O atom in CO32− interacted with Zn2+ from the (100) plane of hemimorphite. The interaction between Zn and O atoms was not strong, and the Zn atoms were not completely displaced, which was proven by density of state analysis and the EDS and XPS results. The Mulliken population showed that the O–Zn bond was the atomic bonding of CO32− with Zn2+ and exhibited properties of ionic bonds. Thus, hemimorphite transformed to smithsonite-like mineral (ZnCO3) when acting with CO32−.
Effect of Red and Blue Light on Anthocyanin Accumulation and Differential Gene Expression in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Zhang Yunting , Jiang Leiyu , Li Yali , Chen Qing , Ye Yuntian , Zhang Yong , Luo Ya , Sun Bo , Wang Xiaorong , Tang Haoru
Published: April 2018

Light conditions can cause quantitative and qualitative changes in anthocyanin. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of light quality-regulated anthocyanin accumulation in fruits. In this study, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were applied to explore the effect of red and blue light on strawberry coloration. The results showed contents of total anthocyanins (TA), pelargonidin 3-glucoside (Pg3G) and pelargonidin 3-malonylglucoside (Pg3MG) significantly increased after blue and red light treatment. Pg3G was the major anthocyanin component in strawberry fruits, accounting for more than 80% of TA, whereas Pg3MG accounted for a smaller proportion. Comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted using libraries from the treated strawberries. A total of 1402, 5034, and 3764 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three pairwise comparisons (red light versus white light, RL-VS-WL; blue light versus white light, BL-VS-WL; blue light versus red light, BL-VS-RL), respectively. Photoreceptors and light transduction components remained dynamic to up-regulate the expression of regulatory factors and structural genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis under red and white light, whereas most genes had low expression levels that were not consistent with the highest total anthocyanin content under blue light. Therefore, the results indicated that light was an essential environmental factor for anthocyanin biosynthesis before the anthocyanin concentration reached saturation in strawberry fruits, and blue light could quickly stimulate the accumulation of anthocyanin in the fruit. In addition, red light might contribute to the synthesis of proanthocyanidins by inducing LAR and ANR.
Multi-Annual Kinematics of an Active Rock Glacier Quantified from Very High-Resolution DEMs: An Application-Case in the French Alps
Authors: Bodin Xavier , Thibert Emmanuel , Sanchez Olivier , Rabatel Antoine , Jaillet Stéphane
Published: April 2018

Rock glaciers result from the long-term creeping of ice-rich permafrost along mountain slopes. Under warming conditions, deformation is expected to increase, and potential destabilization of those landforms may lead to hazardous phenomena. Monitoring the kinematics of rock glaciers at fine spatial resolution is required to better understand at which rate, where and how they deform. We present here the results of several years of in situ surveys carried out between 2005 and 2015 on the Laurichard rock glacier, an active rock glacier located in the French Alps. Repeated terrestrial laser-scanning (TLS) together with aerial laser-scanning (ALS) and structure-from-motion-multi-view-stereophotogrammetry (SFM-MVS) were used to accurately quantify surface displacement of the Laurichard rock glacier at interannual and pluri-annual scales. Six very high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs, pixel size <50 cm) of the rock glacier surface were generated, and their respective quality was assessed. The relative horizontal position accuracy (XY) of the individual DEMs is in general less than 2 cm with a co-registration error on stable areas ranging from 20–50 cm. The vertical accuracy is around 20 cm. The direction and amplitude of surface displacements computed between DEMs are very consistent with independent geodetic field measurements (e.g., DGPS). Using these datasets, local patterns of the Laurichard rock glacier kinematics were quantified, pointing out specific internal (rheological) and external (bed topography) controls. The evolution of the surface velocity shows few changes on the rock glacier’s snout for the first years of the observed period, followed by a major acceleration between 2012 and 2015 affecting the upper part of the tongue and the snout.
Korean Golf Tourism in China: Place, Perception and Narratives
Authors: Park Jinah , Morrison Alastair , Wu Bihu , Kong Yeung
Published: April 2018

Tourism is a critical, cross-cultural social behavior in contemporary society and provides diverse experiences based on different regional resources in destinations. This research identified the attributes associated with Korean golf tourists’ images of seven destination regions in Mainland China. A content analysis of 328 golf tourists’ blogs indicated that each region had different combinations of destination attributes, but these were partially hidden in vivid descriptions of playing experiences. The narratives were coded with 15 golf destination attributes with 136 headwords and they reflected both place-centred images and interactions through perceptual experiences with different social groups. The golfers greatly appreciated congestion control at courses and social interaction during their tours, including the services of local human resources and play partners. The seven Chinese golf destinations had different perceived characteristics and relationships with South Korean society. Thus, they had dissimilar destination images for Korean golf tourists. Historical ties and geographical proximity played important roles, including, for example, the significant presence of ethnic Koreans in northeast China.
Closed-Loop Supply Chain Planning Model of Rare Metals
Authors: Son Dongmin , Kim Songi , Park Hyungbin , Jeong Bongju
Published: April 2018

Rare metals (RMs) are becoming increasingly important in high-tech industries associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as the electric vehicle (EV) and 3D printer industries. As the growth of these industries accelerates in the near future, manufacturers will also face greater RM supply risks. For this reason, many countries are putting considerable effort into securing the RM supply. For example, countries including Japan, Korea, and the USA have adopted two major policies: the stockpile system and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Therefore, it is necessary for the manufacturers with RMs to establish a suitable supply chain plan that reflects this situation. In this study, the RM classification matrix is created based on the stockpile and recycling level in Korea. Accordingly, three different types of supply chain are designed in order to develop the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) planning model of RM, and the CLSC planning models of RM are validated through experimental analysis. The results show that the stockpiling and the EPR recycling obligation increase the amount of recycled flow and reduce the total cost of the part manufacturing, which means that these two factors are significant for obtaining sustainability of the RMs’ CLSC. In addition, the government needs to set an appropriate sharing cost for promoting the manufacturer’s recycling. Also, from the manufacturer’s perspective, it is better to increase the return rate by making a contract with the collectors to guarantee the collection of used products.
Toxic Cyanobacteria in Svalbard: Chemical Diversity of Microcystins Detected Using a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Precursor Ion Screening Method
Authors: Kleinteich Julia , Puddick Jonathan , Wood Susanna , Hildebrand Falk , Laughinghouse IV H. , Pearce David , Dietrich Daniel , Wilmotte Annick
Published: April 2018

Cyanobacteria synthesize a large variety of secondary metabolites including toxins. Microcystins (MCs) with hepato- and neurotoxic potential are well studied in bloom-forming planktonic species of temperate and tropical regions. Cyanobacterial biofilms thriving in the polar regions have recently emerged as a rich source for cyanobacterial secondary metabolites including previously undescribed congeners of microcystin. However, detection and detailed identification of these compounds is difficult due to unusual sample matrices and structural congeners produced. We here report a time-efficient liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) precursor ion screening method that facilitates microcystin detection and identification. We applied this method to detect six different MC congeners in 8 out of 26 microbial mat samples of the Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic. The congeners, of which [Asp3, ADMAdda5, Dhb7] MC-LR was most abundant, were similar to those reported in other polar habitats. Microcystins were also determined using an Adda-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Adda-ELISA). Nostoc sp. was identified as a putative toxin producer using molecular methods that targeted 16S rRNA genes and genes involved in microcystin production. The mcy genes detected showed highest similarities to other Arctic or Antarctic sequences. The LC-MS precursor ion screening method could be useful for microcystin detection in unusual matrices such as benthic biofilms or lichen.
Rapid CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Cloning of Full-Length Epstein-Barr Virus Genomes from Latently Infected Cells
Authors: Yajima Misako , Ikuta Kazufumi , Kanda Teru
Published: April 2018

Herpesviruses have relatively large DNA genomes of more than 150 kb that are difficult to clone and sequence. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) cloning of herpesvirus genomes is a powerful technique that greatly facilitates whole viral genome sequencing as well as functional characterization of reconstituted viruses. We describe recently invented technologies for rapid BAC cloning of herpesvirus genomes using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair. We focus on recent BAC cloning techniques of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes and discuss the possible advantages of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated strategy comparatively with precedent EBV-BAC cloning strategies. We also describe the design decisions of this technology as well as possible pitfalls and points to be improved in the future. The obtained EBV-BAC clones are subjected to long-read sequencing analysis to determine complete EBV genome sequence including repetitive regions. Rapid cloning and sequence determination of various EBV strains will greatly contribute to the understanding of their global geographical distribution. This technology can also be used to clone disease-associated EBV strains and test the hypothesis that they have special features that distinguish them from strains that infect asymptomatically.
Vitamin E Supplementation Ameliorates Newcastle Disease Virus-Induced Oxidative Stress and Alleviates Tissue Damage in the Brains of Chickens
Authors: Rehman Zaib , Qiu Xusheng , Sun Yingjie , Liao Ying , Tan Lei , Song Cuiping , Yu Shengqing , Ding Zhuang , Munir Muhammad , Nair Venugopal , Meng Chunchun , Ding Chan
Published: April 2018

Newcastle disease (ND), characterized by visceral, respiratory, and neurological pathologies, causes heavy economic loss in the poultry industry around the globe. While significant advances have been made in effective diagnosis and vaccine development, molecular mechanisms of ND virus (NDV)-induced neuropathologies remain elusive. In this study, we report the magnitude of oxidative stress and histopathological changes induced by the virulent NDV (ZJ1 strain) and assess the impact of vitamin E in alleviating these pathologies. Comparative profiling of plasma and brains from mock and NDV-infected chicken demonstrated alterations in several oxidative stress makers such as nitric oxide, glutathione, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalases. While decreased levels of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity and increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were observed in NDV-challenged birds at all time points, these alterations were eminent at latter time points (5 days post infection). Additionally, significant decreases in the activities of glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were observed in the plasma and brains collected from NDV-infected chickens. Intriguingly, we observed that supplementation of vitamin E can significantly reduce the alteration of oxidative stress parameters. Under NDV infection, extensive histopathological alterations were observed in chicken brain including neural inflammation, capillary hyperemia, necrosis, and loss of prominent axons, which were reduced with the treatment of vitamin E. Taken together, our findings highlight that neurotropic NDV induces extensive tissue damage in the brain and alters plasma oxidative stress profiles. These findings also demonstrate that supplementing vitamin E ameliorates these pathologies in chickens and proposes its supplementation for NDV-induced stresses.