bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legacies of agriculture and urbanization in labile and stable organic carbon and nitrogen in Sonoran Desert soils
Authors: Lewis David Bruce , Kaye Jason P. , Kinzig Ann P.
Published: May 2014

Soils regulate air and water quality by storing large pools of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Land management decisions have an enduring influence on the integrity and size of these pools, particularly in the upper soil layers. An important challenge, therefore, is to identify how soil C and N bear the marks of both past and present land use. Several studies have documented that effects of agriculture on soil properties can persist long after agricultural abandonment, but these studies typically examine sites returning to forest or grassland. Fewer have investigated legacies of agricultural land use when formerly agrarian land becomes urban. Urban soil management may be intensive, characterized by modifications in microtopography, vegetation, and nutrient and water inputs. We thus hypothesized that urban residential land use would negate any agrarian signatures in the pool sizes of labile (readily mineralized) soil organic C and N, but that agrarian legacies would persist in pools of stable (not readily mineralized) C and N. We tested this hypothesis in arid central Arizona (USA), where residential development in the Phoenix metropolis occurred on both agrarian and uncultivated desert lands throughout the 20th Century. We used a year‐long incubation to quantify labile and stable organic C and N in soils (to 15.2 cm depth) from desert land, contemporary agrarian land, residential yards that were converted from desert, and yards converted from agrarian land use. Labile N in residential soils may have been independent of historical provenance, consistent with the hypothesis that readily‐mineralized pools converge on a single signature of current (residential) land use. Labile C, stable C, and stable N showed the influence of agrarian history decades after conversion to urban residential use. These agrarian legacies in currently residential soil result from the persistence of past agrarian amendments to soil, and are not artifacts of the preferential cultivation of inherently fertile land. Current residential soil management is further amending soil C and N pools on top of the legacy pools left behind by agriculture. We calculate that the persisting influence of agrarian history on soils is similar in magnitude to contemporary urban residential effects.
Ultrasonic-enchanced compound-enzymes-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Cornus officinalis
Authors: You Qinghong , Yin Xiulian , Xu Hong
Published: May 2014

Process of ultrasonic-enchanced compound-enzymes-assisted extraction of
polysaccharides from the fruit of Cornus officinalis was optimized by
response surface methodology (RSM). The influence of three different factors
on the yield of Cornus officinalis polysaccharides (COP) was studied. Results
showed that the optimal conditions were extraction temperature 49.6?C,
ultrasound time 40.41 min, and ultrasound power 308.07 W. The experimental
data obtained were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using
multiple regression analysis and were analyzed by analysis of variance
(ANOVA). The 3-D response surface plot and the contour plot derived from the
mathematical models were applied to determine the optimal conditions. Under
modificated conditions, the experimental yield of polysaccharides was 11.02 ?
0.41%, which was well in agreement with the value predicted by the model. A
good 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of COP
extracted by ultrasonic-enchanced compound-enzymes-assisted extraction was
observed.
CMOS IC radiation hardening by design
Authors: Camplani Alessandra , Shojaii Seyedruhollah , Shrimali Hitesh , Stabile Alberto , Liberali Valentino
Published: May 2014

Design techniques for radiation hardening of integrated circuits in
commercial CMOS technologies are presented. Circuits designed with the
proposed approaches are more tolerant to both total dose and to single event
effects. The main drawback of the techniques for radiation hardening by
design is the increase of silicon area, compared with a conventional design.
Can I Play with You? The Intersection of Play and Writing in a Kindergarten Classroom
Authors: Yoon Haeny S.
Published: May 2014

Play is well documented as a purposeful, authentic way for children to engage in literacy practices. Although the benefits of play are widely agreed upon, there is some debate regarding its place in school. In fact, play is often marginalized in place of ‘back to the basics' language instruction. For kindergartners, this means word recognition drills, letter-sound correspondence exercises, and other decontextualized exercises. Increased pressures translate into directive language instruction rather than a social space for contextualized language use. In this two-month case study of a diverse kindergarten classroom, the practices are highlighted of a group of children that engaged in school writing tasks within their play. Given the space to play, children used the resources of popular culture and childhood interests with the academic tasks of writing, word and letter recognition, and phonics-based instruction. Peer interactions in play connected fluidly to their formal reading and writing tasks. The findings show the importance of play as a way for children to negotiate relationships, construct multiple identities, and explore social constructs especially that of gender. Most importantly, there is potential for formal language tasks to be enacted in authentic ways through children's play.
NT-PGC-1α Activation Attenuates High-Fat Diet–Induced Obesity by Enhancing Brown Fat Thermogenesis and Adipose Tissue Oxidative Metabolism
Authors: Jun Hee-Jin , Joshi Yagini , Patil Yuvraj , Noland Robert C. , Chang Ji Suk
Published: May 2014

The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and its splice variant N terminal (NT)-PGC-1α regulate adaptive thermogenesis by transcriptional induction of thermogenic and mitochondrial genes involved in energy metabolism. We previously reported that full-length PGC-1α (FL-PGC-1α) is dispensable for cold-induced nonshivering thermogenesis in FL-PGC-1α−/− mice, since a slightly shorter but functionally equivalent form of NT-PGC-1α (NT-PGC-1α254) fully compensates for the loss of FL-PGC-1α in brown and white adipose tissue. In the current study, we challenged FL-PGC-1α−/− mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) to investigate the effects of diet-induced thermogenesis on HFD-induced obesity. Despite a large decrease in locomotor activity, FL-PGC-1α−/− mice exhibited the surprising ability to attenuate HFD-induced obesity. Reduced fat mass in FL-PGC-1α−/− mice was closely associated with an increase in body temperature, energy expenditure, and whole-body fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Mechanistically, FL-PGC-1α−/− brown adipose tissue had an increased capacity to oxidize fatty acids and dissipate energy as heat, in accordance with upregulation of thermogenic genes UCP1 and DIO2. Furthermore, augmented expression of FAO and lipolytic genes in FL-PGC-1α−/− white adipose tissue was highly correlated with decreased fat storage in adipose tissue. Collectively, our data highlight a protective effect of NT-PGC-1α on diet-induced obesity by enhancing diet-induced thermogenesis and FAO.
Mangiferin Stimulates Carbohydrate Oxidation and Protects Against Metabolic Disorders Induced by High-Fat Diets
Authors: Apontes Pasha , Liu Zhongbo , Su Kai , Benard Outhiriaradjou , Youn Dou Y. , Li Xisong , Li Wei , Mirza Raihan H. , Bastie Claire C. , Jelicks Linda A. , Pessin Jeffrey E. , Muzumdar Radhika H. , Sauve Anthony A. , Chi Yuling
Published: May 2014

Excessive dietary fat intake causes systemic metabolic toxicity, manifested in weight gain, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. In addition, carbohydrate utilization as a fuel is substantially inhibited. Correction or reversal of these effects during high-fat diet (HFD) intake is of exceptional interest in light of widespread occurrence of diet-associated metabolic disorders in global human populations. Here we report that mangiferin (MGF), a natural compound (the predominant constituent of Mangifera indica extract from the plant that produces mango), protected against HFD-induced weight gain, increased aerobic mitochondrial capacity and thermogenesis, and improved glucose and insulin profiles. To obtain mechanistic insight into the basis for these effects, we determined that mice exposed to an HFD combined with MGF exhibited a substantial shift in respiratory quotient from fatty acid toward carbohydrate utilization. MGF treatment significantly increased glucose oxidation in muscle of HFD-fed mice without changing fatty acid oxidation. These results indicate that MGF redirects fuel utilization toward carbohydrates. In cultured C2C12 myotubes, MGF increased glucose and pyruvate oxidation and ATP production without affecting fatty acid oxidation, confirming in vivo and ex vivo effects. Furthermore, MGF inhibited anaerobic metabolism of pyruvate to lactate but enhanced pyruvate oxidation. A key target of MGF appears to be pyruvate dehydrogenase, determined to be activated by MGF in a variety of assays. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of activation of carbohydrate utilization in correction of metabolic syndrome and highlight the potential of MGF to serve as a model compound that can elicit fuel-switching effects.
GLP-1 and Glucose Tolerance After Sleeve Gastrectomy in Morbidly Obese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jiménez Amanda , Mari Andrea , Casamitjana Roser , Lacy Antonio , Ferrannini Ele , Vidal Josep
Published: May 2014

Although GLP-1 has been suggested as a major factor for the marked improvement of glucose tolerance commonly seen after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), several observations challenge this hypothesis. To better understand the role of GLP-1 in the remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) long term after SG in humans, we conducted two separate cross-sectional studies: 1) the GLP-1 response to a standardized mixed liquid meal (SMLM) was compared in subjects with T2DM antedating SG but with different long-term (>2 years) T2DM outcomes (remission, relapse, or lack of remission) (study 1) and 2) the effect of GLP-1 receptor blockade with exendin (9-39) on glucose tolerance was examined in subjects with T2DM antedating surgery, who had undergone SG and presented with long-term T2DM remission (study 2). In study 1, we observed a comparable GLP-1 response to the SMLM regardless of the post-SG outcome of T2DM. In study 2, the blockade of GLP-1 action resulted in impaired insulin secretion but limited deterioration of glucose tolerance. Thus, our data suggest the enhanced GLP-1 secretion observed long term after SG is neither sufficient nor critical to maintain normal glucose tolerance in subjects with T2DM antedating the surgery.
Depression in Adults in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry
Authors: Trief Paula M. , Xing Dongyuan , Foster Nicole C. , Maahs David M. , Kittelsrud Julie M. , Olson Beth A. , Young Laura A. , Peters Anne L. , Bergenstal Richard M. , Miller Kellee M. , Beck Roy W. , Weinstock Ruth S. ,   for the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the frequency of depression in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or its relationship to diabetes outcomes. The T1D Exchange clinic registry allowed us to explore depression in a large, heterogeneous sample.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants ≥18 years old (N = 6,172; median age 34 years; median diabetes duration 16 years; 55% female; and 89% non-Hispanic white) completed the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), a validated, reliable measure of current depression. Probable major depression was defined in four ways: PHQ-8 ≥10, PHQ-8 ≥12, per diagnostic algorithm, and as a continuous variable. Characteristics and clinical outcomes of those with and without depression were compared using logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 4.6–10.3% of participants were classified as probable major depression depending on how defined. Participants classified as depressed were more likely female, nonwhite race/ethnicity, to have a lower household income and lower education level, to exercise less often, to miss insulin doses, and to have one or more complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, treatment for retinopathy, or cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease) (all P < 0.01). HbA1c was higher in the depressed versus not depressed groups (8.4 ± 1.7% [68 ± 8.6 mmol/mol] vs. 7.8 ± 1.4% [62 ± 15.3 mmol/mol]; P < 0.001). Occurrence of one or more diabetic ketoacidosis events (11 vs. 4%; P < 0.001) and one or more severe hypoglycemic events (18 vs. 9%; P < 0.001) in the past 3 months was higher among depressed participants.

CONCLUSIONS

In the T1D Exchange clinic registry, adults with probable major depression have worse clinical outcomes than those not depressed. Whether identification and treatment of depression improves diabetes outcomes requires study. Depression is common in T1D, and better identification and treatment of this comorbid condition is needed.
Insulin Therapy in People With Type 2 Diabetes: Opportunities and Challenges?
Authors: Home Philip , Riddle Matthew , Cefalu William T. , Bailey Clifford J. , Bretzel Reinhard G. , del Prato Stefano , Leroith Derek , Schernthaner Guntram , van Gaal Luc , Raz Itamar
Published: May 2014

Given the continued interest in defining the optimal management of individuals with type 2 diabetes, the Editor of Diabetes Care convened a working party of diabetes specialists to examine this topic in the context of insulin therapy. This was prompted by recent new evidence on the use of insulin in such people. The group was aware of evidence that the benefits of insulin therapy are still usually offered late, and thus the aim of the discussion was how to define the optimal timing and basis for decisions regarding insulin and to apply these concepts in practice. It was noted that recent evidence had built upon that of the previous decades, together confirming the benefits and safety of insulin therapy, albeit with concerns about the potential for hypoglycemia and gain in body weight. Insulin offers a unique ability to control hyperglycemia, being used from the time of diagnosis in some circumstances, when metabolic control is disturbed by medical illness, procedures, or therapy, as well as in the longer term in ambulatory care. For those previously starting insulin, various other forms of therapy can be added later, which offer complementary effects appropriate to individual needs. Here we review current evidence and circumstances in which insulin can be used, consider individualized choices of alternatives and combination regimens, and offer some guidance on personalized targets and tactics for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Unnatural Deaths in a National Cohort of People Diagnosed With Diabetes
Authors: Webb Roger T. , Lichtenstein Paul , Dahlin Marie , Kapur Navneet , Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Runeson Bo
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

To examine risk of unnatural death among people diagnosed with diabetes irrespective of disease type.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a matched cohort study of the entire Swedish population using interlinked national registers. From the National Diabetes Register we identified 252,191 people diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or 2) during 1996–2009. Each cohort member was matched for age, sex, and county of birth to five unaffected individuals randomly sampled from the Total Population Register. Mortality was examined with complete ascertainment, and risk ratios (RRs) for all unnatural deaths and for specific causes (suicide, accident, homicide, and iatrogenic effects) were estimated using conditional fixed-effects Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Risk of any unnatural death was elevated versus the general population: 77.3 versus 32.1 per 10,000 (RR 2.2 [95% CI 2.1–2.4]), and these deaths occurred at a younger age in the diabetes cohort. Risk was increased for suicide (RR 3.4 [95% CI 3.0–3.8]), accident (RR 2.0 [95% CI 1.9–2.1]), homicide (RR 3.1 [95% CI 1.6–6.1]), and iatrogenic effects (RR 2.4 [95% CI 1.9–3.2]). It was greatly elevated for fatal poisoning from a variety of agents, including psychotropic drugs and “other and unspecified medication,” as well as narcotics, alcohol, and carbon monoxide. Almost 9% of all fatal poisoning cases in the diabetes cohort were identified as overdoses of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Various causes of unnatural death, in particular deliberate and accidental poisonings, occur more frequently among diabetic patients. Before preventive strategies can be implemented, a deeper understanding of the risk factors and causal mechanisms explaining the marked elevations in risk is needed.
Combined administration of bacteriocin- -producing, probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium CCM7420 with Eleutherococcus senticosus and their effect in rabbits
Authors: Simonová M. Pogány , Lauková A. , Chrastinová L. , Plachá I. , Strompfová V. , Čobanová K. , Formelová Z. , Chrenková M.
Published: May 2014

The effect of Enterococcus faecium CCM7420 (EF) - enterocin-producing and probiotic strain of rabbit origin, Eleutherococcus senticosus extract (ES) and their combination (ES+EF) was determined on selected bacteria in faeces and caecum content, leukocytes phagocytosis, blood biochemistry and growth performance. Ninety-six weaned rabbits were divided into 3 experimental (ES, EF, ES+EF) and control group (CG). The rabbits in the groups ES and EF+ES were fed commercial diet enriched with E. senticosus extract (30 g/100 kg feed), rabbits in groups EF and CG were fed untreated diet. The rabbits in the EF and ES+EF groups were administered with an overnight culture of E. faecium CCM7420 strain (500 μl/animal/day into water, 109 CFU/ml). The treatment period lasted 21 days. The microbiological examinations in faecal samples confirmed the presence of E. faecium CCM7420 strain. In groups EF and ES+EF, the reduction of faecal coliforms, Pseudomonas-like sp., Clostridium-like sp. and S. aureus was recorded. Leucocyte phagocytosis significantly increased in all experimental groups (P<0.0001) compared to CG. The lowest GPx values were measured in the ES+EF group. Higher total protein, triglycerides and calcium concentrations were detected in experimental groups compared to CG. The cholesterol concentration decreased in the ES group. The highest average daily gain was recorded in EF group; in ES+EF the better feed conversion ratio and no mortality was recorded. These results indicated that the dietary supplementation with the E. faecium CCM7420 and E. senticosus extract stimulate the leukocytes phagocytosis and reduces the potential pathogens in rabbits digestive tract without oxidative stress and improve the growth performance.
Immunohistochemical characteristics and distribution of neurons in the intramural ganglia supplying the urinary bladder in the male pig
Authors: Pidsudko Z.
Published: May 2014

This study investigated the distribution and chemical coding of neurons in intramural ganglia of the urinary bladder trigone (UBT-IG) and cervix (UBC-IG) in the male pig using combined retrograde tracing and double-labelling immunohistochemistry. Additionally, immunoblotting was used to confirm the presence of marker enzymes for main populations of autonomic neurons. Retrograde fluorescent tracer Fast Blue (FB) was injected into the wall of both the left and right side of the bladder trigone, cervix and apex during laparotomy performed under thiopental anaesthesia. Twelve μm-thick cryostat sections were processed for double-labelling immunofluorescence with antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), galanin (GAL), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). UBT-IG and UBC-IG neurons in both parts of the organ formed characteristic clusters (from few to tens of neuronal cells) found under visceral peritoneum or in the outer muscular layer. Immunohistochemistry revealed several subpopulations in UBT-IG and UBC-IG neurons, namely noradrenergic (ca. 76% and 76%), cholinergic (ca. 22% and 20%), non-adrenergic/non-cholinergic nerve cells (ca. 1.5% and 3.8%), NPY- (ca. 66% and 58%), SOM- (ca. 39% and 39 %), VIP- (ca. 5% and 0%) and NOS- immunoreactive (IR) (ca. 1.5% and 3.8%), respectively. Immunoblotting using antibodies to TH and VAChT showed the presence of studied proteins as revealed by the presence of protein bands of the correct molecular weight. This study has revealed a relatively large population of differently coded UBT- and UBC- IG neurons, which constitute an important element of the complex neuroendocrine system involved in the regulation of the male urogenital organs function.
Virulence factors and ability of staphylococci from bovine milk and the cowshed environment to biofilm formation
Authors: Kot B. , Binek T. , Piechota M. , Wolska K.M. , Zdunek E. , Płatkowska K.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine virulence factors and the ability of S. aureus and CNS species isolated from milk of cows with mastitis to form biofilm, and to compare them with virulence factors of staphylococci from milk of cows without mastitis and cowshed environment. Most of S. aureus strains from cows with mastitis showed haemolytic activity (93.9%), among them 72.7% and 21.2% produced α- and β-haemolysin, respectively. S. aureus from cows with mastitis symptoms produced proteases (above 48%) and esterase (42.4%). The highly significant relationship between the number of S. xylosus strains producing haemolysins (62%) and the origin of these strains from milk of cows with mastitis was observed. The ability to produce proteases was significantly associated with S. sciuri from milk of cows with mastitis. The ability of biofilm formation by staphylococcal strains from milk of cows with mastitis was greater than in strains from milk of cows without mastitis and the difference was significant (p≤0.05). The highest percentage of strains from milk of cows with mastitis were weak biofilm formers (48.6%), while 40% and 11.4% of strains were moderate and strong biofilm producers, respectively. S. xylosus showed the highest ability to form biofilm, while the lowest ability to form biofilm was observed in S. aureus and S. epidermidis.

In conclusion, production of exotoxins and enzymes, and ability of biofilm formation shown by many CNS isolated from milk of cows with mastitis symptoms indicates that these features are important in pathogenesis of this disease.
Preliminary studies on the reaction of growing geese (Anser anser f. domestica) to the proximity of wind turbines
Authors: Mikołajczak J. , Borowski S. , Marć-Pieńkowska J. , Odrowąż-Sypniewska G. , Bernacki Z. , Siódmiak J. , Szterk P.
Published: May 2014

Wind farms produce electricity without causing air pollution and environmental degradation. Unfortunately, wind turbines are a source of infrasound, which may cause a number of physiological effects, such as an increase in cortisol and catecholamine secretion. The impact of infrasound noise, emitted by wind turbines, on the health of geese and other farm animals has not previously been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of noise, generated by wind turbines, on the stress parameters (cortisol) and the weight gain of geese kept in surrounding areas. The study consisted of 40 individuals of 5- week- old domestic geese Anser anser f domestica, divided into 2 equal groups. The first experimental gaggle (I) remained within 50 m from turbine and the second one (II) within 500 m. During the 12 weeks of the study, noise measurements were also taken. Weight gain and the concentration of cortisol in blood were assessed and significant differences in both cases were found. Geese from gaggle I gained less weight and had a higher concentration of cortisol in blood, compared to individuals from gaggle II. Lower activity and some disturbing changes in behavior of animals from group I were noted. Results of the study suggest a negative effect of the immediate vicinity of a wind turbine on the stress parameters of geese and their productivity.
Prevalence of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeding cows and mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the endometrium of repeat breeding cows with and without subclinical endometritis
Authors: Janowski T. , Barański W. , Łukasik K. , Skarżyński D. , Rudowska M. , Zduńczyk S.
Published: May 2014

Information on the prevalence of subclinical endometritis and its mechanism in repeat breeding cows is very limited. The aims of this study were: a) to evaluate the incidence of this disorder with cytobrush cytology b) to analyze mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in endometrial biopsy samples collected from repeat breeding cows with and without subclinical endometritis.

Two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, 112 (12.4%) repeat breeding cows (inseminated at least 3 times and not pregnant) were selected out of 902 cows from 8 dairy herds. Cytobrush cytology was performed on these cows, using the threshold of 10% PMNs in uterine smears. The results showed that 45 out of the 112 cows (40.2%) were diagnosed as having subclinical endometritis. In experiment 2, uterine biopsy samples were taken from repeat breeding cows with subclinical endometritis (n = 10) and without this disorder (n = 10). Using reverse transcription- PCR, the mRNA expression of TNFα and iNOS was determined. A statistically significant increase in expression of both substances was measured in the group of cows with subclinical endometritis (p < 0.05).

These results provide evidence for a high prevalence of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeding cows as well as the involvement of TNFα and iNOS pathways in the regulation of this pathological condition.
The prevalence of dogs with lymphocyte proliferative responses to food allergens in canine allergic dermatitis
Authors: Kawano K. , Oumi K. , Ashida Y. , Horiuchi Y. , Mizuno T.
Published: May 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine the correlation between the results of lymphocyte proliferative test (LPT) specific to food allergens and allergic skin diseases in dogs. Investigations were performed in 138 dogs with allergic skin diseases diagnosed in a private animal hospital. Of the 138 animals, 97 cases had positive reactions in LPT specific to food allergens. Of these 97 dogs, 67 animals were diagnosed with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), but 30 dogs did not have IgE antibodies to environmental allergens. As 14 dogs out of 30 animals showed a positive result, 12 dogs underwent elimination diet trial based on the test results and all of them showed improvement in the pruritus score. Therefore, we conclude that LPT is an effective diagnostic test for allergic skin disease. Results of the lymphocyte test are useful in the identification of food allergens for the elimination diet trial
Influence of importin α/β and exportin 1 on equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) replication in primary murine neurons
Authors: Słońska A. , Cymerys J. , Skwarska J. , Golke A. , Bańbura M.W.
Published: May 2014

Viruses replicating in the nucleus need to cross the nuclear membrane barrier during infection, therefore disruption of specific nuclear transport pathways is crucial for their replication cycle. In the present study we have investigated the influence of nucleo-cytoplasmic transport inhibitors - ivermectin and leptomycin B, on EHV-1 replication in primary murine neurons. Obtained results suggest that the examined proteins - exportin 1 and importin α/β may participate, but are not required, during EHV-1 infection. Based on these results, it can be assumed that EHV-1 is able to use other receptors for nucleo-cytoplasmic transport.
Therapeutic effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell injection in horses suffering from bone spavin
Authors: Nicpoń J. , Marycz K. , Grzesiak J.
Published: May 2014

In this article we demonstrate the efficiency of autologous transplantations of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for equine bone spavin treatment. Horses qualified to the study were divided into three groups: (i) research - treated with intra-articular injections of autologous stem cells, (ii) comparison treated with steroid drugs and (iii) control - untreated. All animals underwent comprehensive clinical examination before and after treatment. Our research confirms the long-term beneficial influence resulting from stem cell therapy in horse bone spavin treatment, in contrast to routine steroid usage.
Characteristics of Brucella strains isolated from animals in Poland
Authors: Szulowski K. , Iwaniak W. , Weiner M. , Złotnicka J.
Published: May 2014

A total of 42 Brucella strains were isolated from animals in Poland in years 2003-2012. Most of them (N=37) originated from wild animals, 3 from cattle, 1 from pig and 1 from sheep. The strains were characterised using both bacteriological and molecular (Bruce-ladder and MLVA) methods. The examinations revealed that all strains from wild boars, hares, cattle and pigs (N=41) had the same phenotypic characteristics and were classified as B. suis biovar 2. The remaining strain, isolated from sheep, was classified as B. ovis. The molecular examination showed that all B. suis biovar 2 strains, except one, had the same molecular profile as reference strain B. suis bv2 Thomsen. Different from the others strain originated from boars imported to Poland and its VNTR profile was typical for Iberian strains.
Chitosan – a promising biomaterial in veterinary medicine
Authors: Drewnowska O. , Turek B. , Carstanjen B. , Gajewski Z.
Published: May 2014

Biomaterials originate from natural substances and are widely used in medicine. Although they have to satisfy many conditions to be useful for treatment, more and more research is carried out with new types of biomaterials that can help replace various tissues such as tendons and bones. Chitosan is a very promising material, revealing unique features, which makes it useful for veterinary medicine - antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability. It is also known as good scaffold material, especially when combined with other polymers. This article describes chitosan as a biomaterial and tissue engineering scaffold with possible applications in veterinary medicine
Crill: A novel technique to characterize nano-ligno-cellulose
Authors: Osong Sinke H. , Norgren Sven , Engstrand Per , Lundberg Mathias , Hansen Peter
Published: May 2014

The CrillEye is a technique for qualitatively assessing loose slender and fibrillar particles created during pulping. It has also been demonstrated that the crill measurement technique can easily be used to measure the degree of fibrillation of mechanical pulp based nano-ligno-cellulose (NLC). The measurement technique is based on an optical response of a suspension at two wavelengths of light; UV and IR. The UV light contains information on both fibres and crill, while IR only contains information on fibres. The resolution on the CrillEye module is based on optical response of the pulp and on an analogue signal analysis making it concentration independent. Characterization of particlesize distribution of nano-ligno-cellulose is both important and challenging. The objective of the work presented in this paper was to study the crill values of TMP and CTMP based nano-ligno-celluloses as a function of homogenization time. Results showed that the crill value of both TMP-NLC and CTMP-NLC correlated fairly well with the homogenization time.
A comparison of fibre deformations from mill like and laboratory kraft cooking of softwood
Authors: Salmén Lennart , Hornatowska Joanna
Published: May 2014

The fact that industrial pulps have a lower strength than their corresponding laboratory pulps is an unsolved problem affecting in various ways the potential fibre utilisation in different mills. The loss of pulp strength has to a great extent been attributed to changes at the fibre level. In order to clarify in what way changes in fibre properties contribute to the strength losses, cooking experiments were conducted using a laboratory batch digester in which mechanical forces may be introduced. Fibre properties, i.e. fibre structure and fibre strength, of laboratory-made pulps were compared with those of an industrial pulp. It was concluded that two essentially different mechanisms may be identified; one related to the transverse fibre shape, the other to fibre damage. The latter is manifested as lower rewetted zero-span strength which reduces tear resistance and tensile strength of the pulp. The former is a collapse of the fibre, reducing the lumen area and resulting in a pulp with lower water-retaining capacity, given sheets of lower density and a pulp that has to be beaten to a higher degree to reach the desired bonding and the desired tensile strength.
Automated Drop-on-Fiber contact angle measurement using a microrobotic platform
Authors: Saketi Pooya , Hirvonen Juha , Lai Yuli , Ganser Christian , Teichert Christian , Järnström Joakim , Fardim Pedro , Kallio Pasi
Published: May 2014

Measuring contact angles on single fibers enables the separation of structural factors from surface chemistry factors. Current Drop-on-Fiber (DOF) contact angle measurement methods for natural fibers generally, and for pulp/paper fibers specifically, present a number of challenges. These are manipulation and mounting of the microscale fibers, straightening natural fibers to produce repeatable axisymmetric droplet conformation, measuring the droplet volume excluding the fiber volume and also human errors due to manually performed tasks. This paper presents a novel method to measure contact angles in DOF systems and overcome the above mentioned challenges using microrobots. The proposed microrobotic platform is capable of handling natural and synthetic fibrous materials in microscale, and dispensing probe liquid droplets down to 12 nl. It measures contact angle values using computer vision and a droplet-profiledetection algorithm. It reports the contact angle values as a function of volume of the droplet. The paper validates the capabilities of the proposed platform by applying three commonly used probe liquids: deionized water, ethylene glycol and diiodomethane for measuring contact angles on glass and pulp fibers. Finally, the results are compared with a picoliter contact angle measurement approach.
Increase of the filler content in papermaking by using a silica-coated PCC filler
Authors: Lourenço Ana F. , Gamelas José A. F. , Ferreira Paulo J.
Published: May 2014

The increase of filler content in paper without significantly sacrificing the paper mechanical resistances is of high interest for papermakers. In this work, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) modified with silica was used as filler for papermaking. Handsheets based on a eucalyptus kraft pulp furnish with different amounts of the modified filler, ranging from 16 to 40%, were produced. For similar levels of filler content it was found that the strength properties of the handsheets produced with the modified PCC were always significantly better than those obtained with the unmodified PCC. In particular, for handsheets with a filler content of 30%, the tensile index and the Scott bond internal resistance improved by ca. 20% and 39%, respectively. Some decrease of the light scattering and opacity values was noted when using the modified PCC, but the brightness was roughly the same, for each filler level evaluated. The enhanced fibre-tofiller bonding can be due to the hydrogen bonding between the cellulosic fibres and the hydroxyl groups of the silica film coating the calcium carbonate crystals, during the sheet formation. The present results with the new modified PCC provide a possibility to increase the filler amount in the papermaking industry.
Comparing the rheological properties of novel nanofibrillar cellulose-formulated pigment coating colours with those using traditional thickener
Authors: Dimic-Misic Katarina , Salo Tuomo , Paltakari Jouni , Gane Patrick
Published: May 2014

Nanocellulose containing materials, such as micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), are potential additives which could improve strength properties of coated paper and board surfaces and thus substitute natural and synthetic cobinders, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyacrylic thickeners, in pigmented coating formulations. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether MFC/NFC can be used in coating colours as sole co-binder. In this investigation, the change of rheological and dewatering behaviour of coating colours, having a single blend of pigments (ground calcium carbonate and kaolin clay) together with a latex emulsion binder, is studied when CMC is used as sole co-binder and during its partial and finally total replacement with MFC/NFC. The findings suggest that even though all coatings show viscoelasticity, MFC/NFC is seen to relate to the gel-like nature of the nanoparticles in the coating colour whereas the viscoelastic behaviour in the case of CMC is induced by differential flocculation amongst the pigment and latex binder. The flocculation mechanism is predicted to be necessary in order to provide the link between water retention and elastic structure recovery where anti-sagging is a prerequisite, such as in the coating of rough substrates, e.g. for board and packaging.
Adjustable wetting of Liquid Flame Spray (LFS) TiO2-nanoparticle coated board: Batch-type versus roll-to-roll stimulation methods
Authors: Tuominen Mikko , Teisala Hannu , Haapanen Janne , Aromaa Mikko , Mäkelä Jyrki M. , Stepien Milena , Saarinen Jarkko J. , Toivakka Martti , Kuusipalo Jurkka
Published: May 2014

Superhydrophobic nanoparticle coating was created on the surface of board using liquid flame spray (LFS). The LFS coating was carried out continuously in ambient conditions without any additional hydrophobization steps. The contact angle of water (CAW) of ZrO2, Al2O3 and TiO2 coating was adjusted reversibly from >150° down to ~10−20° using different stimulation methods. From industrial point of view, the controlled surface wetting has been in focus for a long time because it defines the liquid-solid contact area, and furthermore can enhance the mechanical and chemical bonding on the interface between the liquid and the solid. The used stimulation methods included batch-type methods: artificial daylight illumination and heat treatment and roll-to-roll methods: corona, argon plasma, IR (infra red)- and UV (ultra violet)-treatments. On the contrary to batch-type methods, the adjustment and switching of wetting was done only in seconds or fraction of seconds using roll-to-roll stimulation methods. This is significant in the converting processes of board since they are usually continuous, high volume operations. In addition, the creation of microfluidic patterns on the surface of TiO2 coated board using simple photomasking and surface stimulation was demonstrated. This provides new advantages and possibilities, especially in the field of intelligent printing. Limited durability and poor repellency against low surface tension liquids are presently the main limitations of LFS coatings.
An evaluation method for print mottle using wavelet denoising and image grey level intensity gradient
Authors: Liu Guodong , Zhang Meiyun , Wang Qian , Chen Yongchang , Lin Xiaolin , Gane Patrick
Published: May 2014

Print mottle is observed as an unevenness of printed tone across an image area. There are many causes of mottle on typical print media, i.e. printing and writing papers, packaging and board, as well as foils and polymer surfaces amongst others, in both applications of traditional printing techniques, such as offset and flexography as well as digital methods, including inkjet and electrophotography. Causes range from inhomogeneous surface chemistry and absorption characteristics to instability factors on the printing press. Since the phenomenon is both physical and aesthetical, providing an evaluation for comparison purposes is challenging, frequently requiring panels of observers to provide a visual ranking. A new evaluation method is proposed using wavelet denoising and grey level gradient analysis of the print image. The index of print mottle is built on the bases of the average of grey level gradient and its distribution standard deviation. The method was tested for print mottle evaluation on paper in specific situations under different image basis functions and decomposition level. The results show that the method is in good agreement with visual assessment, and is also less time consuming both in the process and in statistical analysis, with correlation coefficient (r2) of at least 0.79 and as high as 0.88 with every function basis (level 2 or 3).
Factorial study of connections between process variables and kraft paper quality properties
Authors: Håkansson Mikael , Carlson Johan E.
Published: May 2014

By investigating how properties of a finished paper product are related to different process variables as well as pulp characteristics throughout the fiber line, the understanding of the process will increase. In this paper we investigate the correlation between some key paper quality parameters and five tunable process variables, along the entire fiber production line. A full two-level factorial experiment has been conducted, where five factors were varied. The factor settings were based on a laboratory replica of a specific kraft mill’s paper product. The mill replicate was then used as a center point in the factorial design and appropriate levels of the factors were set based on these center points. Several experimental runs could be simulated via a Monte Carlo approach making it possible to get a reliable estimate of the significance of each factor effect. Analysis of the results shows that there are interaction effects present between variables, and that these interaction effects can be utilized to achieve similar paper properties using different variable settings.
Tear and tensile strength development of PGW and CTMP pulps mixed with PLA or viscose fibres
Authors: Asikainen Jaakko , Korpela Antti
Published: May 2014

The objective was to evaluate the effects on paper properties when replacing a minor share of wood fibre by synthetic fibre. The aim was to increase tear strength and stretch while minimizing the loss of tensile strength in paper consisting of mechanical pulp. Tested synthetic fibres included PLA and viscose fibres mixed with mechanical or chemi-mechanical pulp. Even at relatively low proportions, the synthetic fibres contributed to a significant increase of tear strength in the wood fibre based papers. With the highest tested proportion (20%) the increase of tear index in PGW based stock was 243% with PLA and 177% with viscose fibre. However, a simultaneous decrease in tensile strength and tensile stiffness was observed. The stretch at break remained unchanged. Thickness reduction of the synthetic fibres resulted in an increase of tear strength. The effect is due to the high fibre length of synthetic fibres, producing mechanically well entangled networks, coupled with the high enough strength of the synthetic fibres.
Paper strength improvement by inclusion of nano-lignocellulose to Chemi-thermomechanical pulp
Authors: Osong Sinke H. , Norgren Sven , Engstrand Per
Published: May 2014

So far, chemical pulp fibres have been utilized as conventional stock materials for nanocellulose production. The main aim of this work is to use stock materials from mechanical or chemi-thermomechanical pulping process to produce lignin containing nanofibres, which are referred to as nano-ligno-cellulose (NLC) in this study. The present study shows the influence on handsheets of chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) fibres blended with NLC. For comparison reasons, nanocellulose (NC) from bleached kraft pulp (BKP) was produced in a similar approach as NLC. Both the NLC and the NC were blended with their respective pulp fibres and their corresponding handsheets properties were evaluated with respect to sheet density. It was found that the handsheets of pulp fibres blended with NLC/NC improved the mechanical properties of handsheets with only a slight effect in relation to the sheet density. Improvements in strength properties of handsheets such as z-strength, tensile index, tear index, burst index, Emodulus, strain at break, tensile stiffness, air resistance were observed.
A method for preparing extensible paper on the laboratory scale
Authors: Lahti Jussi , Schmied Franz , Bauer Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

Extensibility is an important property for papers undergoing large deformations in converting or end use application (e.g. industrial bags). Industrially, high extensibility is created by compacting the moist paper web in machine direction (MD) using an extensible unit such as the Clupak or Expanda methods. In this study, a method was developed to produce extensible paper on the laboratory scale. The Clupak unit was simulated using a purpose-built MD compaction apparatus. A paper sheet is placed between two stretched rubbers which are recoiled under perpendicular pressure to create sufficient friction between paper and rubber. The laboratory method for producing extensible paper sufficiently corresponds to the industrial process, i.e. strain increased while tensile stiffness index and tensile index decreased. Increased solids content during rubber recoiling enhanced the sigmoidal shape of the specific stress versus strain curves whereas tensile index remained unchanged. The reproducibility of the method is at a good level and thus the developed method offers a feasible way to study the production of extensible paper on the laboratory scale.
La vallée de la Somme, entre Amiens et Saint-Valéry
Authors: Ters Mireille
Published: May 2014

Résumé. - Déjà esquissée au début du Tertiaire, la vallée de la Somme comporte une gouttière axiale, remblayée au fond par un épais cailloutis würmien et des dépôts fins holocènes. Sur les versants, subsistent des témoins d'au moins sept nappes alluviales, riches en industries préhistoriques. A Longpré-les-Corps-Saints, la basse terrasse rissienne, formée de cailloutis, est recouverte par des dépôts fins (marnes, tufs, argile de marécage) que leur microflore permet d'attribuer à des phases froides de la même glaciation.
L'homme et le milieu en « Grande Savane » vénézuélienne
Authors: Demangeot Jean
Published: May 2014

High Venezuelan Guiana, lying close by the border, has to be populated, and a road crosses it from North to South. But these highlands are the dfainage basin of the Rio Caroni, which waters give electric power to the Ciudad Guayana industrial agglomeration. Therefore it is necessary to protect its environment, savannahs being, here, often anthropical. The C.V.G. (National Corporation of Guiana) takes charge of prohibiting shifting cultivation and teaching Indians in permanent one.
Le haut delta de l'Orénoque, un grenier pour Ciudad Guayana 1-3 décembre 1977
Authors: Revel-Mouroz Jean
Published: May 2014

En el Alto Delta del Orinoco, la agricultura criolla vegetaba sobre los diques de los canos ; desde 1965 la Corporaciôn Venezolana de Guayana ha puesto en marcha un programa para la protecciôn de 300 000 hectareas en contra de las avenidas. Pero transformar el Alto Delta en « granero » para Ciudad Guayana tropieza hoy con dos obstâculos : el deterioro râpido de los suelos fuera de agua, y la dificil integraciôn de campesinos tradicionales a la gran agricultura moderna y a la ganaderia intensiva.