Scipedia: Documents published in 2017

Ecological Composition of Basin Flora in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:24 +0200

Ecological characteristics of the basin flora in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and its buffer zone are presented in this paper. The ecological groups, allocated according to plant and water environmental relationships, are presented as 93 species of aquatic flora and also as more numerous representatives of the near-water plant complex for a total of 153 species. Various aspects of the ecological analysis of the reserve basin flora are discussed, and some features of its ecological structure are specified.

Hepatoprotective effect of the Aqueous Extract and 5-Hydroxy, 7,8,2′ Trimethoxy Flavone of Andrographis alata Nees. in Carbon Tetrachloride Treated Rats

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:21 +0200

This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract and isolated flavone (5-hydroxy, 7, 8, 2’trimethoxy flavone) compound of Andrographis alata against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. The hepatotoxicity was induced in albino rats CCl4 (i.p.). Analysis of serum ALT, AST and alkaline phosphatase activities with the concentrations of albumin, total protein and bilirubin was carried out. The activities of all the marker enzymes reported a significant elevation in CCl4 treated rats, which were significantly recovered towards an almost normal level in animals simultaneously administered with aqueous extract and flavone compound. This work suggests that aqueous extract and isolated flavone compound of A. alata exert significant therapeutic effect on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Comparison of Methods for Counting Hoofed Animal Density in Sikhote-Alin

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:15 +0200

During four months in the winter period of 2002–2003, a census of four species of hoofed animals (red deer, sika deer, roe deer, and musk deer) was conducted in the study areas of the Sikhote-Alin Reserve and the surrounding area, including the territory of the planned Reserve Tavayza. The census was conducted on a monthly basis at two sites in the pine and broadleaved forest (nature Reserve and surrounding area) and at three sites in the oak and broadleaved forest. A total of 40 counts were made. Five fieldworkers were working at each site for two days. During the first day, the fieldworkers counted daily hoof prints and removed them. During the second day, newly appearing hoof prints were counted. In addition to the usual counting of crossings of hoofed animals, the number of individual animals was counted, as well. Thus, the census was conducted by two methods: counting of hoof prints in the tracks and counting of individual animals in a certain area. The results of these surveys were organized into a database which shows the relative density of hoofed animals (number of crossings of hoof prints per 10 km of the route) and absolute density of hoofed animals (number of individuals per km2 ). The analysis of absolute density of hoofed animals in different habitats and its correlation with the number of hoof prints per 10 km was performed.

Habitat of a Prikamsky Honeybee Population

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:12 +0200

This article discusses the features of Apis mellifera mellifera associated with the expansion of their habitat to the north. The A. m. mellifera isolated in Kama Urals is considered the Prikamsky honeybee population and has retained the features of a pure gene pool. Here, we analysed the biological and physiological features of bees native to Kama Urals and the crossbreeding that occurs among these bee species.

Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity During Nʹ-nitrosodiethylamine-induced Hepatic Damage

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:09 +0200

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a key regulatory enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, catalyses the first rate-limiting reaction to produce ribose-5-phosphate for nucleic acid synthesis and NADPH to use in reductive biosynthesis. The available studies indicate an antioxidant role for G6PD and variation in its levels as a result of cellular insult. In this study, the activity of G6PD was monitored during Nʹ-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats. NDEA generates hepatotoxicity and possesses mutagenic effects. To induce hepatic damage, NDEA was administered at doses of 100 mg kg− 1 body weight week− 1 (i.p.) for 14 days. The animals of the control and treated groups were sacrificed each week. The extent of liver damage was ensured by LFT biomarkers, such as transaminases, ALP, bilirubin and the hepato-somatic index (HSI) along with histopathological observations of H&E and Massons trichrome stained liver specimens. The results of the present study show that at the selected doses, NDEA significantly elevates LFT proteins and bilirubin and damages the lobular architecture in a dose-dependent manner. Software analysis of zymograms indicates maximum activity of the hepatic G6PD levels in day-14 NDEA-treated animals. Our spectrophotometry data further support the above findings on hepatic G6PD levels and demonstrate an approximately 1.63 × and 1.66 × fold increase in day-7 and day-14 NDEA intoxicated animals (P

The Potential Role of Migratory Birds in the Spread of Tick-borne Infections in Siberia and the Russian Far East

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:06 +0200

From 2006 to 2011, in the Tomsk region (south of Western Siberia), eight species of pathogens were detected in birds and the ticks feeding on them: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Babesia spp. The identification of a number of strains of viruses and bacterial genovariants related geographically with the Russian Far East, Eastern Siberia, China and Japan and confirms the possibility of the role of birds in the spread of pathogens in the direction of Western Siberia and back. Most of the species that breed and migrate in Western Siberia are of Eastern origin and mostly fly for wintering to South-East Asia. Among these species in our samples, Phylloscopus proregulus was a carrier of both TBEV and Bartonella spp., Luscinia calliope were infected with both TBEV and Borrelia, while Tarsiger cyanurus were infected with WNV.

Sodium Bicarbonate as Inorganic Carbon Source for Higher Biomass and Lipid Production Integrated Carbon Capture in Chlorella vulgaris

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:24:00 +0200

Chlorella vulgaris was isolated from sewerage treatment plant and grown in the presence of sodium bicarbonate as carbon source at 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g L− 1 . Highest specific growth rate (0.653 μ d− 1 ) was obtained with 1 g L− 1 bicarbonate followed by 0.5 g L− 1 (0.641 d− 1 ) on 15th day culturing. Total chlorophyll content of microalgae has increased in a dose dependent fashion with bicarbonate addition and maximum level recorded in 1 g L− 1 (0.769 ± 0.09 g L− 1 ). The biomass productivity was in the range of 0.237–0.996 g d− 1 L− 1 . Rate of CO2 fixation and carbon content, in terms of quantity was estimated. Results showed that at 1 g L− 1 sodium bicarbonate concentration, maximum CO2 fixation (0.497 g/dry weight) and carbon content (0.69 g mL− 1 day− 1 ) was found. Biomass concentration was significantly higher (p

Assessing the Influence of Environmental Parameters on Amur Tiger Distribution in the Russian Far East Using a MaxEnt Modeling Approach

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:56 +0200

A better understanding of which biological and anthropogenic parameters are strong predictors of suitable habitats for tigers will help address conservation planning in those areas, which is crucial for maintaining connectivity and preventing further population fragmentation. The aim of this study was to develop a spatial model based on a number of environmental and anthropogenic variables as well as tiger presence data from a 2005 large-scale winter survey to predict Amur tiger distribution within its range in the RFE. Modeling the geographic distribution of Amur tigers required an application of the MaxEnt algorithm using a dataset of 1027 tiger track records and a set of environmental variables, such as distance to rivers, elevation and habitat type, and anthropogenic variables, such as distance to forest and main roads, distance to settlements and vegetation cover change. The models were divided into two groups based on elevation and habitat type. Elevation (AUC = 0.821) appeared to be a better predictor of habitat suitability for tigers than habitat type (AUC = 0.784).

Economic Production and Oil Recovery Efficiency of a Lipopeptide Biosurfactant from a Novel Marine Bacterium Bacillus simplex

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:51 +0200

The use and commercial applications of biosurfactants in the petroleum industries have been raised during the past decades. Marine bacteria and their efficiency in crude oil recovery has been less studied than terrestrial strain, hence this present study. A novel marine bacterium Bacillus simplex having promising biosurfactant production was isolated from a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated coastal sea sediment samples of Nagapattinam fishing harbor, Tamil Nadu, India. This strain showed most economical biosurfactant production with an agro-industrial waste substrate, sunflower oil cake at 54th h time incubation along with the cultural conditions of 20 ppt salinity, 35 °C temperature, and pH 7. The produced biosurfactant was purified, which was accounted at 908 ± 7 mg/L on dry weight basis. The biosurfactant was identified as lipopeptide with a molecular mass of 1111.1 Da which was deduced using TLC, biochemical estimation methods, FT-IR, NMR, and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Furthermore, this purified lipopeptide surfactant showed consistent and enhanced crude oil recovering efficiency under different salinity conditions (0–30%). Based on the above facts, the isolated novel marine bacterium proved its cheaper production of novel biosurfactant and its promising oil recovering efficiency even at hypersaline conditions. Further, this is the first report of a biosurfactant from the bacterium Bacillus simplex.

New Data Regarding the Helminth Fauna of Wild Ruminants in Primorsky Krai

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:48 +0200

The results of an investigation of the helminth fauna of musk deer, Siberian roe deer and Manchurian deer in Primorsky Krai are provided. Regarding the musk deer, the nematodes Spiculopteragia spiculoptera, Nematodirus filicolis, Pygarginema skrjabini and Trichuris sp. have been registered. The intensities of the infections ranged from 1 to 6 specimens. In one case, 66 specimens of P . skrjabini were found in the omasum of a musk deer. S . spiculoptera was registered in the musk deer for the first time. All of the examined roe deer were infected with helminths, S . spiculoptera dominated, and N . filicolis, P . skrjabini, Mazamastrongylus dagestanica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum were also recorded. Ostertagia antipini species and the minor morph of S . spiculoptera, “Rinadia mathevossiani ”, were registered for the first time in Primorsky Krai. The Manchurian deer carried S . spiculoptera and D . dendriticum .

Musk Deer (Moschus moschiferus ) Population Density Based on Pellet Group Count Method in Sikhote-Alin

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:46 +0200

As a component of a complex program studying musk deer ecology in the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve, a survey of the musk deer population density, based on pellet group count method, was carried out at stationary posts from 2012 to 2014. The use of this method in the snowless season provides a means of surveying the most hard-to-reach areas of the musk deer habitat.

Research Program of Musk Deer Ecology in the Sikhote-Alin Region

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:42 +0200

Since 2010, a comprehensive program of studying musk deer has been conducted in the Sikhote-Alin region. This musk deer study program has employed the methods of radio telemetry, visual observation, life activity traces survey and photo-video traps. New data on the use of space by musk deer, as well as their daily activity, nutrition, labeling and distribution activities, have been obtained. The research herein demonstrates the necessity for the application of scientific knowledge on the ecology of musk deer for conservation and sustainability.

Organic Matter in the Small Lakes of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:39 +0200

The carbon concentration and distribution in dissolved organic matter (DOM) and particulate organic matter (POM) in the lagoon lakes Blagodaty and Golubichnoe located in the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve and Lake Vaskovskoye оf the Dalnegorsk urban district of Primorsky Krai were analysed using data collected in July–August of 2011–2014. The content of DOM carbon ranged from 1.9 to 8.6 mg/l, representing 68–90% of the total organic carbon. Reductions in the POM carbon concentration and organic carbon percentage of the particulate matter in the sequence of the lakes Blagodaty–Golubichnoe–Vaskovskoye were determined. Analysis of the SUVA254 dynamics and the fluorescence intensity revealed a trend of simplification of the molecular structure of DOM from the surface to a depth of 1 to 1.5 m in lakes Golubichnoe and Vaskovskoye as well as at the northern station in the brackish Blagodaty Lake.

The Role of the Biogeochemical Conditions of the Marine Environment on the Trace Element Content in Pacific Salmon

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:36 +0200

The levels of six chemical elements (mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, zinc and copper) were examined in two species of Pacific salmon, genus Oncorhynchus, pink salmon (O. gorbuscha ), and chum salmon (O. keta ) that were caught in the Kuril waters in July 2013. Concentrations of toxic elements (Hg, As, Pb, Cd) in both species were shown to be below the maximum concentration limits of these trace elements for seafood. The concentrations of these elements were compared between wild salmon and hatchery salmon of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Helminth Fauna of the Siberian Roe (Capreolus pygargus ) Digestive Tract

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:34 +0200

A helminthological study of six adult Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus ) individuals from Primorsky Krai was performed. The abomasa and small intestine contents were assessed. All animals were infected with nematodes, and the intensity of infection ranged from tens to hundreds of specimens. Spiculopteragia spiculoptera was the dominant species, and Mazamastrongylus dagestanica and Nematodirus filicollis were also detected. Ostertagia antipini and a minor morph of S. spiculoptera, “Rinadia mathevossiani ”, were observed for the first time in Primorsky Krai. In addition, the Spirurida nematode Pygarginema skrjabini was detected in one roe, and the trematode Dicrocoelium dendriticum was found in the small intestines of two roes.

On the Helminthofauna of Moschus Moschiferus

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:32 +0200

A helminthological study of the digestive tracts of 15 Far Eastern musk deer (Moschus moschiferus turovi ) of Primorsky Krai detected single nematodes, which were assigned to the following taxons: Spiculopteragia spiculoptera, Nematodirus filicolis, Pygarginema skrjabini, and Trichuris sp. The species S. spiculoptera was registered for musk deer for the first time. Analyses of the literature data on the species composition of musk deer helminths concluded that there was a necessity for further helminthological studies examining these ruminants.

Structure of Extracellular Polysaccharides (EPS) Produced by Rhizobia and their Functions in Legume–Bacteria Symbiosis: — A Review

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:29 +0200

The symbiotic diazotrophs comprise with a very diverse group of Gram negative soil bacteria, collectively called as rhizobia found in nodule of legume plant. Rhizobia adopt themselves in different environment including soil, rhizosphere and grown within legume roots, where they fix nitrogen. The establishment of symbiosis is a very complicated process involving a coordinated exchange of signal between legume plants and the symbionts. The nodule development requires synthesis of signal molecules such as Nod factors that are important for induction of nodule development. There are different types of surface polysaccharides such as lipopolysaccharides, capsular polysaccharides, neutral and acidic polysaccharides found in rhizobia. The production of symbiotically active polysaccharides may allow rhizobial strains to adapt themselves to changing environmental conditions and interact efficiently with legume plants. Despite extensive research, the actual molecular function of the surface polysaccharides of rhizobia in symbiosis remains unclear. This review emphasized on the structural composition of extracellular polysaccharide of different rhizobia isolated from different legume plants. The compositions of extracellular polysaccharides are different in different rhizobia. The various compositions of extracellular polysaccharides produced by the symbionts are considered as the signaling molecules essential for determining host plant specificity. The present status of the biological functions of the exo-polysaccharide in symbiosis such as host specificity, successful invasion, formation of infection thread and induction of nodule formation in legume plants is also summarized here.

Grip Strength and Impact on Cognitive Function in Healthy Kitchen Workers

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:25 +0200

Hand grip strength is often considered may predict cognitive functioning and has been established as associates of cognitive performance with individual differences in some particular cross-sectional studies. However, little is known about hand grip strength and cognitive performance in the elderly individuals, and it is not known whether changes in hand grip strength may be associated with preservation/decline in cognitive functioning. We have studied the impact of hand grip strength on cognition function in healthy kitchen workers. Participants (n = 90, age range: 25–40 years) randomly assigned in to two groups according to their nature of work: Group I-Control group (n = 47) - workers recruited for simple work such as dusting, cleaning dining tables and floor. Group II-Study group (n = 43) - workers recruited for firm work such as cooking large quantity of food, kneading dough, rolling chapattis, cut and sauté the vegetables and dish washing. For the analyses, we used at dominant and non- dominant hand, hand grip strength (HGS), reaction time task, sensory disability test (SDT) and cognitive function test (CFT) among both the groups. We observed that visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) were significantly improved in dominant hand of study group, when compare to control group, however it was comparable in non-dominant hand among both the groups. In addition to, among all control and study group female workers there was significant positive correlation between VRT & ART and significant negative correlation between at dominant hand HGS & VRT as well as between at dominant hand HGS & ART. We also observed that dominant hand HGS was a significant predictor of VRT and ART and however there was no any significant variation in body mass index (BMI), sensory disability test (SDT) and cognitive function test (CFT) among both groups. We found that muscle strength (as measured by hand grip strength) was associated with improved reaction time. Hence by using a simple muscle strength test, is one way of obtaining useful information for the development of nerve-muscle coordination. Increased handgrip strength would be associated with preservation of cognitive function.

Forest Vegetation Dynamics Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Relation to the Climate Change in Southern Transbaikalia, Russia

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:21 +0200

In this study, we examined the response forest dynamics (since 1982) on Sokhondo Mountain (2500 m a.s.l.) under climate change in Transbaikalia (southeast of Lake Baikal, Russia) over the last 60 years, using geobotanical and climate long-term monitoring as important tools to assess the effect of climate change on forest dynamics. We found that changes in ecosystems along an altitudinal gradient indicated that climate had changed in the direction of warming and aridization (drought). This supposition was also confirmed by analyses of regional climate data over the last 60 years, which showed an increase in air temperature of 1.8 °С and a decrease in atmospheric precipitation of more than 100 mm. Forest vegetation along an altitudinal gradient demonstrates various sensitivities to these effects. We found that the most stable forest vegetation types were the cedar–larch forests of the upper forest belt and the cedar subalpine forests. The least stable were the larch forests and pine forests of the lower forest belt.

Environmental and Hygiene Health Problems in Primorye

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:18 +0200

Using a systemic approach, this study highlights the problems of public health in the Primorsky Territory and demonstrates that the spread of ecology-related diseases depends on climatic, sanitary, and social factors. The indicators of health assessment that were selected include demographics, cancer and disease, and lung and urinary system diseases. Additionally, specific habitat parameters affecting the spread of ecology-related diseases were established. Ecological and hygiene evaluation of the system “environment–health–man” revealed that among the environmental factors, the greatest public health concerns in the Far East are climate, geochemical and biological features of the territories, consequences of human impact on the environment, nutrition, and housing. These results indicate that further studies of the specifics of particular territories are necessary to explain the emergence and development of diseases, to predict the level of public health, and to develop targeted health prevention programmes to level the influence of environmental factors on human rights.

Hyperthermia: Role and Risk Factor for Cancer Treatment

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:15 +0200

Over the past decades, cancer is the major cause of incidence of death increasing every day. Different forms of tumor therapy including radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used to treat cancer. However, hyperthermia is the technique that neglects the use of chemicals or harmful radiations. The elevated body temperature can damage the cancerous cells with minimum injury to the normal cells. Successful therapy method in combination with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy is provided to the cancer patient which proved to be beneficial to the patients. In this review, different studies of the clinical trials are reported on the patients with tumor and the therapy associated with it.

Extracellular/Circulating MicroRNAs: Release Mechanisms, Functions and Challenges

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:12 +0200

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously initiated, small non-coding RNAs and typically regulate the expression of mRNAs in post transcriptional level either via translational repression or mRNA degradation. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is observed in diverse disease and altered physiological states. Recently, it has been revealed that miRNAs are not only present in cells but also in extracellular milieu especially in different bio-fluids including blood plasma, follicular fluid and even in cell culture media. Such extracellular miRNAs (ECmiRNAs) are remarkably stable in the extracellular harsh environment with the presence of high RNAse activity. Although the precise mechanisms of release of cellular miRNAs to extracellular environment remain largely unknown, recent studies suggest that the expression of these ECmiRNAs can be associated with patho-physiological condition of an organism. Moreover, these ECmiRNAs may deliver to the recipient cells via certain pathways where they can regulate translational activity of target genes. This review will discuss the nature and stability of ECmiRNAs along with their release mechanisms. Furthermore, based on recent evidences, it also summarizes the possible function of these ECmiRNAs in distant cell-to-cell communication and the difficulties we may face during ECmiRNA research.

A Study on the Coffee Spilling Phenomena in the Low Impulse Regime

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:23:01 +0200

When a half-full Bordeaux glass is oscillated sideways at 4 Hz, calm waves of wine gently ripple upon the surface. However, when a cylindrical mug is subject to the same motion, it does not take long for the liquid to splash aggressively against the cup and ultimately spill. This is a manifestation of the same principles that also make us spill coffee when we walk. In this study, we first investigate the physical properties of the fluid-structure interaction of the coffee cup, in particular, the frequency spectrum of each oscillating component is examined methodically. It is revealed that the cups oscillation is not monochromatic: harmonic modes exist, and their proportions are significant. As a result, although the base frequency of the cup is considerably displaced from the resonance region, maximum spillage is initiated by the second harmonic mode of driving force that the cup exerts on its contents. Thus, we spill coffee. As an application of these experimental findings, a number of methods to reduce liquid spillage are investigated. Most notably, an alternative method to hold the cup is suggested, in essence, by altering the mechanical structure of the cup-holding posture, we can effectively suppress the higher frequency components of the driving force and thus stabilize the liquid oscillation. In an attempt to rationalize all we have investigated above, a mechanical model is proposed. Due to practicalities, rather than to construct a dynamical system using Newtons equation of motion, we choose to utilize the Euler-Lagrangian equations. Extensive simulation studies reveal that our model, crude in its form, successfully embodies the essential facets of reality. This liberates us to make two predictions that were beyond our experimental limits: the change in magnitude of the driving force and the temporal stabilization process.

Skull-Based Method of Age Determination for the Brown Bear Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:58 +0200

Due to the lack of a proper technique for determining the ages of brown bears, a simple and straightforward method that is based on published data and our own observations is proposed. This method is based on the simultaneous use of the following different skull parameters to more accurately determine the ages of brown bears: size and weight parameters, degree of obliteration of the joints, degree of wear of the teeth, and development of the flanges. The proposed method contributes to non-destructive age determination, allows for the discrimination of immature and adult bears and also classifies the skulls of adult animals into one of the five selected age groups.

The Emergence and Existence of Life in the World of Elements and the Physical Vacuum

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:54 +0200

The physical vacuum affects not only the natural processes in deep space but also identifies the key features of the structure of ordinary matter. This sphere of work intersects the fields of chemistry and biology. The condition of the objective existence of elementary particles and the objectivity of quantum measurements require the presence of real physical analogues of clocks and lines that participate directly and literally in particle interactions. The analogue of the clock results from the existence of elementary particles in the form of the alternation of two states with different properties that can be modelled in terms of probabilistic behaviour, the uncertainty principle, and similar concepts. The analogue line appears due to the quasi-crystalline structure of the physical vacuum, thereby generating a real observed mass ratio and other features of the microworld. The emergence of life and sense is regulated by deterministic processes. Biological evolution is a process directed toward a slow and gradual adaptation to the physical vacuum as the real component of the environment. Because of such evolution, the geometric structure of living organisms transforms into a fractal increased in absolute terms by chemical simulation. Therefore, the analogue model defines the key structures of the vacuum. The geometric similarity of the structures allows cells to live in accordance with the laws of the quantum world without requiring the solving of equations.

The History of the Settling of the Chinese Penduline Tit Remiz consobrinus (Remizidae, Passeriformes, Aves) in the Primorsky Krai Territory

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:51 +0200

Presently, there are several nesting groups of the Chinese penduline tit in Primorsky Krai. In Russia, the first nest of the Chinese penduline tit was found in 1994 in the Hasansky region of Primorsky Krai near the border with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. The nest was from the previous year, which indicates that the nesting has already occurred in 1993. From 1998 to 1999, the population in the Hasansky area totalled 20–25 pairs. Further, there was an increase in the number and a northward advancement along the seacoast. Currently, the number is estimated to be between 400 and 450 pairs. On the coast of Lake Khanka, the Chinese penduline tit was noticed for the first time in 2000. In 2002, there were 35 pairs, and the currently estimate is between 100 and 150 pairs. From 2012 to 2014, some pairs began to nest in two sites near Ussuriisk. Wintering and nomadic individuals have been encountered in other regions of Primorsky Krai. It is assumed that the Chinese penduline tit appeared in the territory of Primorye sometime from the end of 1980s to the beginning of the 1990s. It is assumed that this bird nests in the territory of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Trichophyton Soudanense and Trichophyton Mentagrophyte -treated Rice Husk Biomass Components and Effect of Yeast on the Bioethanol Yield

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:46 +0200

Trichophyton soudanense and Trichophyton mentagrophyte were isolated from the rice mill environment, cultured, and used singly and as co-culture in the treatment of measure quantities of pre-heated rice husk. Carboxymethyl cellulase activity of 57.61 μg/ml/min was optimum for T. mentagrophyte -treated rice husk crude enzymes at 50 °C and 80 °C, respectively. The duration of 120 h gave the highest CMCellulase activity of 75.84 μg/ml/min for crude enzyme of T. mentagrophyte heat-pretreated rice husk. The duration of 96 h gave maximum activity of 58.21 μg/ml/min for crude enzyme of T. soudanense heat-pretreated rice husk. Highest CMCellulase activities of 67.02 μg/ml/min and 69.02 μg/ml/min at pH of 5 were recorded for crude enzymes of monocultures of T. soudanense (TS) and T. mentagrophyte (TM) heat-pretreated rice husk. Heating before treatment with T. mentagrophyte gave 44.50 ± 10.90 cellulose as maximum, total lignin value of 28.90 ± 1.80 from co-culture of T. soudanense and T. mentagrophyte (TS + TM), hemicellulose content of 30.50 ± 2.12 (% ± SEM) from pre-heated rice husk treated with T. soudanense (TS), carbohydrate content of 16.79 ± 9.14, and reducing and non-reducing sugar values of 2.66 ± 0.45 and 14.13 ± 8.69 were all obtained from for pre- heated rice husk treated with T. mentagrophyte (TM). The pre-heated rice husk treated with T. mentagrophyte (TM) fermented with palm wine yeast gave bioethanol value of 11.11 ± 0.21 (% ± standard deviation) as the highest yield.

The Content of Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of the Streams of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and the Streams Draining Mines of the Transit Zone of the Reserve

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:42 +0200

The concentrations of heavy metals in the bottom sediments (fraction

Contents of 4-Nonylphenol in Surface Sea Water of Amur Bay (Japan/East Sea)

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:38 +0200

The determination of 4-nonylphenols has been developed using HPLC with fluorescence detection method. 4-Nonylphenols in sea water samples were extracted using a liquid–liquid extraction. Acidification and adding salting-out agents (NaI) of water samples increased the extraction degree. The extraction of 4-nonylphenols was done twice with 20 mL of methylene chloride. The applied concentrated range was over 5–1000 ng/mL for the 4-nonylphenol. The recovery test ranged from 78.5 to 89.9% with relative standard deviations between 1.0 and 7.5% of 100 ng/mL of the standard phenols spiked with the water sample and the detection limit was 1 ng/mL. The proposed method was applied satisfactorily for the determination of 4-nonylphenole in sea water samples. Levels of 4-nonylphenol were determined in the sea waters of the Amur Bay. Water samples were collected every year from 2008 to 2015. Concentrations of 4-nonylphenol in the waters ranged from levels below the detection limits up to 1.24 μg/L.

Study of the Young Growth of Main Forest-forming Coniferous Species in the Primary Forests of the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:29 +0200

This paper presents the results of studies of the young growth of main forest-forming coniferous species in four types of native cedar forest of the Sikhote-Alin nature reserve. The following types of young growth were measured: Manchurian fir (Abies nephrolepis ), Ajan spruce (Picea ajanensis ), Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata ), and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis ). The research was conducted during 5 field seasons from 2008 to 2012 at 4 permanent study areas. For each species, the common silvicultural parameters, distribution of height, age of young growth and dynamics of the average apical growth data for the twenty-year period were identified and analysed. It was established that the size and strength of young growth are affected by complex forest site conditions that are determined by: the composition of the parent canopy, stand age, and position in the landscape. The growing conditions for young growth conifers are more favourable in mountain cedar forests compared to cedar forests in a valley. A parent canopy of a specific phytocenosis forms a unique microclimate, significantly weakening and softening the impact of macro-climate indicators of the growing area on the value of the apical growth of young growth. Spruce young growth is the most responsive to changes in climatic parameters and Korean pine young growth is the least responsive.

Effects of Lithium Nano-Scaled Particles on Local and Systemic Structural and Functional Organism Transformations Under Tumour Growth

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:24 +0200

The results of a study of structural and metabolic changes in CBA mice with hepatocellular carcinoma caused by lithium carbonate nano-sized particles are presented. Light microscopy, electron microscopy and other biochemical methods were used to show that injection of lithium carbonate nano-sized particles to the periphery of the tumour results in enhanced destructive processes within the tumour. The number of neutrophils and macrophages in the tumour increased, whereas the density of blood vessels and haemoglobin concentration were reduced, the extent of tumour necrosis lipid peroxidation and production of nitric oxide was also increased. At the same time, the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase remained the same. The introduction of lithium carbonate nano-scaled particles protects vital organs including the heart and lungs from the damaging effect of secondary products of lipid peroxidation.

Molecular Cloning and Homology Modeling of Novel Tyrosylprotein Sulfotransferase of Marine Mollusk

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:20 +0200

The gene of tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase, which was discovered in mammals, has been widely found in marine mollusk Littorina sitkana . High conservation of this gene indicates the functional importance of TPST in the metabolism of the living world. The cDNA encoding TPST in the mollusk was cloned and sequenced, and the enzyme was assigned on the basis of amino acid sequence similarity as tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-2 (TPST-2). The putative homology model for the catalytic domain of TPST from L. sitkana was constructed according to crystal structure of the catalytic domain of the human TPST-2. The putative model of dimer structure showed that the active site involved two monomers and the dimer contains two active centers.

The Origin of Chronic Diseases Can Be in Capillary Pathology: An Evidence From Clinical Trials on Thermobalancing Treatment of Prostate Reveals

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 15:22:16 +0200

Etiology and pathophysiology of chronic internal disease was unknown until last days. This article challenges that two clinical trials have discovered the origin of chronic prostate diseases. The hypothesis of the chronic internal diseases cause due to pathological activity of capillaries with emerging micro-focus of hypothermia, a continuous trigger for disease development in any affected organ, was declared in the US patent “Therapeutic Device and Method”, i.e. thermobalancing therapy (TT) and therapeutic device. Two clinical trials before and 6 months after TT for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with the device, namely Dr. Allens therapeutic device (DATD) confirmed the effectiveness of TT. This device was used as mono-therapy for 124 patients with BPH and 45 men with CP/CPPS. Compared to controls, the TT groups showed significant improvements from baseline to endpoint. TT in men with BPH decreased urinary symptoms and PV, increased Qmax and improved quality of life index (QoL). At the same time, another clinical trial on TT in men with CP/CPPS has demonstrated decrease of pain score and PV mL, improvement of QoL and increase of Qmax mL/sec. The long-term application of the source of emitted body heat with DATD, i.e. TT, to the projection of affected prostate removes “micro-focus” of hypothermia at the capillary level that improves blood circulation in the organ and its function. Thus this article shows that the underlying cause for different chronic internal diseases, such as BPH and CP/CPPS is the same and is positioned at the microvascular level. More studies with thermobalancing therapy needed.

Chitosan Based Scaffolds and Their Applications in Wound Healing

Scipedia content — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 14:54:04 +0200

Over the last decade, much interest has been developed in biopolymer based materials due to their biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and non-allergenic nature. Chitosan is a unique biopolymer that exhibits outstanding properties, besides biocompatibility and biodegradability. Most of these peculiar properties arise from the presence of primary amines along the chitosan backbone. Many works have been done to obtain chitosan based scaffolds, including surface modifications, the fabrication of chitosan based blends, chitosan based composite scaffolds, and drug-loaded scaffolds. This study provides an overview of the key features of inherent properties of chitosan, their modification, and its use in biomedical engineering particularly toward anti-inflammatory and wound healing.

Vegetable Oils as Clearing Agents

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 15:10:28 +0100

Three types of vegetable oils namely, groundnut oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil were investigated in this study for their clearing ability in wood histology. The vegetable oils were compared with the conventional clearants like xylene and clove oil. Using a Riechet microtome sliding machine, sections of wood that were about 20 μm were prepared and cleared in each of the oils. Under a light microscope, the results showed that sections cleared in the vegetable oils did not show any sign of distortion as details of wood features were distinct and clear after processing in the vegetable oils. The study concluded that the vegetable oils could be used as substitutes for xylene and clove oil. The respective photo micrographs are hereby presented showing their efficacy after slide preparation. On the accounts of health hazards and cost of conventional clearing agents, the study also recommended groundnut oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil as alternative clearants in wood histological processes.

Sub-acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) and its Consequence in Dairy Cattle: A Review of Past and Recent Research at Global Prospective

Scipedia content — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 14:43:22 +0100

Dairy producer increase milk production by over feeding grain diets that are high in starch and low in fiber to increase intake of energy and met dietary requirements of the high yielding dairy cows. However, these diets increase the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Thus, maximizing milk production without incurring Sub-acute ruminal acidosis is a challenging most dairy producers. The main aims of this paper were to review available article on general aspects of Sub-acute ruminal acidosis and its consequence in dairy cattle by focusing on past and recent article and helping to update the current knowledge for early recognition and limit the associated negative impact in dairy industry. Sub-acute ruminal acidosis is a well-recognized and economically important digestive disorder found particularly in well-managed dairy cattle. It is a consequence of feeding high grain diets to dairy cows and characterized by daily episodes of low ruminal which generally occurs when ruminal pH stays in the range of 5.2 and 6 for a prolonged period resulting in depresses fiber digestion and possibly milk production. There is no typical clinical sign of illness in SARA affected cows. However, SARA is said to be associated with inflammations of different organs and tissues in dairy cows. Rumenocentesis remains the most reliable means of diagnosing SARA. The cow at risk to develop SARA includes cows in the early lactation, Primiparous cows and Cows grazing or fed with rapidly fermentable low fiber grass. SARA has long-term health and economic consequences, which include feed intake depression, fluctuations in feed intake, reduced diet digestibility, reduced milk yield, reduced milk fat percent, gastrointestinal damage, liver abscesses, and lameness. Apart from compromises to dairy cow health and economics, SARA is of concern for animal welfare reasons, since lameness and laminitis impact significantly on cow comfort and general well-being. Thus, it represents a significant concern for dairy industry and the cattle should be regularly monitored to facilitate early recognition of the condition and limit the associated economic losses.

Non-linear dynamic analysis of the response of moored floating structures

José Enrique Gutiérrez Romero — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:47:11 +0100

The complexity of the dynamic behaviour of offshore marine structures requires advanced simulations tools for the accurate assessment of the seakeeping behaviour of these devices. The aim of this work is to present a time-domain model for solving the dynamics of floating marine devices, subjected to non-linear environmental loads and paying special attention on the mooring dynamics. First, the formulation of the hydrodynamic approach for solving the wave-floater interaction is introduced. Second, the solver of the mooring dynamics, based on a non-linear Finite Element Method approach, is presented. Third, a procedure for coupling the hydrodynamic along with other external loads, with the floating structure and mooring dynamics is described. Fourth, some validation examples and comparisons among different mooring approaches are presented. Fifth, an analysis of the OC3 floating wind turbine concept is performed to study the influence of different mooring models, the effects of non-linear waves on the platform, and the tension in the mooring system. The dynamic mooring model along with the second-order wave model produce realistic simulations of the floating wind turbine performance.

Time domain simulation of coupled sloshing–seakeeping problems by SPH–FEM coupling

Jonathan Colom Cobb — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 11:56:02 +0100

The aim of this work is to carry out numerical simulations in the time domain of seakeeping problems taking into account internal flow in tanks, including sloshing. To this aim, a Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) solver for simulating internal flows in tanks is coupled in the time domain to a Finite Element Method (FEM) diffraction-radiation solver developed for seakeeping problems. Validations are carried out comparing against available experimental data. Good agreement between obtained numerical results and experimental data is found.

FIBRESHIP objectives and concept

Julio García-Espinosa — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:22:02 +0100

This document presents the objectives, concept and methodology of the projec "Engineering, production and life-cycle management for the complete construction of large-length FIBRE-based SHIPs" (FIBRESHIP).

Analysis of the melting, burning and flame spread of polymers with the Particle Finite Element Method

Scipedia content — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 17:21:12 +0100

A computational procedure for analysis of the melting, burning and flame spread of polymers under fire conditions is presented. The method, termed Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM), combines concepts from particle-based techniques with those of the standard finite element method (FEM). The key feature of the PFEM is the use of an updated Lagrangian description to model the motion of nodes (particles) in the thermoplastic material. Nodes are viewed as material points which can freely move and even separate from the main analysis domain representing, for instance, the effect of melting and dripping of polymer particles. A mesh connects the nodes defining the discretized domain where the governing equations are solved using the FEM. An incremental iterative scheme for the solution of the nonlinear transient coupled thermal-flow problem, including radiation, loss of mass by gasification and combustion is used. Examples of the possibilities of the PFEM for the modelling and simulation of the melting, burning and flame spread of polymers under different fire conditions are described.

Development of a Computational Tool for Structural Verification of Dams

Scipedia content — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:07:28 +0100

Nowadays, dam safety is becoming more relevant in our society due to the importance of its functions (power generation, water supply, flood control) and the severity of the consequences in case of a serious breakdown. The "safety of hydraulic infrastructures" is one of the priorities according to the R&D Spanish State Program which is oriented to social challenges.

Thanks to recent improvements in the modelling of dams as well as the evolution of computational resources, it is possible to perform more detailed analysis. However, most of commercial software is devoted to more common problems (e.g. buildings, bridges) without considering specific aspects of dams: concrete ageing process, joints during the construction process, contact with the ground or uplift pressure.

The development of a specific application for dam engineering, both for construction phase and operating period, is the main objective of this project. The thesis presents the computational tool, which is based on finite element formulations and solves thermo-mechanical problem using weak coupling, designed for analysing the operating period.

The proposed software is validated with a real case: La Baells dam. The computational results have shown excellent agreement with the obtained data during monitoring process.