bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics and breeding of Sitka spruce
Authors: Faulkner Roy
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Sitka spruce is a monoecious, wind-pollinated, cross-fertilising species showing wide genetic variation which suggests heterozygosity for many alleles and natural selection against self-fertilisation. Phenotypic selection for the important trait of vigour is ineffective, so testing progenies of selected individuals and clonal testing is an essential and time-consuming part of any improvement programme. Old trees can be vegetatively propagated by grafting and very young trees by rooted cuttings.

The British tree improvement programme is based, in the short term, on the use of seed collected from superior plantation trees of desirable origins; in the mid term on seed derived from clonal orchards based on mixtures of clones previously tested for superiority in family tests; and in the longer term on highly superior seed or clones derived from a system of recurrent mating with family selection. Three populations are being developed. There is a small interspecific hybridisation programme.
The pathology of Sitka spruce in northern Britain
Authors: Gregory Stephen C. , Redfern Derek B.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

An account of the pathology of Sitka spruce in northern Britain is given based on enquiries dealt with by the Pathology Branch of the Forestry Commission Research Division in the last fifteen years. Sitka spruce occupies the major proportion of our forest estate but has given rise to only 15% of enquiries concerning tree damage. The most frequently diagnosed injuries have been those due to frost and to root diseases caused by Heterobasidion annosum and Armillaria spp. Two other root pathogens, Rhizina undulata and Phaeolus schweinitzii, and two needle pathogens, Lophodermiun piceae and Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii, have also been recorded in Sitka spruce plantations as have several wound-infecting stem decay fungi. Only five other fungal diseases, those caused by Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora citricola, Helicobasidium purpureum, Sirococcus strobilinus and Pythium spp. have been recorded, all in nurseries.
Natural features in the management of upland conifer forests
Authors: Peterken G. F.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Upland conifer afforestation has been a major factor in environmental change, and there is every prospect that further afforestation will take place. How can we best develop the existing forests as wildlife habitats? And, if afforestation is to continue, where should further plantations be placed? This paper considers some general aspects of forest habitat design, using the structure and dynamics of natural boreal-temperate conifer forests as its primary reference point.
Watermark disease of tree willows
Authors: Turner J. G. , Davis J. M. L. , Guven K.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The watermark disease is caused by the bacterium Erwinia salicis. It affects six species of tree willow and of these the white willow (Salix alba) and certain of its varieties are particularly susceptible. Unusually for a bacterial disease, the pathogen only colonises the xylem tissues, which become discoloured as a result. Watermark causes severe losses in S. alba var. caerulea, the cricket bat willow, and in several Dutch clones of S. alba which have been widely planted in that country. Although numerous studies have been made of its epidemiology since the disease was first reported in 1924, the infection process remains clusive. Recent research, much of it unpublished, points to the widespread occurrence of symptomless infection, and the possible role of this in the transmission of disease through the propagating material.
The rust diseases of willows in Britain
Authors: Helfer Stephan
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The British rust diseases of willows are discussed. Only fungal characters are employed in the identification of the different species, thus avoiding the use of host plant taxa in the characterisation of the diseases. Using spore and sorus characters, 14 different species occurring in Britain could be distinguished. The density of urediniospore ornaments is analysed in particular. The rusts are described in detail, and keys for their identification are presented. A list of the rusts affecting willow hosts in Britain has been compiled.
Some aspects of the development of short-rotation coppice willow for biomass in Northern Ireland
Authors: Dawson Malcolm
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

Work on short-rotation coppice willow as an alternative and renewable energy source began in Northern Ireland in the mid-1970s, prompted by the massive rise in oil prices during that period. Although in the short run oil prices have dropped in real terms, interest in short-rotation coppice willow has ben sustained because of the potential role it has in the development of agriculture, particularly in marginal areas. This is particularly relevant in the current situation of over production of a wide range of agricultural commodities within the European Community and the moves to reduce Government support in the form of farm and export subsidies.

Although Salix cultivars have yielded in excess of 30 tonnes dry matter (DM) ha−1 annually under experimental conditions, it is considered that 10–12 tonnes DM ha−1 is a sustainable commercial yield.

Melampsora spp. rust has emerged as one of the most important factors limiting the development of short-rotation coppice as a commercial crop. For economic and environmental reasons, the application of fungicide for rust control is not a possibility. Consequently, other disease control strategies have to be established. The main focus of this work is in the selection, for suitability for coppice application, of the widening range of genetic material becoming available from breeding programmes in Canada, Sweden and Finland with a view to their incorporation into mixed stands.

End product utilisation is considered a priority area for investigation if short-rotation coppice is to make a contribution to land use and the development of agriculture in marginal areas. Currently two potential end uses are being investigated: firstly fractionation – to produce cellulose for paper manufacture, hemi-cellulose for the production of molasses and lignin for further processing into other industrial chemicals, and secondly the simultaneous generation of heat and power using gasification – ‘combined heat and power’.
Protein-losing enteropathy in biventricular circulation precipitated by mild stenosis of the inferior caval vein in conjunction with total occlusion of the superior caval vein: a word of caution
Authors: Marini Davide , McCrossan Brian A. , Agnoletti Gabriella
Published: April 2017

We report the case of a young boy with a history of total occlusion of the superior caval vein, diagnosed early after complex neonatal cardiac surgery, who developed severe protein-losing enteropathy. Protein-losing enteropathy was precipitated by a relatively mild stenosis at the junction of the inferior caval vein with the right atrium. Percutaneous stent dilation of the veno-atrial junction definitively relieved the stenosis, and the protein-losing enteropathy subsequently resolved.
A Comparison of Three Maneuvers and Their Effect on Laryngoscopic View, Time to Intubate, and Intubation Outcome by Novice Intubators in a Simulated Airway
Authors: Stein Christopher , Gerber Louis , Curtin Denis , Oberem Nicole , Wells Mike
Published: April 2017

Aim

The goal of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of three adjunctive maneuvers – head elevation (HE), forward laryngoscope traction (FT), and external laryngeal manipulation (ELM) – on laryngoscopic view, intubation time, and intubation success performed by a sample of novice intubators using a simulated airway.

Methods

Twenty-two second year university paramedic students were required to perform laryngoscopy and intubation on a simulator four times on two separate days. The first day involved intubation using no adjunctive maneuvers (control) plus HE, FT, and ELM in random order in a normal simulated airway. A similar approach was used on the second day, but the simulator was configured to have a difficult airway. Percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scores, intubation time, and intubation success were measured for all intubation attempts.

Results

Head elevation was found to be the most effective adjunctive maneuver in the normal airway, increasing the mean POGO score from control by 27% (P=.002), while ELM was most effective in the difficult airway, increasing the mean POGO score by 21% (P=.009) and the proportion of successful intubations by 41% (P<.001). All maneuvers decreased intubation time in the normal and difficult airway and were associated with significant differences in intubation success compared to control in the difficult airway.

Conclusions

This study identified HE as the most effective maneuver for improving laryngoscopic view in a normal airway and ELM as the most effective in a difficult airway in a group of novice intubators.

SteinC,GerberL,CurtinD,OberemN,WellsM.A comparison of three maneuvers and their effect on laryngoscopic view, time to intubate, and intubation outcome by novice intubators in a simulated airway.Prehosp Disaster Med.2017;32(4):419–423.
The fatty acid composition of muscle and adipose tissues from entire and castrated male Boer goats raised in Australia
Authors: Werdi Pratiwi N. M. , Murray P. J. , Taylor D. G.
Published: April 2017

The fatty acid composition of longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle and adipose tissues (subcutaneous and intermuscular fat) from castrated and entire male Boer goat bucks was investigated. Sixty Boer bucks in groups of between three and five animals were slaughtered at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 kg live weight (5 and 15 kg animals were not castrated). The fatty acid composition of LT muscle from castrated and entire Boers was significantly affected by slaughter weight. The fatty acid content ofLT muscle and subcutaneous and intermuscular fat from both castrated and entire Boer bucks was primarily composed of oleic acid followed by palmitic and stearic acid. Both oleic and palmitic acid increased with slaughter weight whereas stearic acid decreased. LT muscle from castrated Boer bucks contained higher amounts of desirable fatty acids. In contrast to slaughter weight, castration of Boer bucks resulted in only minor changes in fatty acid composition of adipose tissues. It can be concluded that slaughter weight plays a role in changing the fatty acid composition ofLT muscle and adipose tissues from Boer bucks.
Effect of including purified jack bean lectin in casein or hydrolysed casein-based diets on apparent and true ileal amino acid digestibility in the growing pig
Authors: Yin Y. -L. , Huang R. L. , Libao-Mercado A. J. , Jeaurond E. A. , de Lange C. F. M. , Rademacher M.
Published: April 2017

The effect of including purified jack bean lectin (concanavalin A) in the diet of grower pigs on endogenous ileal nitrogen (N) and amino acid (AA) losses, and apparent and true ileal AA digestibility was investigated in a study with four growing pigs (average initial live weight (LW) 25 kg) fitted with simple T-cannulae at the terminal ileum. Both the homo-arginine (HA) method and peptide-alimentation method were used to estimate endogenous gut AA losses. The animals were offered four diets :(1) an enzymatically hydrolysed casein (EHC) containing diet, (2) an EHC containing diet supplemented with 266 mg/kg jack bean lectin, (3) a normal casein (NC) containing diet, and (4) a NC containing diet supplemented with 266 mg/kg lectin. For the estimation of ileal endogenous AA flows in pigs given NC diets, a subsample ofNC was guanidinated to convert lysine to HA. The experiment was conducted using a 4X4 Latin-square design. In each experimental period, pigs were adjusted to the experimental diets for 5 days. On day 6, ileal digesta was collected continuously for 24 hfor determination of apparent ileal digestibility. At 08:30 h of day 8 the HA NC diets were offered to pigs on NC treatments and ileal digesta were again collected for 24 h from all pigs. There were no interactive effects of casein type and added dietary lectin on apparent and true ileal AA digestibility and endogenous ileal AA flows (P > 0-05). The addition of lectin to the diet did not influence (P > 0-05) the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and AA. Casein type did not affect ileal DM digestibility (P > 0-05). Pigs given the NC-based diets had higher (P < 0-05) apparent ileal AA digestibility than pigs given the EHC-based diets. Addition of lectin to the diet did not influence (P > 0-05) endogenous ileal CP and AA flows. Endogenous ileal AA losses were generally higher (P < 0-05) in pigs given EHC diets than in pigs given NC diets. Neither casein type nor diet lectin level influenced (P > 0-05) the true ileal digestibility ofCP and AA; values ranged for most AA between 0-98 and 1-00. These data suggest that including purified jack bean lectin at the level of 266 mg/kg in a casein-based diet did not influence the ileal endogenous CP and AAflow, nor the apparent and the true ileal digestibility ofCP and AA, in growing pigs between 25 and 50 kg LW. Compared with the HA method, the peptide-alimentation method yielded higher estimates of ileal endogenous CP and AA acid losses in pigs given casein-based diets, although these two methods yielded similar estimates of true ileal AA and CP digestibility.
WHY WORSHIP GOD?
Authors: Cahn Steven M.
Published: April 2017

Assuming God exists, should we worship God? This article contends that even if God is omniscient, omnipotent and omni-benevolent, and created and sustains the world, we should adopt the attitude towards God exhibited by Abraham in Chapter 18 of Genesis. There, having been informed of God's willingness to destroy Sodom, Abraham persuades God that if the city contains ten innocent inhabitants, justice requires the plan to be altered. The story undermines the divine command theory of morality, demonstrates that God is subject to change, and suggests that God is prepared to be challenged rather than worshipped.
MISTAKING YOURSELF FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Authors: Chen Cheryl K.
Published: April 2017

Just what is the relationship between you and your body?
THE EPISTEMIC COSTS OF POLITENESS
Authors: Goldberg Sanford , Yang Guiming
Published: April 2017

Politeness in conversation has epistemic costs, in that it saps conversational silence of its capacity to signal assent. Whether these costs are outweighed by the obvious social benefits of politeness is not a question we pursue here.
THE PROBLEMS WITH MORAL SUBJECTIVISM
Authors: Tan Seow Hon
Published: April 2017

Moral dialogue for moral subjectivists is gravely limited. As soon as moral subjectivists hold another person to any moral standard independent of the person's belief, they must give up their moral subjectivism. Some moral subjectivists might turn out to be moral realists who accord primacy to autonomy. This, however, is a senseless position that renders all persons equally worthless, unless such moral realists concede that norms that limit autonomy exist. But if so, they are not different from any other moral realists after all.
Erythropoietin protects against rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury by modulating macrophage polarization
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhang Chao , Li Jiawei , Niyazi Sidikejiang , Zheng Long , Xu Ming , Rong Ruiming , Yang Cheng , Zhu Tongyu
Published: April 2017

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a well-known hormone that is clinically used for the treatment of anemia. Very recently, an increasing body of evidence showed that EPO could still regulate bioactivities of macrophages. However, the details about the immunomodulatory effect of EPO on macrophages are not fully delineated, particularly in the setting of renal damages. Therefore, in the present study, we determined whether EPO could exert an impact on the dynamics of macrophages in a well-established model of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury and explored the potential mechanisms. EPO was found to ameliorate kidney injuries by reducing macrophages recruitment and promoting phenotype switch toward M2 macrophages in vivo. It was also confirmed that EPO could directly suppress pro-inflammatory responses of M1 macrophages and promote M2 marker expression in vitro. Data indicated the possible involvement of Jak2/STAT3/STAT6 pathway in the augmentation of EPO on M2 polarization. These results improved the understanding of the immunoregulatory capacity of EPO on macrophages, which might optimize the therapeutic modalities of EPO.
DNA origami-based shape IDs for single-molecule nanomechanical genotyping
Authors: Zhang Honglu , Chao Jie , Pan Dun , Liu Huajie , Qiang Yu , Liu Ke , Cui Chengjun , Chen Jianhua , Huang Qing , Hu Jun , Wang Lianhui , Huang Wei , Shi Yongyong , Fan Chunhai
Published: April 2017

Variations on DNA sequences profoundly affect how we develop diseases and respond to pathogens and drugs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a nanomechanical imaging approach for genetic analysis with nanometre resolution. However, unlike fluorescence imaging that has wavelength-specific fluorophores, the lack of shape-specific labels largely hampers widespread applications of AFM imaging. Here we report the development of a set of differentially shaped, highly hybridizable self-assembled DNA origami nanostructures serving as shape IDs for magnified nanomechanical imaging of single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Using these origami shape IDs, we directly genotype single molecules of human genomic DNA with an ultrahigh resolution of ∼10 nm and the multiplexing ability. Further, we determine three types of disease-associated, long-range haplotypes in samples from the Han Chinese population. Single-molecule analysis allows robust haplotyping even for samples with low labelling efficiency. We expect this generic shape ID-based nanomechanical approach to hold great potential in genetic analysis at the single-molecule level.
The interaction of heme with plakortin and a synthetic endoperoxide analogue: new insights into the heme-activated antimalarial mechanism
Authors: Persico Marco , Fattorusso Roberto , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio , Chianese Giuseppina , de Paola Ivan , Zaccaro Laura , Rondinelli Francesca , Lombardo Marco , Quintavalla Arianna , Trombini Claudio , Fattorusso Ernesto , Fattorusso Caterina , Farina Biancamaria
Published: April 2017

In the present work we performed a combined experimental and computational study on the interaction of the natural antimalarial endoperoxide plakortin and its synthetic analogue 4a with heme. Obtained results indicate that the studied compounds produce reactive carbon radical species after being reductively activated by heme. In particular, similarly to artemisinin, the formation of radicals prone to inter-molecular reactions should represent the key event responsible for Plasmodium death. To our knowledge this is the first experimental investigation on the reductive activation of simple antimalarial endoperoxides (1,2-dioxanes) by heme and results were compared to the ones previously obtained from the reaction with FeCl2. The obtained experimental data and the calculated molecular interaction models represent crucial tools for the rational optimization of our promising class of low-cost synthetic antimalarial endoperoxides.
Thiourea priming enhances salt tolerance through co-ordinated regulation of microRNAs and hormones in Brassica juncea
Authors: Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Sablok Gaurav , Hackenberg Michael , Deshpande Uday , Suprasanna Penna
Published: April 2017

Activation of stress tolerance mechanisms demands transcriptional reprogramming. Salt stress, a major threat to plant growth, enhances ROS production and affects transcription through modulation of miRNAs and hormones. The present study delineates salt stress ameliorating action of thiourea (TU, a ROS scavenger) in Brassica juncea and provides mechanistic link between redox, microRNA and hormones. The ameliorative potential of TU towards NaCl stress was related with its ability to decrease ROS accumulation in roots and increase Na+ accumulation in shoots. Small RNA sequencing revealed enrichment of down-regulated miRNAs in NaCl + TU treated roots, indicating transcriptional activation. Ranking analysis identified three key genes including BRX4, CBL10 and PHO1, showing inverse relationship with corresponding miRNA expression, which were responsible for TU mediated stress mitigation. Additionally, ABA level was consistently higher till 24 h in NaCl, while NaCl + TU treated roots showed only transient increase at 4 h suggesting an effective stress management. Jasmonate and auxin levels were also increased, which prioritized defence and facilitated root growth, respectively. Thus, the study highlights redox as one of the “core” components regulating miRNA and hormone levels, and also strengthens the use of TU as a redox priming agent for imparting crop resilience to salt stress.
Activation of the Hypoglossal to Tongue Musculature Motor Pathway by Remote Control
Authors: Horton Garret A. , Fraigne Jimmy J. , Torontali Zoltan A. , Snow Matthew B. , Lapierre Jennifer L. , Liu Hattie , Montandon Gaspard , Peever John H. , Horner Richard L.
Published: April 2017

Reduced tongue muscle tone precipitates obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and activation of the tongue musculature can lessen OSA. The hypoglossal motor nucleus (HMN) innervates the tongue muscles but there is no pharmacological agent currently able to selectively manipulate a channel (e.g., Kir2.4) that is highly restricted in its expression to cranial motor pools such as the HMN. To model the effect of manipulating such a restricted target, we introduced a “designer” receptor into the HMN and selectively modulated it with a “designer” drug. We used cre-dependent viral vectors (AAV8-hSyn-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry) to transduce hypoglossal motoneurons of ChAT-Cre+ mice with hM3Dq (activating) receptors. We measured sleep and breathing in three conditions: (i) sham, (ii) after systemic administration of clozapine-N-oxide (CNO; 1 mg/kg) or (iii) vehicle. CNO activates hM3Dq receptors but is otherwise biologically inert. Systemic administration of CNO caused significant and sustained increases in tongue muscle activity in non-REM (261 ± 33% for 10 hrs) and REM sleep (217 ± 21% for 8 hrs), both P < 0.01 versus controls. Responses were specific and selective for the tongue with no effects on diaphragm or postural muscle activities, or sleep-wake states. These results support targeting a selective and restricted “druggable” target at the HMN (e.g., Kir2.4) to activate tongue motor activity during sleep.
Systemic Administration of Induced Neural Stem Cells Regulates Complement Activation in Mouse Closed Head Injury Models
Authors: Gao Mou , Dong Qin , Yao Hui , Lu Yingzhou , Ji Xinchao , Zou Mingming , Yang Zhijun , Xu Minhui , Xu Ruxiang
Published: April 2017

Complement activation plays important roles in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Patients face neurological disorders due to the development of complement activation, which contributes to cell apoptosis, brain edema, blood-brain barrier dysfunction and inflammatory infiltration. We previously reported that induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) can promote neurological functional recovery in closed head injury (CHI) animals. Remarkably, we discovered that local iNSC grafts have the potential to modulate CNS inflammation post-CHI. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of systemically delivered iNSCs in complement activation following CNS injury. Our data showed that iNSC grafts decreased the levels of sera C3a and C5a and down-regulated the expression of C3d, C9, active Caspase-3 and Bax in the brain, kidney and lung tissues of CHI mice. Furthermore, iNSC grafts decreased the levels of C3d+/NeuN+, C5b-9+/NeuN+, C3d+/Map2+ and C5b-9+/Map2+ neurons in the injured cortices of CHI mice. Subsequently, we explored the mechanisms underlying these effects. With flow cytometry analysis, we observed a dramatic increase in complement receptor type 1-related protein y (Crry) expression in iNSCs after CHI mouse serum treatment. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo loss-of-function studies revealed that iNSCs could modulate complement activation via Crry expression.
Involvement of ethylene and polyamines biosynthesis and abdominal phloem tissues characters of wheat caryopsis during grain filling under stress conditions
Authors: Yang Weibing , Li Yanxia , Yin Yanping , Qin Zhilie , Zheng Mengjing , Chen Jin , Luo Yongli , Pang Dangwei , Jiang Wenwen , Li Yong , Wang Zhenlin
Published: April 2017

Severe water deficit (SD) severely limited the photo-assimilate supply during the grain-filling stages. Although the ethylene and polyamines (PAs) have been identified as important signaling molecules involved in stress tolerance, it is yet unclear how 1-Aminocylopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and PA biosynthesis involving wheat abdominal phloem characters mitigate SD-induced filling inhibition. The results obtained indicated that the SD down-regulated theTaSUT1expression and decreased the activities of sucrose synthase (SuSase, EC2.4.1.13), ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase, EC2.7.7.27), soluble starch synthase (SSSase, EC2.4.1.21), then substantially limited grain filling. As a result, increased ACC and putrescine (Put) concentrations and their biosynthesis-related gene expression reduced spermidine (Spd) biosynthesis under SD condition. And, the ACC and PA biosynthesis in inferior grains was more sensitive to SD than that in superior grains. Intermediary cells (ICs) of caryopsis emerged prematurely under SD to compensate for the weakened photo-assimilate transport functions of sieve elements (SEs). Finally, plasmolysis and nuclear chromatin condensation of phloem parenchyma cells (PPC) and membrane degradation of SEs, as well as the decreased ATPaseactivity on plasma membranes of ICs and PPC at the later filling stage under SD were responsible for the considerably decreased weight of inferior grains.
Pulmonary microRNA profiles identify involvement of Creb1 and Sec14l3 in bronchial epithelial changes in allergic asthma
Authors: Bartel Sabine , Schulz Nikola , Alessandrini Francesca , Schamberger Andrea C. , Pagel Philipp , Theis Fabian J. , Milger Katrin , Noessner Elfriede , Stick Stephen M. , Kicic Anthony , Eickelberg Oliver , Freishtat Robert J. , Krauss-Etschmann Susanne
Published: April 2017

Asthma is highly prevalent, but current therapies cannot influence the chronic course of the disease. It is thus important to understand underlying early molecular events. In this study, we aimed to use microRNAs (miRNAs) - which are critical regulators of signaling cascades - to identify so far uncharacterized asthma pathogenesis pathways. Therefore, deregulation of miRNAs was assessed in whole lungs from mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI).In silicopredicted target genes were confirmed in reporter assays and in house-dust-mite (HDM) induced AAI and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) cultured at the air-liquid interface. We identified and validated the transcription factor cAMP-responsive element binding protein (Creb1) and its transcriptional co-activators (Crtc1-3) as targets of miR-17, miR-144, and miR-21. Sec14-like 3 (Sec14l3) - a putative target of Creb1 - was down-regulated in both asthma models and in NHBE cells upon IL13 treatment, while it’s expression correlated with ciliated cell development and decreased along with increasing goblet cell metaplasia. Finally, we propose that Creb1/Crtc1-3 and Sec14l3 could be important for early responses of the bronchial epithelium to Th2-stimuli. This study shows that miRNA profiles can be used to identify novel targets that would be overlooked in mRNA based strategies.
Recognizing ancient papyri by a combination of spectroscopic, diffractional and chromatographic analytical tools
Authors: Łojewska J. , Rabin I. , Pawcenis D. , Bagniuk J. , Aksamit-Koperska M. A. , Sitarz M. , Missori M. , Krutzsch M.
Published: April 2017

Ancient papyri are a written heritage of culture that flourished more than 3000 years ago in Egypt. One of the most significant collections in the world is housed in the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection in Berlin, from where the samples for our investigation come. The papyrologists, curators and conservators of such collections search intensely for the analytical detail that would allow ancient papyri to be distinguished from modern fabrications, in order to detect possible forgeries, assess papyrus deterioration state, and improve the design of storage conditions and conservation methods. This has become the aim of our investigation. The samples were studied by a number of methods, including spectroscopic (FTIR, fluorescent-FS, Raman) diffractional (XRD) and chromatographic (size exclusion chromatography-SEC), selected in order to determine degradation parameters: overall oxidation of lignocellulosic material, degree of polymerization and crystallinity of cellulose. The results were correlated with those obtained from carefully selected model samples including modern papyri and paper of different composition aged at elevated temperature in humid air. The methods were classified in the order SEC > FS > FTIR > XRD, based on their effectiveness in discriminating the state of papyri degradation. However, the most trustworthy evaluation of the age of papyri samples should rely on several methods.
Zigzag C2N nanoribbons with edge modifications as multi-functional spin devices
Authors: Yang X. F. , Kuang Y. W. , Yu H. L. , Shao Z. G. , Zhang J. , Feng J. F. , Chen X. S. , Liu Y. S.
Published: April 2017

We introduced magnetism to a holey 2D C2N crystal by tailoring into nanoribbons with zigzag edges. These can be used to design perfect thermospin devices with multiple functions.
Biocompatible swelling graphene oxide reinforced double network hydrogels with high toughness and stiffness
Authors: Wang Jilong , Su Siheng , Qiu Jingjing
Published: April 2017

The graphene oxide reinforced hydrogel based meniscus achieves better shape stability and superior mechanical properties.
Hexaphenylbenzene-based fluorescent aggregates for detection of zinc and pyrophosphate ions in aqueous media: tunable self-assembly behaviour and construction of a logic device
Authors: Pramanik Subhamay , Bhalla Vandana , Kumar Manoj
Published: April 2017

The aggregates of HPB derivative 7 exhibited “on–on” response towards Zn2+ ions and this in situ prepared 7-Zn2+ ensemble was utilized as a “not quenched” probe for detection of PPi ions in aqueous media.
2D Supramolecular networks of dibenzonitrilediacetylene on Ag(111) stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonding
Authors: Galeotti G. , Ebrahimi M. , Lipton-Duffin J. , MacLeod J. M. , Rondeau-Gagné S. , Morin J.-F. , Rosei F.
Published: April 2017

Hydrogen bonding controls the intermolecular distances in supramolecular networks – a platform to design molecular patterns at surfaces/interfaces.
Protocol for disentangling the thermally activated contribution to the tunneling-assisted charge transport. Analytical results and experimental relevance
Authors: Bâldea Ioan
Published: April 2017

In this paper we present results demonstrating that the charge transport by tunneling in molecular junctions can exhibit a substantial temperature dependence.
Radical cations of phenyl silatrane
Authors: Romanovs Vitalijs , Sidorkin Valery , Belogolova Elena , Jouikov Viatcheslav
Published: April 2017

Electrochemical oxidation of phenyl silatrane provides persistent radical cations with an unpaired electron mostly localized on the atrane nitrogen.
Cryogenic luminescent thermometers based on multinuclear Eu3+/Tb3+ mixed lanthanide polyoxometalates
Authors: Kaczmarek A. M. , Liu J. , Laforce B. , Vincze L. , Van Hecke K. , Van Deun R.
Published: April 2017

A novel optical thermometer based on a multinuclear mixed Eu3+/Tb3+ polyoxometalate, displaying excellent temperature sensing properties in the cryogenic region (<100 K), is proposed.
An efficient Friedel–Crafts alkylation for the synthesis of 3-indolyl-3-hydroxy oxindoles and unsymmetrical 3,3-diaryl oxindoles catalyzed by Dabco-based ionic liquids in water
Authors: Tong Jun , Huang Lu-Shan , Xu Da-Zhen
Published: April 2017

An efficient, green and reusable catalytic system for controlled 3-indolylation of isatins.
PhI(OAc)2-mediated 1,2-aminohalogenation of alkynes: a general access to (E)-4-(halomethylene)oxazolidin-2-ones
Authors: Wang RuiJia , Zou Huaxu , Xiong Yi , Yi Niannian , Deng Wei , Xiang Jiannan
Published: April 2017

A new PhI(OAc)2-mediated 1,2-aminohalogenation of prop-2-yn-1-yl carbamates and halogen sources is presented with excellent selectivity. The reaction is general for the construction of (E)-4-(halomethylene)oxazolidin-2-ones through the three-membered ring or N-radical.
Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed ortho-amidation of azobenzenes with dioxazolones
Authors: Borah Gongutri , Borah Preetismita , Patel Pitambar
Published: April 2017

Herein we have reported a decarboxylativeortho-amidation of azobenzeneviacobalt catalyzed C–H amidation with dioxazolone.
Imidazolium-labeled glycosides as probes to harness glycosyltransferase activity in human breast milk
Authors: Sittel I. , Galan M. C.
Published: April 2017

Imidazolium-labeled (ITag-) glycosides have been used to harness the glycosyltransferase activity directly from human breast milk (HBM). The technology is exemplified in the synthesis of biologically relevant oligosaccharide analogs, ITag-LacNAc, ITag-Lewisxand ITag-Lewisa, in a matter of days from (HBM) without isolating the enzymes.
Copper(i)-catalyzed ring-opening cyanation of cyclopropanols
Authors: Feng Yi-Si , Shu Yong-Jin , Cao Ping , Xu Tao , Xu Hua-Jian
Published: April 2017

A copper(i)-catalyzed ring-opening cyanation of cyclopropanols is developed. The reaction provides an efficient protocol to synthesize β-cyano ketones.
Transition-metal-free synthesis of 1,1-diboronate esters with a fully substituted benzylic center via diborylation of lithiated carbamates
Authors: Zhao Haonan , Tong Min , Wang Haijun , Xu Senmiao
Published: April 2017

Diborylation of lithiated carbamates is reported for the first time to synthesize 1,1-diboronate esters with a fully substituted benzylic center.
Dynamic covalent chemistry in aqueous solution by photoinduced radical disulfide metathesis
Authors: Klepel Florian , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: April 2017

Photoinduced radical disulfide metathesis (PRDM) is a dynamic covalent reaction that requires UV light to induce the homolytic cleavage of the disulfide bond, thus offering the opportunity to construct dynamic covalent systems that are dormant and can be photo-activated on demand.
Correction: The reactivity of Ti10Zr alloy in biological and electrochemical systems in the presence of chitosan
Authors: Vasilescu Vlad Gabrie , Sandu Ion , Nemtoi Gheorghe , Sandu Andrei Victor , Popescu Vasilica , Vasilache Viorica , Sandu Ioan Gabriel , Vasilescu Elisabeta
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘The reactivity of Ti10Zr alloy in biological and electrochemical systems in the presence of chitosan’ by Vlad Gabriel Vasilescu et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 13919–13927.
Increased neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) promotes airway remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Yujie , Jia Man , Yan Xiaoyi , Cao Limin , Barnes Peter J. , Adcock Ian M. , Huang Mao , Yao Xin
Published: April 2017

Airway remodelling is an important component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) from neutrophils may drive COPD epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). NGAL expression was quantified in the lungs of COPD patients and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of ozone-treated mice. Reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness and E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression were determined in mice airways. Effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and inflammatory factors on NGAL expression in human neutrophils as well as the effects of NGAL on airway structural cells was assessed. NGAL was mainly distributed in neutrophils and enhanced in lung tissues of both COPD patients and BALF of ozone-treated mice. We showed decreased E-cadherin and increased α-SMA expression in bronchial epithelium and increased RBM thickness in ozone-treated animals. In vitro, CSE, IL-1β and IL-17 enhanced NGAL mRNA expression in human neutrophils. NGAL, in turn, down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin and up-regulated α-SMA expression in 16HBE cells via the WNT/glycogensynthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway. Furthermore, NGAL promoted the proliferation and migration of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). The present study suggests that elevated NGAL promotes COPD airway remodelling possibly through altered EMT. NGAL may be a potential target for reversing airway obstruction and remodelling in COPD.
Stochastic model predictive tracking of piecewise constant references for LPV systems
Authors: Chitraganti Shaikshavali , Tóth Roland , Meskin Nader , Mohammadpour Javad
Published: April 2017

This study addresses a stochastic model predictive tracking problem for linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems described by affine parameter‐dependent state‐space representations and additive stochastic uncertainties. The reference trajectory is considered as a piecewise constant signal and assumed to be known at all time instants. To obtain prediction equations, the scheduling signal is usually assumed to be constant or its variation is assumed to belong to a convex set. In this study, the underlying scheduling signal is given a stochastic description during the prediction horizon, which aims to overcome the shortcomings of the two former characterisations, namely restrictiveness and conservativeness. Hence, the overall LPV system dynamics consists of additive and multiplicative noise terms up to second order. Due to the presence of stochastic disturbances, probabilistic state constraints are considered. Since the disturbances make the computation of prediction dynamics difficult, augmented state prediction dynamics are considered, by which, feasibility of probabilistic constraints and closed‐loop stability are addressed. The overall approach is illustrated using a tank system model.
Application of a combined electro‐thermal overhead line model in power flow and time‐domain power system simulations
Authors: Kubis Andreas , Rehtanz Christian
Published: April 2017

This study presents a combined electro‐thermal overhead line (OHL) model for power flow and time‐domain power system simulations. It originally enables the combined dynamic simulation of thermal as well as electrical characteristics of OHLs. The thermal behaviour of OHLs is replicated according to IEEE Std.738‐2012 considering time‐varying weather variables and is incorporated as controllable resistance into a traditional electrical OHL model. Therewith, simulating the dynamic influence of conductor temperatures on electrical quantities is enabled. The impact of the electro‐thermal OHL model is evaluated based on the analysis of bus voltages, line currents, losses, reactive power flows, cumulated generation and consumption in a small radial as well as in a meshed power system. Therefore, a method for estimating line lengths from given system data and a process for the calculation of mutually depending initial line conductor temperatures for power flow and time‐domain simulations is presented. The results show high deviations in active power line losses (up to 33.34%) and reactive power flows (up to 11.43%) compared with the traditional electrical OHL modelling approach. Thus, the relevance for considering electro‐thermal line models in power system simulations with special emphasis on the assessment of line losses and reactive power flows is demonstrated.
Optimal droop gains assignment for real‐time energy management in an islanding microgrid: a two‐layer techno‐economic approach
Authors: Khaledian Amir , Ahmadian Ali , Aliakbar‐Golkar Masoud
Published: April 2017

Real‐time energy management is an important challenge in today's microgrids. In this study, a two‐layer techno‐economic energy management framework is proposed for an islanding microgrid. The minimisation of operation and emission costs are considered in the first layer procedure. Dynamic performance of dispatchable distributed energy resources is taken into account to improve the load following performance. Optimal operation of the microgrid is considered as an optimisation problem which is solved using modified particle swarm optimisation algorithm. In the second layer, optimal droop gains of micro‐resources are assigned based on the combination of gradient descent method and minimum mean square frequency error algorithm. The proposed methodology is applied to a typical microgrid and its performance is evaluated. The simulation results show that using the proposed methodology, the frequency deviation of microgrid is reduced properly so that the results are better than the results of conventional methodology. Moreover, the microgrid energy management and power sharing between micro‐sources are more economical in comparison with conventional methods.
Evolving attackers against wireless sensor networks using genetic programming
Authors: Mrugala Kinga , Tuptuk Nilufer , Hailes Stephen
Published: April 2017

Recent hardware developments have made it possible for the Internet of Things (IoT) to be built. A wide variety of industry sectors, including manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, transportation, and healthcare are actively seeking to incorporate IoT technologies in their operations. The increased connectivity and data sharing that give IoT systems their advantages also increase their vulnerability to attack. In this study, the authors explore the automated generation of attacks using genetic programming (GP), so that defences can be tested objectively in advance of deployment. In the authors’ system, the GP‐generated attackers targeted publish–subscribe communications within a wireless sensor networks that was protected by an artificial immune intrusion detection system (IDS) taken from the literature. The GP attackers successfully suppressed more legitimate messages than the hand‐coded attack used originally to test the IDS, whilst reducing the likelihood of detection. Based on the results, it was possible to reconfigure the IDS to improve its performance. Whilst the experiments were focussed on establishing a proof‐of‐principle rather than a turnkey solution, they indicate that GP‐generated attackers have the potential to improve the protection of systems with large attack surfaces, in a way that is complementary to traditional testing and certification.
A system dynamics model of financial flow in supply chains: a case study
Authors: Sana Shib Sankar , Ferro-Correa Jose , Quintero Andres , Amaya Rene
Published: April 2017

The article discusses the operational and financial relationships among the channel members of a supply chain comprising of a manufacturing company and a distributor. This research simulates the financial system that enables a more accurate diagnosis of disaggregated metrics “Cash to Cash”, considering different interactions between material flow and the financial flow of the two links, manufacturer and distributor. This model considers the feedback loops between material flow models and financial models without which some interactions are lost during simulation. The proposed diagnostic method which incorporates an eclectic process re-engineering practices and state of the art of dynamic simulation with the implementation of advanced techniques of sensitivity and dynamic optimization models those are applied on the concept of stocks and flows. This methodology is used in order to analyze and improve business strategies by generating policies which help to improve cash flow of the company. To validate our model, a case study illustrating the improvement of different metrics of the supply chain is considered here. The results show that the companies have to invest in technology in order to generated strategic decision to enhance their financial metrics.
A note on second-order Karush–Kuhn–Tucker necessary optimality conditions for smooth vector optimization problems
Authors: Kim Do Sang , Tuyen Nguyen Van
Published: April 2017

The aim of this note is to present some second-order Karush–Kuhn–Tucker necessary optimality conditions for vector optimization problems, which modify the incorrect result in ((10), Thm. 3.2).
An N-policy discrete-time Geo/G/1 queue with modified multiple server vacations and Bernoulli feedback*
Authors: Lan Shaojun , Tang Yinghui
Published: April 2017

This paper deals with a single-server discrete-time Geo/G/1 queueing model with Bernoulli feedback and N-policy where the server leaves for modified multiple vacations once the system becomes empty. Applying the law of probability decomposition, the renewal theory and the probability generating function technique, we explicitly derive the transient queue length distribution as well as the recursive expressions of the steady-state queue length distribution. Especially, some corresponding results under special cases are directly obtained. Furthermore, some numerical results are provided for illustrative purposes. Finally, a cost optimization problem is numerically analyzed under a given cost structure.
Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis require more sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography
Authors: Keil Carsten , Aguirre Dávila Lukas , Framke Theodor , Lenzen Henrike , Manns Michael , Lankisch Tim , Voigtländer Torsten
Published: April 2017

Background and study aims Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) require repeated endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Our aim was to evaluate whether patients with PSC require higher doses of sedation during ERC.

Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing ERC from 2006 to 2013 who received conscious sedation with propofol and midazolam. The duration of the intervention and a potential progression of propofol consumption or intervention time by visit number were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent factors which influence propofol consumption.

Results A total of 2962 ERC procedures were performed in 1211 patients. Patients with PSC (n = 157) underwent 461 ERC procedures whereas patients without PSC (n = 1054) had 2501 ERC examinations. The total median propofol dose was 450 mg (290 – 630 mg) for patients with PSC and 300 mg (200 – 450 mg) for the non-PSC group (P < 0.05). The propofol consumption in patients with PSC was increased by a factor of 1.24 (P = 0.0071) independent of intervention time. Younger age (< 60.8 years) and duration of the intervention were associated with a higher need for sedation by factors of 1.21 and 1.71, respectively (P < 0.0001). The robustness of the results was tested in a sensitivity analysis which confirmed the results (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions Patients with PSC may require higher doses of sedation for ERC compared to other patient groups independent of age and duration of ERC. The higher dosage of sedation has to be taken into account when using ERC to treat a patient with PSC.