bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic parameters and diversity studies of yield and yield contributing characters in Brassica genotypes
Authors: Aktar Taslima , Nuruzzaman Md , Rana Md Shoheh , Huda Md Monjurul , Hossain Md Amir , Hassan Lutful
Published: October 2019

The potential of a crop to favorably respond to breeding programs depends on its existing nature and magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. An experiment was conducted with eighteen Brassica genotypes following Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the field of the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh to estimate genetic divergence, variability ranges and contribution of each trait towards genetic diversity. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the genotypes for all the studied yield and yield contributing characters. The phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters measured, indicated that the traits were influenced by environment. All traits showed high heritability (61.54% to 98.64%) which indicated possible improvement through selection. High heritability values (>60%) along with high genetic advance and genetic advance in percentage of mean indicated prevalence of additive gene action, which provides good scope for further improvement by selection. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters, most of the genotypes were grouped into Custer I (8 genotypes), while cluster IV contained only one genotype. Considering the mean value, the cluster IV and Cluster II were ranked as the top groups in terms of yield and early maturity. High Heritability with high genetic advance in percentage of mean was observed for number of branches/plant, number of pod/plant, number of seeds/pod and yield/plant and selection focused   on these traits could be useful for future breeding program of Brassica. The genotype BD-7114 was the best performer considering all the studied traits especially yield and days to maturity which could be used as an important breeding material for the improvement of Brassica.
J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 295–300, 2019
Ethnobotanical uses of plants by Brangkuah Community of Moyo Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: - Trimanto , Danarto Setyawan Agung , Ashrafuzzaman M
Published: October 2019

An ethnobotanical study at Moyo Island, West Nusa Tenggara was carried out to record the traditional knowledge and utilization of plant species there. It is expected that traditional knowledge can play a role in natural resource management systems which can be used in conservation programs. This research was conducted with field observational methods in the Moyo forest and interviews with local people that have knowledge about utilization of plants. There are about 48 species of plants which are utilized by the Brangkuah Community in  Moyo Island. Most of them are collected from the forest and 21% (10 species) are cultivated. Local people also use plants for medicine 41% (21 species), food 39% (20 species) and building materials 16%  (8 species). The Brangkuah have started to cultivate several plants which are used as building material and food plants which previously collected from the forest. The Brangkuah community has conserved useful plants for their daily life. It is expected that the forest is sustainable.
J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 325–337, 2019
The relationship between SPAD chlorophyll and disease severity index in Ganoderma-infected oil palm seedlings
Authors: Rakib M.R.M. , Borhan A.H. , Jawahir A.N.
Published: October 2019

Establishment of disease in oil palm seedlings through artificial inoculation of Ganoderma are widely used for studies of various aspects of plant pathology, including epidemiology, etiology, disease resistance, host-parasite interaction and disease control. The estimation of chlorophyll content in the infected seedlings possibly could provide a good indicator for degree of disease or infection, and changes during pathogenesis. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between disease severity index (DSI) and chlorophyll content in Ganoderma infected oil palm seedlings. Three-month-old oil palm seedlings were infected with Ganoderma inoculum on rubber wood block (RWB), where 44 isolates of Ganoderma were tested. Disease severity index (DSI) and chlorophyll content using a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) meter were recorded at 4 weeks interval for a period of 24 weeks after inoculation (WAI). Pearson's correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between the variables. It was found that the relationship between DSI and SPAD chlorophyll value was inversely proportional (R = -0.92) in a linear trend (R2 = 0.85). Furthermore, the increasing trend of the DSI across the weeks were fitted in a quadratic model (R2 = 0.99). In contrast, the SPAD chlorophyll value declined in a linear trend (R2 = 0.98). The SPAD chlorophyll value could be considered as a better alternative over the DSI as the SPAD chlorophyll value was strongly related to DSI, as well as able to detect physiological changes in the infected oil palm seedlings at the early stages of pathogenesis.
J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 355–358, 2019
In vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of tannin-containing plant Artemisia extracts against Haemonchus contortus from goat
Authors: Karim Md Abdul , Islam Md Rafiul , Lovelu Md  Asaduzzaman , Nahar Sultana Fizun , Dutta Pallab Kumar , Talukder Md Hasanuzzaman
Published: October 2019

Gastrointestinal nematode causes significant production losses in grazing ruminants and anthelmintic resistance are increasing at an alarming rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effects of tannin-containing plant Artemisia vulgaris against stomach worm Haemonchus contortus of goat. In this respect, in vitro anthelmintic activities of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of A. vulgaris were investigated on eggs, larvae (L3) and adults of H. contortus in the laboratory. Experimental plant Artemisia was collected, dried in shade and grinded to coarse powder and subjected to prepare crude aqueous and ethanolic extract. The experiment revealed that crude ethanolic extracts completely inhibited egg hatching at concentration of 5 mg/ml whereas aqueous extracts at concentration of 10 mg/ml. After exposure of 8 hours, the crude ethanolic extracts inhibited 69.33%, 51% and 38% larval motility tested at 20 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml concentrations, respectively while the crude aqueousextracts inhibited 57.33%, 48.67% and 34.67% at the same concentrations. The ethanolic extract showed better in vitro effects against adult stomach worm than the aqueous extract in terms of motility inhibition at different hours post-treatment. Dose dependent effects were also observed for both extract. After 2 and 8 hours of exposure, the ethanolic extract induced 53.33% and 100% mortality at the highest tested concentration respectively, while the aqueous extract induced 47.67% and 86.67% at the same concentration. To our best knowledge, this is the first study in Bangladesh on the in vitro anthelmintic effects of A. vulgaris against H. contortus. Further in vitro and in vivo trials with this plant are required to evaluate their anthelmintic effects precisely.
J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 363–368, 2019
Production and quality of mantle tissue transplanted pearls in Lamellidens marginalis cultured in different locations of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh
Authors: Tanu Mohosena Begum , Barman Arun Chandra , Siddique Mohammad Ferdous , Sku Sonia , Mahmud Yahia
Published: October 2019

A study was conducted from July 2013 to June 2016 on production rate, quality, and color of pearl, cultured at Trishal, Fulbaria and BFRI (Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute) of Mymensingh region. Freshwater pearl producing mussel, Lamellidens marginalis was used in this experiment. Eighty mussels per decimal were stocked in integration with fish culture. Three ponds from three locations were used. The area of each pond was 40 decimal having water depth of 1.5m in Trishal, Fulbaria and BFRI respectively. Water temperature, pH, Ammonia, Dissolve oxygen, Alkalinity, Ca2+ and Phytoplankton (× 103) ranged from 25.37-28.730C, 6.2-7.92, 0.02-0.3mg/l, 5.09-6.08mg/l, 100.17-191.50, 15.31-25.87and 48.99-63.45, respectively. Survival rate of the operated mussels were 30.62%, 34.62% and 40.25%, respectively. After 3 years of rearing, 53%, 76% and 93% pearls containing mussels were harvested from Trishal, Fulbaria and BFRI respectively. After final harvesting total pearl production, its quality and color were observed and found better at the location of BFRI, followed by Trishal and Fulbaria. Research study concluded that, the quality of pearl depends on intensive care, proper management, suitable water quality parameter, sunlight penetration, food availability and soil quality of the culture pond. 
J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(3): 424–429, 2019
Scarcity of Safe Drinking Water in the South-West Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MA , Islam MN
Published: October 2019

This study incorporates a detail exploration of drinking water scarcity in the south-western coastal area of Bangladesh. The objectives were to recognize the constraints of potable water supply in the coastal area and to identify the water-scarce area of a coastal community of Bangladesh. Both primary and secondary data have been used to carry out the study. A total of 349 households were selected by using appropriate statistical procedure. ArcGIS has been used for pertinent mapping and calculating the served and unserved (inadequate supply) area of the nearest community water source e.g. pond sand filters or tube-wells. This study found that the root causes i.e. saline water intrusion, reduction of upstream flow, sea level rise, disasters, polder, arsenic contamination, shrimp cultivation in brackish water, excessive use of underground water and lack of appropriate aquifer were highly influential for the disturbance of potable water supply in the coastal area. In addition, it has been showed that about two-third of the settlement areas as well as households fell into the water scarce zone.

J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 11(1-2): 17-25 2018
Forms and Placement of Nitrogen Fertilizers Influence Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield of BRRI Dhan49 under Continuous Flooded Condition
Authors: Islam MR , Akhter MP , Huda A , Hashem MA , Asad MA
Published: October 2019

An experiment was conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during Aman season of 2016 to evaluate the effects of deep placement of N fertilizers in the form of USG and NPK briquettes in comparison with PU on nitrogen use efficiency and yield of BRRI dhan49. The soil was silt loam in texture having pH 6.27, organic matter content 1.95% and total N 0.136%. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD with eight treatments and three replications. The PU was applied in three equal splits. The USG and NPK briquettes were deep placed at 10 DAT and the briquettes were placed at 8-10 cm depth between four hills at alternate rows. The maximum grain yield of 5981 kg ha-1 was recorded in T3 which was statistically similar with T2 and T6. The highest straw yield of 6381 kg ha-1 was observed in T3. The lowest grain yield (3265 kg ha-1) and straw yield (4280 kg ha-1) was recorded in T3. The deep placement of USG and NPK briquettes enhanced both the recovery of applied N and N use efficiency in comparison with broadcast application of prilled urea.

J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 11(1-2): 53-58 2018
Optimisation of Growth Yield and Quality of Strawberry Cultivars through Organic Farming
Authors: Rashid MHA
Published: October 2019

Adoption of organic farming has been increased which have a reduced impact on environment. An experiment was conducted at the Landscaping section and Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for optimisation of growth, yield and quality of strawberry cultivars through organic farming during the period from October 2017 to March 2018. The experiment comprised two cultivars viz., RU-1 (Festival) and RU-2 (AOG), and eight organic manures viz., control, cowdung, mustard oilcake (MOC), poultry manure, cowdung+MOC, cowdung+poultry manure, MOC+poultry manure, cowdung+MOC+poultry manure. The two-factor experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. Significant variation was observed between strawberry cultivars and organic manures in all the parameters studied. Highest growth, yield and quality characters were obtained from Festival except number of runner per plant and TSS content with AOG. Combined application of cowdung+MOC+poultry manure gave the maximum yield (19.14 t/ha) than the other treatments.

J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 11(1-2): 121-129 2018
Efficacy of Amistar in Controlling Alternaria Blight and Yield of Mustard Variety Rai-5
Authors: Hossain I , Akter MA , Anwar MB
Published: October 2019

The effect of Amistar in controlling Alternaria blight of mustard was investigated and the selected mustard variety Rai- 5 was used. Amistar @ 0.05% (1 spray), 0.05% (2 spray), 0.05% (3 spray), 0.1% (1 spray), 0.1% (2 spray) and 0.1% (3 spray) were sprayed at 14 days interval beginning from 40 days after sowing (DAS). Amistar resulted significant reduction of the disease Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicae and Alternaria brassicicola) severity and increased seed yield. Out of the doses of Amistar used, 0.1% (3 spray) showed marked effect in reducing the disease over control in terms of reduction of % Alternaria blight incidence, % leaf infection and % leaf area diseased up to 90.72%, 90.42% and 98.17%, respectively as well as reduction of % siliqua infection and % area of siliqua diseased up to 96.17% and 98.80%, respectively and thus increased seed yield up to 56.47% over control.

J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 11(1-2): 191-197 2018
ORGANIZAÇÃO DE CONTROLE SOCIAL DEFENSORES DA NATUREZA: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA SOBRE REGULARIZAÇÃO DA PRODUÇÃO ORGÂNICA EM ARROIO DO MEIO, RS (SOCIAL CONTROL ORGANIZATION DEFENDERS OF THE NATURE: REPORT OF EXPERIENCE ON REGULARIZATION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION IN ARROIO DO MEIO, RS)
Authors: Kronbauer Elenice Andréa , Bernardo Marina Augusta Tauil , Zanetti Cândida , Biondo Elaine
Published: October 2019

RESUMO:O presente trabalho visa relatar e caracterizar o processo de construção e formação de um Organismo de Controle Social com agricultores familiares no município de Arroio do Meio, RS, os quais produzem alimentos em sistemas de produção de base agroecológica. Os agricultores receberam o certificado do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) para a venda direta dos produtos orgânicos em feiras de agricultores locais e distribuição em programas institucionais. Foram acompanhados desde a primeira reunião, tendo sido realizada entrevista com os agricultores a fim de compreender aspectos relacionados as percepções dos mesmos sobre o processo de produção orgânica. É perceptível a satisfação econômica e a realização pessoal em ver e manter a propriedade, não somente como um local para produção de alimentos, mas como um lugar com qualidade de vida e convívio familiar.Palavras-chave: Sustentabilidade. Certificação. Agroecossistemas. Agricultura alternativa. ABSTRACT:This paper aims to report and characterize the process of construction and formation of a Social Control Body with family farmers in the municipality of Arroio do Meio, RS, which produce food in agroecological based production systems. Farmers received the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) certificate for the direct sale of organic products at local farmers' fairs and distribution in institutional programs. They were followed up since the first meeting, with an interview with farmers in order to understand aspects related to their perceptions about the organic production process. Economic satisfaction and personal fulfillment are perceived in seeing and maintaining property, not only as a place for food production, but as a place with quality of life and family life.Keywords: Sustainability. Certification. Agro-ecosystems. Alternative agriculture.
SYSTEME ALIMENTAIRE ET POLITIQUES AGRAIRES A L’OMBRE DES POMMIERS-CAJOU: LES DYNAMIQUES AGRAIRES ET ALIMENTAIRES LIEES A L’ANACARDIER DANS LE NORDESTE DU BRESIL (SISTEMA ALIMENTAR E POLÍTICA AGRÁRIA NAS SOMBRAS DOS CAJUEIROS: AS DINÂMICAS AGRÁRIAS E ALIMENTARES LIGADAS AO CAJUEIRO NO NORDESTE DO BRASIL)
Authors: Notebaert Camille
Published: October 2019

RÉSUMÉ:Le cajou (Anacardium occidentale) est traditionnellement consommé et produit dans le Nordeste du Brésil. Nous cherchons à comprendre le passage d’une espèce localisée à une espèce globalisée, les impacts sur les systèmes de production et de consommation de ses dérivés tant dans les recettes que dans le paysage. Nous explorons d’abord le développement de la sphère industrielle et du système de production régional, ensuite la manière dont le cajou est investi dans les mémoires, le territoire et les savoirs locaux associés, enfin nous voyons comment la valorisation économique du cajou peut permettre sa revalorisation auprès des communautés locales favorisant une nouvelle sécurité alimentaire et économique. La méthodologie associe étude bibliographique, observations et entretiens informels dans le cadre de la préparation d’un projet de recherche de terrain en anthropologie.Mots-clef : Pommier-cajou, cajou, systèmes agricoles, alimentation, valorisation économique. RESUMO:O caju (Anacardium occidentale) é tradicionalmente consumido e produzido na região do Nordeste do Brasil. Este artigo tem o objetivo de trazer o entendimento sobre a passagem dessa espécie de localizada à globalizada bem como os impactos nos sistemas de produção e de consumo dos seus derivados tanto nas receitas como nas paisagens. Primeiramente exploramos o desenvolvimento do setor industrial e do sistema de produção regional, depois a maneira como o caju está comprometido nas memórias, no território, e nos saberes locais associados,  finalizando com uma reflexão de como a valorização econômica do caju pode permitir a sua revalorização nas comunidades locais, favorecendo uma nova seguridade alimentar e econômica. A metodologia associa pesquisa bibliográfica, observações e entrevistas informais no âmbito da preparação de um projeto de pesquisa antropológica.Palavras-chave: Cajueiro, caju, sistemas agrícolas, alimentação, valorização econômica.
Effective Dosage of Oral Vancomycin in Treatment for Initial Episode of Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chiu Chia-Yu , Sarwal Amara , Feinstein Addi , Hennessey Karen
Published: October 2019

Background: Oral vancomycin is a first line treatment for an initial episode of Clostridioides difficile infection. However, the comparative efficacy of different dosing regimens is lacking evidence in the current literature. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. from inception to May 2019. Only articles published in English are reviewed. This meta-analysis compares the effects of low dose oral vancomycin (<2 g per day) versus high dose vancomycin (2 g per day) for treatment of initial Clostridioides difficile infection. Results: One randomized controlled trial and two retrospective cohort studies are included. A total of 137 patients are identified, 53 of which were treated with low dose oral vancomycin (39%) and 84 with high dose oral vancomycin (61%). There is no significant reduction in recurrence rates with high dose vancomycin compared to low dose vancomycin for treating initial episodes of non-fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection ((odds ratio (OR) 2.058, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0.653 to 6.489). Conclusions: Based on limited data in the literature, low dose vancomycin is no different than high dose vancomycin for treatment of an initial episode of Clostridioides difficile infection in terms of recurrence rate. Additional large clinical trials comparing the different dosages of vancomycin in initial Clostridioides difficile infection are warranted.
In Vitro and In Silico Antioxidant Activity of Novel Peptides Prepared from Paeonia Ostii ‘Feng Dan’ Hydrolysate
Authors: Wang Min , Li Cong , Li Haoyu , Wu Zibo , Chen Bang , Lei Yibo , Shen Yehua
Published: October 2019

Antioxidant peptides derived from natural products have superior performance and broader application prospects. In this study, five novel antioxidant peptides were prepared from Paeonia ostii (P. ostii) seed meal, moreover the bioactive and the relationship between structure and properties of antioxidant peptides were elucidated by quantum chemical calculations. The free radical-scavenging activities were used as indexes to purify and concentrate the antioxidant peptides through five proteases and separation techniques. FSAP (Phe-Ser-Ala-Pro), PVETVR (Pro-Val-Glu-Thr-Val-Arg), QEPLLR (Gln-Glu-Pro-Leu-Leu-Arg), EAAY (Glu-Ala-Ala-Tyr) and VLRPPLS (Val-Leu-Arg-Pro-Pro-Leu-Ser) were identified by nano liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In vitro antioxidant activity test, EAAY exhibited the highest 2, 2’-azino-bis (ABTS) and hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity of 98.5% ± 1.1% and 61.9% ± 1.3%, respectively (p < 0.01), at 0.5 mg/mL. In silico calculations were carried out using the density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP/6-31G* basis set. According to natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, the bioactivity of free-radical scavenging of the peptides was presumed. Moreover, the antioxidant peptides demonstrated no obvious cytotoxicity to L929 fibroblast cells. Therefore, the peptides from P. ostii seed by-products might potentially have excellent uses in functional foods, nutraceuticals and pharmacological products.
Chocolate Consumers and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio: A Working Hypothesis from a Preliminary Report of a Pilot Study in Celiac Subjects
Authors: Raguzzini Anna , Poce Giovanna , Consalvi Sara , Toti Elisabetta , Palmacci Francesca , Biava Mariangela , Peluso Ilaria
Published: October 2019

Background and aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) with habitual consumption of dark chocolate in a group of celiac subjects in which chocolate consumption and lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) association had already been observed. Additionally, due to the known anti-nutrient effect on iron absorption, we evaluated red blood cell count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) values. Methods: Chocolate consumers and non-consumers were matched for sex, menopausal status, NLR values over the previously suggested cut off (2.32) for celiac patients, and co-morbidities. Results: Chocolate consumers had high LMR compared to non-consumers, whereas no differences were observed between chocolate consumers and non-consumers in RBC, MCV, Hb and PLR. However, similar number of subjects had PLR higher than the previously suggested cut off (143.7) for celiac disease. Conclusions: This preliminary report suggests a working hypothesis for larger studies aimed at establishing cut off values for LMR in celiac patients and the modulation of this marker by dietary antioxidants.
Wheat Bread with Dairy Products—Technology, Nutritional, and Sensory Properties
Authors: Graça Carla , Raymundo Anabela , Sousa Isabel
Published: October 2019

As the relation between diet and health became a priority for the consumers, the development of healthy foods enriched with functional ingredients increased substantially. Dairy products represent an alternative for new products and can be used to enhance the functional and nutritional value of bakery products. The addition of yoghurt and curd cheese to wheat bread was studied, and the impact on the dough rheology, microstructure, bread quality, and sensory properties were evaluated. Dairy product additions from 10 to 50 g and higher levels up to 70 g of yoghurt and 83 g of curd cheese were tested. Replacements were performed on wheat flour basis and water absorption. It was observed that the yoghurt additions had a positive impact on the rheology characteristics of the dough. For curd cheese additions, the best dough evaluated on extension was the 30 g of wheat flour formulation. In both cases, the microstructure analysis supported the results obtained for doughs and breads. These breads showed a significant improvement on nutrition profile, which is important to balance the daily diet in terms of major and trace minerals and is important for health-enhancing and maintenance. Good sensorial acceptability for breads with 50 g of yoghurt and 30 g of curd cheese was obtained.
Design and Investigation of a Dual Material Gate Arsenic Alloy Heterostructure Junctionless TFET with a Lightly Doped Source
Authors: Xie Haiwu , Liu Hongxia , Chen Shupeng , Han Tao , Wang Shulong
Published: October 2019

This paper designs and investigates a novel structure of dual material gate-engineered heterostructure junctionless tunnel field-effect transistor (DMGE-HJLTFET) with a lightly doped source. Similar to the conventional HJLTFET, the proposed structure still adopts an InAs/GaAs0.1Sb0.9 heterojunction at source and channel interface and employs a polarization electric field at the arsenic heterojunction induced by the lattice mismatch in the InAs and GaAs0.1Sb0.9 zinc blende crystal to improve band to band tunneling (BTBT) current. However, the gate electrode is divided into three parts in DMGE-HJLTFET namely the auxiliary gate (M1), control gate (M2) and tunnel gate (M3) with workfunctions ΦM1, ΦM2 and ΦM3, where ΦM1 = ΦM3 < ΦM2, which not only improves ON-state current but also decreases the OFF-state current. In addition, a lightly doped source is used to further decrease the OFF-state current of this device. Simulation results indicate that DMGE-HJLTFET provides superior metrics in terms of logic and analog/radio frequency (RF) performance as compared with conventional HJLTFET, the maximum ON-state current and transconductance of the DMGE-HJLTFET increases up to 5.46 × 10−4 A/μm and 1.51 × 10−3 S/μm at 1.0 V drain-to-source voltage (Vds). Moreover, average subthreshold swing (SSave) of DMGE-HJLTFET is as low as 15.4 mV/Dec at low drain voltages. Also, DMGE-HJLTFET could achieve a maximum cut-off frequency (fT) of 423 GHz at 0.92 V gate-to-source voltage (Vgs) and a maximum gain bandwidth (GBW) of 82 GHz at Vgs = 0.88 V, respectively. Therefore, it has great potential in future ultra-low power integrated circuit applications.
The Recycling Torque of a Single-Plate Helical Pile for Offshore Wind Turbines in Dense Sand
Authors: Ding Hongyan , Wang Le , Zhang Puyang , Liang Yuguo , Tian Yinghui , Qi Xin
Published: October 2019

The helical piles have been being treated as a kind of novel foundation for offshore wind turbines recently, due their fast installation, high uplift capacity, convenience for recycling, and other advantages. The recycling of the helical pile especially will reduce the cost significantly and protect the environment as much as possible. However, the research for this area is basically in infancy and there is no reference for predicting the recycling torque of a helical pile in sand. In order to predict the recycling torque of single-plate helical piles in dense sand: a theoretical model, which was inspired by the way to predict the installation torque of single-plate helical pile in sand, was developed, and a series of single gravity model tests were conducted to verify that theoretical model. The theoretical model can predict the recycling torque of single-plate helical pile considering the influences of the size of helix and the vertical force on the shaft. This model fills in the blank of predicting the recycling torque of a single-plate helical pile in sand and it is also useful guidance for the choice of suitable recycling equipment.
Natural and Bioinspired Phenolic Compounds as Tyrosinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Skin Hyperpigmentation: Recent Advances
Authors: Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: October 2019

One of the most common approaches for control of skin pigmentation involves the inhibition of tyrosinase, a copper-containing enzyme which catalyzes the key steps of melanogenesis. This review focuses on the tyrosinase inhibition properties of a series of natural and synthetic, bioinspired phenolic compounds that have appeared in the literature in the last five years. Both mushroom and human tyrosinase inhibitors have been considered. Among the first class, flavonoids, in particular chalcones, occupy a prominent role as natural inhibitors, followed by hydroxystilbenes (mainly resveratrol derivatives). A series of more complex phenolic compounds from a variety of sources, first of all belonging to the Moraceae family, have also been described as potent tyrosinase inhibitors. As to the synthetic compounds, hydroxycinnamic acids and chalcones again appear as the most exploited scaffolds. Several inhibition mechanisms have been reported for the described inhibitors, pointing to copper chelating and/or hydrophobic moieties as key structural requirements to achieve good inhibition properties. Emerging trends in the search for novel skin depigmenting agents, including the development of assays that could distinguish between inhibitors and potentially toxic substrates of the enzyme as well as of formulations aimed at improving the bioavailability and hence the effectiveness of well-known inhibitors, have also been addressed.
Modelling and Characterizing a Concrete Gravity Dam for Fragility Analysis
Authors: Segura Rocio L. , Bernier Carl , Durand Capucine , Paultre Patrick
Published: October 2019

Most gravity dams have been designed and built during the past century with methods of analysis that are now considered inadequate. In recent decades, knowledge of seismology, structural dynamics and earthquake engineering has greatly evolved, leading to the evaluation of existing dams to ensure public safety. This study proposes a methodology for the proper modelling and characterisation of the uncertainties to assess the seismic vulnerability of a dam-type structure. This study also includes all the required analyses and verifications of the numerical model prior to performing a seismic fragility analysis and generating the corresponding fragility curves. The procedure presented herein also makes it possible to account for the uncertainties associated with the modelling parameters as well as the randomness in the seismic solicitation. The methodology was applied to a case study dam in Eastern Canada, whose vulnerability was assessed against seismic events with characteristics established by the current safety guidelines.
Compression of Ultra-High Brightness Beams for a Compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Robles River , Rosenzweig James
Published: October 2019

The creation of the first X-ray free-electron laser at SLAC in 2009 introduced the scientific community to coherent photons of unprecedented high brightness. These photons were produced, however, at the cost of billion-dollar-class price tags and kilometer-scale machine footprints. This has meant that getting access to these photons is very difficult, and those who do get access do so with a strict time budget. Now, the development of critical enabling technologies, in particular high-field cryogenically cooled accelerating cavities and short-period, high-field undulator magnets, opens the door to an X-ray free-electron laser less than 30 m in length. We present here critical potential design elements for such a soft X-ray free-electron laser. To this end, simulation results are presented focusing on the problems associated with the process of bunch compression and novel ways in which those problems can be resolved.
A Theory of Adaptive Intelligence and Its Relation to General Intelligence
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: October 2019

Intelligence typically is defined as consisting of “adaptation to the environment” or in related terms. Yet, it is not clear that “general intelligence” or g, traditionally conceptualized in terms of a general factor in a psychometrically-based hierarchical model of intelligence, provides an optimal way of defining intelligence as adaptation to the environment. Such a definition of adaptive intelligence would need to be biologically based in terms of evolutionary theory, would need to take into account the cultural context of adaptation, and would need to take into account whether thought and behavior labeled as “adaptively intelligent” actually contributed to the perpetuation of the human and other species, or whether it was indifferent or actually destructive to this perpetuation. In this article, I consider the similarities and differences between “general intelligence” and “adaptive intelligence,” as well as the implications especially of the differences.
Morphodynamic Study of a 2018 Mass-Stranding Event at Punta Umbria Beach (Spain): Effect of Atlantic Storm Emma on Benthic Marine Organisms
Authors: García-de-Lomas Juan , Payo Andrés , Cuesta Jose A. , Macías Diego
Published: October 2019

Very few mass stranding events of invertebrates have been reported. In this paper, we report a mass stranding of multiple benthic organisms occurred at Punta Umbría beach (S Spain) after the passage of storm Emma (28 February to 5 March 2018). The most abundant organisms were identified, and exceptional meteorological and oceanographic events were analyzed, as a basis to understand the causes of stranding. The morphodynamic changes affecting the beach profile during the storm were inferred using a cross shore depth-integrated and time averaged numerical model (CSHORE). Among the stranded species, decapods (Upogebia spp., Atelecyclus undecimdentatus), sipunculids (Sipunculus nudus), starfish (Astropecten sp.), and sessile tunicates were dominant. Storm Emma involved extreme significant wave heights of up to 7.27 m, low pressures, strong SW winds, precipitations and spring tides that modified the seabed elevation to depth as deep as −10 m. Simulations suggest that benthic organisms living at a water depth between −10 to −0.3 m were buried under a layer of sediment of up to ca. 10 cm deposited during the storm. This burial preceded the transport of intertidal and subtidal benthic organisms to the dry beach, causing their stranding. Impacts on the quality of habitat, biodiversity and the productivity of coastal ecosystems are discussed.
An Improved Curvature Circle Algorithm for Orthogonal Projection onto a Planar Algebraic Curve
Authors: Wu Zhinan , Li Xiaowu
Published: October 2019

Point orthogonal projection onto planar algebraic curve plays an important role in computer graphics, computer aided design, computer aided geometric design and other fields. For the case where the test point p is very far from the planar algebraic curve, we propose an improved curvature circle algorithm to find the footpoint. Concretely, the first step is to repeatedly iterate algorithm (the Newton’s steepest gradient descent method) until the iterated point could fall on the planar algebraic curve. Then seek footpoint by using the algorithm (computing footpoint q ) where the core technology is the curvature circle method. And the next step is to orthogonally project the footpoint q onto the planar algebraic curve by using the algorithm (the hybrid tangent vertical foot algorithm). Repeatedly run the algorithm (computing footpoint q ) and the algorithm (the hybrid tangent vertical foot algorithm) until the distance between the current footpoint and the previous footpoint is near 0. Furthermore, we propose Second Remedial Algorithm based on Comprehensive Algorithm B. In particular, its robustness is greatly improved than that of Comprehensive Algorithm B and it achieves our expected result. Numerical examples demonstrate that Second Remedial Algorithm could converge accurately and efficiently no matter how far the test point is from the plane algebraic curve and where the initial iteration point is.
Cognition, Mood and Sleep in Menopausal Transition: The Role of Menopause Hormone Therapy
Authors: Gava Giulia , Orsili Isabella , Alvisi Stefania , Mancini Ilaria , Seracchioli Renato , Meriggiola Maria Cristina
Published: October 2019

During the menopausal transition, which begins four to six years before cessation of menses, middle-aged women experience a progressive change in ovarian activity and a physiologic deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function associated with fluctuating hormone levels. During this transition, women can suffer symptoms related to menopause (such as hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, memory complaints and vaginal dryness). Neurological symptoms such as sleep disturbance, “brain fog” and mood changes are a major complaint of women transitioning menopause, with a significant impact on their quality of life, productivity and physical health. In this paper, we consider the associations between menopausal stage and/or hormone levels and sleep problems, mood and reduced cognitive performance. The role of estrogen and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) in cognitive function, sleep and mood are also discussed.
Insights into Biodegradation Related Metabolism in an Abnormally Low Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) Petroleum-Contaminated Aquifer by Metagenomics Analysis
Authors: Cai Pingping , Ning Zhuo , Zhang Ningning , Zhang Min , Guo Caijuan , Niu Manlan , Shi Jiansheng
Published: October 2019

In petroleum-contaminated aquifers, biodegradation is always associated with various types of microbial metabolism. It can be classified as autotrophic (such as methanogenic and other carbon fixation) and heterotrophic (such as nitrate/sulfate reduction and hydrocarbon consumption) metabolism. For each metabolic type, there are several key genes encoding the reaction enzymes, which can be identified by metagenomics analysis. Based on this principle, in an abnormally low dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) petroleum-contaminated aquifer in North China, nine groundwater samples were collected along the groundwater flow, and metagenomics analysis was used to discover biodegradation related metabolism by key genes. The major new finding is that autotrophic metabolism was revealed, and, more usefully, we attempt to explain the reasons for abnormally low DIC. The results show that the methanogenesis gene, Mcr, was undetected but more carbon fixation genes than nitrate reduction and sulfate genes were found. This suggests that there may be a considerable number of autotrophic microorganisms that cause the phenomenon of low concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon in contaminated areas. The metagenomics data also revealed that most heterotrophic, sulfate, and nitrate reduction genes in the aquifer were assimilatory sulfate and dissimilatory nitrate reduction genes. Although there was limited dissolved oxygen, aerobic degrading genes AlkB and Cdo were more abundant than anaerobic degrading genes AssA and BssA. The metagenomics information can enrich our microorganic knowledge about petroleum-contaminated aquifers and provide basic data for further bioremediation.
Photostabilization of Poly(vinyl chloride) by Organotin(IV) Compounds against Photodegradation
Authors: Hadi Angham G. , Jawad Khudheyer , El-Hiti Gamal A. , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Ahmed Dina S. , Yousif Emad
Published: October 2019

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a polymer widely used in common household and industrial materials, undergoes photodegradation upon ultraviolet irradiation, leading to undesirable physicochemical properties and a reduced lifetime. In this study, four telmisartan organotin(IV) compounds were tested as photostabilizers against photodegradation. PVC films (40-µm thickness) containing these compounds (0.5 wt%) were irradiated with ultraviolet light at room temperature for up to 300 h. Changes in various polymeric parameters, including the growth of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and alkene functional groups, weight loss, reduction in molecular weight, and appearance of surface irregularities, were investigated to test the efficiency of the photostabilizers. The changes were more noticeable in the blank PVC film than in the films containing the telmisartan organotin(IV) compounds. These results reflect that these compounds effectively inhibit the photodegradation of PVC, possibly by acting as hydrogen chloride and radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, and primary photostabilizers. The synthesized organotin(IV) complexes could be used as PVC additives to enhance photostability.
General Synthesis of 1-Aryl-6-azaisocytosines and Their Utilization for the Preparation of Related Condensed 1,2,4-Triazines
Authors: Zálešák František , Slouka Jan , Stýskala Jakub
Published: October 2019

A simple general synthesis of 1-aryl-6-azaisocytosine-5-carbonitriles 4 is described. This method is based on coupling diazonium salts with cyanoacetylcyanamide 2 and then cyclization of the formed 2-arylhydrazono-2-cyanoacetylcyanamides 3. The 6-azaisocytosines 4 were studied with respect to tautomeric equilibrium and the transformation of functional groups, and used in the synthesis of the condensed heterocyclic compounds: Purine isosteric imidazo[2,1-c]-[1,2,4]triazine 8 and the 1,2,4-triazino[2,3-a]quinazolines 9–12.
Structural Basis for the Regulation of PPARγ Activity by Imatinib
Authors: Jang Jun Young , Kim Hyun-Jung , Han Byung Woo
Published: October 2019

Imatinib is an effective anticancer drug for the treatment of leukemia. Interestingly, when an FDA-approved drug library was tested for agents that block peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) phosphorylation at Ser245 to evaluate possibilities of antidiabetic drug repositioning, imatinib was determined as a PPARγ antagonist ligand. However, it is not well understood how imatinib binds to PPARγ or would improve insulin sensitivity without classical agonism. Here, we report the crystal structure of the PPARγ R288A mutant in complex with imatinib. Imatinib bound to Arm2 and Arm3 regions in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARγ, of which the Arm3 region is closely related to the inhibition of PPARγ phosphorylation at Ser245. The binding of imatinib in LBD induced a stable conformation of helix H2′ and the Ω loop compared with the ligand-free state. In contrast, imatinib does not interact with Tyr473 on PPARγ helix H12, which is important for the classical agonism associated with side effects. Our study provides new structural insights into the PPARγ regulation by imatinib and may contribute to the development of new antidiabetic drugs targeting PPARγ while minimizing known side effects.
Association of Empirical Dietary Atherogenic Indices with All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in a Multi-Ethnic Adult Population of the United States
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Katsiki Niki , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Bartłomiejczyk Marcin A. , Banach Maciej
Published: October 2019

Serum uric acid (SUA) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) are markers of the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, no study has investigated their role, simultaneously with nutritional factors, on the risk of mortality. We calculated the dietary uricaemia score (DUS) and the dietary atherogenic score (DAS) and evaluated their associations with the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Data from the NHANES 1999–2010 study were used. Vital status through the 31 December 2011 was ascertained. Reduced rank regression models followed by stepwise linear regression analyses were applied on 39 macro/micronutrients to identify a dietary pattern most predictive of SUA (DUS) and apoB (DAS). Overall, 20,256 participants were included (mean age: 47.5 years; 48.7% men). DUS consists of 14 contributors (eight positive, six negative), whereas DAS consists of 23 contributors (six positive, 17 negative). An increasing risk of cause-specific mortality was found across the quartiles (Q) of DUS, i.e., participants with the highest score of DUS (Q4) had a greater risk of all-cause (hazard ratio (HR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.30), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (HR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.21–1.59) and cancer (HR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.14) mortality compared with Q1. Similarly, participants at the highest DAS quartile had 25, 40 and 11% greater risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality, respectively, compared with Q1. For the first time, we reported an underlying shared link between two atherosclerosis factors (SUA and apoB) and nutrients, as well as their joint adverse impact on all-cause and cause-specific mortality.
Bi-layered Nanofibers Membrane Loaded with Titanium Oxide and Tetracycline as Controlled Drug Delivery System for Wound Dressing Applications
Authors: Rezk Abdelrahman I. , Lee Ji Yeon , Son Byeong Cheol , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study is to develop a novel functional bi-layered membrane loaded titanium oxide (TiO2) and tetracycline (TTC) for application in wound dressing. The advantages of the electrospinning technique have to be considered for the uniform distribution of nanoparticles and TTC drug. The as prepared nanofibers and TiO2 were characterized in terms of morphology, fiber diameter, mechanical properties and surface wettability. The in vitro drug release study revealed initial burst release followed by a sustained control release of TTC for 4 days. The in vitro antibacterial of the bi-layered nanofibers was conducted against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria species showing excellent antibacterial effect for drug loaded samples compared with PCL nanofibers. Subsequently, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to evaluate its biocompatibility in vitro. Our results revealed that the bi-layered membrane has better antibacterial and cell compatibility than the control fiber. This suggests that the fabricated biocompatible scaffold is appropriate for a variety of wound dressing applications.
Macromolecular Brushes Based on Poly(L-Lactide) and Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Single and Double Macromonomers via ROMP. Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Properties
Authors: Nikovia Christiana , Sougioltzoupoulou Eleftheria , Rigas Vyron , Pitsikalis Marinos
Published: October 2019

Single and double poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) macromonomers having a norbornenyl polymerizable group were prepared by conventional Ring Opening Polymerization (ROP). These macromonomers were further subjected to ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reactions in order to produce double polymer brushes consisting of PLLA or PCL side chains on a polynorbornene (PNBE) backbone. Statistical or block ring opening metathesis copolymerization of the PLLA and PCL macromonomers afforded the corresponding random and block double brushes. Sequential ROMP of the single PLLA, PCL and PLLA macromonomers resulted in the synthesis of the corresponding triblock copolymer brush. The molecular characteristics of the macromolecular brushes were obtained by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and Size Exclusion Chromatography. The thermal properties of the samples were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, Differential Thermogravimetry, DTG and Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC.