bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of heavy metal contents in the soil of protected vegetable fields and its environmental quality evaluation in Yongnian county of Hebei province in China
Authors: Xi Zengfu , Xu Yunhong , Ma Baoguo , Wang Shuji 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the contents of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil of vegetable production bases in the Yongnian County of Hebei Province by random sampling.

Design/methodology/approach
The environmental quality conditions of these heavy metals were evaluated by both the single quality index and comprehensive quality index methods.

Findings
It was concluded that the average heavy metal contents in the soil of protected vegetable fields in the Yongnian County are all under the limit values prescribed by the environmental quality evaluation standard for farmland of greenhouse vegetables production (2007), so the soil’s environmental quality is classified as first class regarding cleanliness. It is fit for the plantation of non-polluted vegetables. It is shown that there is a cumulative trend of heavy metal contents in the soil with age after analysis of a correlation coefficient between heavy metal contents and age in Yongnian’s protected fields and excessive application of fertilizers or organic fertilizers, which is the main factor leading to an increase in heavy metal contents in the soil.

Originality/value
It is suggested that the amount of fertilizer should be properly reduced to prevent the soil’s environmental deterioration, the vegetable planting structure should be improved and the vegetables grown in areas with weaker accumulation of heavy metals should be cultivated.
An algorithm for energy consumption reduction of air cooler through a convenient control system and effects on GHG emissions
Authors: Zardoshti Zadeh Yazdi Mohammad , GhasemiKafrudi Esmaeil , Javdan Hamidreza 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to study the minimizing of energy consumption in air cooled-heat exchanger through a convenient control system. Thus, the performance of a given air cooler has been considered in different weather conditions for both ideal and non ideal operations.

Design/methodology/approach
The minimum number of fans in service has been calculated and used for the study and assessment of a proper controlling system with the purpose of energy saving in air coolers. On-Off controlling has been compared to variable speed drivers controlling to determine a feasible method for the process control of this cooling equipment.

Findings
Economical parameters show that installing variable speed drivers could be rational, as the payback period, the net present values of investment and the internal rate of return are completely persuading. The internal rate of return (IRR) for installation of variable speed driver (VSD) controls is 69 per cent. According to the results, there is a possibility of 0.45 and 0.33 MWh energy consumption reduction for VSD control under ideal and non-ideal conditions and consequently reduces annually 318 and 237 ton equivalent CO2.

Originality/value
Air cooled heat exchangers are used as one of the energy consumption equipment in most plants, but before the emergence of serious problems, not enough attention was given to their operation.
Test uncertainty reduction via a modified method for estimating steam turbine HP-IP packing leakage
Authors: Amini Meysam , Dorosti Qaran , Rahimyar Davood , Biglarian Hassan , GhasemiKafrudi Esmaeil 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to introduce a new modified method for estimating steam turbine high pressure (HP)-intermediate pressure (IP) leakage flow based on the experimental data extracted from a 250 MW re-heat steam turbine.

Design/methodology/approach
Effects of measurement uncertainties on the test results are investigated and key parameters are specified via a new modified method to diminish the test uncertainties. The recommended method is based on a constant IP turbine pressure ratio at the same loads. Considering this assumption, it was found that the turbine pressure ratio can be achieved in the second and the third tests with a much longer duration.

Findings
The results showed that the cross-over temperature is a major parameter in the leakage flow estimation tests, whereas hot reheat and cross-over pressures are the next priorities. It was also observed that as the cross-over temperature varies by 1°C, the estimated leakage flow error significantly differs by up to 72.6 per cent.

Originality/value
It is concluded that the present modified HP-IP leakage flow estimation method seems to be more accurate in comparison with previously proposed methods in literature.
Causes and Mechanisms of Death in Fatal Water Buffalo Attacks
Authors: Byard Roger W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDeaths due to buffalo attack have not been well described. A 72‐year‐old man was trampled by a water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) while attempting to move the animal within an enclosed area at an abattoir. At autopsy, there were numerous injuries involving the chest, head, neck, and left upper arm. Blunt force injury had resulted in multiple rib fractures with a flail chest and fracture/dislocation of the mid‐cervical vertebrae caused either by physical crushing by the animal against the walls of the enclosure or by stomping. There was also evidence of crush asphyxia with bilateral conjunctival hemorrhages and petechial hemorrhages. In addition, there was a deep degloving injury of the upper left arm compatible with goring by one of the buffalo horns. While large animal attacks may result in death from multiple injuries, careful dissection and examination of specific injuries at autopsy may clarify the complex interaction of lethal mechanisms.
Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes of Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Non‐Metastatic Renal Cancer in Long‐Term Dialysis Patients
Authors: Omae Kenji , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Iizuka Junpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) between patients undergoing dialysis for ≤240 and >240 months. Data from all dialysis patients with non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with LRN between 2008 and 2015 in our hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups, shorter‐ and longer‐term dialysis patients, according to the preoperative duration of dialysis (≤240 vs. >240 months). Of 174 patients, 58 (33.3%) were on longer‐term dialysis. Perioperative minor complications were significantly more frequent in the longer‐term dialysis patients (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between the two groups in other perioperative outcomes. Patients on longer‐term dialysis more frequently had pathologically advanced RCC (P = 0.009) with poorer prognosis (P = 0.005). LRN for RCC in longer‐term dialysis patients appears to be safe and feasible; however, careful follow‐up is needed because these patients tend to have poorer prognosis.
Migration as flow: using hydrological concepts to estimate the residence time of migrating birds from the daily counts
Authors: Drever Mark C. , Hrachowitz Markus 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Estimating the length‐of‐stay, the number of days a bird can be expected to stay at a site, at stopover sites is critical to understanding the migration ecology and estimating the population sizes of birds as they move between breeding and non‐breeding sites.

Estimating the length‐of‐stay of migrating animals at stopover sites has an analogue in the hydrological concept of transit time, the amount of time that water spends in a reservoir, which can be calculated as a numerical integration of inflow and outflow rates with an underlying Storage Age Selection function.

We used this approach to estimate the lengths‐of‐stay of migrating Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) and Dunlin (Calidris alpina) based on the time series of daily counts at two sites in British Columbia, Canada. The approach yielded mean transit times for Western Sandpiper during southward migration at Sidney Island that ranged between 9·6 days and 3·8 days, and showed a significant decline over time, 1992–2001, and is consistent with the estimates obtained from the capture‐mark‐resight studies. Transit times during northward migration at Roberts Bank, Fraser River Delta, based on the best available information ranged from 1·8 to 3·2 days for Western Sandpiper, and had a median value of 2·0 days for Dunlin, which is consistent with the estimates obtained from the radio‐telemetry studies.

These results indicate that the hydrological flow models may offer a means to estimate the length‐of‐stay from the daily counts of birds during migration. The models present an opportunity for testing the alternate hypotheses concerning the roles of behavioural‐ vs. habitat‐related mechanisms driving shorebird population sizes.
Virtual screening, SAR, and discovery of 5‐(indole‐3‐yl)‐2‐[(2‐nitrophenyl)amino] [1,3,4]‐oxadiazole as a novel Bcl‐2 inhibitor
Authors: Ziedan Noha I. , Hamdy Rania , Cavaliere Alessandra , Kourti Malamati , Prencipe Filippo , Brancale Andrea , Jones Arwyn T. , Westwell Andrew D. 
Published: January 2017

A new series of oxadiazoles were designed to act as inhibitors of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein. Virtual screening led to the discovery of new hits that interact with Bcl‐2 at the BH3 binding pocket. Further study of the structure–activity relationship of the most active compound of the first series, compound 1, led to the discovery of a novel oxadiazole analogue, compound 16j, that was a more potent small‐molecule inhibitor of Bcl‐2. 16j had good in vitro inhibitory activity with submicromolar IC50 values in a metastatic human breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) and a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). The antitumour effect of 16j is concomitant with its ability to bind to Bcl‐2 protein as shown by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (IC50 = 4.27 μm). Compound 16j has a great potential to develop into highly active anticancer agent.
Integrating Social and Ecological Knowledge for Targeting Voluntary Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Paloniemi Riikka , Hujala Teppo , Rantala Salla , Harlio Annika , Salomaa Anna , Primmer Eeva , Pynnönen Sari , Arponen Anni 
Published: January 2017

AbstractImproving the effectiveness of voluntary biodiversity policies requires developing trans‐disciplinary conservation plans that consider social constraints to achieving ecological objectives. We integrated data on landowners’ willingness to participate in voluntary conservation efforts with ecological data on conservation values in a spatial prioritization, and found that doing so considerably reduced the loss in conservation value caused by landowners’ reluctance to participate. We learned that conducting prioritization with stakeholder input gained through dialogue during field visits could be beneficial for increasing the legitimacy of conservation plans with stakeholders. Thus, in addition to developing a methodology for using data on stakeholder perceptions of conservation in spatial prioritization, our study suggests that engaging landowners and other stakeholders in the conservation prioritization process will improve the success of conservation plans.
Sticking to the script: A curious case of confusion in an ESRD patient
Authors: Gorlitsky Barry R. , Herion John T. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA 60‐year‐old male Dialysis patient presented with altered mental status and Hypertensive Urgency. He had a significant lesion noted on his glans penis. He was treated for infection and hypertension with expectant management, without significant improvement in his mental acuity. Laboratory and radiologic workup were unrevealing for the etiology. Upon detailed review it was noted he had recently been given Acyclovir for a presumed Herpes Simplex Virus infection. He had been prescribed what is considered correct dosing for an ESRD patient. An Acyclovir level was obtained and urgent Dialysis was undertaken, presuming Acyclovir neurotoxicity may be the culprit. Initially no improvement was noted and a 2nd level and hemodialysis were undertaken. This case and review of the literature will highlight key aspects of acyclovir neurotoxicity in ESRD patients, including how to diagnose and treat, which laboratory tests to obtain and what one can expect from various dialysis modalities. We will also reveal how to dose Acyclovir to avoid toxicity and other key elements of the drug.
Overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 protein predicts shorter survival in metastatic bladder cancer patients treated with gemcitabine‐containing combination chemotherapy
Authors: Matsumura Nagahide , Nakamura Yasushi , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Nishizawa Satoshi , Kikkawa Kazuro , Iba Akinori , Kodama Yoshiki , Hara Isao 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo identify biomarkers predicting prognosis in bladder cancer patients undergoing the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen.MethodsWe studied 52 patients with metastatic bladder cancer treated with the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen by evaluating the relationship between the expression of two biomarkers, ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 and excision repair cross complementing 1, by immunohistochemistry and clinical outcomes.ResultsThe patients with low expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 showed a higher objective response rate by the gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen than those with high expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (80.0% and 45.5%, respectively). No differences were observed according to the expression level of excision repair cross complementing 1. Low expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 significantly prolonged overall survival and progression‐free survival compared with the high expression group. Low expression of excision repair cross complementing 1 tended to prolong overall survival and progression‐free survival, but there were no significant differences (P = 0.07 and 0.10, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that the expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 was the only independent prognostic factor (P = 0.012).ConclusionsThe expressions of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 seem to be associated with clinical response and survival in patients with metastatic bladder cancer treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.
Does It Pay to Communicate with Firms? Evidence from Firm Site Visits of Mutual Funds
Authors: Liu Shasha , Dai Yunhao , Kong Dongmin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBy using a unique dataset on mutual fund visits to listed firms in China, we investigate whether mutual funds are able to obtain private information or benefit from their communication with firms. Our findings are as follows: 1) such communication significantly increases the subsequent trading magnitude of mutual funds; 2) mutual fund trades that rely on communication significantly predict the unexpected earnings of visited firms, which is further supported by IV‐regressions that use the number of direct flights between two cities as the instrument of communication; and 3) comprehensiveness of communication topics and firms’ information environment significantly affect the benefits that mutual funds obtain from communication. Our results are robust to alternative measures and specifications, and provide insights for regulators who are concerned with fair disclosure.
Familial Hepatitis E Outbreak Linked to Wild Boar Meat Consumption
Authors: Rivero‐Juarez A. , Frias M. , Martinez‐Peinado A. , Risalde M. A. , Rodriguez‐Cano D. , Camacho A. , García‐Bocanegra I. , Cuenca‐Lopez F. , Gomez‐Villamandos J. C. , Rivero A. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryAn HIV‐infected patient was diagnosed with acute hepatitis E infection in our hospital. An epidemiological inquiry was performed to collect demographic, food and animal exposure variables in order to identify the potential route of transmission. The patient reported that his family traditionally hunted wild boar for food. All family members were analysed for hepatitis E virus infection. Additionally, route of transmission by wild boar meat consumption and prevalence of HEV infection among wild boar from the same hunting area were investigated. In all‐family members (n = 8), HEV‐RNA was amplified. Two wild boar meat slices consumed was analysed, showing the presence of HEV. The virus isolated was consistent with genotype 3, revealing 100% homology between family members and meat. Additionally, we tested nine wild boar hunted in the same hunting area. All of them were RNA‐HEV positive, isolating the same HEV genotype 3 viral strain. We demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis zoonotic transmission of HEV by wild boar meat consumption. The prevalence of HEV infection among wild boar found in our study suggests that this species is an important route of transmission to human.
Serological Analysis of Tuberculosis in Goats by Use of the Enferplex Caprine TB Multiplex Test
Authors: O'Brien Amanda , Whelan Clare , Clarke John B. , Hayton Alastair , Watt Neil J. , Harkiss Gordon D. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis in goats is usually diagnosed clinically, at postmortem, or by a positive skin test. However, none of these approaches detects all infected animals. Serology offers an additional tool to identify infected animals missed by current tests. We describe the use of the Enferplex Caprine TB serology test to aid the management of a large dairy goat herd undergoing a tuberculosis breakdown. Initial skin and serology testing showed that IgG antibodies were present in both serum and milk from 100% of skin test-positive animals and in serum and milk from 77.8 and 95.4% of skin test-negative animals, respectively. A good correlation was observed between serum and milk antibody levels. The herd had been vaccinated against
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
, but no direct serological cross-reactions were found. Subsequent skin testing revealed 13.7% positive animals, 64.9% of which were antibody positive, while 42.1% of skin test-negative animals were seropositive. Antibody responses remained high 1 month later (57.1% positive), and the herd was slaughtered. Postmortem analysis of 20 skin test-negative goats revealed visible lesions in 6 animals, all of which had antibodies to six
Mycobacterium bovis
antigens. The results provide indirect evidence that serology testing with serum or milk could be a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis in goats.
VP24-Karyopherin Alpha Binding Affinities Differ between Ebolavirus Species, Influencing Interferon Inhibition and VP24 Stability
Authors: Schwarz Toni M. , Edwards Megan R. , Diederichs Audrey , Alinger Joshua B. , Leung Daisy W. , Amarasinghe Gaya K. , Basler Christopher F. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Zaire ebolavirus
(EBOV),
Bundibugyo ebolavirus
(BDBV), and
Reston ebolavirus
(RESTV) belong to the same genus but exhibit different virulence properties. VP24 protein, a structural protein present in all family members, blocks interferon (IFN) signaling and likely contributes to virulence. Inhibition of IFN signaling by EBOV VP24 (eVP24) involves its interaction with the NPI-1 subfamily of karyopherin alpha (KPNA) nuclear transporters. Here, we evaluated eVP24, BDBV VP24 (bVP24), and RESTV VP24 (rVP24) interactions with three NPI-1 subfamily KPNAs (KPNA1, KPNA5, and KPNA6). Using purified proteins, we demonstrated that each VP24 binds to each of the three NPI-1 KPNAs. bVP24, however, exhibited approximately 10-fold-lower KPNA binding affinity than either eVP24 or rVP24. Cell-based assays also indicate that bVP24 exhibits decreased KPNA interaction, decreased suppression of IFN induced gene expression, and a decreased half-life in transfected cells compared to eVP24 or rVP24. Amino acid sequence alignments between bVP24 and eVP24 also identified residues within and surrounding the previously defined eVP24-KPNA5 binding interface that decrease eVP24-KPNA affinity or bVP24-KPNA affinity. VP24 mutations that lead to reduced KPNA binding affinity also decrease IFN inhibition and shorten VP24 half-lives. These data identify novel functional differences in VP24-KPNA interaction and reveal a novel impact of the VP24-KPNA interaction on VP24 stability.

IMPORTANCE
The interaction of Ebola virus (EBOV) VP24 protein with host karyopherin alpha (KPNA) proteins blocks type I interferon (IFN) signaling, which is a central component of the host innate immune response to viral infection. Here, we quantitatively compared the interactions of VP24 proteins from EBOV and two members of the
Ebolavirus
genus, Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) and Reston virus (RESTV). The data reveal lower binding affinity of the BDBV VP24 (bVP24) for KPNAs and demonstrate that the interaction with KPNA modulates inhibition of IFN signaling and VP24 stability. The effect of KPNA interaction on VP24 stability is a novel functional consequence of this virus-host interaction, and the differences identified between viral species may contribute to differences in pathogenesis.
Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Subverts Autophagic Vacuoles To Promote Viral Maturation and Release
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Duan Yulu , Han Chunyan , Yao Shuai , Qi Xiaole , Gao Yulong , Maier Helena J. , Britton Paul , Chen Lei , Zhang Lizhou , Gao Li , Gao Honglei , Shen Nan , Wang Jingfei , Wang Xiaomei 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Autophagy functions as an intrinsic antiviral defense. However, some viruses can subvert or even enhance host autophagic machinery to increase viral replication and pathogenesis. The role of autophagy during avibirnavirus infection, especially late stage infection, remains unclear. In this study, infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was used to investigate the role of autophagy in avibirnavirus replication. We demonstrated IBDV induction of autophagy as a significant increase in puncta of LC3
+
autophagosomes, endogenous levels of LC3-II, and ultrastructural characteristics typical of autophagosomes during the late stage of infection. Induction of autophagy enhances IBDV replication, whereas inhibition of autophagy impairs viral replication. We also demonstrated that IBDV infection induced autophagosome-lysosome fusion, but without active degradation of their contents. Moreover, inhibition of fusion or of lysosomal hydrolysis activity significantly reduced viral replication, indicating that virions utilized the low-pH environment of acidic organelles to facilitate viral maturation. Using immuno-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we observed that a large number of intact IBDV virions were arranged in a lattice surrounded by p62 proteins, some of which lay between virions. Additionally, many virions were encapsulated within the vesicular membranes, with an obvious release stage observed by TEM. The autophagic endosomal pathway facilitates low-pH-mediated maturation of viral proteins and membrane-mediated release of progeny virions.

IMPORTANCE
IBDV is the most extensively studied virus in terms of molecular characteristics and pathogenesis; however, mechanisms underlying the IBDV life cycle require further exploration. The present study demonstrated that autophagy enhances viral replication at the late stage of infection, and the autophagy pathway facilitates IBDV replication complex function and virus assembly, which is critical to completion of the virus life cycle. Moreover, the virus hijacks the autophagic vacuoles to mature in an acidic environment and release progeny virions in a membrane-mediated cell-to-cell manner. This autophagic endosomal pathway is proposed as a new mechanism that facilitates IBDV maturation, release, and reinternalization. This report presents a concordance in exit strategies among some RNA and DNA viruses, which exploit autophagy pathway for their release from cells.