bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viability of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) seeds under salt stress
Authors: Jovicic Dusica , Nikolic Zorica , Zoric Miroslav , Marjanovic-Jeromela Ana , Petrovic Gordana , Milosevic Dragana , Ignjatov Maja
Published: May 2014

Although salt stress affects all plant growth stages, seed germination and
seedling growth stages are the most sensitive. Therefore, the aim of this
study was to examine the seed viability of selected oilseed rape cultivars in
saline conditions and to determine the most tolerant cultivars to salinity
stress at germination stage. The experiment included four released oilseed
rape cultivars. The salinity stress was simulated in vitro conditions by
adding different concentrations of NaCl solution to the growing media.
Testing of the seed viability was performed by using the standard laboratory
method test and the accelerated aging test. In all four cultivars, with
increasing concentrations of NaCl in the growing medium, significant changes
were observed in determined characteristics. Results of accelerated aging
test were lower than the standard laboratory test, which implies the
importance of vigour tests as an additional indicator of physiological seed
quality, especially under stress conditions. The most important source of
variation is treatment, but the differences between the cultivars were also
significant. Depending on traits, crossover and non-crossover cultivar ?
treatment interactions were observed.
Mode of inheritance and combining ability for plant height and head diameter in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Hladni Nada , Miklic Vladimir , Jocic Sinisa , Kraljevic-Balalic Marija , Skoric Dragan
Published: May 2014

The development of sunflower hybrids with high genetic potential for seed and
oil yields requires information on the general combining ability (GCA) and
specific combining ability (SCA) for plant height and head diameter in the F1
generation. Used in this study were thirteen new divergent cms inbred lines
(A), three Rf restorers utilized as testers, and their F1 hybrids. The inbred
A-lines, Rf-testers and F1 hybrids differed significantly in the mean values
for plant height and head diameter. The mode of inheritance for plant height
was superdominance of the better parent and for head diameter it was
dominance and superdominance of the better parent. Highly significant
positive values of GCA for both traits were found in cms inbred line NS-G-7
and restorer line RHA-N-49. Based on the GCA values chosen were lines with
the best GCA for plant height (NS-G-9, NS-G-7) originating from PRA-RUN and
head diameter (NS-G-13, NS-G-12) originating from DES. The greatest highly
significant positive SCA value was found in NS-G-1xRHA-N-49 for plant height
and in NS-G-8xRUS-RF-OL-168 for head diameter. Non-additive genetic variance
played the main role in the inheritance of both traits as confirmed by the
GCA/SCA ratios in the F1 generation, which were invariably smaller than unit.
The female A lines had the highest contribution to the expression of head
diameter and plant height.
Different genotypes of alternative small grains in organic farming
Authors: Kovacevic Dusan , Roljevic Svetlana , Dolijanovic Zeljko , Djordjevic Snezana , Milic Vesna
Published: May 2014

The main objectives were to examine different genotypes of alternative small
grains important for food technology in organic farming conditions on
morphological and productive characteristics. Four genotypes of different
alternative small grains were included in the trial. Three of them were
chosen for specific usage in food technology compact wheat Bambi -Triticum
aestivum L. ssp. compactum, spelt Nirvana (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. spelta),
durum wheat Durumko-(Triticum durum L.), and one which leads as a genotype
for intensive conventional common wheat production in Serbia -NS 40S
(Triticum aestivum L. ssp. vulgare). Plots were fertilized with biohumus
"Royal ofert" (30 t ha-1) applied in autumn with basic tillage and microbial
fertilizer "Slavol" ad as in spring foliar treatment in full tillering (5 l
ha-1). Alternative small grains durum wheat and compact wheat except splet
gives lower grain yield in organic condition compared with comercial cultivar
for high-input NS-40S.
Evaluation of genetic variance components for some quantitative traits in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Marjanovic-Jeromela Ana , Marinkovic Radovan , Jockovic Milan , Mitrovic Petar , Milovac Zeljko , Hristov Nikola , Savic Jasna , Stamenkovic Biljana
Published: May 2014

Three hybrid combinations obtained by crossing six winter rapeseed cultivars
were analyzed for the impact of genes with additive and dominant effects and
their interactions with inheritance of plant height and first lateral branch
height. The linkage among the expected progeny means was checked using the
scaling test method (Mather, 1949), while the estimates of genetic effects
and mode of inheritance was made by the Generation Mean Analysis (Mather and
Jinks, 1982). The additive dominant model did not prove adequate for plant
height in all three crosses, and for first lateral branch height in the
second and third cross. The inadequacy of the model showed epistatic gene
effects were also of large importance in the inheritance of these traits.
Duplicate epistasis for plant height inheritance was found in all three cross
combinations and for inheritance of height of the first lateral branch in
second and third cross combination. However, it should be emphasized that
duplicate epistasis among dominant positive genes occurred on plant height
inheritance in C1 and C3, and on inheritance of first lateral branch height
in C3. Duplicate epistasis among dominant negative genes occurred in C2 on
the mode of inheritance of both traits.
Molecular characterization of some lignicolous species from fungal culture collection
Authors: Stevic Nevena , Capelja Eleonora , Galovic Vladislava , Novakovic Milana , Karaman Maja
Published: May 2014

Culture collections of microorganisms, including fungi, are strain deposits
recognised as Biological Resource Centers (BRCs) with a great importance in
science, industry and education. Their objective is to preserve the purity,
viability and genomic integrity of every single strain as a member of such
collection. Since improvement of molecular methods nowadays brought many
novel approaches in manipulation with strains of microorganisms, they can
also be useful for characterization of existing stored strains. ITS1 region
in nuclear DNA is preferred barcoding marker for taxon identification, which
can be explained by its great inter-species variability. This paper presents
results from analysing ITS1 region sequences (17) obtained from fungal DNA of
culture collection of autochthonous, lignicolous genera Piptoporus,
Pleurotus, Ganoderma and Schizophyllum cultured on malt agar plates for 14
days at 25?C. BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) was used for
comparison with online databases, while alignment of sequences was made with
MEGA 5.10 software. Morphological determination of species or genus was
confirmed for 13 cultures, while the others were disproved. The resulting
alignment indicated small intra-species variability of ITS1 region and
pointed to it as an ideal marker for verification of fungal culture
collections' authenticity.
Impacts of irrigation and genotype on yield, protein, starch and oil contents in grain of maize inbred lines
Authors: Josipovic Marko , Plavsic Hrvoje , Kovacevic Vlado , Markovic Monika , Iljkic Dario
Published: May 2014

Four inbred lines of maize (Os 438-95 = C1, Os 30-8 = C2, Os 6 = C3 and Os
1-44 =C4) were grown for 4-year period (2006-2009) in the stationary field
experiment on Osijek eutric cambisol. Impact of irrigation, nitrogen
fertilization and genotype were tested. Soil moisture was maintained by two
irrigation rates from 60-100% and 80-100% of the field water capacity). Two
steps of N (0, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1) were applied, while P and K
fertilization was equal (500 kg/ha NPK 0:30:20). Eight maize genotypes (four
inbred lines and four hybrids) were grown on each basic plot of
fertilization. The experiment was duplicated for maize - soybean rotation.
The experiment was set by split-split plot method according to randomized
block design in three replicates. The basic plot areas were 617.2 m2
(irrigation), 313.6 m2 (fertilization) and 39.2 m2 (genotype). Selection of N
non-fertilized treatment and four inbred lines were made for this study with
aim of testing year (A) irrigation (B) and genotype (C) effects under natural
N-soil conditions. Average grain yield in level 1809 kg ha-1without N
fertilization is indication of very high fertility of the soil. Differences
of yield among the years were from 823 (2007) to 2450 (2006) kg ha-1.
Excessive drought and high air-temperature stress is responsible for the low
maize yield in 2007. Irrigation considerable affected on maize yields (4-year
averages: 1500, 1809 and 2118 kg ha-1, for B1, B2 and B3, respectively).
Differences of the 4-year average yields among the genotypes were from 1259
(C3) to 2765 (C1) kg ha-1. Differences of yield among the genotypes in the
different years were also considerable because the lowest yield was for 71%
(A1), 23% (A2), 63% (A3) and 40% (A4) lower in comparison to the highest
yield. The genotype effects under different water supplies were less
influencing factor because the high-yielding C1 had for 128%, 129% and 106%
the higher yield compared to the low-yielding C3, for B1, B2 and B3,
respectively. Differences of grain -protein, -starch and -oil among the years
was from 9.61 to 11.84%, from 68.51% to 70.93% and from 3.50% to 4.17%,
respectively. The C2 separated by the higher grain protein contents (10.93%)
from the remaining three genotypes (average 9.96%). The genotype effects on
starch and oil contents were from 69.83% (C4) to 70.58% (C1) and from 3.56%
(C3) to 4.09% (C1), respectively.
Study on genetic variability in MHC-DRB1 second exon in Makuie sheep breed population
Authors: Ashrafi Fereshteh , Hashemi Ali , Mardani Karim , Darvishzadeh Reza
Published: May 2014

In the present study polymorphism of the exon 2 of MHC (Major
Histocompatibility Complex) gene in Makuie sheep breed was studied. Genomic
DNA from blood samples of 90 sheep was extracted and a 279 bp MHC exon 2
fragment was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products
were subjected to enzymatic digestion using RsaI endonuclease. Digested PCR
products were electrophoresed on 2% agarose gel. The results showed the
existence of 10 alleles: A, B, E, F, I, M, O, P, Q and V for the exon 2 of
the MHC gene, with the frequencies of 0.4756, 0.0976, 0.0183, 0.0366,
0.0549, 0.0122, 0.1098, 0.0915, 0.0854 and 0.0183, respectively. Eighteen
genotypes: AA, AB, AE, FF, AM, BO, EO, IO, OM, AP, BP, OP, PP, AQ, OQ, PQ,
QQ and AV with the frequencies of 0.317, 0.1585, 0.0121, 0.0365, 0.0121,
0.0243, 0.0243, 0.1097, 0.0121, 0.0487, 0.0121, 0.0365, 0.0365, 0.0487,
0.0121, 0.0121, 0.0487 and 0.0365, respectively were identified in the
population under study. Effective number of alleles and heterozygosity for
the examined region were 3.7231 and 0.7314, respectively. Chi-square test
showed that the examined sheep population was not in Hardy-Weinberg
equilibrium in the examined region.

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/GENRSR1602800A
Optimization of the arsenic removal process from enargite based complex copper concentrate
Authors: Mitovski Aleksandra , Mihajlovic Ivan , Strbac Nada , Sokic Miroslav , Zivkovic Dragana , Zivkovic Zivan
Published: May 2014

Selective arsenic extraction from enargite based complex concentrate from
Copper Mine in Bor (Serbia), using sodium hypochlorite as a leaching agent,
was investigated in this paper. The aim was to assess the optimal conditions
for the most efficient arsenic removal from the investigated concentrate,
based on factorial design applied to experimentally obtained data. Five
important factors with three factor levels were used as the input variables
and experimentally obtained arsenic extraction yield was taken as the output
variable. The first and the second final order model equations were obtained.
It was found that the leaching temperature had the strongest effect on the
arsenic extraction. The strongest positive interaction was between the sodium
hypochlorite molar concentration and the stirring speed during extraction.
A solution of two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic flow using the finite volume method
Authors: Naceur Sonia , Kadid Fatima , Abdessemed Rachid
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the two dimensional numerical modeling of the coupling
electromagnetic-hydrodynamic phenomena in a conduction MHD pump using the
Finite volume Method. Magnetohydrodynamic problems are, thus,
interdisciplinary and coupled, since the effect of the velocity field
appears in the magnetic transport equations, and the interaction between the
electric current and the magnetic field appears in the momentum transport
equations. The resolution of the Maxwell's and Navier Stokes equations is
obtained by introducing the magnetic vector potential A, the vorticity z and
the stream function y. The flux density, the electromagnetic force, and the
velocity are graphically presented. Also, the simulation results agree with
those obtained by Ansys Workbench Fluent software.
The use of impregnated perlite as a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production from marula oil
Authors: Modiba Edward , Osifo Peter , Rutto Hilary
Published: May 2014

In this study, biodiesel was produced from marula (Sclerocarya birrea) oil using impregnated perlite with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a heterogeneous catalyst. The effect of experimental variables such as temperature (°C), reaction time (h), methanol to oil ratio (mass %), and catalyst to oil ratio (mass %) on the transesterification process were investigated. Using a central composite design (CCD), a mathematical model was developed to correlate the experimental variables with the percentage yield of biodiesel. The model showed that optimum conditions for biodiesel production were as follows: catalyst to oil ratio of 4.7 mass %, temperature of 70.4°C, methanol to oil ratio of 29.9 mass %, and reaction time of 3.6 h. The yield of 91.4 mass % of biodiesel was obtained. It was also possible to recycle and reuse the modified perlite up to three times without any significant change in its catalytic activity. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area showed no modifications in the perlite structure. The results show that the important fuel properties of marula biodiesel meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) biodiesel standard properties.
An estimation of critical buckling strain for pipe subjected plastic bending
Authors: Ji L. , Zheng M. , Chen H. , Zhao Y. , Yu L. , Hu J. , Teng H.
Published: May 2014

An approach for estimating critical buckling strain of pipe subjected plastic bending is established in the present paper. A rigid — perfectly plastic material model and cross section ovalization of pipe during bending are employed for the approach. The energy rates of the ovalised pipe bending and the cross section ovalising are proposed firstly. Furthermore, these energy rates are combined to perform the buckling analysis of pipe bending, an estimation formula of critical buckling strain for pipe subjected plastic bending is proposed. The predicting result of the new critical buckling strain formula is compared with the available experimental data, it shows that the formula is valid.
Hunting affects dry season habitat selection by several bovid species in northern Benin
Authors: Djagoun Chabi A. M. S. , Kassa Barthélémy , Djossa Bruno A. , Coulson Tim , Mensah Guy A. , Sinsin Brice
Published: May 2014

Multiple land uses including tourism, hunting, and agriculture around protected areas can be a serious complication for wildlife management. We calculated habitat selection indices (Manly's alpha) for 10 bovid species in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin, west Africa, to assess if habitat use differed in each bovid species between hunting and non‐hunting zones. Presence/absence data was used in resource‐selection functions based on a generalized linear mixed effect model to examine factors that explained bovid species distribution. We observed stronger avoidance of open habitat types in the hunting zone than in the non hunting zone for the hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus, oribi Ourebia ourebi, roan Hippotragus equines, kob Kobus kob, Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa and reedbuck Redunca redunca. In contrast, in grey duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, red‐flanked duiker Cephalophus rufilatus, bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus and buffalo Syncerus caffer we found no differences in habitat use between hunted and non‐hunted areas. This may indicate that the latter species show more pronounced ecological and behavioural plasticity. Further, resource selection of bovid species on a small scale was influenced by other factors such as habitat structure, landscape characteristics, and human disturbance. This preliminary assessment of bovid habitat relationships in west Africa suggests that human hunting activities may cause species to alter their habitat selection. We therefore suggest habitat models may need to incorporate this source of variation if they are to accurately predict habitat use or distribution of a species.
Spatially‐explicit land use effects on nesting of Atlantic Flyway resident Canada geese in New Jersey
Authors: Guerena Katherine B. , Castelli Paul M. , Nichols Theodore C. , Williams Christopher K.
Published: May 2014

Atlantic Flyway resident population (AFRP) Canada geese Branta canadensis in New Jersey, USA, have grown dramatically during the last thirty years and are considered as overabundant in many areas. Development of corporate parks and urban areas with manicured lawns and artificial ponds offer ideal nesting habitat for AFRP geese, with limited pressure from hunting or natural predators. As a result, spatial heterogeneity in reproduction must be taken into account in managing the population. We identified the site and landscape spatial scale extents at which land use features influenced nest site selection and nest success. Nest searches were conducted throughout the State during 2009—2010, and 309 nests were monitored through hatch to determine their fates. We ran a spatial correlation analysis of land use composition to identify spatial scale extents at which geese most considerably respond to their environment for nest site selection and nest success. All significant spatial scale extents were at or below 2.25 km for the five classified land use types. We emphasize that habitat‐goose associations in densely urban areas were strongest at extents < 1 km, while rural and natural areas were strongest at extents > 1 km. Geese responded to human‐dominated land uses at a smaller spatial scale extent than land uses with low human density. The strength of all nest‐land use univariate relationships was low; however, our primary objective was to identify the scales extent at which geese associate with land use, rather than the intensity. We encourage managers to consider these scale‐dependent associations in identifying important habitat variables in multivariate models; and if population control of AFRP Canada geese is of primary interest, then focusing on local habitat management will most likely have the largest influence in managing this population.
Habitat preference of geese is affected by livestock grazing ‐ seasonal variation in an experimental field evaluation
Authors: Mandema Freek S. , Tinbergen Joost M. , Stahl Julia , Esselink Peter , Bakker Jan P.
Published: May 2014

The number of staging geese in northwestern Europe has increased dramatically. Growing goose numbers put strong grazing pressure on agricultural pastures. Damage to agricultural land may be mitigated by managing nature reserves in order to optimally accommodate large numbers of grazing geese. Livestock grazing has been shown to facilitate foraging geese; we take the novel approach of determining the effects of four different livestock grazing treatments in a replicated experiment on the distribution of geese. We present experimental field evidence that livestock grazing of a salt marsh in summer affects the habitat preference of foraging geese during autumn and spring staging. In an experimental field set‐up with four different livestock grazing treatments we assessed goose visitation through dropping counts, in both autumn and spring. Grazing treatments included 0.5 or 1 horse ha‐1 and 0.5 or 1 cattle ha‐1 during the summer season. The livestock grazing regime affected goose distribution in autumn, just after livestock had been removed from the salt marsh. In autumn, goose visitation was highest in the 1 head ha‐1 grazing treatments, where grazing intensity by livestock was also highest. In line with this result, goose visitation was lowest in the 0.5 head ha‐1 livestock grazing treatments, where the grazing intensity by livestock was lowest. The differences in goose visitation among the experimental treatments in autumn could not be explained by the canopy height. In spring we did not find any effect of livestock grazing treatment on goose visitation. Differences in the distribution of geese over the experiment between autumn and spring may be explained by changes in the availability of nutrient‐rich vegetation. Livestock summer grazing with a high stocking density, especially with horses, can be used to attract geese to salt marshes in autumn and potentially reduces damage caused by geese to inland farmland. From a nature conservation interest point of view, however, variation in structure of the vegetation is a prerequisite for other groups of organisms. Hence, we recommend grazing of salt marshes with densities of 0.5 head ha‐1 of livestock when goose conservation is not the only management issue.
Sustainable Multi-Modal Sensing by a Single Sensor Utilizing the Passivity of an Elastic Actuator
Authors: Takuma Takashi , Takamine Ken , Masuda Tatsuya
Published: May 2014

When a robot equipped with compliant joints driven by elastic actuators contacts an object and its joints are deformed, multi-modal information, including the magnitude and direction of the applied force and the deformation of the joint, is used to enhance the performance of the robot such as dexterous manipulation. In conventional approaches, some types of sensors used to obtain the multi-modal information are attached to the point of contact where the force is applied and at the joint. However, this approach is not sustainable for daily use in robots, i.e., not durable or robust, because the sensors can undergo damage due to the application of excessive force and wear due to repeated contacts. Further, multiple types of sensors are required to measure such physical values, which add to the complexity of the device system of the robot. In our approach, a single type of sensor is used and it is located at a point distant from the contact point and the joint, and the information is obtained indirectly by the measurement of certain physical parameters that are influenced by the applied force and the joint deformation. In this study, we employ the McKibben pneumatic actuator whose inner pressure changes passively when a force is applied to the actuator. We derive the relationships between information and the pressures of a two-degrees-of-freedom (2-DoF) joint mechanism driven by four pneumatic actuators. Experimental results show that the multi-modal information can be obtained by using the set of pressures measured before and after the force is applied. Further, we apply our principle to obtain the stiffness values of certain contacting objects that can subsequently be categorized by using the aforementioned relationships.
Kinetic Characterization of a Panel of High-Affinity Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Ricin and Recombinant Re-Formatting for Biosensor Applications
Authors: Cummins Michelle , Dogovski Con , Robert Remy , Alderton Malcolm , Chong Damien , Proll David , Pontes-Braz Luisa , Raicevic Anna , Hattarki Meghan , Nuttall Stewart , Dolezal Olan
Published: May 2014

Ricin is a potent glycoprotein toxin that is structurally composed of two subunits joined via a disulfide bond: a ~30 kDa subunit A (RTA) and a ~32 kDa subunit B (RTB). There are fears of ricin being used as a weapon for warfare and terrorism and, as such, there is an increasing need for the development of immunodiagnostic reagents targeted towards this toxin. This article describes the production and characterization of a panel of six ricin-specific monoclonal IgG antibodies (mAbs), previously selected based upon their ability to inhibit ricin-mediated killing of cultured cells. Subsequent epitope binding analysis using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) array biosensor (ProteOn XPR36) indicated three distinct, non-competitive binding epitopes (“bins”). The association (ka) and dissociation (kd) rate constants and binding affinities (KD) of each of the mAbs to ricin were also determined by SPR using Biacore T100 instrument. Affinities (KD) ranged from 0.1 nM to 9 nM. We present the coding sequences of the variable domains of the six mAbs, the expression, kinetic and cytotoxicity assays for two recombinant Fab (rFab) fragments and demonstrate a rFab affinity improvement by chain-shuffling. Together, these antibodies and constituent rFabs represent a panel of reagents for high-affinity recognition of ricin with potential national security biosensor applications.
The Effectiveness of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Extract in Stabilization of Sunflower Oil under Accelerated Conditions
Authors: Mei Winne , Ismail Amin , Esa Norhaizan , Akowuah Gabriel , Wai Ho , Seng Yim
Published: May 2014

The oxidative properties of sunflower oil supplemented with rambutan extract, (crude extract and its fractionated fraction, SF II) in comparison with synthetic antioxidant were investigated. The supplemented sunflower oils were stored under accelerated conditions for 24 days at 60 °C. For every 6-day interval, the oxidative properties of the supplemented sunflower oil were evaluated based on the following tests, namely peroxide value, p-anisidine value, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) assay, iodine value and free fatty acids. The total oxidation (TOTOX) values were also calculated based on the peroxide values and p-anisidine values. Rambutan extract is a potential source of antioxidant. The oxidative activities of the extracts at all concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control. Generally, the partially fractionated fraction was more effective than the crude extract. With a 2-year storage period at ambient temperature, the fractionated fraction of the extract, SF II at 300 ppm, was observed to work more effectively than the synthetic antioxidant, t-Tocopherol, and it possessed a protective effect comparable with butylatedhydrioxynanisole (BHA). Therefore, rambutan extract could be used as a potential alternative source of antioxidant in the oil industry or other fat-based products to delay lipid oxidation.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid and Periocular Region
Authors: Merritt Helen , Sniegowski Matthew , Esmaeli Bita
Published: May 2014

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in the eyelid and periocular region can be treated surgically, in most cases, with preservation of the eye and reasonable visual function. Adjuvant radiation therapy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and chemotherapy should be considered for MCC of the eyelid and periocular region, especially for larger tumors that are T2b or more advanced and lesions that present with regional nodal or distant metastasis.
Uptake and Diagnostic Yield of Chromosomal Microarray in an Australian Child Development Clinic
Authors: Mordaunt Dylan , Gabbett Michael , Waugh Melanie , O'Brien Karen , Heussler Helen
Published: May 2014

Autism is an etiologically heterogeneous developmental disorder for which the range of genetic investigations has expanded considerably over the past decade. Introduction of chromosomal microarray (CMA) to clinical practice has expanded the range of conditions which pediatricians are able to detect. This study reviewed the utilization, yield and cost of genetic investigations in a sample of children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in an Australian metropolitan child development service. Six hundred and ninety eight patients with PDD were identified from the clinic population. One hundred and ten (15.7%) of the clinic population had undergone investigation with chromosomal microarray, 140 (20.0%) with karyotype (KT), and 167 (23.9%) with Fragile X testing (FRGX). Twelve (10.9%) CMA findings were reported, of which seven (6.3%) were felt to be the likely cause of the child’s clinical features. Five (3.5%) KT findings were reported, of which four (2.9%) were felt to be the likely cause of the child’s clinical features. Two patients (1.2%) were identified with Fragile X expansions. One fifth of the clinic’s recent PDD population had undergone testing with CMA. CMA appears to have increased the diagnostic yield of the genetic investigation of autism, in line with internationally reported levels. Number needed to test (NNT) and cost per incremental diagnosis, were also in line with internationally reported levels.
Exergy Analysis of Flat Plate Solar Collectors
Authors: Ge Zhong , Wang Huitao , Wang Hua , Zhang Songyuan , Guan Xin
Published: May 2014

This study proposes the concept of the local heat loss coefficient and examines the calculation method for the average heat loss coefficient and the average absorber plate temperature. It also presents an exergy analysis model of flat plate collectors, considering non-uniformity in temperature distribution along the absorber plate. The computation results agree well with experimental data. The effects of ambient temperature, solar irradiance, fluid inlet temperature, and fluid mass flow rate on useful heat rate, useful exergy rate, and exergy loss rate are examined. An optimal fluid inlet temperature exists for obtaining the maximum useful exergy rate. The calculated optimal fluid inlet temperature is 69 °C, and the maximum useful exergy rate is 101.6 W. Exergy rate distribution is analyzed when ambient temperature, solar irradiance, fluid mass flow rate, and fluid inlet temperature are set to 20 °C, 800 W/m2, 0.05 kg/s, and 50 °C, respectively. The exergy efficiency is 5.96%, and the largest exergy loss is caused by the temperature difference between the absorber plate surface and the sun, accounting for 72.86% of the total exergy rate.
A Relevancy, Hierarchical and Contextual Maximum Entropy Framework for a Data-Driven 3D Scene Generation
Authors: Dema Mesfin , Sari-Sarraf Hamed
Published: May 2014

We introduce a novel Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) framework that can generate 3D scenes by incorporating objects’ relevancy, hierarchical and contextual constraints in a unified model. This model is formulated by a Gibbs distribution, under the MaxEnt framework, that can be sampled to generate plausible scenes. Unlike existing approaches, which represent a given scene by a single And-Or graph, the relevancy constraint (defined as the frequency with which a given object exists in the training data) require our approach to sample from multiple And-Or graphs, allowing variability in terms of objects’ existence across synthesized scenes. Once an And-Or graph is sampled from the ensemble, the hierarchical constraints are employed to sample the Or-nodes (style variations) and the contextual constraints are subsequently used to enforce the corresponding relations that must be satisfied by the And-nodes. To illustrate the proposed methodology, we use desk scenes that are composed of objects whose existence, styles and arrangements (position and orientation) can vary from one scene to the next. The relevancy, hierarchical and contextual constraints are extracted from a set of training scenes and utilized to generate plausible synthetic scenes that in turn satisfy these constraints. After applying the proposed framework, scenes that are plausible representations of the training examples are automatically generated.
Preparation of Slag Wool by Integrated Waste-Heat Recovery and Resource Recycling of Molten Blast Furnace Slags: From Fundamental to Industrial Application
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Zhang Zuotai , Tang Xulong , Liu Lili , Wang Xidong
Published: May 2014

The present paper investigated the process of the slag wool fabrication using high temperature blast furnace (BF) slag modified by coal ash (CA). The liquidus temperature and viscosity of the slag system with different mass ratios of BF slag and CA were measured through an inner cylinder rotation method. The approximate mass ratio used to fabricate the slag wool was therefore determined and slag wool was then successfully prepared with a high-speed air injection method in the laboratory. The effect of mBF/m ratio, slag temperature for injection and air pressure on the preparation of slag wool was systematically investigated. The mechanical and thermal properties were also studied to confirm the long-term working conditions of the slag wool. An industry-scale slag wool production application was established. The energy consumption and the pollutant generation, were analyzed and compared with the traditional production method, which indicated a 70% reduction in energy consumption and a 90% pollution emission decrease.
Characterization of the Genomic Architecture and Mutational Spectrum of a Small Cell Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Scott Alan , Mohr David , Ling Hua , Scharpf Robert , Zhang Peng , Liptak Gregory
Published: May 2014

We present the use of a series of laboratory, analytical and interpretation methods to investigate personalized cancer care for a case of small cell prostate carcinoma (SCPC), a rare and aggressive tumor with poor prognosis, for which the underlying genomic architecture and mutational spectrum has not been well characterized. We performed both SNP genotyping and exome sequencing of a Virchow node metastasis from a patient with SCPC. A variety of methods were used to analyze and interpret the tumor genome for copy number variation, loss of heterozygosity (LOH), somatic mosaicism and mutations in genes from known cancer pathways. The combination of genotyping and exome sequencing approaches provided more information than either technique alone. The results showed widespread evidence of copy number changes involving most chromosomes including the possible loss of both alleles of CDKN1B (p27/Kip1). LOH was observed for the regions encompassing the tumor suppressors TP53, RB1, and CHD1. Predicted damaging somatic mutations were observed in the retained TP53 and RB1 alleles. Mutations in other genes that may be functionally relevant were noted, especially the recently reported high confidence cancer drivers FOXA1 and CCAR1. The disruption of multiple cancer drivers underscores why SCPC may be such a difficult cancer to manage.
Di-Ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) Modulates Cell Invasion, Migration and Anchorage Independent Growth through Targeting S100P in LN-229 Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Sims Jennifer , Graham Barbara , Pacurari Maricica , Leggett Sophia , Tchounwou Paul , Ndebele Kenneth
Published: May 2014

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer with a median survival of 1–2 years. The treatment of GBM includes surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy, which minimally extends survival. This poor prognosis necessitates the identification of novel molecular targets associated with glioblastoma. S100P is associated with drug resistance, metastasis, and poor clinical outcomes in many malignancies. The functional role of S100P in glioblastoma has not been fully investigated. In this study, we examined the role of S100P mediating the effects of the environmental contaminant, DEHP, in glioblastoma cells (LN-229) by assessing cell proliferation, apoptosis, anchorage independent growth, cell migration and invasion following DEHP exposure. Silencing S100P and DEHP treatment inhibited LN-229 glioblastoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Anchorage independent growth study revealed significantly decreased colony formation in shS100P cells. We also observed reduced cell migration in cells treated with DEHP following S100P knockdown. Similar results were observed in spheroid formation and expansion. This study is the first to demonstrate the effects of DEHP on glioblastoma cells, and implicates S100P as a potential therapeutic target that may be useful as a drug response biomarker.
Sorption of Hydrophobic Organic Compounds on Natural Sorbents and Organoclays from Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Solutions: A Mini-Review
Authors: Moyo Francis , Tandlich Roman , Wilhelmi Brendan , Balaz Stefan
Published: May 2014

Renewed focus on the sorption of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) onto mineral surfaces and soil components is required due to the increased and wider range of organic pollutants being released into the environment. This mini-review examines the possibility of the contribution and mechanism of HOC sorption onto clay mineral sorbents such as kaolinite, and soil organic matter and the possible role of both in the prevention of environmental contamination by HOCs. Literature data indicates that certain siloxane surfaces can be hydrophobic. Therefore soils can retain HOCs even at low soil organic levels and the extent will depend on the structure of the pollutant and the type and concentration of clay minerals in the sorbent. Clay minerals are wettable by nonpolar solvents and so sorption of HOCs onto them from aqueous and non-aqueous solutions is possible. This is important for two reasons: firstly, the movement and remediation of soil environments will be a function of the concentration and type of clay minerals in the soil. Secondly, low-cost sorbents such as kaolinite and expandable clays can be added to soils or contaminated environments as temporary retention barriers for HOCs. Inorganic cations sorbed onto the kaolinite have a strong influence on the rate and extent of sorption of hydrophobic organic pollutants onto kaolinite. Structural sorbate classes that can be retained by the kaolinite matrix are limited by hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups of the octahedral alumosilicate sheet and the tetrahedral sheet with silicon. Soil organic carbon plays a key role in the sorption of HOCs onto soils, but the extent will be strongly affected by the structure of the organic soil matter and the presence of soot. Structural characterisation of soil organic matter in a particular soil should be conducted during a particular contamination event. Contamination by mining extractants and antibiotics will require renewed focus on the use of the QSAR approaches in the context of the sorption of HOCs onto clay minerals from aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
The Effects of Fine Particulate Air Pollution on Daily Mortality: A Case-Crossover Study in a Subtropical City, Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Shang-Shyue , Chang Chih-Ching , Liou Saou-Hsing , Yang Chun-Yuh
Published: May 2014

This study was undertaken to determine whether there was an association between PM2.5 levels and daily mortality in Taipei, Taiwan, the largest metropolitan city with a subtropical climate. Daily mortality, air pollution, and weather data for Taipei were obtained for the period from 2006–2008. The relative risk of daily mortality was estimated using a time-stratified case-crossover approach, controlling for weather variables, day of the week, seasonality, and long-term time trends. For the single pollutant model, PM2.5 showed association with total mortality both on warm (>23 °C) and cool days (<23 °C). There is no indication of an association between PM2.5 and risk of death due to respiratory diseases both on warm and cool days. PM2.5 had effects on the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases only on cool days. In the two-pollutant models, PM2.5 remained effects on the risk of mortality for all cause and cardiovascular disease after the inclusion of SO2 and O3 both on warm and cool days. This study provides evidence that short-term exposure to PM2.5 increased the risk of death for all cause and cardiovascular disease.
A Flexible Spatial Framework for Modeling Spread of Pathogens in Animals with Biosurveillance and Disease Control Applications
Authors: LaBute Montiago , McMahon Benjamin , Brown Mac , Manore Carrie , Fair Jeanne
Published: May 2014

Biosurveillance activities focus on acquiring and analyzing epidemiological and biological data to interpret unfolding events and predict outcomes in infectious disease outbreaks. We describe a mathematical modeling framework based on geographically aligned data sources and with appropriate flexibility that partitions the modeling of disease spread into two distinct but coupled levels. A top-level stochastic simulation is defined on a network with nodes representing user-configurable geospatial “patches”. Intra-patch disease spread is treated with differential equations that assume uniform mixing within the patch. We use U.S. county-level aggregated data on animal populations and parameters from the literature to simulate epidemic spread of two strikingly different animal diseases agents: foot-and-mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza. Results demonstrate the capability of this framework to leverage low-fidelity data while producing meaningful output to inform biosurveillance and disease control measures. For example, we show that the possible magnitude of an outbreak is sensitive to the starting location of the outbreak, highlighting the strong geographic dependence of livestock and poultry infectious disease epidemics and the usefulness of effective biosurveillance policy. The ability to compare different diseases and host populations across the geographic landscape is important for decision support applications and for assessing the impact of surveillance, detection, and mitigation protocols.
Cancer Stem Cells: Biological Functions and Therapeutically Targeting
Authors: Ciurea Marius , Georgescu Ada , Purcaru Stefana , Artene Stefan-Alexandru , Emami Ghazaleh , Boldeanu Mihai , Tache Daniela , Dricu Anica
Published: May 2014

Almost all tumors are composed of a heterogeneous cell population, making them difficult to treat. A small cancer stem cell population with a low proliferation rate and a high tumorigenic potential is thought to be responsible for cancer development, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Stem cells were reported to be involved in both normal development and carcinogenesis, some molecular mechanisms being common in both processes. No less controversial, stem cells are considered to be important in treatment of malignant diseases both as targets and drug carriers. The efforts to understand the role of different signalling in cancer stem cells requires in depth knowledge about the mechanisms that control their self-renewal, differentiation and malignant potential. The aim of this paper is to discuss insights into cancer stem cells historical background and to provide a brief review of the new therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer stem cells.
Efficient pH Dependent Drug Delivery to Target Cancer Cells by Gold Nanoparticles Capped with Carboxymethyl Chitosan
Authors: Madhusudhan Alle , Reddy Gangapuram , Venkatesham Maragoni , Veerabhadram Guttena , Kumar Dudde , Natarajan Sumathi , Yang Ming-Yeh , Hu Anren , Singh Surya
Published: May 2014

Doxorubicin (DOX) was immobilized on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) for effective delivery to cancer cells. The carboxylic group of carboxymethyl chitosan interacts with the amino group of the doxorubicin (DOX) forming stable, non-covalent interactions on the surface of AuNPs. The carboxylic group ionizes at acidic pH, thereby releasing the drug effectively at acidic pH suitable to target cancer cells. The DOX loaded gold nanoparticles were effectively absorbed by cervical cancer cells compared to free DOX and their uptake was further increased at acidic conditions induced by nigericin, an ionophore that causes intracellular acidification. These results suggest that DOX loaded AuNPs with pH-triggered drug releasing properties is a novel nanotheraputic approach to overcome drug resistance in cancer.
Inhibitors of Intracellular Signaling Pathways that Lead to Stimulated Epidermal Pigmentation: Perspective of Anti-Pigmenting Agents
Authors: Imokawa Genji , Ishida Koichi
Published: May 2014

Few anti-pigmenting agents have been designed and developed according to their known hyperpigmentation mechanisms and corresponding intracellular signaling cascades. Most anti-pigmenting agents developed so far are mechanistically involved in the interruption of constitutional melanogenic mechanisms by which skin color is maintained at a normal and unstimulated level. Thus, owing to the difficulty of confining topical application to a specific hyperpigmented skin area, potent anti-pigmenting agents capable of attenuating the natural unstimulated pigmentation process have the risk of leading to hypopigmentation. Since intracellular signaling pathways within melanocytes do not function substantially in maintaining normal skin color and are activated only by environmental stimuli such as UV radiation, specifically down-regulating the activation of melanogenesis to the constitutive level would be an appropriate strategy to develop new potent anti-pigmenting agents with a low risk of hypopigmentation. In this article, we review the hyperpigmentation mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways that lead to the stimulation of melanogenesis. We also discuss a screening and evaluation system to select candidates for new anti-melanogenic substances by focusing on inhibitors of endothelin-1 or stem cell factor-triggered intracellular signaling cascades. From this viewpoint, we show that extracts of the herbs Withania somnifera and Melia toosendan and the natural chemicals Withaferin A and Astaxanthin are new candidates for potent anti-pigmenting substances that avoid the risk of hypopigmentation.
Silencing of the CaCP Gene Delays Salt- and Osmotic-Induced Leaf Senescence in Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Xiao Huai-Juan , Yin Yan-Xu , Chai Wei-Guo , Gong Zhen-Hui
Published: May 2014

Cysteine proteinases have been known to participate in developmental processes and in response to stress in plants. Our present research reported that a novel CP gene, CaCP, was involved in leaf senescence in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). The full-length CaCP cDNA is comprised of 1316 bp, contains 1044 nucleotides in open reading frame (ORF), and encodes a 347 amino acid protein. The deduced protein belongs to the papain-like cysteine proteases (CPs) superfamily, containing a highly conserved ERFNIN motif, a GCNGG motif and a conserved catalytic triad. This protein localized to the vacuole of plant cells. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of CaCP gene was dramatically higher in leaves and flowers than that in roots, stems and fruits. Moreover, CaCP transcripts were induced upon during leaf senescence. CaCP expression was upregulated by plant hormones, especially salicylic acid. CaCP was also significantly induced by abiotic and biotic stress treatments, including high salinity, mannitol and Phytophthora capsici. Loss of function of CaCP using the virus-induced gene-silencing technique in pepper plants led to enhanced tolerance to salt- and osmotic-induced stress. Taken together, these results suggest that CaCP is a senescence-associated gene, which is involved in developmental senescence and regulates salt- and osmotic-induced leaf senescence in pepper.