bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation Transformation and New Exact Solutions for the (1+N)-Dimensional Triple Sine-Gordon Equation
Authors: Liu Yifang , Chen Jiuping , Hu Weifeng , Zhu Li-Li
Published: February 2015

The separation transformation method is extended to the (1+N)-dimensional triple Sine-Gordon equation and a special type of implicitly exact solution for this equation is obtained. The exact solution contains an arbitrary function which may lead to abundant localized structures of the high dimensional nonlinear wave equations. The separation transformation method in this paper can also be applied to other kinds of high-dimensional nonlinear wave equations
Peristaltic Flow in a Deformable Channel
Authors: Nawaz Dil , Marawat Khan , Asghar Saleem
Published: February 2015

The effects of wall contraction or expansion on the characteristics of the peristaltic flow have been considered in this paper. For that, we present a theoretical model of laminar incompressible viscous peristaltic flow in a deformable channel. The problem is modeled in terms of unsteady twodimensional Navier Stokes equations and the solution is obtained using the perturbation method. The physical parameters appearing due to deformation and the peristaltic motion are the wall expansion ratio (α) and the wave number (δ ), respectively. Analytic perturbation results are obtained for small wave number and small wall expansion ratio. Basically the study is undertaken to examine the peristaltic motion along with the deformation of the channel. This will enhance our understanding of deformation/squeezing and peristalsis phenomena independently and jointly. Deformation effects are shown on the otherwise peristaltic fluid flow. The results of peristaltic flow [Shapiro et al., J. Fluid Mech. Digit. Archive 37, 799 (1969)] can be recovered for the limiting case of α equal to zero.
Flow of Magnetohydrodynamic Micropolar Fluid Induced by Radially Stretching Sheets
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Nawaz Muhammad , Hendi Awatif A.
Published: February 2015

We investigate the flow of a micropolar fluid between radial stretching sheets. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nonlinear problem is treated using the homotopy analysis method (HAM) and the velocity profiles are predicted for the pertinent parameters. The values of skin friction and couple shear stress coefficients are obtained for various values of Reynolds number, Hartman number, and micropolar fluid parameter.
Analysis of Fractional Nonlinear Differential Equations Using the Homotopy Perturbation Method
Authors: Balcı Mehmet Ali , Yıldırım Ahmet
Published: February 2015

In this study, we used the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) for solving fractional nonlinear differential equations. Three models with fractional-time derivative of order α, 0<α <1, are considered and solved. The numerical results demonstrate that this method is relatively accurate and easily implemented.
Compliant Wall Analysis of an Electrically Conducting Jeffrey Fluid with Peristalsis
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Javed Maryiam , Asghar Saleem , Mesloub Saied
Published: February 2015

This investigation looks at the peristaltic flow of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Jeffrey fluid in a channel with compliant walls. The flow induced is due to sinusoidal waves on the channel walls. A series solution of the resulting boundary value problem is derived when the wave amplitude is small. Effects of various interesting flow parameters are discussed with the help of graphs
A Theoretical Study on the Spin-Hamiltonian Parameters for Samarium(III) Ion in Potassium Yttrium Tungstate Crystal
Authors: Yang Wei-Qing , Zheng Wen-Chen , Su Ping , Liu Hong-Gang
Published: February 2015

The nine spin-Hamiltonian (SH) parameters (g-factors gi and hyperfine structure constants 147Ai and 149Ai for 147Sm3+ and 149Sm3+ isotopes, where i = x, y, z) for the Samarium(III) ion in monoclinic potassium yttrium tungstate [KY(WO4)2] crystal are calculated within the rhombic symmetry approximation from a diagonalization of energy matrix method. Differing from the conventional diagonalization method used in the calculation of crystal-field levels, in the present method, we attach the Zeeman (or magnetic) and hyperfine interaction terms to the conventional Hamiltonian and construct the 66×66 energy matrix for 4f5 ions in rhombic crystal field and under an external magnetic field by considering all the ground-term multiplets 4HJ. The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values
Modulational Instability and Stationary Waves for the Coupled Generalized Schrödinger-Boussinesq System
Authors: Liang Zu-Feng
Published: February 2015

The coupled generalized Schr¨odinger-Boussinesq (SB) system, which can describe a highfrequency mode coupled to a low-frequency wave in dispersive media is investigated. First, we study the modulational instability (MI) of the SB system. As a result, the general dispersion relation between the frequency and the wave number of the modulating perturbations is derived, and thus a number of possible MI regions are identified. Then two classes of exact travelling wave solutions are obtained expressed in the general forms. Several explicit examples are presented.
Unsteady Peristaltic Flow of Micro-Polar Fluid in a Finite Channel
Authors: Pandey Sanjay Kumar , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: February 2015

This is an attempt to model an unsteady peristaltic flow of micro-polar fluid in a channel of finite length. The channel is subjected to progressive sinusoidal waves that help the walls contract and relax but not expand beyond the natural boundary. It is found that the coupling number increases pressure along the entire length of the channel, while the micro-polar parameter decreases it. The coupling number increases the efficiency; while the micro-polar parameter decreases it. The reflux region is found to increase with the coupling number. One significant difference between integral and non-integral number of waves in the train propagating along the channel walls is that the peaks of pressure are identical in the integral case while the peaks are different in the non-integral case.
Prediction of Layer Thickness in Molten Borax Bath with Genetic Evolutionary Programming
Authors: Taylan Fatih
Published: February 2015

In this study, the vanadium carbide coating in molten borax bath process is modeled by evolutionary genetic programming (GEP) with bath composition (borax percentage, ferro vanadium (Fe-V) percentage, boric acid percentage), bath temperature, immersion time, and layer thickness data. Five inputs and one output data exist in the model. The percentage of borax, Fe-V, and boric acid, temperature, and immersion time parameters are used as input data and the layer thickness value is used as output data. For selected bath components, immersion time, and temperature variables, the layer thicknesses are derived from the mathematical expression. The results of the mathematical expressions are compared to that of experimental data; it is determined that the derived mathematical expression has an accuracy of 89%.
Symmetry Breaking by Electric Discharges in Water and Formation of Light Magnetic Monopoles in an Extended Standard Model (Part I)
Authors: Stumpf Harald
Published: February 2015

By Lochak (theory) and Urutskoev (experiment) the hypothesis has been suggested that during electric discharges in water (fluids) light magnetic monopoles can be created which according to Lochak should be considered as a kind of excited neutrinos. Based on a quantum field theoretic development of de Broglie’s and Heisenberg’s fusion ideas and the results of preceding papers a transparent proof is given that such magnetic monopoles can occur during discharges. In the theoretical description these circumstances are formulated within the scope of an extended (effective) Standard Model and the monopoles with vanishing electric charge arise from neutrinos whose states are modified by the symmetry breaking caused by the discharge. In the introduction some technical implications are referred to. The article is divided into two parts.
D/H and 18O/16O Isotopic Reduced Partition Function Ratios ofWater Molecules around a Sodium Ion
Authors: Oi Takao , Otsubo Akiko
Published: February 2015

With the final goal set at theoretical elucidation of experimentally observed isotope salt effects, molecular orbital calculations were performed to estimate the D/H and 18O/16O isotopic reduced partition function ratios (RPFRs) of water molecules around a sodium ion. As model water molecules in the ith hydration sphere of the sodium ion in sodium ion-bearing aqueous solution, we considered water molecules in the ith hydration sphere that were surrounded by water molecules in the (i+1)th hydration sphere in clusters, Na+(H2O)n (n up to 100). The calculations indicated that the 18O/16O RPFR in the primary hydration sphere is slightly smaller than that of bulk water while the D/H RPFR is practically the same as that of bulk water, and that the influence of the existence of the sodium ion is limited to the primary hydration sphere.
Backward Variational Approach on Time Scales with an Action Depending on the Free Endpoints
Authors: Malinowskaa Agnieszka B. , Torresb Delfim F. M.
Published: February 2015

We establish necessary optimality conditions for variational problems with an action depending on the free endpoints. New transversality conditions are also obtained. The results are formulated and proved using the recent and general theory of time scales via the backward nabla differential operator
Steady Flow of Maxwell Fluid with Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Qasim Muhammad , Obaidat Saleem
Published: February 2015

We performed a study for the flow of a Maxwell fluid induced by a stretching surface. Heat transfer is also addressed by using the convective boundary conditions. We solved the nonlinear problem by employing a homotopy analysis method (HAM).We computed the velocity, temperature, and Nusselt number. The role of embedded parameters on the velocity and temperature is particularly analyzed
Tuning 1-D Pb(II) Coordination Polymers by Flexible and Semirigid Dicarboxylates: Synthesis, Structure and Properties
Authors: Liu Guo-Cheng , Guo Zhi-Chao , Wang Xiu-Li , Qu Yun , Yang Song , Lin Hong-Yan
Published: February 2015

Two new one-dimensional (1-D) Pb(II) coordination polymers, namely, [Pb(3-pdip)(L1)]·H2O (1) and [Pb(3-pdip)(L2)] (2) [L1H2 = 1,6-hexanedioic acid, L2H2 = homophthalic acid, 3-pdip = 2-(3-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-f]1,10-phenanthroline] have been obtained from hydrothermal reactions of Pb(II) nitrate with the phenanthroline derivative and the two dicarboxylic acids. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 is a staircase-like double-chain coordination polymer constructed from binuclear [Pb2N4O8] subunits and pairs of [L1]2− anions. Compound 2 is a linear coordination polymer connected via two μ2-η2:η1 carboxylate groups from [L2]2− anions. Furthermore, adjacent chains of 1 and 2 are extended into 3-D supramolecular networks by hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. The organic carboxylic acids with different flexibility determine the structures of the coordination polymers. Moreover, the thermal stabilities and photoluminescence properties of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated.
Tuning the Photophysical Properties of Cyclometalated Ir(III) Complexes by a Trifluoroacetyl Group
Authors: Tong Bihai , Qiang Jiayan , Mei Qunbo , Wang Hengshan , Zhang Qianfeng , Han Zhao
Published: February 2015

Four cationic Ir(III) complexes, [Ir(dpq)2(bpy)]PF6 (1), [Ir(dpq)2(phen)]PF6 (2), [Ir(tfapq)2- (bpy)]PF6 (3), and [Ir(tfapq)2(phen)]PF6 (4) (dpqH = 2,4-diphenylquinoline, tfapqH = 2-(4ʹ-trifluoroacetylphenyl)- 4-phenylquinoline, bpy = 2,2ʹ-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and fully characterized. The structure of 4 was also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The electron-acceptor character of the trifluoroacetyl unit leads to a reduced HOMO-LUMO gap and consequently a red-shift of the UV/Vis absorption and luminescence spectra. The solvophobic character of the trifluoroacetyl unit gives rise to a molecule assembly in solution.
Chemistry of Polyhalogenated Nitrobutadienes, Part 11: ipso-Formylation of 2-Chlorothiophenes under Vilsmeier-Haack Conditions
Authors: Vogt Eva-Janina , Zapolskii Viktor A. , Nutz Eva , Kaufmann Dieter E.
Published: February 2015

The regioselective ipso-formylation of electron-rich, 3,4-push-pull-substituted 2-chlorothiophenes under Vilsmeier-Haack conditions was performed in good yields. The synthetic scope of this new reaction was explored using various halothiophenes, chloroanilines, and 1-methyl-3-chloroindole. In comparison with their structural C-H analogs the chlorinated thiophenes, anilines, and the indole proved to be less reactive toward electrophilic attack by chloromethyleniminium salts.
Orthoamide und Iminiumsalze, LXXIV [1]. Umsetzung von N,N,N´,N´-Tetramethyl-chlorformamidiniumchlorid mit Metallen
Authors: Kantlehner Willi , Aichholz Reiner , Karl Martin
Published: February 2015

N,N,N’,N’-Tetramethyl-formamidinium chloride (2a) reacts with elemental sodium in various solvents to give N,N,N’,N’,N’’,N’’-hexamethyl-guanidinium chloride (4a). The reaction of 2a with potassium affords N,N,N’,N’,N’’,N’’,N’’’,N’’’-octamethyl-oxamidinium dichloride (3a). From the reaction of 2a with magnesium in different solvents in general result mixtures of the salts 4a, 3a and N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyl-formamidinium chloride (10a). The composition of these mixtures depends on the solvent and the reaction temperature. Similar results are obtained, when a zinc/copper couple is used instead of magnesium. Very likely from 2a and magnesium or zinc, respectively, organometallic intermediates 11, 12 are formed which could be trapped by aromatic aldehydes and phenylisocyanate. The salt 2a can be reductively coupled by a low-valent titanium reagent to give the oxamidinium salt 3a.
Novel Guanidine-Quinoline Hybrid Ligands and the Application of their Zinc Complexes in Lactide Polymerisation
Authors: Santos Vieira Ines dos , Herres-Pawlis Sonja
Published: February 2015

The syntheses of the three new guanidine-quinoline hybrid ligands TMGmqu, DMEGmqu and TMGtbqu are reported. Zinc chlorido and triflato complexes with these ligands were obtained and structurally characterised by X-ray crystallography. In the chlorido complexes the zinc atom is coordinated by two chlorido ligands and the bidentate guanidine ligand in a distorted tetrahedron. Using zinc triflate, tetrahedral bis(chelate) complexes are formed, and the triflate anions serve only for charge compensation. All reported complexes show activity in the polymerisation of rac-lactide, with the chlorido complexes only showing a poor activity. With the bis(chelate) triflato complexes a high polymerisation activity with a slight heterotactic bias was observed. Kinetic studies reveal a firstorder chain growth reaction for the lactide polymerisation with all complexes.
Amygdala Dopamine Receptors Are Required for the Destabilization of a Reconsolidating Appetitive Memory
Authors: Merlo Emiliano , Ratano Patrizia , Ilioi Elena C. , Robbins Miranda A.L.S. , Everitt Barry J. , Milton Amy L.
Published: February 2015

Disrupting maladaptive memories may provide a novel form of treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders, but little is known about the neurochemical mechanisms underlying the induction of lability, or destabilization, of a retrieved consolidated memory. Destabilization has been theoretically linked to the violation of expectations during memory retrieval, which, in turn, has been suggested to correlate with prediction error (PE). It is well-established that PE correlates with dopaminergic signaling in limbic forebrain structures that are critical for emotional learning. The basolateral amygdala is a key neural substrate for the reconsolidation of pavlovian reward-related memories, but the involvement of dopaminergic mechanisms in inducing lability of amygdala-dependent memories has not been investigated. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that dopaminergic signaling within the basolateral amygdala is required for the destabilization of appetitive pavlovian memories by investigating the effects dopaminergic and protein synthesis manipulations on appetitive memory reconsolidation in rats. Intra-amygdala administration of either the D1-selective dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the D2-selective dopamine receptor antagonist raclopride prevented memory destabilization at retrieval, thereby protecting the memory from the effects of an amnestic agent, the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin. These data show that dopaminergic transmission within the basolateral amygdala is required for memory labilization during appetitive memory reconsolidation.
Dynamic Input Conductances Shape Neuronal Spiking
Authors: Drion Guillaume , Franci Alessio , Dethier Julie , Sepulchre Rodolphe
Published: February 2015

Assessing the role of biophysical parameter variations in neuronal activity is critical to the understanding of modulation, robustness, and homeostasis of neuronal signalling. The paper proposes that this question can be addressed through the analysis of dynamic input conductances. Those voltage-dependent curves aggregate the concomitant activity of all ion channels in distinct timescales. They are shown to shape the current−voltage dynamical relationships that determine neuronal spiking. We propose an experimental protocol to measure dynamic input conductances in neurons. In addition, we provide a computational method to extract dynamic input conductances from arbitrary conductance-based models and to analyze their sensitivity to arbitrary parameters. We illustrate the relevance of the proposed approach for modulation, compensation, and robustness studies in a published neuron model based on data of the stomatogastric ganglion of the crabCancer borealis.
Acetylcholine Acts through Nicotinic Receptors to Enhance the Firing Rate of a Subset of Hypocretin Neurons in the Mouse Hypothalamus through Distinct Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Wen-Liang , Gao Xiao-Bing , Picciotto Marina R.
Published: February 2015

Hypocretin/orexin neurons regulate many behavioral functions, including addiction. Nicotine acts through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to alter firing rate of neurons throughout the brain, leading to addiction-related behaviors. While nAChRs are expressed in the hypothalamus and cholinergic fibers project to this structure, it is unclear how acetylcholine modulates the activity of hypocretin neurons. In this study, we stimulated hypocretin neurons in mouse brain slices with ACh in the presence of atropine to dissect presynaptic and postsynaptic modulation of these neurons through nAChRs. Approximately one-third of tested hypocretin neurons responded to pressure application of ACh (1 mM) with an increase in firing frequency. Stimulation of postsynaptic nAChRs with ACh or nicotine resulted in a highly variable inward current in approximately one-third of hypocretin neurons. In contrast, ACh or nicotine (1 µM) reliably decreased the frequency of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs). Antagonism of nAChRs with mecamylamine also suppressed mEPSC frequency, suggesting that an endogenous, tonic activation of presynaptic nAChRs might be required for maintaining functional mEPSC frequency. Antagonism of heteromeric (α4β2) or homomeric (α7) nAChRs alone suppressed mEPSCs to a lesser extent. Finally, blocking internal calcium release reduced the frequency of mEPSCs, occluding the suppressive effect of presynaptic ACh. Taken together, these data provide a mechanism by which phasic ACh release enhances the firing of a subset of hypocretin neurons through postsynaptic nAChRs, but disrupts tonic, presynaptic nAChR-mediated glutamatergic inputs to the overall population of hypocretin neurons, potentially enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio during the response of the nAChR-positive subset of neurons.
The Beast Within
Authors: Sahlins Peter
Published: February 2015

The “most able Cartesian philosopher,” Jean Denis (1635–1704), undertook a series of blood transfusions in 1667 and 1668 in Paris for therapeutic purposes, especially to cure madness, using the blood of animals. A range of actors and institutions opposed the controversial experiments, and the high law court of Paris condemned the practice in 1668. This article examines the attitudes toward animals and animal blood on both sides of the transfusionist debate and the resulting insistence on the “beast within” human nature that found a renewed expression at the beginning of the Classical Age.
Deep Time at the Dawn of the Anthropocene
Authors: Heringman Noah
Published: February 2015

This essay argues that the concept of deep time is essential to the intellectual history of the Anthropocene—the name widely (though not yet formally) used for our current geological epoch. Buffon’s Epochs of Nature, one of the earliest secular models of geological time in Enlightenment natural history, uses inscription as a metaphor to mark the advent of biological species, including humans, in the course of earth history. The Anthropocene extends this project of writing ourselves into the rock record. Buffon makes a productive interlocutor for the Anthropocene because he is one of the first to examine climate change and related constraints on human agency in the context of deep time. The essay examines Buffon’s natural history and associated Enlightenment discourses of primitive art and culture to gain a purchase on the challenges of scale posed by the Anthropocene.
Sonic Hedgehog pathway is upregulated in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Gomes D C , Jamra S A , Leal L F , Colli L M , Campanini M L , Oliveira R S , Martinelli C E , Elias P C L , Moreira A C , Machado H R , Saggioro F , Neder L , Castro M , Antonini S R
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Pituitary stem cells play a role in the oncogenesis of human adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (aCPs). We hypothesized that crosstalk between the Wnt/β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathways, both of which are important in normal pituitary development, would contribute to the pathogenesis of aCPs.

Design

To explore the mRNA and protein expression of components of the SHH signaling pathway in aCPs and their relationship with the identification of CTNNB1/β-catenin mutations and patients outcomes.

Patients and methods

In 18 aCP samples, CTNNB1 was sequenced, and the mRNA expression levels of SHH pathway members (SHH, PTCH1, SMO, GLI1, GLI2, GLI3, and SUFU) and SMO, GLI1, GLI3, SUFU, β-catenin, and Ki67 proteins were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. Anterior normal pituitaries were used as controls. Associations between molecular findings and clinical data were analyzed.

Results

The aCPs presented higher mRNA expression of SHH (+400-fold change (FC); P<0.01), GLI1 (+102-FC; P<0.001), and GLI3 (+5.1-FC; P<0.01) than normal anterior pituitaries. Longer disease-free survival was associated with low SMO and SUFU mRNA expression (P<0.01 and P=0.02 respectively). CTNNB1/β-catenin mutations were found in 47% of the samples. aCPs with identified mutations presented with higher mRNA expression of SMO and GLI1 (+4.3-FC; P=0.02 and +10.2-FC; P=0.03 respectively). SMO, GLI1, GLI3, and SUFU staining was found in 85, 67, 93, and 64% of the samples respectively. Strong GLI1 and GLI3 staining was detected in palisade cells, which also labeled Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation.

Conclusions

The upregulation of SHH signaling occurs in aCPs. Thus, activation of Wnt/β-catenin and SHH pathways, both of which are important in pituitary embryogenesis, appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of aCP.
Germline and somatic SDHx alterations in apparently sporadic differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Ni Ying , Seballos Spencer , Ganapathi Shireen , Gurin Danielle , Fletcher Benjamin , Ngeow Joanne , Nagy Rebecca , Kloos Richard T , Ringel Matthew D , LaFramboise Thomas , Eng Charis
Published: February 2015

Along with breast and endometrial cancers, thyroid cancer is a major component cancer in Cowden syndrome (CS). Germline variants in SDHB/C/D (SDHx) genes account for subsets of CS/CS-like cases, conferring a higher risk of breast and thyroid cancers over those with only germline PTEN mutations. To investigate whether SDHx alterations at both germline and somatic levels occur in apparently sporadic breast cancer and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), we analyzed SDHx genes in the following four groups: i) 48 individuals with sporadic invasive breast adenocarcinoma for germline mutation; ii) 48 (expanded to 241) DTC for germline mutation; iii) 37 pairs DTC tumor-normal tissues for germline and somatic mutation and mRNA expression levels; and iv) data from 476 patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas thyroid carcinoma dataset for validation. No germline SDHx variant was found in a pilot series of 48 breast cancer cases. As germline SDHx variants were found in our pilot of 48 thyroid cancer cases, we expanded to three series of DTC comprising a total 754 cases, and found 48 (6%) with germline SDHx variants (P<0.001 compared with 0/350 controls). In 513 tumors, we found 27 (5%) with large somatic duplications within chromosome 1 encompassing SDHC. Both papillary and follicular thyroid tumors showed consistent loss of SDHC/D gene expression (P<0.001), which is associated with earlier disease onset and higher pathological-TNM stage. Therefore, we conclude that both germline and somatic SDHx mutations/variants occur in sporadic DTC but are very rare in sporadic breast cancer, and overall loss of SDHx gene expression is a signature of DTC.
Dramatic Enhancement of Genome Editing by CRISPR/Cas9 Through Improved Guide RNA Design
Authors: Farboud Behnom , Meyer Barbara J
Published: February 2015

Success with genome editing by the RNA-programmed nuclease Cas9 has been limited by the inability to predict effective guide RNAs and DNA target sites. Not all guide RNAs have been successful, and even those that were, varied widely in their efficacy. Here we describe and validate a strategy for Caenorhabditis elegans that reliably achieved a high frequency of genome editing for all targets tested in vivo. The key innovation was to design guide RNAs with a GG motif at the 3′ end of their target-specific sequences. All guides designed using this simple principle induced a high frequency of targeted mutagenesis via nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and a high frequency of precise DNA integration from exogenous DNA templates via homology-directed repair (HDR). Related guide RNAs having the GG motif shifted by only three nucleotides showed severely reduced or no genome editing. We also combined the 3′ GG guide improvement with a co-CRISPR/co-conversion approach. For this co-conversion scheme, animals were only screened for genome editing at designated targets if they exhibited a dominant phenotype caused by Cas9-dependent editing of an unrelated target. Combining the two strategies further enhanced the ease of mutant recovery, thereby providing a powerful means to obtain desired genetic changes in an otherwise unaltered genome.
AROMA PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF ALCOHOLIC AND AQUEOUS EXTRACTS FROM ROOT, LEAF AND STALK OF NETTLE (Urtica dioica L.)
Authors: Mahmoudi Razzagh , Amini Kiumars , Fakhri Omid , Alem Mahsa
Published: February 2015

Medicinal plant can be considered as a great source of new antimicrobial agents due to their enormous therapeutic potential and limited side effects. Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a widespread and common medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine. The present study investigates the antimicrobial potency of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica on some gram positive and negative bacteria and also a particular type of fungi and analyzes the extracts to find the active ingredients by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) method. Results from disc diffusion assay indicated that water extract of root, leaf and stalk had the highest antimicrobial activity respectively and caused significant inhibition zones in P. vulgaris, L. monocytogenes and K. pneumoniae cultures. Antimicrobial efficacy of ethanol extracts was higher in root extract which caused high growth inhibition zones in P. vulgaris, K. pneumoniae and S. aureus cultures. MBC and MIC experiments of the ethanol extract illustrated that the most powerful antimicrobial effect was related to the stem organ extract on K. pnuomonae and S. aureus bacteria. Highest level of antibacterial effects in root can be due to its higher concentration of contents compared to other organs. Based on these results it can be suggested that Urtica dioica and its water and ethanol extracts have noticeable antimicrobial effects against gram negative, positive and Candida albicans fungi that may be applicable as a prophylactic or therpeutic antimicrobial agent in both human and animals.
FACTORS INFLUENCING SYNTHESIS OF EXTRACELLULAR LIPASES BY YARROWIA LIPOLYTICA IN MEDIUM CONTAINING VEGETABLE OILS
Authors: Urszula Fabiszewska Agata , Białecka-Florjańczyk Ewa
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate lipase activity of Yarrowia lipolytica KKP 379 in media containing selected vegetable oils as the sole carbon source. The highest activity for extracellular Yarrowia lipolytica lipases was obtained in a corn oil medium, which was almost two times higher compared to lipase activity in olive oil medium, while the lowest lipolytic activity was observed in medium containing rice and peanut oils. Literature suggested that free fatty acids, especially oleic acid present in olive oil, are good inducers of microbial lipase synthesis, however the results of this study do not support the hypothesis that high oleic acid content stimulates high lipolytic activity. Neither the relationship between the percentage of individual fatty acids in triacylglycerols of vegetable oils nor their content at the sn-1,3 positions influenced the activity of extracellular lipases synthesized by Yarrowia lipolytica KKP 379. Several hypothesis are given regarding the presence of other factors which may determine differences in extracellular lipolytic activity of yeast grown on different vegetable oils, such as presence of metal ions, the content of free fatty acids and critical micellar concentration.
GENETIC DIVERSITY AMONG YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA ISOLATED FROM SEWAGE, RAW MILK AND PACKED FOODS
Authors: Priya Seshadhri Shanmuga , Thangavelu Thayumanavan , Murugan Thangavel Senthil
Published: February 2015

A total of 90 isolates (40 from sewage, 30 from raw milk and 20 from packed foods) collected to study the incidence of Yersinia enterocolitica. It was observed that 61 isolates (32 from sewage, 19 from raw milk and 10 from packed foods) were found contaminated with the bacterium. All the isolated strains were confirmed to Yersinia enterocolitica, by using 16S rRNA PCR. Of 61 strains, only five strains (two from sewage and two from packed foods and one from raw milk) were found to be the producers of haemolysin at 37 oC, while among the five strains only two strains from packed foods produced haemolysin at 28 oC. All the isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin and found sensitive to chloramphenicol. Seven strains were producer of High molecular weight proteins (HMWP). 53 strains have produced rough LPS, while the smooth LPS has been observed for 8 isolates. Eleven and six different profiles observed in outermembrane proteins and lipopolysaccaride respectively. Combined primer 1 and 2 RAPD-PCR dendogram shows eight different genotypic patterns.
POLYAMINE BIOSYNTHESIS REGULATORS: POTENT MODULATORS OF HERBICIDE STRESS IN SPRING BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE)
Authors: Trebichalský Pavol , Tomáš JÃ¡n , Harangozo Ä½uboÅ¡ , Daniel BajÄan , Vollmannová Alena
Published: February 2015

Regulators of polyamine biosynthesis, such as 1,3-propylene diamine and γ-aminobutyric acid, are involved in reducing stress in plants. Triazine herbicide application on spring barley plants under conditions of pot experiment reduced grain yield by 1.8 %. After application of mixtures with regulators of polyamine biosynthesis a decline of grain yield was obtained (statistically not significant, by 7-15 %), when compared to variant with only herbicide applied. Triazine herbicide and mixtures with regulators of polyamine biosynthesis reduced one thousand grain weight, slightly increased the number of grains in a spike. Therefore, it would be more efficient to use the regulators of polyamine synthesis independently, not together with the herbicide before tillering.
CURCUMIN IN MALE FERTILITY: EFFECTS ON SPERMATOZOA VITALITY AND OXIDATIVE BALANCE
Authors: Tvrdá Eva , Lukáč Norbert , Jambor TomÃ¡Å¡ , Lukáčová Jana , Massányi Peter
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the dose- and time-dependent effects of curcumin on bovine spermatozoa during short-term (0h, 2h, 6h) and long-term (12h, 24h) in vitro culture periods. Semen samples were collected from 20 adult breeding bulls, and diluted in physiological saline solution containing 0.5% DMSO together with 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 μM/L of curcumin. Spermatozoa motion parameters were determined using the SpermVisionTM and CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer) system. Cell viability was measured using the metabolic activity MTT assay, and the nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) test was used to assess the intracellular superoxide formation. The CASA analysis revealed that concentrations of 50 μM/L and 10 μM/L of curcumin were able to significantly prevent the decrease of motility and progressive motility (P
STUDY OF DNA POLYMORPHISM OF THE CASTOR NEW LINES BASED ON RAPD MARKERS
Authors: Vivodík Martin , Balážová Å½elmÃ­ra , Gálová Zdenka , Chňapek Milan , Petrovičová Lenka
Published: February 2015

The systematic evaluation of the molecular diversity encompassed in castor inbreds or parental lines offers an efficient means of exploiting the heterosis in castor as well as for management of biodiversity. Seventeen castor genotypes were assessed for genetic variability using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Thirteen polymorphic RAPD primers amplified 102 DNA fragments, with an average of 7.85 fragments per primer. Number of amplified fragments ranged from 3 (OPE-07) to 13 (SIGMA-D-01), with the size of amplicons ranging from 100 to 1200 bp. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.450 (OPE-07) to 0.892 (SIGMA-D-01) with an average of 0.771 and diversity index (DI) value ranged from 0.551 (OPE-07) to 0.894 (SIGMA-D-01) with an average of 0.787. The dendrogram based on hierarchical cluster analysis using UPGMA algorithm was prepared and analyzed genotypes were grouped into two main clusters and only two genotypes (RM-5 and RM-23) could not be distinguished.
EFFECT OF DROUGHT STRESS INDUCED BY MANNITOL ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) SEEDLINGS AND PLANTS
Authors: Możdżeń Katarzyna , Bojarski Bartosz , Rut Grzegorz , Migdałek Grzegorz , Repka Peter , Rzepka Andrzej
Published: February 2015

Plants are exposed to various stress factors which might lead to structural damage and physiological function abnormalities. Drought is one of the environmental stress factors that reduce the productivity of plants. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of drought stress induced by mannitol (-0.5 and -1.5MPa) on selected physiological processes in Z. mays L. In the first stage we studied the effect of mannitol on the germination. In the second stage the effect of mannitol on the growth of plants germinated on distilled water and watered with mannitol in growth phase were measured. Mannitol, which decreased the water content in a concentration-dependent manner, had an inhibitory effect on germination and growth of seedlings and adult plants. Electrolyte leakage of cell membranes of the Z. mays seedlings showed high disturbances in the functioning of the membrane structures in the osmotic drought conditions. Similar results were obtained for maize roots, shoots and leaves in both treatment studies. Chlorophyll content showed only significant differences in plants from treated during the growth phase. Drought stress caused a decrease in chlorophyll content by almost a half compared to the control plants. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence of plant leaves from the second stage of experiments showed changes in fluorescence activity parameters Fv/Fm, NPQ, Rfd, qP, ect.; gas exchange measurements also showed changes in activity in each of the two phases.
ASSESSMENT OF RAPD POLYMORPHISM IN RYE (SECALE CEREALE L.) GENOTYPES
Authors: Petrovičová Lenka , Gálová Zdenka , Balážová Å½elmÃ­ra , Vivodík Martin , Wójcik-Jagła Magdalena , Rapacz Marcin
Published: February 2015

The results of genetic analysis of 38 rye taxa (Secale cereale L.) represented by agricultural varieties originating from Central Europe and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (SUN) are presented. The genetic diversity of rye cultivars by 5 RAPD markers was evaluated. Five primers gave 42 polymorphic fragments (99.52 %) with an average of 8.4 bands per primer. The most polymorphic primer was RLZ12, where 10 polymorphic amplification products were detected. Overleaf the lowest polymorphic primer was RLZ5 with 7 polymorphic products. Genetic polymorphism was characterized based on diversity index (DI), probability of identity (PI) and polymorphic information content (PIC). The dendrogram of genetic similarity was constructed, based on the Jaccard´s coefficient. In dendrogram three clusters were differentiated. The first cluster contained genotypes from Czechoslovakia, Poland and Czech Republic. The second cluster contained cultivars coming from Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Hungary. In the next cluster Poland, Czech Republic and Czechoslovakia genotypes were situated. Two genotypes Bosmo and Wibro have not been distinguished. For better distinction of the analysed rye genotypes, it is necessary to use a higher number of RAPD markers. In this experiment, RAPD proved to be a rapid, reliable and practicable method for revealing of polymorphism in the rye cultivars.
Energetic and engineering municipal infrastructure in forming the development quality of the Polish Carpathians
Authors: Hopkowicz Marian , Rybicki Stanisław Maria
Published: February 2015

The reduction of the disproportions between municipal infrastructure between rural and urban areas is one of crucial aspects of equalization of standards of life in mountainous area. Paper describes specific problems related to construction and operation of water supply and sewage
systems in Polish Carpathian region, where on the one hand, the infrastructure expenses per capita, especially in case of water supply and sewage, are much higher in rural areas than in cities, and on the other hand the infrastructure investments in mountain areas prove to be much more effective than in the case of lowland regions of the same voivodeship. Similar investigations were made with respect to the energy infrastructure. The energy infrastructure problems identified in Carpathian area cannot be solved without strong restrictions in terms of air protection. Paper presents special solutions, dedicated to these specific regions, for hot water heating, district heating systems and ventilation with lower demand for primary energy (fossil fuels). The general idea assumes that the system would consist of a local heating network conveying heat to the buildings which would not have to be equipped with heating boilers. Such a concept could be a model solution for a large part of the Polish Carpathians, considering the large potential of available biomass as well as the mastered technologies of biogas production.
The role of planning in the mountain regions as exemplified by mining areas management
Authors: Langer Piotr
Published: February 2015

It is clear from what we know about the various deposits of mineral resources in Poland that Polish
mountain areas are rich in minerals. This applies especially to the Sudetes, the Świętokrzyskie
Mountains, and some areas of the Carpathians. They were or still are the site of mining activity in many of its forms (underground, surface and hole mining). These activities have various
effects, such as changing the specific spatial elements and interference with the natural and cultural landscape. This is particularly important in the mountain regions which are attractive to
the tourist and fulfil recreational and spa functions. From the analysis of the Polish law a conclusion can be drawn that mining activity is generally excluded from the planning system, which
has a significant impact on the mountain area and on a subsequent use of post-mining heritage.
The needs and aspirations of residents of mountain areas as implemented in spatial planning
Authors: Węcławowicz-Bilska Elżbieta , Błachut Jakub
Published: February 2015

System planning based on specific research and analyses allows one to make a diagnosis of spatial phenomena occurring in a particular area. The main goal of spatial planning is to mitigate
conflicts and create spatial framework for satisfying social needs. Spatial planning can therefore
be regarded as the best tool of providing the conditions in which the needs and aspirations of
the people are met and fulfilled. Together with spatial order and sustainable development spatial planning ensure attractive space, which in the competitive development of cities and regions becomes the most important matter. Many specialists considered this condition to be essential for the economic prosperity of the city and the region. Moreover, the spatial design and arrangement clearly define the level of a society and civilization.
After outlining the spatial planning system in Poland and presenting the conditions for land
use planning in mountainous areas the article refers to the social aspirations, conditions of the
demographic situation and requirements of the economic activity. Then an attempt was made to
articulate the fundamental problems and conflicts that occur in mountain areas. Finally, tasks
and options to mitigate these conflicts and ways to meet the needs of people in the planning
were presented.
Mountainous areas with their characteristics make it necessary to carry out the spatial planning
work not only locally but also at the regional level. This work is usually preceded by detailed
studies that can provide the necessary information to improve the economic development of the area, while maintaining the existing natural and cultural environment. This will more than likely increase the chance of spatial transformations in the region.
Foreign tourists on hiking trails in Polish mountains
Authors: Żemła Michał
Published: February 2015

The paper presents some insights into the topic of foreign tourists visiting Polish mountains,
especially for hiking tours. The author used a method of combining the data gathered from the
questionnaire sent to all operators of Polish mountain huts with the analysis of statistical data of
PTTK Wisła and a short survey conducted among Czech and Slovak tourists. The result of the
study confirmed that the number of foreign tourists participating in hiking in Poland is small
and that they are generally unknown as a group. Also, the structure of this group is a bit surprising, as the number of German tourists is comparable or even higher than those from Slovakia
and the Czech Republic sharing the same mountain ranges with Poland. Managers of mountain
huts do not make much of an effort to attract tourists from abroad. Their main advertising is
conducted through their web pages in English. As a result, Slovak and Czech tourists do not perceive the Polish mountains as a good place to hike. There is little consensus as to the reasons for
this situation. The responses from the mountain huts managers were inconsistent and inconclusive. Generally, they agree that Polish mountains are attractive site of tourist activity. However,
it turns out that the tourists prefer hiking in their own countries where they can find even more
attractive and developed areas.
Enhancing cracking resistance of ultra-high-performance concrete slabs using steel fibres
Authors: Yoo Doo-Yeol , Shin Hyun-Oh , Lee Jin-Young , Yoon Young-Soo
Published: February 2015

This study investigates the effect of steel fibres on early-age shrinkage cracking behaviour of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) slabs. For this, four large UHPC slabs, 2600 mm long and 80 mm deep, are fabricated. Two different UHPC mixtures with and without steel fibres (Vf = 0% and 2%) are considered. Test results show that all UHPC slabs without steel fibres exhibit shrinkage cracks at a very early age (before 1 d), whereas no shrinkage cracks are found in the UHPC slabs with steel fibres. The two principal reasons for these observations are the higher shrinkage strain and lower tensile strength of UHPC without steel fibres compared with its counterpart with steel fibres incl. Restrained shrinkage strain is found to be much lower (approximately 75% or more) than the free shrinkage strain, and exhibits a completely different behaviour to that of strain under free conditions.
Measures to assess well-being in low-carbon-dioxide cities
Authors: Boyko Christopher T. , Cooper Rachel , Cooper Cary
Published: February 2015

Policies aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions often focus on the need to change existing behaviours and social practices as well as to provide technological advances in energy supply, waste, transport, industry and infrastructure. While fundamentally important to the mitigation of climate change, little is written about the impact that achieving carbon dioxide reduction targets, particularly for the built environment, will have on individual and societal well-being and quality of life. This paper investigates how a set of measures can be developed to assess well-being in cities, both as they are at present and as they transition to ‘low-carbon-dioxide’ futures. It outlines the important relationship between well-being, low-carbon-dioxide development and the built environment. A strategy for obtaining and assessing well-being measures is explained, the measures are discussed and 100 selected measures are detailed. The paper ends by illustrating how these measures can be integrated into a wider study of well-being.
Strategic redevelopment of brownfield sites in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Zekavat Kamran , Motamedi Rana
Published: February 2015

A phenomenon that every city encounters nowadays is brownfield sites, which exist on different scales and in all parts of a city. These sites, which once had a proper use, are now unable to play their role due to various reasons and, in most cases, are therefore abandoned. These properties are not only unable to meet the needs and expectations of citizens and authorities, but they also reduce the vitality of the urban environment. The redevelopment of brownfield sites in order to utilise existing structures and resources has been the subject of interest for many specialists and professionals. Many studies have been conducted to identify the challenges of brownfield redevelopment from different perspectives such as the environmental sciences, urban planning and design and so on. However, a lack of design-led products is obvious due to the extent of concepts in this field of study. This paper addresses the problem of brownfield sites in Tehran, Iran, and defines the historical process that has created them. It argues for the necessity of identifying and mapping brownfields at a strategic level. In addition, the paper suggests a comprehensive categorisation of brownfield sites within Tehran based on the design dimensions of brownfield redevelopment.