bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the partial NaCl substitution by other chloride salts on the volatile profile during the ripening of dry-cured lacón
Authors: Domínguez R. , Munekata P. E. , Cittadini A. , Lorenzo J. M.
Published: April 2016

The influence of three salting treatments (treatment II: 50% NaCl-50% KCl; III: 45% NaCl-25% KCl-20% CaCl2-10% MgCl2; IV: 30% NaCl-50% KCl-15% CaCl2-5% MgCl2) on the formation of volatile compounds throughout the process was studied and compared to those of a control “lacón” (treatment I: 100% NaCl). There was an intense formation of volatile compounds throughout the processing, particularly during the dry-ripening stage. The most abundant chemical family in all the formulations, in the final product was hydrocarbons followed by aldehydes. The total volatile compound release was more intense in the control “lacóns” (1164 AU_106·g-1dry matter) than in “lacóns” from formulations II, III and IV (817-891 AUx106·g-1dry matter). The “lacóns” from formulation I showed the highest amounts of aldehydes. The “lacóns” from formulations I and II presented the highest amounts of hydrocarbons. The main conclusion is that the replacement of NaCl produces changes in the volatile profile and could be affect the aroma of “lacón”.
Amazonian Buriti oil: chemical characterization and antioxidant potential
Authors: Speranza P. , De Oliveira Falcão A. , Alves Macedo J. , Da Silva L. H.M. , Da C. Rodrigues A. M. , Alves Macedo G.
Published: April 2016

Buriti oil is an example of an Amazonian palm oil of economic importance. The local population uses this oil for the prevention and treatment of different diseases; however, there are few studies in the literature that evaluate its properties. In this study, detailed chemical and antioxidant properties of Buriti oil were determined. The predominant fatty acid was oleic acid (65.6%) and the main triacylglycerol classes were tri-unsaturated (50.0%) and di-unsaturated-mono-saturated (39.3%) triacylglycerols. The positional distribution of the classes of fatty acids on the triacylglycerol backbone indicated a saturated and unsaturated fatty acid relationship similar in the three-triacylglycerol positions. All tocopherol isomers were present, with a total content of 2364.1 mg·kg−1. α-tocopherol constitutes 48% of the total tocopherol content, followed by γ- tocopherol (45%). Total phenolic (107.0 mg gallic acid equivalent·g−1 oil) and β-carotene (781.6 mg·kg−1) were particularly high in this oil. The highest antioxidant activity against the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was obtained at an oil concentration of 50 mg·mL−1 (73.15%). The antioxidant activity evaluated by the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) was 95.3 μmol Trolox equivalent·g−1 oil. These results serve to present Buriti oil as an Amazonian resource for cosmetic, food and pharmaceuticals purposes.
Effect of fat replacement by olive oil on the physico-chemical properties, fatty acids, cholesterol and tocopherol content of pâté
Authors: Domínguez R. , Agregán R. , Gonçalves A. , Lorenzo J. M.
Published: April 2016

The present study investigates the effects of olive oil when used as back fat replacers on the physico-chemical properties, fatty acids, cholesterol and α-tocopherol content of p.t.. The replacement of back fat by olive oil at 50 and 100% did not affect the moisture, fat or protein contents, while it increased yellowness. According to texture parameters, reformulated p.t. presented lower values for hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. The use of olive oil significantly (P < 0.05) affected the fatty acid content. The amount of MUFA increased, while the content of SFA and PUFA decreased as the back fat was replaced by olive oil. The replacement of fat resulted in an improvement in all nutritional indexes. Atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes decreased while the h/H ratio increased with fat replacement. At the same time, the content of α-tocopherol increased and the amount of cholesterol decreased with the addition of olive oil. Therefore, olive oil provides p.t. with high levels of C18:1n9c and MUFA, natural antioxidants such as α-tocopherol and reduces cholesterol levels. As a general conclusion, the replacement of back fat by olive oil allows us to obtain a healthier product.
Fatty-acid alkyl esters in table olives in relation to abnormal fermentation and poorly conducted technological treatments
Authors: Lanza B. , Di Serio M. G. , Di Giacinto L.
Published: April 2016

There are several methods to prepare table olives, and each of the steps and conditions during this processing can affect the composition and nutritional value of the product. The influence of abnormal fermentation and poorly conducted technological treatments was examined here in terms of the lipid fraction of table olives. In ‘Greek style’ olives, a low concentration of brine can allow the growth of spontaneous microflora and consequent organoleptic defects (‘putrid/butyric fermentation’, ‘winey-vinegary’). Here, the ‘Kalamata’ and ‘Moresca’ cultivars can produce methyl esters (methyl oleate/ linoleate: 553 and 450 mg·kg-1 oil, respectively) and ethyl esters (ethyl oleate/ inoleate: 4764 and 4195; palmitate: 617 and 886 mg·kg-1 oil, respectively). In ‘Sevillan style’ olives, a high NaOH concentration influences the fatty-acid composition less, but is difficult to eliminate, for a ‘soapy’ defect. The ‘Giarraffa’ and ‘Nocellara del Belice’ cultivars produce only ethyl esters (ethyl oleate/ linoleate: 222 and 289 mg·kg-1 oil, respectively). With this production of ethyl and methyl esters from the principal fatty acids in the lipid fractions of table olives, methods that provide only biological treatments (i.e., Greek style) pose more risk than methods that provide only chemical treatments (i.e., Sevillan style).
Effect of dry salting on flavonoid profile and antioxidant capacity of Algerian olive cultivars
Authors: Soufi O. , Romero C. , Motilva M. J. , Borrás Gaya X. , Louaileche H.
Published: April 2016

This study investigated the changes in the flavonoid profile and antioxidant capacity of five olive cultivars after dry salting. The antioxidant activity was determined using ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and β-carotene bleaching assays. The results showed that the effects of dry salting on the analyzed parameters were significant (P < 0.05). It caused a decrease in total flavonoids with a loss rate of 55%. The HPLC analysis of extracts revealed the presence of four flavonoids: rutin, luteolin-7-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. Among the studied cultivars, Azeradj was characterized by high levels of flavonoids. Concerning the antioxidant activity, diverging results were obtained using different antioxidant assays. Overall, the dry salting induced a reduction in the antioxidant activity with variable values depending on the cultivar. Among the used methods, high correlations were found between flavonoid contents and the FRAP assay.
Differentiation of partial acylglycerols derived from different animal fats by EA-IRMS and GCMS techniques
Authors: Nina Naquiah A. N. , Marikkar J. M.N. , Shuhaimi M.
Published: April 2016

A study was carried out to compare partial acylglycerols of lard with those of chicken fat, beef fat and mutton fat using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Elemental Analysis–Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (EA-IRMS). Mono- (MAG) and di-(DAG) acylglycerols of animal fats were prepared according to a chemical glycerolysis method and isolated using column chromatography. The fatty acid composition and δ13C carbon isotope ratio of MAG and DAG derived from individual animal fat were determined separately to establish their identity characteristics. The results showed that the δ13C values of MAG and DAG of lard were significantly different from those of MAG and DAG derived from chicken fat, beef fat and mutton fat. According to the loading plots based on a principle component analysis (PCA), fatty acids namely stearic, oleic and linoleic were the most discriminating parameters to distinctly identify MAG and DAG derived from different animal fats. This demonstrated that the EA-IRMS and the PCA of fatty acid data have considerable potential for discriminating MAG and DAG derived from lard from other animal fats for Halal authentication purposes.
Controlled fermentation of Moroccan picholine green olives by oleuropein-degrading Lactobacilli strains
Authors: Ghabbour N. , Rokni Y. , Lamzira Z. , Thonart P. , Chihib N. E. , Peres C. , Asehraou A.
Published: April 2016

The control of the spontaneous fermentation process of un-debittered Moroccan Picholine green olives was undertaken basing the inoculation with two lactobacilli strains (Lactobacillus plantarum S175 and Lactobacillus pentosus S100). These strains, previously selected in our laboratory for their oleuropein-degrading capacity, were inoculated in olives brined at 5% of NaCl, and then incubated at 30 ÅãC. The physico-chemical parameters (pH, free acidity, reducing sugars, sodium chloride, oleuropein and its hydrolysis products), and the microbiological parameters (mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts and moulds), were regularly analyzed during the fermentation time. The results obtained showed the effectiveness of the lactic acid bacteria strains to develop suitable oleuropein biodegradation and controlled lactic fermentation processes more than the un-inoculated olives (control). This result was confirmed by the rapid elimination of coliforms and staphylococcus, the accumulation of hydroxytyrosol as a result of oleuropein biodegradation, and a drastic reduction in spoiled olives with good quality fermented olives.
Olive paste oil content on a dry weight basis (OPDW): an indicator for optimal harvesting time in modern olive orchards
Authors: Zipori I. , Bustan A. , Kerem Z. , Dag A.
Published: April 2016

In modern oil olive orchards, mechanical harvesting technologies have significantly accelerated harvesting outputs, thereby allowing for careful planning of harvest timing. While optimizing harvest time may have profound effects on oil yield and quality, the necessary tools to precisely determine the best date are rather scarce. For instance, the commonly used indicator, the fruit ripening index, does not necessarily correlate with oil accumulation. Oil content per fruit fresh weight is strongly affected by fruit water content, making the ripening index an unreliable indicator. However, oil in the paste, calculated on a dry weight basis (OPDW), provides a reliable indication of oil accumulation in the fruit. In most cultivars tested here, OPDW never exceeded ca. 0.5 g.g–1 dry weight, making this threshold the best indicator for the completion of oil accumulation and its consequent reduction in quality thereafter. The rates of OPDW and changes in quality parameters strongly depend on local conditions, such as climate, tree water status and fruit load. We therefore propose a fast and easy method to determine and monitor the OPDW in a given orchard. The proposed method is a useful tool for the determination of optimal harvest timing, particularly in large plots under intensive cultivation practices, with the aim of increasing orchard revenues.

The results of this research can be directly applied in olive orchards, especially in large-scale operations. By following the proposed method, individual plots can be harvested according to sharp thresholds of oil accumulation status and pre-determined oil quality parameters, thus effectively exploiting the potentials of oil yield and quality. The method can become a powerful tool for scheduling the harvest throughout the season, and at the same time forecasting the flow of olives to the olive mill.
n-3 LCPUFA in the reversal of hepatic steatosis: the role of ACOX and CAT-1
Authors: Tapia G. S. , González-Mañán D. , D’Espessailles A. , Dossi C. G.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of the Acyl co-enzyme A oxidase (ACOX), carnitine acyl transferase I (CAT-1) and activating protein 1 (AP-1) in the reversal of hepatic steatosis with dietary change and n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation. Male C57BL/6J mice were given either a control diet (CD) or a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, and then continued with the CD or CD plus n-3 LCPUFA for eight weeks. After this period, body and adipose visceral tissue weight were analyzed and liver samples were taken to measure ACOX, CAT-1 and c-jun levels. The dietary change from HFD to a norm caloric diet plus n-3 LCPUFA supplementation significantly reduced liver steatosis and adipose tissue: body weight ratio, along with an increase in the hepatic ACOX and CAT-1 levels and normalization of AP-1 expression that could favor the fatty acid beta-oxidation over lipogenesis and regulate inflammation. These results provide new data on the enzymatic metabolism underlying dietary change to a norm caloric diet plus n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.
Design and Implementation of Active Learning Activities Focused on Simulations of Drilling in Composites
Authors: Domingo Rosario , Castillo Óscar
Published: April 2016

In this work, a set of active learning activities has been presented. These tasks are focused on the design and implementation of online activities for students of Mechanical Engineering Degree, in order to fulfill specific and generic competences in the field of manufacturing engineering, and in particular in machining processes. For this purpose, the students have conducted simulations using finite elements method, through Deform 3D software, and it has been applied to the drilling process of the composite with polymeric matrix, polyether-ether-ketone reinforced with glass fibre in 30%, PEEK-GF30. The results show data of variables as thrust force and torque, and others relate to online activities and skills acquired by students when they perform the tasks in a virtual platform. These type of activities motive to students and allow knowing the behavior of materials on a more attractive manner.
mTOR Mediates IL-23 Induction of Neutrophil IL-17 and IL-22 Production
Authors: Chen Feidi , Cao Anthony , Yao Suxia , Evans-Marin Heather L. , Liu Han , Wu Wei , Carlsen Eric D. , Dann Sara M. , Soong Lynn , Sun Jiaren , Zhao Qihong , Cong Yingzi
Published: April 2016

It has been shown recently that neutrophils are able to produce IL-22 and IL-17, which differentially regulate the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. However, it is still largely unknown how the neutrophil production of IL-22 and IL-17 is regulated, and their role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we found that IL-23 promoted neutrophil production of IL-17 and IL-22. IL-23 stimulated the neutrophil expression of IL-23R as well as rorc and ahr. Retinoid acid receptor–related orphan receptor γ t and aryl-hydrocarbon receptor differentially regulated IL-23 induction of neutrophil IL-17 and IL-22. In addition, IL-23 induced the activation of mTOR in neutrophils. Blockade of the mTOR pathway inhibited IL-23–induced expression of rorc and ahr, as well as IL-17 and IL-22 production. By using a microbiota Ag-specific T cell–mediated colitis model, we demonstrated that depletion of neutrophils, as well as blockade of IL-22, resulted in a significant increase in the severity of colitis, thereby indicating a protective role of neutrophils and IL-22 in chronic colitis. Collectively, our data revealed that neutrophils negatively regulate microbiota Ag-specific T cell induction of colitis, and IL-23 induces neutrophil production of IL-22 and IL-17 through induction of rorc and ahr, which is mediated by the mTOR pathway.
Spontaneous Hematoma of Posterior Mediastinum with an Uncommon Cause: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Liu Leilei , Cao Dianbo , Sun Yutian
Published: April 2016

Spontaneous mediastinal hematoma is exceedingly rare. We described such a case of a 61-year-old male with a posterior mediastinal hematoma from ruptured small aneurysm, which was ascertained via contrast-enhanced computed tomography examination. Subsequent super-selective angiography of left gastric artery revealed a ruptured aneurysm with contrast medium leakage, feeding vessels respectively from caudal and cranial artery. The left gastric artery branch caudally feeding aneurysm was successfully occluded, while cranially feeding artery from the branch of left bronchial artery failed to embolize due to complex anatomic factor. Our management still yields to a satisfactory outcome.
Nonrhabdomyosarcomatous abdominopelvic sarcomas: Analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: Iqbal Nida , Shukla Nootan K , Deo S. V. S. , Agarwala Sandeep , Sharma D , Sharma Meher C , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: April 2016

Background: Data concerning treatment outcome and prognostic factors in sarcomas of abdomen and pelvis are sparse in literature.Methods and Results: Of 696 patients with nonrhabdomyosarcomatous soft tissue sarcoma registered at our center between June 2003 and December 2012, 112 (16%) patients of sarcomas arising from abdomen and pelvis were identified, of which 88 patients were analyzed for treatment outcome and prognostic factors. The median age was 40 years (range: 1–78 years) with a male: female ratio of 0.7:1. Twenty-one (24%) patients were metastatic at baseline. The most common tumor sites were retroperitoneum in 70% patients and abdominal wall in 18% patients. Leiomyosarcoma was the most common histological subtype in 36% patients followed by liposarcoma in 17% patients. Thirty-five (40%) patients had Grade III tumors. Forty-six (52%) patients underwent surgical resection. At a median follow-up of 43 months (range: 2–94 months), the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 35% and 42%, with a median of 22 months and 43 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified male gender (P - 0.03, hazard ratio [HR] - 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.23–0.92), baseline metastatic disease (P - 0.01, HR - 2.98, 95% CI - 1.27–6.98) and Grade III tumors (P - 0.02, HR - 1.84, 95% CI - 1.08–3.13) as factors associated with poor EFS, whereas baseline metastatic disease (P < 0.001, HR - 5.45, 95% CI - 2.31–12.87) and unresectability (P - 0.01, HR - 2.72, 95% CI - 1.27–5.83) were associated with poor OS. Conclusion: This is a single-institutional study of patients with abdominopelvic sarcomas where gender was identified as a new factor affecting survival apart from baseline presentation, histologic grade, and surgical resection.
Incidence of bone metastasis in carcinoma buccal mucosa
Authors: Bhandari Virendra
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Head and neck cancer is a leading health problem in India due to the habit of chewing tobacco and bad oral and dental hygiene. Carcinoma buccal mucosa is more common and is 2.5% of all malignancies at our center. Most of the patients present in stage III and IV and the survival in these cases is not very good. Bone metastasis in advanced cases of carcinoma buccal mucosa is rarely reported in the world literature. Materials and Methods: We present here cases developing bone metastasis in carcinoma buccal mucosa in last 5 years. These patients were young with loco-regionally advanced disease where bone metastasis developed within 1-year of definitive treatment. Results: The flat bones and vertebrae were mainly involved and the survival was also short after diagnosis of metastasis despite the treatment with local Radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion: The exact cause of metastasis cannot be proved, but the probability of subclinical seedling of malignant cells before the eradication of the primary tumor should be considered along with advanced local and nodal disease with high grade of tumor.
A cross-sectional observation study regarding patients and their physician willingness to wait for driver mutation report in nonsmall-cell lung cancer
Authors: Joshi Amit , Patil Vijay M , Noronha Vanita , Ghosh Joydeep , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Prabhash Kumar
Published: April 2016

Background: Palliative chemotherapy +/− targeted therapy in accordance with mutation profile is the norm in nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this audit was to determine the proportion of patients and physicians, who are unwilling to wait for the mutation report and the reasons thereof. Materials and Methods: All newly diagnosed NSCLC patients, post biopsy, seen at our center between November 2014 and January 2015 were included. The relationship between patient and physician decision and objective factors was explored by Fisher's exact test. The factors considered were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), the presence of a cough, hemoptysis, fatigue, and breathlessness. The agreement between patients and physician decision was tested by contingency table. Results: Out of 168 patients, 57 were unwilling to wait for driver mutation report (33.9% 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.2-41.4%). The most common reason provided by patients was symptomatic status (23, 40.1%). No other objective factor except PS (P = 0.00) was associated with patient's decision. In 56 patients (33.4% 95% CI 26.6-40.7%), physicians were unwilling to wait. Among the tested factors ECOG PS (P = 0.000), breathlessness (P = 0.00) and fatigue (P = 0.00) were associated with the decision of not waiting for the report. The percentage corrected value of contingency between patients and physician decision was 78.74%. Conclusion: At present, in our setup, nearly one-third of our NSCLC patients opt for immediate chemotherapy treatment and are unwilling to wait for mutation analysis report. The major reasons for such attitude is poor symptom control and deteriorating general condition.
Breast relapse after metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma: Is it an incurable entity?
Authors: Iniesta Silvia López , Cereceda Maria Tasso , Adams Chevorn Suzette , Menor Carlos Esquembre
Published: April 2016

Metastatic breast disease is a very rare condition in children. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common solid primary tumor in children, but only a few cases of breast metastases have been described. We present the case of a young female with a primary pelvic metastatic alveolar RMS, which metastasized to the breast twice and achieved prolonged complete remission with a multimodal approach.
Comparative evaluation of various cytomorphological grading systems in breast carcinoma
Authors: Arul P , Masilamani Suresh
Published: April 2016

Background: The diagnosis of breast carcinoma can be reliably made by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Grading usually done in histological samples for the selection of therapy but not in cytology. Various cytological grading systems have been proposed; however, none of them is presently considered the gold standard to predict the prognosis. Aim: This study was undertaken to evaluate various 3-tier cytological grading systems and to determine the best possible system corresponds to the histological grading proposed by Elston and Ellis based on the method by Nottingham modification of Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) method. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 94 cases of breast carcinoma FNACs were graded using six cytological grading systems and compared with SBR method. Concordance, association, and correlation studies were done to select best possible cytological grading system. The interobserver reproducibility among the six grading systems was also assessed. Results: Robinson method showed best correlation (r = 0.801; P = 0.0001 and t = 0.783; P = 0.0001), maximum percent agreement (83/94 cases; 88.3%), and a substantial kappa value of agreement (k = 0.737) with the Nottingham modification of SBR grading system followed by Mouriguand method. Taniguchi system showed better interobserver agreement (87.2%; k= 0.738). Conclusions: This study showed that all six cytological grading systems correlated positively with SBR method. However, Robinson's grading system demonstrated the best concordance, correlation, and substantial Kappa value of the agreement with the histological grading by SBR method in comparison to other 3-tier cytological grading systems. Hence, in conclusion, this grading should be routinely incorporated in the cytology reports as it correlates well with histological grade. Despite various cytological grading systems, Robinson's method is simple, more objective, and reproducible, hence being preferable for routine use.
Effect of folate status and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotypes on the complications and outcome of high dose methotrexate chemotherapy in north Indian children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Moulik Nirmalya Roy , Kumar Archana , Agrawal Suraksha , Mahdi Abbas Ali , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: April 2016

Purpose: The genes of the folate metabolic pathway have been associated with toxicities during high dose methotrexate therapy for childhood ALL, however, the importance of intrinsic folate status in this regard is unclear. Methods: In the present study the effect of precourse folate levels and MTHFR genotypes on the complications during high dose methotrexate chemotherapy in children with ALL were examined. Results: Twenty-one children were studied. Folate deficiency was associated with higher incidence of neutropenia (P = 0.03) and longer duration of chemotherapy interruption (P = 0.009). Children with MTHFR1298 mutations needed more red cell transfusion (P = 0.03). All 3 deaths encountered were seen in folate deficient children. Conclusions: Folate deficiency was associated with higher complications during high dose methotrexate therapy, the implications of which are important especially in resource poor settings with high prevalence of folate deficiency.
Adjuvant brachytherapy for Stage IB Grade 2 endometrial carcinoma: Multivariate analysis of a single institution experience
Authors: Tokar Margarita , Meirovich Michael , Bobilev Dmitri , Mermershtain Wilmosh
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim was to investigate the value of postoperative brachytherapy for patients with Stage IB, Grade 2 endometrial carcinoma. Patients and Methods: Forty-six patients with Stage IB, Grade 2 endometrial carcinoma, were treated with simple hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy in our institution. The mean age was 63 (range, 42-81). Surgical staging, defined as peritoneal washing and pelvic lymph node sampling was performed in 73% of patients. Twenty-two patients (47%) received a postoperative intravaginal brachytherapy (IVRT), and 24 patients (53%) were followed-up without additional treatment. Results: The median follow-up was 60 months. The 5-year overall survival for irradiated and nonirradiated patients, was 83.5 and 94.7%, respectively. Four patients (8.7%) developed relapse, two in the group of postoperative IVRT and 2 in the follow-up only group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a borderline association (P = 0.06) between lower uterine segment involvement and poor pelvic-vaginal control. The presence of GOG #99 high-risk features did not affect the pelvic control rate. Conclusion: According to our experience and previously published data, most patients with FIGO Stage IB, Grade 2 endometrial carcinoma may be cured with surgery alone.
Divergence-Free WENO Reconstruction-Based Finite Volume Scheme for Solving Ideal MHD Equations on Triangular Meshes
Authors: Xu Zhiliang , Balsara Dinshaw S. , Du Huijing
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we introduce a high-order accurate constrained transport type finite volume method to solve ideal magnetohydrodynamic equations on two-dimensional triangular meshes. A new divergence-free WENO-based reconstruction method is developed to maintain exactly divergence-free evolution of the numerical magnetic field. In this formulation, the normal component of the magnetic field at each face of a triangle is reconstructed uniquely and with the desired order of accuracy. Additionally, a new weighted flux interpolation approach is also developed to compute the z-component of the electric field at vertices of grid cells. We also present numerical examples to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed scheme.
A Two-Stage Image Segmentation Model for Multi-Channel Images
Authors: Li Zhi , Zeng Tieyong
Published: April 2016

This paper introduces a two-stage model for multi-channel image segmentation, which is motivated by minimal surface theory. Indeed, in the first stage, we acquire a smooth solutionufrom a convex variational model related to minimal surface property and different data fidelity terms are considered. This minimization problem is solved efficiently by the classical primal-dual approach. In the second stage, we adopt thresholding to segment the smoothed imageu. Here, instead of using K-means to determine the thresholds, we propose a more stable hill-climbing procedure to locate the peaks on the 3D histogram ofuas thresholds, in the meantime, this algorithm can also detect the number of segments. Finally, numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method is very robust against noise and superior to other image segmentation approaches.
Lymphocytosis and Lymphopenia Induced by Imported Infectious Diseases: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study of 17,229 Diseased German Travelers Returning from the Tropics and Subtropics
Authors: Herbinger Karl-Heinz , Hanus Ingrid , Beissner Marcus , Berens-Riha Nicole , Kroidl Inge , von Sonnenburg Frank , Löscher Thomas , Hoelscher Michael , Nothdurft Hans Dieter , Schunk Mirjam
Published: April 2016

The present controlled cross-sectional study aimed to assess relative and absolute lymphocytosis and lymphopenia induced by imported infectious diseases (IDs) seen among patients consulting the Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (1999–2014) after being in the tropics and subtropics. The analysis investigated data sets from 17,229 diseased German travelers returning from Latin America (3,238), Africa (5,467), and Asia (8,524), and from 1,774 healthy controls who had not recently traveled. Among the cases, the proportion of those with relative lymphopenia (10.5%) and absolute lymphopenia (8.0%) was significantly higher than among controls (3.2% and 3.6%, respectively), whereas relative lymphocytosis was significantly lower among cases (6.1%) than among controls (8.0%). The study identified IDs with significantly larger proportions of relative lymphocytosis (cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection [56%], infectious mononucleosis [51%], and dengue fever [11%]); absolute lymphocytosis (infectious mononucleosis [70%] and CMV infection [63%]); relative lymphopenia (streptococcal pharyngitis [56%], malaria [34%], Campylobacter infection [19%], salmonellosis [18%], and shigellosis [17%]); and of absolute lymphopenia (human immunodeficiency virus infection [53%], malaria [45%], dengue fever [40%], salmonellosis [16%], and Campylobacter infection [11%]). This study demonstrates that relative and absolute lymphocytosis and lymphopenia are useful laboratory findings for travelers returning from the tropics and subtropics, as they are typically caused by imported viral, bacterial, and protozoan IDs.
No Clinical or Molecular Evidence of Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to Artesunate–Mefloquine in Northwestern Brazil
Authors: Ladeia-Andrade Simone , de Melo Gladson Naber P. , de Souza-Lima Rita de Cássia , Salla Laís C. , Bastos Melissa S. , Rodrigues Priscila T. , Luz Francisco das Chagas O. , Ferreira Marcelo U.
Published: April 2016

We evaluated the clinical efficacy of artesunate–mefloquine (ASMQ) fixed-dose combination to treat uncomplicated malaria in Juruá Valley, the main Plasmodium falciparum transmission hotspot in Brazil. Between November 2010 and February 2013, we enrolled 162 patients aged 4–73 years, with fever or a history of fever, and a single-species P. falciparum infection confirmed by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All 154 patients who completed the 42-day follow-up presented an adequate clinical and parasitologic response. ASMQ was well tolerated and no adverse event caused treatment interruption. Gametocytes were detected in 46.3% patients; 35.2% had gametocytes at enrollment, whereas others developed patent gametocytemia 1–14 days after starting ASMQ. By day 3 of treatment, all subjects had cleared asexual parasitemia, but parasite DNA remained PCR detectable in 37.6% of them. Day-3 PCR positivity was associated with prolonged gametocyte carriage. We found no molecular evidence of resistance to either MQ (pfmdr1 gene amplification) or AS (mutations in selected kelch13 gene domains known to be associated with AS resistance) in the local P. falciparum population. These results strongly support the use of ASMQ as a first-line regimen to treat uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in northwestern Brazil, but underscore the need for gametocytocidal drugs to reduce the transmission potential of ASMQ-treated patients (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01144702).
Effects of single and mixed infections of blackeye cowpea mosaic virus and cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus on cowpea
Authors: Salaudeen MT , Ogunsola KE , Bashir M , Yusuf I
Published: April 2016

The response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) inoculated with Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus (BlCMV), Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV), and BlCMV+CABMV was investigated under screenhouse conditions, using completely randomised design with six replications. Seedlings of the cowpea line TVU 76 were mechanically inoculated at 10 days after sowing. Uninoculated cowpea plants served as controls. Disease incidence, severity and yield parameters were recorded. Virus concentration in leaf samples was determined using Antigen Coated Plate-Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ACP-ELISA). One hundred percent infection was obtained at two weeks post inoculation regardless of the virus combination. CABMV and BlCMV+CABMV elicited the highest symptom score of 4 while the lowest score of 2.8 was observed in BlCMV-inoculated plants. Mixed infections enhanced the highest virus concentration (1.7). The virus titre value in plants infected with CABMV (0.8) was relatively higher than in the BlCMV-inoculated plants (0.5). The seeds from uninoculated plants gave the highest (2.1 g) weight. Mixed infections with BlCMV+CABMV resulted in the lowest seed weight per plant (0.4 g), followed by single infection with CABMV (0.7 g), whereas the value was 0.8 g in the BlCMV-infected plants. Adoption of cowpea cultivars with genetic resistance against multiple virus infections is recommended in order to guard against complete crop failure.Keywords: Disease incidence and severity; seed weight; Vigna unguiculata; virus concentration
Biomass yield and modeling of logging residues of Terminalia superba in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo TO , Aigbe HI , Akindele SO
Published: April 2016

An important aspect of sustainable forest management is periodical inventory, which coupled with the need for conservation of forest resources, formed the basis for the estimation of logging residues of Terminalia superba in the South-western part of Nigeria. A total of thirty one (31) trees were clear-felled in natural forests by plotless sampling techniques. Replicate wood discs and samples were taken fresh from the stem, branch and foliage residues left on the forest floors after the useful logs have been evacuated. The samples were dried to a constant weight in the laboratory and thereafter, the fresh/dry weight ratio of the samples was used to estimate the biomass of the residues of the felled trees. The mean biomass of the residues of Terminalia superba were 125.99kg, 135.42kg and 18.91kg for stem, branches and foliage respectively. Residues generated were found to be highest in the tree branches, followed by the stem and the foliage. The contribution of the various biomass components in relation to the total residue biomasses were 45.84% stem, 47.85% branch and 6.29% foliage. The use of Dbh as an independent variable in the prediction of models for estimating the biomass residues of the tree species was adjudged best because it performed well. The validation results showed that the selected models satisfied the assumptions of regression analysis. The practical implication of the models is that they could be readily used in the estimation of biomass residues of Terminalia superba.Keywords: Modelling, logging residue, biomass yield, Terminalia ivorensis
Assessment of citrus marketing in Benue and Kano states of Nigeria
Authors: Ashiko FTG , Ahmed B , Adzenga Lor Jacobs
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the organization, structure and conduct of the citrus marketing system between Benue and Kano States of Nigeria. Market concentration measures were applied to a cross sectional data of sampled wholesalers and retailers. Gini coefficient of 0.43 and 0.22 and Herfindal index of 0.0158 and 0.0036 were obtained for the wholesalers and retailers respectively. The paper concludes that the citrus market system tends towards pure competition.Keywords: Benue, citrus, gini coefficient, Kano, marketing, pure competition, traders
Analysis of profitability and cost determinants of smallholder oil palm processing in Cross River State, Nigeria: A comparative study
Authors: Nandi JA , Ashiko FTG , Ebu VT
Published: April 2016

Oil palm processing is a source of livelihood to many people. The study analyzed cost determinants and profitability of smallholders’ oil palm processors using traditional and improved processing technologies. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected through questionnaire; analysed using budgetary technique and inferential statistics. Traditional methods’ users spent an average of ₦30 as cost of processing a kilogramme of fresh fruit, while the improved processing technologies adopters spent N36. However, average net revenue of ₦13 and ₦19 was realized by traditional and improved smallholder processors respectively. Hence, oil palm processing is a profitable enterprise; though, profit earned was significantly different at 1% level of probability. Average Rate of Return (ARR) of the smallholder processors established that on every naira invested, a profit of 41 and 54% gain were realized by traditional and improved smallholder processors respectively. The cost determinants were labour, fresh fruit, depreciation, other costs and output. Smallholder processors were cost inefficient. Cost inefficiency reducing variables include; processing experience, educational attainment and access to credit. Gain can be achieved with the present level of technology and input prices. Thus, oil palm processing enterprise can serve as a source of employment for the teeming jobless youths in the State. It is recommended that adoption of improved technologies for processing oil palm should be encouraged by government via various media channels; various tiers of government should provide adequate rural infrastructure to promote investment climate for the commercial development of oil palm processing sector.Keywords: cost determinants, oil palm, profitability, processing, technologies, efficiency
Control of Phytolyma lata Walker (Scott.) Attack on Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg seedlings under plantation conditions
Authors: Olajuyigbe SO , Adegeye AO , Olorunnibe VN
Published: April 2016

In this study, five Phytolyma pest control measures which included: a mono-species plot (protected by mesh netting: T1), mixed-species plot (Milicia + Terminalia), mixed-species plot with foliar chemical treatment (T3), mono-species with foliar chemical treatment (T4) and untreated mono-species plot of Milicia excelsa seedlings (T5), were set up in a completely randomized block experiment with four replications. The total height, collar diameter and number of leaves were monitored fortnightly, while the Relative Growth Rates (RGRs) for height and diameter were estimated after 24 weeks. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The treatment effects significantly influenced height, collar diameter and foliage production, but the block effects were negligible. The highest mean height was in T1 (104.35 ± 2.93 cm), while the lowest was in T5 (68.15 ± 5.37 cm). The RGR for height (median = 0.013 cm-1 week -1) and diameter (median = 0.024 cm -1 week cm-1) were highest for T1, while T5 had the lowest (0.005 cm cm-1 week-1 and 0.012 cm cm-1 week-1, respectively). The provision of a physical barrier (perimeter fence) proved to be the most effective management strategy to prevent Phytolyma infestation, while the mixed-species layout was a promising alternative.Keywords: Psyllid, Mixed-species plots, Iroko, Relative growth rate
Evaluation of two Vaisala RS92 radiosonde solar radiative dry bias correction algorithms
Authors: Dzambo Andrew M. , Turner David D. , Mlawer Eli J.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Solar heating of the relative humidity (RH) probe on Vaisala RS92 radiosondes results in a large dry bias in the upper troposphere. Two different algorithms (Miloshevich et al., 2009, MILO hereafter; and Wang et al., 2013, WANG hereafter) have been designed to account for this solar radiative dry bias (SRDB). These corrections are markedly different with MILO adding up to 40 % more moisture to the original radiosonde profile than WANG; however, the impact of the two algorithms varies with height. The accuracy of these two algorithms is evaluated using three different approaches: a comparison of precipitable water vapor (PWV), downwelling radiative closure with a surface-based microwave radiometer at a high-altitude site (5.3 km m.s.l.), and upwelling radiative closure with the space-based Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). The PWV computed from the uncorrected and corrected RH data is compared against PWV retrieved from ground-based microwave radiometers at tropical, midlatitude, and arctic sites. Although MILO generally adds more moisture to the original radiosonde profile in the upper troposphere compared to WANG, both corrections yield similar changes to the PWV, and the corrected data agree well with the ground-based retrievals. The two closure activities – done for clear-sky scenes – use the radiative transfer models MonoRTM and LBLRTM to compute radiance from the radiosonde profiles to compare against spectral observations. Both WANG- and MILO-corrected RHs are statistically better than original RH in all cases except for the driest 30 % of cases in the downwelling experiment, where both algorithms add too much water vapor to the original profile. In the upwelling experiment, the RH correction applied by the WANG vs. MILO algorithm is statistically different above 10 km for the driest 30 % of cases and above 8 km for the moistest 30 % of cases, suggesting that the MILO correction performs better than the WANG in clear-sky scenes. The cause of this statistical significance is likely explained by the fact the WANG correction also accounts for cloud cover – a condition not accounted for in the radiance closure experiments.
High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP)
Authors: Haarsma R. J. , Roberts M. , Vidale P. L. , Senior C. A. , Bellucci A. , Bao Q. , Chang P. , Corti S. , Fučkar N. S. , Guemas V. , von Hardenberg J. , Hazeleger W. , Kodama C. , Koenigk T. , Leung L. R. , Lu J. , Luo J.-J. , Mao J. , Mizielinski M. S. , Mizuta R. , Nobre P. , Satoh M. , Scoccimarro E. , Semmler T. , Small J. , von Storch J.-S.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Robust projections and predictions of climate variability and change, particularly at regional scales, rely on the driving processes being represented with fidelity in model simulations. The role of enhanced horizontal resolution in improved process representation in all components of the climate system is of growing interest, particularly as some recent simulations suggest the possibility for significant changes in both large-scale aspects of circulation, as well as improvements in small-scale processes and extremes. However, such high resolution global simulations at climate time scales, with resolutions of at least 50 km in the atmosphere and 0.25° in the ocean, have been performed at relatively few research centers and generally without overall coordination, primarily due to their computational cost. Assessing the robustness of the response of simulated climate to model resolution requires a large multi-model ensemble using a coordinated set of experiments. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) is the ideal framework within which to conduct such a study, due to the strong link to models being developed for the CMIP DECK experiments and other MIPs. Increases in High Performance Computing (HPC) resources, as well as the revised experimental design for CMIP6, now enables a detailed investigation of the impact of increased resolution up to synoptic weather scales on the simulated mean climate and its variability. The High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) presented in this paper applies, for the first time, a multi-model approach to the systematic investigation of the impact of horizontal resolution. A coordinated set of experiments has been designed to assess both a standard and an enhanced horizontal resolution simulation in the atmosphere and ocean. The set of HighResMIP experiments is divided into three tiers consisting of atmosphere-only and coupled runs and spanning the period 1950-2050, with the possibility to extend to 2100, together with some additional targeted experiments. This paper describes the experimental set-up of HighResMIP, the analysis plan, the connection with the other CMIP6 endorsed MIPs, as well as the DECK and CMIP6 historical simulation. HighResMIP thereby focuses on one of the CMIP6 broad questions: “what are the origins and consequences of systematic model biases?”, but we also discuss how it addresses the World Climate Research Program (WCRP) grand challenges.
Mechanical design, analysis and testing of a large-range compliant microgripper
Authors: Liu Yilin , Xu Qingsong
Published: April 2016

Abstract. This paper presents the mechanical design, analysis, fabrication, and testing procedures of a new large-range microgripper which is based on a flexible hinge structure. The uniqueness of the gripper is that the gripper arms not only provide large gripping range but also deliver approximately rectilinear movement as the displacement in nonworking direction is extremely small. The large gripping range is enabled by a mechanism design based on dual-stage flexure amplifier to magnify the stroke of piezoelectric actuator. The first-stage amplifier is a modified version of the Scott Russell (SR) mechanism and the second-stage amplifier contains a parallel mechanism. The displacement amplification ratio of the modified SR mechanism in the gripper has been enlarged to 3.56 times of the conventional design. Analytical static models of the gripper mechanism are developed and validated through finite-element analysis (FEA) simulation. Results show that the gripping range is over 720 µm with a resonant frequency of 70.7 Hz and negligible displacement in nonworking direction. The total amplification ratio of the input displacement is 16.13. Moreover, a prototype of the gripper is developed by using aluminium 7075 for experimental testing. Experimental results validate the analytical model and FEA simulation results. The proposed microgripper can be employed in various microassembly applications such as pick-and-place of optical fibre.