bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Room temperature synthesis of cobalt-manganese-nickel oxalates micropolyhedrons for high-performance flexible electrochemical energy storage device
Authors: Zhang Yi-Zhou , Zhao Junhong , Xia Jing , Wang Lulu , Lai Wen-Yong , Pang Huan , Huang Wei 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCobalt-manganese-nickel oxalates micropolyhedrons were successfully fabricated by a room temperature chemical co-precipitation method. Interestingly, the Co0.5Mn0.4Ni0.1C2O4*nH2O micropolyhedrons and graphene nanosheets have been successfully applied as the positive and negative electrode materials (a battery type Faradaic electrode and a capacitive electrode, respectively) for flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors. More importantly, the as-assembled device achieved a maximum energy density of 0.46 mWh·cm−3, a decent result among devices with similar structures. The as-assembled device showed good flexibility, functioning well under both normal and bent conditions (0°–180°). The resulting device showed little performance decay even after 6000 cycles, which rendered the Co0.5Mn0.4Ni0.1C2O4*nH2O//Graphene device configuration a promising candidate for high-performance flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors in the field of high-energy-density energy storage devices.
Testosterone induces leucocyte migration by NADPH oxidase-driven ROS- and COX2-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Chignalia Andreia Z. , Oliveira Maria Aparecida , Debbas Victor , Dull Randal O. , Laurindo Francisco R.M. , Touyz Rhian M. , Carvalho Maria Helena C. , Fortes Zuleica B. , Tostes Rita C. 
Published: February 2015

The mechanisms whereby testosterone increases cardiovascular risk are not clarified. However, oxidative stress and inflammation seem to be determinants. Herein, we sought to determine whether exogenous testosterone, at physiological levels, induces leucocyte migration, a central feature in immune and inflammatory responses and the mediating mechanisms. We hypothesized that testosterone induces leucocyte migration via NADPH oxidase (NADPHox)-driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-dependent mechanisms. Sixteen-week-old Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection (5 ml) of either testosterone (10−7 mol/l) or saline. Rats were pre-treated with 5 ml of sodium salicylate (SS, non-selective COX inhibitor, 1.25×10−3 mol/l, 1 h prior to testosterone or saline), flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist, 10−5 mol/l), apocynin (NADPHox inhibitor, 3×10−4 mol/l), N-[2-Cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl]methanesulfonamide (NS398, COX2 inhibitor, 10−4 mol/l) or saline, 4 h before testosterone or saline administration. Leucocyte migration was assessed 24 h after testosterone administration by intravital microscopy of the mesenteric bed. Serum levels of testosterone were measured by radioimmunoassay. NADPHox activity was assessed in membrane fractions of the mesenteric bed by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence and in isolated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by HPLC. NADPHox subunits and VCAM (vascular cell adhesion molecule) expression were determined by immunoblotting. Testosterone administration did not change serum levels of endogenous testosterone, but increased venular leucocyte migration to the adventia, NADPHox activity and expression (P&lt;0.05). These effects were blocked by flutamide. SS inhibited testosterone-induced leucocyte migration (P&lt;0.05). Apocynin and NS398 abolished testosterone-induced leucocyte migration and NADPHox activity (P&lt;0.05). Testosterone induces leucocyte migration via NADPHox- and COX2-dependent mechanisms and may contribute to inflammatory processes and oxidative stress in the vasculature potentially increasing cardiovascular risk.
Comparing Simultaneous Clinical Swallow Evaluations and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Findings and Consequences
Authors: Leder Steven B. 
Published: February 2015

Introduction:
Simultaneous blinded comparisons between the results of a clinical swallowing evaluation (CSE) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were performed.

Methods:
Raters were two groups of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in dysphagia. One group analyzed the FEES video alone and the other group analyzed the CSE video alone. No consistent agreement was found between the CSE and FEES raters regarding pharyngeal and laryngeal anatomy and physiology, bolus flow characteristics, and oral diet recommendations.

Results:
There was also no consensus on the need for instrumental testing. Watching the CSE video alone prevented expert SLPs who use a CSE from determining pharyngeal and laryngeal anatomy and physiology, bolus flow characteristics, silent aspiration, and making informed diet recommendations and intervention strategies. Watching the FEES video alone allowed expert SLPs who use FEES to determine pharyngeal and laryngeal anatomy and physiology and bolus flow characteristics and make evidence-based oral diet recommendations.

Discussion:
A CSE does not have good clinical utility for determining pharyngeal dysphagia. The consequences of these results will be discussed.
H6‐type transformerless single‐phase inverter for grid‐tied photovoltaic system
Authors: Islam Monirul , Mekhilef Saad 
Published: February 2015

There has been an increasing interest in transformerless inverter for grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) system because of the benefits of lower cost, smaller volume as well as higher efficiency compared with the ones with transformer. However, one of the technical challenges of the transformerless inverter is the safety issue of leakage current which needs to be addressed carefully. In addition, according to the international regulations, transformerless inverter should be capable of handling a certain amount of reactive power. In this study, a new H6‐type transformerless inverter for grid‐tied PV system is proposed that can eliminate the threat of leakage current. The proposed topology has also the capability to inject reactive power into the utility grid. Three‐level output voltage employing unipolar sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation can be achieved with the proposed topology. The proposed topology structure and detail operation principle with reactive power control are investigated. The relationship among the existing topologies and their reactive power control capability are also discussed. The proposed topology is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink software to initially verify the accuracy of theoretical explanations. Finally, a universal prototype rated 1 kW has been built and tested. The experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and simulation results.
Split‐phase switched‐capacitor ac–ac converter
Authors: Lazzarin Telles Brunelli , Moccelini Marcos Paulo , Barbi Ivo 
Published: February 2015

This study proposes an ac–ac direct static power converter based on the switched‐capacitor (SC) principle, aimed at supplying a split‐phase system from an ac single‐phase voltage source. The main advantages of the proposed split‐phase SC converter are (i) the provision of three output voltages, two being equal to the input voltage and one being twice the input voltage, (ii) balanced output voltages even under unbalanced loads, (iii) the absence of magnetic elements in the power circuit, (iv) the stress voltages in all components being equal to the input voltage, (v) the ability to be bidirectional, (vi) high efficiency and (vii) high power density. These characteristics make the proposed converter suitable for modern applications where a split‐phase system needs to be generated from a renewable energy source, distributed generation system, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), battery bank, electric/hybrid vehicle, smart grid or even the electrical grid itself. To verify the performance of the proposed converter, a 1 kW prototype was built and tested with standard voltages, such as 110 V input voltage and 110 V/110 V/220 V output voltages. The efficiency, output voltage regulation, tests with input voltages of 16.6, 60 and 400 Hz and other experimental results are reported herein.
The bioenergy landscape: sustainable resources or the next great invasion?
Authors: Quinn L. D. , Barney J. N. , Matlaga D. P. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Government policies have spurred efforts to develop dedicated bioenergy crops that could avoid greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel combustion and the consequences of land use change associated with "first-generation" biofuels. Dedicated bioenergy crops, slated to be cultivated on marginal lands, have been the subject of debate regarding their potential for invasion outside of cultivation. Critics have cited the weedy life-history strategies and history of invasion for some dedicated bioenergy feedstocks. Evaluations of feedstock invasion potential must balance the potential for negative ecological impacts resulting from future invasions with potential economic losses associated with an overly cautious approach. This already difficult situation is complicated further by the uncertain nature of candidate species traits, which are continually "improved" through traditional breeding and genetic modification techniques. Preventing invasions will require re-evaluation of antiquated weed laws that focus primarily on taxa impacting agriculture, not "natural" areas. In addition, prediction and prevention of future invasions will require the initiation of multi-year and multi-site empirical studies quantifying the invasion potential of novel feedstocks within their production regions. We acknowledge that establishment of a robust framework to evaluate the invasive potential of bioenergy crops will not be developed and implemented overnight; however, this book highlights important factors to consider now, and as the industry develops.
Potential risks of algae bioenergy feedstocks.
Authors: Phang SiewMoi Phang SiewMoi , Chu WanLoy Chu WanLoy 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Algal biofuels are an attractive alternative to fossil fuels due to their high productivity and the possible integration of their production systems with wastewater treatment and bioremediation of CO2. However, there has been increasing concern over the risks associated with the use of algae for biofuel production, particularly the potential for algae to escape and invade surrounding ecosystems. Within this context, there are specific concerns about growing genetically modified (GM) algae, especially those conferred with traits of enhanced competitiveness in monoculture systems, efficient nutrient utilization, and other traits that could cause unknown impacts in surrounding ecosystems. If feral populations of GM algae establish and proliferate within the environment, they may harm ecosystem structure and function, and may lead to harmful algae blooms. There is also a non-negligible risk of lateral transfer of genes from GM algae to other organisms within invaded ecosystems. To date, these risks have not been adequately assessed. We recommend that more empirical work must be completed (i.e., mesocosm experiments) as well as modeling simulations to effectively assess the risks of biofuel algae prior to large-scale production.
Gene flow and invasiveness in bioenergy systems.
Authors: Ridley C. E. , Mallory-Smith C. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Gene flow between crops and their wild or weedy relatives can result in the establishment of hybrid populations outside of cultivation. Here, we examine the potential for gene flow between several emerging bioenergy feedstocks and their compatible relatives, and the factors that affect the magnitude and frequency of gene exchange. We also explore the potential that gene flow could lead to the escape of transgenes or invasion by resulting populations. A limited amount of information suggests that the potential for gene flow and invasion are low for jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) and relatively greater for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) where these crops are currently being cultivated. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz.) likely falls somewhere in between these two species. Canola (Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapa L.), a widely-grown crop already being used as a source of bioenergy, is a well-studied system in which weedy populations with crop ancestry have been found and transgenes have been detected outside of cultivation. From this case study, we suggest that both a Best Management Plan should be developed to limit gene flow between emerging bioenergy feedstocks and wild or weedy relatives, and a Mitigation Plan should be in place to address unintended release of transgenes and appearance of potentially invasive populations.
"Seeded-yet-sterile" perennial grasses: towards sustainable and non-invasive biofuel feedstocks.
Authors: Jessup R. W. , Dowling C. D. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Sustainable cropping systems for leading candidate biofuel crops currently focus predominantly on perennial grasses for which assessments of invasiveness potential remain incomplete. Perennial C4 grasses have significant capacity for biomass accumulation across diverse environments, providing intrinsic value towards protection and restoration of underutilized, marginal, and degraded lands. Varied seed and vegetative reproduction mechanisms, however, contribute to their invasive potential. The development of feedstocks possessing the minimum vegetative propagules required for perennial life habit, combined with seed sterility, would therefore greatly reduce the risk of perennial biofuel crops becoming biological invaders. Pearl millet-napiergrass ("PMN"; Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br. × Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) and king-grass (P. purpureum × P. glaucum) are examples of such feedstocks, being "seeded-yet-sterile" crops in which fertile parents allow seeded production of hybrids that are subsequently both seed-sterile and devoid of rhizomes in biomass production fields. The use of genomics tools provide further tools suitable for both characterizing genetic mechanisms governing weediness and deploying marker-assisted breeding programs for biofuel crops with reduced risk of negative environmental impacts.
Eradication and control of bioenergy feedstocks: what do we really know?
Authors: Enloe S. F. , Loewenstein N. J. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Feedstock removal is a matter of fundamental importance that is often completely overlooked or only given cursory attention in the current bioenergy dialogue. Feedstock removal generally refers to eradication or control efforts applied in a range of situations that may include everything from single escaped plants to entire production fields when crop rotation is desired. However, the terms "eradication" and "control" have been used carelessly, and there is much confusion about what they really mean. Furthermore, data is generally lacking on successful strategies for removal of most prospective bioenergy species from any situation. Within this chapter we seek to clarify the relevant terminology and provide an understanding of the current science of bioenergy feedstock removal. We discuss the three most important scenarios relevant to feedstock removal, which include: (i) eradication of escapes; (ii) removal from production fields during crop rotation; and (iii) removal from abandoned plantations if bioenergy markets collapse or fail to materialize. We also provide a practical discussion of the tools of feedstock removal including cultural, physical, biological, and chemical methods. We then review limited control and eradication data from the literature for three bioenergy candidate species that have some history as weeds and are currently at the heart of the bioenergy/invasive plant discussion: Arundo donax L. (giant reed), Pennisetum purpureum Schumacher (elephant grass or napiergrass), and certain Miscanthus Andersson (silvergrass) species. Although these perennial grasses are only one of several groups of prospective bioenergy crops, we believe that addressing these species will paint a general picture of the overall issue at hand. Finally, we present six key biological and ecological questions related to feedstock removal that often go unanswered but are of critical importance to the bioenergy discussion. It is our hope that the reader will recognize the importance of these questions which should be addressed by producers, researchers, and policy makers before opening what could be Pandora's box.
Thermal Potential for Steelhead Life History Expression in a Southern California Alluvial River
Authors: Boughton David A. , Harrison Lee R. , Pike Andrew S. , Arriaza Juan L. , Mangel Marc 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSteelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) near the southern limit of the species’ range commonly use shallow alluvial rivers for migration, spawning, and rearing. These rivers have been widely modified for water management, and an enduring question is whether their rehabilitation would create summer nursery habitat for steelhead. We used process‐based models to evaluate the thermal potential for steelhead nursery habitat in the Santa Ynez River, California, a regulated alluvial river that currently supports few steelhead. We assessed (1) how well a calibrated model of river heat fluxes predicted summer temperature patterns for a warm year and an average year; (2) whether those patterns created thermal potential for the rapid growth that is characteristic of steelhead nursery habitat; and (3) whether manipulation of flows from an upstream dam significantly altered thermal potential. In the heat flux model, the root mean square error for 15‐min temperatures was 1.51°C, about three times greater than that of the larger, deeper Sacramento River in northern California. Generally, the Santa Ynez River was thermally suitable but stressful for juvenile steelhead. Flow augmentation reduced the number of thermally stressful days only near the dam, but it reduced the intensity of thermal stress throughout the river. Daytime movement of steelhead into natural, thermally stratified pools would reduce stress intensity by similar levels. In this region, O. mykiss commonly pursue an anadromous (steelhead) life history by entering nursery habitat early in their first or second summer and rapidly growing to attain a threshold size for anadromy by fall. In the average year, the river was thermally suitable for the first‐summer pathway under high food availability and for the second‐summer pathway under medium food availability. The warm year also supported the second‐summer pathway under high food availability. Currently, the Santa Ynez River's capacity to support these pathways does not appear to be limited by summer temperature, thus indicating a need to identify other limiting factors.Received July 21, 2014; accepted November 5, 2014
L'insurrection populaire et la Transition au Burkina Faso
Authors: Chouli Lila 
Published: February 2015

At the end of October 2014, Africa was again the scene of a popular uprising: in two days the people of Burkina Faso, in mass demonstrations, emptied the presidential palace of its occupant, exceeding even the slogans launched by political opposition and civil society organisations. On 31 October President Blaise Compaoré, after 27 years in power, was forced to resign. In this briefing, after a very brief overview of the dynamics of the struggles in Burkina Faso, Lila Chouli presents in broad outline the nature of the post-October transition, its relationship to the uprising and some of the principal contradictions and tensions contained in these developments.
À la fin d'octobre 2014, l'Afrique était le “théâtre” d'un soulèvement populaire, particulier par sa fulgurance : en deux jours, les masses burkinabè ont vidé le palais présidentiel de son occupant, dépassant le mot d'ordre lancé par l'opposition politique ainsi que des organisations de la société civile. Qu'en est-il de l'après octobre 2014 ? Après un très bref rappel de la dynamique des luttes au Burkina Faso, nous présenterons à grands traits l'organisation de la transition post-octobre dans ses rapports à l'esprit du soulèvement populaire, dans sa pluralité, pouvant même être contradictoire …
On archaeal homologs of the human RNase P proteins Pop5 and Rpp30 in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Suematsu Kotaro , Ueda Toshifumi , Nakashima Takashi , Kakuta Yoshimitsu , Kimura Makoto 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The ribonuclease P (RNase P) proteins TkoPop5 and TkoRpp30, homologs of human Pop5 and Rpp30, respectively, in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis were prepared and characterized with respect to pre-tRNA cleavage activity using the reconstitution system of the well-studied Pyrococcus horikoshii RNase P. The reconstituted particle containing TkoPop5 in place of the P. horikoshii counterpart PhoPop5 retained pre-tRNA cleavage activity comparable to that of the reconstituted P. horikoshii RNase P, while that containing TkoRpp30 instead of its corresponding protein PhoRpp30 had slightly lower activity than the P. horikoshii RNase P. Moreover, we determined crystal structures of TkoRpp30 alone and in complex with TkoPop5. Like their P. horikoshii counterparts, whose structures were solved previously, TkoRpp30 and TkoPop5 fold into TIM barrel and RRM-like fold, respectively. This finding demonstrates that RNase P proteins in T. kodakarensis and P. horikoshii are interchangeable and that their three-dimensional structures are highly conserved.
Cytotoxic effect of the immunotoxin constructed of the ribosome-inactivating protein curcin and the monoclonal antibody against Her2 receptor on tumor cells
Authors: Jaramillo-Quintero Lidia Patricia , Contis Montes de Oca Arturo , Romero Rojas Andrés , Rojas-Hernández Saúl , Campos-Rodríguez Rafael , Martínez-Ayala Alma Leticia 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The toxicity of the curcin on cancer cells allows to consider this protein as the toxic component of an immunotoxin directed to Her2, which is associated with cancer. Reductive amination was proposed to conjugate curcin and an anti-Her2; the binding was tested using Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, western blot, and immunocytochemistry. The in vitro cytotoxicity of curcin and the immunotoxin was assessed on breast cancer cell lines SK-BR-3 (Her2+) and MDA-MB-231 (Her2−). IC50 values for curcin were 15.5 ± 8.3 and 18.6 ± 2.4 μg/mL, respectively, statistically equivalent (p &lt; 0.05). While to the immunotoxin was 2.2 ± 0.08 for SK-BR-3 and 147.6 ± 2.5 μg/mL for MDA-MB-231. These values showed that the immunotoxin was seven times more toxic to the SK-BR-3 than curcin and eight times less toxic to the MDA-MB-231. The immunotoxin composed of curcin and an antibody against Her2 and constructed by reductive amination could be a therapeutic candidate against Her2+ cancer.
Genomic Diversity and Climate Adaptation in Brachypodium
Authors: Wilson Pip , Streich Jared , Borevitz Justin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Brachypodium genus contains the model grassesB. distachyon,B. staceiandB. hybridum, that are useful for molecular and physiological studies relevant to grain, pasture and bioenergy crops, as well as ecology. In this chapter we discuss the natural variation in climate/geography, genotypic and phenotypic diversity that exists within these species. We describe utilisation of this diversity via two methods, Genome Wide Association Studies and Landscape Genomics, to examine the interaction between specific genetic variants, phenotype, and environment. The aim is to identify adaptive loci that control specific traits in specific environments and understand the contribution of background polygenetic variation shaped by demographic processes. With recent developments in high throughput phenotyping, cheaper genotyping by sequencing and higher spatial/temporal resolution of climate data, these approaches can exploit the diversity of the Brachypodium. Experiments using this toolkit will reveal alleles, genes and pathways underlying agriculturally important and environmentally sensitive traits for use in grass breeding.