bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of variety and phosphorus on the yield components and yield of groundnut
Authors: Mouri SJ , Sarkar MAR , Uddin MR , Sarker UK , Kaysar MS , Hoque MMI
Published: September 2018

An experiment was carried out at the agronomy field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of variety and phosphorus on the yield and yield components of groundnut. The experiment comprising of two groundnut varieties viz. BARI Cheenabadam-8 and BINA Cheenabadam-6 and four levels of phosphorus viz. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest value of all the parameters e.g. leaf area index (2.02), dry matter (51.88 g plant-1), number of  primary branches plant-1 (10.70), number of  secondary branches plant-1 (13.85), number of pegs plant-1 (64.35), number of total pods plant-1 (44.50), weight of 100-pods (94.66 g), weight of 100-seeds (44.47 g), shelling percentage (81.84%), seed yield (2.48 t ha-1), pod yield (3.03 t ha-1), stover yield (6.92 t ha-1) and harvest index (30.45%) were recorded from  BARI Cheenabadam-8 applied with 60 kg P ha-1. The lowest value of all these parameters was found in BINA Cheenabadam-6 and with no applied phosphorus.  It can be concluded that BARI Cheenabadam-8 should preferably be fertilized with 60 kg P ha-1 to obtain the highest yield.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 117-126, 2018
Lifetime productivity and repeatability estimation of selected traits of crossbred cows in Savar Dairy Farm
Authors: Islam MS , Akhtar A , Hossain MA , Rahman MF , Hossain SS
Published: September 2018

The study was conducted on 244 crossbred cows of (Central Cattle Breeding and Diry Farm), Savar, Dhaka to evaluate the effect of different productive groups on their lifetime performance of various productive traits using twenty years data.  Data were accumulated from a prescribed data sheet maintained by Central Cattle Breeding Station, Savar, Dhaka. Genetic groups for this experiment were Local Friesian (LF), Local Jersey (LJ), Local Hariana X Friesian (LH x F), Local Friesian X Local Friesian (LF x LF) and Local Jersey X Local Jersey (LJ x LJ). The studied parameters were age at puberty, lactation length, lactation yield, total milking days, and total milk yield in lifetime. The data were analyzed using Least-Squares Mixed Model and Maximum Likelihood Computer Program (Harvey, 1990). Analysis showed that genetic groups had a significant effect on age at puberty, lactation length and lactation yield (P<0.01), total milking days and milk yield in lifetime (P<0.001). From the result it was found that earliest age at puberty were in L x F (749.27±99.01). Lactation length and standardized lactation yield were also higher in L x F (258.69±20.04 days and 1408.80±83.60 kg respectively). Total milking days and milk yield were observed higher in (LH x F) with mean of 1468.30±198.58 days and 7340.32±1813.28 kg, respectively. The repeatability estimates of lactation length for genetic groups LF, LJ, LH x F, LF x LF and LJ x LJ were 0.24±0.09, 0.04(-ve), 0.10±0.05, 0.07±0.05 and 0.49±0.22, respectively. The same for lactation yield was 0.17±0.08, 0.27± 0.02, 0.07±0.04, 0.17±0.08 and 0.03±0.05 respectively. From analysis it was revealed that in respect of productive performances the L x F genetic group was found superior compared to other groups but interns of total lifetime productivity, LH x F ranked the highest in the given environment. It is concluded that lifetime productivity needs to be considered as an appropriate guideline for selecting genetic groups for future productivity.Progressive Agriculture 29 (2): 168-177, 2018
Samuel Beckett's ‘Psychology Notes’ and The Unnamable
Authors: Habibi Reza
Published: September 2018

This essay reexamines Samuel Beckett's The Unnamable by treating his ‘Psychology Notes’ as part of the genetic dossier for this text. By developing a parallel between The Unnamable and ‘textbook’ psychoanalysis in terms of a shared obsession with abjection, the essay will demonstrate that some of the symptoms and obsessions suffered by the unnamable voice (‘prison psychosis’, ‘coprosymbolism’ and ‘genital discharge’) are traceable to the Notes. At the same time, the commitment to cure, control and explanation in psychoanalysis is resisted, and Beckett's text ultimately stages a failed talking cure. The genetic identification of these intertextual connections is enhanced by the availability of the Beckett Digital Manuscript Project (BDMP). Using the same scholarly tool, the essay also examines some of the variations between the English and the French versions of the text, in order to shed further light on the significance of the Notes to the manuscript corpus of L'Innommable/The Unnamable.
Electron properties of topological insulators. The structure of edge states and photogalvanic effects
Authors: Tarasenko S A
Published: September 2018

Integrating the ideas of topology and topological transitions into solid-state physics has led to the theoretical prediction and subsequent experimental discovery of topological insulators, a new class of three- or quasi-two-dimensional dielectric crystalline systems exhibiting stable conducting surface states. This paper briefly reviews the electronic properties of topological insulators. The structure of edge and bulk electronic states in two- and three-dimensional HgTe-based topological insulators is described in particular detail. Recent theoretical and experimental results on the interaction of an electromagnetic field with topological insulators and on edge and surface photogalvanic effects are presented.
Methylation of FKBP5 and SLC6A4 in Relation to Treatment Response to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Bishop Jeffrey R. , Lee Adam M. , Mills Lauren J. , Thuras Paul D. , Eum Seenae , Clancy Doris , Erbes Christopher R. , Polusny Melissa A. , Lamberty Gregory J. , Lim Kelvin O.
Published: September 2018

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an effective non-pharmacologic treatment for veterans with PTSD. Extensive work has identified epigenetic factors related to PTSD disease risk and pathophysiology, but how these factors influence treatment response is unclear. Serotonin signaling and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning may be perturbed in PTSD and are molecular pathways targeted by PTSD treatments. To identify potential biomarkers for treatment response, we utilized genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples from veterans with PTSD who were responders (n = 11) or non-responders (n = 11) to MBSR as part of a clinical trial. We assessed methylation levels at CpG sites in regions of the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) previously associated with expression and depression outcomes, as well as the Intron 7 region of the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) containing known glucocorticoid response elements suggested to regulate this gene. Selected subjects were matched across MBSR responder status by baseline symptoms, age, sex, current smoking status, and current antidepressant use. Percent methylation was compared between responders and non-responders at baseline (pre-MBSR treatment). Additionally, percent change in methylation from baseline to post-treatment was compared between responders and non-responders. There was a significant time x responder group interaction for methylation in FKBP5 intron 7 bin 2 [F(1, 19) = 7.492, p = 0.013] whereby responders had an increase in methylation and non-responders had a decrease in methylation from before to after treatment in this region. Analyses of the three CpG sites within bin 2 revealed a significant time x responder group interaction for CpG_35558513 [F(1, 19) = 5.551, p = 0.029] which resides in a known glucocorticoid response element (GRE). Increases in FKBP5 methylation after treatment in responders as compared to decreases in non-responders suggest that effective meditation intervention may be associated with stress-related pathways at the molecular level. These preliminary findings suggest that DNA methylation signatures within FKBP5 are potential indicators of response to meditation treatment in PTSD and require validation in larger cohorts.
Effect of Forage Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) on Animal Health and Nutrition and Its Beneficial Applications in Soil, Plants and Water Purification
Authors: Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Elrys Ahmed S. , Desoky El-Sayed M. , Tolba Hala M. N. , Elnahal Ahmed S. M. , Elnesr Shaaban S. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: September 2018

Moringa oleifera L. (moringa) is known as one of the most useful multipurpose plants. It can be effectively utilized as a natural biopesticide and inhibitor of several plant pathogens. Thus, it can be included in integrated pest management strategies. Moringa and its products have different uses in many agricultural systems. The use of moringa as a crop enhancer is an eco-friendly way of improving crop yields at the lowest possible cost. This inexpensive increase in productivity can contribute to meeting some of the food needs in some parts of the world as the global population increases and poverty rates rise. One of the most important characteristics of moringa is that it has high biological and nutritional values and can be used as animal feed, green fertilizer, medicine, biopesticide and in seed production. Moringa has been characterized as a potentially useful animal feed owing to its high content of protein, carotenoids, several minerals and vitamins (such as iron and ascorbic acid) and certain phytochemicals (kaempferitrin, isoquercitrin, rhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin). This review aims to provide more knowledge about the nature, nutritional value, phytochemicals and uses of Moringa oleifera as a promising material in the fields of soil and plant management, water treatment, as well as animal and poultry production.
Agronomic Advancement in Tillage, Crop Rotation, Soil Health, and Genetic Gain in Durum Wheat Cultivation: A 17-Year Canadian Story
Authors: Li Lin , Niu Yining , Ruan Yuefeng , DePauw Ron M. , Singh Asheesh K. , Gan Yantai
Published: September 2018

The global demands for various grains, including durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.), are expected to increase substantially in the coming years, due to the ever-growing human population’s needs for food, feed, and fuel. Thus, providing consistent or increased durum grain to the world market is one of the priorities for policy-makers, researchers, and farmers. What are the major achievements in agronomic advancement for durum wheat cultivation in recent decades? How might the current cropping systems be improved to increase crop yield and quality and improve resource use efficiencies while minimizing input costs and decreasing negative impact on the environment? Canada is one of the major durum wheat producers in the world, as Canada contributes about 50% to global trade of durum grain. Canada’s research achievements in durum wheat might serve as a guide for advancing the cultivation of the crop in other regions/countries on the planet. This review summarizes the major Canadian research findings in the aspects of durum wheat agronomics during the period 2001 to 2017 years. It highlights the main advancements in seeding and tillage, crop rotation and diversification, and use of pulse-induced microbiomes to improve soil health and feedback mechanisms. The genetic gain and breeding for resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses are discussed. Finally, we identified the main constraints and suggested some near-term research priorities. The research findings highlighted in this review will be of use for other areas on the planet to increase durum wheat productivity, improve soil fertility and health, and enhance long-term sustainability.
Generating Plants with Improved Water Use Efficiency
Authors: Blankenagel Sonja , Yang Zhenyu , Avramova Viktoriya , Schön Chris-Carolin , Grill Erwin
Published: September 2018

To improve sustainability of agriculture, high yielding crop varieties with improved water use efficiency (WUE) are needed. Despite the feasibility of assessing WUE using different measurement techniques, breeding for WUE and high yield is a major challenge. Factors influencing the trait under field conditions are complex, including different scenarios of water availability. Plants with C3 photosynthesis are able to moderately increase WUE by restricting transpiration, resulting in higher intrinsic WUE (iWUE) at the leaf level. However, reduced CO2 uptake negatively influences photosynthesis and possibly growth and yield as well. The negative correlation of growth and WUE could be partly disconnected in model plant species with implications for crops. In this paper, we discuss recent insights obtained for Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) and the potential to translate the findings to C3 and C4 crops. Our data on Zea mays (L.) lines subjected to progressive drought show that there is potential for improvements in WUE of the maize line B73 at the whole plant level (WUEplant). However, changes in iWUE of B73 and Arabidopsis reduced the assimilation rate relatively more in maize. The trade-off observed in the C4 crop possibly limits the effectiveness of approaches aimed at improving iWUE but not necessarily efforts to improve WUEplant.
Relationship between Rectal Temperature and Vaginal Temperature in Grazing Bos taurus Heifers
Authors: Lees Angela , Lea Jim , Salvin Hannah , Cafe Linda , Colditz Ian , Lee Caroline
Published: September 2018

This study evaluated the relationship between rectal temperature (TREC, °C) and vaginal temperature (TVAG, °C) in grazing Bos taurus heifers, to develop an understanding of the reliability of these measures as estimates of core body temperature. Nineteen Angus heifers (BW = 232.2 ± 6.91 kg) were implanted with intra-rectal and intra-vaginal data loggers. Rectal temperature and TVAG were simultaneously recorded at 20 s intervals over 18.5 h. Heifers were housed as a singular cohort on grazing pastures for the duration of the study. A strong linear relationship (R2 = 0.72, p < 0.0001) between the measurement sites was identified. The mean difference between TREC and TVAG was small, in which TVAG was on average 0.22 ± 0.01 °C lower than TREC. Individual twenty second TREC and TVAG data were used to determine the pooled mean TREC and TVAG and then to highlight the within measure variation over time. The coefficient of variation was, on average, lower (p < 0.001) for TVAG (0.38%) than TREC (0.44%), indicating that TVAG exhibited less variation. Overall, the results from the current study suggest that a strong relationship exists between TREC and TVAG, and that TVAG may be a more reliable estimate of core body temperature than TREC in grazing Bos taurus heifers.
Physiological Changes as a Measure of Crustacean Welfare under Different Standardized Stunning Techniques: Cooling and Electroshock
Authors: Weineck Kristin , Ray Andrew J. , Fleckenstein Leo J. , Medley Meagan , Dzubuk Nicole , Piana Elena , Cooper Robin L.
Published: September 2018

Stunning of edible crustaceans to reduce sensory perception prior and during slaughter is an important topic in animal welfare. The purpose of this project was to determine how neural circuits were affected during stunning by examining the physiological function of neural circuits. The central nervous system circuit to a cardiac or skeletal muscle response was examined. Three commercially important crustacean species were utilized for stunning by immersion in an ice slurry below 4 °C and by electrocution; both practices are used in the seafood industry. The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), and the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) responded differently to stunning by cold and electric shock. Immersion in ice slurry induced sedation within seconds in crayfish and shrimp but not crabs and cardiac function was reduced fastest in shrimp. However, crabs could retain a functional neural circuit over the same time when shrimp and crayfish were nonresponsive. An electroshock of 10 s paralyzed all three species and subsequently decreased heart rate within 1 min and then heart rate increased but resulted in irregularity over time. Further research is needed to study a state of responsiveness by these methods.
The Functions of the Mammalian Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase System and Related Diseases
Authors: Jiang Beichen , Moskovitz Jackob
Published: September 2018

This review article describes and discusses the current knowledge on the general role of the methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSR) system and the particular role of MSR type A (MSRA) in mammals. A powerful tool to investigate the contribution of MSRA to molecular processes within a mammalian system/organism is the MSRA knockout. The deficiency of MSRA in this mouse model provides hints and evidence for this enzyme function in health and disease. Accordingly, the potential involvement of MSRA in the processes leading to neurodegenerative diseases, neurological disorders, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and hearing loss will be deliberated and evaluated.
No-reference Automatic Quality Assessment for Colorfulness-Adjusted, Contrast-Adjusted, and Sharpness-Adjusted Images Using High-Dynamic-Range-Derived Features
Authors: Jang Jinseong , Jang Hanbyol , Eo Taejoon , Bang Kihun , Hwang Dosik
Published: September 2018

Image adjustment methods are one of the most widely used post-processing techniques for enhancing image quality and improving the visual preference of the human visual system (HVS). However, the assessment of the adjusted images has been mainly dependent on subjective evaluations. Also, most recently developed automatic assessment methods have mainly focused on evaluating distorted images degraded by compression or noise. The effects of the colorfulness, contrast, and sharpness adjustments on images have been overlooked. In this study, we propose a fully automatic assessment method that evaluates colorfulness-adjusted, contrast-adjusted, and sharpness-adjusted images while considering HVS preferences. The proposed method does not require a reference image and automatically calculates quantitative scores, visual preference, and quality assessment with respect to the level of colorfulness, contrast, and sharpness adjustment. The proposed method evaluates adjusted images based on the features extracted from high dynamic range images, which have higher colorfulness, contrast, and sharpness than that of low dynamic range images. Through experimentation, we demonstrate that our proposed method achieves a higher correlation with subjective evaluations than that of conventional assessment methods.
Investigation of Flame Evolution in Heavy Oil Boiler Bench Using High-Speed Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Peng Jiangbo , Cao Zhen , Yu Xin , Yu Yang , Chang Guang , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2018

Over recent years, much attention has been paid to the performance evaluation of industrial-type burners. The ignition and stable combustion process are of great significance in assessing the quality of burner. The planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique can be applied to heavy oil boilers, extending this technique to engineering applications. Considering the complex environment of the bench test, measures such as temperature control and moisture proofing are made to improve the possibility of detection using PLIF. In this paper, an experimental investigation of flame growth following ignition is reported. A wrinkled structure could be observed from the configuration of the ignition flame; its trajectory will be depicted. The results showed that the wrinkled structure developed downward, i.e., by deviation from the direction of the airflow. The displacement velocity of the flame was used to describe the combustion rate. Good agreement was obtained for the flame shapes of both forced ignition and autoignition. In addition, the center of combustion deviated from the center of boiler, possibly due to some irregularity in the burner’s assembly which was critical to the design of the combustion chamber.
Characteristics of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Structure during PM2.5 and Ozone Pollution Events in Wuhan, China
Authors: Mbululo Yassin , Qin Jun , Hong Jun , Yuan Zhengxuan
Published: September 2018

In this study, we investigated six air pollutants from 21 monitoring stations scattered throughout Wuhan city by analyzing meteorological variables in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and air mass backward trajectories from HYSPLIT during the pollution events. Together with this, ground meteorological variables were also used throughout the investigation period: 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2016. Analysis results during this period show that the city was polluted in winter by PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamics of less than 2.5 microns) and in summer by ozone (O3). The most polluted day during the investigation period was 25 December 2015 with an air quality index (AQI) of 330 which indicates ‘severe pollution’, while the cleanest day was 26 August 2016 with an AQI of 27 indicating ‘excellent’ air quality. The average concentration of PM2.5 (O3) on the most polluted day was 265.04 (135.82) µg/m3 and 9.10 (86.40) µg/m3 on the cleanest day. Moreover, the percentage of days which exceeded the daily average limit of NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and O3 for the whole year was 2.46%, 14.48%, 23.50%, and 39.07%, respectively, while SO2 and CO were found to be below the set daily limit. The analysis of ABL during PM2.5 pollution events showed the existence of a strong inversion layer, low relative humidity, and calm wind. These observed conditions are not favorable for horizontal and vertical dispersion of air pollutants and therefore result in pollutant accumulation. Likewise, ozone pollution events were accompanied by extended sunshine hours, high temperature, a calm wind, a strongly suspended inversion layer, and zero recorded rainfall. These general characteristics are favorable for photochemical production of ozone and accumulation of pollutants. Apart from the conditions of ABL, the results from backward trajectories suggest trans-boundary movement of air masses to be one of the important factors which determines the air quality of Wuhan.
Influence of Disdrometer Type on Weather Radar Algorithms from Measured DSD: Application to Italian Climatology
Authors: Adirosi Elisa , Roberto Nicoletta , Montopoli Mario , Gorgucci Eugenio , Baldini Luca
Published: September 2018

Relations for retrieving precipitation and attenuation information from radar measurements play a key role in radar meteorology. The uncertainty in such relations highly affects the precipitation and attenuation estimates. Weather radar algorithms are often derived by applying regression methods to precipitation measurements and radar observables simulated from datasets of drop size distributions (DSD) using microphysical and electromagnetic assumptions. DSD datasets can be derived from theoretical considerations or obtained from experimental measurements collected throughout the years by disdrometers. Although the relations obtained from experimental disdrometer datasets can be generally considered more representative of a specific climatology, the measuring errors, which depend on the specific type of disdrometer used, introduce an element of uncertainty to the final retrieval algorithms. Eventually, data quality checks and filtering procedures applied to disdrometer measurements play an important role. In this study, we pursue two main goals: (i) evaluate two different techniques for establishing weather radar algorithms from measured DSD, and (ii) investigate to what extent dual-polarization radar algorithms derived from experimental DSD datasets are influenced by the different error structures introduced by the various disdrometer types (namely 2D video disdrometer, first and second generation of OTT Parsivel disdrometer, and Thies Clima disdrometer) used to collect the data. Furthermore, weather radar algorithms optimized for Italian climatology are presented and discussed.
Extreme Rainfall Forecast with the WRF-ARW Model in the Central Andes of Peru
Authors: Moya-Álvarez Aldo , Gálvez José , Holguín Andrea , Estevan René , Kumar Shailendra , Villalobos Elver , Martínez-Castro Daniel , Silva Yamina
Published: September 2018

The ability of the WRF-ARW (Weather Research and Forecasting-Advanced Research WRF) model to forecast extreme rainfall in the Central Andes of Peru is evaluated in this study, using observations from stations located in the Mantaro basin and GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) images. The evaluation analyzes the synoptic conditions averaged over 40 extreme event cases, and considers model simulations organized in 4 nested domains. We first establish that atypical events in the region are those with more than 27 mm of rainfall per day when averaging over all the stations. More than 50% of the selected cases occurred during January, February, and April, with the most extreme occurring during February. The average synoptic conditions show negative geopotential anomalies and positive humidity anomalies in 700 and 500 hPa. At 200 hPa, the subtropical upper ridge or “Bolivian high” was present, with its northern divergent flank over the Mantaro basin. Simulation results show that the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model underestimates rainfall totals in approximately 50–60% of cases, mainly in the south of the basin and in the extreme west along the mountain range. The analysis of two case studies shows that the underestimation by the model is probably due to three reasons: inability to generate convection in the upstream Amazon during early morning hours, apparently related to processes of larger scales; limitations on describing mesoscale processes that lead to vertical movements capable of producing extreme rainfall; and limitations on the microphysics scheme to generate heavy rainfall.
Oxidative Phosphorylation: A Target for Novel Therapeutic Strategies Against Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nayak Amruta P. , Kapur Arvinder , Barroilhet Lisa , Patankar Manish S.
Published: September 2018

Aerobic glycolysis is an important metabolic adaptation of cancer cells. There is growing evidence that oxidative phosphorylation is also an active metabolic pathway in many tumors, including in high grade serous ovarian cancer. Metastasized ovarian tumors use fatty acids for their energy needs. There is also evidence of ovarian cancer stem cells privileging oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for their metabolic needs. Metformin and thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone restrict tumor growth by inhibiting specific steps in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. These observations suggest that strategies to interfere with oxidative phosphorylation should be considered for the treatment of ovarian tumors. Here, we review the literature that supports this hypothesis and describe potential agents and critical control points in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway that can be targeted using small molecule agents. In this review, we also discuss potential barriers that can reduce the efficacy of the inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation.
Immobilization of Chitosanases onto Magnetic Nanoparticles to Enhance Enzyme Performance
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Na , Huang Wencan , Zhang Zhaohui , Mao Xiangzhao
Published: September 2018

In this study, chitosanase cloning from Streptomyces albolongus was fermented and purified by a Ni-NTA column. Fe3O4-SiO2 magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method coating with silica via a sol-gel reaction and were then amino functioned by treating with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Chitosanases were immobilized onto the surface of MNPs by covalent bonding (MNPs@chitosanase). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT–IR), and magnetic measurements were used to illustrate the MNPs and immobilized chitosanase. The optimal conditions of immobilization were studied. The thermal, pH, and stabilities of immobilized chitosanase were tested and the results showed that the stabilities were significantly enhanced compared with free chitosanase. After being recycled 10 times, the residual activity of the immobilized chitosanase was 43.7% of the initial activity.
Synergistic Degradation of Dye Wastewaters Using Binary or Ternary Oxide Systems with Immobilized Laccase
Authors: Antecka Katarzyna , Zdarta Jakub , Siwińska-Stefańska Katarzyna , Sztuk Grzegorz , Jankowska Ewelina , Oleskowicz-Popiel Piotr , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: September 2018

In recent years, groundwater contamination caused by dyes has become an important problem. They enter into wastewater as a result of the textile, automotive, or cosmetics industries. For this reason, new methods are being sought, which would aid at the removal of dye impurities with high efficiency and also would be relatively cheap. In the presented study synthesized TiO2-ZrO2 (with TiO2:ZrO2 molar ratio of 8:2) and TiO2-ZrO2-SiO2 (with TiO2:ZrO2:SiO2 molar ratio of 8:1:1) oxide materials were used as supports for enzyme immobilization. Effective synthesis of the carriers was confirmed by results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), low-temperature nitrogen sorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The materials achieve high immobilization efficiency of the laccases from Trametes versicolor (83% and 96% for TiO2-ZrO2-laccase and TiO2-ZrO2-SiO2-laccase, respectively). The effect of selected dye concentrations, pH, temperature, and reusability were also tested. The obtained results showed that after removal of textile dyes, such as Alizarin Red S (ARS), Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR), and Reactive Black 5 (RB5), under optimal process conditions, which were pH 5 and 25 °C, from dye solution of 5 mg/L degradation efficiency reached 100%, 91%, and 77%, respectively, suggesting synergistic mechanism of degradation by simultaneous sorption and catalytic action. Finally, reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the solution after treatment indicated lower mixture toxicity and effective dye degradation.
Preclinical Evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377: A Promising Affibody-Based Probe for Noninvasive PET Imaging of EGFR Expression in Tumors
Authors: Oroujeni Maryam , Garousi Javad , Andersson Ken G. , Löfblom John , Mitran Bogdan , Orlova Anna , Tolmachev Vladimir
Published: September 2018

Radionuclide imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in tumors may stratify patients for EGFR-targeting therapies and predict response or resistance to certain treatments. Affibody molecules, which are nonimmunoglobulin scaffold proteins, have a high potential as probes for molecular imaging. In this study, maleimido derivative of desferrioxamine B (DFO) chelator was site-specifically coupled to the C-terminal cysteine of the anti-EGFR affibody molecule ZEGFR:2377, and the DFO-ZEGFR:2377 conjugate was labeled with the generator-produced positron-emitting radionuclide 68Ga. Stability, specificity of binding to EGFR-expressing cells, and processing of [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377 by cancer cells after binding were evaluated in vitro. In vivo studies were performed in nude mice bearing human EGFR-expressing A431 epidermoid cancer xenografts. The biodistribution of [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377 was directly compared with the biodistribution of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-ZEGFR:2377. DFO-ZEGFR:2377 was efficiently (isolated yield of 73 ± 3%) and stably labeled with 68Ga. Binding of [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377 to EGFR-expressing cells in vitro was receptor-specific and proportional to the EGFR expression level. In vivo saturation experiment demonstrated EGFR-specific accumulation of [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377 in A431 xenografts. Compared to [89Zr]Zr-DFO-ZEGFR:2377, [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377 demonstrated significantly (p < 0.05) higher uptake in tumors and lower uptake in spleen and bones. This resulted in significantly higher tumor-to-organ ratios for [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377. In conclusion, [68Ga]Ga-DFO-ZEGFR:2377 is a promising probe for imaging of EGFR expression.
Fracture Toughness Evaluation and Plastic Behavior Law of a Single Crystal Silicon Carbide by Nanoindentation
Authors: Datye Amit , Schwarz Udo , Lin Hua-Tay
Published: September 2018

Nanoindentation-based fracture toughness measurements of ceramic materials like silicon carbide (SiC) with pyramidal indenters are of significant interest in materials research. A majority of currently used fracture toughness models have been developed for Vickers indenters and are limited to specific crack geometries. The validity of the indentation-cracking method for the fracture toughness measurement of single crystal SiC, the elastic-plastic anisotropy and orientation dependence around the c-axis when indented in the <0001> direction is examined using nanoindentation with different pyramidal indenters. The residual impressions are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to measure the crack lengths and the validity of existing fracture toughness measurement methods and equations is analyzed. A combination of nanoindentation with different pyramidal indenters to produce a wide range of effective strains and finite element simulation is used to extract flow properties of single crystal SiC in the <0001> direction. It is observed that there is no orientation dependence around the c-axis when SiC-6H is indented in the <0001> direction with a Berkovich indenter, i.e., it is transversely isotropic. It is also found that for a Berkovich indenter, the Jang and Pharr model, which is based on the Lawn model for cone/halfpenny cracks, gives approximately constant values at low loads (<1 N), while at higher loads (>1 N), the Laugier model gives constant fracture toughness values. Finite element analysis using equivalent cones is used along with measured hardness values to estimate the yield strength, the work hardening exponents and the stress–strain curve for single crystal SiC-6H in the <0001> direction.
Pediatric Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Parotid: Case Report, Review of Literature and Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Meshram Girish Gulab , Kaur Neeraj , Hura Kanwaljeet Singh
Published: September 2018

Salivary gland tumors are extremely rare and encompass a diverse group of histologies. Less than 5% of the affected population is pediatric. We present a case of 6-year-old child with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid. The patient underwent a superficial parotidectomy. Recurrence was not observed in the six months of follow-up. Surgery is the mainstay of the management of benign salivary gland tumors. Although novel molecular agents are being explored, personalized therapy would be a challenge due to the rarity and vast genetic/histologic variations of salivary gland tumors.
Contribution of Harvest Residues to Nutrient Cycling in a Tropical Acacia mangium Willd. Plantation
Authors: Van Bich Nguyen , Eyles Alieta , Mendham Daniel , Dong Tran Lam , Ratkowsky David , Evans Katherine J. , Hai Vo Dai , Thanh Hoang Van , Thinh Nguyen Van , Mohammed Caroline
Published: September 2018

Harvest residues can play a crucial role in conserving nutrients for recycling in forests, but little is known about the rates of decomposition and nutrient release from these residues following logging in tropical acacia plantations. In this study, we examined the biomass and nutrient content of harvest residue components (bark, leaves, and branches) using the litterbag technique for a 1.5-year-period following harvest of a seven-year-old Acacia mangium plantation in Northern Vietnam. At harvest, the total dry biomass of harvest residues was 18 t ha−1 comprising bark (8.9 t ha−1), branches (6.6 t ha−1), and leaves (2.5 t ha−1). The retained bark on site conserved 51% N, 29% P, 32% K, 64% Ca, and 24% Mg content from harvest residues for recycling. Decomposition rate of the leaves was the most rapid (k = 1.47 year−1; t0.5 = 0.47 year), then branches (k = 0.54 year−1; t0.5 = 1.29 year), and bark (k = 0.22 year−1; t0.5 = 3.09 year). During decomposition, the loss of nutrients from harvest residues was K ≈ Ca > N > P> Mg. Decomposition of harvest residues and the associated rate of nutrient release can potentially supply a significant amount of nutrients required for stand development in the next rotation.
Individual Differences in the Perception of Color Solutions
Authors: Hoppu Ulla , Puputti Sari , Aisala Heikki , Laaksonen Oskar , Sandell Mari
Published: September 2018

The color of food is important for flavor perception and food selection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the visual color perception of liquid samples among Finnish adult consumers by their background variables. Participants (n = 205) ranked six different colored solutions just by looking according to four attributes: from most to least pleasant, healthy, sweet and sour. The color sample rated most frequently as the most pleasant was red (37%), the most healthy white (57%), the most sweet red and orange (34% both) and the most sour yellow (54%). Ratings of certain colors differed between gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and education groups. Females regarded the red color as the sweetest more often than males (p = 0.013) while overweight subjects rated the orange as the sweetest more often than normal weight subjects (p = 0.029). Personal characteristics may be associated with some differences in color associations.
Socio-Cultural Reasons and Community Perceptions Regarding Indoor Cooking Using Biomass Fuel and Traditional Stoves in Rural Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tamire Mulugeta , Addissie Adamu , Skovbjerg Susann , Andersson Rune , Lärstad Mona
Published: September 2018

Around three billion people in the world and 90% of the rural households in low-and middle-income countries are exposed to wood smoke with varying exposure levels and resulting health risks. We aimed to explore perceptions of the community towards indoor cooking and the socio-cultural barriers to bring change in Butajira, rural Ethiopia. We conducted a qualitative study involving ten separate focus group discussions with purposively selected members of the community and two key informant interviews with health extension workers. Content analysis was carried out using ATLAS.ti software. Participants reported the use of fuel wood and traditional three-stone cook stove to cook food. Economic status, lack of commitment, cultural views and concern along with safety and security issues were found to be barriers to change from traditional to cleaner methods of cooking. The community perceived wood smoke to have effects on their eyes and respiratory health, though they culturally viewed it as beneficial for postpartum mothers and newborns, avoiding bad smell and insects and in order to strengthen the fabric of their houses. Health education at community level is essential in order to bring about change in the cultural views and cooking behaviors focusing on opening windows and keeping young children away during cooking.
Relationship of Time-Activity-Adjusted Particle Number Concentration with Blood Pressure
Authors: Corlin Laura , Ball Shannon , Woodin Mark , Patton Allison P. , Lane Kevin , Durant John L. , Brugge Doug
Published: September 2018

Emerging evidence suggests long-term exposure to ultrafine particulate matter (UFP, aerodynamic diameter < 0.1 µm) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether annual average UFP exposure was associated with measured systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and hypertension prevalence among 409 adults participating in the cross-sectional Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health (CAFEH) study. We used measurements of particle number concentration (PNC, a proxy for UFP) obtained from mobile monitoring campaigns in three near-highway and three urban background areas in and near Boston, Massachusetts to develop PNC regression models (20-m spatial and hourly temporal resolution). Individual modeled estimates were adjusted for time spent in different micro-environments (time-activity-adjusted PNC, TAA-PNC). Mean TAA-PNC was 22,000 particles/cm3 (sd = 6500). In linear models (logistic for hypertension) adjusted for the minimally sufficient set of covariates indicated by a directed acyclic graph (DAG), we found positive, non-significant associations between natural log-transformed TAA-PNC and SBP (β = 5.23, 95%CI: −0.68, 11.14 mmHg), PP (β = 4.27, 95%CI: −0.79, 9.32 mmHg), and hypertension (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 0.94, 3.48), but not DBP (β = 0.96, 95%CI: −2.08, 4.00 mmHg). Associations were stronger among non-Hispanic white participants and among diabetics in analyses stratified by race/ethnicity and, separately, by health status.
Increased Oral Bioavailability of Resveratrol by Its Encapsulation in Casein Nanoparticles
Authors: Peñalva Rebeca , Morales Jorge , González-Navarro Carlos J. , Larrañeta Eneko , Quincoces Gemma , Peñuelas Ivan , Irache Juan M.
Published: September 2018

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol that provides several health benefits including cardioprotection and cancer prevention. However, its biological activity is limited by a poor bioavailability when taken orally. The aim of this work was to evaluate the capability of casein nanoparticles as oral carriers for resveratrol. Nanoparticles were prepared by a coacervation process, purified and dried by spray-drying. The mean size of nanoparticles was around 200 nm with a resveratrol payload close to 30 μg/mg nanoparticle. In vitro studies demonstrated that the resveratrol release from casein nanoparticles was not affected by the pH conditions and followed a zero-order kinetic. When nanoparticles were administered orally to rats, they remained within the gut, displaying an important capability to reach the intestinal epithelium. No evidence of nanoparticle “translocation” were observed. The resveratrol plasma levels were high and sustained for at least 8 h with a similar profile to that observed for the presence of the major metabolite in plasma. The oral bioavailability of resveratrol when loaded in casein nanoparticles was calculated to be 26.5%, 10 times higher than when the polyphenol was administered as oral solution. Finally, a good correlation between in vitro and in vivo data was observed.
A Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Predicting Protein Hydroxylation Sites
Authors: Long Haixia , Liao Bo , Xu Xingyu , Yang Jialiang
Published: September 2018

Protein hydroxylation is one type of post-translational modifications (PTMs) playing critical roles in human diseases. It is known that protein sequence contains many uncharacterized residues of proline and lysine. The question that needs to be answered is: which residue can be hydroxylated, and which one cannot. The answer will not only help understand the mechanism of hydroxylation but can also benefit the development of new drugs. In this paper, we proposed a novel approach for predicting hydroxylation using a hybrid deep learning model integrating the convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory network (LSTM). We employed a pseudo amino acid composition (PseAAC) method to construct valid benchmark datasets based on a sliding window strategy and used the position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) to represent samples as inputs to the deep learning model. In addition, we compared our method with popular predictors including CNN, iHyd-PseAAC, and iHyd-PseCp. The results for 5-fold cross-validations all demonstrated that our method significantly outperforms the other methods in prediction accuracy.
Nucleus, Mitochondrion, or Reticulum? STAT3 à La Carte
Authors: Avalle Lidia , Poli Valeria
Published: September 2018

The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 mediates the functions of cytokines, growth factors, and oncogenes under both physiological and pathological conditions. Uncontrolled/constitutive STAT3 activity is often detected in tumors of different types, where its role is mostly that of an oncogene, contributing in multiple ways to tumor transformation, growth, and progression. For this reason, many laboratories and pharmaceutical companies are making efforts to develop specific inhibitors. However, STAT3 has also been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in a number of cases, suggesting that its activity is strongly context-specific. Here, we discuss the bases that can explain the multiple roles of this factor in both physiological and pathological contexts. In particular, we focus on the following four features: (i) the distinct properties of the STAT3α and β isoforms; (ii) the multiple post-translational modifications (phosphorylation on tyrosine or serine, acetylation and methylation on different residues, and oxidation and glutathionylation) that can affect its activities downstream of multiple different signals; (iii) the non-canonical functions in the mitochondria, contributing to the maintenance of energy homeostasis under stress conditions; and (iv) the recently discovered functions in the endoplasmic reticulum, where STAT3 contributes to the regulation of calcium homeostasis, energy production, and apoptosis.
An Overview of the Focus of the International Gap Junction Conference 2017 and Future Perspectives
Authors: Martin Patricia E. , Kwak Brenda R.
Published: September 2018

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A Large Effective Touchscreen Using a Head-Mounted Projector
Authors: Kemmoku Yusuke , Komuro Takashi
Published: September 2018

In our previous work, we proposed a user interface in which a user wears a projector and a depth camera on his or her head and performs touch operations on an image projected on a flat surface. By using the head-mounted projector, images are always projected in front of the user in the direction of the user’s gaze. The image to be projected is changed according to the user’s head pose so as to fix the superimposed image on the surface, which realizes a large effective screen size. In this paper, we conducted an experiment for evaluating the accuracy of registration by measuring the positional and rotational errors between the real world and the superimposed image using our experimental system. As a result, the mean absolute errors of translation were about 10 mm when the user stopped his head, and the delay was estimated to be about 0.2 s. We also discuss the limitations of our prototype and show the direction of future development.
On Homomorphism Theorem for Perfect Neutrosophic Extended Triplet Groups
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Mao Xiaoyan , Smarandache Florentin , Park Choonkil
Published: September 2018

Some homomorphism theorems of neutrosophic extended triplet group (NETG) are proved in the paper [Fundamental homomorphism theorems for neutrosophic extended triplet groups, Symmetry 2018, 10(8), 321; doi:10.3390/sym10080321]. These results are revised in this paper. First, several counterexamples are given to show that some results in the above paper are not true. Second, two new notions of normal NT-subgroup and complete normal NT-subgroup in neutrosophic extended triplet groups are introduced, and their properties are investigated. Third, a new concept of perfect neutrosophic extended triplet group is proposed, and the basic homomorphism theorem of perfect neutrosophic extended triplet groups is established.