bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Radish Overseeded Planting Date on Interseeded Soybean and Corn Yield
Authors: Sandler Leah N. , Nelson Kelly A. , Dudenhoeffer Chris J. , Miles Randall J. , Motavalli Peter P.
Published: June 2015

Complementarity and competition among multiple plant species are key to a successful intercropping system. A radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cover crop may compete with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] when it is incorporated into an intercrop system, although limited research exists in this area. Research was conducted from 2012 to 2014 to evaluate the effect of radish overseeding planting date with or without nitrogen (N) fertilizer on soybean grain yield, radish biomass production, and corn (Zea mays L.) yield the following year (2013 and 2014). Radish planting date did not affect soybean or corn yields compared to a non‐seeded control. In 2012, radish production with an early planting date (last week of August) and adequate rainfall following overseeding produced greater radish top and tuber biomass compared to other seeding dates. In 2013, a shorter duration drought during August and dry autumn conditions kept radish biomass yields low, while a dense soybean canopy development and low autumn rainfall probably limited radish growth in 2014. Overseeding planting date affected radish biomass production, but had no effect on soybean or corn yields. Based on these results, farmers in northern Missouri seeking maximum cover crop radish yields should overseed radishes into soybean before 1 September when experiencing drought conditions and precipitation is in the forecast.
Adsorption characteristics of Cu2+ on NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Moeinpour Farid , Kamyab Shohreh
Published: June 2015

Magnetic NiFe2O4 nanoparticles have been synthesized and used as adsorbents for copper removal from aqueous solution. The NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The batch removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions using NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles under different experimental conditions was investigated. The effects of initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and pH were investigated. The adsorption process was pH dependent, and the maximum adsorption was observed at a pH of 6.0. Equilibrium was achieved for copper ion after 25 min. Experimental results showed that NiFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles are effective for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solutions. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model gave a better fit of the experimental data as compared to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Experimental data showed a good fit with the Langmuir isotherm model.
Geographic information system-based optimization of sewage treatment facilities by evaluating pollution effects and governance demands
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Jiang Xiaowei , Dong Yawen , Chen Wen , Cui Jianxin
Published: June 2015

Municipal sewage treatment facilities have important implications for cities' sustainable development and water environment protection. This study's aim is to optimize the sewage treatment facilities by evaluating pollution effects and governance demands for Huai'an City in Jiangsu province, China. The township is chosen as the evaluation unit and the spatial pattern, change trend, and environmental impact of pollution sources are analyzed to examine the demands for sewage treatment facilities in the future. By employing the ArcGIS spatial analysis tools, the spatial matching patterns between municipal treatment capacity and sewage discharge are studied. Considering the characteristics of wastewater discharge and the actual ability and designed capacity of the wastewater treatment facilities, the study area is divided into three types, including sewage treatment potential released type, sewage treatment enhanced type, and status quo maintained type. Comparing the quantity of wastewater discharged with the treatment potential capacity, direction for the construction and operation of sewage treatment facilities is proposed. Results of this study provide a scientific basis for site selection and layout optimization of municipal sewage treatment facilities.
Kinetic modelling for heavy metal adsorption using Jordanian low cost natural zeolite (fixed bed column study)
Authors: Al Dwairi Reyad , Omar Waid , Al-Harahsheh Sura
Published: June 2015

Low cost Jordanian natural zeolite (ANZ1 and ANZ2) of type phillipsite-chabazite obtained from Jabal al Ataitahat south Jordan were tested experimentally as adsorbent material for the removal of lead (Pb) and lithium (Li) ions from the effluent industrial wastewater streams. The experimental breakthrough curves were obtained from fixed bed experiments and analysed using the Thomas and Yoon and Nelson kinetic models to evaluate the adsorbent performance. The rate constants for the Thomas model for the removal of lead ions using the adsorbents ANZ2 and ANZ1 were 0.201 and 0.2345 mL/min/mg, respectively. The Thomas model adsorption capacity for the removal of lead ions using the adsorbents ANZ2 and ANZ1 were 34.7 and 23.64 mg/g, respectively. The estimated rate constants for the Yoon and Nelson model for the two ANZ2 and ANZ1 were 0.038 and 0.05 min–1, respectively. The kinetic data fitted well to both models. The rate constants for the Thomas model for the removal of lithium ions using the adsorbents ANZ1 and ANZ2 were 0.134 and 0.1005 mL/min/mg, respectively, where the Thomas model adsorption capacity for the removal of lithium ions using the adsorbents ANZ1 and ANZ2 were 18.65 and 21.43 mg/g, respectively.
The value of fracking wastewater treatment and recycling technologies in North Dakota
Authors: Hearne Robert , Shakya Sumadhur , Yin Qingqing
Published: June 2015

The oil boom in North Dakota is aided by hydraulic fracturing, often referred to as fracking. Fracking uses a pressurized water, sand, and chemical mixture to break through layers of rock and release oil and gas. This procedure produces hundreds of truckloads of wastewater for each fracked well. In this study, we analyze the financial feasibility of a system of wastewater recycling and reuse to reduce total truck use and to conserve water supplies. We present a spatial mathematical programming model to assess the minimum cost of dealing with the potentially treatable portion of the fracking wastewater that flows back from North Dakota oil wells after fracking. Results of modeling demonstrate that mobile on-site treatment plants would be cost-effective. Both the public and private sectors have incentives to support the development of appropriate recycling technologies.
Efficiency and reliability of membrane processes in a water reclamation plant
Authors: Hamoda Mohamed F. , AL-Harbi Meshari , AL-Ajmi Hasan
Published: June 2015

Performance of a water reclamation plant using ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) treating 280,000 m3/d of wastewater was evaluated over 1 year. Statistical analyses were performed on flow rate, temperature, pH, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and total coliforms. Variations in flow rates coincided with those in temperature, both being seasonal, but plant performance was not highly influenced by such variations. The RO system recovered 85% of water flow. Data on process variables conform to a normal probability distribution and reveal the high process efficiency and reliability of UF and RO systems. Plant efficiencies were >99% for TSS, TDS, BOD5 and total coliforms. Efficiencies were the highest for TSS and total coliforms in the UF system, while they were the highest for TDS and BOD5 in the RO system. Cumulative frequency distribution analyses indicate that RO plays an important role in maintaining a stable plant performance and high quality reclaimed water. The UF system proved essential for complimenting successful performance of the RO system. Reclaimed water satisfies, at 99% frequency, the quality standards for potable water concerning TSS, TDS, BOD5 and total coliforms even though membranes have been operating continuously for 6 consecutive years.
Preparation of composite coagulant of PFM-PDMDAAC and its coagulation performance in treatment of landfill leachate
Authors: Li Simin , Lv Yongkang , Liu Zhanmeng
Published: June 2015

A novel inorganic–organic composite coagulant, poly-ferric-magnesium (PFM) polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC), was prepared using FeSO4, MgSO4 and PDMDAAC as raw materials and was introduced to treat landfill leachate. The coagulation performance of the new reagent was evaluated and compared with those of other coagulants. The new reagent was characterized in terms of the analysis of ferron-timed spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The coagulation mechanism was investigated by measuring the ζ-potential reduction and chemical oxygen demand removal at different dosages. Coagulation experiments revealed that the new reagent exhibited better coagulation performance compared with the simple PFM and the PFM + PDMDAAC. Ferron-timed spectroscopy showed that the new reagent exhibited increased effective polymer species concentration. XRD and FTIR spectroscopy showed that the new reagent was not a simple mechanical mixing of PFM and PDMDAAC, but a composite system with inorganic–organic complex interpenetration networks. The predominant coagulation mechanism of the new reagent was charge neutralization at low dosages, as well as adsorption bridging and co-precipitation netting at high dosages, when treating landfill leachate.
Model-driven acceptance test automation based on use cases
Authors: Straszak Tomasz , Śmiałek Michał
Published: June 2015

Acceptance testing is highly dependent on the formulation of requirements, as
the final system is tested against user requirements. It is thus highly
desirable to be able to automate transition from requirements to acceptance
tests. In this paper we present a model-driven approach to this issue, where
detailed use case models are transformed into test cases. Importantly, our
approach facilitates synchronising functional test cases with other types of
tests (non-functional, domain logic, user interface) and introducing test
data. This leads to a unified approach where requirements models of various
kind drive the acceptance testing process. This process is parallel to the
development process which also involves automatic transformations from
requirements models to software development artefacts (models and code). To
show validity of the approach we present a case study which uses a new tool
called ReDSeT, that transforms requirements formulated in the Requirements
Specification Language (RSL) into tests in a newly proposed Test
Specification Language (TSL).
Functional Task Constraints Foster Enhanced Postural Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Schmit Jennifer M. , Riley Michael , Cummins-Sebree Sarah , Schmitt Laura , Shockley Kevin
Published: June 2015

Background

Postural instability is a classical characteristic of cerebral palsy (CP), but it has not been examined during functional play activity. Recent work has demonstrated that when motor tasks are made functionally more relevant, performance improves, even in children with movement pathology. It is possible that in a disease state, the underlying control mechanisms that are associated with healthy physiology must be elicited.

Objective

The study objective was to explore the utility of the functional play task methodology as a more rich and interpretable approach to the quantification of postural instability in children with CP.

Design

Postural stability measures obtained from a cross-sectional cohort of children with CP (n=30) were compared with stability measures taken from children with typical development (n=30) during a single measurement period.

Methods

Postural stability data were obtained with a portable force platform system. Postural sway was quantified during a precision manual functional play task. A baseline condition (no task) also was included. Postural sway variability and postural sway regularity were analyzed with analyses of variance.

Results

There was an apparent difference in postural control (greater irregularity, greater sway variability) during quiet stance between children with CP and peers with typical development; this difference was mitigated during the performance of the precision functional play task.

Limitations

A small and nonprobability sample of convenience may limit the findings of this study.

Conclusions

The findings illustrate flexibility and adaptability in the postural control system despite the pathological features associated with CP.
Out-of-Pocket Spending for Ambulatory Physical Therapy Services From 2008 to 2012: National Panel Survey
Authors: Chevan Julia , Riddle Daniel L. , Reed Shelby D.
Published: June 2015

Background

Out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures are incurred as insurers and employers shift some of the burden of health care costs onto consumers. As cost-sharing increases, OOP expenditures could be a barrier to physical therapy care.

Objective

The purposes of this study were: (1) to identify factors associated with any OOP physical therapy spending and (2) to identify factors associated with higher spending among individuals incurring OOP costs.

Design

The study was a retrospective analysis using the 4 most recently available panels of data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) encompassing 2008–2012.

Methods

A data file containing episodes of physical therapy care for 2,189 people was created. Logistic regression was used to identify factors related to having an OOP expenditure. A multivariable generalized linear model was used to identify factors related to mean OOP expenditures.

Results

On average, an episode of care encompassed 9.9 visits, with mean total expenditures of $1,708 (median: $792). Fifty-four percent of episodes of care had an OOP expenditure. For individuals with OOP expenditures, the mean OOP expenditure for an episode of care was $351 (median: $144). Being female or non-Hispanic and having a higher income were associated with higher odds of incurring an OOP expenditure, whereas being in worse general health, >65 years of age, or nonwhite and having public funding were associated with lower odds of incurring an OOP expenditure. Amounts of OOP spending were higher in urban areas and in all census geographic regions relative to the Northeast region.

Limitations

Estimates are based on household-reported survey data, limited to ambulatory care, and do not include institutionalized individuals.

Conclusions

At 54%, the proportion of individuals with OOP expenditures for physical therapy is lower than for general medical care. Several predictors were found of having OOP expenditures and of the magnitude of those expenditures.
Development of a 3D-printed external ventricular drain placement simulator: technical note
Authors: Tai Bruce L. , Rooney Deborah , Stephenson Francesca , Liao Peng-Siang , Sagher Oren , Shih Albert J. , Savastano Luis E.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the authors present a physical model developed to simulate accurate external ventricular drain (EVD) placement with realistic haptic and visual feedbacks to serve as a platform for complete procedural training. Insertion of an EVD via ventriculostomy is a common neurosurgical procedure used to monitor intracranial pressures and/or drain CSF. Currently, realistic training tools are scarce and mainly limited to virtual reality simulation systems. The use of 3D printing technology enables the development of realistic anatomical structures and customized design for physical simulators. In this study, the authors used the advantages of 3D printing to directly build the model geometry from stealth head CT scans and build a phantom brain mold based on 3D scans of a plastinated human brain. The resultant simulator provides realistic haptic feedback during a procedure, with visualization of catheter trajectory and fluid drainage. A multiinstitutional survey was also used to prove content validity of the simulator. With minor refinement, this simulator is expected to be a cost-effective tool for training neurosurgical residents in EVD placement.
Gruber, Gradenigo, Dorello, and Vail: key personalities in the historical evolution and modern-day understanding of Dorello’s canal
Authors: Reddy Renuka K. , Reddy Rohit K. , Jyung Robert W. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Liu James K.
Published: June 2015

A century ago an ambitious young anatomist in Rome, Primo Dorello, who sought to understand the cause of abducent nerve palsy that often occurred in patients with severe middle ear infections, conducted intricate studies on the intracranial course of the nerve. In his findings, he identified that the abducent nerve passes through a narrow sinus near the apex of the petrous bone, which formed an osteofibrous canal. Dorello suggested that in this enclosed region the abducent nerve may be particularly vulnerable to compression due to the vascular edema accompanying the infection. Although his work was widely appreciated, it was not well received by all. Interestingly, Giuseppe Gradenigo, one of the most prominent Italian otologists of the early 20th century, who was known for his work on a triad of symptoms (Gradenigo’s syndrome) that accompanies petrous apicitis, a result of severe middle ear infections, was obstinate in his criticism of Dorello’s findings. Thus a scientific duel began, with a series of correspondence between these two academics—one who was relatively new to the otological community (Dorello) and one who was well reputed in that community (Gradenigo). The disagreement ultimately ebbed in 1909, when Dorello published a report in response to Gradenigo’s criticisms and convinced Gradenigo to change his views.

Today Dorello’s canal is widely recognized as a key landmark in skull base surgery of the petroclival region and holds clinical significance due to its relation to the abducent nerve and surrounding vascular structures. Yet, although academics such as Dorello and Gradenigo are recognized for their work on the canal, it is important not to forget the others throughout history who have contributed to the modern-day understanding of this anatomical structure. In fact, although the level of anatomical detail found in Dorello’s work was previously unmatched, the first description of the canal was made by the experienced Austrian anatomist Wenzel Leopold Gruber in 1859, almost 50 years prior to Dorello’s landmark publication. Another critical figure in building the understanding of Dorello’s canal was Harris Holmes Vail, a young otolaryngologist from Harvard Medical School, who in 1922 became the first person to describe Dorello’s canal in the English language. Vail conducted his own detailed anatomical studies on cadavers, and his publication not only reaffirmed Dorello’s findings but also immortalized the eponym used today—“Dorello’s canal.”

In this article the authors review the life and contributions of Gruber, Dorello, Gradenigo, and Vail, four men who played a critical role in the discovery of Dorello’s canal and paved the way toward the current understanding of the canal as a key clinical and surgical entity.
Surgical outcomes of 156 spinal accessory nerve injuries caused by lymph node biopsy procedures
Authors: Park Sang Hyun , Esquenazi Yoshua , Kline David G. , Kim Daniel H.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

Iatrogenic injuries to the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) are not uncommon during lymph node biopsy of the posterior cervical triangle (PCT). In this study, the authors review the operative techniques and surgical outcomes of 156 surgical repairs of the SAN following iatrogenic injury during lymph node biopsy procedures.

METHODS

This retrospective study examines the authors’ clinical and surgical experience with 156 patients with SAN injury between 1980 and 2012. All patients suffered iatrogenic SAN injuries during lymph node biopsy, with the vast majority (154/156, 98.7%) occurring in Zone I of the PCT. Surgery was performed on the basis of anatomical and electro-physiological findings at the time of the operation. The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range 8–44 months).

RESULTS

Of the 123 patients who underwent graft or suture repair, 107 patients (87%) improved to Grade 3 functionality or higher using the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC) grading system. Neurolysis was performed in 29 patients (19%) when the nerve was found in continuity with recordable nerve action potential (NAP) across the lesion. More than 95% of patients treated by neurolysis with positive NAP recordings recovered to LSUHSC Grade 3 or higher. Forty-one patients (26%) underwent end-to-end repair, while 82 patients (53%) underwent graft repair, and Grade 3 or higher recovery was assessed for 90% and 85% of these patients, respectively. The average graft length used was 3.81 cm. Neurotization was performed in 4 patients, 2 of whom recovered to Grade 2 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SAN injuries present challenges for surgical exploration and repair because of the nerve’s size and location in the PCT. However, through proper and timely intervention, patients with diminished or absent function achieved favorable functional outcomes. Surgeons performing lymph node biopsy procedures in Zone I of the PCT should be aware of the potential risk of injury to the SAN.
Safety of neuroangiography and embolization in children: complication analysis of 697 consecutive procedures in 394 patients
Authors: Lin Ning , Smith Edward R. , Scott R. Michael , Orbach Darren B.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

The safe treatment of children using catheter-based angiography and embolization poses unique challenges because of the technical factors regarding the size and fragility of access and target vessels, as well as unique pediatric cerebrovascular pathologies. The complication rates for neurointerventional procedures in children have not been established.

METHODS

The records of a consecutive cohort of pediatric patients who underwent neuroangiography and/or embolization between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively to identify both intraprocedural and postprocedural complications. Demographic and clinical risk factors were analyzed with a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The 697 consecutive procedures consisted of 429 diagnostic angiograms and 268 embolizations (mean age of patients 11.1 years; range 4 days to 18 years; 217 females). There were 130 intracranial, 122 extracranial, and 16 spinal embolizations. Pathologies included 28 intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), 12 spinal AVMs, 19 aneurysms, 29 vein of Galen malformations, 29 dural arteriovenous fistulas, 96 extracranial AVMs, 39 tumors, 3 strokes, and 13 others. Overall, 2 intraprocedural and 1 postprocedural complication (0.7%) occurred in the diagnostic group, all of which were nonneurological events. In the embolization group, 7 intraprocedural and 11 postprocedural complications (6.7%) were observed. Of these complications, 15 were nonneurological events (5.6%), 1 was a short-term neurological event (0.4%), and 2 were long-term neurological events (0.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the technical challenges posed by children’s access and target vessels nor the unique neuro-vascular pathologies seen in children need result in an elevated morbidity rate related to neuroangiography and embolization. At a dedicated high-volume center, the complication rates may be lower than those for comparable procedures performed in adults.
Pediatric spinal injury in the US: epidemiology and disparities
Authors: Piatt Joseph H.
Published: June 2015

OBJECT

In the US, race and economic status have pervasive associations with mechanisms of injury, severity of injury, management, and outcomes of trauma. The goal of the current study was to examine these relationships on a large scale in the setting of pediatric spinal injury.

METHODS

Admissions for spinal fracture without or with spinal cord injury (SCI), spinal dislocation, and SCI without radiographic abnormality were identified in the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) and the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) registry for 2009. Patients ranged in age from birth up to 21 years. Data from the KID were used to estimate nationwide annual incidences. Data from the NTDB were used to describe patterns of injury in relation to age, race, and payor, with corroboration from the KID. Multiple logistic regression was used to model rates of mortality and spinal fusion.

RESULTS

In 2009, the estimated incidence of hospital admission for spinal injury in the US was 170 per 1 million in the population under 21 years of age. The incidence of SCI was 24 per 1 million. Incidences varied regionally. Adolescents predominated. Patterns of injury varied by age, race, and payor. Black patients were more severely injured than patients of other races as measured by Injury Severity Scale scores. Among black patients with spinal injury in the NTDB, 23.9% suffered firearm injuries; only 1% of white patients suffered firearm injuries. The overall mortality rate in the NTDB was 3.9%. In a multivariate analysis that included a large panel of clinical and nonclinical factors, black race retained significance as a predictor of mortality (p = 0.006; adjusted OR 1.571 [1.141–2.163]). Rates of spinal fusion were associated with race and payor in the NTDB data and with payor in the KID: patients with better insurance underwent spinal fusion at higher rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiology of pediatric spinal injury in the US cannot be understood apart from considerations of race and economic status.
SMARCE1 mutations in pediatric clear cell meningioma: case report
Authors: Evans Linton T. , Van Hoff Jack , Hickey William F. , Smith Miriam J. , Evans D. Gareth , Newman William G. , Bauer David F.
Published: June 2015

Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is an uncommon variant of meningioma. The authors describe a case of a pediatric CCM localized to the lumbar spine. After resection, sequencing revealed an inactivating mutation in the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex subunit SMARCE1, with loss of the second allele in the tumor. The authors present a literature review of this mutation that is associated with CCM and a family history of spine tumors.
Transmit Energy Efficiency of Two Cognitive Radar Platforms for Target Identification
Authors: Romero Ric , Mourtzakis Emmanouil
Published: June 2015

Cognitive radar (CRr) is a recent radar paradigm that can potentially help drive aerospace innovation forward. Two specific platforms of cognitive radar used for target identification are discussed. One uses sequential hypothesis testing (SHT) in the receiver processing and is referred to as SHT-CRr and the other one uses maximum a posteriori (MAP) and is referred to as MAP-CRr. Our main goal in this article is to make a practical comparison between SHT-CRr and MAP-CRr platforms in terms of transmission energy efficiency. Since the performance metric for the SHT-CRr is the average number of illuminations (ANI) and the performance metric for MAP-CRr is the percentage of correct decisions (\(P_{cd}\)), a direct comparison between the platforms is difficult to perform. In this work, we introduce a useful procedure that involves a metric called total transmit energy (TTE) given a fixed \(P_{cd}\) as a metric to measure the transmit energy efficiency of both platforms. Lower TTE means that the platform is more efficient in achieving a desired \(P_{cd}\). To facilitate a robust comparison, a transmit-adaptive waveform that consistently outperforms the pulsed waveform in terms of both \(P_{cd}\) and ANI is needed. We show that a certain adaptive waveform called the probability weighted energy signal-to-noise ratio-based (PWE-SNR) waveform outperforms the pulsed wideband waveform (i.e., flat frequency response) in terms of ANI and \(P_{cd}\) for all ranges of transmit waveform energy. We also note that the \(P_{cd}\) performance of SHT-CRr can be drastically different from the probability threshold (i.e., the probability value that is used to stop radar illumination for the purposes of classification), which is critically important for CRr system designers to realize. Indeed, this fact turns out to be key in accomplishing our goal to compare SHT-CRr and MAP-CRr in terms of transmit energy efficiency.
Knockout of RNA Binding Protein MSI2 Impairs Follicle Development in the Mouse Ovary: Characterization of MSI1 and MSI2 during Folliculogenesis
Authors: Sutherland Jessie , Sobinoff Alexander , Gunter Kara , Fraser Barbara , Pye Victoria , Bernstein Ilana , Boon Evan , Siddall Nicole , De Andres Luisa , Hime Gary , Holt Janet , Graf Thomas , McLaughlin Eileen
Published: June 2015

Characterizing the mechanisms underlying follicle development in the ovary is crucial to understanding female fertility and is an area of increasing research interest. The RNA binding protein Musashi is essential for post-transcriptional regulation of oocyte maturation in Xenopus and is expressed during ovarian development in Drosophila. In mammals Musashi is important for spermatogenesis and male fertility, but its role in the ovary has yet to be characterized. In this study we determined the expression of mammalian Musashi proteins MSI1 and MSI2 during mouse folliculogenesis, and through the use of a MSI2-specific knockout mouse model we identified that MSI2 is essential for normal follicle development. Time-course characterization of MSI1 and MSI2 revealed distinct differences in steady-state mRNA levels and protein expression/localization at important developmental time-points during folliculogenesis. Using a gene-trap mouse model that inactivates Msi2, we observed a significant decrease in ovarian mass, and change in follicle-stage composition due to developmental blocking of antral stage follicles and pre-antral follicle loss through atresia. We also confirmed that hormonally stimulated Msi2-deficient mice produce significantly fewer MII oocytes (60.9% less than controls, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the majority of these oocytes are of poor viability (62.2% non-viable/apoptotic, p < 0.05), which causes a reduction in female fertility evidenced by decreased litter size in Msi2-deficient animals (33.1% reduction to controls, p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that MSI1 and MSI2 display distinct expression profiles during mammalian folliculogenesis and that MSI2 is required for pre-antral follicle development.
Polyaniline-Derived Ordered Mesoporous Carbon as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wan Kai , Yu Zhi-Peng , Liang Zhen-Xing
Published: June 2015

Nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon was synthesized by using polyaniline as the carbon source and SBA-15 as the template. The microstructure, composition and electrochemical behavior were extensively investigated by the nitrogen sorption isotherm, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and rotating ring-disk electrode. It is found that the pyrolysis temperature yielded a considerable effect on the pore structure, elemental composition and chemical configuration. The pyrolysis temperature from 800 to 1100 °C yielded a volcano-shape relationship with both the specific surface area and the content of the nitrogen-activated carbon. Electrochemical tests showed that the electrocatalytic activity followed a similar volcano-shape relationship, and the carbon catalyst synthesized at 1000 °C yielded the best performance. The post-treatment in NH3 was found to further increase the specific surface area and to enhance the nitrogen doping, especially the edge-type nitrogen, which favored the oxygen reduction reaction in both acid and alkaline media. The above findings shed light on electrocatalysis and offer more strategies for the controllable synthesis of the doped carbon catalyst.
Mangroves on the Edge: Anthrome-Dependent Fragmentation Influences Ecological Condition (Turbo, Colombia, Southern Caribbean)
Authors: Blanco-Libreros Juan , Estrada-Urrea Edgar
Published: June 2015

Marine protected areas are commonly seen as the most effective strategy for protecting mangroves from external human pressures but little is known about the role of public land-tenure contexts (dense settlements, agricultural or range lands and wild anthromes) on clearing rates, patch properties, and ecological condition. We addressed the following questions using a peri-urban to wild gradient along the anthropogenic coastal-scape in Turbo Municipality (Colombia, Southern Caribbean): Do the different deforestation rates observed under peri-urban, rural, military-protected and wild land-use-and-tenure contexts, promote distinctive fragmentation patterns? Do these patterns influence loggers’ access and ultimately ecosystem ecological condition? Loss rate (1938–2009) was the greatest peri-urban mangroves and positively correlated with urban edge and patch density. Pasture edge was highest in rural mangroves while mean patch area was higher in protected and wild mangroves. An Anthropogenic Disturbance Index (ADI) was strongly correlated with reduced mean patch area and increased patch density, due to increased trampling and logging, that ultimately promoted high densities of thin (diameter: <5 cm) Laguncularia racemosa trees but had no significant effect on the presence of a dominant benthic gastropod. In conclusion, both protection and remoteness were effective in reducing anthropogenic edges and fragmentation, and thus contributed to a high ecological condition in mangroves at a major deforestation hotspot.
The Importance of Scaling for Detecting Community Patterns: Success and Failure in Assemblages of Introduced Species
Authors: Allen Craig , Angeler David , Moulton Michael , Holling Crawford
Published: June 2015

Community saturation can help to explain why biological invasions fail. However, previous research has documented inconsistent relationships between failed invasions (i.e., an invasive species colonizes but goes extinct) and the number of species present in the invaded community. We use data from bird communities of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which supports a community of 38 successfully established introduced birds and where 37 species were introduced but went extinct (failed invasions). We develop a modified approach to evaluate the effects of community saturation on invasion failure. Our method accounts (1) for the number of species present (NSP) when the species goes extinct rather than during its introduction; and (2) scaling patterns in bird body mass distributions that accounts for the hierarchical organization of ecosystems and the fact that interaction strength amongst species varies with scale. We found that when using NSP at the time of extinction, NSP was higher for failed introductions as compared to successful introductions, supporting the idea that increasing species richness and putative community saturation mediate invasion resistance. Accounting for scale-specific patterns in body size distributions further improved the relationship between NSP and introduction failure. Results show that a better understanding of invasion outcomes can be obtained when scale-specific community structure is accounted for in the analysis.
Penetration of Photovoltaics in Greece
Authors: Giannini Eugenia , Moropoulou Antonia , Maroulis Zacharias , Siouti Glykeria
Published: June 2015

Recently, an interesting experiment was completed in Greece concerning photovoltaic penetration into the electricity production sector. Based on the relevant laws and in accordance to the related European directives, an explosive penetration process was completed in less than three years, resulting in a 7% share of photovoltaics in electricity production instead of the previous negligible share. The legislation was based on licensing simplification and generous feed-in-tariffs. This approach transformed photovoltaic technology from a prohibitively expensive to a competitive one. This work aims to summarize the relevant legislation and illustrate its effect on the resulting penetration. A sigmoid-shape penetration was observed which was explained by a pulse-type driving force. The return on investment indicator was proposed as an appropriate driving force, which incorporates feed-in-tariffs and turnkey-cost. Furthermore, the resulting surcharge on the electricity price due to photovoltaic penetration was also analyzed.
Alteration of Water Pollution Level with the Seasonal Changes in Mean Daily Discharge in Three Main Rivers around Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. , Uddin M. , Tareq Shafi , Shammi Mashura , Kamal Abdul , Sugano Tomohiro , Kurasaki Masaaki , Saito Takeshi , Tanaka Shunitz , Kuramitz Hideki
Published: June 2015

A study based on the physicochemical parameters and dissolved metals levels from three main rivers around Dhaka City, Bangladesh, was conducted in order to determine the present pollution status and their alteration trends with the seasonal change of discharge amount. The water samples were collected from the rivers Buriganga, Turag, and Shitalakkhya during both dry and monsoon seasons. Physicochemical analyses revealed that most of the water quality parameters exceeded the recommended levels set by the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh, during both the dry and monsoon seasons. A very strong positive correlation was found between biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in all sampling points. Both BOD and COD values had a strong negative correlation with dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Shitalakkhya River. Most of the dissolved metals concentrations in the water samples were similar. However, the concentrations of different physicochemical properties varied with the seasons. The dry season had significantly higher contamination loads, which were decreased during the monsoon season. Anthropogenic activities, as well as the variation in river water flow during different seasons were the main reasons for this high degree of water pollution.
Background Conditions and Mining Pollution throughout History in the Río Tinto (SW Spain)
Authors: Olías Manuel , Nieto José
Published: June 2015

The Río Tinto drains the eastern part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), an area with a huge amount of massive sulphide deposits that has been mined for the last 4500 years. This river presents extreme conditions, with very high concentrations in solution of metals and metalloids and low pH values. Mining activities in the upper part of the watershed of the Río Tinto have been documented since historical times and a huge amount of widespread acid-producing mine residues exist in this area. Nevertheless, there is no consensus among the scientific community as to whether the extreme conditions of the Río Tinto are the result of natural processes or the intense mining activity in the region. Here we show, using numerous geological, archaeological and historical records, that the present quality of the Río Tinto is the result of mining activities, especially during the period 1850–2001, while natural processes of formation of acid rock drainage can be considered negligible.
The Prefrontal Cortex Activity and Psychological Effects of Viewing Forest Landscapes in Autumn Season
Authors: Joung Dawou , Kim Geonwoo , Choi Yoonho , Lim HyoJin , Park Soonjoo , Woo Jong-Min , Park Bum-Jin
Published: June 2015

Recently reported research indicate that forest environments have physiological and psychological relaxing effects compared to urban environments. However, some researchers claim that the stress of the subjects from being watched by others during measurements can affect the measurement result in urban experiments conducted in the center of a street. The present study was conducted to determine whether forest environments have physiological and psychological relaxing effects, using comparison of viewing a forest area with viewing an urban area from the roof of an urban building without being watched by others. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurement was performed on subjects while they viewed scenery for 15 min at each experimental site (urban and forest areas). Subjective assessments were performed after the NIRS measurement was complete. Total hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin concentrations were significantly lower in the forest area than in the urban area. For semantic differential in subjective assessments, feelings of “comfortable”, “natural”, and “soothed” were significantly higher in the forest area than in the urban area, and for profile of mood states, negative emotions were significantly lower in the forest area than in the urban area. The results of physiological and psychological measurements show that viewing the forest enabled effective relaxation.
Efficacy of Manual Therapy versus Conventional Physical Therapy in Chronic Low Back Pain Due to Lumbar Spondylosis. A Pilot Study
Authors: Sharma Arti , Alahmari Khalid , Ahmed Irshad
Published: June 2015

Objectives: The objective of this work was to compare the efficacy of Maitland mobilization and conventional physical therapy on pain response, range of motion (ROM) and functional ability in patients with chronic low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis. Methods: A total sample of 30 subjects (40–70 years of age) with complaints of slow insidious onset of low back pain (LBP), with or without radiation not less than three months duration and decrease ROM were randomly assigned to: group-I, Maitland mobilization and lumbar stabilization exercises; group-II conventional physical therapy (traction, strengthening, stretching exercises.) and outcomes were assessed for dependent variables. Results: There is statically a significant difference between pre and post measurement readings with time (p = 0.00) and between groups (p < 0.05) with respect to pain and function, but, with respect to ROM readings, showed statistical significance with time (p = 0.00) and no significance between groups (p > 0.05), indicating manual therapy group-I is improving faster and better than conventional physical therapy group-II. Conclusion: Our results showed that manual therapy interventions are more effective in managing low back pain, and function and range of motion of the lumbar spine than conventional physical therapy treatment.
A Multi-Target Approach toward the Development of Novel Candidates for Antidermatophytic Activity: Ultrastructural Evidence on α-Bisabolol-Treated Microsporum gypseum
Authors: Romagnoli Carlo , Baldisserotto Anna , Malisardi Gemma , Vicentini Chiara , Mares Donatella , Andreotti Elisa , Vertuani Silvia , Manfredini Stefano
Published: June 2015

Multi-target strategies are directed toward targets that are unrelated (or distantly related) and can create opportunities to address different pathologies. The antidermatophytic activities of nine natural skin lighteners: α-bisabolol, kojic acid, β-arbutin, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, nicotinamide, glycine, glutathione and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, were evaluated, in comparison with the known antifungal drug fluconazole, on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Nannizzia cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Arthroderma gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. α-Bisabolol showed the best antifungal activity against all fungi and in particular; against M. gypseum. Further investigations were conducted on this fungus to evaluate the inhibition of spore germination and morphological changes induced by α-bisabolol by TEM.
Anemarrhena asphodeloides Non-Steroidal Saponin Components Alter the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Its Steroidal Saponins in Rat
Authors: Tang Zhishu , Li Guolong , Yang Jie , Duan Jinao , Qian Dawei , Guo Jianming , Zhu Zhenhua , Song Zhongxing
Published: June 2015

A rapid, selective and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS assay was established to determine the plasma concentrations of four steroidal saponins. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to four groups which were orally administered Anemarrhena asphodeloides extracts (ASE), ASE combined with macromolecular fraction (ASE-MF), ASE combined with small molecule fraction (ASE-SF) and ASE combined with small molecule and macromolecular fraction (ASE-SF-MF) containing approximately the same dose of ASE. At different time points, the concentration of timosaponin BII, anemarsaponin BIII, timosaponin AIII and timosaponin E1 in rat plasma were determined and main pharmacokinetic parameters including Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, AUC were calculated using the DAS 3.2 software package. The statistical analysis was performed using the Student’s t-test with p < 0.05 as the level of significance. MF had no effect on the pharmacokinetic behaviors and parameters of four steroidal saponins. It was found that Cmax and AUC of four steroidal saponins in group ASE-SF and ASE-SF-MF, were significantly increased compared with those in group ASE. These results indicate that SF in A. asphodeloides extracts could increase the absorption and improve the bioavailability of the steroidal saponins.
Effect of Stay-Green Wheat, a Novel Variety of Wheat in China, on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in High-Fat Diet Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ji Jinshan , Zhang Chao , Luo Xiaoqin , Wang Li , Zhang Ruijuan , Wang Zhenlin , Fan Daidi , Yang Haixia , Deng Jianjun
Published: June 2015

The use of natural hypoglycemic compounds is important in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150–180 g were divided into four groups to investigate the effects of the compounds in stay-green wheat (SGW), a novel variety of wheat in China, on T2DM rats. The control group (NDC) was fed with a standard diet, while T2DM was induced in the rats belonging to the other three groups by a high-fat diet followed by a streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The T2DM rats were further divided into a T2DM control group (DC), which was fed with the normal diet containing 50% common wheat flour, a high dose SGW group (HGW) fed with a diet containing 50% SGW flour, and a low dose SGW group (LGW) fed with a diet containing 25% SGW flour and 25% common wheat flour. Our results showed that SGW contained cereal antioxidants, particularly high in flavonoids and anthocyanins (46.14 ± 1.80 mg GAE/100 g DW and 1.73 ± 0.14 mg CGE/100 g DW, respectively). Furthermore, SGW exhibited a strong antioxidant activity in vitro (30.33 ± 2.66 μg TE/g DW, p < 0.01). Administration of the SGW at a high and low dose showed significant down-regulatory effects on fasting blood glucose (decreasing by 11.3% and 7.0%, respectively), insulin levels (decreasing by 12.3% and 9.7%, respectively), and lipid status (decreasing by 9.1% and 7.5%, respectively) in T2DM rats (p < 0.01). In addition, the T2DM groups treated with SGW at a high and low dose showed a significant increase in the blood superoxide dismutase (1.17 fold and 1.15 fold, respectively) and glutathione peroxidase activities (1.37 fold and 1.30 fold, respectively) compared with the DC group (p < 0.01). The normalized impaired antioxidant status of the pancreatic islet and of the liver compared with the DC group was also significantly increased. Our results indicated that SGW components exerting a glycemic control and a serum lipid regulation effect may be due to their free radical scavenging capacities to reduce the risk of T2DM in experimental diabetic rats.