bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Table of Contents
Authors: Contents Table of
Published: December 2015

From the Editors

Huseyin Uzunboylu, Cigdem Hursen

 

Analysing the problems of science teachers that they encounter while teaching physics education

Cihat Demir, Burhan Sincar, Rıdvan Çelik

296-304

 

An investigation into the impact of reflective teaching on EFL learners’ autonomy and intrinsic motivation

Parisa Abdolrezapour, Elahe Fallah

305-315

 

Awareness of consequence of high school students on loss of bio-diversity

Nazım Kaşot, Serap Özbaş

316-325

 

Research on historical environments in elementary schools’ social sciences textbooks taught in Northern Cyprus

Nazım Kaşot, Mete Özsezer

326-337

 

Metacognitive awareness and math anxiety in gifted students

Hakan Sarıcam, Üzeyir Ogurlu

338-348
MENGUNGKAP RAHASIA BUAH KURMA DAN ZAITUN DARI PETUNJUK HADIS DAN PENJELASAN SAINS
Authors: Soebahar Erfan , Daenuri Edi , Firmansyah Arizal
Published: December 2015

This article reveals hadith instructions on palm fruit and olives in terms of value and quality tradition of understanding meaning, and in terms of secret scientific explanations about it. Research conducted by using a qualitative approach. Researchers in collecting the data for guidance and for an explanation of the secret traditions use the same science literature study. The data obtained in the Hadith-Takhrij very briefly, then edited and organized alongside the confidential data of science, then both analytically analyzed descriptively. The results showed that, first of hadith on a date worth marfu 'authentic and traditions of olives worth hasan Saheeh. This means that the hadith of these two types of fruit, besides having a strong argument, also has a foundation of understanding reasoning to uncover the Hadith. Secondly, from the treasury of science, described that: (1) a date nutritious anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory so it can relieve pain; can nourish the heart, blood vessels and prevent stroke; and prevent constipation, smooth bowel movement and helps the growth and health of teeth and bones, in addition to anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal; (2) the olives are young can for food seasonings, and when mature oil is useful for health and beauty, because it contains flavonoid apigenin, luteolin, chryseriol and derivatives or omega-9, thus effectively increasing the antioxidant activity in plasma, and protects cells from LDL oxidation.
Seed Source May Determine Field‐Specific Germination and Emergence: The Source by Planting Environment Interaction
Authors: Espeland Erin K. , Perkins Lora B. , Horning Matthew E. , Johnson Richard C.
Published: December 2015

Farm environmental conditions and management practices can result in within‐cultivar differences in seed quality and lead to transgenerational plasticity (farm‐specific effects on offspring, or TGP) that affect germination and emergence in transplant fields. We used three perennial bunchgrasses, [green needlegrass (Nassella viridula) ‘Lodorm’, slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus) ‘Pryor’, and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoregneria spicata) prevariety registered germplasm P‐7] to determine if seeds exhibited TGP. We also determined if TGP was affected by the interaction between production farms and planting environments (farm × environment interaction, or context‐dependent TGP), using four laboratory temperature regimes to test germination response and four field environments to test emergence response in 2013. We stored seeds in four different environments for 10 mo before repeating the experiment to test if recent seed storage conditions mitigated TGP. Context‐dependent TGP affected emergence for Pryor and Lodorm both years, however, only Pryor exhibited context‐dependent TGP for germination in 2013. Sources with low germination and emergence in the field were less likely to exhibit context‐dependent TGP. Some transplant fields did not show differences among sources, but in other transplant fields, emergence increased as much as 24% depending on farm source. The effect of recent seed storage conditions, significant only for Pryor, was opposite for germination and emergence, with room‐temperature stored seeds exhibiting the highest emergence and lowest germination. Context‐dependent TGP in emergence could not be predicted by our coarse information regarding seed production environments and storage conditions or by germination in the lab. Nonetheless, context‐dependent TGP significantly determined emergence in two of the three study species. Mechanisms underlying this phenomenon need further study to understand potential benefits and pitfalls for producers and seed buyers.
Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in Deep Soils at a Watershed Scale on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wang Yunqiang , Han Xiangwei , Jin Zhao , Zhang Chencheng , Fang Linchuan
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas:

SOC stocks under three land uses were measured to a soil depth of 500 cm.

SOC stocks in the 0‐200 cm soil layer were significantly the lowest under shrubland.

Significantly higher SOC stocks occurred in the loamy than in the sandy soils.

Land use, soil texture, and water significantly affected SOC stock to depths of 500 cm.

A considerable amount of SOC is stored in deep soils on the Chinese Loess Plateau.

An accurate evaluation of soil organic C (SOC) stocks is important to C management and to understanding fully the role of soils in the C cycle. However, SOC stocks in deep soils and the factors that affect them have been largely ignored. We measured SOC stocks and other soil properties to a depth of 500 cm (n= 73) under three land uses in the Lao Ye Man Qu watershed on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Similar patterns in the vertical distributions of SOC stocks were found under cropland, grassland, and shrubland. However, for the 0‐ to 200‐cm soil layer, SOC stocks were significantly lower under shrubland than under either cropland or grassland. The SOC stocks under cropland, grassland, and shrubland in the 0‐ to 100‐cm layer were 2.64 ± 0.67, 2.50 ± 0.69, and 1.99 ± 0.22 kg m−2, respectively; in the 0‐ to 500‐cm layer they were 8.34 ± 2.26, 8.37 ± 2.01, and 7.26 ± 1.00 kg m−2, respectively. Significantly higher SOC stocks occurred in loamy than sandy soils (P< 0.01), and they were lower at the mid than at the upper and lower slope positions. However, SOC stocks were similar in sunlit and shaded soils. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that land use, soil texture, and soil water content significantly affected SOC stocks in each 100‐cm soil layer to a depth of 500 cm. Effects of topographic features and pH varied with increasing depth. A considerable amount of SOC was stored in deep soils, indicating the SOC content dependence on time and depth. This information is essential for evaluating C fluxes, estimating C stocks, and for managing the C cycles in regions around the world with deep soils.
Limitations and Potential of Spectral Subtractions in Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Soil Samples
Authors: Margenot Andrew J. , Calderón Francisco J. , Parikh Sanjai J.
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

Spectral subtractions are a tool for improving FTIR spectroscopy.

Minor components of soil spectra such as SOM can be resolved by subtracting interfering backgrounds (e.g., minerals).

Limitations to spectral subtractions are specific to both FTIR spectroscopy and soils.

There is strong potential to improve accuracy and applications of subtractions in soil spectra.

Soil science research is increasingly applying Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for analysis of soil organic matter (SOM). However, the compositional complexity of soils and the dominance of the mineral component can limit spectroscopic resolution of SOM and other minor components. The use of spectral subtraction is an established technique for isolating specific components of multicomponent spectra, and as such is a powerful tool to improve and expand the potential of spectroscopy of soil samples. To maximize the utility of spectral subtraction and avoid its misuse, consideration must be given to the general and soil‐specific limitations of FTIR spectroscopy and subtractions, as well as specific experimental objectives. This review summarizes the history of subtractions in FTIR spectroscopy of soil samples, identifies and qualifies misconceptions and limitations on its use, and highlights trade‐offs, recent developments, and future directions on the potential of spectral subtractions to improve and expand FTIR applications in soil science.
Competitive mechanism of ammonia, iron and manganese for dissolved oxygen using pilot-scale biofilter at different dissolved oxygen concentrations
Authors: Cheng Qingfeng
Published: December 2015

In this study, the competitive mechanism of ammonia, iron and manganese for dissolved oxygen (DO) in a biofilter was investigated, and a new start-up method of a biofilter for ammonia, iron and manganese removal was approved, which can effectively shorten the start-up period from 3–4 months to 51 days. The results demonstrated that when DO was sufficient (about 8 mg · L−1), ammonia, iron and manganese could be completely removed. When DO decreased from 6.5 to 4 mg · L−1, the concentration of ammonia in the effluent increased accordingly, though iron and manganese were removed efficiently. When DO was as low as 3 mg · L−1, only iron was removed, whereas most of the ammonia and manganese still existed in the effluent. In addition, the oxidizing rates of the pollutants were not affected significantly with DO decrease. Turbidity removal in the biofilter was also investigated, and the results demonstrated that the turbidity decreased to less than 0.5 NTU at 0.4 m depth of the filter.
A spectrophotometric method for the determination Co-EDTA complexes
Authors: Paraneeiswaran Arunachalam , Shukla Sudhir K , Sathyaseelan V.S. , Rao Toleti Subba
Published: December 2015

A precise quantification of Co(II)EDTA complex is required to develop bioremediation approaches for Co(III)EDTA complex that is generated in various industrial processes. It is cumbersome to quantify Co(II)EDTA in a mixture of Co(II)EDTAand Co(III)EDTAby normal UV-visible spectrophotometric methods as both the complexes absorb significantly at 490 nm, which is the λ max of Co(II)EDTA. Whereas other sophisticated techniques such as gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy can measure individual species of Co(II)EDTA or Co(III)EDTA when present alone but are ineffective to measure the Co(II)EDTAprecisely when it is mixed with Co(III)EDTA. Hence, an attempt has been made to develop a spectrophotometric method for its quantification. This paper describes the development of a simple and economic dual wavelength spectrophotometric method for the determination of Co(II)EDTAin a mixture of Co(II)EDTA and Co(III)EDTA complexes. The wavelength pair, 490-580 nm was optimized for the measurement of absorbance for this dual wavelength method of determination of Co(II)EDTA in the presence of Co(III)EDTA. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 584-587
Optimization of Process Variables by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ravinder Kashipeta
Published: December 2015

In the present study optimisation of the growth medium for the production of Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) was carried out using response surface methodology. Four important parameters namely starch, yeast extract, K2HPO4 and MgSO4 concentrations were selected as the independent variables and the enzyme activity (CGTase activity U/mL) was the dependent response variable. Each of these independent variables was studied at five different levels as per central composite design (CCD) in four variables with a total of 28 experimental runs. The optimal calculated values of tested variables for maximal production of CGTase were found to be comprised of: starch, 2.16 %; yeast extract, 0.6 %; K2HPO4, 0.62 %; MgSO4, 0.04 % with a predicted CGTase activity of 150 U/ml. These predicted optimal parameters were tested in the laboratory and the final CGTase activity obtained was very close to the predicted value at 148.2 U/ml.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 592-598
Ostrich (Struthio camelus ) Egg Embryonic Death During Artificial Incubation
Authors: Faki Aisha E. , Obeid E.A.E. , Osman Hagir I.M. , Amin A.E
Published: December 2015

Intensification of ostrich farming revealed that egg hatchability was remarkably lower than the wild. This review considers the factors leading to, as pertaining to the ostrich, egg and incubator. Ostrich genotype, age, season and congenital problems affect clutch and egg sizes and egg quality- fertility to lead a successful hatch. Egg treatment prior incubation can later reduce hatchability, affected by storage conditions and duration. Most detrimental factors lie in the incubator and hatcher management. Egg correct positioning and turning in the appropriate incubator humidity and temperature are likely to yield high hatch. Variability in egg size, shell quality, pore sizes and numbers govern the water loss and exchange of gases. The hatcher management is important when chicks need intervention. Dead-in-shell embryos, early or late were likely to be affected by all of the above factors plus egg microbial contamination or be merely nutritional.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 566-578
Studies on Characterization of Molecular Variability Using RAPD Markers in Rhizoctonia solani Isolated from Different Gerographical Regions of South India
Authors: Kumari Krishna
Published: December 2015

Molecular techniques have become reliable and are highly suitable tools for identifying pathogen species and for genetic variation. The molecular marker is a useful tool for assessing genetic variations. RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers have been used to characterize the numerous filamentous fungi collected from different fields of experimental mycology. Rhizoctonia solani is a plant pathogenic fungus which cause sheath blight in rice. Present work focused on polymorphic identification and characterization of Rhizoctonia solani isolate. Twenty eight samples were collected from different locations of South India and Punjab. Rhizoctonia solani (teleomorph: Thanatephorus cucumeris) were isolated and used polymorphic examination by molecular markers. Molecular analysis was done with OPC-5, OPC-2, OPA-8 and OPA-11primers and the variability of isolated fungus DNA, allowed the visualization of 265 polymorphic bonds with molecular weight ranging from 0.5kb to 20kb significant differences in RAPD profiles of 28 isolates of R. Solani were found with two primers OPC-5 and OPC-2. To analyze the resolving ability of these primers, cumulative RAPD profiles generated by the primers were analyzed by UPGMA. The dendrogram constructed using 265 polymorphic bonds obtained from 28 isolates with 5 primers was divided into 7 clusters. Based on these results it was concluded that there was a molecular variability among the isolates of R. solani was depicted.
Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension & Associated Factor’s among students of Jazan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hobani Yahya Hasan , Mathew Shiju , Samsam Hassan Ali
Published: December 2015

Background: Health-related issues has been one of the major factor of concern for the death since the last three decades in Saudi Arabia which includes diabetes mellitus, hypertension and other associated factors are considered as major risk factors. The investigation on the prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension and associated factors among students of Jazan, Saudi Arabia is an alarm for the hidden possible health threat among the students in the younger age. Methods: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension and associated factors in fifty students of Jazan in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through interview using a structured questionnaire followed by clinical examination. Clinical practice methods were followed to estimate Cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, Diabetes and Hypertension from the sample. Results: A high percentage of participants i.e. 70% are pre diabetes, which is partly due to a more sedentary lifestyle and smoking and weight gain. 62% of participants reported no physical exercise in daily life. Habit of smoking is present among 44% of the participants over weight and obesity showed as 24% and 16% respectively. The high blood pressure among the participants was 36% and 64% were prehypertensive. Obesity and weight assessed by using Body Mass Index. The result showed 52% among the participants were in normal weight, 24% were overweight and 16% were obese. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and cholesterol level were associated with the risk of Pre-hypertension, hypertension, pre-diabetics and diabetics.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 708-713
Spatially Distribution of Quercus semecarifolia in Rasuwa District Using GIS and RS
Authors: Shrestha Ila
Published: December 2015

The paper is based on the case study of Rasuwa district, is a land of geographical extremes, ranging from 600 m Betrabati river to 7234 m Langtang Lirung, the highest point in the northwest. The study was carried out on the detection of Quercus semecarifolia J.E.Smith using Remote-Sensing and Geographic Information System technique. SPOT Image and ERDAS Software have used for the image processing. The program has detected the different types of ecological parameters in tropical to alpine zone and specified the plant species in the study after ground truthing.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 747-749
Physico-chemical Evaluation of Some Introduced Date Fruits Cultivars grown under Sudanese conditions
Authors: Saeed Islam K. , El-Rauof Fatima A. , Dawoud H.D.
Published: December 2015

Fruit samples of five date cultivars, three cultivars of them were introduced from Emirates Tissue culture Laboratory-Alien Abu Dhabi and cultivated in Haj-Bashir orchard - Khartoum region were collected at the beginning of the Tamar stages. The present study was aimed to investigate the physical and chemical properties. The results showed that the physical characteristics like fruit weight, length, flesh thickness, seed weight differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the various cultivars. Chemical analysis indicated small amounts of crude fiber, crude protein, Fat and ash, while sugars predominated. In general the majority of date cultivars investigated was found to be of the soft date type characterized by the dominance of reducing sugars. The performance of introduced cultivars was well when compared with the indigenous cultivar of most physical, chemical characteristics and general evaluation.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 731-736
Accumulation of Poly-hydroxy-butyric Acid (PHB) by Bacillus Strain Isolated from Paddy Field of Kathmandu University Premises
Authors: Upreti Deepak , Sapkota Naresh Prasad , Aryal Bibek , Shakya Sangita
Published: December 2015

In this study, the effect of applying nutrient limitation on the production of Poly-hydro-oxy-butyric acid (PHB) from soil bacteria was examined. PHB is a biodegradable polymer which provides a reserve of carbon and energy. PHB was extracted by chloroform dispersion method. The amount of synthesized PHB was determined as crotonic acid by spectrophotometry. We found that Nitrogen limiting condition stimulated PHB accumulation. The highest level of PHB accumulation was observed in DNB-6 strain which accumulated 31 % of the dry mass at 20 % glucose concentration. The probabilistic identification of bacteria by PIBwin software version 1.9.2 showed that the strain DNB-6 was close in nature to Bacillus cereus.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 2-5
Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression in antimony susceptible/resistant clinical isolates of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Maharjan Mahendra , Madhubala Rentala
Published: December 2015

Pentavalent antimonials have long been the first line of defence against leishmaniasis, but resistance has been reported in different parts of the world. Pentavalent antimony is reduced into trivalent form in the cells and is a potential inducer of HSP70 in L. donovani. Expression profile of HSP70 in antimony susceptible and resistant L. donovani isolates were characterized by Southern blot, Northern blot and western blot analysis. HSP70 gene copy number, gene expression and HSP70 protein expression was found uniform in both antimony sensitive and resistant clinical isolates. In laboratory condition, Leishmania cells respond to antimonial drug stress by three fold over expression of the HSP70 protein. The observed results indicated that HSP70 play important role in stress tolerance against antimonial drug without differential expression in antimony sensitive and resistance clinical isolates of L. donovani.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 22-28
Isolation of yeast from soil and different food samples and its characterization based on fermentation
Authors: Thapa Sandeep , Shrestha Rajani , Tirewal Anjali , Sharma Arjun , K.C. Yuvraj
Published: December 2015

Yeasts are eukaryotic microorganisms which can also be used for bioethanol production. In this modern era of increasing demand for energy and fuel, the microbial biosynthesis of ethanol has gained importance. In this study, the potential yeasts for ethanol production from pentose and hexose sugars were identified. Yeasts were isolated from soil and different food samples. They were identified and characterized based on cell morphology (e.g., mode of cell division and spore shape) and physiology (e.g., sugar fermentation tests). Furthermore, quantification of ethanol and cell concentration was performed throughout the fermentation. Spot plate count method was followed to determine the viable yeast count whereas Potassium dichromate oxidation method was used for determining the ethanol concentration. Six different species of yeasts were cultured in three sets of broth for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours for bioethanol production. The yeasts isolated from black and green grapes relatively synthesized higher concentration of ethanol.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 29-34
Fasciolopsis buski Vomited Out by a Child; The First Case Reported from Nepal
Authors: Pant Narayan Dutt , Sharma Manisha , Khatiwada Saroj
Published: December 2015

Live adult worms of Fasciolopsis buski are rarely seen in humans except in autopsy. Only a few such cases have been reported in the world literature. We reported a case of fasciolopsiasis in a child of age 14 months who coughed out the live adult Fasciolopsis buski after administration of antihelminthic drug. The patient was a resident of Terai (Far Western) region of Nepal and had history of travelling to India. This is the first case of fasciolopsis reported from Nepal.Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 66-67
A Novel Complex-Valued Encoding Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Luo Qifang , Zhang Sen , Li Zhiming , Zhou Yongquan
Published: December 2015

Grey wolf optimization (GWO) is one of the recently proposed heuristic algorithms imitating the leadership hierarchy and hunting mechanism of grey wolves in nature. The aim of these algorithms is to perform global optimization. This paper presents a modified GWO algorithm based on complex-valued encoding; namely the complex-valued encoding grey wolf optimization (CGWO). We use CGWO to test 16 unconstrained benchmark functions with seven different scales and infinite impulse response (IIR) model identification. Compared to the real-valued GWO algorithm and other optimization algorithms; the CGWO performs significantly better in terms of accuracy; robustness; and convergence speed.
Studies of Tumor Suppressor Genes via Chromosome Engineering
Authors: Kugoh Hiroyuki , Ohira Takahito , Oshimura Mitsuo
Published: December 2015

The development and progression of malignant tumors likely result from consecutive accumulation of genetic alterations, including dysfunctional tumor suppressor genes. However, the signaling mechanisms that underlie the development of tumors have not yet been completely elucidated. Discovery of novel tumor-related genes plays a crucial role in our understanding of the development and progression of malignant tumors. Chromosome engineering technology based on microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT) is an effective approach for identification of tumor suppressor genes. The studies have revealed at least five tumor suppression effects. The discovery of novel tumor suppressor genes provide greater understanding of the complex signaling pathways that underlie the development and progression of malignant tumors. These advances are being exploited to develop targeted drugs and new biological therapies for cancer.
Thermal Characteristics of a Primary Surface Heat Exchanger with Corrugated Channels
Authors: Seo Jang-Won , Cho Chanyong , Lee Sangrae , Choi Young-Don
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of a primary surface heat exchanger (PSHE) with corrugated surfaces. The PSHE was experimentally investigated for a Reynolds number range of 156–921 under various flow conditions on the hot and cold sides. The inlet temperature of the hot side was maintained at 40 °C, while that of the cold side was maintained at 20 °C. A counterflow was used as it has a higher temperature proximity in comparison with a parallel flow. The heat transfer rate and pressure drop were measured for various Reynolds numbers on both the hot and cold sides of the PSHE, with the heat transfer coefficients for both sides computed using a modified Wilson plot method. Based on the results of the experiment, both Nusselt number and friction factor correlations were suggested for a PSHE with corrugated surfaces.
Sustainability as an Ethical Principle: Ensuring Its Systematic Place in Professional Nursing Practice
Authors: Riedel Annette
Published: December 2015

Alongside the central focus on the persons requiring nursing care in professional nursing practice, the perspective of the sustainability of interventions and the use of materials (for example, nursing aids and hygiene articles) is gaining prominence in nursing decision-making processes. This contribution makes the principle of sustainability concrete and delineates its importance in the context of professional nursing practice and decision-making. It further suggests the development of an ethical policy in order to systematically ensure that sustainability has a place in ethical reflection and decision-making, and describes the elements involved. Finally, a synthesis is made between the importance of the principle of sustainability, suggested ethical policies (system of ethical reflection) as they affect nursing practice and professional reflection, decision-making, and practice.
The Urban-Rural Gradient In Asthma: A Population-Based Study in Northern Europe
Authors: Timm Signe , Frydenberg Morten , Janson Christer , Campbell Brittany , Forsberg Bertil , Gislason Thorarinn , Holm Mathias , Jogi Rain , Omenaas Ernst , Sigsgaard Torben , Svanes Cecilie , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: December 2015

The early life environment appears to have a persistent impact on asthma risk. We hypothesize that environmental factors related to rural life mediate lower asthma prevalence in rural populations, and aimed to investigate an urban-rural gradient, assessed by place of upbringing, for asthma. The population-based Respiratory Health In Northern Europe (RHINE) study includes subjects from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Estonia born 1945–1973. The present analysis encompasses questionnaire data on 11,123 RHINE subjects. Six categories of place of upbringing were defined: farm with livestock, farm without livestock, village in rural area, small town, city suburb and inner city. The association of place of upbringing with asthma onset was analysed with Cox regression adjusted for relevant confounders. Subjects growing up on livestock farms had less asthma (8%) than subjects growing up in inner cities (11%) (hazard ratio 0.72 95% CI 0.57–0.91), and a significant urban-rural gradient was observed across six urbanisation levels (p = 0.02). An urban-rural gradient was only evident among women, smokers and for late-onset asthma. Analyses on wheeze and place of upbringing revealed similar results. In conclusion, this study suggests a protective effect of livestock farm upbringing on asthma development and an urban-rural gradient in a Northern European population.
Innovative Target Therapies Are Able to Block the Inflammation Associated with Dysfunction of the Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Marcuzzi Annalisa , Piscianz Elisa , Loganes Claudia , Vecchi Brumatti Liza , Knowles Alessandra , Bilel Sabrine , Tommasini Alberto , Bortul Roberta , Zweyer Marina
Published: December 2015

The cholesterol pathway is an essential biochemical process aimed at the synthesis of bioactive molecules involved in multiple crucial cellular functions. The end products of this pathway are sterols, such as cholesterol, which are essential components of cell membranes, precursors of steroid hormones, bile acids and other molecules such as ubiquinone. Several diseases are caused by defects in this metabolic pathway: the most severe forms of which cause neurological involvement (psychomotor retardation and cerebellar ataxia) as a result of a variety of cellular impairments, including mitochondrial dysfunction. These pathologies are induced by convergent mechanisms in which the mitochondrial unit plays a pivotal role contributing to defective apoptosis, autophagy and mitophagy processes. Unraveling these mechanisms would contribute to the development of effective drug treatments for these disorders. In addition, the development of biochemical models could have a substantial impact on the understanding of the mechanism of action of drugs that act on this pathway in multifactor disorders. In this review we will focus in particular on inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis, mitochondria-targeted drugs and inhibitors of the inflammasome.
Notch Signaling in Pancreatic Development
Authors: Li Xu-Yan , Zhai Wen-Jun , Teng Chun-Bo
Published: December 2015

The Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in embryonic cell fate determination and adult tissue homeostasis. Various studies have demonstrated the deep involvement of Notch signaling in the development of the pancreas and the lateral inhibition of Notch signaling in pancreatic progenitor differentiation and maintenance. The targeted inactivation of the Notch pathway components promotes premature differentiation of the endocrine pancreas. However, there is still the contrary opinion that Notch signaling specifies the endocrine lineage. Here, we review the current knowledge of the Notch signaling pathway in pancreatic development and its crosstalk with the Wingless and INT-1 (Wnt) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathways.
Pathogenesis of Type 2 Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Renal and Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Tennakoon Anusha , Izawa Takeshi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: December 2015

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), particularly, type 2 EMT, is important in progressive renal and hepatic fibrosis. In this process, incompletely regenerated renal epithelia lose their epithelial characteristics and gain migratory mesenchymal qualities as myofibroblasts. In hepatic fibrosis (importantly, cirrhosis), the process also occurs in injured hepatocytes and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), as well as ductular reaction-related bile epithelia. Interestingly, the ductular reaction contributes partly to hepatocarcinogenesis of HPCs, and further, regenerating cholangiocytes after injury may be derived from hepatic stellate cells via mesenchymal to epithelia transition, a reverse phenomenon of type 2 EMT. Possible pathogenesis of type 2 EMT and its differences between renal and hepatic fibrosis are reviewed based on our experimental data.
Structures and Activity of New Anabaenopeptins Produced by Baltic Sea Cyanobacteria
Authors: Spoof Lisa , Błaszczyk Agata , Meriluoto Jussi , Cegłowska Marta , Mazur-Marzec Hanna
Published: December 2015

Anabaenopeptins, bioactive cyclic hexapeptides, were isolated by preparative reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography from an extract of Baltic Sea cyanobacterial bloom material composed of Nodularia spumigena (50%), Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (40%) and Dolichospermum spp. (10%). Five new anabaenopeptins and nine previously known anabaenopeptins were isolated, and their putative structures were determined by tandem mass spectrometry. The activity of the peptides against carboxypeptidase A and protein phosphatase 1 as well as chymotrypsin, trypsin and thrombin was tested. All anabaenopeptins inhibited carboxypeptidase A (apart from one anabaenopeptin variant) and protein phosphatase 1 with varying potency, but no inhibition against chymotrypsin, trypsin and thrombin was observed.
Crosslinked Poly(2-oxazoline)s as “Green” Materials for Electronic Applications
Authors: Fimberger Martin , Tsekmes Ioannis-Alexandros , Kochetov Roman , Smit Johan , Wiesbrock Frank
Published: December 2015

Poly(2-nonyl-2-oxazoline)80-stat-poly(2-dec-9′-enyl-2-oxazoline)20 and poly(2-dec-9′-enyl-2-oxazoline)100 can be synthesized from the cationic ring-opening polymerization of monomers that can be derived from fatty acids from renewable resources. These (co)poly(2-oxazoline)s can be crosslinked with di- and trifunctional mercapto compounds using the UV-induced thiol-ene reaction. The complex permittivity of the corresponding networks increases with the temperature and decreases with the network density. In a frequency range from 10−2 to 106 Hz and at temperatures ranging from −20 to 40 °C, the changes of the real part of the complex permittivity as well as the loss factor can be explained by interfacial polarization within the material. At a temperature of 20 °C and a frequency of 50 Hz, the permittivity of the crosslinked (co)poly(2-oxazoline)s covers a range from 4.29 to 4.97, and the loss factors are in the range from 0.030 to 0.093. The electrical conductivities of these polymer networks span a range from 5 × 10−12 to 8 × 10−9 S/m, classifying these materials as medium insulators. Notably, the values for the permittivity, loss factor and conductivity of these copoly(2-oxazoline)s are in the same range as for polyamides, and, hence, these copoly(2-oxazoline)-based networks may be referred to as “green” alternatives for polyamides as insulators in electronic applications.
Modeling and Mapping Agroforestry Aboveground Biomass in the Brazilian Amazon Using Airborne Lidar Data
Authors: Chen Qi , Lu Dengsheng , Keller Michael , Dos-Santos Maiza , Bolfe Edson , Feng Yunyun , Wang Changwei
Published: December 2015

Agroforestry has large potential for carbon (C) sequestration while providing many economical, social, and ecological benefits via its diversified products. Airborne lidar is considered as the most accurate technology for mapping aboveground biomass (AGB) over landscape levels. However, little research in the past has been done to study AGB of agroforestry systems using airborne lidar data. Focusing on an agroforestry system in the Brazilian Amazon, this study first predicted plot-level AGB using fixed-effects regression models that assumed the regression coefficients to be constants. The model prediction errors were then analyzed from the perspectives of tree DBH (diameter at breast height)—height relationships and plot-level wood density, which suggested the need for stratifying agroforestry fields to improve plot-level AGB modeling. We separated teak plantations from other agroforestry types and predicted AGB using mixed-effects models that can incorporate the variation of AGB-height relationship across agroforestry types. We found that, at the plot scale, mixed-effects models led to better model prediction performance (based on leave-one-out cross-validation) than the fixed-effects models, with the coefficient of determination (R2) increasing from 0.38 to 0.64. At the landscape level, the difference between AGB densities from the two types of models was ~10% on average and up to ~30% at the pixel level. This study suggested the importance of stratification based on tree AGB allometry and the utility of mixed-effects models in modeling and mapping AGB of agroforestry systems.
Mapping Fractional Cropland Distribution in Mato Grosso, Brazil Using Time Series MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index and Landsat Thematic Mapper Data
Authors: Zhu Changming , Lu Dengsheng , Victoria Daniel , Dutra Luciano
Published: December 2015

Mapping cropland distribution over large areas has attracted great attention in recent years, however, traditional pixel-based classification approaches produce high uncertainty in cropland area statistics. This study proposes a new approach to map fractional cropland distribution in Mato Grosso, Brazil using time series MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data. The major steps include: (1) remove noise and clouds/shadows contamination using the Savizky–Gloay filter and temporal resampling algorithm based on the time series MODIS EVI data; (2) identify the best periods to extract croplands through crop phenology analysis; (3) develop a seasonal dynamic index (SDI) from the time series MODIS EVI data based on three key stages: sowing, growing, and harvest; and (4) develop a regression model to estimate cropland fraction based on the relationship between SDI and Landsat-derived fractional cropland data. The root mean squared error of 0.14 was obtained based on the analysis of randomly selected 500 sample plots. This research shows that the proposed approach is promising for rapidly mapping fractional cropland distribution in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Characterization of N-Acylhomoserine Lactones Produced by Bacteria Isolated from Industrial Cooling Water Systems
Authors: Okutsu Noriya , Morohoshi Tomohiro , Xie Xiaonan , Kato Norihiro , Ikeda Tsukasa
Published: December 2015

The cooling water systems are used to remove heat generated in the various industries. Biofouling of the cooling water systems causes blocking of condenser pipes and the heat exchanger tubes. In many Gram-negative bacteria, N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) are used as quorum-sensing signal molecule and associated with biofilm formation. To investigate the relationship between quorum sensing and biofouling in the cooling water system, we isolated a total of 192 bacterial strains from the five cooling water systems, and screened for AHL production. Seven isolates stimulated AHL-mediated purple pigment production in AHL reporter strain Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 or VIR07. Based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, AHL-producing isolates were assigned to Aeromonas hydrophila, Lysobacter sp., Methylobacterium oryzae, and Bosea massiliensis. To the best of our knowledge, B. massiliensis and Lysobacter sp. have not been reported as AHL-producing species in the previous researches. AHLs extracted from the culture supernatants of B. massiliensis and Lysobacter sp. were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. AHLs produced by B. massiliensis were assigned as N-hexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C6-HSL), and N-(3-oxooctanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C8-HSL). AHLs produced by Lysobacter sp. were assigned as N-decanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL) and N-(3-oxodecanoyl)-l-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C10-HSL). This is the first report of identification of AHLs produced by B. massiliensis and Lysobacter sp. isolated from the cooling water system.
A Fifty-Year Sustainability Assessment of Italian Agro-Forest Districts
Authors: Recanatesi Fabio , Clemente Matteo , Grigoriadis Efstathios , Ranalli Flavia , Zitti Marco , Salvati Luca
Published: December 2015

As cropland management and land use shifted towards more intensive practices, global land degradation increased drastically. Understanding relationships between ecological and socioeconomic drivers of soil and landscape degradation within these landscapes in economically dynamic contexts such as the Mediterranean region, requires multi-target and multi-scalar approaches covering long-term periods. This study provides an original approach for identifying desertification risk drivers and sustainable land management strategies within Italian agro-forest districts. An Environmental Sensitivity Area (ESA) approach, based on four thematic indicators (climate, soil, vegetation and land-use) and a composite index of desertification risk (ESAI), was used to evaluate changes in soil vulnerability and landscape degradation between the years 1960 and 2010. A multivariate model was developed to identify the most relevant drivers causing changes in land susceptibility at the district scale. Larger districts, and those with a higher proportion of their total surface area classified as agro-forest, had a significantly lower increase in land susceptibility to degradation during the 50 years when compared with the remaining districts. We conclude that preserving economic viability and ecological connectivity of traditional, extensive agricultural systems is a key measure to mitigate the desertification risk in the Mediterranean region.
Urban Sustainability Versus Green-Washing—Fallacy and Reality of Urban Regeneration in Downtown Seoul
Authors: Schuetze Thorsten , Chelleri Lorenzo
Published: December 2015

This paper examines the planning paradigm shift related to the contested “urban renaissance” mega-project in Downtown Seoul (Korea). Similar to other global cities, over the last few decades, different mega-projects have been successfully implemented in Seoul. These projects have been considered engines for urban renewals and transformation. This paper builds on the analysis of the failure and re-framing planning strategy for the Green Corridor (GC) mega-project, part of the “Urban Renaissance Master Plan for Downtown Seoul”. The GC case reveals various critical insights for urban sustainability: (i) the current mega-projects’ sustainability fallacy, related to top-down, technocratic densification, and greening practices; and (ii) the untapped potential of Asian traditional and irregular small scale urban patterns, and their related socio-cultural value in addressing the renaissance of the long term urban sustainability. In particular, the discussed research findings point out that urban renaissance enabling sustainability principles requires integrated, small scale, incremental, and adaptive (stepwise) urban planning and design processes that go well beyond general strategies following the so-called “green growth” paradigm.
PRMT5 Is Upregulated in HTLV-1-Mediated T-Cell Transformation and Selective Inhibition Alters Viral Gene Expression and Infected Cell Survival
Authors: Panfil Amanda , Al-Saleem Jacob , Howard Cory , Mates Jessica , Kwiek Jesse , Baiocchi Robert , Green Patrick
Published: December 2015

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is a tumorigenic retrovirus responsible for development of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). This disease manifests after a long clinical latency period of up to 2–3 decades. Two viral gene products, Tax and HBZ, have transforming properties and play a role in the pathogenic process. Genetic and epigenetic cellular changes also occur in HTLV-1-infected cells, which contribute to transformation and disease development. However, the role of cellular factors in transformation is not completely understood. Herein, we examined the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) on HTLV-1-mediated cellular transformation and viral gene expression. We found PRMT5 expression was upregulated during HTLV-1-mediated T-cell transformation, as well as in established lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma cell lines and ATLL patient PBMCs. shRNA-mediated reduction in PRMT5 protein levels or its inhibition by a small molecule inhibitor (PRMT5i) in HTLV-1-infected lymphocytes resulted in increased viral gene expression and decreased cellular proliferation. PRMT5i also had selective toxicity in HTLV-1-transformed T-cells. Finally, we demonstrated that PRMT5 and the HTLV-1 p30 protein had an additive inhibitory effect on HTLV-1 gene expression. Our study provides evidence for PRMT5 as a host cell factor important in HTLV-1-mediated T-cell transformation, and a potential target for ATLL treatment.
The Evolutionary Phonology of Glottal Stops in K’ichean
Authors: Barrett Rusty
Published: December 2015

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Disambiguation Strategies in Across-the-Board Wh-Questions
Authors: Citko Barbara
Published: December 2015

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Toward a True Theory of the Periphery: Why Culicover’s “Odd Prepositions” Aren’t That Odd
Authors: Coppock Elizabeth
Published: December 2015

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Object Case and Event Type: Accusative-Dative Object Case Alternation in Japanese
Authors: Fukuda Shin
Published: December 2015

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The Bounds of Subjecthood: Evidence from Instruments
Authors: Grimm Scott
Published: December 2015

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Variation in Voice Onset Time of Stops: The Case of Chinese Korean
Authors: Jin Wenhua
Published: December 2015

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Dative External Possessor Constructions in Sidaama
Authors: Kawachi Kazuhiro
Published: December 2015

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Double-subject Sentences, Double-dimension Semantics
Authors: Salmon William
Published: December 2015

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The Eastern Tukanoan Languages and the Typology of Classifiers
Authors: Silva Wilson , Bowles Joshua
Published: December 2015

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Problems in Zapotec Tone Reconstruction
Authors: Beam de Azcona Rosemary G.
Published: December 2015

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Argument Quantification and Qualification in Upper Necaxa Totonac
Authors: Beck David
Published: December 2015

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Agent Focus in Yukatek and Lakandon Maya
Authors: Bergqvist Henrik
Published: December 2015

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The Phonetic Realization of Pitch Accent in Huave
Authors: Evanini Keelan
Published: December 2015

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A Semantic Analysis of the Wason Selection Task
Authors: Aptekman Jeanne
Published: December 2015

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GIVE Verb-Object Constructions in French: from Grammar to Idioms
Authors: Bouveret Myriam
Published: December 2015

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Phonetics vs. Phonology in Loanword Adaptation: Revisiting the Role of the Bilingual
Authors: Chang Charles B.
Published: December 2015

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Flexibility and Rigidity: Multiplicatives, Frequency, and Quantification Adverbs
Authors: Csirmaz Aniko
Published: December 2015

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Total Identity in Co-occurrence Restrictions
Authors: Gallagher Gillian
Published: December 2015

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Perceptual Similarity in Korean Vowel Epenthesis
Authors: Kim Seung Kyung
Published: December 2015

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Using Social Information in Language Processing
Authors: Casasanto Laura Staum
Published: December 2015

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Production and Perception of Pitch Accent in Japanese
Authors: Sugiyama Yukiko
Published: December 2015

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The Agent-Obfuscating Function of Mono 'Things' in Japanese Discourse
Authors: Yoshida Nina Azumi
Published: December 2015

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Prosody, Accessibility, and Sentential Negation in Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Armstrong Meghan E. , Schwenter Scott A.
Published: December 2015

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Presentation: From Comment to Topic
Authors: Huber Stefan
Published: December 2015

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Correcting the Incorrect: Local Coherence Effects Modeled with Prior Belief Update
Authors: Bicknell Klinton , Levy Roger , Demberg Vera
Published: December 2015

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A Study on Perceptual Compensation for /u/-fronting in American English
Authors: Kataoka Reiko
Published: December 2015

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Do What You Know: “Semantic Scaffolding” in Biclausal Raising and Control
Authors: Kirby Susannah
Published: December 2015

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Numeral Modifiers and Temporal Container Adverbials
Authors: Mittwoch Anita
Published: December 2015

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Argument is Gesture War: Function, Form, and Prosody of Discourse Structuring Gestures in Political Argument
Authors: Wehling Elisabeth
Published: December 2015

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