bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To what extent do soft mechanical activation and process parameters increase the efficiency of different zeolite/phosphate rock fertilizer mixtures?
Authors: Mihajlovic Marija , Stanojevic Marija , Stojanovic Mirjana , Petrovic Jelena , Milojkovic Jelena , Petrovic Marija , Lopicic Zorica
Published: December 2015

In order to obtain effective mineral fertilizer, different mixtures of phosphate rock (PR) with natural clinoptilolite (Cp) and NH4+ saturated clinoptilolite (NH4-Cp) were subjected to soft mechanical activation. Mean concentrations of P released from mechanically activated (MA) substrates, MACp/PR and MANH4-Cp/PR, ranged between 2.81-3.19 mg L-1 and 2.02-7.74 mg L-1, respectively. These are 10 to 15 times higher P concentrations than those released from the corres-ponding non-activated mixtures. Solution Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Mg2+ concentrations varied according to the composition of the mixtures and the contact time between the two minerals within their optimal values required for plant growth. The obtained results suggest that the efficiency of the NH4-Cp/PR mixtures can be significantly increased by the proposed mechanical activation. Influence of process parameters on the observed concentrations of nutrients was shown using multivariate statistics. The highest fertilization potential demonstrated MANH4-Cp/PR mixture with the largest NH4-Cp share and the longest proposed mixing time. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR 31003]

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/CICEQ170425016E
Foreign direct investments and unequal regional development in Serbia
Authors: Vracarevic Bojan , Jovanovic Miomir
Published: December 2015

Foreign direct investments are an important factor for economic growth in
Serbia. Most of the foreign direct investment in the period 2001 to 2012 was
in the Belgrade region and, to a lesser extent, in Vojvodina. This spatially
concentrated distribution caused an increase in regional disparity in Serbia.
The connection between foreign direct investment and regional disparities can
in part be explained by the current stage of economic development. However,
in the case of Serbia, one of the main reasons was the lack of a clearly
defined policy to attract foreign direct investments, the collateral damage
being the increase in regional disparities.
Translation and validation of the Croatian version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) scale
Authors: Lajnert Vlatka , Grzic Renata , Radica Natasa , Snjaric Damir , Spalj Stjepan
Published: December 2015

Background/Aim. Among numerous sociodental indicators the Oral Impacts on
Daily Performance (OIPD) is one of the most broadly applied. The aim of this
study was to develop and test psychometric properties of a Croatian version
of OIDP scale. Methods. The OIDP instrument was translated from English to
Croatian in a forward-backward method. The Croatian version was tested for
reliability, construct validity and responsiveness on a sample of 702
participants (255 men), aged 18-86 years. Results. Internal consistency of
Croatian version of the OIDP was acceptable (alpha = 0.80) and 69.4% of the
examinees had oral impacts relating to one or several performances. The most
frequently affected performance was eating (53.7%). The test-retest
reliability was high (r = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97-0.99), the mean difference
between the OIDP summary scores in two-week interval was not statistically
significant. In construct validity testing there was statistically
significant correlation between OIDP and self-assessed general and oral
health, somatisation, depression and Oral Health Impact Profile ranging from
0.157 to 0.516. Responsiveness was confirmed by a significant reduction of
oral impacts on daily performances in subjects before and after treatment of
acute dental pain (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The Croatian OIDP index showed
good psychometric properties in terms of construct validity, internal
consistency, test-retest reliability and responsiveness confirming its
appropriateness for use among Croatian population.
Do SOX 404 Control Audits and Management Assessments Improve Overall Internal Control System Quality?
Authors: Schroeder Joseph H. , Shepardson Marcy L.
Published: December 2015

We address whether SOX 404(b) internal control audits under two auditing standards regimes and SOX 404(a) management assessments are associated with improved internal control system quality, an important and largely unstudied potential benefit. In 2013, the PCAOB disclosed that 15 percent of inspected control audits were ineffective, suggesting that the current control auditing standard may not be sufficient to induce implementation of high-quality control systems. We use an indirect measure of internal control system quality—future unaudited accruals quality—to proxy for internal control quality because sustained internal control improvements should be exhibited in future quarterly financial reports unaltered by contemporaneous financial statement audits. We find that internal control audits initially provided internal control quality benefits. After the 2007 auditing standards change, internal control quality deteriorated for ICFR audited versus unaudited firms. Finally, we find limited evidence that management assessments affect internal control quality. Results indicate that recent PCAOB concerns may have merit.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from the sources identified in the text.
Weed Control and Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Cultivar Response to Encapsulated Acetochlor
Authors: Grichar W. James , Dotray Peter A. , Etheredge Luke M.
Published: December 2015

Field studies were conducted during 2011 and 2012 in the Texas peanut production regions to evaluate encapsulated acetochlor for weed control and cultivar response. Acetochlor alone applied preemergence (PRE) controlled horse purslane, Palmer amaranth, smellmelon, and Texas millet as well as flumioxazin or S-metolachlor. The addition of pendimethalin to either acetochlor, flumioxazin, or S-metolachlor did improve weed control in some instances. In another study comparing the three above mentioned herbicides alone or followed by lactofen postemergence (POST), the addition of lactofen to acetochlor, flumioxazin, or S-metolachlor improved control of smellmelon and Palmer amaranth in some instances but did not affect horse purslane control. In a tolerance study to evaluate potential differences in variety response to acetochlor at 1.26 (1X) and 2.52 kg ai/ha (2X) applied preplant incorporated (PPI), PRE, early postemergence (EPOST), or POST, peanut yield or grade was not affected by either rate of acetochlor or application timing.
Comparison of Three Transgenic Peanut Lines with Their Parents for Agronomic and Physiological Characteristics
Authors: Balota Maria , Partridge-Telenko D.E. , Phipps P.M. , Grabau E.A.
Published: December 2015

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) is an important crop in the Virginia-Carolina (VC) region, but cool and wet falls may result in significant yield reductions due to Sclerotinia blight, caused by Sclerotinia minor (Jagger), a major disease in the region. Transgenic lines expressing a barley oxalate oxidase were previously shown to confer improved resistance to the disease. This research compared three blight resistant transgenic lines for oxalate oxidase, N70, P39, and W73 with their non-transgenic parents, NC 7, Perry, and Wilson, and high yielding check cultivars Bailey and CHAMPS. The objective was to ensure that the agronomic and physiological characteristics of the transformed lines were not negatively impacted by the transformation with oxalate oxidase before making recommendations for production. In 2009 and 2010, experimental plots were grown in two distinct fields for soil type and available water capacity for a total of four environments. The transgenic lines were statistically comparable with their parents, Bailey, and CHAMPS for maturity, pod yield, gross value, and pod brightness. P39 consistently showed less extra-large kernel (ELK) and jumbo pod content than Perry and the other genotypes. N70 and NC 7, on the other hand, had the highest ELK and jumbo pod content. Overall, the transgenic lines exhibited similar yield potential and returns with their parents, Bailey, and CHAMPS when grown in the VC region.
Can Peg Strength Be Used as a Predictor for Pod Maturity and Peanut Yield?
Authors: Sorensen R.B. , Lamb M.C. , Butts C.L.
Published: December 2015

Mesocarp hull color is the current standard to estimate digging date and peanut (Arachis hypogaea, L.) maturity with acceptable yield and grade. Subjectivity of pod color and pod placement on a color chart may give a false indication of when to dig peanuts. The objective was to determine if peg strength could be used to predict pod maturity, digging date, and resultant peanut yield. Peanut peg strength was collected for two years (2011 and 2012) on three peanut cultivars (Georgia-06G, Georgia-09B, and Tifguard), at multiple plant dates (2012 only) and multiple harvest dates to determine the relationship between peg strength versus pod maturity, peanut loss, and peanut yield. Peg strength was determined using an electronic force gage that would measure peak force. Average peg strength was different for all three cultivars with Georgia-06G having the greatest average peg strength followed by Georgia-09B, and Tifguard. In general, peanut yields were greater at early plant and harvest dates and decreased with time. Conversely, peanut pod loss was lower with early plant and harvest dates but increased with later harvest dates. There was a strong positive linear relationship between peg strength and peanut yield for each cultivar. However, there was a relatively small difference with peg strength values between the maximum and minimum peanut yield. There was no relationship between peg strength and mesocarp color (pod maturity, R2 = 0.007). Small differences in peg strength and the non-relationship between peg strength and pod maturity implies: 1) a large sample size would be needed to predict peanut yield, 2) the large sample size would increase time and manpower to determine average peg strength values, and 3) peg strength was not a valid criteria to determine pod maturity or predict digging date. Overall, peg strength may be useful to describe cultivar characteristics but may not be sufficiently robust to predict pod maturity digging date, or peanut yield.
Generating Realistic Labelled, Weighted Random Graphs
Authors: Davis Michael , Ma Zhanyu , Liu Weiru , Miller Paul , Hunter Ruth , Kee Frank
Published: December 2015

Generative algorithms for random graphs have yielded insights into the structure and evolution of real-world networks. Most networks exhibit a well-known set of properties, such as heavy-tailed degree distributions, clustering and community formation. Usually, random graph models consider only structural information, but many real-world networks also have labelled vertices and weighted edges. In this paper, we present a generative model for random graphs with discrete vertex labels and numeric edge weights. The weights are represented as a set of Beta Mixture Models (BMMs) with an arbitrary number of mixtures, which are learned from real-world networks. We propose a Bayesian Variational Inference (VI) approach, which yields an accurate estimation while keeping computation times tractable. We compare our approach to state-of-the-art random labelled graph generators and an earlier approach based on Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs). Our results allow us to draw conclusions about the contribution of vertex labels and edge weights to graph structure.
Aflatoxins, Fumonisins and Zearalenone Contamination of Maize in the Southeastern and Central Highlands Provinces of Vietnam
Authors: Phuong Nguyen , Thieu Nguyen , Ogle Brian , Pettersson Hans
Published: December 2015

A survey of the contamination of maize with aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone was carried out in the Southeastern and Central Highland provinces in Vietnam. Four provinces were chosen for sampling maize: Dong Nai (22), Binh Phuoc (25), Dak Lak (30) and Dak Nong (20). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), G2 (AFG2), fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and zearalenone (ZEA) were analysed by HPLC in 97 maize kernel samples. Fumonisins were the most common toxins found in all samples (67%), followed by aflatoxins (55.7%) and zearalenone (27.8%). The incidence of aflatoxin positive samples (61.7%) in the Southeastern provinces was higher than in the Central Highlands (50%), while fumonisins and zearalenone incidences were higher in the Central Highlands. The mean level of fumonisin B1 in samples from the Central Highlands provinces (1757 µg/kg) was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than in the Southeastern provinces (740 µg/kg). Importantly, the percentage of positive samples (about 70%) that had over 20 µg/kg (ppb) aflatoxin was very high. Moreover, many samples (53%) contained more than one mycotoxin and this result highlights the difficulty of diagnosing mycotoxicoses in the field and the need for ongoing research to reduce the occurrence of mycotoxins in Vietnamese maize.
A Simple Microfluidic Platform for Long-Term Analysis and Continuous Dual-Imaging Detection of T-Cell Secreted IFN-γ and IL-2 on Antibody-Based Biochip
Authors: Baganizi Dieudonné , Leroy Loïc , Laplatine Loïc , Fairley Stacie , Heidmann Samuel , Menad Samia , Livache Thierry , Marche Patrice , Roupioz Yoann
Published: December 2015

The identification and characterization, at the cellular level, of cytokine productions present a high interest for both fundamental research and clinical studies. However, the majority of techniques currently available (ELISA, ELISpot, flow cytometry, etc.) have several shortcomings including, notably, the assessment of several cytokines in relation to individual secreting cells and the monitoring of living cell responses for a long incubation time. In the present work, we describe a system composed of a microfluidic platform coupled with an antibody microarray chip for continuous SPR imaging and immunofluorescence analysis of cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) secreted by T-Lymphocytes, specifically, and stably captured on the biochip under flow upon continued long-term on-chip culture (more than 24 h).
Requirements of Integrated Design Teams While Evaluating Advanced Energy Retrofit Design Options in Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Yang Xue , Ergan Semiha , Knox Katie
Published: December 2015

One of the significant ways to save energy use in buildings is to implement advanced energy retrofits in existing buildings. Improving energy performance of buildings through advanced energy retrofitting requires a clear understanding of the cost and energy implications of design alternatives from various engineering disciplines when different retrofit options are considered. The communication of retrofit design alternatives and their energy implications is essential in the decision-making process, as it affects the final retrofit selections and hence the energy efficiency of the retrofitted buildings. The objective of the research presented here was to identify a generic list of information requirements that are needed to be shared and collectively analyzed by integrated design teams during advanced energy retrofit design review meetings held in immersive settings. While identifying such requirements, the authors used an immersive environment based iterative requirements elicitation approach. The technology was used as a means to better identify the information requirements of integrated design teams to be analyzed as a group. This paper provides findings on information requirements of integrated design teams when evaluating retrofit options in immersive virtual environments. The information requirements were identified through interactions with sixteen experts in design and energy modeling domain, and validated with another group of participants consisting of six design experts who were experienced in integrated design processes. Industry practitioners can use the findings in deciding on what information to share with integrated design team members during design review meetings that utilize immersive virtual environments.
Electrocatalysis in Fuel Cells
Authors: Shao Minhua
Published: December 2015

Low temperature fuel cells are expected to come into widespread commercial use in the areas of transportation and stationary and portable power generation, and thus will help solve energy shortage and environmental issues. [...]
Crystal Structures, Thermal Analysis, and Dissolution Behavior of New Solid Forms of the Antiviral Drug Arbidol with Dicarboxylic Acids
Authors: Manin Alex , Surov Artem , Churakov Andrei , Perlovich German
Published: December 2015

Salts of the antiviral drug arbidol (umifenovir) (Arb) with maleate (Mlc) and fumarate (Fum) anions have been obtained, and their crystal structures have been described. The crystal structure of arbidol maleate has been redetermined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at 180K. A new arbidol cocrystal in zwitterion form with succinic acid (Suc) has also been found and characterized. The arbidol zwitterion was not previously seen in any of the drug crystal forms, and the [Arb + Suc] cocrystal seems to be the first found instance. Analysis of the conformational preferences of the arbidol molecule in the crystal structures has shown that it adopts two types of conformations, namely “open” and “closed” ones. Thermal stability of the arbidol salts and cocrystal have been analyzed by means of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric, and mass-spectrometry analysis. The dissolution study of the arbidol salts and cocrystal performed in aqueous buffer solutions with pH 1.2 and 6.8 has shown that both the salts and the cocrystal dissolve incongruently to form an arbidol hydrochloride monohydrate at pH 1.2 and an arbidol base at pH 6.8, respectively. The cocrystal reaches the highest solubility level in both pH 1.2 and pH 6.8 solutions.
Reentrant Phase Transitions and van der Waals Behaviour for Hairy Black Holes
Authors: Hennigar Robie , Mann Robert
Published: December 2015

We study the extended phase space thermodynamics for hairy AdS black hole solutions to Einstein-Maxwell-Λ theory conformally coupled to a scalar field in five dimensions. We find these solutions to exhibit van der Waals behaviour in both the charged/uncharged cases, and reentrant phase transitions in the charged case. This is the first example of reentrant phase transitions in a five dimensional gravitational system which does not include purely gravitational higher curvature corrections.
United States Gulf of Mexico Coastal Marsh Vegetation Responses and Sensitivities to Oil Spill: A Review
Authors: Pezeshki S. , DeLaune Ronald
Published: December 2015

The present review summarizes the literature on the effects of oil spill on the U.S. Gulf of Mexico coastal vegetation including freshwater-, brackish-, and salt-marshes. When in contact with plant tissues, oil may have adverse impacts via physical and chemical effects. Oil may also become detrimental to plants by covering soil surfaces, leading to root oxygen stress and/or penetrate into the soil where it becomes in contact with the roots. The affected vegetation may survive the impact by producing new leaves, however, an episode of oil spill may impose severe stress. Oil spills may lead to partial or complete plant death but in many situations plants recover by regenerating new shoots. Plant sensitivity to oil varies among species; plants from salt marshes appear to be more sensitive than freshwater species. In addition, sensitivity appears to be dependent on the oil characteristics and the quantity of oil being spilled, repeated oiling events, season of spill, greenhouse vs. field conditions, and plant age are among the many factors that interact simultaneously. Many aspects of coastal plant responses to oiling remain in need of additional research, including the possibility that differences in oil sensitivity may interact with changes in the environment, and contribution to additional wetland losses through coastal erosion. Environmental stressors such as drought and salinity may also interact with oil, leading to the observed changes in plant species community composition following an oil spill.
Tree Species Establishment in Urban Forest in Relation to Vegetation Composition, Tree Canopy Gap Area and Soil Factors
Authors: Jankovska Ilze , Brūmelis Guntis , Nikodemus Oļģerts , Kasparinskis Raimonds , Amatniece Vita , Straupmanis Gustavs
Published: December 2015

The study of density and growth of pine, birch and oak seedlings and saplings in canopy gaps in the urban boreal forest in Riga, Latvia, indicates that natural regeneration can increase diversity in small gaps caused by tree mortality, and can ensure conversion from even-aged pine forest. Abundant regeneration in small gaps showed that light (gap area) was only one of the factors affecting tree regeneration in the gaps. The depth of the O layer and pH were suggested to be important factors for the establishment and growth of pine and birch. For oak, the main factors for establishment and growth were favorable moisture, higher pH and N concentration. Knowledge of ecological factors affecting the establishment of seedlings and growth of saplings of the most common trees species in the urban boreal forest is needed to predict successional trajectories and to aid management.
Antisense-RNA-Mediated Gene Downregulation in Clostridium pasteurianum
Authors: Pyne Michael , Moo-Young Murray , Chung Duane , Chou C.
Published: December 2015

Clostridium pasteurianum is receiving growing attention for its unique metabolic properties, particularly its ability to convert waste glycerol and glycerol-rich byproducts into butanol, a prospective biofuel. Genetic tool development and whole genome sequencing have recently been investigated to advance the genetic tractability of this potential industrial host. Nevertheless, methodologies for tuning gene expression through plasmid-borne expression and chromosomal gene downregulation are still absent. Here we demonstrate plasmid-borne heterologous gene expression and gene knockdown using antisense RNA in C. pasteurianum. We first employed a common thermophilic β-galactosidase (lacZ) gene reporter system from Thermoanaerobacterium thermosulfurogenes to characterize two promoters involved in the central fermentative metabolism of C. pasteurianum. Due to a higher level of constitutive lacZ expression compared to the ferredoxin gene (fdx) promoter, the thiolase (thl) promoter was selected to drive expression of asRNA. Expression of a lacZ asRNA resulted in 52%–58% downregulation of β-galactosidase activity compared to the control strain throughout the duration of culture growth. Subsequent implementation of our asRNA approach for downregulation of the native hydrogenase I gene (hydA) in C. pasteurianum resulted in altered end product distribution, characterized by an increase in production of reduced metabolites, particularly butyrate (40% increase) and ethanol (25% increase). Knockdown of hydA was also accompanied by increased acetate formation and lower levels of 1,3-propanediol, signifying a dramatic shift in cellular metabolism in response to inhibition of the hydrogenase enzyme. The methodologies described herein for plasmid-based heterologous gene expression and antisense-RNA-mediated gene knockdown should promote rational metabolic engineering of C. pasteurianum for enhanced production of butanol as a prospective biofuel.
A Theory-Based Approach for Developing Interventions to Change Patient Behaviours: A Medication Adherence Example from Paediatric Secondary Care
Authors: Heath Gemma , Cooke Richard , Cameron Elaine
Published: December 2015

In this article we introduce a Health Psychology approach to changing patient behaviour, in order to demonstrate the value of Health Psychology professional practice as applied within healthcare settings. Health Psychologists are experts in understanding, predicting and changing health-related behaviours at the individual, group and population level. They combine psychological theory, research evidence and service-user views to design interventions to solve clinically relevant behavioural problems and improve health outcomes. We provide a pragmatic overview of a theory and evidence-based Intervention Mapping approach for developing, implementing and evaluating interventions to change health-related behaviour. An example of a real behaviour change intervention designed to improve medication adherence in an adolescent patient with poorly controlled asthma is described to illustrate the main stages of the intervention development process.
Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking in Turkey: Policy Implications and Trends from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)
Authors: Erdöl Cevdet , Ergüder Toker , Morton Jeremy , Palipudi Krishna , Gupta Prakash , Asma Samira
Published: December 2015

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) is an emerging tobacco product globally, especially among adolescents and young adults who may perceive WTS as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Monitoring the use of WTS in Turkey in relation to the tobacco control policy context is important to ensure that WTS does not become a major public health issue in Turkey. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) was conducted in Turkey in 2008 and was repeated in 2012. GATS provided prevalence estimates on current WTS and change over time. Other indicators of WTS were also obtained, such as age of initiation and location of use. Among persons aged 15 and older in Turkey, the current prevalence of WTS decreased from 2.3% in 2008 to 0.8% in 2012, representing a 65% relative decline. Among males, WTS decreased from 4.0% to 1.1% (72% relative decline). While the overall smoking prevalence decreased among females, there was no change in the rate of WTS (0.7% in 2008 vs. 0.5% in 2012), though the WTS prevalence rate was already low in 2008. Comprehensive tobacco control efforts have been successful in reducing the overall smoking prevalence in Turkey, which includes the reduction of cigarette smoking and WTS. However, it is important to continue monitoring the use of waterpipes in Turkey and targeting tobacco control efforts to certain groups that may be vulnerable to future WTS marketing (e.g., youth, women).
Comparison of Highly Resolved Model-Based Exposure Metrics for Traffic-Related Air Pollutants to Support Environmental Health Studies
Authors: Chang Shih , Vizuete William , Breen Michael , Isakov Vlad , Arunachalam Saravanan
Published: December 2015

Human exposure to air pollution in many studies is represented by ambient concentrations from space-time kriging of observed values. Space-time kriging techniques based on a limited number of ambient monitors may fail to capture the concentration from local sources. Further, because people spend more time indoors, using ambient concentration to represent exposure may cause error. To quantify the associated exposure error, we computed a series of six different hourly-based exposure metrics at 16,095 Census blocks of three Counties in North Carolina for CO, NOx, PM2.5, and elemental carbon (EC) during 2012. These metrics include ambient background concentration from space-time ordinary kriging (STOK), ambient on-road concentration from the Research LINE source dispersion model (R-LINE), a hybrid concentration combining STOK and R-LINE, and their associated indoor concentrations from an indoor infiltration mass balance model. Using a hybrid-based indoor concentration as the standard, the comparison showed that outdoor STOK metrics yielded large error at both population (67% to 93%) and individual level (average bias between −10% to 95%). For pollutants with significant contribution from on-road emission (EC and NOx), the on-road based indoor metric performs the best at the population level (error less than 52%). At the individual level, however, the STOK-based indoor concentration performs the best (average bias below 30%). For PM2.5, due to the relatively low contribution from on-road emission (7%), STOK-based indoor metric performs the best at both population (error below 40%) and individual level (error below 25%). The results of the study will help future epidemiology studies to select appropriate exposure metric and reduce potential bias in exposure characterization.
An Updated Review on the Genetics of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Abu-Amero Khaled , Kondkar Altaf , Chalam Kakarla
Published: December 2015

Epidemiological studies suggest that by 2020 the prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is estimated to increase to 76.0 million, and to 111.8 million by 2040 globally due to the population aging. The prevalence of POAG is the highest among those of African descent, followed by Asians, and the lowest in Europeans. POAG is a genetically complex trait with a substantial fraction exhibiting a significant heritability. Less than 10% of POAG cases in the general population are caused by specific gene mutations and the remaining cases are polygenic. Quantitative traits related to POAG pathogenesis such as intra-ocular pressure (IOP), vertical cup/disc ratio (VCDR), optic disc area, and central corneal thickness (CCT) are highly heritable, and likely to be influenced at least in part by genes and show substantial variation in human populations. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at different loci including CAV1/CAV2, TMCO1, CDKN2B-AS1, CDC7-TGFBR3, SIX1/SIX6, GAS7 and ATOH7 to be associated with POAG and its related quantitative traits (endophenotypes). The chapter provides a brief overview on the different GWAS and SNP association studies and their correlation with various clinical parameters important for POAG in the population worldwide, including the Middle East.
Reduced Dendritic Cells Expressing CD200R1 in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Correlation with Th17 and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Elshal Mohamed , Aldahlawi Alia , Saadah Omar , McCoy J.
Published: December 2015

Loss of tolerance of the adaptive immune system towards indigenous flora contributes to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Defects in dendritic cell (DC)-mediated innate and adoptive immune responses are conceivable. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the inhibitory molecules CD200R1 and their ligand CD200 on DCs, to clarify the role of the DCs in the pathogenesis of IBD. Thirty-seven pediatric IBD patients (23 with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 14 with ulcerative colitis (UC)) with mean age 13.25 ± 2.9 years were included. Fourteen age-matched healthy pediatric volunteers (five males and nine females) served as a control group (HC). The percentage of CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and CD123+ plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) expressing CD200R1 and CD200 were evaluated in peripheral blood using flow cytometry and were correlated with routine biochemical, serological markers, serum levels of cytokines and with the percentages of circulating regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD4+ producing IL-17 (Th17). IBD patients showed a significant decrease in the percentage of pDCs and mDCs expressing CD200R1 compared to that of HC. Patients with UC showed increased expressions of the CD200 molecule on pDCs as compared to HC. DCs expressing CD200R1 were found to be correlated positively with Treg and negatively with TH17 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Our findings suggest that IBD is associated with dysregulation in the CD200R1/CD200 axis and that the decrease in DCs expressing CD200R1 may contribute to the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells and in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Vitamin E Content and Composition in Tomato Fruits: Beneficial Roles and Bio-Fortification
Authors: Raiola Assunta , Tenore Gian , Barone Amalia , Frusciante Luigi , Rigano Maria
Published: December 2015

Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that high vitamin E intakes are related to a reduced risk of non-communicable diseases, while other dietary antioxidants are not, suggesting that vitamin E exerts specific healthy functions in addition to its antioxidant role. In this regard, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most consumed vegetables of the whole world population, is an important source of both tocopherols and tocotrienols. However, vitamin E content may strongly depend on several biotic and abiotic factors. In this review we will debate the elements affecting the synthesis of tocopherols and tocotrienols in tomato fruit, such as environmental conditions, genotype, fruit maturity level, and the impact of classical processing methods, such as pasteurization and lyophilization on the amount of these compounds. In addition we will analyze the specific vitamin E mechanisms of action in humans and the consequent functional effects derived from its dietary intake. Finally, we will examine the currently available molecular techniques used to increase the content of vitamin E in tomato fruit, starting from the identification of genetic determinants and quantitative trait loci that control the accumulation of these metabolites.
The Safety Evaluation of Salvianolic Acid B and Ginsenoside Rg1 Combination on Mice
Authors: Zhao Qun , Yang Min , Deng Yanping , Yu Haitao , Wang Linlin , Teng Fukang , Cho Kenka , Ma Hongmei , Wu Peng , Li Xue , Wu Wanying , Liu Xuan , Xu Feng , Jiang Baohong , Guo De-An
Published: December 2015

Our previous study indicated that the combination of salvianolic acid B (SalB) and ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the main components of Salvia miltiorrhizae and Panax notoginseng, improves myocardium structure and ventricular function in rats with ischemia/reperfusion injury. The present study aimed to determine the safety of the combined SalB and Rg1 (SalB-Rg1) in mice. The safety of SalB-Rg1 was evaluated through acute toxicity and repeated-dose toxicity. In the acute toxicity study, the up and down procedure was carried out firstly, and then, the Bliss method was applied. In the toxicity study for seven-day repeated treatment of SalB-Rg1, forty Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups. The intravenous median lethal dose (LD50) of the SalB-Rg1 combination was 1747 mg/kg using the Bliss method. For both the acute toxicity study and the seven-day repeated toxicity study, SalB-Rg1 did not induce significant abnormality on brain, heart, kidney, liver and lung structure at any dose based on H&E stain. There were no significant changes related to the SalB-Rg1 toxicity detected on biochemical parameters for two kinds of toxicity studies. The LD50 in mice was 1747 mg/kg, which was more than one hundred times higher than the effective dose. Both studies of acute toxicity and seven-day repeated dose toxicity indicated the safety of the SalB-Rg1 combination.
On the Dehydrocoupling of Alkenylacetylenes Mediated by Various Samarocene Complexes: A Charming Story of Metal Cooperativity Revealing a Novel Dual Metal σ-Bond Metathesis Type of Mechanism (DM|σ-BM)
Authors: Kefalidis Christos , Maron Laurent
Published: December 2015

The prevailing reductive chemistry of Sm(II) has been accessed and explored mostly by the use of samarocene precursors. The highly reducing character of these congeners, along with their Lewis acidity and predominantly ionic bonding, allows for the relatively facile activation of C–H bonds, as well as peculiar transformations of unsaturated substrates (e.g., C–C couplings). Among other important C–C coupling reactions, the reaction of phenylacetylene with different mono- or bimetallic samarocene complexes affords trienediyl complexes of the type {[(C5Me5)2Sm]2(µ-η2:η2-PhC4Ph)}. In contrast, when t-butylacetylene is used, uncoupled monomers of the type (C5Me5)2Sm(C≡C–tBu) were obtained. Although this type of reactivity may appear to be simple, the mechanism underlying these transformations is complex. This conclusion is drawn from the density functional theory (DFT) mechanistic studies presented herein. The operating mechanistic paths consist of: (i) the oxidation of each samarium center and the concomitant double reduction of the alkyne to afford a binuclear intermediate; (ii) the C–H scission of the acetylinic bond that lies in between the two metals; (iii) a dual metal σ-bond metathesis (DM|σ-SBM) process that releases H2; and eventually (iv) the C–C coupling of the two bridged μ-alkynides to give the final bimetallic trienediyl complexes. For the latter mechanistic route, the experimentally used phenylacetylene was considered first as well as the aliphatic hex-1-yne. More interestingly, we shed light into the formation of the mono(alkynide) complex, being the final experimental product of the reaction with t-butylacetylene.
Piezoelectric, Mechanical and Acoustic Properties of KNaNbOF5 from First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Han Han , Cheng Cheng , Xiong Xiao-Gen , Su Jing , Dai Jian-Xing , Wang Hui , Yin Gen , Huai Ping
Published: December 2015

Recently, a noncentrosymmetric crystal, KNaNbOF5, has attracted attention due to its potential to present piezoelectric properties. Although α- and β-KNaNbOF5 are similar in their stoichiometries, their structural frameworks, and their synthetic routes, the two phases exhibit very different properties. This paper presents, from first-principles calculations, comparative studies of the structural, electronic, piezoelectric, and elastic properties of the α and the β phase of the material. Based on the Christoffel equation, the slowness surface of the acoustic waves is obtained to describe its acoustic prosperities. These results may benefit further applications of KNaNbOF5.
Effects of Low Concentrations of Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Structure and Phase Behavior of Model Lipid Membranes
Authors: Lor Chai , Hirst Linda
Published: December 2015

In this paper we report an X-ray diffraction study on the phase behavior of binary lipid mixtures of 1-palmitoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DHA-PE) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) at low concentrations below 5.0 mol% DHA-PE. Our results show that DHA-PE induces phase separation into a DHA rich liquid crystalline (Lα) phase and a DHA poor gel (Lβ′) phase at overall DHA-PE concentrations as low as 0.1 mol%. In addition, we find that the structure of the Lβ′ phase, from which the DHA-PE molecules are largely excluded, is modified in the phase-separated state at low DHA-PE concentrations, with a decrease in bilayer thickness of 1.34 nm for 0.1 mol% at room temperature, compared to pure DPPC bilayers. This result is contrary to that seen in similar studies on mono-unsaturated lipids where an increase in bilayer thickness is observed. The surprising effect of such low DHA-PE concentrations on membrane structure may be important in understanding the role of highly polyunsaturated lipids in biological membrane-based structures and similar artificial surfactant systems.
Characterization of Polyethylene-Graft-Sulfonated Polyarylsulfone Proton Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Kim Hyung , Zhang Gang , Nam Changwoo , Chung T.C.
Published: December 2015

This paper examines polymer film morphology and several important properties of polyethylene-graft-sulfonated polyarylene ether sulfone (PE-g-s-PAES) proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for direct methanol fuel cell applications. Due to the extreme surface energy differences between a semi-crystalline and hydrophobic PE backbone and several amorphous and hydrophilic s-PAES side chains, the PE-g-s-PAES membrane self-assembles into a unique morphology, with many proton conductive s-PAES channels embedded in the stable and tough PE matrix and a thin hydrophobic PE layer spontaneously formed on the membrane surfaces. In the bulk, these membranes show good mechanical properties (tensile strength >30 MPa, Young’s modulus >1400 MPa) and low water swelling (λ < 15) even with high IEC >3 mmol/g in the s-PAES domains. On the surface, the thin hydrophobic and semi-crystalline PE layer shows some unusual barrier (protective) properties. In addition to exhibiting higher through-plane conductivity (up to 160 mS/cm) than in-plane conductivity, the PE surface layer minimizes methanol cross-over from anode to cathode with reduced fuel loss, and stops the HO• and HO2• radicals, originally formed at the anode, entering into PEM matrix. Evidently, the thin PE surface layer provides a highly desirable protecting layer for PEMs to reduce fuel loss and increase chemical stability. Overall, the newly developed PE-g-s-PAES membranes offer a desirable set of PEM properties, including conductivity, selectivity, mechanical strength, stability, and cost-effectiveness for direct methanol fuel cell applications.
Design and Algorithm Verification of a Gyroscope-Based Inertial Navigation System for Small-Diameter Spaces in Multilateral Horizontal Drilling Applications
Authors: Li Tao , Yuan Gannan , Lan Haiyu , Mintchev Martin
Published: December 2015

In the recent years horizontal drilling (HD) has become increasingly important in oil and gas exploration because it can increase the production per well and can effectively rework old and marginal vertical wells. The key element of successful HD is accurate navigation of the drill bit with advanced measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools. The size of the MWD tools is not significantly restricted in vertical wells because there is enough space for their installation in traditional well drilling, but the diameter of devices for HD must be restricted to less than 30 mm for some applications, such as lateral drilling from existing horizontal wells. Therefore, it is essential to design miniature devices for lateral HD applications. Additionally, magnetometers in traditional MWD devices are easily susceptible to complex downhole interferences, and gyroscopes have been previously suggested as the best avenue to replace magnetometers for azimuth measurements. The aim of this paper is to propose a miniature gyroscope-based MWD system which is referred to as miniature gyroscope-based while drilling (MGWD) system. A prototype of such MGWD system is proposed. The device consists of a two-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. Miniaturization design approaches for MGWD are proposed. In addition, MGWD data collection software is designed to provide real-time data display and navigation algorithm verification. A fourth-order autoregressive (AR) model is introduced for stochastic noise modeling of the gyroscope and the accelerometer data. Zero velocity and position are injected into a Kalman filter as a system reference to update system states, which can effectively improve the state observability of the MGWD system and decrease estimation errors. Nevertheless, the azimuth of the proposed MGWD system is not observable in the Kalman filter, and reliable azimuth estimation remains a problem.
Behavioural Response of Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to Quinazolines
Authors: Alzogaray R. , Fontán A. , Camps F. , Masuh H. , Santo Orihuela P. , Fernández D. , Cork A. , Zerba E.
Published: December 2015

The behavioural responses of the haematophagous bug Triatoma infestans towards some previously identified components of its faeces: 4-methylquinazoline, 2,4- dimethylquinazoline and their mixtures were evaluated using a video tracking system. Fifth instar nymphs and females but not males were significantly attracted to polyethylene glycol formulations of 4-methyl + 2,4-dimethylquinazoline (50 μg each). Fifth instar nymphs were also attracted to 4-methylquinazoline alone (50 μg) but females were only attracted by the mixture of both methyl quinazolines (50 μg each). Syntheses of both methyl quinazolines were carried out starting from 2-aminoacetophenone by modifying the conditions of reported procedures.
Microwave-Assisted Superheating and/or Microwave-Specific Superboiling (Nucleation-Limited Boiling) of Liquids Occurs under Certain Conditions but is Mitigated by Stirring
Authors: Ferrari Anthony , Hunt Jacob , Stiegman Albert , Dudley Gregory
Published: December 2015

Temporary superheating and sustained nucleation-limited “superboiling” of unstirred liquids above the normal atmospheric boiling point have been documented during microwave heating. These phenomena are reliably observed under prescribed conditions, although the duration (of superheating) and magnitude (of superheating and superboiling) vary according to system parameters such as volume of the liquid and the size and shape of the vessel. Both phenomena are mitigated by rapid stirring with an appropriate stir bar and/or with the addition of boiling chips, which provide nucleation sites to support the phase-change from liquid to gas. With proper experimental design and especially proper stirring, the measured temperature of typical organic reaction mixtures heated at reflux will be close to the normal boiling point temperature of the solvent, whether heated using microwave radiation or conventional convective heat transfer. These observations are important to take into consideration when comparing reaction rates under conventional and microwave heating.
Pharmaceutical Potential of Synthetic and Natural Pyrrolomycins
Authors: Cascioferro Stella , Raimondi Maria , Cusimano Maria , Raffa Demetrio , Maggio Benedetta , Daidone Giuseppe , Schillaci Domenico
Published: December 2015

The emergence of antibiotic resistance is currently considered one of the most important global health problem. The continuous onset of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains limits the clinical efficacy of most of the marketed antibiotics. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new antibiotics. Pyrrolomycins are a class of biologically active compounds that exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antiproliferative, insecticidal, and acaricidal activities. In this review we focus on the antibacterial activity and antibiofilm activity of pyrrolomycins against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Their efficacy, combined in some cases with a low toxicity, confers to these molecules a great potential for the development of new antimicrobial agents to face the antibiotic crisis.
Polyphenols from Bee Pollen: Structure, Absorption, Metabolism and Biological Activity
Authors: Rzepecka-Stojko Anna , Stojko Jerzy , Kurek-Górecka Anna , Górecki Michał , Kabała-Dzik Agata , Kubina Robert , Moździerz Aleksandra , Buszman Ewa
Published: December 2015

Bee pollen constitutes a natural source of antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are responsible for its biological activity. Research has indicated the correlation between dietary polyphenols and cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancerogenic, immunostimulating, antianaemic effects, as well as their beneficial influence on osseous tissue. The beneficial effects of bee pollen on health result from the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids which possess anti-inflammatory properties, phytosterol and linolenic acid which play an anticancerogenic role, and polysaccharides which stimulate immunological activity. Polyphenols are absorbed in the alimentary tract, metabolised by CYP450 enzymes, and excreted with urine and faeces. Flavonoids and phenolic acids are characterised by high antioxidative potential, which is closely related to their chemical structure. The high antioxidant potential of phenolic acids is due to the presence and location of hydroxyl groups, a carboxyl group in the immediate vicinity of ortho-diphenolic substituents, and the ethylene group between the phenyl ring and the carboxyl group. As regards flavonoids, essential structural elements are hydroxyl groups at the C5 and C7 positions in the A ring, and at the C3′ and C4′ positions in the B ring, and a hydroxyl group at the C3 position in the C ring. Furthermore, both, the double bond between C2 and C3, and a ketone group at the C4 position in the C ring enhance the antioxidative potential of these compounds. Polyphenols have an ideal chemical structure for scavenging free radicals and for creating chelates with metal ions, which makes them effective antioxidants in vivo.