bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel insights on the physicochemical properties of eumelanins and their DMSO derivatives
Authors: Albano Luiz GS , Di Mauro Eduardo , Kumar Prajwal , Cicoira Fabio , Graeff Carlos FO , Santato Clara 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe biopigment eumelanin, ubiquitous in flora and fauna, is made up of chemically heterogeneous macromolecules based on the 5,6‐dihydroxyindole and 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐2‐carboxylic acid building blocks. The exciting possibility of designing eumelanin‐based technologies for bioelectronics and sustainable electronics has to be properly assessed by gaining insights on the charge transfer and charge carrier transport in the pigment, preferably in film form, easily amenable to devices. In this work, we report a study on the electrochemical behaviour of films of eumelanin and its derivatives synthesized in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO eumelanins) in different aqueous electrolytes, with different chemical compositions and pH. DMSO eumelanins feature an improved solubility in the solvent DMSO, of relevance for processing purposes. The voltammetric currents are higher at relatively low pH (5.5), as expected considering the well‐established proton transport properties of the biopigment. Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy performed on eumelanin films were combined with thermogravimetry with the aim of advancing knowledge on the molecular and supramolecular features of synthetic commercially available eumelanin, DMSO eumelanins as well as natural eumelanin (Sepia melanin). The results collected permit unprecedented insights on the physicochemical properties of eumelanin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Measurement of protein size in concentrated solutions by small angle X‐ray scattering
Authors: Liu Jun , Li Zhihong , Wei Yanru , Wang Wenjia , Wang Bing , Liang Hongli , Gao Yuxi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBy simulations on the distance distribution function (DDF) derived from small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) theoretical data of a dense monodisperse system, we found a quantitative mathematical correlation between the apparent size of a spherically symmetric (or nearly spherically symmetric) homogenous particle and the concentration of the solution. SAXS experiments on protein solutions of human hemoglobin and horse myoglobin validated the correlation. This gives a new method to determine, from the SAXS DDF, the size of spherically symmetric (or nearly spherically symmetric) particles of a dense monodisperse system, specifically for protein solutions with interference effects.
Evolution of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Musca domestica
Authors: Scott Jeffrey G 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHouseflies, Musca domestica L., are a significant pest because of the numerous diseases they transmit. Control of housefly populations, particularly at animal production facilities, is frequently done using pyrethroid insecticides which kill insects by prolonging the open time of the voltage‐sensitive sodium channel (VSSC). Houseflies have evolved resistance to pyrethroids owing to mutations in Vssc and by cytochrome‐P450‐mediated detoxification. Three Vssc mutations are known: kdr (L1014F), kdr‐his (L1014H) and super‐kdr (M918T + L1014F). Generally, the levels of resistance conferred by these mutations are kdr‐his < kdr < super‐kdr, but this pattern does not hold for multihalogenated benzyl pyrethroids, for which super‐kdr confers less resistance than kdr. P450‐mediated resistance can result from overexpression of CYP6D1 or another P450 (unidentified) whose overexpression is linked to autosomes II or V. The initial use of field‐stable pyrethroids resulted in different patterns of evolution across the globe, but with time these mutations have become more widespread in their distribution. What is known about the fitness costs of the resistance alleles in the absence of insecticide is discussed, particularly with respect to the current and future utility of pyrethroid insecticides. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Field evaluation of the nematicide fluensulfone for control of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida
Authors: Norshie Patrick M , Grove Ivan G , Back Matthew A 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThree field experiments evaluated the performance of the nematicide fluensulfone against the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida in Shropshire, England.RESULTSExperiments 1 and 2 showed reduced root infection and lowered multiplication of G. pallida following fluensulfone (Nimitz 15G®) soil treatments at five rates (1.95, 3.00, 4.05 (full rate), 5.05 and 6.00 kg AI ha−1) and Nimitz 480EC® at the full rate. Experiment 3 demonstrated a positive interaction between the full rate of Nimitz 15G and the potato variety Santé in the reduction of G. pallida. The fluensulfone treatments at the full rate had more consistent effects than the lower rates, and there were no greater effects for the treatments higher than this full rate. Generally, fluensulfone was less efficacious than oxamyl or fosthiazate, which suggests that the treatment may not be reliably integrated within shorter potato rotations.CONCLUSIONThe data suggest that fluensulfone soil application could make a useful addition to the few available nematicide treatments for the control of G. pallida rather than be a substitute for these treatments.© 2016 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Boundary stabilization of a cascade of ODE‐wave systems subject to boundary control matched disturbance
Authors: Liu Jun‐Jun , Wang Jun‐Min 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we are concerned with a cascade of ODE‐wave systems with the control actuator‐matched disturbance at the boundary of the wave equation. We use the sliding mode control (SMC) technique and the active disturbance rejection control method to overcome the disturbance, respectively. By the SMC approach, the disturbance is supposed to be bounded only. The existence and uniqueness of solution for the closed‐loop via SMC are proved, and the monotonicity of the ‘reaching condition’ is presented without the differentiation of the sliding mode function, for which it may not always exist for the weak solution of the closed‐loop system. Considering that the SMC usually requires the large control gain and may exhibit chattering behavior, we then develop an active disturbance rejection control to attenuate the disturbance. The disturbance is canceled in the feedback loop. The closed‐loop systems with constant high gain and time‐varying high gain are shown respectively to be practically stable and asymptotically stable. Then we continue to consider output feedback stabilization for this coupled ODE‐wave system, and we design a variable structure unknown input‐type state observer that is shown to be exponentially convergent. The disturbance is estimated through the extended state observer and then canceled in the feedback loop by its approximated value. These enable us to design an observer‐based output feedback stabilizing control to this uncertain coupled system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates and adverse perinatal outcome by fetoplacental Doppler at 37 weeks' gestation
Authors: Triunfo S. , Crispi F. , Gratacos E. , Figueras F. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the predictive capacity of fetoplacental Doppler at 37 weeks' gestation in identifying small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and adverse perinatal outcome.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of low‐risk singleton pregnancies undergoing ultrasound assessment at 37 weeks. At study inclusion, biometry for estimated fetal weight (EFW), and fetoplacental Doppler variables (uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and umbilical vein blood flow (UVBF) normalized by EFW) were measured. SGA was defined as a customized birth weight between the 3rd and 10th centiles, and FGR was defined as a birth weight < 3rd centile, according to local standards. Adverse perinatal outcomes included emergency Cesarean section for non‐reassuring fetal status, 5‐min Apgar score < 7 and neonatal acidosis at birth.ResultsA total of 946 pregnancies were included in the study. Of these, 89 (9.4%) were classified as SGA and 40 (4.2%) as FGR, with an overall rate of adverse perinatal outcome of 4.9%. At a fixed 10% false‐positive rate (FPR), the detection rate of SGA by EFW, UtA‐PI, CPR, UVBF and by a combination of Doppler variables (UtA‐PI and CPR) and EFW was 59.2%, 10.5%, 13.7%, 3.2% and 61.0%, respectively. At a fixed 10% FPR, the detection rate of FGR by EFW, UtA‐PI, CPR, UVBF and a combination of CPR and EFW centile was 83.3%, 13.9%, 27.8%, 13.9% and 88.6%, respectively. At a fixed 10% FPR, the detection rate of adverse perinatal outcome by EFW, UtA‐PI, CPR and UVBF was 19.2%, 9.2%, 23.1% and 16.9%, respectively, while combining EFW with Doppler variables (including CPR and UVBF normalized by EFW) improved the detection rate to nearly 30%.ConclusionIn low‐risk pregnancies, Doppler evaluation at 37 weeks' gestation did not improve the prediction of SGA and FGR compared with that given by EFW alone, however, combining Doppler variables with EFW improved the prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes given by these parameters alone, although not markedly. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The association between serum β‐hCG on day 24 of pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy in frozen embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Chen Xin , Huang Yuan , Guo Ping‐Ping , Ye De‐Sheng , Xu Li‐Juan , Chen Shi‐Ling 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the relationship between serum levels of the β‐subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) on day 24 of pregnancy during a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle and ongoing pregnancy.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, data were reviewed from women aged 38 years or younger who underwent a FET cycle at Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China, from January 2013 to December 2014. Inclusion criteria were use of hormone‐replacement therapy to achieve an endometrial thickness of 8 mm or more, and at least two surviving embryos. Serum β‐hCG on day 24 of pregnancy was assessed in relation to ongoing pregnancy at 12 weeks.ResultsOverall, 217 patients who underwent 248 FET cycles were included. The only measure that differed between cycles with (n = 112) and without (n = 136) ongoing pregnancy was β‐hCG level on day 24 of pregnancy (73.0 ± 65.8 vs 19.4 ± 34.5 mIU/mL; P < 0.001). Classification tree analysis showed that women with day‐24 β‐hCG levels higher than 26.6 mIU/mL had a 75.8% likelihood of ongoing pregnancy. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the corresponding area under curve was 0.845 (95% confidence interval 0.795–0.895).ConclusionA maternal serum β‐hCG level higher than 26.6 mIU/mL was predictive of ongoing pregnancy at 12 weeks.
Neurologist knowledge about interactions between antiepileptic drugs and contraceptive methods
Authors: Suto Hilda S. , Braga Giordana C. , Scarpellini Giuliano R. , Takeuchi Leandro I. , Martins Ana P. , Leite João P. , Vieira Carolina S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate neurologists’ knowledge of contraceptive counseling for women receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).MethodsAn interview‐based survey was conducted from February 2 to June 30, 2015, among neurologists working in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. Direct interviews were conducted using a questionnaire that assessed knowledge of the pharmacological interactions between various contraceptive methods and six AEDs (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, topiramate, phenytoin, lamotrigine, and valproate) on the basis of WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use.ResultsAmong 42 neurologists who participated, 32 (76%) stated that they treated women with epilepsy and provided them with counseling for family planning. Overall, 34 (81%) recommended the use of a copper intrauterine device irrespective of the AED used, and 26 (60%) stated that they co‐prescribed AEDs and hormonal contraceptives. Although 39 (93%) neurologists had knowledge that AEDs might contraindicate the use of some contraceptives, their knowledge regarding the specific drug interactions was lacking. Furthermore, 34 (81%) had no knowledge of WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use.ConclusionAlthough most neurologists interviewed had knowledge of interactions between AEDs and hormonal contraceptives, they did not know which specific AEDs interacted with these agents.
The roles of inflammation and immune mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Van Eldik Linda J. , Carrillo Maria C. , Cole Patricia E. , Feuerbach Dominik , Greenberg Barry D. , Hendrix James A. , Kennedy Matthew , Kozauer Nick , Margolin Richard A. , Molinuevo José L. , Mueller Reinhold , Ransohoff Richard M. , Wilcock Donna M. , Bain Lisa , Bales Kelly 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Alzheimer's Association's Research roundtable met in April 2015 to explore the role of neuroinflammatory mechanisms in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The ability of innate immune cells, particularly microglia and astrocytes, to mediate neuroinflammation in AD has been implicated as a significant contributor to disease pathogenesis. Adaptive immunity, which plays an important role in responding to injury and some diseases of the central nervous system, may contribute to neuroinflammation in AD as well. Communication between the central and peripheral immune systems may also be important in AD. An increased understanding of the physiology of the innate immune system may aid the identification of new therapeutic targets or mechanisms. The development of predictive animal models and translatable neuroinflammation biomarkers for AD would also facilitate the advancement of novel treatments for innate immunity. Important challenges impeding the advancement of new therapeutic agents and strategies to overcome them were discussed.
Characterisation of drag and wake properties of canopy patches immersed in turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Taddei S. , Manes C. , Ganapathisubramani B. 
Published: May 2016

The wakes and the drag forces of canopy patches with different densities, immersed in turbulent boundary layers, are investigated experimentally. The patches are circular (with outer diameter $D$) and are made of several identical circular cylinders (height, $H$, and diameter, $d$). The bulk aspect ratio of all of the patches ($AR=H/D$) was fixed at 1 and the patch density (${\it\phi}=N_{c}d^{2}/D^{2}$, also referred to as the solidity) is altered by varying the number of cylinders ($N_{c}$) in the patch. Drag measurements show that the patch drag coefficient increases with increasing density. However, the drag coefficient of the highest investigated density (${\it\phi}\approx 0.25$) is greater than the drag coefficient of a solid patch (i.e. ${\it\phi}=1$, which is a solid cylinder with $AR=1$). Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were carried out along the streamwise–wall-normal ($x$–$y$) plane along the centreline of patch and in the streamwise–spanwise ($x$–$z$) plane at its mid height (i.e. $y=H/2$). Mean velocity fields show that the porosity of the patch promotes bleeding along all directions. It was observed that bleeding along the vertical/horizontal direction increases/decreases with increasing ${\it\phi}$. Furthermore, it was also observed that bleeding along the lateral direction dictates the point of flow separation along the sides of the patch and makes it independent of ${\it\phi}$. All of these aspects make wakes for porous patches markedly different from their solid counterpart and provide a rational basis to explain the observed trends in the drag coefficient.
TURNING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE ON AGROFORESTRY INTO AN ONLINE DECISION-SUPPORT TOOL FOR TREE SELECTION IN SMALLHOLDERS’ FARMS
Authors: VAN DER WOLF JUST , JASSOGNE LAURENCE , GRAM GIL , VAAST PHILIPPE 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYThis paper presents the main features of a unique decision-support tool developed for selecting tree species in coffee and cocoa agroforestry systems. This tool aims at assisting in the selection of appropriate shade trees taking into account local conditions as well as needs and preferences of smallholder farmers while maximizing ecosystem services from plot to landscape level. This user-friendly and practical tool provides site-specific recommendations on tree species selection via simple graphical displays and is targeted towards extension services and stakeholders directly involved in sustainable agroforestry and adaptation to climate change. The tool is based on a simple protocol to collect local agroforestry knowledge through farmers’ interviews and rankings of tree species with respect to locally perceived key ecosystem services. The data collected are first analysed using the BradleyTerry2 package in R, yielding the ranking scores that are used in the decision-support tool. Originally developed for coffee and cocoa systems of Uganda and Ghana, this tool can be extended to other producing regions of the world as well as to other cropping systems. The tool will be tested to see if repeated assessments show consistent ranking scores, and to see if the use of the tool by extension workers improves their shade tree advice to local farmers.
BEYOND AVERAGES: NEW APPROACHES TO UNDERSTAND HETEROGENEITY AND RISK OF TECHNOLOGY SUCCESS OR FAILURE IN SMALLHOLDER FARMING
Authors: VANLAUWE BERNARD , COE RIC , GILLER KEN E. 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYIn recent years, many studies have demonstrated the heterogeneity of the smallholder production environment. Yet agronomic research for development (R4D) that aims to identify and test options for increasing productivity has not consistently adapted its approaches to such heterogeneous conditions. This paper describes the challenges facing research, highlighting the importance of variation in evaluating the performance of soil management recommendations, integrating aspects of production risk management within the formulation of recommendations, and proposing alternative approaches to implement agronomic R4D. Approaches are illustrated using two multi-locational on-farm paired trials, each having one no-input control treatment and a treatment with fertilizer application for maize in Western Kenya and for beans in Eastern Rwanda. The diversity of treatment responses should be embraced rather than avoided to gain a better understanding of current context and its relation with past management.
Pacification and Patronage in the Maratha Deccan, 1803–1818
Authors: VARTAVARIAN MESROB 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis article examines pacification operations conducted by British colonial armies throughout the Maratha Deccan from 1803 to 1818. The East India Company assembled concentrations of coercive force by extending patronage to loyalist elites and mobile war bands. Military contingents from allied princely states were mobilized and combined with a policy of brokerage intended to demobilize hostile forces holed up in forts or engaged in brigandage. Pacification through a mixture of negotiations and force ensured loyalist groups a privileged place in the emerging colonial order.
A systematic review of pentacyclic triterpenes and their derivatives as chemotherapeutic agents against tropical parasitic diseases
Authors: ISAH MURTALA BINDAWA , IBRAHIM MOHAMMED AUWAL , MOHAMMED AMINU , ALIYU ABUBAKAR BABANDO , MASOLA BUBUYA , COETZER THERESA H. T. 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYParasitic infections are among the leading global public health problems with very high economic and mortality burdens. Unfortunately, the available treatment drugs are beset with side effects and continuous parasite drug resistance is being reported. However, new findings reveal more promising compounds especially of plant origin. Among the promising leads are the pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) made up of the oleanane, ursane, taraxastane, lupane and hopane types. This paper reviews the literature published from 1985 to date on the in vitro and in vivo anti-parasitic potency of this class of phytochemicals. Of the 191 natural and synthetic PT reported, 85 have shown high anti-parasitic activity against various species belonging to the genera of Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, as well as various genera of Nematoda. Moreover, structural modification especially at carbon 3 (C3) and C27 of the parent backbone of PT has led to improved anti-parasitic activity in some cases and loss of activity in others. The potential of this group of compounds as future alternatives in the treatment of parasitic diseases is discussed. It is hoped that the information presented herein will contribute to the full exploration of this promising group of compounds as possible drugs for parasitic diseases.
Declining breeding populations of White-naped Cranes in Eastern Mongolia, a ten-year update
Authors: GILBERT MARTIN , BUUVEIBAATAR BAYARBAATAR , FINE AMANDA E. , JAMBAL LOSOLMAA , STRINDBERG SAMANTHA 
Published: May 2016

SummaryEastern Mongolia supports one of the most important breeding populations of the White-naped CraneAntigone vipio(WNC), which is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the IUCN. Large numbers of WNCs were found to be breeding at high densities within the Ulz River basin during surveys conducted in 2000 and 2001, along a 270 km section of the river. Following these surveys, an extended drought continuing for at least a decade has threatened wetland ecosystems throughout Eastern Mongolia. This study reports the findings of surveys conducted in 2010 and 2011 along the same section of the Ulz River surveyed a decade earlier, as well as a generalised survey of other sites where breeding WNCs had previously been recorded. Along the Ulz River, populations declined from 42 territorial pairs in 2001 to 17 in 2011. Estimates of detection probability using distance sampling and occupancy methods at two locations gave consistent results of 23%–27% detectability. With a minimum population of 234 WNCs observed across all sites in 2011, these detection probabilities suggest that the areas surveyed support the majority of breeding WNCs in the western population. Although we cannot exclude the movement of WNCs beyond the survey area, these findings also suggest that the population has declined between 2001 and 2011. Exploration of key habitat variables using occupancy models and generalized linear mixed models found that WNCs favoured areas of high wet vegetation (estimated as ‘wet meadow’ coverage and using normalized difference vegetation index), and low grazing pressure. Given the importance of water resources to WNCs and nomadic herding communities, use of wetland habitat must be carefully managed to balance the needs of cranes and people, particularly during periods of drought.