bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced chromium (VI) removal using activated carbon modified by zero valent iron and silver bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Kakavandi Babak , Kalantary Roshanak Rezaei , Farzadkia Mahdi , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Esrafili Ali , Azari Ali , Yari Ahmad Reza , Javid Allah Bakhsh 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Recently, adsorption process has been introduced as a favorable and effective technique for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions. In the present study, bimetallic nanoparticles consisting of zero valent iron and silver were loaded on the activated carbon powder for the preparation of a new adsorbent (PAC-Feo/Ag). The above adsorbent was characterized by using XRD, SEM and TEM techniqes. Experimental data were exploited for kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic evaluations related to the adsorption processes. The Cr(VI) adsorption process was found to be favorable at pH 3 and it reached equilibrium state within 60 min. The stirring rate did not have a significant effect on the adsorption efficiency. Furthermore, the monolayer adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) based on the Langmuir model was measured to be 100 mg/g. The experimental equilibrium data were fitted to the Freundlich adsorption and pseudo second-order models. According to the thermodynamic study, the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature, indicating the adsorption capacity increases with increasing the temperature. The results also revealed that the synthesized composite can be potentially applied as a magnetic adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) contaminants from aqueous solutions.
High-Performance Mixed Models Based Genome-Wide Association Analysis with omicABEL software
Authors: Fabregat-Traver Diego , Sharapov Sodbo Zh. , Hayward Caroline , Rudan Igor , Campbell Harry , Aulchenko Yurii , Bientinesi Paolo 
Published: August 2014

To raise the power of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and avoid false-positive results in structured populations, one can rely on mixed model based tests. When large samples are used, and when multiple traits are to be studied in the ’omics’ context, this approach becomes computationally challenging. Here we consider the problem of mixed-model based GWAS for arbitrary number of traits, and demonstrate that for the analysis of single-trait and multiple-trait scenarios different computational algorithms are optimal. We implement these optimal algorithms in a high-performance computing framework that uses state-of-the-art linear algebra kernels, incorporates optimizations, and avoids redundant computations,increasing throughput while reducing memory usage and energy consumption. We show that, compared to existing libraries, our algorithms and software achieve considerable speed-ups. The OmicABEL software described in this manuscript is available under the GNUGPL v. 3 license as part of the GenABEL project for statistical genomics at http: //www.genabel.org/packages/OmicABEL.
Momordica charantia ointment accelerates diabetic wound healing and enhances transforming growth factor-β expression
Authors: Hussan F. , Teoh S. Lin , Muhamad N. , Mazlan M. , Latiff A.A. 
Published: August 2014

Objective: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an important role in wound healing. Delayed wound healing is a consequence of diabetes, leading to high morbidity and poor quality of life. Momordica charantia (MC) fruit possesses anti-diabetic and wound healing properties. This study aimed to explore the changes in TGF-β expression in diabetic wounds treated with topical MC fruit extract. Methods: Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normal control group and five diabetic groups of ten rats each. Intravenous streptozotocin (50mg/kg) was given to induce diabetes in the diabetic groups. Full thickness excision wounds were created on the thoracodorsal region of the animals, and these wounds were then treated with vehicle, MC powder, MC ointment and povidone ointment or ointment base for ten days. Wound healing was determined by the rate of wound closure, total protein content and TGF-β expression in the wounds, and histological observation. Results: Diabetic groups showed delayed wound closure rates compared to the control group. The wound closure rate in the MC ointment group was significantly faster than that of the untreated diabetic group (p<0.05). The MC ointment group also showed intense TGF-β expression and a high level of total protein content. Conclusion: MC ointment has a promising potential for use as an alternative topical medication for diabetic wounds. This work has shown that it accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats, and it is suggested here that this occurs by enhancing TGF-β expression. Further work is recommended to explore this effect. Declaration of interest: There is no conflict of interest.
A kinetic mechanism for in vivo protein folding
Authors: Cruzeiro Leonor 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
For many decades now, the solution to the protein folding problem has been sought within the thermodynamic hypothesis of Anfinsen. Instead, the work discussed here is concerned with protein folding in vivo and assumes that the solution lies within a generalization of the kinetic, nonequilibrium mechanism first proposed by Levinthal. Accordingly, two different initial conditions, namely, a fully extended and a helical chain, are tested and pathways to the native state are generated via targeted molecular dynamics. The energetic and structural analysis indicates that a helical initial condition is to be preferred over an extended one. These results are set against the broader context of in vitro protein refolding experiments and theories and are found to be in agreement with the recent experimental observations about the influence of the ribosome on the structure of, and on the folding from, nascent chains.
Design of Nanostructured Selective Surfaces for Solar to Thermal Energy Conversion
Authors: Gau Daniel L. , Marotti Ricardo E. , Davoine Federico , Amy Lucía I. , Dalchiele Enrique A. , Romero Rocío , Ramos-Barrado José R. , Leinen Dietmar , Martín Francisco , Botasini Santiago , Méndez Eduardo , Abal Gonzalo 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe solar absorptance αs of nanostructured selective surface (NSS) for solar thermal energy is improved. The NSS are prepared by AC electrochemical impregnation of metal inclusions (MI) into porous anodized aluminum oxide (AAO). The dependence of the NSS performance with composition depth profile and MI is studied by numeric simulations based in a gradient index model and effective medium theory. The results are compared with experimental NSS prepared varying three control parameters and MI (Ni, Cu, Ag). The αs is improved to > 85% (keeping thermal emittance εT relatively low) for Ni MI, mainly by increasing MI content. Increasing AAO thickness or MI molecular weight (for a given experimental composition profile) also improves the performance. For Ag the αs was further improved to 90%.
Repression ofOsEXPA3Expression Leads to Root System Growth Suppression in Rice
Authors: Qiu Shichun , Ma Nana , Che Shugang , Wang Ying , Peng Xiaoyan , Zhang Guopeng , Wang Guixue , Huang Junli 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTExpansins are cell‐wall–loosening proteins known to be involved in a wide range of physical processes during plant development.OsEXPA3, a rice α‐expansin gene, was found to be preferentially expressed in the root and highly induced by NaCl, while suppressed by nitrate (N) and phosphate (Pi) starvation. Repression ofOsEXPA3expression by RNA interference (RNAi) in rice (Oryza sativaL.) severely impaired the growth of the root system. A significant reduction in the primary root length and lateral root density was observed in 1‐wk‐oldOsEXPA3‐RNAilines at seedling stage, and the total size and density of the root system was clearly decreased in 1‐mo‐old plants. Besides, the root hair of RNAi seedlings was clearly shorter than that of wild‐type plants. Moreover, RNAi plants exhibited clearly inhibited growth, which is mostly attributed to the poorer root system architecture. Further study indicated that the cell length of root vascular bundles and cell growth in suspension cultures inOsEXPA3‐RNAilines decreased significantly, which revealed the cellular basis forOsEXPA3‐mediated rice root growth. Further, the cell‐wall mechanical properties of suspension cells probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that repression ofOsEXPA3led to a significant increase in cell‐wall stiffness, and cell‐wall polymer compositions revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were also strongly changed. Taken together, the results suggest thatOsEXPA3is required for root system development in rice and involved in mediating root growth by mediating cell‐wall loosening.
Overview and Application of QTL for Adult Plant Resistance to Leaf Rust and Powdery Mildew in Wheat
Authors: Li Zaifeng , Lan Caixia , He Zhonghu , Singh Ravi P. , Rosewarne Garry M. , Chen Xinmin , Xia Xianchun 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTLeaf rust and powdery mildew, caused by Puccinia triticina and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, respectively, are widespread fungal diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Development of cultivars with durable resistance is crucially important for global wheat production. This paper reviews the progress of genetic study and application of adult plant resistance (APR) to wheat leaf rust and powdery mildew. Eighty leaf rust and 119 powdery mildew APR quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been reported on 16 and 21 chromosomes, respectively, in over 50 publications during the last 15 yr. More important, we found 11 loci located on chromosomes 1BS, 1BL, 2AL, 2BS (2), 2DL, 4DL, 5BL, 6AL, 7BL, and 7DS showing pleiotropic effects on resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, and powdery mildew. Among these, QTL on chromosomes 1BL, 4DL, and 7DS also correlate with leaf tip necrosis. Fine mapping and cloning of these QTL will be achieved with the advent of cheaper high‐throughput genotyping technologies. Germplasm carrying these potential resistance genes will be useful for developing cultivars with durable multidisease resistance. In addition to its non‐NBS–LRR (nucleotide binding site–leucine rich repeat) structure, the senescence‐like processes induced by Lr34 could be the reason for durability of resistance; however, more information is needed for a full understanding of the molecular mechanism related to durability. Adult plant resistance genes have been used by CIMMYT for more than 30 yr and have also been transferred to many Chinese wheat varieties through shuttle breeding.
Quantification of the Glycemic Response to Microdoses of Subcutaneous Glucagon at Varying Insulin Levels
Authors: El Youssef Joseph , Castle Jessica R. , Bakhtiani Parkash A. , Haidar Ahmad , Branigan Deborah L. , Breen Matthew , Ward W. Kenneth 
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE
Glucagon delivery in closed-loop control of type 1 diabetes is effective in minimizing hypoglycemia. However, high insulin concentration lowers the hyperglycemic effect of glucagon, and small doses of glucagon in this setting are ineffective. There are no studies clearly defining the relationship between insulin levels, subcutaneous glucagon, and blood glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using a euglycemic clamp technique in 11 subjects with type 1 diabetes, we examined endogenous glucose production (EGP) of glucagon (25, 75, 125, and 175 μg) at three insulin infusion rates (0.016, 0.032, and 0.05 units/kg/h) in a randomized, crossover study. Infused 6,6-dideuterated glucose was measured every 10 min, and EGP was determined using a validated glucoregulatory model. Area under the curve (AUC) for glucose production was the primary outcome, estimated over 60 min.

RESULTS
At low insulin levels, EGP rose proportionately with glucagon dose, from 5 ± 68 to 112 ± 152 mg/kg (P = 0.038 linear trend), whereas at high levels, there was no increase in glucose output (19 ± 53 to 26 ± 38 mg/kg, P = NS). Peak glucagon serum levels and AUC correlated well with dose (r2 = 0.63, P &lt; 0.001), as did insulin levels with insulin infusion rates (r2 = 0.59, P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
EGP increases steeply with glucagon doses between 25 and 175 μg at lower insulin infusion rates. However, high insulin infusion rates prevent these doses of glucagon from significantly increasing glucose output and may reduce glucagon effectiveness in preventing hypoglycemia when used in the artificial pancreas.
Trophic State of a Shallow Lake with Reduced Inflow of Surface Water
Authors: Ejankowski Wojciech , Lenard Tomasz 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
According to the general classification of shallow eutrophic lakes, two alternative types are distinguished: phytoplankton-dominated and macrophyte-dominated lakes. The latter type is rare and currently endangered by human activity. In order to determine the effect of reduced inflow of surface water by an earth dyke on the lake trophic state, certain biological and physico-chemical parameters were evaluated. This work focuses on two lakes of similar morphometric characteristics situated in the agricultural landscape. The effect of the earth dyke on the trophic state was positively verified. The lake situated in the catchment basin, in which the inflow of surface water was reduced, was defined as meso-eutrophic, with a small amount of phytoplankton and high water transparency. The reference lake was highly eutrophic, with low water transparency and a large amount of phytoplankton. The water body surrounded by the earth dyke was macrophytes dominated (65% of the lake area), whereas the reference lake was a phytoplankton-macrophyte type (42% of the lake area). The trophic evaluation of a lake can be underestimated because of a significant amount of biogenic compounds accumulated in plant tissues. Thus, the values of Carlson’s indices in macrophyte-dominated lakes may not account for the total amount of nutrients in the water body.
Post-Digestion Liquor Treatment in the Method Combining Chemical Precipitation with Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Kuglarz Mariusz , Grübel Klaudiusz , Bohdziewicz Jolanta 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to develop an effective treatment of post-digestion liquors highly-loaded with biogenic and organic substances. The scope of the research project encompassed: mesophilic anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) as well as the treatment of post-digestion liquors, coming from the most appropriate HRT value of 25 days, in the process of ammonium magnesium phosphate (struvite) precipitation targeted at ammonia nitrogen binding and a subsequent reverse osmosis (RO) process. It was established that the method combining chemical precipitation and high-pressure ﬁltration ensures a high degree of contaminants removal allowing for a direct release of treated liquors into the natural reservoir. However, in order to decrease the residual NH4+ concentration (6.1 mg NH4+/dm3) in the puriﬁed post-digestion liquors below the level allowing for a direct release to the natural reservoir, it turned out to be necessary to apply increased molar ratio of magnesium and phosphates (Mg:NH4+: PO43-= 1.5:1:1.5).
Management Of Agility Process For Surviving In The Competitive Business Environment
Authors: Dobrin Carmen , Cioca Marius 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBusiness environment and changing markets are the competitive challenges of today. There is not one universal solution for this, but agility is the key of success in creating the customer responsiveness and in mastering uncertainty, which are two of the most relevant items in managing performance. The integration of agile systems in the organization structure is improving the permanently interaction with the customers wishes. The study of agility’s indicators, including also the concepts of AM are far from new, but can they contribute in constructing an agile supply chain. The constantly changing in global environment, has a directly impact in the future of the company, and one of the most important questions will be how to achieve supply chain agility. And this paper will try to find an answer to the question in how to achieve competitive advantages in the global market and to improve financial performance of the company.
Research On Risks Encountered By Institutions In European Development Project
Authors: Ranf Diana Elena , Todăriţa Elida-Tomiţa , Dumitraşcu Dănuţ Dumitru 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEuropean funds are a development opportunity for the Romanian organizations. The research in the article aims to identify the main risk categories that the beneficiaries from Centre Region have faced, and also the effects of not considering certain risk categories in the stage of filling out the application form and also in the implementation stage of the projects have had on the development of these projects. Identifying how the organisations have managed projects during the development projects 2003-2013 finds its usefulness in the following period that is knocking on our doors: 2014-2020 that should find us better prepared and more capable of proving seriousness and professionalism. Therefore, training in projects should not end once the structural funds have been attracted, but it should be regarded as destined to modernize our way of thinking and actions in helping organisations develop their businesses.
Assessing The Leadership Style In Health Organizations From Romania
Authors: Furtunescu Florentina Ligia , Domnariu Carmen Daniela 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBased on the situational leadership theory (Hersey&Blanchard), our study aimed to analyze the leadership style in managers of different health facilities from Romania.We included 41 persons with key positions (general manager, medical director, chief of section/department, nursing director, chief – nurse). All these persons filled the LEADself questionnaire (Leader Effectiveness and Adaptability Description Instrument, Center for Leadership Studies, Hersey and Blanchard). The tool measures three dimensions: the dominant (and secondary) leadership style, the style range (flexibility) and the style adaptability (the leader effectiveness).We found a dominance of “Selling/Coaching” style, followed by the “Telling/directing” style. The managers were found to have a high relationship supportive behavior. Only three cases of low relationship dominance were found. Also almost all the managers were found as mostly group centered (only 5 cases were more leader centered). The flexibility of the managers was high, only one persons having the style range<2; the effectiveness score varied from 12 o 25, most of the responders having a low or moderate level of adaptability.
LA-ICP-MS U-Pb apatite dating of Lower Cretaceous rocks from teschenite-picrite association in the Silesian Unit (southern Poland)
Authors: Szopa Krzysztof , Włodyka Roman , Chew David 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The main products of volcanic activity in the teschenite-picrite association (TPA) are shallow, sub-volcanic intrusions, which predominate over extrusive volcanic rocks. They comprise a wide range of intrusive rocks which fall into two main groups: alkaline (teschenite, picrite, syenite, lamprophyre) and subalkaline (dolerite). Previous 40Ar/39Ar and 40K/40Ar dating of these rocks in the Polish Outer Western Carpathians, performed on kaersutite, sub-silicic diopside, phlogopite/biotite as well as on whole rock samples has yielded Early Cretaceous ages. Fluorapatite crystals were dated by the U-Pb LA-ICP-MS method to obtain the age of selected magmatic rocks (teschenite, lamprophyre) from the Cieszyn igneous province. Apatite-bearing samples from Boguszowice, Puńców and Lipowa yield U-Pb ages of 103± 20 Ma, 119.6 ± 3.2 Ma and 126.5 ± 8.8 Ma, respectively. The weighted average age for all three samples is 117.8 ± 7.3 Ma (MSWD = 2.7). The considerably smaller dispersion in the apatite ages compared to the published amphibole and biotite ages is probably caused by the U-Pb system in apatite being less susceptible to the effects of hydrothermal alternation than the 40Ar/39Ar or 40K/40Ar system in amphibole and/or biotite. Available data suggest that volcanic activity in the Silesian Basin took place from 128 to 103 Ma with the the main magmatic phase constrained to 128-120 Ma.
New Lower Cretaceous basal mantodean (Insecta) from the Crato Formation (NE Brazil)
Authors: Lee Shih-Wei 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Mantodea are very rare in the fossil record. 28 fossil species are reported since the earliest occurrence of mantodeans in the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian). Here, I describe Cretophotina santanensis n. sp. from the Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) Crato Formation of Chapada do Araripe (northeastern Brazil). This species is characterized by long antenna and primitive raptorial forelegs. Morphological characters shared with the living genus Chaeteessa would support its assignment to the family Chaeteessidae. The tropical occurrence of the Early Cretaceous genus Cretophotina in Gondwana, together with occurrences of the genus Chaetessa from subtropical and temperate zones of Laurasia, implies that members of the family Chaeteessidae achieved nearly cosmopolitan distribution during the Early Cretaceous.
Cretaceous—Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Tatra Mts (Western Carpathians): constraints from structural, sedimentary, geomorphological, and fission track data
Authors: Králiková Silvia , Vojtko Rastislav , Sliva Ubomír , Minár Jozef , Fügenschuh Bernhard , Kováč Michal , Hók Jozef 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The Tatra Mts area, located in the northernmost part of Central Western Carpathians on the border between Slovakia and Poland, underwent a complex Alpine tectonic evolution. This study integrates structural, sedimentary, and geomorphological data combined with fission track data from the Variscan granite rocks to discuss the Cretaceous to Quaternary tectonic and landscape evolution of the Tatra Mts. The presented data can be correlated with five principal tectonic stages (TS), including neotectonics. TS-1 (~95-80 Ma) is related to mid-Cretaceous nappe stacking when the Tatric Unit was overlain by Mesozoic sequences of the Fatric and Hronic Nappes. After nappe stacking the Tatric crystalline basement was exhumed (and cooled) in response to the Late Cretaceous/Paleogene orogenic collapse followed by orogen-parallel extension. This is supported by 70 to 60 Ma old zircon fission track ages. Extensional tectonics were replaced by transpression to transtension during the Late Paleocene to Eocene (TS-2; ~80-45 Ma). TS-3 (~45-20 Ma) is documented by thick Oligocene-lowermost Miocene sediments of the Central Carpathian Paleogene Basin which kept the underlying Tatric crystalline basement at elevated temperatures (ca. > 120 °C and < 200 °C). The TS-4 (~20-7 Ma) is linked to slow Miocene exhumation rate of the Tatric crystalline basement, as it is indicated by apatite fission track data of 9-12 Ma. The final shaping of the Tatra Mts has been linked to accelerated tectonic activity since the Pliocene (TS-5; ~7-0 Ma).
Experimental investigation of coarse particles-water mixture flow in horizontal and inclined pipes
Authors: Vlasák Pavel , Chára Zdeněk , Krupička Jan , Konfršt Jiří 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The effect of solid concentration and mixture velocity on the flow behaviour, pressure drops, and concentration distribution of coarse particle-water mixtures in horizontal, vertical, and inclined smooth stainless steel pipes of inner diameter D = 100 mm was experimentally investigated. Graded basalt pebbles were used as solid particles. The study revealed that the coarse-grained particle-water mixtures in the horizontal and inclined pipes were significantly stratified. The solid particles moved principally in a layer close to the pipe invert; however for higher and moderate flow velocities, particle saltation became the dominant mode of particle conveyance. Frictional pressure drops in the horizontal pipe were found to be markedly higher than in the vertical pipe, while the frictional pressure drops in the ascending pipe increased with inclination angle up to about 30°.