bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Community and Chemical Characteristics of Swine Manure during Maturation
Authors: Trabue Steven L. , Kerr Brian J. , Bearson Bradley L. , Hur Manhoi , Parkin Timothy , Wurtele Eve S. , Ziemer Cherrie J.
Published: May 2016

Swine diet formulations have the potential to lower animal emissions, including odor and ammonia (NH3). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of manure storage duration on manure chemical and microbial properties in swine feeding trials. Three groups of 12 pigs were fed a standard corn–soybean meal diet over a 13‐wk period. Urine and feces were collected at each feeding and transferred to 12 manure storage tanks. Manure chemical characteristics and headspace gas concentrations were monitored for NH3, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), volatile fatty acids, phenols, and indoles. Microbial analysis of the stored manure included plate counts, community structure (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), and metabolic function (Biolog). All odorants in manure and headspace gas concentrations were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated for length of storage using quadratic equations, peaking after Week 5 for all headspace gases and most manure chemical characteristics. Microbial community structure and metabolic utilization patterns showed continued change throughout the 13‐wk trial. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis species diversity patterns declined significantly (p < 0.01) with time as substrate utilization declined for sugars and certain amino acids, but functionality increased in the utilization of short chain fatty acids as levels of these compounds increased in manure. Studies to assess the effect of swine diet formulations on manure emissions for odor need to be conducted for a minimum of 5 wk. Efforts to determine the impact of diets on greenhouse gas emissions will require longer periods of study (>13 wk).

Core Ideas

Emissions of odorants from manure stabilized after 5 wk in a swine feeding trial.

Microbial numbers and species diversity declined significantly with manure storage.

Manure chemical properties influence the microbial community metabolic functions.

Emissions of GHG from manure never stabilized throughout the 13‐wk feeding trial.
Using the Provenance of Sediment and Bioavailable Phosphorus to Help Mitigate Water Quality Impact in an Agricultural Catchment
Authors: McDowell R. W. , Norris M. , Cox N.
Published: May 2016

The quality and health of surface waters can be impaired by sediment and sediment‐bound phosphorus (P). The Waituna Lagoon catchment in southern New Zealand has undergone agricultural intensification that has been linked to increases in sediment and sediment‐bound bioavailable P (BAP) in the lagoon. Time‐integrated samplers trapped suspended sediment from the water column, and their geochemical signature was compared with likely sources (stream banks, stream beds, topsoil, and subsoil) in each of the lagoon's contributing streams and rivers. The proportion of BAP, but not necessarily total P, within trapped sediment was much greater in samples from the Moffat and Carran Creeks than from the Waituna Creek, probably due to the erosion of organic‐rich soils that had little capacity to retain P compared with the more mineral soils of the Waituna Creek. Annually, most BAP and sediment came from bank erosion, and strategies such as fencing out stock should focus on minimizing this throughout the catchment. However, when considering losses in space and time relative to the impact on the Waituna Lagoon, strategies the Waituna Creek catchment should also minimize contributions from topsoil in winter‐spring, whereas in the Carran and Moffat Creek catchments strategies need to decrease P inputs (e.g., effluent) to Organic soils likely to lose much BAP in summer‐autumn when the impact on the Lagoon is quickest. This study highlighted the need to identify sources and timings of BAP and sediment loss before recommending mitigation practices, which without this information may be slow or not succeed.

Core Ideas

The water quality of coastal lagoons is affected by sediment and P inputs.

Knowing the provenance of sediment and BAP can help target strategies to mitigate loss.

Organic‐rich soils lost more BAP but less sediment than mineral soils.

Mitigating erosion and P form mineral soils should focus on stream banks and topsoil.

Losses from Organic soils were from many sources; overall P inputs should be lowered.
Preharvest Herbicide Treatments Affect Black Bean Desiccation, Yield, and Canned Bean Color
Authors: Goffnett Amanda M. , Sprague Christy L. , Mendoza Fernando , Cichy Karen A.
Published: May 2016

To facilitate direct harvest, preharvest herbicide applications are used to desiccate weeds and to accelerate and promote uniform dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) maturation. Field trials were conducted near Richville, MI, in 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the effects of preharvest herbicide treatments on desiccation, yield, and canned black bean quality and color. Three black bean cultivars, Zorro, Eclipse, and Zenith, were planted on two different dates in each of 2 yr. Three preharvest herbicide treatments, paraquat, glyphosate, and saflufenacil, were applied at a standard (pods = 80% yellow) and an early (pods = 50% yellow) application timing. A nontreated control was established for each cultivar. Differences in black bean desiccation were greatest 3 d after treatment (DAT), with paraquat and saflufenacil showing the quickest desiccation at the early application timing. By 7 DAT, desiccation for most preharvest treatments was >95%. Saflufenacil applied at the early timing reduced yield by as much as 55% compared with the nontreated control. Yield was generally not affected when preharvest herbicide treatments were applied at the standard application timing. Black bean cultivar influenced canned bean color retention (Zenith > Zorro > Eclipse). Preharvest herbicide treatments reduced color retention when applied at the early application timing; glyphosate reduced color retention by as much as 24%. Because of variability in bean maturation rate within a field, preharvest herbicide treatments need to be applied as close to physiological maturity as possible to minimize yield losses and maintain color retention of canned black bean.
Soil Gas Diffusivity Controls N2O and N2 Emissions and their Ratio
Authors: Balaine Nimlesh , Clough Tim J. , Beare Mike H. , Thomas Steve M , Meenken Esther D.
Published: May 2016

Core Ideas

Relative gas diffusivity controls both N2O and N2 emissions.

Relative gas diffusivity integrates the effects of soil bulk density and matric potential.

Nitrogen use efficiency is likely to be driven by soil physics.

Knowledge of soil biological and physical interactions with respect to N2O and N2 fluxes is essential to ensure that agricultural land management is environmentally and economically sustainable. This study determined how varying soil relative gas diffusivity (Dp/Do) affected cumulative N2O and N2 fluxes under simulated ruminant urinary‐N deposition. Using repacked soil cores, the effects of varying soil bulk density (ρb; from 1.1 to 1.5 Mg m−3) and soil matric potential (ψ; −10 to −0.2 kPa) on Dp/Do were examined in a Templeton silt loam soil (Udic Haplustept) following the application of simulated ruminant urine (700 kg N ha−1). Fluxes of N2O and N2, soil inorganic N, pH, and dissolved organic C (DOC) dynamics were monitored over 35 d. Soil Dp/Do declined as soil bulk density and soil moisture increased. Soil N2O emissions increased exponentially as Dp/Do decreased until Dp/Do equaled 0.005, where upon N2O fluxes decreased rapidly due to complete denitrification, such that N2 fluxes reached a maximum of 60% of N applied at a Dp/Do of <0.005. Regression analysis showed that Dp/Do was better able to explain the variation in N2O and N2 fluxes than water‐filled pore space (WFPS) because it accounted for the interaction of soil ρb and ψ. This study demonstrates that soil Dp/Do can explain cumulative N2O and N2 emissions from agricultural soils. Under grazed pasture systems, potential exists to reduce the emissions of the greenhouse gas N2O and significant economic losses of N as N2 if soil management and irrigation can be maintained to maximize Dp/Do.
Treatment of corn ethanol distillery wastewater using two-stage anaerobic digestion
Authors: Ráduly B. , Gyenge L. , Szilveszter Sz. , Kedves A. , Crognale S.
Published: May 2016

In this study the mesophilic two-stage anaerobic digestion (AD) of corn bioethanol distillery wastewater is investigated in laboratory-scale reactors. Two-stage AD technology separates the different sub-processes of the AD in two distinct reactors, enabling the use of optimal conditions for the different microbial consortia involved in the different process phases, and thus allowing for higher applicable organic loading rates (OLRs), shorter hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and better conversion rates of the organic matter, as well as higher methane content of the produced biogas. In our experiments the reactors have been operated in semi-continuous phase-separated mode. A specific methane production of 1,092 mL/(L·d) has been reached at an OLR of 6.5 g TCOD/(L·d) (TCOD: total chemical oxygen demand) and a total HRT of 21 days (5.7 days in the first-stage, and 15.3 days in the second-stage reactor). Nonetheless the methane concentration in the second-stage reactor was very high (78.9%); the two-stage AD outperformed the reference single-stage AD (conducted at the same reactor loading rate and retention time) by only a small margin in terms of volumetric methane production rate. This makes questionable whether the higher methane content of the biogas counterbalances the added complexity of the two-stage digestion.
Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal (SNDPR) in a full-scale water reclamation plant located in warm climate
Authors: Yang Qin , Shen Nan , Lee Zarraz M.-P. , Xu Guangjing , Cao Yeshi , Kwok Beehong , Lay Winson , Liu Yu , Zhou Yan
Published: May 2016

The combination of simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) with enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) provides a more efficient and economically viable option for nutrient removal from municipal wastewater compared to conventional two-step nitrification-denitrification. This study analyzed the nutrients (N and P) profiles in a full-scale municipal wastewater reclamation plant (WRP) located in the tropical region, in which more than 90% of nitrogen was removed. Interestingly, average SND efficiency in aerobic zones was found to be up to 50%, whereas phosphorus profile displayed a clear cyclic release and uptake pattern with a phosphorus removal efficiency of up to 76%. The capability of sludge to perform SND and EBPR was further confirmed through a series of batch experiments. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of Accumulibacter and Tetrasphaera phosphate accumulating organisms in the plant, while few glycogen accumulating organisms (GAO) was observed. This study showed the significant occurrence of combined SND and EBPR, known as simultaneous nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal (SNDPR), in the studied WRP under warm climate. The possible causes behind the observed SNDPR were also discussed.
A new pattern of lipomatosis of nerve: case report
Authors: Prasad Nikhil K. , Mahan Mark A. , Howe Benjamin M. , Amrami Kimberly K. , Spinner Robert J.
Published: May 2016

Lipomatosis of nerve (LN) is a rare disorder of peripheral nerves that produces proliferation of interfascicular adipose tissue. It may be associated with soft-tissue and bony overgrowth within the affected nerve territory. LN has been almost exclusively reported in appendicular peripheral nerves; the median nerve at the wrist and palm is among the most common locations. The authors present a new pattern of LN that shows circumferential proliferation of fat around the epineurium of the nerve. They believe that this case and the two other documented examples in the literature (also affecting cervical and thoracic spinal nerves) share the same new pattern of LN. Defining the full spectrum of adipose lesions of the nerve and establishing a cause-effect relationship with nerve-territory overgrowth disorders may offer options for future management through targeted nerve lesioning.
Correlation of the venous angioarchitecture of multiple cerebral cavernous malformations with familial or sporadic disease: a susceptibility-weighted imaging study with 7-Tesla MRI
Authors: Dammann Philipp , Wrede Karsten , Zhu Yuan , Matsushige Toshinori , Maderwald Stefan , Umutlu Lale , Quick Harald H. , Hehr Ute , Rath Matthias , Ladd Mark E. , Felbor Ute , Sure Ulrich
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Multiple cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are rare lesions that occur in sporadic or familial form. Depending on the disease form, the natural history and treatment of the lesions strongly vary. Molecular analysis of an underlying germline mutation (CCM1–3) is the most sensitive screening method to distinguish between sporadic and familial cases. However, based on the different pathomechanisms that are believed to be involved in either form, significant distinctions in the CCM-associated cerebral venous angioarchitecture should be detectable. This has not been systematically studied.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 28 patients with multiple CCMs (681 total) diagnosed on 1.5-T MRI underwent genetic screening for CCM1–3 mutations and high-resolution susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) of the cerebral venous angioarchitecture with 7-T MRI. Imaging data were analyzed to examine the CCM-associated venous angioarchitecture. Results were correlated with findings of molecular analysis for CCM1–3 mutations.

RESULTS

Two different SWI patterns (sporadic and familial) were found. The presence of associated developmental venous anomalies correlated with negative screening for germline mutations (11 sporadic) in all cases. All patients with confirmed familial disease showed normal underlying venous angioarchitecture. Additionally, a very unusual case of a probable somatic mutation is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

The SWI results of the venous angioarchitecture of multiple CCMs correlate with sporadic or familial disease. These results are consistent with the theory that venous anomalies are causative for the sporadic form of multiple CCMs.
Impact of preoperative depression on 2-year clinical outcomes following adult spinal deformity surgery: the importance of risk stratification based on type of psychological distress
Authors: Theologis Alexander A. , Ailon Tamir , Scheer Justin K. , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Bess Shay , Gupta Munish , Klineberg Eric O. , Kebaish Khaled , Schwab Frank , Lafage Virginie , Burton Douglas , Hart Robert , Ames Christopher P. , _ _
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to isolate whether the effect of a baseline clinical history of depression on outcome is independent of associated physical disability and to evaluate which mental health screening tool has the most utility in determining 2-year clinical outcomes after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery.

METHODS

Consecutively enrolled patients with ASD in a prospective, multicenter ASD database who underwent surgical intervention with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. A subset of patients who completed the Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) was also analyzed. The effects of categorical baseline depression and DRAM classification on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36, and Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22r) were assessed using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The probability of achieving ≥ 1 minimal clinically important difference (MCID) on the ODI based on the DRAM’s Modified Somatic Perceptions Questionnaire (MSPQ) score was estimated.

RESULTS

Of 267 patients, 66 (24.7%) had self-reported preoperative depression. Patients with baseline depression had significantly more preoperative back pain, greater BMI and Charlson Comorbidity Indices, higher ODIs, and lower SRS-22r and SF-36 Physical/Mental Component Summary (PCS/MCS) scores compared with those without self-reported baseline depression. They also had more severe regional and global sagittal malalignment. After adjusting for these differences, preoperative depression did not impact 2-year ODI, PCS/MCS, or SRS-22r totals (p > 0.05). Compared with those in the “normal” DRAM category, “distressed somatics” (n = 11) had higher ODI (+23.5 points), lower PCS (−10.9), SRS-22r activity (−0.9), and SRS-22r total (−0.8) scores (p ≤ 0.01), while “distressed depressives” (n = 25) had lower PCS (−8.4) and SRS-22r total (−0.5) scores (p < 0.05). After adjusting for important covariates, each additional point on the baseline MSPQ was associated with a 0.8-point increase in 2-year ODI (p = 0.03). The probability of improving by at least 1 MCID in 2-year ODI ranged from 77% to 21% for MSPQ scores 0–20, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A baseline clinical history of depression does not correlate with worse 2-year outcomes after ASD surgery after adjusting for baseline differences in comorbidities, health-related quality of life, and spinal deformity severity. Conversely, DRAM improved risk stratification of patient subgroups predisposed to achieving suboptimal surgical outcomes. The DRAM’s MSPQ was more predictive than MCS and SRS mental domain for 2-year outcomes and may be a valuable tool for surgical screening.
Ethical aspects of Dhaka University Tele-medicine System
Authors: Abir Ahmed Raihan , Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: May 2016

To provide basic health care services in rural areas is one of the major challenges for developing countries like Bangladesh because of lack of infrastructures and unavailability of qualified medical doctors in the villages. Telemedicine viewed as a new way of offering health care services that has the potential to overcome this problem. Author is a member of extended group at Dhaka University (DU) which has been developing telemedicine equipment and data acquisition software to promote telemedicine practice in Bangladesh. PC based ECG equipment, Digital stethoscope, Digital microscope, Digital X-ray view box and some other essential medical equipment was developed for telemedicine services. The data acquisition software establishes an easy and appropriate patients to doctor interaction through a trained operator in a remote center that involve management and arrangement of consultation of a chosen and agreeing doctor by a patient. Upon establishing audio-visual connection between patient and doctor relevant physiological data from different diagnostic instruments will be uploaded securely in a dedicated web server which can be viewed real time using unique patient/doctor ID and password. Recently the Telemedicine group of DU and a local NGO named SAMAMA with support from Service innovation fund (SIF) of Prime Minister Office (PMO) of Bangladesh took the initiative to establish eight rural telemedicine centers and one expert center for the field trial of telemedicine in Bangladesh. The aim of this paper is to examine the ethical challenges of such health care system and our effort to overcome those problem before starting the field trial.
Preventing and Investigating Horse-Related Human Injury and Fatality in Work and Non-Work Equestrian Environments: A Consideration of the Workplace Health and Safety Framework
Authors: Chapman Meredith , Thompson Kirrilly
Published: May 2016

It has been suggested that one in five riders will be injured due to a fall from a horse, resulting in severe head or torso injuries. Attempts to reduce injury have primarily focussed on low level risk controls, such as helmets. In comparison, risk mitigation in high risk workplaces and sports is directed at more effective and preventative controls like training, consultation, safe work procedures, fit for purpose equipment and regular Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) monitoring. However, there has been no systematic consideration of the risk-reduction benefits of applying a WHS framework to reducing horse-related risks in workplaces, let alone competition or leisure contexts. In this article, we discuss the different dimensions of risk during human–horse interaction: the risk itself, animal, human and environmental factors and their combinations thereof. We consider the potential of the WHS framework as a tool for reducing (a) situation-specific hazards, and (b) the risks inherent in and arising from human–horse interactions. Whilst most—if not all—horses are unpredictable, the majority of horse-related injuries should be treated as preventable. The article concludes with a practical application of WHS to prevent horse-related injury by discussing effective evidence-based guidelines and regulatory monitoring for equestrian sectors. It suggests that the WHS framework has significant potential not only to reduce the occurrence and likelihood of horse-related human accident and injury, but to enable systematic accident analysis and investigation of horse-related adverse events.
Modelling Monetary and Fiscal Governance in the Wake of the Sovereign Debt Crisis in Europe
Authors: Herzog Bodo
Published: May 2016

This paper analyzes different government debt relief programs in the European Monetary Union. I build a model and study different options ranging from debt relief to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The analysis reveals the following: First, patient countries repay debt, while impatient countries more likely consume and default. Second, without ESM loans, indebted countries default anyway. Third, if the probability to be an impatient government is high, then the supply of loans is constrained. In general, sustainable and unsustainable governments should be incentivized differently especially in a supranational monetary union. Finally, I develop policy recommendations for the ongoing debate in the Eurozone.
Modeling for Three-Pole Radial Hybrid Magnetic Bearing Considering Edge Effect
Authors: Zhu Huangqiu , Ding Shuling , Jv Jintao
Published: May 2016

In order to overcome the shortcoming of magnetic bearings whereby general mathematical models of the radial suspension forces cannot be accurately established, a mathematical model considering the edge effect is set up. The configuration, operation principle and flux distribution features of a three-pole radial hybrid magnetic bearing (HMB) are analyzed in this paper. The magnetic field division method is employed to calculate the permeance of different regions around the end portion of poles. The total permeance of a single pole is composed of the permeance of the regions. Then, an accurate mathematical model of the radial suspension forces considering the edge effect is deduced by the equivalent magnetic circuit method. From the modeling procedures, it can be seen that the edge effect calculation is only related to the configuration and parameters of the magnetic poles, and is isolated with the other configurations and parameters of the three-pole radial HMB, therefore, the mathematical model is proved universal for calculating different suspension forces of hybrid magnetic bearings. A finite element analysis (FEA) simulation and three-pole radial HMB experiments are performed. The error between the theoretical calculation values and the FEA simulation values of the suspension forces is less than 5%, and the error between theoretical calculation value and experimental value of suspension forces is less than 7%. The comparison between the results of the theoretical calculation, FEA simulation and experiments has verified that the established mathematical model can accurately calculate the suspension forces.
Review of CFD Guidelines for Dispersion Modeling
Authors: Meroney Robert , Ohba Ryohji , Leitl Bernd , Kondo Hiroaki , Grawe David , Tominaga Yoshihide
Published: May 2016

This is the review of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) guidelines for dispersion modeling in the USA, Japan and Germany. Most parts of this review are based on the short report of the special meeting on CFD Guidelines held at the International Symposium on Computational Wind Engineering (CWE2014), University of Hamburg, June 2014. The objective of this meeting was to introduce and discuss the action program to make worldwide guidelines of CFD gas-dispersion modeling. The following six gas-dispersion guidelines including Verification and Validation (V&V) schemes are introduced by each author; (1) US CFD guidelines; (2) COST/ES1006; (3) German VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) guidelines; (4) Atomic Energy Society of Japan; (5) Japan Society of Atmospheric Environment; (6) Architectural Institute of Japan. All guidelines were summarized in the same format table shown in the main chapters in order to compare them with each other. In addition to the summary of guidelines, the overview of V&V schemes and many guidelines of CFD modeling in the USA are explained.
How Novelle May Have Shaped Visual Imaginations
Authors: Emison Patricia
Published: May 2016

Artists figure fairly frequently in novelle, so it is not unreasonable to suppose that they may have taken more than a passing interest in the genre. Although much scholarly effort has been dedicated to the task of exploring how Horace’s adage “ut pictura poësis” affected the course of the visual arts during the Italian Renaissance and vast scholarly effort has been assigned to the study of Boccaccio’s literary efforts (much more so than the efforts of his successors), relatively little effort has been spent on the dauntingly interdisciplinary task of estimating how the development of prose literary imagination may have affected habits of perception and may also have augmented the project of integrating quotidian observations into pictorial compositions. In contrast to these issues of “realism”, the essay also addresses questions of how the literary conventions of novelle, although they may have been created in deliberate defiance of current social norms, may eventually have helped to shift those norms. More specifically, the gender norms of the novelle offer intriguing precedents for characterizations that we find in the visual arts, from Botticelli to Leonardo to Michelangelo, ones that rarely match what we know of societal expectations of the day. The argument, though necessarily speculative, is addressed as much to the question of how readers and viewers might have had their thinking shaped by their combined aesthetic experiences as by the more traditional question of identifying artists’ sources. Did theorizing about style, or simply thinking about what made for vividness or impressiveness, shift readily between the verbal and the visual, and perhaps more easily then than now? Can we create a history of art that seeks evidence from the whole literary record rather than consistently prioritizing poetry and the “poetic”?
Organic and Conventional Produce in the U.S.: Examining Safety and Quality, Economic Values, and Consumer Attitudes
Authors: Simonne Amarat , Ozores-Hampton Monica , Treadwell Danielle , House Lisa
Published: May 2016

Organic agriculture is an industry sector that has been experiencing steady global growth in recent years. The United States is ranked first in organic food consumption, followed by Germany and France. In 2014, the estimated market value of organic foods in the U.S. was $42 billion; 43% of this total was attributed to produce (fruits and vegetables). Organic production systems in the U.S. must adhere to National Organic Program (NOP) standards that integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices. These standards promote the recycling of resources and ecological balance while conserving biodiversity. While the U.S. organic produce sector is steadily expanding, many questions related to price, safety, nutritional quality, and consumer preference remain. This paper will provide comparisons and insights in the following areas: (1) the economic contribution and impact of the organic produce market; (2) the U.S. National Organic Standards and requirements, as well as the certification process; (3) the nutritional quality and safety of organic produce; (4) consumer attitudes and preferences regarding organic produce; and (5) future research directions and developments for the organic produce industry.
Spatial-Temporal Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Mainland China: An Analysis Based on Bayesian Theory
Authors: Cao Kai , Yang Kun , Wang Chao , Guo Jin , Tao Lixin , Liu Qingrong , Gehendra Mahara , Zhang Yingjie , Guo Xiuhua
Published: May 2016

Objective: To explore the spatial-temporal interaction effect within a Bayesian framework and to probe the ecological influential factors for tuberculosis. Methods: Six different statistical models containing parameters of time, space, spatial-temporal interaction and their combination were constructed based on a Bayesian framework. The optimum model was selected according to the deviance information criterion (DIC) value. Coefficients of climate variables were then estimated using the best fitting model. Results: The model containing spatial-temporal interaction parameter was the best fitting one, with the smallest DIC value (−4,508,660). Ecological analysis results showed the relative risks (RRs) of average temperature, rainfall, wind speed, humidity, and air pressure were 1.00324 (95% CI, 1.00150–1.00550), 1.01010 (95% CI, 1.01007–1.01013), 0.83518 (95% CI, 0.93732–0.96138), 0.97496 (95% CI, 0.97181–1.01386), and 1.01007 (95% CI, 1.01003–1.01011), respectively. Conclusions: The spatial-temporal interaction was statistically meaningful and the prevalence of tuberculosis was influenced by the time and space interaction effect. Average temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and air pressure influenced tuberculosis. Average humidity had no influence on tuberculosis.
Interaction between Mesenchymal Stem Cells and B-Cells
Authors: Fan Linxiao , Hu Chenxia , Chen Jiajia , Cen Panpan , Wang Jie , Li Lanjuan
Published: May 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent; non-hematopoietic stem cells. Because of their immunoregulatory abilities; MSCs are widely used for different clinical applications. Compared with that of other immune cells; the investigation of how MSCs specifically regulate B-cells has been superficial and insufficient. In addition; the few experimental studies on this regulation are often contradictory. In this review; we summarize the various interactions between different types or states of MSCs and B-cells; address how different types of MSCs and B-cells affect this interaction and examine how other immune cells influence the regulation of B-cells by MSCs. Finally; we hypothesize why there are conflicting results on the interaction between MSCs and B-cells in the literature.
A High Redox Potential Laccase from Pycnoporus sanguineus RP15: Potential Application for Dye Decolorization
Authors: Zimbardi Ana , Camargo Priscila , Carli Sibeli , Aquino Neto Sidney , Meleiro Luana , Rosa Jose , De Andrade Adalgisa , Jorge João , Furriel Rosa
Published: May 2016

Laccase production by Pycnoporus sanguineus RP15 grown in wheat bran and corncob under solid-state fermentation was optimized by response surface methodology using a Central Composite Rotational Design. A laccase (Lacps1) was purified and characterized and the potential of the pure Lacps1 and the crude culture extract for synthetic dye decolorization was evaluated. At optimal conditions (eight days, 26 °C, 18% (w/w) milled corncob, 0.8% (w/w) NH4Cl and 50 mmol·L−1 CuSO4, initial moisture 4.1 mL·g−1), the laccase activity reached 138.6 ± 13.2 U·g−1. Lacps1 was a monomeric glycoprotein (67 kDa, 24% carbohydrate). Optimum pH and temperature for the oxidation of 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) were 4.4 and 74.4 °C, respectively. Lacps1 was stable at pH 3.0–8.0, and after two hours at 55–60 °C, presenting high redox potential (0.747 V vs. NHE). ABTS was oxidized with an apparent affinity constant of 147.0 ± 6.4 μmol·L−1, maximum velocity of 413.4 ± 21.2 U·mg−1 and catalytic efficiency of 3140.1 ± 149.6 L·mmol−1·s−1. The maximum decolorization percentages of bromophenol blue (BPB), remazol brilliant blue R and reactive blue 4 (RB4), at 25 or 40 °C without redox mediators, reached 90%, 80% and 60%, respectively, using either pure Lacps1 or the crude extract. This is the first study of the decolorization of BPB and RB4 by a P. sanguineus laccase. The data suggested good potential for treatment of industrial dye-containing effluents.
Termite Diversity in Urban Landscape, South Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Arinana Arinana , Aldina Rifat , Nandika Dodi , Rauf Aunu , Harahap Idham , Sumertajaya I , Bahtiar Effendi
Published: May 2016

The population of South Jakarta, a city within the Province of Jakarta Capital Region, is increasing annually, and the development of land into building causes termite diversity loss. The aim of this research was to determine the diversity of subterranean termite species and their distribution in South Jakarta and to evaluate the soil profile termite habitat. This study was conducted in South Jakarta and was carried out at four residential areas representing four randomly selected sub-districts. Specimens were collected with a baiting system. At each residence, as many as 25–30 stakes of pine wood (Pinus merkusii) sized 2 cm × 2 cm × 46 cm were placed for termite sampling. Soil samples were also collected from each residence for testing of their texture, pH, soil water content, and C-organic. Three species of subterranean termites were identified, including Coptotermes curvignathus, Microtermes insperatus, and Macrotermes gilvus, with area-specific variations in occurrence. The soil and weather conditions in the studied areas provided suitable habitat for termites, and M. insperatus was the most commonly found species.
A Privacy-by-Design Contextual Suggestion System for Tourism
Authors: Efraimidis Pavlos , Drosatos George , Arampatzis Avi , Stamatelatos Giorgos , Athanasiadis Ioannis
Published: May 2016

We focus on personal data generated by the sensors and through the everyday usage of smart devices and take advantage of these data to build a non-invasive contextual suggestion system for tourism. The system, which we call Pythia, exploits the computational capabilities of modern smart devices to offer high quality personalized POI (point of interest) recommendations. To protect user privacy, we apply a privacy by design approach within all of the steps of creating Pythia. The outcome is a system that comprises important architectural and operational innovations. The system is designed to process sensitive personal data, such as location traces, browsing history and web searches (query logs), to automatically infer user preferences and build corresponding POI-based user profiles. These profiles are then used by a contextual suggestion engine to anticipate user choices and make POI recommendations for tourists. Privacy leaks are minimized by implementing an important part of the system functionality at the user side, either as a mobile app or as a client-side web application, and by taking additional precautions, like data generalization, wherever necessary. As a proof of concept, we present a prototype that implements the aforementioned mechanisms on the Android platform accompanied with certain web applications. Even though the current prototype focuses only on location data, the results from the evaluation of the contextual suggestion algorithms and the user experience feedback from volunteers who used the prototype are very positive.
Formation and Disruption of W-Phase in High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Riva Sephira , Fung Chung , Searle Justin , Clark Ronald , Lavery Nicholas , Brown Stephen , Yusenko Kirill
Published: May 2016

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are single-phase systems prepared from equimolar or near-equimolar concentrations of at least five principal elements. The combination of high mixing entropy, severe lattice distortion, sluggish diffusion and cocktail effect favours the formation of simple phases—usually a bcc or fcc matrix with minor inclusions of ordered binary intermetallics. HEAs have been proposed for applications in which high temperature stability (including mechanical and chemical stability under high temperature and high mechanical impact) is required. On the other hand, the major challenge to overcome for HEAs to become commercially attractive is the achievement of lightweight alloys of extreme hardness and low brittleness. The multicomponent AlCrCuScTi alloy was prepared and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning-electron microscope (SEM) and atomic-force microscope equipped with scanning Kelvin probe (AFM/SKP) techniques. Results show that the formation of complex multicomponent ternary intermetallic compounds upon heating plays a key role in phase evolution. The formation and degradation of W-phase, Al2Cu3Sc, in the AlCrCuScTi alloy plays a crucial role in its properties and stability. Analysis of as-melted and annealed alloy suggests that the W-phase is favoured kinetically, but thermodynamically unstable. The disruption of the W-phase in the alloy matrix has a positive effect on hardness (890 HV), density (4.83 g·cm−3) and crack propagation. The hardness/density ratio obtained for this alloy shows a record value in comparison with ordinary heavy refractory HEAs.
Large-Scale Integration of All-Glass Valves on a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Yalikun Yaxiaer , Tanaka Yo
Published: May 2016

In this study, we developed a method for fabricating a microfluidic device with integrated large-scale all-glass valves and constructed an actuator system to control each of the valves on the device. Such a microfluidic device has advantages that allow its use in various fields, including physical, chemical, and biochemical analyses and syntheses. However, it is inefficient and difficult to integrate the large-scale all-glass valves in a microfluidic device using conventional glass fabrication methods, especially for the through-hole fabrication step. Therefore, we have developed a fabrication method for the large-scale integration of all-glass valves in a microfluidic device that contains 110 individually controllable diaphragm valve units on a 30 mm × 70 mm glass slide. This prototype device was fabricated by first sandwiching a 0.4-mm-thick glass slide that contained 110 1.5-mm-diameter shallow chambers, each with two 50-μm-diameter through-holes, between an ultra-thin glass sheet (4 μm thick) and another 0.7-mm-thick glass slide that contained etched channels. After the fusion bonding of these three layers, the large-scale microfluidic device was obtained with integrated all-glass valves consisting of 110 individual diaphragm valve units. We demonstrated its use as a pump capable of generating a flow rate of approximately 0.06–5.33 μL/min. The maximum frequency of flow switching was approximately 12 Hz.
The Application of Ultrasound in 3D Bio-Printing
Authors: Zhou Yufeng
Published: May 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging and promising technology in tissue engineering to construct tissues and organs for implantation. Alignment of self-assembly cell spheroids that are used as bioink could be very accurate after droplet ejection from bioprinter. Complex and heterogeneous tissue structures could be built using rapid additive manufacture technology and multiple cell lines. Effective vascularization in the engineered tissue samples is critical in any clinical application. In this review paper, the current technologies and processing steps (such as printing, preparation of bioink, cross-linking, tissue fusion and maturation) in 3D bio-printing are introduced, and their specifications are compared with each other. In addition, the application of ultrasound in this novel field is also introduced. Cells experience acoustic radiation force in ultrasound standing wave field (USWF) and then accumulate at the pressure node at low acoustic pressure. Formation of cell spheroids by this method is within minutes with uniform size and homogeneous cell distribution. Neovessel formation from USWF-induced endothelial cell spheroids is significant. Low-intensity ultrasound could enhance the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Its use is at low cost and compatible with current bioreactor. In summary, ultrasound application in 3D bio-printing may solve some challenges and enhance the outcomes.
In Silico Exploration of 1,7-Diazacarbazole Analogs as Checkpoint Kinase 1 Inhibitors by Using 3D QSAR, Molecular Docking Study, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Gao Xiaodong , Han Liping , Ren Yujie
Published: May 2016

Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is an important serine/threonine kinase with a self-protection function. The combination of Chk1 inhibitors and anti-cancer drugs can enhance the selectivity of tumor therapy. In this work, a set of 1,7-diazacarbazole analogs were identified as potent Chk1 inhibitors through a series of computer-aided drug design processes, including three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. The optimal QSAR models showed significant cross-validated correlation q2 values (0.531, 0.726), fitted correlation r2 coefficients (higher than 0.90), and standard error of prediction (less than 0.250). These results suggested that the developed models possess good predictive ability. Moreover, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were applied to highlight the important interactions between the ligand and the Chk1 receptor protein. This study shows that hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces are key interactions that confer bioactivity.
RETRACTED: The Aminopyridinol Derivative BJ-1201 Protects Murine Hippocampal Cells against Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity via Heme Oxygenase-1
Authors: Lee Dong-Sung , Nam Tae-Gyu , Jeong Byeong-Seon , Jeong Gil-Saeng
Published: May 2016

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It can cause neuronal cell damage in the context of oxidative stress. BJ-1201 is a derivative of the compound aminopyridinol, which is known for its antioxidant activity. In this study, we examined the effect of BJ-1201, a 6-(diphenylamino)-2,4,5-trimethylpyridin-3-ol compound, on neuroprotection in HT22 cells. Our data showed that BJ-1201 can protect HT22 cells against glutamate-induced cell cytotoxicity. In addition, BJ-1201 upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) to levels comparable to those of the CoPP-treated group. BJ-1201 treatment induced phosphorylation of JNK, but not p38-MAPK or ERK. It also increased the signal in the reporter assay based on β-galactosidase activity driven by the nuclear transcription factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) promoter harboring antioxidant response elements (AREs) and induced the translocation of Nrf2. These results demonstrate that BJ-1201 may be a good therapeutic platform against neurodegenerative diseases induced by oxidative stress.
An Aqueous Extract of Tuberaria lignosa Inhibits Cell Growth, Alters the Cell Cycle Profile, and Induces Apoptosis of NCI-H460 Tumor Cells
Authors: Pereira Joana , Lopes-Rodrigues Vanessa , Xavier Cristina , Lima M. , Lima Raquel , Ferreira Isabel , Vasconcelos M.
Published: May 2016

Tuberaria lignosa (Sweet) Samp. is found in European regions, and has antioxidant properties due to its composition in ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds. Given its traditional use and antioxidant properties, the tumor cell growth inhibitory potential of aqueous extracts from T. lignosa (prepared by infusion and decoction) was investigated in three human tumor cell lines: MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung cancer), and HCT-15 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma). Both extracts inhibited the growth of these cell lines; the most potent one being the T. lignosa extract obtained by infusion in the NCI-H460 cells (GI50 of approximately 50 μg/mL). Further assays were carried out with this extract in NCI-H460 cells. At 100 μg/mL or 150 μg/mL it caused an increase in the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase and a decrease of cells in S phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, these concentrations caused an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells. In agreement, a decrease in total poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and pro-caspase 3 levels was found. In conclusion, the T. lignosa extract obtained by infusion was more potent in NCI-H460 cells, altering the cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. This work highlights the importance of T. lignosa as a source of bioactive compounds with tumor cell growth inhibitory potential.
Fused 1,2,3-Dithiazoles: Convenient Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Konstantinova Lidia , Baranovsky Ilia , Irtegova Irina , Bagryanskaya Irina , Shundrin Leonid , Zibarev Andrey , Rakitin Oleg
Published: May 2016

A new general protocol for synthesis of fused 1,2,3-dithiazoles by the reaction of cyclic oximes with S2Cl2 and pyridine in acetonitrile has been developed. The target 1,2,3-dithiazoles fused with various carbocycles, such as indene, naphthalenone, cyclohexadienone, cyclopentadiene, and benzoannulene, were selectively obtained in low to high yields. In most cases, the hetero ring-closure was accompanied by chlorination of the carbocyclic moieties. With naphthalenone derivatives, a novel dithiazole rearrangement (15→13) featuring unexpected movement of the dithiazole ring from α- to β-position, with respect to keto group, was discovered. Molecular structure of 4-chloro-5H-naphtho[1,2-d][1,2,3]dithiazol-5-one 13 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical properties of 13 were studied by cyclic voltammetry and a complex behavior was observed, most likely including hydrodechlorination at a low potential.
Rapid Nanoparticle Synthesis by Magnetic and Microwave Heating
Authors: Chikan Viktor , McLaurin Emily
Published: May 2016

Traditional hot-injection (HI) syntheses of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) allows good separation of the nucleation and growth stages of the reaction, a key limitation in obtaining monodisperse NPs, but with limited scalability. Here, two methods are presented for obtaining NPs via rapid heating: magnetic and microwave-assisted. Both of these techniques provide improved engineering control over the separation of nucleation and growth stages of nanomaterial synthesis when the reaction is initiated from room temperature. The advantages of these techniques with preliminary data are presented in this prospective article. It is shown here that microwave assisted heating could possibly provide some selectivity in activating the nanomaterial precursor materials, while magnetic heating can produce very tiny particles in a very short time (even on the millisecond timescale), which is important for scalability. The fast magnetic heating also allows for synthesizing larger particles with improved size distribution, therefore impacting, not only the quantity, but the quality of the nanomaterials.