bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of some hybrid seeds of rice and control of seed borne fungi in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter MA , Hossain I
Published: July 2016

A study was conducted for assessing quality of 15 hybrid rice seed samples and management of seed borne fungal pathogens by three selected chemicals namely Bavistin (0.3%), Thiovit (0.3%) and Provax (0.3%) along with two botanicals such as: Garlic extract (Allium sativum) (1:1) and Allamanda leaf extract (Allamanda cathartica) (1:1) and a bio-control agent BAU-Biofungicide @ 3% (Trichoderma based preparation) at Seed Pathology Centre, MS Laboratory and Eco-friendly Plant Disease Management Laboratory of Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during 2013-14. Collected seed samples were categorized by dry inspection as apparently healthy seed (35.7 to 85.7%), discolored seed (0.5 to 22.2%), spotted seed (0.7 to 8.1%), broken seed (0.4 to 44.3%), deformed seed (0 to 1.4%), insect damaged seed (0 to 4.9%), chaffy seed (0 to 1.1%), varietal mixture (0 to 7.2%) and inert matter (0 to 2.6%). In case of purity analysis, pure seed ranged from 92.86 to 100.00%, other seeds 0 to 7.14% and inert matter 0 to 2.59%. 100% pure seed was recorded in Agomoni, Jagoron, Gold, Suborno, Hira-1, Hira-2, Hira-4 and Hira-6 collected from Ispahani Agro. Ltd., BRAC, Lal Teer seed Co. Ltd. and Supreme seed Co. Ltd. Seed treatment with Allamanda leaf extract, Provax and BAU-Biofungicide increased germination, Vigor index and decreased prevalence of seed borne fungi. Among the treatments, biofungicide increased germination 54.39% in blotter method and 89.58% in tray method over control. In addition, BAU-Biofungicide increased up to 713.78% vigor index over untreated control. BAU-Biofungicide may be recommended for controlling seed borne fungal pathogens of hybrid rice in Bangladesh.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 161-168, December 2015
Comparative efficacy of different botanicals and chemical insecticides for controlling rice stem borer
Authors: Majlish AK , Uddin MM , Jahan M , Rahman MM
Published: July 2016

An experiment was carried out in the field laboratory, Department of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University to find out the efficacy of different botanicals and chemical insecticides against rice stem borer during the period from July to December 2013. The treatments included Neem oil, Mahogany oil, combination of Neem and Mahogany oil, Bishkatali leaf extract, Lantana leaf extract, combination of Bishkatali and Lantana leaf extract, Convoy 25EC, Biesterthoate 40EC, Biesteren 5G and Diatone 10G. The efficacies of treatments were evaluated based on the percent dead heart and white head resulted by rice stem borer infestation at vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively. The efficacies of treatments were varied significantly against the rice stem borers. Among the selected botanicals, Neem + Mahogany oil followed by Bishkatali leaf extract performed best and Bishkatali + Lantana followed by Lantana leaf extract and leaf extract were least effective to reduce dead heart as well as white head at different counting. Similarly, combination of Neem and Mahogany oil gave the maximum yield among the selected botanicals. Diatone 10G showed the best performance to reduce percent dead and white head among the selected chemical insecticides and gave maximum yield among different chemical insecticides. On the other hand, Convoy 25EC was the least effective to control dead heart and white head infestation with yield. Therefore, Neem + Mahogony oil and Diatone 10G were the best to control rice stem borer and to increase the yield of rice grain.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 183-189, December 2015
Heavy metal pollution load in sediment samples of the Buriganga river in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohiuddin KM , Alam MM , Ahmed Istiaq , Chowdhury AK
Published: July 2016

A study was conducted to assess the level of Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contamination in the sediment samples of the Buriganga river, at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Total 14 sediment samples were collected from different areas of upstream of the Buriganga river. The mean concentrations of total Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in the sediment samples were 173.4, 31.4, 1.5, 153.3, 481.8, 344.2, 12989 and 4036 ?g g-1, respectively. The range of pH and EC of sediment were 5.87-8.21 and 230-707 ?S cm-1, respectively. The mean value of organic matter in sediment samples was 13.4%. Heavy metal concentrations in sediment were compared with geochemical background and standard values, previous report on the Buriganga river and other rivers in Bangladesh. The average concentration of Cr, Pb and Ni in sediments of the Buriganga river is almost twice of the geochemical background i.e. average worldwide shale standard and continental upper crust value, Cd and Zn is about five times and Cu content is about ten times higher than the geochemical background values. Average concentration of Cr, Cu and Ni exceeded the severe effect level (SEL) values, where as Pb, Cd and Zn exceeded toxicity reference values (TRV). However, the concentration of heavy metal in the sediment samples of the Buriganga river for the year 2009 of the same river reported by corresponding author was relatively higher than this study average. The average Enrichment factors (EFc) for Zn, Cu, Mn and Cd reflects extremely contaminated pollution level which implies that these metals originated from point source of pollution and very severely enriched in river sediments. The pollution load index (PLI) of sediments of the studied region varied from 1.61-7.51. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) for Cu of five locations was greater than 3.0, which exhibited strongly polluted sediment quality. The Igeo for Mn in 11 locations and Zn in 12 sites were greater than 1.0, indicated moderately polluted sediment quality. Heavy metal pollution intensity in the Buriganga river water and sediments signaled alarming condition for city dwellers and aquatic ecosystem of the river. Sustainable steps and continuous monitoring on pollution prevention and cleanup operation is suggested to minimize pollution.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 229-238, December 2015
Livelihood improvement through family poultry farming in Mymensingh district
Authors: Kabir MS , Asaduzzaman M , Dev DS
Published: July 2016

The present study was done to examine the employment and income generation of small farmers through family poultry. The objectives of the study were to identify socio economic features of family poultry, to examine the impact of family poultry on household improvement, to determine cost, return and profitability of family poultry, to identify the problems faced by family poultry farmer and for its improvement. The data were collected from 90 family poultry farms from Sadarupazila and Trishalupazila of Mymensingh district through face to face interview. The result of the study shows that, the average gross return, gross cost and net return of family poultry farms were Tk. 7314.84, Tk. 3698.90 and Tk. 3615.94 respectively. The Benefit cost ratio was 1.98. Therefore, family poultry farm is highly profitable. The study also determined the impact of family poultry production on livelihood of poultry farmers. The income of 60% poultry farms has increased and for savings, it was 32%. The physical assets (agricultural tools and furniture and equipments) of poultry farms have improved by 57% and 27% respectively. Sanitation, drinking water facility and medicinal facility of poultry farmers were improved by 26%, 18% and 37% respectively. It is also found from the study that the livelihood of 38% poultry farmers was improved through family poultry production.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 247-254, December 2015
Food security assessment of NGO supported and own managed pond fish farmers of two districts in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhi K , Uddin MT , Islam MM
Published: July 2016

The study was conducted to assess the food security status of pond fish farming under NGO supported and own managed and to evaluate the influential factors of NGOs intervention on pond fish farmers food security in two districts of Bangladesh. Random sampling technique was used to select farmers from two groups of pond fish farming: one is NGO supported and another is own managed farmers. A total of 120 farmers (60 for NGO supported and 60 for own managed) were selected for data collection. To identify the factors influencing the food security status of fish farming households, a food security index (Z) was constructed and food security status of each household was determined based on the food security line using the recommended daily calorie intake approach. Logit model was used to estimate the food security status of households as a function of a set of independent determinants. Based on the recommended daily calorie intake of 2122 kcal, it is observed that 95 percent of the households were food secure and 5 percent households were food insecure in case of NGO supported fish farmers. On the other hand, 30 percent of the households were food secure and 70 percent households were food insecure in case of own managed fish farmers. The result of logit model shows that six out of eight variables included in the model were significant in explaining the variation in food security status. These variables were: age of the household head, education level of the household head, farm size, intervention on fish farming, income from fish and non-farm income. The study, therefore, recommended improved access to technical supports of pond fish farming households is necessary to ensure food security status at the national level.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 273-281, December 2015
Factors affecting adoption of improved farm practices by the farmers of Northern Bangladesh
Authors: Farid KS , Tanny NZ , Sarma PK
Published: July 2016

The present research examined the extent of adoption of improved farm practices by the farmers of Northern Bangladesh and determined the influencing factors for adopting these practices. This study was carried out in purposively selected Parbatipur upazila of Dinajpur district and Sherpur upazila of Bogra district as a representative of the northern Bangladesh. Data were collected from randomly selected 218 farmers through pre-tested interview schedule. Various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied for getting meaningful results. Findings portray that most of the respondents belong to middle age group with a mean age of 47.02 years. The highest 37.2 percent of the respondents completed secondary level of education. Agriculture is the primary occupation of 89 percent of the respondents. The farmers have very low level of participation in various organizations. Contact with various communication media is very low for Sherpur compared to Parbatipur. The farm practices adopted mainly by the farmers are modern varieties, line sowing, power tiller, optimum tillage, balanced fertilizer, STW/DTW, IPM, balanced irrigation, rice weeder, sprayer and threasure. Among all practices, power tiller adoption is the highest and line showing is the lowest. Mean adoption score is 70.60. Results of multiple regression model indicates that communication score, total cultivable land, and socio-economic score have significant positive relationship, and total land area affected due to drought has significant negative relationship with adoption of improved farm practices by the farmers. Moreover, logistic regression model portrays that technology adoption is 1.49 times lower for Sherpur compared to Parbatipur. Finally, we can say that socio-economic factors influencing adoption of improved farm practices may be taken into consideration while accelerating the face of technology adoption under farming system.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(2): 291-298, December 2015
The Scottish Parliament Election 2016: Another Momentous Event but Dull Campaign
Authors: Cairney Paul
Published: July 2016

The Scottish Parliament election in 2016 produced two surprising results: it represents a reversal of SNP/ Labour party fortunes so complete that we now take it for granted, but the SNP did not achieve a widely-expected majority; and, the huge surge of support for the Scottish Conservatives was enough to make it (easily) the second largest party. A mistaken sense of inevitability of the result – another SNP majority – helped produce a dull campaign and keep alive the prospect of a second referendum on Scottish independence. This article has four main sections: putting the 2016 election in recent historical context; considering the implications of consistently high SNP support on the constitution; highlighting key issues in the election campaign; and, examining the SNP's policy agenda from 2016.
The ‘Modernisation’ of Scotland and its Impact on Glasgow, 1955–1979: ‘Unwanted Side Effects’ and Vulnerabilities
Authors: Collins Chik , Levitt Ian
Published: July 2016

This article reports findings of research into the far-reaching plan to ‘modernise’ the Scottish economy, which emerged from the mid-late 1950s and was formally adopted by government in the early 1960s. It shows the growing awareness amongst policy-makers from the mid-1960s as to the profoundly deleterious effects the implementation of the plan was having on Glasgow. By 1971 these effects were understood to be substantial with likely severe consequences for the future. Nonetheless, there was no proportionate adjustment to the regional policy which was creating these understood ‘unwanted’ outcomes, even when such was proposed by the Secretary of State for Scotland. After presenting these findings, the paper offers some consideration as to their relevance to the task of accounting for Glasgow's ‘excess mortality’. It is suggested that regional policy can be seen to have contributed to the accumulation of ‘vulnerabilities’, particularly in Glasgow but also more widely in Scotland, during the 1960s and 1970s, and that the impact of the post-1979 UK government policy agenda on these vulnerabilities is likely to have been salient in the increase in ‘excess mortality’ evident in subsequent years.
Job Quality in Scotland
Authors: Sutherland John
Published: July 2016

This article examines job quality and job satisfaction for individuals who are employed at workplaces located in Scotland. Using a series of indices constructed from responses in the survey of employees associated with the 2011 Workplace and Employment Relations Study, it investigates how job quality and job satisfaction differ across individuals. It also examines whether job quality and job satisfaction for individuals employed in Scotland are different from individuals employed elsewhere in Britain. Individuals employed at workplaces in Scotland are seen to have positive perspectives about the quality of their jobs. Although most maintain that they work very hard, nonetheless they are seen to have considerable control over most aspects of their jobs; are confident about their job security; and view their workplace managers as being supportive. In terms of differences across individuals, who have higher (lower) levels of job quality depends upon the index of job quality used. With the exception of their pay, individuals are seen to be satisfied with all aspects of their jobs, although the level of satisfaction does vary across individuals. There is little difference between employees located in Scotland and employees located elsewhere in Britain with respect to either job quality or job satisfaction.
Novel Criteria for Deterministic Remote State Preparation via the Entangled Six-Qubit State
Authors: Xu Gang , Chen Xiu-Bo , Dou Zhao , Li Jing , Liu Xin , Li Zongpeng
Published: July 2016

In this paper, our concern is to design some criteria for deterministic remote state preparation for preparing an arbitrary three-particle state via a genuinely entangled six-qubit state. First, we put forward two schemes in both the real and complex Hilbert space, respectively. Using an appropriate set of eight-qubit measurement basis, the remote three-qubit preparation is completed with unit success probability. Departing from previous research, our protocol has a salient feature in that the serviceable measurement basis only contains the initial coefficients and their conjugate values. By utilizing the permutation group, it is convenient to provide the permutation relationship between coefficients. Second, our ideas and methods can also be generalized to the situation of preparing an arbitrary N-particle state in complex case by taking advantage of Bell states as quantum resources. More importantly, criteria satisfied conditions for preparation with 100% success probability in complex Hilbert space is summarized. Third, the classical communication costs of our scheme are calculated to determine the classical recourses required. It is also worth mentioning that our protocol has higher efficiency and lower resource costs compared with the other papers.
Mechanothermodynamic Entropy and Analysis of Damage State of Complex Systems
Authors: Sosnovskiy Leonid , Sherbakov Sergei
Published: July 2016

Mechanics from its side and thermodynamics from its side consider evolution of complex systems, including the Universe. Created classical thermodynamic theory of evolution has one important drawback since it predicts an inevitable heat death of the Universe which is unlikely to take place according to the modern perceptions. The attempts to create a generalized theory of evolution in mechanics were unsuccessful since mechanical equations do not discriminate between future and past. It is natural that the union of mechanics and thermodynamics was difficult to realize since they are based on different methodology. We make an attempt to propose a generalized theory of evolution which is based on the concept of tribo-fatigue entropy. Essence of the proposed approach is that tribo-fatigue entropy is determined by the processes of damageability conditioned by thermodynamic and mechanical effects causing to the change of states of any systems. Law of entropy increase is formulated analytically in the general form. Mechanothermodynamical function is constructed for specific case of fatigue damage of materials due to variation of temperature from 3 K to 0.8 of melting temperature basing on the analysis of 136 experimental results.
A Virtual Social Learner Community—Constitutive Element of MOOCs
Authors: Meinel Christoph , Schweiger Stefanie
Published: July 2016

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have seen enormous growth throughout the last four years. This format has fundamentally enriched the traditional method of web-based teaching and e-learning. Nevertheless, there have always been skeptical voices who announce the “death of MOOCs”. We do not believe in this pessimistic scenario and in this article we will explain how we came to this conclusion. E-learning already existed long before the arrival of the first MOOC. However, e-learning has often shown itself to be merely a source of downloadable learning material, leaving the learner alone in the learning phase. To get through an e-learning program and to actually finish it requires a high level of discipline and motivation. In this way, e-learning has proven itself as a learning method mainly with autodidacts. How have MOOCs changed the landscape of e-learning offers? The evolving MOOC format now combines interactive elements with short video lectures. This is done in a new and playful way with a strong focus on community building. The secret of MOOCs lies in their open accessibility and their incorporation of learning content with social media. The goal of this paper is to describe how MOOCs enforce e-learning activity in a virtual social community—whose importance for learning cannot be over-emphasized. We point out the social learning features currently used in MOOCs and the next steps that must be taken to further improve them. This article is based on the experiences we have made with the MOOC platforms openHPI and openSAP, both powered by the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam.
Analysis and Design of a DSTATCOM Based on Sliding Mode Control Strategy for Improvement of Voltage Sag in Distribution Systems
Authors: Shahgholian Ghazanfar , Azimi Zahra
Published: July 2016

Voltage sag is considered to be the most serious problem of power quality. It is caused by faults in the power system or by the starting of large induction motors. Voltage sag causes about 80% of the power quality problems in power systems. One of the main reasons for voltage sag is short circuit fault, which can be compensated for by a distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) as an efficient and economical flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) device. In this paper, compensation of this voltage sag using DSTATCOM is reviewed, in which a sliding mode control (SMC) technique is employed. The results of this control system are compared with a P+Resonant control system. It will be shown that this control system is able to compensate the voltage sag over a broader range compared to other common control systems. Simulation results are obtained using PSCAD/EMTDC software and compared to that of a similar method.
A Multi-Modal Sensing Glove for Human Manual-Interaction Studies
Authors: Bianchi Matteo , Haschke Robert , Büscher Gereon , Ciotti Simone , Carbonaro Nicola , Tognetti Alessandro
Published: July 2016

We present an integrated sensing glove that combines two of the most visionary wearable sensing technologies to provide both hand posture sensing and tactile pressure sensing in a unique, lightweight, and stretchable device. Namely, hand posture reconstruction employs Knitted Piezoresistive Fabrics that allows us to measure bending. From only five of these sensors (one for each finger) the full hand pose of a 19 degrees of freedom (DOF) hand model is reconstructed leveraging optimal sensor placement and estimation techniques. To this end, we exploit a-priori information of synergistic coordination patterns in grasping tasks. Tactile sensing employs a piezoresistive fabric allowing us to measure normal forces in more than 50 taxels spread over the palmar surface of the glove. We describe both sensing technologies, report on the software integration of both modalities, and describe a preliminary evaluation experiment analyzing hand postures and force patterns during grasping. Results of the reconstruction are promising and encourage us to push further our approach with potential applications in neuroscience, virtual reality, robotics and tele-operation.
Energy Management in Prosumer Communities: A Coordinated Approach
Authors: Verschae Rodrigo , Kato Takekazu , Matsuyama Takashi
Published: July 2016

The introduction of uncontrollable renewable energy is having a positive impact on our health, the climate, and the economy, but it is also pushing the limits of the power system. The main reason for this is that, in any power system, the generation and consumption must match each other at all times. Thus, if we want to further introduce uncontrollable generation, we need a large ability to manage the demand. However, the ability to control the power consumption of existing demand management approaches is limited, and most of these approaches cannot contribute to the introduction of reneweables, because they do not consider distributed uncontrolled consumption and generation in the control. Furthermore, these methods do not allow users to exchange or jointly manage their power generation and consumption. In this context, we propose an augmented energy management model for prosumers (i.e., producer and consumer). This model considers controlled and uncontrolled generation and consumption, as well as the prosumer’s ability (i) to plan the intended power consumption; and (ii) to manage real-time deviations from the intended consumption. We apply this model to the energy management of prosumer communities, by allowing the prosumers to coordinate their power consumption plan, to manage the deviations from the intended consumption, and to help each other by compensating deviations. The proposed approach seeks to enhance the power system, and to enable a prosumer society that takes account social and environmental issues, as well as each prosumer’s quality of life.
Green Economy Modelling of Ecosystem Services along the “Road to Dawei”
Authors: Bassi Andrea , Gallagher Louise , Helsingen Hanna
Published: July 2016

This review of the study “Road to Dawei”, conducted by WWF Greater Mekong, seeks to assess economic, social and environmental impacts of road construction between Kanchanaburi, Thailand and Dawei, Myanmar. It also aims to identify relevant Green Economy policy interventions that would enhance the sustainable use and conservation of natural capital, which is considered to be a foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic development. In particular, the study concentrates on the identification of feedback loops, delays and nonlinearity in order to properly map the socio-economic and environmental system analysed and inform decision making. Results are presented for three different scenarios both for Myanmar and for Thailand. Simulation results show that a conventional approach to road construction is likely to have positive economic impacts in the region, especially in the short term, but also negative consequences for the integrity of the ecosystem, which in turn might also negatively impact on the investment itself and its economic outcomes in the medium and longer term. Further, results indicate that green economy interventions would mitigate environmental risks by creating synergies across sectors, systemically.
Modeling Prices for Sawtimber Stumpage in the South-Central United States
Authors: Parajuli Rajan , Tanger Shaun , Joshi Omkar , Henderson James
Published: July 2016

The South-Central United States, which includes the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas, represents an important segment of the softwood sawtimber market. By using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) method to account for the linkage among the four contiguous timber markets, this study examines the dynamics of softwood sawtimber stumpage markets within the region. Based on quarterly data from 1981 to 2014, the findings reveal that both pulpwood and chip-and-saw (CNS) prices have a positive influence on the Texas and Arkansas sawtimber markets. Moreover, Granger-causality tests suggest that unidirectional causality runs from pulpwood and CNS markets to the respective sawtimber market. Compared to the pre-financial crisis period, sawtimber prices in these four states are 9%–17% lower in the recent years.
Taxonomy, Distribution and Evolution of Trisopterine Gadidae by Means of Otoliths and Other Characteristics
Authors: Gaemers Pieter
Published: July 2016

In a greater study of the recent fossil Gadidae, the object of this paper is to better define the trisopterine species and their relationships. The taxonomy of the four recent species usually included in the genus Trisopterus is further elaborated by means of published and new data on their otoliths, by published data on general external features and meristics of the fishes, and their genetics. Fossil otoliths, from the beginning of the Oligocene up to the present, reveal much of their evolution and throw more light on their relationships. Several succeeding and partly overlapping lineages representing different genera are recognized during this time interval. The genus Neocolliolus Gaemers, 1976, for Trisopterus esmarkii (Nilsson, 1855), is more firmly based. A new genus, Allotrisopterus, is introduced for Trisopterus minutus (Linnaeus, 1758). The similarity with Trisopterus capelanus (Lacepède, 1800) is an example of convergent evolution. The tribe Trisopterini Endo (2002) should only contain Trisopterus, Allotrisopterus and Neocolliolus as recent genera. Correct identification of otoliths from fisheries research and from sea bottom samples extends the knowledge of the present day geographical distribution of T. capelanus and T. luscus (Linnaeus, 1758). T. capelanus is also living along the Atlantic coast of Portugal and at least up to and including the Ría de Arosa, Galicia, Spain. There it can easily be mistaken for A. minutus that is also living there. Otoliths of T. luscus have been identified from the Evvoïkós Channel between Euboia and the mainland of Greece, thus it must live also in the Aegean Sea. Otoliths prove to be a powerful tool in taxonomy, biogeography and evolution of teleosts.
Angiotensin A/Alamandine/MrgD Axis: Another Clue to Understanding Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
Authors: Hrenak Jaroslav , Paulis Ludovit , Simko Fedor
Published: July 2016

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a crucial role in cardiovascular regulations and its modulation is a challenging target for the vast majority of cardioprotective strategies. However, many biological effects of these drugs cannot be explained by the known mode of action. Our comprehension of the RAS is thus far from complete. The RAS represents an ingenious system of “checks and balances”. It incorporates vasoconstrictive, pro-proliferative, and pro-inflammatory compounds on one hand and molecules with opposing action on the other hand. The list of these molecules is still not definitive because new biological properties can be achieved by minor alteration of the molecular structure. The angiotensin A/alamandine-MrgD cascade associates the deleterious and protective branches of the RAS. Its identification provided a novel clue to the understanding of the RAS. Angiotensin A (Ang A) is positioned at the “crossroad” in this system since it either elicits direct vasoconstrictive and pro-proliferative actions or it is further metabolized to alamandine, triggering opposing effects. Alamandine, the central molecule of this cascade, can be generated both from the “deleterious” Ang A as well as from the “protective” angiotensin 1–7. This pathway modulates peripheral and central blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular remodeling. Further research will elucidate its interactions in cardiovascular pathophysiology and its possible therapeutic implications.
Leptin Receptor Metabolism Disorder in Primary Chondrocytes from Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Girls
Authors: Wang Yun-Jia , Yu Hong-Gui , Zhou Zhen-Hai , Guo Qiang , Wang Long-Jie , Zhang Hong-Qi
Published: July 2016

To investigate the underlying mechanisms of low metabolic activity of primary chondrocytes obtained from girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); AIS is a spine-deforming disease that often occurs in girls. AIS is associated with a lower bone mass than that of healthy individuals and osteopenia. Leptin was shown to play an important role in bone growth. It can also regulate the function of chondrocytes. Changes in leptin and Ob-R levels in AIS patients have been reported in several studies. The underlying mechanisms between the dysfunction of peripheral leptin signaling and abnormal chondrocytes remain unclear; The following parameters were evaluated in AIS patients and the control groups: total serum leptin levels; Ob-R expression in the plasma membrane of primary chondrocytes; JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation status. Then, we inhibited the lysosome and proteasome and knocked down clathrin heavy chain (CHC) expression in primary chondrocytes isolated from girls with AIS and evaluated Ob-R expression. We investigated the effects of leptin combined with a lysosome inhibitor or CHC knockdown in primary chondrocytes obtained from AIS patients; Compared with the controls, AIS patients showed similar total serum leptin levels, reduced JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and decreased cartilage matrix synthesis in the facet joint. Lower metabolic activity and lower membrane expression of Ob-R were observed in primary chondrocytes from the AIS group than in the controls. Lysosome inhibition increased the total Ob-R content but had no effect on the membrane expression of Ob-R or leptin’s effects on AIS primary chondrocytes. CHC knockdown upregulated the membrane Ob-R levels and enhanced leptin’s effects on AIS primary chondrocytes; The underlying mechanism of chondrocytes that are hyposensitive to leptin in some girls with AIS is low plasma membrane Ob-R expression that results from an imbalance between the rate of receptor endocytosis and the insertion of newly synthesized receptors into the membrane.
Clinical Metabolomics: The New Metabolic Window for Inborn Errors of Metabolism Investigations in the Post-Genomic Era
Authors: Tebani Abdellah , Abily-Donval Lenaig , Afonso Carlos , Marret Stéphane , Bekri Soumeya
Published: July 2016

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) represent a group of about 500 rare genetic diseases with an overall estimated incidence of 1/2500. The diversity of metabolic pathways involved explains the difficulties in establishing their diagnosis. However, early diagnosis is usually mandatory for successful treatment. Given the considerable clinical overlap between some inborn errors, biochemical and molecular tests are crucial in making a diagnosis. Conventional biological diagnosis procedures are based on a time-consuming series of sequential and segmented biochemical tests. The rise of “omic” technologies offers holistic views of the basic molecules that build a biological system at different levels. Metabolomics is the most recent “omic” technology based on biochemical characterization of metabolites and their changes related to genetic and environmental factors. This review addresses the principles underlying metabolomics technologies that allow them to comprehensively assess an individual biochemical profile and their reported applications for IEM investigations in the precision medicine era.
Regulation of Hedgehog Signalling Inside and Outside the Cell
Authors: Ramsbottom Simon , Pownall Mary
Published: July 2016

The hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is conserved throughout metazoans and plays an important regulatory role in both embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Many levels of regulation exist that control the release, reception, and interpretation of the hedgehog signal. The fatty nature of the Shh ligand means that it tends to associate tightly with the cell membrane, and yet it is known to act as a morphogen that diffuses to elicit pattern formation. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play a major role in the regulation of Hh distribution outside the cell. Inside the cell, the primary cilium provides an important hub for processing the Hh signal in vertebrates. This review will summarise the current understanding of how the Hh pathway is regulated from ligand production, release, and diffusion, through to signal reception and intracellular transduction.
The Worst Performance Rule as Moderation: New Methods for Worst Performance Analysis
Authors: Frischkorn Gidon , Schubert Anna-Lena , Neubauer Andreas , Hagemann Dirk
Published: July 2016

Worst performance in cognitive processing tasks shows larger relationships to general intelligence than mean or best performance. This so called Worst Performance Rule (WPR) is of major theoretical interest for the field of intelligence research, especially for research on mental speed. In previous research, the increases in correlations between task performance and general intelligence from best to worst performance were mostly described and not tested statistically. We conceptualized the WPR as moderation, since the magnitude of the relation between general intelligence and performance in a cognitive processing task depends on the performance band or percentile of performance. On the one hand, this approach allows testing the WPR for statistical significance and on the other hand, it may simplify the investigation of possible constructs that may influence the WPR. The application of two possible implementations of this approach is shown and compared to results of a traditional worst performance analysis. The results mostly replicate the WPR. Beyond that, a comparison of results on the level of unstandardized relationships (e.g., covariances or unstandardized regression weights) to results on the level of standardized relationships (i.e., correlations) indicates that increases in the inter-individual standard deviation from best to worst performance may play a crucial role for the WPR. Altogether, conceptualizing the WPR as moderation provides a new and straightforward way to conduct Worst Performance Analysis and may help to incorporate the WPR more prominently into empirical practice of intelligence research.
Transcriptome of the Australian Mollusc Dicathais orbita Provides Insights into the Biosynthesis of Indoles and Choline Esters
Authors: Baten Abdul , Ngangbam Ajit , Waters Daniel , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: July 2016

Dicathais orbita is a mollusc of the Muricidae family and is well known for the production of the expensive dye Tyrian purple and its brominated precursors that have anticancer properties, in addition to choline esters with muscle-relaxing properties. However, the biosynthetic pathways that produce these secondary metabolites in D. orbita are not known. Illumina HiSeq 2000 transcriptome sequencing of hypobranchial glands, prostate glands, albumen glands, capsule glands, and mantle and foot tissues of D. orbita generated over 201 million high quality reads that were de novo assembled into 219,437 contigs. Annotation with reference to the Nr, Swiss-Prot and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases identified candidate-coding regions in 76,152 of these contigs, with transcripts for many enzymes in various metabolic pathways associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis represented. This study revealed that D. orbita expresses a number of genes associated with indole, sulfur and histidine metabolism pathways that are relevant to Tyrian purple precursor biosynthesis, and many of which were not found in the fully annotated genomes of three other molluscs in the KEGG database. However, there were no matches to known bromoperoxidase enzymes within the D. orbita transcripts. These transcriptome data provide a significant molecular resource for gastropod research in general and Tyrian purple producing Muricidae in particular.
Effect of Hydrogen and Strain-Induced Martensite on Mechanical Properties of AISI 304 Stainless Steel
Authors: Bak Sang , Abro Muhammad , Lee Dong
Published: July 2016

Plastic deformation and strain-induced martensite (SIM, α′) transformation in metastable austenitic AISI 304 stainless steel were investigated through room temperature tensile tests at strain rates ranging from 2 × 10−6 to 2 × 10−2/s. The amount of SIM was measured on the fractured tensile specimens using a feritscope and magnetic force microscope. Elongation to fracture, tensile strength, hardness, and the amount of SIM increased with decreasing the strain rate. The strain-rate dependence of RT tensile properties was observed to be related to the amount of SIM. Specifically, SIM formed during tensile tests was beneficial in increasing the elongation to fracture, hardness, and tensile strength. Hydrogen suppressed the SIM formation, leading to hydrogen softening and localized brittle fracture.
A Novel Strategy for Biomass Upgrade: Cascade Approach to the Synthesis of Useful Compounds via C-C Bond Formation Using Biomass-Derived Sugars as Carbon Nucleophiles
Authors: Yamaguchi Sho , Baba Toshihide
Published: July 2016

Due to the depletion of fossil fuels, biomass-derived sugars have attracted increasing attention in recent years as an alternative carbon source. Although significant advances have been reported in the development of catalysts for the conversion of carbohydrates into key chemicals (e.g., degradation approaches based on the dehydration of hydroxyl groups or cleavage of C-C bonds via retro-aldol reactions), only a limited range of products can be obtained through such processes. Thus, the development of a novel and efficient strategy targeted towards the preparation of a range of compounds from biomass-derived sugars is required. We herein describe the highly-selective cascade syntheses of a range of useful compounds using biomass-derived sugars as carbon nucleophiles. We focus on the upgrade of C2 and C3 oxygenates generated from glucose to yield useful compounds via C-C bond formation. The establishment of this novel synthetic methodology to generate valuable chemical products from monosaccharides and their decomposed oxygenated materials renders carbohydrates a potential alternative carbon resource to fossil fuels.
Single Photon Counting Performance and Noise Analysis of CMOS SPAD-Based Image Sensors
Authors: Dutton Neale , Gyongy Istvan , Parmesan Luca , Henderson Robert
Published: July 2016

SPAD-based solid state CMOS image sensors utilising analogue integrators have attained deep sub-electron read noise (DSERN) permitting single photon counting (SPC) imaging. A new method is proposed to determine the read noise in DSERN image sensors by evaluating the peak separation and width (PSW) of single photon peaks in a photon counting histogram (PCH). The technique is used to identify and analyse cumulative noise in analogue integrating SPC SPAD-based pixels. The DSERN of our SPAD image sensor is exploited to confirm recent multi-photon threshold quanta image sensor (QIS) theory. Finally, various single and multiple photon spatio-temporal oversampling techniques are reviewed.
Generalized Theory and Decoupled Evaluation Criteria for Unmatched Despreading of Modernized GNSS Signals
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Yao Zheng , Lu Mingquan
Published: July 2016

In order to provide better navigation service for a wide range of applications, modernized global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) employs increasingly advanced and complicated techniques in modulation and multiplexing of signals. This trend correspondingly increases the complexity of signal despreading at the receiver when matched receiving is used. Considering the numerous low-end receiver who can hardly afford such receiving complexity, it is feasible to apply some receiving strategies, which uses simplified forms of local despreading signals, which is termed unmatched despreading. However, the mismatch between local signal and received signal causes performance loss in code tracking, which is necessary to be considered in the theoretical evaluation methods of signals. In this context, we generalize the theoretical signal evaluation model for unmatched receiving. Then, a series of evaluation criteria are proposed, which are decoupled from unrelated influencing factors and concentrates on the key factors related to the signal and its receiving, thus better revealing the inherent performance of signals. The proposed evaluation criteria are used to study two GNSS signals, from which constructive guidance are derived for receivers and signal designer.
No Association between Mycotoxin Exposure and Autism: A Pilot Case-Control Study in School-Aged Children
Authors: Duringer Jennifer , Fombonne Eric , Craig Morrie
Published: July 2016

Evaluation of environmental risk factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is needed for a more complete understanding of disease etiology and best approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. A pilot experiment in 54 children (n = 25 ASD, n = 29 controls; aged 12.4 ± 3.9 years) screened for 87 urinary mycotoxins via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to assess current exposure. Zearalenone, zearalenone-4-glucoside, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and altenuene were detected in 9/54 (20%) samples, most near the limit of detection. No mycotoxin/group of mycotoxins was associated with ASD-diagnosed children. To identify potential correlates of mycotoxin presence in urine, we further compared the nine subjects where a urinary mycotoxin was confirmed to the remaining 45 participants and found no difference based on the presence or absence of mycotoxin for age (t-test; p = 0.322), gender (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.456), exposure or not to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.367), or to other medications (Fisher’s exact test; p = 1.00). While no positive association was found, more sophisticated sample preparation techniques and instrumentation, coupled with selectivity for a smaller group of mycotoxins, could improve sensitivity and detection. Further, broadening sampling to in utero (mothers) and newborn-toddler years would cover additional exposure windows.
Stormwater Pollutant Process Analysis with Long-Term Online Monitoring Data at Micro-Scale Sites
Authors: Leutnant Dominik , Muschalla Dirk , Uhl Mathias
Published: July 2016

Stormwater runoff quality was measured with online turbidity sensors at four common types of small urban subcatchments: (i) a flat roof; (ii) a parking lot; (iii) a residential catchment; and (iv) a high-traffic street. Samples were taken to estimate site-specific correlations between total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity. Continuous TSS time series were derived from online turbidity measurements and were used to estimate event loads and event mean concentrations. Rainfall runoff event characteristics were subjected to correlation analysis to TSS loads. Significant correlations were found for rainfall intensities at sites with high imperviousness and decrease with increasing catchment size. Antecedent dry weather periods are only correlated at the parking lot site. Intra-event TSS load distributions were studied with M (V)-curves. M (V)-curves are grouped at runoff quantiles and statistically described with boxplots. All sites show, in general, a more pronounced first-flush effect. While wash-off of the flat roof tends to be source-limited, the parking lot and high-traffic street sites show a more transport-limited behavior. Wash-off process of the residential catchment appears to be influenced by a composition of different subcatchments.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE CIRCUMGALACTIC MEDIUM OF GALAXIES: COOL ACCRETION INFLOW AROUND NGC 1097*
Authors: Bowen David V. , Chelouche Doron , Jenkins Edward B. , Tripp Todd M. , Pettini Max , York Donald G. , Frye Brenda L.
Published: July 2016

We present Hubble Space Telescope far-UV spectra of four QSOs whose sightlines pass through the halo of NGC 1097 at impact parameters of ρ = 48–165 kpc. NGC 1097 is a nearby spiral galaxy that has undergone at least two minor merger events, but no apparent major mergers, and is relatively isolated with respect to other nearby bright galaxies. This makes NGC 1097 a good case study for exploring baryons in a paradigmatic bright-galaxy halo. Lyα absorption is detected along all sightlines and Si iii
λ1206 is found along the three sightlines with the smallest ρ; metal lines of C ii, Si ii, and Si iv are only found with certainty toward the innermost sightline. The kinematics of the absorption lines are best replicated by a model with a disk-like distribution of gas approximately planar to the observed 21 cm H i disk, which is rotating more slowly than the inner disk, and into which gas is infalling from the intergalactic medium. Some part of the absorption toward the innermost sightline may arise either from a small-scale outflow or from tidal debris associated with the minor merger that gives rise to the well known “dog-leg” stellar stream that projects from NGC 1097. When compared to other studies, NGC 1097 appears to be a “typical” absorber, although the large dispersion in absorption line column density and equivalent width in a single halo goes perhaps some way toward explaining the wide range of these values seen in higher-z studies.
FORCED FIELD EXTRAPOLATION OF THE MAGNETIC STRUCTURE OF THE Hα FIBRILS IN THE SOLAR CHROMOSPHERE
Authors: Zhu Xiaoshuai , Wang Huaning , Du Zhanle , He Han
Published: July 2016

We present a careful assessment of forced field extrapolation using the Solar Dynamics Observatory/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager magnetogram. We use several metrics to check the convergence property. The extrapolated field lines below 3600 km appear to be aligned with most of the Hα fibrils observed by the New Vacuum Solar Telescope. In the region where magnetic energy is far larger than potential energy, the field lines computed by forced field extrapolation are still consistent with the patterns of Hα fibrils while the nonlinear force-free field results show a large misalignment. The horizontal average of the lorentz force ratio shows that the forced region where the force-free assumption fails can reach heights of 1400–1800 km. The non-force-free state of the chromosphere is also confirmed based on recent radiation magnetohydrodynamics simulations.