bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural Responses of Primiparous and Multiparous Dairy Cows to The Milking Process over an Entire Lactation
Authors: Szentléleki Andrea , Nagy Krisztina , Széplaki Kálmán , Kékesi Károly , Tőzsér János
Published: September 2014

The objective of this study was to examine associations between milking temperament, parity and milk production traits in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows. Twenty-one primiparous and nineteen multiparous Holstein Friesian cows were involved in the investigation on a Hungarian dairy farm. Cows’ stepping behaviour, milk yield and average milking speed were recorded once a month over an entire lactation, during morning milking. Milking temperament was scored by direct human observation on a 5-point-scale (1=very nervous, 5=very quiet) during udder preparation and milking. Multiparous cows showed a little more excitable behaviour at milking than during udder preparation (Mann-Whitney U=14165.00, P=0.032), and they were calmer at premilking preparation than primiparous cows (Mann-Whitney U=14046.00, P=0.001). Milking temperament of multiparous cows during udder preparation was associated with milking speed: nervous cows let down their milk slower (F=9.102, df= 1, P=0.003). Further experiments are needed to repeat the milking temperament test along with sensors measuring heart rate variability of cows in order to better understand the milking behaviour of cows.
The Effect of Pleurotus Eryngii Stalk Residue Dietary Supplementation on Layer Performance, Egg Traits and Oxidative Status
Authors: Lee Tzu-Tai , Ciou Jhih-Ying , Chen Chung-Nan , Yu Bi
Published: September 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Pleurotus eryngii stalk residue (PESR) on performance, egg traits and oxidative status of laying hens. One hundred and twenty 22-week-old laying hens (Hendrix) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary groups, each containing 30 birds, including 10 replicates per group and 3 birds per replicate. In addition, they were fed diets supplemented with 0 (control group, corn-soybean meal), 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0% dried PESR groups for 8 weeks, respectively. The results indicated that the different levels of dietary supplementation produced no significant differences in production performance among the experimental groups of laying hens. The Haugh unit was significantly higher in the 1.0% and 2.0% PESR groups compared to the control group. The eggs’ cholesterol content of the 1.0% and 2.0% PESR groups was significantly lower than that of the control group at 5-8 weeks. The blood triglyceride content and cholesterol content were significantly lower in the 1.0% and 2.0% PESR groups compared to the control group at the 4th and 8th weeks. Hence, the supplemented 1.0% and 2.0% of PESR groups showed higher levels for serum trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, catalase and superoxide dismutase during the experimental period in comparison with the control group. This study indicated that a by-product of Pleurotus eryngii, PESR, could produce lower-cholesterol eggs and improve the oxidative stability with 1.0% and 2.0% PESR supplementation in laying hens.
Valuable Components of Dried Pomaces of Chokeberry, Black Currant, Strawberry, Apple and Carrot as a Source of Natural Antioxidants and Nutraceuticals in the Animal Diet
Authors: Pieszka Marek , Gogol Piotr , Pietras Mariusz , Pieszka Magdalena
Published: September 2014

The chemical analysis of dried pomace of chokeberry, apple, black currant, strawberries and carrot was performed to determine the composition and content of nutrients and bioactive substances, among others the content of vitamins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and essential fatty acids. The antioxidant properties were determined in the extracts of pomace by determining the total antioxidant potential (TRAP) and antioxidant activity against DPPH radical. Tested pomaces contained 12-15% protein, approximately 18-20% crude fibre, approximately 2.7-4.0% ether extract and 1.8-3.0% ash. The highest level of anthocyanins was found in chokeberry pomace, followed by black currant pomace and several times less in strawberries and apples. The content of phenolic acids ranged from 12.91 mg/100 g in black currants to 630.30 mg/100 g in dried chokeberries. In terms of vitamins the richest source of vitamin E was chokeberry pomace (152.3 mg/100 g), while most of the carotenoids were found in dried carrot (15.35 mg/100 g). The chain of antioxidant activity was as follows: black currant>chokeberry>apple>strawberry>carrot, while in terms of antioxidative capacity it was chokeberry>apple>black currant>strawberry>carrot.
“Work curve” as a distinguishing mark of athletes’ work performance
Authors: Mikicin Mirosław
Published: September 2014

Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine work performance in the aspect of work rate, energy, persistence, adaptation rate, and accuracy based on the indices of an athlete’s work curve.

Material and methods: Thirty athletes (15 women and 15 men) who practised five sports (swimming, track and field, fencing, judo, and taekwondo) and a control group (30 university students, 15 women and 15 men) participated in a work curve test (Kraepelin). Both groups were equivalent. They were aged 18–25 years, all of them had finished secondary education, and studied at the same university. The analysis concerned indices grouped into 6 factors: quantitative measures of performance, measures of energy and persistence, measures of quick adaptation and efforts without self-restraint, measures of variability, measures of accuracy and diligence, and measures of additional factors.

Results: Factor analysis of the work curve revealed a significant difference to the benefit of the athletes (p < 0.001) in the measures of energy and persistence. The results obtained in this study revealed good adaptation of athletes to exercise, resistance to fatigue, and quick process of learning.

Conclusions: The results obtained may reflect the adaptation of athletes to long-term physical activity. Therefore, they are characterized by greater involvement and patience. Therefore, it can be concluded that monotonous training that necessitates much energy, concentration of attention, and endurance, and, consequently, high work performance, is one of the most important predictors of athletic activity.
Potential Job Creation and Resource Dependance in Rural Finland
Authors: Lehtonen Olli , Tykkyläinen Markku
Published: September 2014

Despite strong secular economic growth after the crisis of 1990-93, most of rural Finland has continued to face severe job losses. By applying small-area analysis, this paper seeks to explain why some rural areas inevitably experience declining employment while others prosper and grow even faster than urban areas. The variation of job creation in rural small areas derives from local economic conditions, local demographic structure, proximity to larger centers, and natural conditions. Contrary to expectations, the coldest areas with nature reserves have passed the worst job loss. Those areas had a lower burden of declining primary industries than traditional agro-forest areas, and because of tourism, industry has expanded in some places in Lapland. The dependence of an area on the primary sector is a good indicator of the highest rural job losses during the urban-centric economic growth period. Especially the most resource dependent areas have lagged behind and fail in job creation on account of their uncompetitive industrial environment. Persistent labor surplus plagues such areas, implying that established policy measures have been unable to restructure and modernize traditional rural areas. Since Finnish rural and regional policies have been being inefficient they should be reformed especially in resource-based areas in a fundamental way.
Sustainable Development in Island Communities: The Case Study of Postira
Authors: Tonković Željka , Zlatar Jelena
Published: September 2014

The article shows the results of the case study of Postira, a village and a municipality on the island of Brač (Croatia) and presents a positive example of sustainable community development on islands in the post-transition social context. Based on the theory of sustainable local community development and its four pillars (economic, ecological, social and cultural), we analyse both the secondary data and the primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with the key actors of local development. The study shows that economic, ecological, social and cultural domaines are connected in Postira which allows for sustainable development of the place. By examining various aspects of sustainable development in Postira, we present the general framework of sustainable island development. It is based on integral development of the local community on sustainability principles, it defines key processes and guidelines and can be applied to rural and island areas, taking into account the specificities of each community.
UV Sensing Properties of ZnO Nanowires Grown on Glass by Rapid Thermal Oxidation of Zinc Films
Authors: Mihailova I. , Gerbreders V. , Sļedevskis Ē. , Bulanovs A. , Paškevičs V.
Published: September 2014

The nanostructured ZnO thin films were successfully synthesized by rapid thermal oxidation of metallic zinc films without catalysts or additives. On the surface of thin films the formation of ZnO nanowires was observed. In the work, the optical and electrical parameters and photoresponses of the obtained ZnO thin films were investigated. Nanostructured thin films of the type have a promising potential for the use in optoelectronics, sensor technique and biomedical sciences
Prediction of the Vistula Channel Development Between Wloclawek and Torun: Evaluation with Regard to the New Geological Survey
Authors: Babiński Zygmunt , Habel Michał , Chalov Sergey
Published: September 2014

The aim of this paper is to present the geological structure of the Vistula river valley floor as the modifying factor of fluvial processes and present the development conditions of the contemporary Vistula river channel, which underwent marked transformation due to bed erosion and lateral erosion below the Włocławek reservoir. The analysis of the geological data and the geological survey conducted at the study reach of the Vistula between Włocławek and Toruń resulted in an image of the geological structure of the channel bed along the longitudinal profile
Estimation of Shallow Groundwater Recharge Using a Gis-Based Distributed Water Balance Model
Authors: Graf Renata , Przybyłek Jan
Published: September 2014

In the paper we present the results of shallow groundwater recharge estimation using the WetSpass GISbased distributed water balance model. By taking into account WetSpass, which stands for Water an Energy Transfer between Soil, Plants and Atmosphere under quasi-Steady State, for average conditions during the period 1961-2000, we assessed the spatial conditions of the groundwater infiltration recharge process of shallow circulation systems in the Poznan Plateau area (the Great Poland Lowland in western Poland), which is classified as a region with observed water deficits. For three temporal variants, i.e. year, winter and summer half-years, we determined using the geological infiltration method by about 5-10% on average, marginally by 20%.
Uncertainty in Historical Land-Use Reconstructions with Topographic Maps
Authors: Kaim Dominik , Kozak Jacek , Ostafin Krzysztof , Dobosz Monika , Ostapowicz Katarzyna , Kolecka Natalia , Gimmi Urs
Published: September 2014

The paper presents the outcomes of the uncertainty investigation of a long-term forest cover change analysis in the Polish Carpathians (nearly 20,000 km2) and Swiss Alps (nearly 10,000 km2) based on topographic maps. Following Leyk et al. (2005) all possible uncertainties are grouped into three domains - production-oriented, transformation- oriented and application-oriented. We show typical examples for each uncertainty domain, encountered during the forest cover change analysis and discuss consequences for change detection. Finally, a proposal for reliability assessment is presented.
Regional Differentiation in Probability of Ice Days Occurrence in Poland
Authors: Łupikasza Ewa , Niedźwiedź Tadeusz , Małarzewski Łukasz
Published: September 2014

This paper aims at recognizing spatial differentiation in probability of ice days occurrence with reference to atmospheric circulation, using regional classification of circulation types for Poland. Daily maximum air temperatures measured at nine meteorological stations were used to recognize the ice days occurrence in the period from January 1951 to March 2014. The relations between the ice days occurrence and atmospheric circulation were analysed using catalogues of circulation types compiled for nine grid boxes within Poland. Linkage between the frequency of ice days and atmospheric circulation was recognized in the period of January 2001 - March 2014. A decreasing tendency in the frequency of the occurrence of winter ice days was found. The occurrence of ice days in Poland is clearly related to atmospheric circulation. In the entire area of Poland their occurrence is favoured by eastern and south-eastern advection of air during anticyclonic conditions (types Ea nad SEa). Regional variability is also noticeable.
Temporal Variation in Vegetation Indexes for Pine and Beech Stands During the Vegetation Season, Szczecin Lowland, Poland
Authors: Piekarski Paweł , Zwoliński Zbigniew
Published: September 2014

Located in north-western Poland, the Bukowska Forest and Goleniowska Forest are vast woodlands consisting of areas with a homogeneous species composition that have been scarcely affected by humans. In this respect, they provided an excellent subject for scientific research, the purpose of which was to determine quantitative differences in selected vegetation indices of pine and beech stands in various periods during their vegetation seasons. Another purpose was to characterize the variation in these indices for each stand in its vegetation season. Four Landsat 5 TM images taken in 2007 and 2010 at four different points of vegetation season provided the basis for the analysis. In the analysis, 19 wooded areas with a homogeneous species composition were tested. In Bukowska Forest, the tested area was a beech stand, and in Goleniowska Forest, it was a pine stand. Acquired data was used to calculate the following vegetation indices: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Transformed Vegetation Index (TVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (Green NDVI), Normalized Difference Greenness Index (NDGI) and Normalized Difference Index (NDI). Subsequent research allowed to establish that the beech and pine stands differed significantly with respect to their calculated vegetation indices. These differences derived both from the biochemical and structural attributes of leaves and needles, as well as from transformations that occur in the stands during vegetation seasons. Analysis of the indices’ allowed us to determine these differences and the influence of the stands’ phenological phases on the indices.
Łódź Region and its Northern Vicinity under Vistulian Glaciation Conditions
Authors: Roman Małgorzata , Dzieduszyńska Danuta , Petera-Zganiacz Joanna
Published: September 2014

An overview of palaeogeographical findings of the last glacial period (MIS 5d-MIS 2) has been given for the Łódź region. Processes which influenced the area outside of ice-sheet margin are presented with respect to space and time, as predominantly driven by different types of periglacial environment. Attention was paid to leading accumulative and erosional processes and resulting landforms, still well-pronounced in the landscape. Recently, the picture of the area discussed, during the Vistulian was completed and identified was the mechanism of the LGM ice-sheet advance onto the Płock lobe. Borderline location of the Łódź region offers comprehensive research on the time and processes and determines its significance on the geomorphological map of Poland.
Geomorphosite Assessment in the Proposed Geopark Vistula River Gap (E Poland)
Authors: Warowna Justyna , Zgłobicki Wojciech , Gajek Grzegorz , Telecka Małgorzata , Kołodyńska-Gawrysiak Renata , Zieliński Paweł
Published: September 2014

Geomorphosites are among major assets for the development of geotourism. An accurate assessment of spatial distribution of their scientific, educational and economic characteristics provides the basis for appropriate design and management of proposed geoparks. Although the problem of assessing their value for geotourism has been discussed by numerous authors, consistent methodology for the assessment of geomorphosites has not been devised so far. In the present study, we conducted a geotourist evaluation of geomorphosites located within the proposed geopark Vistula River Gap. We assessed a total of 76 sites using 18 assessment criteria. The results indicate not uniform spatial distribution of sites having the highest value. The application of cluster analysis to evaluation results enabled us to distinguish groups of sites with similar characteristics and thus to identify groups of geomorphosites in relation to which various measures should be taken in order to increase the possibilities of their tourist use.
The Sources of Moisture in the Sand Dunes – The Example of the Western Sahara Dune Field
Authors: Żmudzka Elwira , Woronko Dariusz , Dłużewski Maciej
Published: September 2014

Climatic and meteorological conditions may limit the aeolian transport within barchans. An explanation of that issue was the main goal of the investigation held in Western Sahara dune fields located around Tarfaya and Laâyoune. Particular attention was paid to the factors causing the moisture content rising of the sand dune surface layer, which could influence the wind threshold shear velocity in the aeolian transport. The wetted surface layer of sand, when receiving moisture from precipitation or suspensions, reduces the aeolian transport, even in case of wind velocity above 4-5 m s-1. Fog and dew condensation does not affect the moisture of deeper sand layers, what occurs after rainfall.
Applying a Dynamic Resource Supply Model in a Smart Grid
Authors: Wan Kaiyu , Dong Yuji , Chang Qian , Qian Tengfei
Published: September 2014

Dynamic resource supply is a complex issue to resolve in a cyber-physical system (CPS). In our previous work, a resource model called the dynamic resource supply model (DRSM) has been proposed to handle resources specification, management and allocation in CPS. In this paper, we are integrating the DRSM with service-oriented architecture and applying it to a smart grid (SG), one of the most complex CPS examples. We give the detailed design of the SG for electricity charging request and electricity allocation between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and DRSM through the Android system. In the design, we explain a mechanism for electricity consumption with data collection and re-allocation through ZigBee network. In this design, we verify the correctness of this resource model for expected electricity allocation.
Tunable Multicolored Femtosecond Pulse Generation Using Cascaded Four-Wave Mixing in Bulk Materials
Authors: He Jinping , Liu Jun , Kobayashi Takayoshi
Published: September 2014

This paper introduces and discusses the main aspects of multicolored femtosecond pulse generation using cascaded four-wave mixing (CFWM) in transparent bulk materials. Theoretical analysis and semi-quantitative calculations, based on the phase-matching condition of the four-wave mixing process, explain the phenomena well. Experimental studies, based on our experiments, have shown the main characteristics of the multicolored pulses, namely, broadband spectra with wide tunability, high stability, short pulse duration and relatively high pulse energy. Two-dimensional multicolored array generation in various materials are also introduced and discussed.
Scenario Testing of the Energy and Environmental Performance of “The Glasgow House”
Authors: Sharpe Tim , Shearer Donald
Published: September 2014

This paper describes the results from a 12-month study of two prototype low energy dwellings built for Glasgow Housing Association (GHA). The houses are intended for mainstream and social tenure within Glasgow and contain a range of energy reducing features including one house with a thermally heavy clay block wall and one house using a conventional timber frame and both houses have sunspaces, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), solar thermal system and low energy lighting. The dwellings have been subject to an innovative monitoring strategy by MEARU, whereby test occupants (students recruited from the School of Architecture) have been asked to inhabit the buildings for six two-week periods using occupancy ‘scripts’ that determine their internal behaviour. The scenarios thus simulate varying patterns of occupancy in both houses simultaneously and the performance of the houses can then been compared. Indications are that although the clay block house had a poorer thermal performance, it did have other qualitative advantages, and consumption differences could be eliminated by exploiting the thermal mass. The performance of the active systems, including the MVHR system, was found to be problematic, and specific scenarios were undertaken to explore the implications of this.
Optimization of Design Pressure Ratio of Positive Displacement Expander for Vehicle Engine Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Kim Young , Shin Dong , Kim Chang
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the effect of the built-in volume ratio of an expander on the performance of a dual-loop Rankine cycle system for the engine waste heat recovery of a vehicle. Varying vehicle operating conditions can cause a positive displacement expander to operate in both under- and over-expansion states. Therefore, analysis of the off-design performance of the expander is very important. Furthermore, the volume and weight of the expander must be considered in its optimization along with the efficiency. A simple modeling of the off-design operation of the expander showed that a built-in volume ratio that causes under-expansion rather than over-expansion at the target condition is more desirable.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal from Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent via Bacterial Sulfate Reduction in an Anoxic Bioreactor Packed with Wood and Iron
Authors: Yamashita Takahiro , Yamamoto-Ikemoto Ryoko
Published: September 2014

We investigated the removal of nitrogen and phosphate from the effluent of a sewage treatment plant over a long-term operation in bioreactors packed with different combinations of wood and iron, with a trickling filter packed with foam ceramics for nitrification. The average nitrification rate in the trickling filter was 0.17 kg N/m3∙day and remained at 0.11 kg N/m3∙day even when the water temperature was below 15 °C. The denitrification and phosphate removal rates in the bioreactor packed with aspen wood and iron were higher than those in the bioreactor packed with cedar chips and iron. The bioreactor packed with aspen wood and iron continued to remove nitrate and phosphate for >1200 days of operation. The nitrate removal activity of a biofilm attached to the aspen wood from the bioreactor after 784 days of operation was 0.42 g NO3-N/kg dry weight wood∙ day. There was no increase in the amount of dissolved organic matter in the outflow from the bioreactors.
Genetically Modified Flax Expressing NAP-SsGT1 Transgene: Examination of Anti-Inflammatory Action
Authors: Matusiewicz Magdalena , Kosieradzka Iwona , Zuk Magdalena , Szopa Jan
Published: September 2014

The aim of the work was to define the influence of dietary supplementation with GM (genetically modified) GT#4 flaxseed cake enriched in polyphenols on inflammation development in mice liver. Mice were given ad libitum isoprotein diets: (1) standard diet; (2) high-fat diet rich in lard, high-fat diet enriched with 30% of (3) isogenic flax Linola seed cake; and (4) GM GT#4 flaxseed cake; for 96 days. Administration of transgenic and isogenic seed cake lowered body weight gain, of transgenic to the standard diet level. Serum total antioxidant status was statistically significantly improved in GT#4 flaxseed cake group and did not differ from Linola. Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid profile and the liver concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α were ameliorated by GM and isogenic flaxseed cake consumption. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ did not differ between mice obtaining GM GT#4 and non-GM flaxseed cakes. The C-reactive protein concentration was reduced in animals fed GT#4 flaxseed cake and did not differ from those fed non-GM flaxseed cake-based diet. Similarly, the liver structure of mice consuming diets enriched in flaxseed cake was improved. Dietetic enrichment with GM GT#4 and non-GM flaxseed cakes may be a promising solution for health problems resulting from improper diet.
Metabolism of Cryptic Peptides Derived from Neuropeptide FF Precursors: The Involvement of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme
Authors: Grasso Giuseppe , Mielczarek Przemyslaw , Niedziolka Magdalena , Silberring Jerzy
Published: September 2014

The term “cryptome” refers to the subset of cryptic peptides with bioactivities that are often unpredictable and very different from the parent protein. These cryptic peptides are generated by proteolytic cleavage of proteases, whose identification in vivo can be very challenging. In this work, we show that insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is able to degrade specific amino acid sequences present in the neuropeptide pro-NPFFA (NPFF precursor), generating some cryptic peptides that are also observed after incubation with rat brain cortex homogenate. The reported experimental findings support the increasingly accredited hypothesis, according to which, due to its wide substrate selectivity, IDE is involved in a wide variety of physiopathological processes.
Mycophenolate Antagonizes IFN-γ-Induced Catagen-Like Changes via β-Catenin Activation in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and Hair Follicles
Authors: Ryu Sunhyo , Lee Yonghee , Hyun Moo , Choi Sun , Jeong Kwan , Park Young , Kang Hoon , Park Kui , Armstrong Cheryl , Johnson Andrew , Song Peter , Kim Beom
Published: September 2014

Recently, various immunosuppressant drugs have been shown to induce hair growth in normal hair as well as in alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia; however, the responsible mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigate the influence of mycophenolate (MPA), an immunosuppressant, on the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) and on the growth of human hair follicles following catagen induction with interferon (IFN)-γ. IFN-γ was found to reduce β-catenin, an activator of hair follicle growth, and activate glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and enhance expression of the Wnt inhibitor DKK-1 and catagen inducer transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. IFN-γ inhibited expression of ALP and other dermal papillar cells (DPCs) markers such as Axin2, IGF-1, and FGF 7 and 10. MPA increased β-catenin in IFN-γ-treated hDPCs leading to its nuclear accumulation via inhibition of GSK3β and reduction of DKK-1. Furthermore, MPA significantly increased expression of ALP and other DPC marker genes but inhibited expression of TGF-β2. Therefore, we demonstrate for the first time that IFN-γ induces catagen-like changes in hDPCs and in hair follicles via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and that MPA stabilizes β-catenin by inhibiting GSK3β leading to increased β-catenin target gene and DP signature gene expression, which may, in part, counteract IFN-γ-induced catagen in hDPCs.
An Order-Theoretic Quantification of Contextuality
Authors: Durham Ian
Published: September 2014

In this essay, I develop order-theoretic notions of determinism and contextuality on domains and topoi. In the process, I develop a method for quantifying contextuality and show that the order-theoretic sense of contextuality is analogous to the sense embodied in the topos-theoretic statement of the Kochen–Specker theorem. Additionally, I argue that this leads to a relation between the entropy associated with measurements on quantum systems and the second law of thermodynamics. The idea that the second law has its origin in the ordering of quantum states and processes dates to at least 1958 and possibly earlier. The suggestion that the mechanism behind this relation is contextuality, is made here for the first time.
Reducing Liver Fat by Low Carbohydrate Caloric Restriction Targets Hepatic Glucose Production in Non-Diabetic Obese Adults with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yu Haoyong , Jia Weiping , Guo ZengKui
Published: September 2014

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) impairs liver functions, the organ responsible for the regulation of endogenous glucose production and thus plays a key role in glycemic homeostasis. Therefore, interventions designed to normalize liver fat content are needed to improve glucose metabolism in patients affected by NAFLD such as obesity. Objective: this investigation is designed to determine the effects of caloric restriction on hepatic and peripheral glucose metabolism in obese humans with NAFLD. Methods: eight non-diabetic obese adults were restricted for daily energy intake (800 kcal) and low carbohydrate (<10%) for 8 weeks. Body compositions, liver fat and hepatic glucose production (HGP) and peripheral glucose disposal before and after the intervention were determined. Results: the caloric restriction reduced liver fat content by 2/3 (p = 0.004). Abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat, body weight, BMI, waist circumference and fasting plasma triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations all significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The suppression of post-load HGP was improved by 22% (p = 0.002) whereas glucose disposal was not affected (p = 0.3). Fasting glucose remained unchanged and the changes in the 2-hour plasma glucose and insulin concentration were modest and statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Liver fat is the only independent variable highly correlated to HGP after the removal of confounders. Conclusion: NAFLD impairs HGP but not peripheral glucose disposal; low carbohydrate caloric restriction effectively lowers liver fat which appears to directly correct the HGP impairment.
A Label-Free Immunosensor for IgG Based on an Extended-Gate Type Organic Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Minamiki Tsukuru , Minami Tsuyoshi , Kurita Ryoji , Niwa Osamu , Wakida Shin-ichi , Fukuda Kenjiro , Kumaki Daisuke , Tokito Shizuo
Published: September 2014

A novel biosensor for immunoglobulin G (IgG) detection based on an extended-gate type organic field effect transistor (OFET) has been developed that possesses an anti-IgG antibody on its extended-gate electrode and can be operated below 3 V. The titration results from the target IgG in the presence of a bovine serum albumin interferent, clearly exhibiting a negative shift in the OFET transfer curve with increasing IgG concentration. This is presumed to be due an interaction between target IgG and the immobilized anti-IgG antibody on the extended-gate electrode. As a result, a linear range from 0 to 10 µg/mL was achieved with a relatively low detection limit of 0.62 µg/mL (=4 nM). We believe that these results open up opportunities for applying extended-gate-type OFETs to immunosensing.
LC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis and Pharmacokinetics of Plantainoside D Isolated from Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao, a Potential Anti-Hypertensive Active Component in Rats
Authors: Wang Manyuan , Fu Shujun , Zhang Xinshi , Li Jing , Gong Muxin , Qiu Feng
Published: September 2014

Plantainoside D (PD) is a potential anti-hypertensive active ingredient newly isolated from the dried plants of Chirita longgangensis var. hongyao. A sensitive and specific LC-ESI-MS/MS method was first developed and validated for the analysis of PD in rat plasma using genistein as the internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were pretreated with methanol-acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) to precipitate protein, and then chromatographed on a reverse-phase Agilent Zorbax XDB C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm). Gradient elution was utilized, with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile both containing 0.1% formic acid, and the flow rate was set at 0.50 mL/min. The analytes were monitored by tandem-mass spectrometry with negative electrospray ionization. The precursor/product transitions (m/z) in the negative ion mode were 639.2 → 160.9 Thomson (Th) and 268.9 → 158.9 Thomson (Th) for PD and IS, respectively. Linearity was achieved in the 0.10–200 ng/mL range, with a lower limit of quantification of 0.10 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy for both intra- and inter-day determination of the analyte were all within ±15%. The present method has been applied for pharmacokinetic study of PD after oral and intravenous administration in rats. The oral absolute bioavailability (F) of PD in rats was estimated to be 1.12% ± 0.46% with an elimination half-life (t1/2) value of 1.63 ± 0.19 h, suggesting its poor absorption and/or strong metabolism in vivo.
Long-Term Vitamin D3 Supplementation Does Not Prevent Colonic Inflammation or Modulate Bone Health in IL-10 Knockout Mice at Young Adulthood
Authors: Glenn Andrea , Fielding Kristina , Chen Jianmin , Comelli Elena , Ward Wendy
Published: September 2014

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic disease that can impair bone metabolism. Low vitamin D status has been implicated in its progress. This study used interleukin (IL)-10 knockout (KO) mice, that develop an intestinal inflammation when housed in a non-sterile environment, to determine if supplementation with vitamin D3 throughout life could mitigate inflammation and attenuate the lower bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), and bone strength. Female IL-10 KO mice were randomized 25 or 5000 IU vitamin D3/kg diet throughout pregnancy and lactation. At weaning, offspring received the same or opposite diet as their mother until age three months. Body weight growth was similar among groups within a sex. At three months of age, there were no differences in inflammation and gene expression in the colon of offspring. Male offspring exposed to continuous 25 IU vitamin D3/kg diet had lower (p < 0.001) colonic VDR expression and those exposed only to low vitamin D3 until weaning had higher serum IL-6. There were no differences in femur or vertebral BMC, BMD or bone strength. In summary, long-term exposure to vitamin D3 did not attenuate intestinal inflammation or preserve bone mineral or bone strength. Thus, supplementation with vitamin D3 does not exert anti-inflammatory effects in this mouse model that mimics human inflammatory bowel disease.
Characterization of Commercially Available Vaginal Lubricants: A Safety Perspective
Authors: Cunha Ana , Machado Rita , Palmeira-de-Oliveira Ana , Martinez-de-Oliveira José , Das Neves José , Palmeira-de-Oliveira Rita
Published: September 2014

Vaginal lubricants are widely used by women to help solve intercourse difficulties or as enhancers, but recent reports raise questions about their safety. Twelve commercially available gel products were tested for pH value, pH buffering capacity, osmolality and cytotoxicity relevant to vaginal delivery. Obtained data were analyzed in light of the recent Advisory Note by the World Health Organization (WHO) for personal lubricants to be concomitantly used with condoms. Results showed that most products do not comply with pH and osmolality recommended standards, thus posing a potential hazard. Four products presented values of osmolality around three-times higher than the maximum acceptable limit of 1200 mOsm/kg. In vitro cell testing further identified substantial cytotoxicity even at 1:100 dilutions for three products, contrasting with no significant effect of up to at least a 1:5 dilution of a Universal Placebo gel. However, no direct correlation between these last results and pH or osmolality was found, thus suggesting that the individual toxicity of specific formulation components plays an important role in the outcome of a particular product. Although further assessment is required, these results highlight potential safety issues related to the formulation of commercially available vaginal lubricants.
Atomistic Studies of Mechanical Properties of Graphene
Authors: Cao Guoxin
Published: September 2014

Recent progress of simulations/modeling at the atomic level has led to a better understanding of the mechanical behaviors of graphene, which include the linear elastic modulus E, the nonlinear elastic modulus D, the Poisson’s ratio ν, the intrinsic strength σint and the corresponding strain εint as well as the ultimate strain εmax (the fracture strain beyond which the graphene lattice will be unstable). Due to the two-dimensional geometric characteristic, the in-plane tensile response and the free-standing indentation response of graphene are the focal points in this review. The studies are based on multiscale levels: including quantum mechanical and classical molecular dynamics simulations, and parallel continuum models. The numerical studies offer useful links between scientific research with engineering application, which may help to fulfill graphene potential applications such as nano sensors, nanotransistors, and other nanodevices.
1982–2010 Trends of Light Use Efficiency and Inherent Water Use Efficiency in African vegetation: Sensitivity to Climate and Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations
Authors: Traore Abdoul , Ciais Philippe , Vuichard Nicolas , MacBean Natasha , Dardel Cecile , Poulter Benjamin , Piao Shilong , Fisher Joshua , Viovy Nicolas , Jung Martin , Myneni Ranga
Published: September 2014

Light and water use by vegetation at the ecosystem level, are key components for understanding the carbon and water cycles particularly in regions with high climate variability and dry climates such as Africa. The objective of this study is to examine recent trends over the last 30 years in Light Use Efficiency (LUE) and inherent Water Use Efficiency (iWUE*) for the major biomes of Africa, including their sensitivities to climate and CO2. LUE and iWUE* trends are analyzed using a combination of NOAA-AVHRR NDVI3g and fAPAR3g, and a data-driven model of monthly evapotranspiration and Gross Primary Productivity (based on flux tower measurements and remote sensing fAPAR, yet with no flux tower data in Africa) and the ORCHIDEE (ORganizing Carbon and Hydrology In Dynamic EcosystEms) process-based land surface model driven by variable CO2 and two different gridded climate fields. The iWUE* data product increases by 10%–20% per decade during the 1982–2010 period over the northern savannas (due to positive trend of vegetation productivity) and the central African forest (due to positive trend of vapor pressure deficit). In contrast to the iWUE*, the LUE trends are not statistically significant. The process-based model simulations only show a positive linear trend in iWUE* and LUE over the central African forest. Additionally, factorial model simulations were conducted to attribute trends in iWUE and LUE to climate change and rising CO2 concentrations. We found that the increase of atmospheric CO2 by 52.8 ppm during the period of study explains 30%–50% of the increase in iWUE* and >90% of the LUE trend over the central African forest. The modeled iWUE* trend exhibits a high sensitivity to the climate forcing and environmental conditions, whereas the LUE trend has a smaller sensitivity to the selected climate forcing.
Large Differences in Terrestrial Vegetation Production Derived from Satellite-Based Light Use Efficiency Models
Authors: Cai Wenwen , Yuan Wenping , Liang Shunlin , Liu Shuguang , Dong Wenjie , Chen Yang , Liu Dan , Zhang Haicheng
Published: September 2014

Terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) is the largest global CO2 flux and determines other ecosystem carbon cycle variables. Light use efficiency (LUE) models may have the most potential to adequately address the spatial and temporal dynamics of GPP, but recent studies have shown large model differences in GPP simulations. In this study, we investigated the GPP differences in the spatial and temporal patterns derived from seven widely used LUE models at the global scale. The result shows that the global annual GPP estimates over the period 2000–2010 varied from 95.10 to 139.71 Pg C∙yr−1 among models. The spatial and temporal variation of global GPP differs substantially between models, due to different model structures and dominant environmental drivers. In almost all models, water availability dominates the interannual variability of GPP over large vegetated areas. Solar radiation and air temperature are not the primary controlling factors for interannual variability of global GPP estimates for most models. The disagreement among the current LUE models highlights the need for further model improvement to quantify the global carbon cycle.
Boron Nitride Nanotubes for Spintronics
Authors: Dhungana Kamal , Pati Ranjit
Published: September 2014

With the end of Moore’s law in sight, researchers are in search of an alternative approach to manipulate information. Spintronics or spin-based electronics, which uses the spin state of electrons to store, process and communicate information, offers exciting opportunities to sustain the current growth in the information industry. For example, the discovery of the giant magneto resistance (GMR) effect, which provides the foundation behind modern high density data storage devices, is an important success story of spintronics; GMR-based sensors have wide applications, ranging from automotive industry to biology. In recent years, with the tremendous progress in nanotechnology, spintronics has crossed the boundary of conventional, all metallic, solid state multi-layered structures to reach a new frontier, where nanostructures provide a pathway for the spin-carriers. Different materials such as organic and inorganic nanostructures are explored for possible applications in spintronics. In this short review, we focus on the boron nitride nanotube (BNNT), which has recently been explored for possible applications in spintronics. Unlike many organic materials, BNNTs offer higher thermal stability and higher resistance to oxidation. It has been reported that the metal-free fluorinated BNNT exhibits long range ferromagnetic spin ordering, which is stable at a temperature much higher than room temperature. Due to their large band gap, BNNTs are also explored as a tunnel magneto resistance device. In addition, the F-BNNT has recently been predicted as an ideal spin-filter. The purpose of this review is to highlight these recent progresses so that a concerted effort by both experimentalists and theorists can be carried out in the future to realize the true potential of BNNT-based spintronics.
Development of Clinically Relevant Implantable Pressure Sensors: Perspectives and Challenges
Authors: Clausen Ingelin , Glott Thomas
Published: September 2014

This review describes different aspects to consider when developing implantable pressure sensor systems. Measurement of pressure is in general highly important in clinical practice and medical research. Due to the small size, light weight and low energy consumption Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology represents new possibilities for monitoring of physiological parameters inside the human body. Development of clinical relevant sensors requires close collaboration between technological experts and medical clinicians. Site of operation, size restrictions, patient safety, and required measurement range and resolution, are only some conditions that must be taken into account. An implantable device has to operate under very hostile conditions. Long-term in vivo pressure measurements are particularly demanding because the pressure sensitive part of the sensor must be in direct or indirect physical contact with the medium for which we want to detect the pressure. New sensor packaging concepts are demanded and must be developed through combined effort between scientists in MEMS technology, material science, and biology. Before launching a new medical device on the market, clinical studies must be performed. Regulatory documents and international standards set the premises for how such studies shall be conducted and reported.
On the structure of grain/interphase boundaries and interfaces
Authors: Padmanabhan K Anantha , Gleiter Herbert
Published: September 2014

Grain/interphase boundaries/interfaces of varying misorientations, free volume fractions, curvatures and irregularities are present in materials, both 3D and 2D, regardless of whether these materials are crystalline or amorphous/glassy. Therefore, a question arises about the central idea on which a general description of grain/interphase boundaries/interfaces can and should be based. It is suggested that a generalized model of a structural/basic unit (crystalline, non-crystalline or of any scale), which depends on the interatomic (including electronic) interactions, the spatial distribution of the atoms and electrons, the number of atoms and free volume fraction present in the structural/basic unit and the experimental conditions should serve the purpose. As the development of a quantitative model, which reflects the effects of all these variables is difficult, slightly defective material boundaries are often modeled by treating the entire boundary as planar and by using the concepts of crystallography. For highly disordered boundaries, a description in terms of a representative volume, made up of a non-crystalline basic unit or a combination of such units, which depend on interatomic (including electronic) interactions and forces, is advocated. The size, shape, free volume fraction and number of atoms in the representative volume could differ with material composition and experimental conditions. In the latter approach, it is assumed that all processes connected to a problem on hand is contained within this representative volume. The unresolved issues are identified.
Business Environment Analysis: Testing a Context-Specific Approach in Ethiopia
Authors: Wares Jason , Wetterberg Anna ,   RTI International
Published: September 2014

A number of prominent business environment rankings have achieved outstanding results from their efforts to promote legal and regulatory reform around the world. Such tools help to raise awareness of general constraints, but lack the specificity and rigor to produce context-specific information to guide policy and programs supporting business and economic growth, especially in contexts with high levels of economic informality. We review four commonly referenced business environment rankings and identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. To address the identified shortcomings, we present a business environment assessment methodology that (1) provides investors and policy makers with a means of collecting rigorous evidence on local business constraints and (2) is representative of a particular population. The paper closes with a description of our experience applying the methodology to assess the business environment of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.