bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Validation of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Virus Proteins for Better Drug Development
Authors: Mundaganore D. S. , Mundagnore Y. D. , Ashokan K. V.
Published: December 2013

MERS Co-virus protein sequence of N, M, E and S-protein was validated by bioinformatics servers and tools. The study revealed that S-protein shows highest percentage of amino acid and the least in M and E-protein. The bit score also shows the same trend but the E-value is maximum in E and M protein. The amino acid composition revealed that N-protein is rich in glycine and M-protein rich in leucin. Pyrrolysine, Selenocysteine and cystein (N-Protein) are absent in all the protein studied an indication of low thermo stability. The physico-chemical study showed that M, N, and E proteins are positively charged due to specific amino acids (Arginin and lysine) and S-protein is negatively charged due to aspartic acid and glutamic acid. EC is maximum in S-protein. Instability Index (II) shows that E and S-proteins are more stable in test tube than other proteins. Further all proteins are hydrophobic with GRAVY below ‘0’. To get clearer picture of the physical and chemical attribute of the protein we generated 3D model and the model was validated and observed that the 3D structure falls in the accepted limits. The practical implication of the study is that the result will assists the pharmacologist and other drug developers and Government bodies to better knowledge on these proteins and develop possible new vaccine against MERS Co-virus.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9184 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 272-278
In memoriam : Frederick Sanger (1918-2013)
Authors: Singh Vivek
Published: December 2013

No abstractDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9313 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 158-161
Breast cancer and circadian disruption from electric lighting in the modern world
Authors: Stevens Richard G. , Brainard George C. , Blask David E. , Lockley Steven W. , Motta Mario E.
Published: December 2013

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, and there is only a limited explanation of why. Risk is highest in the most industrialized countries but also is rising rapidly in the developing world. Known risk factors account for only a portion of the incidence in the high‐risk populations, and there has been considerable speculation and many false leads on other possibly major determinants of risk, such as dietary fat. A hallmark of industrialization is the increasing use of electricity to light the night, both within the home and without. It has only recently become clear that this evolutionarily new and, thereby, unnatural exposure can disrupt human circadian rhythmicity, of which three salient features are melatonin production, sleep, and the circadian clock. A convergence of research in cells, rodents, and humans suggests that the health consequences of circadian disruption may be substantial. An innovative experimental model has shown that light at night markedly increases the growth of human breast cancer xenografts in rats. In humans, the theory that light exposure at night increases breast cancer risk leads to specific predictions that are being tested epidemiologically: evidence has accumulated on risk in shift workers, risk in blind women, and the impact of sleep duration on risk. If electric light at night does explain a portion of the breast cancer burden, then there are practical interventions that can be implemented, including more selective use of light and the adoption of recent advances in lighting technology and application. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:207–218. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
An Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Fluidized Bed Gasification of Solid Waste
Authors: Begum Sharmina , Rasul Mohammad , Akbar Delwar , Cork David
Published: December 2013

Gasification is a thermo-chemical process to convert carbon-based products such as biomass and coal into a gas mixture known as synthetic gas or syngas. Various types of gasification methods exist, and fluidized bed gasification is one of them which is considered more efficient than others as fuel is fluidized in oxygen, steam or air. This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation of fluidized bed gasification of solid waste (SW) (wood). The experimental measurement of syngas composition was done using a pilot scale gasifier. A numerical model was developed using Advanced System for Process ENgineering (Aspen) Plus software. Several Aspen Plus reactor blocks were used along with user defined FORTRAN and Excel code. The model was validated with experimental results. The study found very similar performance between simulation and experimental results, with a maximum variation of 3%. The validated model was used to study the effect of air-fuel and steam-fuel ratio on syngas composition. The model will be useful to predict the various operating parameters of a pilot scale SW gasification plant, such as temperature, pressure, air-fuel ratio and steam-fuel ratio. Therefore, the model can assist researchers, professionals and industries to identify optimized conditions for SW gasification.
Preventive Care Use among the Belgian Elderly Population: Does Socio-Economic Status Matter?
Authors: Hoeck Sarah , Van der Heyden Johan , Geerts Joanna , Van Hal Guido
Published: December 2013

Objective: To analyze the association between influenza and pneumococcus vaccination and blood cholesterol and blood sugar measurement by Belgian elderly respondents (≥65 years) and socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors, health status and socio-economic status (SES). Methods: A cross-sectional study based on 4,544 non-institutionalized elderly participants of the Belgian Health Interview Surveys 2004 and 2008. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to examine the independent effect of socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors, health status and SES on the four preventive services. Results: After adjustment for age, sex, region, survey year, living situation, risk factors (body mass index, smoking status, physical activity) and health status (self-assessed health and longstanding illness) lower educated elderly were significantly less likely to report a blood cholesterol and blood sugar measurement. For instance, elderly participants with no degree or only primary education were less likely to have had a cholesterol and blood sugar measurement compared with those with higher education. Pneumococcus vaccination was not related to educational level, but lower income groups were more likely to have had a pneumococcus immunization. Influenza vaccination was not significantly related to SES. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to promote cholesterol and blood sugar measurement for lower SE groups, and pneumococcus immunization for the entire elderly population. Influenza immunization seems to be equally spread among different SE groups.
Food-Safety Hazards in the Pork Chain in Nagaland, North East India: Implications for Human Health
Authors: Fahrion Anna , Jamir Lanu , Richa Kenivole , Begum Sonuwara , Rutsa Vilatuo , Ao Simon , Padmakumar Varijaksha , Deka Ram , Grace Delia
Published: December 2013

Pork occupies an important place in the diet of the population of Nagaland, one of the North East Indian states. We carried out a pilot study along the pork meat production chain, from live animal to end consumer. The goal was to obtain information about the presence of selected food borne hazards in pork in order to assess the risk deriving from these hazards to the health of the local consumers and make recommendations for improving food safety. A secondary objective was to evaluate the utility of risk-based approaches to food safety in an informal food system. We investigated samples from pigs and pork sourced at slaughter in urban and rural environments, and at retail, to assess a selection of food-borne hazards. In addition, consumer exposure was characterized using information about hygiene and practices related to handling and preparing pork. A qualitative hazard characterization, exposure assessment and hazard characterization for three representative hazards or hazard proxies, namely Enterobacteriaceae, T. solium cysticercosis and antibiotic residues, is presented. Several important potential food-borne pathogens are reported for the first time including Listeria spp. and Brucella suis. This descriptive pilot study is the first risk-based assessment of food safety in Nagaland. We also characterise possible interventions to be addressed by policy makers, and supply data to inform future risk assessments.
A Novel Thylakoid Ascorbate Peroxidase from Jatrophacurcas Enhances Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Liu Zhibin , Bao Han , Cai Jin , Han Jun , Zhou Lirong
Published: December 2013

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) plays an important role in the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide in higher plants. In the present study, a novel APX gene (JctAPX) was cloned from Jatropha curcas L. The deduced amino acid sequence was similar to that of APX of some other plant species. JctAPX has a chloroplast transit peptide and was localized to the chloroplasts by analysis with a JctAPX-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that JctAPX was constitutively expressed in different tissues from J. curcas and was upregulated by NaCl stress. To characterize its function in salt tolerance, the construct p35S: JctAPX was created and successfully introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Compared with wild type (WT), the transgenic plants exhibited no morphological abnormalities in the no-stress condition. However, under 200 mM NaCl treatment, JctAPX over-expressing plants showed increased tolerance to salt during seedling establishment and growth. In addition, the transgenic lines showed higher chlorophyll content and APX activity, which resulted in lower H2O2 content than WT when subjected to 400 mM NaCl stress. These results suggest that the increased APX activity in the chloroplasts from transformed plants increased salt tolerance by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging capacity under short-term NaCl stress conditions.
Climate-Driven Reshuffling of Species and Genes: Potential Conservation Roles for Species Translocations and Recombinant Hybrid Genotypes
Authors: Scriber Jon
Published: December 2013

Comprising 50%–75% of the world’s fauna, insects are a prominent part of biodiversity in communities and ecosystems globally. Biodiversity across all levels of biological classifications is fundamentally based on genetic diversity. However, the integration of genomics and phylogenetics into conservation management may not be as rapid as climate change. The genetics of hybrid introgression as a source of novel variation for ecological divergence and evolutionary speciation (and resilience) may generate adaptive potential and diversity fast enough to respond to locally-altered environmental conditions. Major plant and herbivore hybrid zones with associated communities deserve conservation consideration. This review addresses functional genetics across multi-trophic-level interactions including “invasive species” in various ecosystems as they may become disrupted in different ways by rapid climate change. “Invasive genes” (into new species and populations) need to be recognized for their positive creative potential and addressed in conservation programs. “Genetic rescue” via hybrid translocations may provide needed adaptive flexibility for rapid adaptation to environmental change. While concerns persist for some conservationists, this review emphasizes the positive aspects of hybrids and hybridization. Specific implications of natural genetic introgression are addressed with a few examples from butterflies, including transgressive phenotypes and climate-driven homoploid recombinant hybrid speciation. Some specific examples illustrate these points using the swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae) with their long-term historical data base (phylogeographical diversity changes) and recent (3-decade) climate-driven temporal and genetic divergence in recombinant homoploid hybrids and relatively recent hybrid speciation of Papilio appalachiensis in North America. Climate-induced “reshuffling” (recombinations) of species composition, genotypes, and genomes may become increasingly ecologically and evolutionarily predictable, but future conservation management programs are more likely to remain constrained by human behavior than by lack of academic knowledge.
Recent Syntheses of 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinolines, 2,3-Dihydro-4(1H)-quinolinones and 4(1H)-Quinolinones using Domino Reactions
Authors: Nammalwar Baskar , Bunce Richard
Published: December 2013

A review of the recent literature is given focusing on synthetic approaches to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines, 2,3-dihydro-4(1H)-quinolinones and 4(1H)-quinolinones using domino reactions. These syntheses involve: (1) reduction or oxidation followed by cyclization; (2) SNAr-terminated sequences; (3) acid-catalyzed ring closures or rearrangements; (4) high temperature cyclizations and (5) metal-promoted processes as well as several less thoroughly studied reactions. Each domino method is presented with a brief discussion of mechanism, scope, yields, simplicity and potential utility.
Unfolding Studies of the Cysteine Protease Baupain, a Papain-Like Enzyme from Leaves of Bauhinia forficata: Effect of pH, Guanidine Hydrochloride and Temperature
Authors: Silva-Lucca Rosemeire , Andrade Sheila , Ferreira Rodrigo , Sampaio Misako , Oliva Maria Luiza
Published: December 2013

Baupain belongs to the α+β class of proteins with a secondary structure-content of 44% α-helix, 16% β-sheet and 12% β-turn. The structural transition induced by pH was found to be noncooperative, with no important differences observed in the pH range from 3.0 to 10.5. At pH 2.0 the protein presented substantial non-native structure with strong ANS binding. Guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl)-induced unfolding did not change the protein structure significantly until 4.0 M, indicating the high rigidity of the molecule. The unfolding was cooperative, as seen by the sigmoidal transition curves with midpoints at 4.7 ± 0.2 M and 5.0 ± 0.2 M GdnHCl, as measured by CD and fluorescence spectroscopy. A red shift of 7 nm in intrinsic fluorescence was observed with 6.0 M GdnHCl. Temperature-induced unfolding of baupain was incomplete, and at least 35% of the native structure of the protein was retained, even at high temperature (90 °C). Baupain showed characteristics of a molten globule state, due to preferential ANS binding at pH 2.0 in comparison to the native form (pH 7.0) and completely unfolded (6.0 M GdnHCl) state. Combined with information about N-terminal sequence similarity, these results allow us to include baupain in the papain superfamily.
Varieties of Quest and the Religious Openness Hypothesis within Religious Fundamentalist and Biblical Foundationalist Ideological Surrounds
Authors: Watson P. , Chen Zhuo , Morris Ronald
Published: December 2013

According to the Religious Openness Hypothesis, the religious and psychological openness of American Christians is obscured by a defensive ghettoization of thought associated with a Religious Fundamentalist Ideological Surround and can be discovered instead within a Biblical Foundationalist Ideological Surround. A test of this claim examined Religious Fundamentalism, Biblical Foundationalism, Quest, and Multidimensional Quest Scales in 432 undergraduates. Christian Religious Reflection, Religious Schema, and Religious Orientation measures clarified these two ideological surrounds. Partial correlations controlling for Biblical Foundationalism described a Religious Fundamentalist Ideological Surround that more strongly rejected Quest and that more generally displayed a failure to integrate faith with intellect. Partial correlations controlling for Religious Fundamentalism revealed a Biblical Foundationalist Ideological Surround that was more open to Quest and that offered numerous demonstrations of an ability to unite faith with intellect. These data supplemented previous investigations in demonstrating that Christianity and other traditional religions have ideological resources for promoting a faithful intellect.
Bio-Mimic Optimization Strategies in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey
Authors: Adnan Md. , Razzaque Mohammd , Ahmed Ishtiaque , Isnin Ismail
Published: December 2013

For the past 20 years, many authors have focused their investigations on wireless sensor networks. Various issues related to wireless sensor networks such as energy minimization (optimization), compression schemes, self-organizing network algorithms, routing protocols, quality of service management, security, energy harvesting, etc., have been extensively explored. The three most important issues among these are energy efficiency, quality of service and security management. To get the best possible results in one or more of these issues in wireless sensor networks optimization is necessary. Furthermore, in number of applications (e.g., body area sensor networks, vehicular ad hoc networks) these issues might conflict and require a trade-off amongst them. Due to the high energy consumption and data processing requirements, the use of classical algorithms has historically been disregarded. In this context contemporary researchers started using bio-mimetic strategy-based optimization techniques in the field of wireless sensor networks. These techniques are diverse and involve many different optimization algorithms. As far as we know, most existing works tend to focus only on optimization of one specific issue of the three mentioned above. It is high time that these individual efforts are put into perspective and a more holistic view is taken. In this paper we take a step in that direction by presenting a survey of the literature in the area of wireless sensor network optimization concentrating especially on the three most widely used bio-mimetic algorithms, namely, particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization and genetic algorithm. In addition, to stimulate new research and development interests in this field, open research issues, challenges and future research directions are highlighted.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF THE FIRM AND THEIRS DETERMINANTS OF EUROPEAN TRANSITION ECONOMICS
Authors: Moreno Justo de Jorge , Castillo Leopoldo Laborda
Published: December 2013

In this study we evaluate the efficiency of the firms with DEA technique and bootstrapping procedure in eleven transition economics among sixth industrial and service sectors in a cross-section 2005. At the second stage, we study the relationship between corrected efficiency scores and possible explanatory variables. On one hand, our result shows statistically significant differences in efficiency levels across countries and sectors. Likewise, significant levels of inefficiency are identified especially in service sectors (Hotels and Restaurants, Retail and Wholesale and Transport). On the others hand, the results of the analysis in second stage confirmed the existence of a significant relationship between the country that firms operate (country-effect) and firm′s age (learning by doing). The latter relationship between age and efficiency has different behaviors according to the sector concerned, in the form of U shape in the Hotels and Restaurants, inverted U shape in Metal and Machinery and Wood and Furniture and linear in the Retail and Wholesale sector. Contrary perhaps to expectations, the results also allow us to conclude that there is no important statistically significant relationship between the efficiency and variables related to the strategies implemented by firms and the control of the property.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATIONS AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY YOUTH IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Almobaireek Wafa N. , Manolova Tatiana S.
Published: December 2013

To successfully target potential women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, a better understanding of their entrepreneurial motivations is needed. In this study, we used economic, human development, and social learning perspectives to explore the entrepreneurial motivations among female university youth in Saudi Arabia and formulated three hypotheses on the gender differences in these motivations. We conducted a survey among undergraduate students at King Saud University in Spring'2010 (n = 856) and tested our hypotheses using analysis of variance (chi-square tests and t-tests). Consistent with research on female entrepreneurs around the world, our results indicate that female university youth in Saudi Arabia are more likely than men to start an entrepreneurial venture out of necessity, whereas men are more likely to have a financial success motivation. At the same time, and in contrast to findings from studies on entrepreneurial motivations in the context of Western Europe and the USA, young Saudi university women report a narrower range of entrepreneurial motivations, compared to men. The implications of this exploratory study point to the need for initiatives specifically focused at young women in order to increase their confidence that entrepreneurship is a viable route to accomplish a broad range of career reasons.
DOES CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AFFECT THE PARTICIPATION OF MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE?
Authors: Kong Dongmin
Published: December 2013

Using a unique minority shareholders voting dataset, we aim to shed light on several important issues on corporate governance and investor protection. Specifically, we first examine the effects of social responsibility (CSR) on minority shareholder participation (MSP). Then, we investigate whether the mounting attention to CSR due to certain events has marginal effects on MSP, and whether CSR and MSP affect firms’ market performances. Collectively, we find that: 1) firms’ CSR levels significantly affect MSP and can substitute the governance role of minority shareholders to some extent; 2) exogenous shocks related to CSR can significantly affect MSP; and 3) firms with higher CSR level and lower MSP enjoy higher market value improvements. In addition, we find limited evidence that institutional investors may face conflict-of-interest pressures and vote against individual investors. Our results are robust to alternative specifications and offer significant policy implications.
MULTIPLE-UNIT FRANCHISING AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
Authors: Bodey Kelli , Weaven Scott , Grace Debra
Published: December 2013

The economic and social contribution of franchising is widely reported. Although, most studies have examined franchising from the single-unit typology, multiple-unit franchising is found to be a popular and pervasive retailing strategy throughout the world. Despite this, there is a paucity of prior research examining the factors influencing the achievement of the four franchising imperatives. This represents an important gapin the organizational choice literature. Therefore, this study empirically examines the impact of the four franchising imperatives (i.e. unit growth, system uniformity, local responsiveness and system wide adaptation) (Bradach 1995) upon franchise system operational performance across the four key governance structures (i.e. master franchising, area development franchising, area representative franchising and incremental franchising). Based on a sample of 347 Australian franchisors, the findings indicate that there are significant differences in the way in which three of the four imperatives (i.e. unit growth, system uniformity and system-wide adaptation) impact on performance across different governance structures. Practical and managerial implications and future research direction are discussed.
THE BEHAVIOR OF EXTERNAL DEBT IN ASIAN COUNTRIES: EVIDENCE BASED ON PANEL UNIT ROOT TESTS
Authors: Lau Evan , Baharumshah Ahmad Zubaidi , Soon Siew-Voon
Published: December 2013

This article investigates the mean-reverting behavior of the external debt ratio based on a clustered of 19 Asian countries from 1981 to 2010. For this purpose, we use a government's intertemporal budget constraint (GIBC) model popularized by Hamilton and Flavin (1986). Our conclusions were drawn from panel data based tests, including the newly developed test that accounts for both cross-sectional dependency and structural breaks. Two major findings are noteworthy; first majority debt ratios in the Asian countries are affected by structural breaks. Second, we find unit root tests that do not accommodate breaks are less likely to detect mean reversion in the debt ratios. In all, our results indicate debt sustainability is a general characteristic of all the Asian countries.
MEAN-DRAWDOWN RISK BEHAVIOR: DRAWDOWN RISK AND CAPITAL ASSET PRICING
Authors: Baghdadabad Mohammad Reza Tavakoli , Nor Fauzias Mat , Ibrahim Izani
Published: December 2013

We develop an alternative approach based on mean-drawdown risk behavior versus the mean-variance behavior. We develop two risk measures as the maximum draw down risk and average drawdown risk to estimate two new betas and then propose two CAPM-like models. The data includes a comprehensive universe of more than 11,000 US equity-based mutual funds from first month of 2000 to third month of 2011.

The evidence clearly shows superiority of the maximum and average drawdown betas and their pricing models, the maximum drawdown CAPM and the average drawdown CAPM, over the traditional beta and CAPM, respectively.
A FRAMEWORK FOR COMMINUTION CIRCUITS DESIGN EVALUATION USING GREY COMPROMISE PROGRAMMING
Authors: Stanujkic Dragisa , Stojanovic Sanja , Jovanovic Rodoljub , Magdalinovic Nedeljko
Published: December 2013

Comminution process, particularly grinding, is very important in the mineral processing industry. Some characteristics of ore particles, which occur as a product of grinding process, have a significant impact on the effects of further ore processing. At the same time, this process requires a significant amount of energy and also significantly affects the overall processing costs. Therefore, in this paper, we propose new multiple criteria decision making model based on grey compromise programming for adequate comminution circuit design selection. Although it is based on a simple procedure, we consider that the proposed model is efficient and flexible, and that it also represents the basis for forming more sophisticated models for comminution circuit design selection, as in addition, many other decision making problems in business environment, which is characterized by predictions and uncertainty.
HEAT AND EROSION-RESISTANT NANOSTRUCTURED COATINGS FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES
Authors: Urbahs Aleksandrs , Savkovs Konstantins , Urbaha Margarita , Carjova Kristine
Published: December 2013

This work analyses the characteristics of functional coatings obtained by vacuum ion-plasma sputtering. These coatings have three-layer multiphase structure created as a result of condensing aluminium and titanium according to a certain programme. The article presents the results of investigation into the heat-resistance of ion-plasma coatings based on Ti-Al-N for titanium alloy parts of gas turbine engines. Analysis of the oxidation process between a sample surface and coatings within the range of 500–825 °C was carried out. The basic features of the process of coating destruction under high-temperature oxidation conditions were determined by means of scanning electron microscopy. The results of the tests made it possible to state that the coatings developed are able to operate at temperatures of 600–750 °C.
INFORMATION VALUE OF PATENT LITIGATION AND INDUSTRY COMPETITION IN TAIWAN
Authors: Lee Jun-De , Wang Yi-Hsien , Lin Ching-Wen , Lin Hsin-Ham
Published: December 2013

Internationally, news on patent infringement is often seen, and patent infringement law-suits affect stock prices. However, fewer studies have discussed how market reflects corporate value and impact of patent infringement lawsuit on investment returns when a patent infringement lawsuit occurs and the news is released. This study applied event study to discuss changes in information value of plaintiffs and defendants, and information value difference of different patent lawsuit sources in competitive environment. The empirical results showed that patent infringement lawsuits may cause negative perception of investors or insider shareholders. This event may become an arbitrage opportunity. Through five forces analysis, the lawsuits from various sources are bad news. Reverse correction is conducted after the event, and makes stock price rational. Thus, in Taiwan market, patent infringement lawsuit is negative news for plaintiff and defendant.
Multiculturalism and Internationalization of Romanian Universities
Authors: Agoston Simona , Lasch Katja
Published: December 2013

The chapter discusses the internationalization process of Romanian universities against a background of increasing multiculturalism. The authors collect and analyze data related to the flows of international students and staff in Romanian universities, as well as measures taken to promote student and staff circulation and to attract candidates from abroad. The conclusions of the study point to the fact that not only do Romanian universities do too little to become attractive to foreign students but due to a chronic lack of accurate data they also do not really know where they stand as to be able to improve. The present research attempted, thus, to advance knowledge about the status quo and to promote strategies for improvement.
Resource Acquisition from Set-Top-Boxes for Service Provision
Authors: So Chi-ho Joseph , Wong Po-choi
Published: December 2013

Resource Acquisition service is a network-based service that acquires sufficient resources to satisfy the application requirement. Set-top-boxes (STB) are good sources of resource providers delivering this type of service collaboratively. Unfortunately, the accessibility of STBs is controlled by end-node users. It leads to uncertainty of the amount of resource available to the service operators. As an incentive, STB holders acting as resource provider can be remunerated for sharing the resources. Resource acquisition schemes can explore the available resources and provide the upper layer applications with sufficient resources to satisfy the requirements in service level agreement. A remuneration model is developed to reflect the rational decision of resource providers. The authors investigate the resource acquisition scheme under various load distribution and topologies of peer neighbourhood and find that cost-aware Requisition Algorithm can improve the service quality requirement fulfilment in a low cost.
STAT5-Induced Lunatic Fringe during Th2 Development Alters Delta-like 4–Mediated Th2 Cytokine Production in Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Exacerbated Airway Allergic Disease
Authors: Mukherjee Sumanta , Rasky Andrew J. , Lundy Phil A. , Kittan Nicolai A. , Kunkel Steven L. , Maillard Ivan P. , Kowalski Paul E. , Kousis Philaretos C. , Guidos Cynthia J. , Lukacs Nicholas W.
Published: December 2013

Notch activation plays an important role in T cell development and mature T cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of Notch activation in a mouse model of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–exacerbated allergic airway disease. During RSV exacerbation, in vivo neutralization of a specific Notch ligand, Delta-like ligand (Dll)-4, significantly decreased airway hyperreactivity, mucus production, and Th2 cytokines. Lunatic Fringe (Lfng), a glycosyltransferase that enhances Notch activation by Dll4, was increased during RSV exacerbation. Lfng loss of function in Th2-skewed cells inhibited Dll4-Notch activation and subsequent IL-4 production. Further knockdown of Lfng in T cells in CD4Cre+Lfngfl/fl mice showed reduced Th2 response and disease pathology during RSV exacerbation. Finally, we identified STAT5-binding cis-acting regulatory element activation as a critical driver of Lfng transcriptional activation. These data demonstrate that STAT5-dependent amplification of Notch-modifying Lfng augments Th2 response via Dll4 and is critical for amplifying viral exacerbation during allergic airway disease.
Bach2 Regulates Homeostasis of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and Protects against Fatal Lung Disease in Mice
Authors: Kim Eui Ho , Gasper David J. , Lee Song Hee , Plisch Erin Hemmila , Svaren John , Suresh M.
Published: December 2013

Variants of the Bach2 gene are linked to vitiligo, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes, but the underlying immunological mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that Bach2 plays crucial roles in maintaining T cell quiescence and governing the differentiation, activation, and survival of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Bach2-deficient T cells display spontaneous activation and produce elevated levels of Th1/Th2-type cytokines. Without Bach2, Treg cells exhibit diminished Foxp3 expression, depleted numbers, hyperactivation, enhanced proliferation, and profound loss of competitive fitness in vivo. Mechanistically, reduced survival of Bach2-deficient Treg cells was associated with reduced Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 levels and elevated Bim/Bcl-2 ratio. Additionally, Bach2 deficiency induced selective loss of Helios−Foxp3+ Treg cells and a Treg cell transcriptome skewed toward the Th1/Th2 effector program at the expense of the Treg program. In vitro experiments confirmed that Bach2: 1) is indispensable for TCR/TGF-β–induced Foxp3 expression; and 2) mitigates aberrant differentiation of Treg cells by repression of the competing Gata3-driven Th2 effector program. Importantly, perturbations in the differentiation of induced Treg cells was linked to a fatal Th2-type chronic inflammatory lung disease in Bach2-deficient mice. Thus, Bach2 enforces T cell quiescence, promotes the development and survival of Treg lineage, restrains aberrant differentiation of Treg cells, and protects against immune-mediated diseases.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Rare Systemic Diseases
Authors: D’Andrea Antonello , Fontana Marianna , Cocchia Rosangela , Calabrò Raffaele , Russo Maria Giovanna , Moon James C.
Published: December 2013

The heart may be involved in a number of systemic syndromes. The pericardium, myocardium, heart valves, and coronary arteries may be involved either singly or in various combinations. In most cases the cardiac manifestations are not the dominant feature, but in some it is the primary determinant of symptoms and survival. Both the early identification of cardiac involvement and the etiology underneath is of paramount importance, as some causes require specific treatment and may be correctable. In this respect non-invasive imaging plays a central role especially in the context of rare cardiac disease, where specific imaging features can help to make the appropriate diagnosis on a substantial proportion of them, enabling the physician to choose the best management strategy tailored to the disease. Whereas echocardiography is the firstline investigation for detecting a cardiac involvement in systemic disease, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides additional incremental data allowing in addition to a detailed examination of cardiac structure and function also the tissue characterization. The aim of this review is therefore to delineate the role of CMR in detecting cardiac involvement in patients with rare systemic diseases and delineate the specific imaging features of the different etiologies.
Fertilizer Adoption and Use Intensity Among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana: A Case Study of the AGRA Soil Health Project
Authors: Martey Edward , Wiredu Alexander Nimo , Etwire Prince M. , Fosu Mathias , Buah S. S. J. , Bidzakin John , Ahiabor Benjamin D. K. , Kusi Francis
Published: December 2013

Northern Ghana is characterized by food insecurity largely due to over reliance on rain-fed agriculture under low farm input conditions. The present study investigated the effect of factors influencing mineral fertilizer adoption and use intensity among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana. A total of 330 smallholder farmers selected through multi-stage sampling technique were interviewed. Adoption of fertilizer technology was determined by age, nativity, farm size, access to credit, and distance to agricultural office. The result of the truncated regression estimates indicated that income of household head, membership of farmer association, distance to agricultural office, access to input shop, income earning household that do not participate in agricultural development project and income earning male headed household were the significant factors influencing fertilizer use intensity. Distance to agricultural office was a key positive determinant of fertilizer adoption and use intensity. The study recommends improvement in road infrastructure and technical training of agricultural extension agents. Farmer based organization must be trained on regular basis to enhance their productive skills and technology uptake.
Studies on ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete in pine forest on the Lithuania-Poland transboundary region
Authors: Stankovičienė Danutė , Kaspravičius Jonas
Published: December 2013

The diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi and sporocarps abundance were investigated in 2003-2005 at nine permanent study plots in a 50-year-old pine forest. Diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi consisted of 53 taxa and the majority of them belonged to the genera Cortinarius, Russula, Amanita and Tricholoma. The most frequent species, whose fruit bodies were found in each study plot, were C. cibarius, L. necator L. rufus, P. involutus, R. aeruginea, T. saponaceum and the most abundant species which made the main part of total sporocarp yield were C. cibarius and P. involutus. The lowest species richness of ectomycorrhizal fungi was in study plots with the densest cover of grasses. Maximum of species over the fruiting period was characteristic for October and for September. It was noticed that some species virtually never occurred together at the same plot (eg. C. cibarius and H. aurantiaca), meanwhile others occurred together quite frequently (eg. H.aurantiaca and X. badius).
Gloiodon strigosus (Swartz: Fr.) P. Karst. (Bondarzewiaceae) in Poland
Authors: Bujakiewicz Anna
Published: December 2013

Gloiodon strigosus (Swartz: Fr.) P. Karst. recognized as an extinct species in Poland, has been recently found in the Białowieża National Park. Iconography and synonyms are given and the distribution and ecology is discussed.
Rare and interesting species of Psathyrella found in the Tatra National Park
Authors: Ronikier Anna
Published: December 2013

Three species of the genus Psathyrella are described and illustrated in the paper. One of them: P. hydrophiloides is new to Poland, while two others: P. conopilus and P. murcida are new to the Polish Carpathians.
A characteristic of mycelium biomass of edible boletus
Authors: Woźniak Wanda
Published: December 2013

The paper presents the results of studies on the production and quality assessment of mycelia of three varieties of King Bolete: Boletus edulis var. pinicolus Vitt., Boletus edulis var. piceicolus Vasilkov and Boletus edulis var. reticulatus (Schaff ex. Boud) Bat. In the biomass of mycelium for food the following physicochemical parameters were determined: contents of dry matter, soluble protein – albumins, globulins and prolamins, the rehydratation rate, and sensory and microbial quality was assessed.
Clitocybe splendoides H. E. Bigelow (Agaricales, Tricholomataceae), a new species for Poland
Authors: Komorowska Hanna
Published: December 2013

Records of Clitocybe splendoides H. E. Bigelow, a rare fungus belonging to the species group of the C. gibba type, associated with deciduous forests, especially beech forests, collected at three localities in Poland are described.
New record of Phytophthora root and stem rot of Lavandula angustifolia
Authors: Orlikowski Leszek B. , Valjuskate Alma
Published: December 2013

Phytophthora cinnamomi was isolated from rotted root and stem parts of lavender as well as from soil taken from containers with diseased plants. Additionally Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium spp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were often isolated from diseased tissues. P. cinnamomi colonised leaves and stem parts of 4 lavender species in laboratory trials and caused stem rot of plants in greenhouse experiments. Cardinal temperature for in vitro growth were about 7,5 and 32°C with optimum 25-27,5°C. The species colonised stem tissues at temperature ranged from 10° to 32°C.
Genetic diversity of Heterobasidion spp. in Scots pine, Norway spruce and European silver fir stands
Authors: Łakomy Piotr , Broda Zbigniew , Werner Antoni
Published: December 2013

Investigations of genetic diversity of Heterobasidion spp. in Scots pine, Norway spruce and European silver fir stands indicated that almost all of identified genets occurring in those stands were small and occupied only a single stump. In some cases two, three or even four genets could effectively exist in an individual stump. Genetic similarity of H. annosum s.s. genets varied from 0% to 62%, H. parviporum from 0% to 38% and H. abietinum from 0% to 55%. The oldest and biggest genet was found in laying fir log and overgrew the wood for at least 14 years. This genet belonged to H. abietinum. The size of genets was related to thinning operation, spore dispersal, age of stand or competition in wood colonization.
The occurrence of, and economic losses caused by Armillaria in the Western Carpathian Mts
Authors: Kaliszewski Adam , Lech Paweł , Oszako Tomasz
Published: December 2013

An investigation carried out in the Western Carpathian Mountains (Ujsoły, Węgierska Górka, Ustroń and Wisła Forest Districts) demonstrated a strong relationship between dieback in Norway spruce stands and the intensity of occurrence of Armillaria ostoyae. For the most endangered site types – mountain deciduous forest (LG) and mountain mixed forest (LMG), analyses of losses of annual volume increment and of stand productivity were performed, and their financial dimensions determined. The greatest losses – of about 8 m3/ha/year for tree stands of the age of 100 years, and 400 m3/ha for the rotation period – were found for LG (Mountain broadleaved forest) site type.
Fungi isolated in school buildings
Authors: Ejdys Elżbieta
Published: December 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of fungi occurring on wall surfaces and in the air in school buildings. Fungi isolated from the air using the sedimentation method and from the walls using the surface swab technique constituted the study material. Types of finish materials on wall surfaces were identified and used in the analysis. Samples were collected in selected areas in two schools: classrooms, corridors, men's toilets and women's toilets, cloakrooms, sports changing rooms and shower. Examinations were conducted in May 2005 after the heating season was over. Fungi were incubated on Czapek-Dox medium at three parallel temperatures: 25, 37 and 40°C, for at least three weeks. A total of 379 isolates of fungi belonging to 32 genera of moulds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi were obtained from 321 samples in the school environment. The following genera were isolated most frequently: Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium. Of the 72 determined species, Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum occurred most frequently in the school buildings. Wall surfaces were characterised by an increased prevalence of mycobiota in comparison with the air in the buildings, with a slightly greater species diversity. A certain species specificity for rough and smooth wall surfaces was demonstrated. Fungi of the genera Cladosporium and Emericella with large spores adhered better to smooth surfaces while those of the genus Aspergillus with smaller conidia adhered better to rough surfaces. The application of three incubation temperatures helped provide a fuller picture of the mycobiota in the school environment.
Impact of selected antagonistic fungi on Fusarium species – toxigenic cereal pathogens
Authors: Popiel Delfina , Kwaśny Hanna , Chełkowski Jerzy , Stępień Łukasz , Laskowska Magdalena
Published: December 2013

Fusarium-ear blight is a destructive disease in various cereal-growing regions and leads to significant yield and quality losses for farmers and to contamination of cereal grains with mycotoxins, mainly deoxynivalenol and derivatives, zearalenone and moniliformin. Fusarium pathogens grow well and produce significant inoculum on crop resiudues. Reduction of mycotoxins production and pathogen sporulation may be influenced by saprophytic fungi, exhibiting antagonistic effect. Dual culture bioassays were used to examine the impact of 92 isolates (belonging to 29 fungal species) against three toxigenic species, i.e. Fusarium avenaceum (Corda) Saccardo, F. culmorum (W.G.Smith) Saccardo and F. graminearum Schwabe. Both F.culmorum and F. graminearum isolates produce trichothecene mycotoxins and mycohormone zearalenone and are considered to be the most important cereal pathogens worldwide. Infection with those pathogens leads to accumulation of mycotoxins: deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) in grains. Fusarium avenaceum isolates are producers of moniliformin (MON) and enniatins. Isolates of Trichoderma sp. were found to be the most effective ones to control the growth of examined Fusarium species. The response of Fusarium isolates to antagonistic activity of Trichoderma isolates varied and also the isolates of Trichoderma differed in their antagonistic activity against Fusarium isolates. The production of MON by two isolates of F. avenaceum in dual culture on rice was reduced by 95% to 100% by T. atroviride isolate AN 35. The same antagonist reduced the amount of moniliformin from 100 μg/g to 6.5 μg/g when inoculated to rice culture contaminated with MON, which suggests the possible decomposition of this mycotoxin.
Influence of osmotic pressure on the growth of three species of the genus Zoophthora
Authors: Piątkowski Jerzy , Kliczkowska Ewa
Published: December 2013

Strains accomodated in the genus Zoophthora are very sensitive to osmotic value of their habitat. Hipertonical molarity of buffers and NaCl decreases the growth, but this effect strongly depends on the species tested and on the kind of buffer. In 0.66% phtalan buffer the growth of Z. lanceolata is completely stopped whereas Z. psyllae and Z. aphrophora is inhibited only in 50% comparing to the control.
New records of Erysiphales and Uredinales from Poland
Authors: Wołczańska Agata
Published: December 2013

Puccinia mei-mamillata Semad. was found for the first time in Poland on Angelica sylvestris L., Neoerysiphe galeopsidis (DC.) U. Braun on Melittis melisophyllum L. and Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & N. Shishkoff on Physalis alkekengi L. The new collections are described, illustrated and discussed herein. The key to the aecial state of rust fungi on Angelica in Poland is provided. Another four species are known from few localities on their hosts in Poland.
Fungi occurrence on seeds of field pea
Authors: Marcinkowska Joanna
Published: December 2013

Seeds of four edible cultivars of Pisum sativum and three fodder harvested in 2004-2006 from eight localities, scattered in all region suitable for pea production in Poland, were evaluated for fungi occurrence on CN agar medium in Petri plates. The highest number (27) of species was isolated in 2004, while the lowest (16) in 2006. Number of fungi inhabiting seeds was influenced mainly by environmental conditions of locality and years. Alternaria alternata dominated in each sample of 450 seeds. Species of Penicillium contaminated seeds as the next and infection by Stemphylium botryosum was at similar level. Fusarium poae was the most often occurring species of this genera. Pea specific pathogens: Mycosphaerella pinodes, Phoma pinodella and Ascochyta pisi infected more seeds in 2004 and 2005 than 2006, and at the last season only A. pisi was noted. In general, level of infection by those pathogens was low, reaching on an average only 2.56%, with the highest for A. pisi, and the lowest for M. pinodes.