bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudios de germinación y remoción de latencia en semillas de papayuelas Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis y Vasconcellea goudotiana
Authors: Benítez Sandra Patricia , Lobo Mario , Delgado Oscar Arturo , Medina Clara Inés
Published: August 2016

Se estudió la germinación y latencia de las semillas de Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis y V. goudotiana, para desarrollar procedimientos promotores de emergencia de los embriones. La categorización de las semillas viables no germinables se realizó con el empleo del tetrazolio. La fermentación prolongada de las semillas, para remover la sarcotesta, afectó la viabilidad de éstas, en especial las de V. cundinamarcensis. Aplicaciones de KNO3 y AG3 promovieron una germinación significativamente mayor, en comparación con el testigo, en semillas fermentadas previamente durante 15 días de V. goudotiana, lo cual no ocurrió en las de V. cundinamarcensis. La aplicación de Saccharomyces cerevisiae durante 36 horas, para fermentación y liberación de la sarcotesta, indujo germinación en las dos especies, con una respuesta significativamente superior en V. goudotiana. La adición de AG3 y KNO3, luego del tratamiento anterior, promovió mayor emergencia en ambos taxa, en especial en V. goudotiana. La fermentación de las semillas con Saccharomyces cerevisiae, en combinación con AG3 y KNO3 produjo germinación en las dos especies, con énfasis en V. goudotiana al aplicar 1000 ppm de AG3 + KNO3 al 2,5% y en V. cundinamarcensis, al utilizar 600 ppm de AG3 + AG3 al 2,5%, sin diferencia significativa con la aplicación de 1000 ppm de AG3 + KNO3 al 1,5%; se logró mayor germinación en V. goudotiana en el tratamiento precitado, con el cual se obtuvo con confiabilidad estadística la máxima brotación de plántulas, en relación con el resto de tratamientos evaluados con la propia especie y en V. cundinamarcensis.
Corpoica H5: primer híbrido de maíz amarillo de alta calidad de proteína (QPM) para la altillanura plana colombiana
Authors: Campuzano Luis , Caicedo Samuel , Alfonso Herbin
Published: August 2016

Colombia tiene un déficit anual de maíz para satisfacer  la industria de alimentos balanceados; en el 2012, produjo solo 20,2% del maíz requerido por la industria, y 1,0% de esta producción se obtiene en la altillanura plana (20.000 hectáreas); no obstante, esta región tiene una extensión de 500 mil hectáreas aptas para el cultivo del maíz. Para satisfacer la demanda nacional, el gobierno implementó el Plan País Maíz, una estrategia de fomento e investigación para la evaluación e identificación de híbridos con atributos de rendimiento y calidad que permitan la competitividad de este cultivo. En ese contexto se realizó la presente investigación, que permitió identificar el híbrido de maíz H5 con las siguientes características: alta calidad proteínica; rendimiento de grano de 5,05 t/ha, estadísticamente igual al obtenido con los testigos comerciales; floración masculina y femenina de 56 y 57 días; período de siembra a cosecha de 112 días; altura de planta y de mazorca de 185 y 94 cm, respectivamente; y resistencia al volcamiento de tallo y raíz y a Cercospora sp. y Phaeosphaeria sp. El híbrido H5 presentó por cada 100 g de proteína 4,10 g de lisina y 0,87 g de triptófano; valores superiores en 1,7 y 2,0 veces al obtenido por el maíz convencional (P30K73) que presenta 2,32 g de lisina y 0,43 g de triptófano. Estas características de textura de grano cristalino y alta calidad proteínica le confieren recomendación comercial, por ser apropiado para la industria de alimentos balanceados.
Efecto del riego y la fertilización sobre el rendimiento y la calidad de la fruta de lima ácida Tahití Citrus latifolia Tanaka (Rutaceae)
Authors: Dorado Guerra Diana , Grajales Luis Carlos , Ríos Rojas Liliana
Published: August 2016

En un cultivo de lima ácida Tahití Citrus latifolia Tanaka (Rutaceae) con siete años de edad ubicado en El Espinal, Tolima, Colombia, donde predomina un balance hídrico negativo durante todo el año, se evaluó el efecto del riego y la fertilización sobre el rendimiento y la calidad del fruto entre los años 2009 y 2011. Los árboles fueron sometidos a tres láminas de riego en función de la evapotranspiración de referencia (ETo): L1=100 %, L2=70 % y L3=50 %. A su vez, se aplicaron tres tratamientos de fertilización nitrogenada, así: N1=nivel de nitrógeno requerido según el balance nutricional, N2=el doble del nivel de nitrógeno usado para N1 y N3=fertilización del productor. Se evaluaron el rendimiento, el peso del fruto, el diámetro ecuatorial y polar del fruto, el grosor de la cáscara, el peso y el porcentaje de jugo, la acidez, los sólidos solubles y el contenido de vitamina C. El diseño experimental fue de bloques completos al azar en arreglo de parcelas divididas, los datos se analizaron estadísticamente con el paquete SAS, realizando análisis de varianza y comparación de medias. Se presentó una respuesta óptima en riego y calidad del fruto con la interacción riego L1 y la fertilización N2. Se obtuvieron los valores más altos en las variables de respuesta con la lámina de mayor agua aplicada L1, indiferente de la fertilización aplicada, lo que indica que un menor suministro de agua no solo afecta el rendimiento sino también la calidad y minimiza las oportunidades de mercado.
Parcela permanente de monitoreo de bosque de galería, en Puerto Gaitán, Meta
Authors: Gutiérrez Albert , García Fernando , Rojas Salvador , Castro Francisco
Published: August 2016

En 2010, Corpoica inició, en la altillanura disectada, la instalación y estudio de la estructura y composición florística de una parcela permanente de una hectárea localizada en la unidad bioclimática tropical denominada bosque de galería; ubicada en el municipio de Puerto Gaitán, Meta. La parcela, se trazó y demarcó; luego, se identificaron y censaron todos los individuos con DAP mayor de diez centímetros. De acuerdo con la composición florística, se encontraron 519 individuos pertenecientes a 72 especies, 56 géneros y 36 familias de plantas leñosas. Las familias con mayor riqueza de especies fueron Burseraceae (5), Euphorbiaceae (5) y Clusiaceae (5). Los usos principales de las 72 especies fueron: 32 maderables, 18 alimentación de fauna, 10 protectores de microcuencas, 5 leña, 3 frutales, 1 tinte y 1 ornamental. La mayor altura registrada para la parcela fue de 21 metros reportados por individuos de las especies chaparro de agua (Panopsis rubescens) y merecurillo blanco (Licania kunthiana). Las especies tuno (Miconia  sp.) y quincedias (Tapirira guianensis) fueron las dos de las especies con mayor índice de valor de importancia (IVI) 29,5 % y 23,8 %, respectivamente. Se observó en los análisis de estructura vertical y horizontal que, el estrato medio (Em) presentó una cobertura del 46,9 %, que corresponde a un área basal de (6,87 m2), el estrato superior (Es) 45,7 % (6,69 m2) y el estrato inferior (Ei) 7,41 % (1,09 m2). Los resultados sugieren que estas áreas son diversas tanto en la estructura como en la composición florística y esta diversidad está siendo afectada por la perturbación antrópica ya que hay presencia de claros por efecto de la tala selectiva.
Efectos de la presión de evaporación y la variedad de caña en la calidad de la miel y la panela
Authors: Prada Forero Luz Esperanza , Chaves Guerrero Arlex , García Bernal Hugo Reinel
Published: August 2016

Al implementar el uso de evaporadores múltiple efecto (EME) al proceso panelero, además del ajuste tecnológico, se requiere mantener la calidad del producto. Esta condición develó el desconocimiento de aspectos como el aporte de las diferencias composicionales en las variedades de caña a las características de la panela. A fin de llenar parte de este vacío tecnológico, el objetivo del trabajo que aquí se presenta fue determinar el efecto de la presión de evaporación y la variedad de caña sobre la calidad de la panela. Para lograrlo, se trabajó la presión de evaporación y la variedad de caña en un diseño experimental completamente al azar con arreglo factorial de 4x3 y cuatro repeticiones, las variedades CC 85-46, RD 75-1 y PR 61-632, sin floculante, coadyuvante, ni antiespumante y una densidad de flujo calórico en evaporación de 27,778 kW/m2. Los resultados mostraron un comportamiento similar para las variedades estudiadas. Así, las mieles y panelas del sistema presurizado presentaron coloraciones oscuras, tonalidades rojizas, alta turbidez, coeficiente glucósido entre 60 % y 70 % y no solidificaron y las mieles y panelas de los sistemas al vacío presentaron la mayor turbidez, coloraciones claras, tonalidades amarillentas, buena solidificación y coeficientes glucósidos menores al 12 %.
Morfología de estados inmaduros de tres especies de Cyclocephala (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) con una clave para larvas de tercer estado en Colombia
Authors: Bran Alejandra María , Londoño Martha Eugenia , Pardo Luis Carlos
Published: August 2016

Las larvas de algunas especies de escarabajos rizófagos constituyen un serio problema fitosanitario en varias regiones agrícolas de Colombia; conforman comunidades en las que ocurren especies dañinas e inocuas cuya similitud  morfológica aparente dificulta su diferenciación y limita el diagnóstico en campo. A fin de aportar soluciones a esta situación se realizaron muestreos de larvas del género Cyclocephala, uno de los más frecuentes en los cultivos de seis municipios de Antioquia y uno de Caldas (Colombia). Las larvas obtenidas se criaron y codificaron individualmente para facilitar la observación de su desarrollo hasta el estado de adulto y hacer una identificación positiva. Se colectaron en total 82 larvas representativas de Cyclocephala fulgurata, C. lunulata y C. gregaria, de las cuales se describen caracteres e ilustran estructuras diagnósticas. A partir de una matriz de 70 caracteres se seleccionaron seis (relativos a la quetotaxia craneal, la maxila y el tarsúngulo) que hicieron posible elaborar una clave para identificar las larvas de tercer estadio del género.
Efecto de la densidad de población de Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) sobre la eficiencia del depredador Delphastus pusillus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: García Javier , Benítez Edgar Ricardo , López-Ávila Aristóbulo
Published: August 2016

Los estudios de dinámica de población de los enemigos naturales de las plagas han demostrado que cambios en la densidad de la presa o del huésped inciden en la efectividad biocontroladora de los insectos depredadores o parasitoides. En el presente estudio se evaluó el efecto de la densidad de población de la mosca blanca de los invernaderos, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, sobre la eficiencia de búsqueda del depredador Delphastus pusillus, mediante la determinación de la respuesta funcional. A partir de plantas de fríjol infestadas con T. vaporariorum se tomaron foliolos con presencia de huevos o ninfas de la plaga y se colocaron en cajas de Petri de 5 cm de diámetro con papel de filtro humedecido. En cada caja se introdujo un individuo del depredador, en estado de larva o adulto, y se dejó en contacto durante 24 h con cada una de las densidades de la presa de 8, 16, 32, 64 y 128 individuos. Se encontró que, tanto el adulto como la larva de D. pusillus, presentan una respuesta funcional de tipo II al depredar ninfas de la mosca blanca. Sin embargo, cuando se les suministraron huevos, la curva no mostró una tendencia clara con las densidades de presa ofrecidas. El adulto del depredador presentó un alto consumo del estado de huevo en todas las densidades, con tasas de ataque (a’) de 0,1480 presas consumidas/densidad y un tiempo de manipulación (Th) de 108 segundos, mientras que la larva mostró poca preferencia por el estado de huevo.
Nematodos del suelo en el sistema maíz–soya y en hábitats naturales adyacentes de la Altillanura colombiana (Meta)
Authors: Leguízamo María Claudia , Parada Julio
Published: August 2016

Se describe la estructura de la comunidad de nematodos en muestras de suelos de la Altillanura colombiana procedentes de hábitats cultivados con arroz y el sistema maíz-soya, y hábitats naturales de bosque nativo adyacentes a los agroecosistemas mencionados. A tal fin, se colectaron 240 muestras de suelo, 86% de áreas cultivadas y 14% en áreas naturales; para la extracción de los nematodos se utilizó el elutridador Oostenbrink y para su identificación, claves morfológicas que incluyeron caracteres morfométricos y diagnósticos. Los taxa identificados se asignaron a grupos tróficos a nivel de Familia. A partir de las poblaciones obtenidas, se calcularon los índices de diversidad de Shanon, de riqueza de Simpson, de madurez total (mMI), de madurez (IM), de parásitos de plantas, la relación fungívoros/bacterióvoros, y los porcentajes de dorylaimidos y criconematidos, los cuales muestran diferencias entre hábitats naturales y cultivados. Los resultados permiten determinar posibles condiciones de pérdida de estructura en la cadena trófica del cultivo de arroz, ligera inestabilidad en suelos de parches de hábitat naturales, y una posible recuperación de la cadena trófica en el sistema maíz–soya. Este trabajo constituye el primer registro de nematodos de vida libre en suelos de la Orinoquía colombiana y propone la caracterización de poblaciones de nematodos en los estudios de calidad de hábitat como fundamento de procesos de recuperación de suelos.
Importancia de los recursos genéticos de la agrobiodiversidad en el desarrollo de sistemas de producción sostenibles
Authors: Lobo Mario
Published: August 2016

Desde la óptica de la diversidad genética, Colombia es un país megadiverso con variabilidad ecosistémica importante, la cual puede ser aprovechada para el desarrollo de sistemas de producción sostenibles, eficientes y competitivos. Esto implica, aparte de la conservación de los recursos genéticos estratégicos vegetales, animales y de microorganismos, conocer el potencial de esta agrobiodiversidad para su utilización amplia, con apoyo de procesos convencionales y de la biotecnología moderna, que permitan proveer alimentos y el desarrollo del concepto integral del manejo de agroecosistemas. Por ello, en la revisión actual se incluye una descripción de la importancia de la diversidad biológica agrícola, en el nuevo contexto mundial y la necesidad de realizar procesos de conocimiento de la variabilidad y los atributos presentes en ésta, para trasladar el recurso genético de valor de existencia a los de opción y utilización.
Coccidology. The study of scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea)
Authors: Kondo Takumasa , J.-Gullan Penny , Williams Douglas
Published: August 2016

A brief introduction to the science of coccidology, and a synopsis of the history, advances and challenges in this field of study are discussed. The changes in coccidology since the publication of the Systema Naturae by Carolus Linnaeus 250 years ago are briefly reviewed. The economic importance, the phylogenetic relationships and the application of DNA barcoding to scale insect identification are also considered in the discussion section.
Coreless open-loop current transducers based on hall effect sensor CSA-1V
Authors: Blagojevic Marjan , Jovanovic Ugljesa , Jovanovic Igor , Mancic Dragan , Popovic Radivoje
Published: August 2016

The paper provides an overview of coreless open-loop current transducers
based on Hall effect sensor CSA-1V. Depending on the implementation method
and current range, the presented transducers are divided in the four groups.
The transducers are capable to measure AC and DC currents ranging from
several tens of miliamperes up to several hundreds of amperes. Methods for
resolving issues with the skin effect and stray magnetic fields are also
presented including the experimental test results. Some of these methods are
novelty and have never been presented in literature.
A novel analytical method for the selective multiplierless linear-phase 2D FIR filter function
Authors: Djordjevic-Kozarov Jelena , Pavlovic Vlastimir
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a novel analytical method for new class of selective
linear-phase two-dimensional (2D) finite impulse response (FIR) filter
functions generated by applying a new modified 2D Christoffel-Darboux formula
for classical orthogonal Chebyshev polynomials of the first and the second
kind is proposed. Fundamental research proposed in this paper is also
illustrated by examples of 2D FIR filter and adequate comparison with new
class of multiplierless linear-phase 2D FIR filter function given in the
literature.
Cortical visual impairment in children with acute encephalitis syndrome
Authors: Gunawan Prastiya Indra , Primayani Desi , Saharso Darto
Published: August 2016

Background: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is one of cortical visual impairment (CVI) causes. There were only few studies about cortical visual involvement in children with AES. Objective: To describe CVI in children with AES. Methods: This study included all children with AES during January to March 2014, were examined for visual evoked potential (VEP) to evaluate cortical visual pathway. AES was defined as clinical condition characterized by acute onset of fever, a change in mental status, and/or new onset of seizures. CVI was defined as vision loss caused by central nervous system damage confirmed by VEP. Results: There were 9 children with AES and all showed bilateral CVI. The age range between 6 to 48 months old, with 7 males and 2 females. Visual evoked potential result showed 8 children with demyelinating type and 1 with axonal type. Conclusion: Type of CVI caused by AES can be demyelinating type or axonal type.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.249-251
Symptom Experience and Quality of Life of Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Mosammat Shamsun Naher , Petpichetchian Wongchan , Kitrungrote Luppana
Published: August 2016

Background: The present study was aimed to the relationships between symptom severity and distress and quality of life (QoL) of patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.Objectives and methodology: A total number of 132 patients, attending both In-patient and Out-patient department and fulfilling the recruitment criteria were included in the study. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data from the eligible participants by the primary investigator. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results: On average, the participants of the study experienced seventeen symptoms with moderate level. The level of QoL of the participants was at moderate level (M=2.02, SD=0.39). Among all the subscales, the physical well-being had the lowest score and social well-being had highest score. Symptom experience and quality of life showed significant negative correlation. Conclusion: The patients with breast cancer would experience high symptoms during a 7-day period after receiving chemotherapy of the previous cycle. Nurses need to perform full measurement of multiple symptoms when care for breast cancer patients after the administration of chemotherapy.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.201-206
Secondary Metabolites from Some Species of Albizzia: A Review
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Musarraf , Tahia Faiza , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: August 2016

This review covers the secondary metabolites reported from five species of Albizzia. A total of fifty chemical constituents have been documented from A. anthelmintica, A. chinensis, A. julibrissin, A. lebbeck and A. myriophyla. Most of the phytoconstituents have been reported from A. julibrissin and A. lebbeck.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 19(1): 1-8, 2016
Contact Allergy to Preservatives—Is the European Commission a Commendable Risk Manager?
Authors: Schwensen Jakob , Thyssen Jacob
Published: August 2016

Although preservatives are necessary to prevent deterioration by microbial growth in cosmetic products, daily skin contact with preserved cosmetic products may cause a preservative contact allergy. Only preservatives with sufficient pre-market risk assessment, presumably being safe for the consumer from a public health point of view, are permitted for use in cosmetic products in the European Union. Notwithstanding the efforts by the European Commission (EC) to avoid epidemics of contact allergy, the former epidemic of contact allergy to methyldibromo glutaronitrile and the unprecedented epidemic of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone show the procrastination of the European Union risk management process for cosmetic ingredients. Timely risk management is of the utmost importance to avoid rapidly increasing numbers of contact allergy to turn into full-blown epidemics. It is therefore proposed that in order to avoid future epidemics of contact allergy to preservatives, the allowed preservatives in cosmetic products should be entered onto Annex V on a time-limited basis only, and they must be re-evaluated in order to stay on Annex V.
Final-Year Dental Undergraduate Attitudes towards Specialisation
Authors: Puryer James , Kostova Veselina , Kouznetsova Alisa
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes towards postgraduate specialisation of final-year students at one UK dental school and to identify any possible influencing factors. A cross-sectional survey of all 73 final-year students using an anonymous self-report questionnaire was carried out. The response rate was 79%, of which nearly two-thirds were female. Age, ethnicity and parental occupation did not have an effect on the intention to specialise, although student gender did, with more females not wishing to specialise (p = 0.006). Having a ‘talent in the field’ had the largest positive influence on pursuing a specialist career (37.9% of responses), whilst the length of time needed to obtain a specialist qualification was seen as the largest negative influence (41.1% of responses). The two most popular subjects were Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics with 24.1% and 20.7% of students listing them as their first choices, respectively. Further research could be carried out to determine if the intentions of UK undergraduates to specialise will meet the increasing specialist oral health needs of the population and which could ultimately influence future dental workforce planning.
Addressing Younger Workers’ Needs: The Promoting U through Safety and Health (PUSH) Trial Outcomes
Authors: Rohlman Diane , Parish Megan , Elliot Diane , Hanson Ginger , Perrin Nancy
Published: August 2016

Most younger workers, less than 25 years old, receive no training in worker safety. We report the feasibility and outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of an electronically delivered safety and health curriculum for younger workers entitled, PUSH (Promoting U through Safety and Health). All younger workers (14–24 years old) hired for summer work at a large parks and recreation organization were invited to participate in an evaluation of an online training and randomized into an intervention or control condition. Baseline and end-of-summer online instruments assessed acceptability, knowledge, and self-reported attitudes and behaviors. One-hundred and forty participants (mean age 17.9 years) completed the study. The innovative training was feasible and acceptable to participants and the organization. Durable increases in safety and health knowledge were achieved by intervention workers (p < 0.001, effect size (Cohen’s d) 0.4). However, self-reported safety and health attitudes did not improve with this one-time training. These results indicate the potential utility of online training for younger workers and underscore the limitations of a single training interaction to change behaviors. Interventions may need to be delivered over a longer period of time and/or include environmental components to effectively alter behavior.
Prevalence of Pre-Diabetes and Its Associated Risk Factors in Rural Areas of Ningbo, China
Authors: Zhao Ming , Lin Hongbo , Yuan Yanyan , Wang Fuyan , Xi Yang , Wen Li , Shen Peng , Bu Shizhong
Published: August 2016

Objective: The aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of pre-diabetes and explore its associated risk factors in rural areas of Ningbo, China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 4583 adult residents in rural areas of Ningbo, China between March and May 2013. The survey used a multi-stage, stratified, cluster sampling method. Data collected included demographics and medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood lipid, and plasma glucose. After at least 10 h of overnight fasting, participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to identify pre-diabetes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associated risk factors for pre-diabetes, and to estimate the effect of interaction between the factors. Results: There were 1307 survey participants having pre-diabetes (28.52%) and the age-standardized prevalence was 30.53%. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that overweight/obesity, hypertension, and higher triglycerides were the risk factors for developing pre-diabetes. There were positive interactions between overweight/obesity and triglycerides, and also between hypertension and triglycerides on the multiplicative scale, suggesting that they synergistically influenced the development of pre-diabetes. Conclusions: The rural areas in Ningbo had a high prevalence of pre-diabetes. Overweight and obesity, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides were the major risk factors. There is a need of early intervention for preventing pre-diabetes.
PTSD Symptom Severities, Interpersonal Traumas, and Benzodiazepines Are Associated with Substance-Related Problems in Trauma Patients
Authors: Guina Jeffrey , Nahhas Ramzi , Goldberg Adam , Farnsworth Seth
Published: August 2016

Background: Trauma is commonly associated with substance-related problems, yet associations between specific substances and specific posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSSs) are understudied. We hypothesized that substance-related problems are associated with PTSS severities, interpersonal traumas, and benzodiazepine prescriptions. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey methodology in a consecutive sample of adult outpatients with trauma histories (n = 472), we used logistic regression to examine substance-related problems in general (primary, confirmatory analysis), as well as alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug problems specifically (secondary, exploratory analyses) in relation to demographics, trauma type, PTSSs, and benzodiazepine prescriptions. Results: After adjusting for multiple testing, several factors were significantly associated with substance-related problems, particularly benzodiazepines (AOR = 2.78; 1.99 for alcohol, 2.42 for tobacco, 8.02 for illicit drugs), DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis (AOR = 1.92; 2.38 for alcohol, 2.00 for tobacco, 2.14 for illicit drugs), most PTSSs (especially negative beliefs, recklessness, and avoidance), and interpersonal traumas (e.g., assaults and child abuse). Conclusion: In this clinical sample, there were consistent and strong associations between several trauma-related variables and substance-related problems, consistent with our hypotheses. We discuss possible explanations and implications of these findings, which we hope will stimulate further research, and improve screening and treatment.
Changes in Plantar Pressure While Running with a Jogging Stroller
Authors: Mickel Christoph , Baltrusch Antonia , Holzgreve Fabian , Maltry Laura , Hartmann Hagen , Keiner Michael , Wirth Klaus
Published: August 2016

Despite the common use of jogging strollers, only a few studies cover their influence on running patterns. Kinematic studies have shown differences in the upper body movement, while potential changes in plantar pressure remain unclear. Therefore, 30 healthy sport students were asked to run at a self-selected speed with and without a jogging stroller on a treadmill. Via bilateral insole pressure measurements, the plantar pressure distribution and the stride length were quantified. A significantly decreased pressure for running with a jogging stroller was found in the forefoot, metatarsus, inner edge, outer edge and for the total pressure of the left foot. The right foot showed similar significances for all foot areas except the metatarsus. Stride length was significantly shorter when running with a jogging stroller. As stride length and plantar pressure are known to correlate, the reduced stride length in running with a jogging stroller can partially explain the measured decrease in plantar pressure. Further, the partial weight-bearing, which is needed to keep the jogging stroller in line, can also contribute to the decrease in plantar pressure. Moreover, the unilateral weight-bearing enlarges the base of support and could also be a reason for the decrease in plantar pressure. In conclusion, our results show statistically significant changes in plantar pressure, but these are not of clinical importance as the effect sizes are very low. Therefore, no specific training recommendations for running with a stroller have to be made.
Doping Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Electrical Insulation Properties of Polyethylene: From Macroscopic to Molecular Scale
Authors: Jing Ziang , Li Changming , Zhao Hong , Zhang Guiling , Han Baozhong
Published: August 2016

The doping effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on electrical insulation properties of polyethylene (PE) was studied by combining experimental and theoretical methods. The electric conduction properties and trap characteristics were tested for pure PE and PE/GNPs composites by using a direct measurement method and a thermal stimulated current (TSC) method. It was found that doping smaller GNPs is more beneficial to decrease the conductivity of PE/GNPs. The PE/GNPs composite with smaller size GNPs mainly introduces deep energy traps, while with increasing GNPs size, besides deep energy traps, shallow energy traps are also introduced. These results were also confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) and the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method calculations. Therefore, doping small size GNPs is favorable for trapping charge carriers and enhancing insulation ability, which is suggested as an effective strategy in exploring powerful insulation materials.
Serology in the Digital Age: Using Long Synthetic Peptides Created from Nucleic Acid Sequences as Antigens in Microarrays
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Rönnberg Bengt , Cistjakovs Maksims , Lundkvist Åke , Pipkorn Rudiger , Blomberg Jonas
Published: August 2016

Background: Antibodies to microbes, or to autoantigens, are important markers of disease. Antibody detection (serology) can reveal both past and recent infections. There is a great need for development of rational ways of detecting and quantifying antibodies, both for humans and animals. Traditionally, serology using synthetic antigens covers linear epitopes using up to 30 amino acid peptides. Methods: We here report that peptides of 100 amino acids or longer (“megapeptides”), designed and synthesized for optimal serological performance, can successfully be used as detection antigens in a suspension multiplex immunoassay (SMIA). Megapeptides can quickly be created just from pathogen sequences. A combination of rational sequencing and bioinformatic routines for definition of diagnostically-relevant antigens can, thus, rapidly yield efficient serological diagnostic tools for an emerging infectious pathogen. Results: We designed megapeptides using bioinformatics and viral genome sequences. These long peptides were tested as antigens for the presence of antibodies in human serum to the filo-, herpes-, and polyoma virus families in a multiplex microarray system. All of these virus families contain recently discovered or emerging infectious viruses. Conclusion: Long synthetic peptides can be useful as serological diagnostic antigens, serving as biomarkers, in suspension microarrays.
In Vitro Antileishmanial Activity of Sterols from Trametes versicolor (Bres. Rivarden)
Authors: Leliebre-Lara Vivian , Monzote Fidalgo Lianet , Pferschy-Wenzig Eva-Maria , Kunert Olaf , Nogueiras Lima Clara , Bauer Rudolf
Published: August 2016

Two ergostanes, 5α,8α-epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (1) and 5α-ergost-7,22-dien-3β-ol (2), and a lanostane, 3β-hydroxylanostan-8,24-diene-21-oic acid (trametenolic acid) (3), were isolated from an n-hexane extract prepared from the fruiting body of Trametes versicolor (Bres. Rivarden). The activity of the isolated sterols was evaluated against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis Lainson and Shaw, 1972. The lanostane, compound (3), showed the best inhibitory response (IC50 promastigotes 2.9 ± 0.1 μM and IC50 amastigotes 1.6 ± 0.1 μM). This effect was 25-fold higher compared with its cytotoxic effect on peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. Therefore, trametenolic acid could be regarded as a promising lead for the synthesis of compounds with antileishmanial activity.
Effects of Maternal Chromium Restriction on the Long-Term Programming in MAPK Signaling Pathway of Lipid Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Zhang Qian , Sun Xiaofang , Xiao Xinhua , Zheng Jia , Li Ming , Yu Miao , Ping Fan , Wang Zhixin , Qi Cuijuan , Wang Tong , Wang Xiaojing
Published: August 2016

It is now broadly accepted that the nutritional environment in early life is a key factor in susceptibility to metabolic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of maternal chromium restriction in vivo on the modulation of lipid metabolism and the mechanisms involved in this process. Sixteen pregnant C57BL mice were randomly divided into two dietary treatments: a control (C) diet group and a low chromium (L) diet group. The diet treatment was maintained through gestation and lactation period. After weaning, some of the pups continued with either the control diet or low chromium diet (CC or LL), whereas other pups switched to another diet (CL or LC). At 32 weeks of age, serum lipid metabolism, proinflammatory indexes, oxidative stress and anti-oxidant markers, and DNA methylation status in adipose tissue were measured. The results indicated that the maternal low chromium diet increased body weight, fat pad weight, serum triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). There was a decrease in serum reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio at 32 weeks of age in female offspring. From adipose tissue, we identified 1214 individual hypomethylated CpG sites and 411 individual hypermethylated CpG sites in the LC group when compared to the CC group. Pathway analysis of the differential methylation genes revealed a significant increase in hypomethylated genes in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in the LC group. Our study highlights the importance of the MAPK signaling pathway in epigenetic changes involved in the lipid metabolism of the offspring from chromium-restricted dams.
Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) during Continuous and High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Moser Othmar , Mader Julia , Tschakert Gerhard , Mueller Alexander , Groeschl Werner , Pieber Thomas , Koehler Gerd , Messerschmidt Janin , Hofmann Peter
Published: August 2016

Continuous exercise (CON) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) can be safely performed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Additionally, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems may serve as a tool to reduce the risk of exercise-induced hypoglycemia. It is unclear if CGM is accurate during CON and HIIE at different mean workloads. Seven T1DM patients performed CON and HIIE at 5% below (L) and above (M) the first lactate turn point (LTP1), and 5% below the second lactate turn point (LTP2) (H) on a cycle ergometer. Glucose was measured via CGM and in capillary blood (BG). Differences were found in comparison of CGM vs. BG in three out of the six tests (p < 0.05). In CON, bias and levels of agreement for L, M, and H were found at: 0.85 (−3.44, 5.15) mmol·L−1, −0.45 (−3.95, 3.05) mmol·L−1, −0.31 (−8.83, 8.20) mmol·L−1 and at 1.17 (−2.06, 4.40) mmol·L−1, 0.11 (−5.79, 6.01) mmol·L−1, 1.48 (−2.60, 5.57) mmol·L−1 in HIIE for the same intensities. Clinically-acceptable results (except for CON H) were found. CGM estimated BG to be clinically acceptable, except for CON H. Additionally, using CGM may increase avoidance of exercise-induced hypoglycemia, but usual BG control should be performed during intense exercise.
Retrospective Analysis of the Equine Influenza Virus A/Equine/Kirgizia/26/1974 (H7N7) Isolated in Central Asia
Authors: Karamendin Kobey , Kydyrmanov Aidyn , Sayatov Marat , Strochkov Vitaliy , Sandybayev Nurlan , Sultankulova Kulaysan
Published: August 2016

A retrospective phylogenetic characterization of the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase and nucleoprotein genes of equine influenza virus A/equine/Kirgizia/26/1974 (H7N7) which caused an outbreak in Kirgizia (a former Soviet Union republic, now Kyrgyzstan) in 1977 was conducted. It was defined that it was closely related to the strain London/1973 isolated in Europe and it shared a maximum nucleotide sequence identity at 99% with it. This Central Asian equine influenza virus isolate did not have any specific genetic signatures and can be considered as an epizootic strain of 1974 that spread in Europe. The absence of antibodies to this subtype EI virus (EIV) in recent research confirms its disappearance as of the 1990s when the antibodies were last found in unvaccinated horses.
Time-Dependent Afterslip of the 2009 Mw 6.3 Dachaidan Earthquake (China) and Viscosity beneath the Qaidam Basin Inferred from Postseismic Deformation Observations
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Caijun , Li Zhenhong , Wen Yangmao , Chen Jiajun , Li Zhicai
Published: August 2016

The 28 August 2009 Mw 6.3 Dachaidan (DCD) earthquake occurred at the Qaidam Basin’s northern side. To explain its postseismic deformation time series, the method of modeling them with a combination model of afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation is improved to simultaneously assess the time-dependent afterslip and the viscosity. The coseismic slip model in the layered model is first inverted, showing a slip pattern close to that in the elastic half-space. The postseismic deformation time series can be explained by the combination model, with a total root mean square (RMS) misfit of 0.37 cm. The preferred time-dependent afterslip mainly occurs at a depth from the surface to about 9.1 km underground and increases with time, indicating that afterslip will continue after 28 July 2010. By 334 days after the main shock, the moment released by the afterslip is 0.91 × 1018 N∙m (Mw 5.94), approximately 24.3% of that released by the coseismic slip. The preferred lower bound of the viscosity beneath the Qaidam Basin’s northern side is 1 × 1019 Pa·s, close to that beneath its southern side. This result also indicates that the viscosity structure beneath the Tibet Plateau may vary laterally.
COLLISION TOMOGRAPHY: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF POSSIBLE PROGENITORS OF THE ANDROMEDA STELLAR STREAM
Authors: Miki Yohei , Mori Masao , Rich R. Michael
Published: August 2016

To unveil a progenitor of the Andromeda Giant Stellar Stream, we investigate the interaction between an accreting satellite galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy using an N-body simulation. We perform a comprehensive exploration of the properties of the progenitor dwarf galaxy, using 247 models of varying mass, mass distribution, and size. We show that the binding energy of the progenitor is the crucial parameter in reproducing the Andromeda Giant Stellar Stream and the shell-like structures surrounding the Andromeda Galaxy. As a result of the simulations, the progenitor must satisfy a simple scaling relation between the core radius, the total mass and the tidal radius. Using this relation, we successfully constrain the physical properties of the progenitors to have masses ranging from

to

and central surface densities around

. A detailed comparison between our result and the nearby observed galaxies indicates that possible progenitors of the Andromeda Giant Stellar Stream include a dwarf elliptical galaxy, a dwarf irregular galaxy, and a small spiral galaxy.
Assessment of the Human Kynurenine Pathway: Comparisons and Clinical Implications of Ethnic and Gender Differences in Plasma Tryptophan, Kynurenine Metabolites, and Enzyme Expressions at Baseline and after Acute Tryptophan Loading and Depletion
Authors: Badawy Abdulla A.-B. , Dougherty Donald M.
Published: August 2016

Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism via the kynurenine pathway (KP) was assessed in normal healthy US volunteers at baseline and after acute Trp depletion (ATD) and acute Trp loading (ATL) using amino acid formulations. The hepatic KP accounts for ~90% of overall Trp degradation. Liver Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) contributes ~70% toward Trp oxidation, with the remainder achieved by subsequent rate-limiting enzymes in the KP. TDO is not influenced by a 1.15 g Trp load, but is maximally activated by a 5.15 g dose. We recommend a 30 mg/kg dose for future ATL studies. ATD activates TDO and enhances the Trp flux down the KP via its leucine component. Higher plasma free [Trp] and lower total [Trp] are observed in women, with no gender differences in kynurenines. Kynurenic acid is lower in female Caucasians, which may explain their lower incidence of schizophrenia. African-American and Hispanic women have a lower TDO and Trp oxidation relative to free Trp than the corresponding men. African-American women have a potentially higher 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid/anthranilic acid ratio, which may protect them against osteoporosis. Future studies of the KP in relation to health and disease should focus on gender and ethnic differences.
Underestimation of boreal soil carbon stocks by mathematical soil carbon models linked to soil nutrient status
Authors: Ťupek Boris , Ortiz Carina A. , Hashimoto Shoji , Stendahl Johan , Dahlgren Jonas , Karltun Erik , Lehtonen Aleksi
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Inaccurate estimate of the largest terrestrial carbon pool, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, is the major source of uncertainty in simulating feedback of climate warming on ecosystem–atmosphere carbon dioxide exchange by process-based ecosystem and soil carbon models. Although the models need to simplify complex environmental processes of soil carbon sequestration, in a large mosaic of environments a missing key driver could lead to a modeling bias in predictions of SOC stock change.We aimed to evaluate SOC stock estimates of process-based models (Yasso07, Q, and CENTURY soil sub-model v4) against a massive Swedish forest soil inventory data set (3230 samples) organized by a recursive partitioning method into distinct soil groups with underlying SOC stock development linked to physicochemical conditions.For two-thirds of measurements all models predicted accurate SOC stock levels regardless of the detail of input data, e.g., whether they ignored or included soil properties. However, in fertile sites with high N deposition, high cation exchange capacity, or moderately increased soil water content, Yasso07 and Q models underestimated SOC stocks. In comparison to Yasso07 and Q, accounting for the site-specific soil characteristics (e. g. clay content and topsoil mineral N) by CENTURY improved SOC stock estimates for sites with high clay content, but not for sites with high N deposition.Our analysis suggested that the soils with poorly predicted SOC stocks, as characterized by the high nutrient status and well-sorted parent material, indeed have had other predominant drivers of SOC stabilization lacking in the models, presumably the mycorrhizal organic uptake and organo-mineral stabilization processes. Our results imply that the role of soil nutrient status as regulator of organic matter mineralization has to be re-evaluated, since correct SOC stocks are decisive for predicting future SOC change and soil CO2 efflux.
Biogeochemical and biological impacts of diazotroph blooms in a low-nutrient, low-chlorophyll ecosystem: synthesis from the VAHINE mesocosm experiment
(New Caledonia)
Authors: Bonnet Sophie , Baklouti Melika , Gimenez Audrey , Berthelot Hugo , Berman-Frank Ilana
Published: August 2016

Abstract. In marine ecosystems, biological N2 fixation provides the predominant external source of nitrogen (N; 140 ± 50 Tg N yr−1), contributing more than atmospheric and riverine inputs to the N supply. Yet the fate and magnitude of the newly fixed N, or diazotroph-derived N (hereafter named DDN) in marine ecosystems is poorly understood. Moreover, whether the DDN is preferentially and directly exported out of the photic zone, recycled by the microbial loop and/or transferred into larger organisms remains unclear. These questions were investigated in the framework of the VAHINE (VAriability of vertical and tropHIc transfer of diazotroph derived N in the south wEst Pacific) project. Triplicate large volume ( ∼  50 m3) mesocosms were deployed in the tropical south-west Pacific coastal ocean (New Caledonia). The mesocosms were intentionally fertilized with  ∼  0.8 µM dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) at the start of the experiment to stimulate diazotrophy. A total of 47 stocks, fluxes, enzymatic activities and diversity parameters were measured daily inside and outside the mesocosms by the 40 scientists involved in the project. The experiment lasted for 23 days and was characterized by two distinct and successive diazotroph blooms: a dominance of diatom-diazotroph associations (DDAs) during the first half of the experiment (days 2–14) followed by a bloom of unicellular cyanobacterial lineage C (UCYN-C during the second half of the experiment (days 15–23). These conditions provided a unique opportunity to compare the DDN transfer and export efficiency associated with different diazotrophs. Here we summarize the major experimental and modelling results obtained during the project and described in the VAHINE special issue, in particular those regarding the evolution of the main standing stocks, fluxes and biological characteristics over the 23-day experiment, the contribution of N2 fixation to export fluxes, the DDN released to dissolved pool and its transfer to the planktonic food web (bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton). We then apply our Eco3M modelling platform to further infer the fate of DDN in the ecosystem and the role of N2 fixation on productivity, food web structure and carbon export. Recommendations for future work are finally provided in the conclusion section.
Nutrient cycling in the Baltic Sea – results from a 30-year physical-biogeochemical reanalysis
Authors: Liu Ye , Meier H. E. Markus , Eilola Kari
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The long-term oxygen and nutrient cycles in the Baltic Sea are reconstructed using the Swedish Coastal and Ocean Biogeochemical model (SCOBI) coupled to the Rossby Centre Ocean model (RCO). Two simulations covering the period 1970–1999 are carried out with and without data assimilation, respectively. Here, the "weakly coupled" scheme with the Ensemble Optimal Interpolation (EnOI) method is adopted to assimilate the observed profiles in the reanalysis system. The simulation results show considerable improvements in both oxygen and nutrient concentrations in the reanalysis relative to the free run. Further, the results suggest that the assimilation of biogeochemical observations has a significant effect on the simulation of the oxygen dependent dynamics of biogeochemical cycles. From the reanalysis, nutrient transports between subbasins, between the coastal zone and the open sea, and across latitudinal and longitudinal cross sections, are calculated. Further, bottom areas of nutrient import or export are examined. Our results emphasize the important role of the Baltic proper for the entire Baltic Sea, with large net exports of nutrients into the surrounding subbasins (except the phosphorus transport into the Gulf of Riga and the nitrogen transports into the Gulf of Riga and Danish Straits). In agreement with previous studies, we found that the Bothnian Sea imports large amounts of phosphorus from the Baltic proper that are buried in this subbasin. For the calculation of subbasin budgets, it is crucial where the lateral borders of the subbasins are located, because net transports may change sign with the location of the border. Although the overall transport patterns resemble the results of previous studies, our calculated estimates differ in detail considerably.