bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of 1-3 BaTiO3-PVDF Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez A.A. , Morales-Carrillo N.A. , Gallardo-Vega C. , Hurtado-López G.F. , Cepeda-Garza J.A. , Corral-Flores V.
Published: March 2013

1-3 BaTiO3-PVDF hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by combining electrospinning, sol-gel and spin-coating techniques. First, one-dimensional structures of barium titanate (BaTiO3) were obtained by electrospinning. An alcoholic solution consisting of Ba2+ and Ti4+ions (1:1 molar ratio) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) was electrospun at 15 kV, with a tip-to-collector distance of 15 cm and a feed rate of 0.5 mL/h. Ceramic fibers were obtained after sintering the as-spun fibers at 900 °C for 2 hours. In a second step, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was incorporated to the oxide fibers by spin-coating a dimetilformamide solution, thus conforming 1-3 ceramic-polymeric hybrid nanocomposites on stainless steel substrates.

Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the as-spun fibers were smooth, long and continuous with an average diameter of 155 ± 40 nm, ranging from 60 to 240 nm, while sintered fibers presented a reduction in size, with an average diameter of 115 ± 16 nm, ranging from 96 to 120 nm. Sintered nanofibers were also long and continuous but with a rough surface. X-ray diffraction confirmed the perovskite-type structure of the BaTiO3. A structure refinement revealed a degree of tetragonality of 1.0046.

The polymer crystalline phases were identified by infrared spectroscopy on ATR mode. This study showed the presence of both β and γ polar phases, and absence of non-polar α phase, according to the characteristic bands for such crystalline phases.

The nanocomposites exhibited a ferroelectric behavior and electrical polarization according to their ceramic and polymeric components.
Effect of Ligands on the Dispersion of Ni Nanoparticles in Ni/SBA-15 Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Ortega Domínguez R.A. , Peñaloza Orta C. , Puente Lee I. , Salcedo Luna C. , Klimova T.
Published: March 2013

In the present work, a comparison study of the Ni catalysts supported on SBA-15 silica support prepared with and without the addition of organic ligands (citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was undertaken. The aim of this study was to inquire on the effect of the addition of organic ligands on the characteristics of the supported NiO and Ni nanoparticles and on their activity and selectivity in hydrogenation (HYD) of aromatics. Catalysts with different metal loadings (5, 10 and 20 wt. % of Ni) were prepared, characterized by nitrogen physisorption, small-angle and powder XRD, TPR, UV-vis DRS, and HRTEM, and tested in HYD of naphthalene (NP). It was found that Ni(II)-Ligand complexes were formed in aqueous solutions of Ni(NO3)2 containing citric acid (CA) or EDTA. Catalysts prepared from impregnation solutions with and without ligands had different textural characteristics and dispersion of NiO particles after calcination at 500 °C for 4 h. As it was shown by XRD, DRS and TPR, dispersion of NiO particles significantly increased when EDTA was used, whereas it noticeably decreased after the addition of CA. Similar trends were observed in the dispersion of metallic Ni particles after reduction of the NiO/SBA-15 precursors (HRTEM). In line with the characterization results, catalytic activity tests revealed strong differences in the activity of the prepared Ni/SBA-15 catalysts in hydrogenation of naphthalene. Catalysts prepared with the addition of EDTA were more active than those prepared without ligands. On the contrary, the HYD activity of a series of the Ni catalysts prepared with citric acid was lower than of other corresponding samples. The reasons of such a different behavior of the catalysts prepared with two organic ligands used are discussed on the basis of the obtained characterization results.
Protein Adsorption on Detonation Nanodiamond/Polymer Composite Layers
Authors: Pramatarova Lilyana D. , Hikov Todor A. , Krasteva Natalia A. , Petrik Peter , Dimitrova Raina P. , Pecheva Emilia V. , Radeva Ekaterina I. , Agocs Elot , Tsvetanov Ivaylo G. , Presker Radina P.
Published: March 2013

Composite layers of the detonation nanodiamond/polymer type possess a spatial organization of components with new structural features and physical properties, as well as complex functions due to the strong synergistic effects between the nanoparticles and polymer [1]. Composite layers were deposited by a plasma polymerization (PP) process of the detonation nanodiamond (DND) particles added to a hexamethyl disiloxan (HMDS) monomer [1]. The incorporation of silver ions in the polymer leads to the production of materials that are highly efficient against bacterial colonization and allows better cell adhesion and spreading. [2] For cell culture processes, fibronectin (FN) treatment is one of the commonly used approaches to enhance the cell adhesion on a surface [3].

As an integrated part of our search for improved materials for life science applications such as biomaterials and biosensors, the objective of the present study is to investigate the interaction of Ag-based composite surfaces with FN protein. Two types of composite layers, Ag-ND/PPHMDS and Ag-nano/PPHMDS were obtained by plasma polymerization of HMDS and nanoparticles of Ag and Ag-DND. The composite layers are representative of the different incorporation of the Ag in the polymer net. The structures studied, consisting of composite layers with adsorbed FN were optically characterized with Ellipsometry, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Ultra Violet (UV) Spectroscopy as well as by stylus profiling (Talysurf). The kinetic study of the FN adsorption indicates that the process depends on the FN concentration and the exposure time as well as on the surface chemistry of the composites. Compared to the reference sample, all composite layers exhibit an indication of a stronger ability to initiate the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
Nonlinear absorption coefficient and relative refraction index change for an asymmetrical double delta-doped quantum well in GaAs with a Schottky barrier potential.
Authors: Rojas-Briseño J. G. , Martínez-Orozco J. C. , Rodríguez-Vargas I. , Duque C. A , Mora-Ramos M. E.
Published: March 2013

Semiconductor devices have been improved by using delta-doped quantum well (DDQW) of impurities due to the great amount of charge carriers it provides. The first proposals consisted of a DDQW close to the Schottky barrier potential in the gate terminal in a FET [1]. In this work we reported the energy levels spectrum for n-type double-DDQW with a Schottky barrier (SB) at their neighborhood in a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) matrix. In addition to consider only the linear optical approximation we take into account the third order correction to the absorption coefficient and the refractive index change. We report those properties as a function of the Schottky Barrier Height (SBH), several separation distances between the DDQWs, and hydrostatic pressure effects. The results shown that the magnitude of intensity resonance peaks are controlled by the asymmetry of the DDQW+SB.
Emission modification in ZnO nanosheets at thermal annealing
Authors: Diaz Cano Aaron I. , Filali Brahim El , Torchynska Tetyana V. , Casas Espinola Jose L.
Published: March 2013

Papers in the Appendix were published in electronic format as Volume 1534
pH- and Ion-responsive Membranes from Self-Assembly/Sintering of SiO2@Au Core-Shell Nanospheres
Authors: Ignacio-de Leon Patricia Anne A. , Zharov Ilya
Published: March 2013

We prepared colloidal crystals by self-assembly of gold-coated silica nanospheres, and formed free-standing nanoporous membranes by sintering these colloidal crystals. We modified the nanopore surface with ionizable functional groups, by forming a monolayer of L-cysteine or by surface-initiated polymerization of methacrylic acid. Diffusion experiments for neutral and cationic dyes showed that transport through these surface-modified Au-coated colloidal membranes can be controlled by pH and presence of metal cations.
Phase-Field Simulation of Lamellar Structure Formation in MoSi2/NbSi2 Duplex Silicide
Authors: Koizumi Yuichiro , Yamazaki Toshihiro , Chiba Akihiko , Hagihara Koji , Nakano Takayoshi , Yuge Koretaka , Kishida Kyosuke , Inui Haruyuki
Published: March 2013

We conducted phase-field simulations of microstructural evolution in C11b-MoSi2 / C40-NbSi2 dual phase alloy with and without Cr-addition to examine the factors responsible for the formation and stability of the lamellar structure on the basis of thermodynamics, micromechanics and first-principles calculations. The first principles calculation was used for evaluating the interfacial energy, segregation energy of solute Cr-atoms and lattice parameters of imaginary disilicides for estimating the effects of solute distribution on the lattice misfit. When both of lattice misfit and the anisotropy of interfacial energy is taken into account, a lamellar structure similar to that observed experimentally is formed. In the absence of Cr-addition, the straightness of lamellar structure decreased slightly. When an isotropic interfacial energy is assumed, lamellar structure is not formed. Instead, a microstructure with habit planes parallel to {1 0 $\bar 1$ 1} plane of C40-phase is formed. Thus, the anisotropy of interfacial energy is crucial for the lamellar structure formation rather than the elastic energy due to lattice misfit.
Study of lithium defects in lithium phosphate and in the interface with metallic Li
Authors: KC Santosh , Xiong Ka , Longo Roberto C. , Cho Kyeongjae
Published: March 2013

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate lithium vacancy and interstitial defects in lithium phosphate (γ-Li3PO4) and in its interface with metallic Li. We find that γ-Li3PO4 is good electronic insulator with a wide band gap of 6 eV. The calculated formation energies of Li vacancies are higher than those of Li interstitials, which indicate that the ionic conductivity is determined by the migration of Li interstitial defects in bulk electrolyte. The Li vacancy-interstitial pair defect formation energy in the Li/γ-Li3PO4 interface is comparable to the sum of Li vacancy defect at the electrode and Li ion interstitial defect in the electrolyte. Our calculation indicates that the low ionic conductivity of Li/electrolyte interface is associated with the high Li ion defect formation energy. Our study provides some useful insights on Li defect formation and migration mechanisms at the electrode-electrolyte interface and, hence, a research direction for designing future Li-ion batteries.
Phase-Field Study on the Segregation Mechanism of Additive Elements in NbSi2/MoSi2 Duplex Silicide
Authors: Yamazaki Toshihiro , Koizumi Yuichiro , Chiba Akihiko , Hagihara Koji , Nakano Takayoshi , Yuge Koretaka , Kishida Kyosuke , Inui Haruyuki
Published: March 2013

We have examined segregation behavior of various alloying elements at lamellar interfaces of C40-NbSi2/C11b-MoSi2 duplex silicide by a phase-field simulation, which takes into account not only bulk chemical free energy but also segregation energy evaluated by the first principles calculation to reflect interaction between solutes and interface. The simulation suggests that segregation behaviors greatly depend on additive elements. In the case of Cr-addition, the C40-phase becomes enriched with Nb and Cr, while the C11b-phase becomes enriched with Mo, which agrees with the equilibrium phase diagram. Slight segregation of Cr atoms is observed at the interface, whereas Nb and Mo concentrations monotonically change across the diffuse interface between C11b and C40 phases. Significant segregations of Zr and Hf are formed at static interfaces, which are attributed to the chemical interaction between solute atoms and the static interface.
Distributed conceptual modelling in a Swedish lowland catchment: a multi-criteria model assessment
Authors: Wrede Sebastian , Seibert Jan , Uhlenbrook Stefan
Published: March 2013

Operational management and prediction of water quantity and quality often requires a spatially meaningful simulation of environmental flows and storages at the catchment scale. In this study, the performance of a fully distributed conceptual hydrologic model was evaluated based on the HBV (Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning) and TACD (Tracer Aided Catchment model – Distributed) model concept in the meso-scale Fyrisån catchment in the Central Swedish lowlands. For a more spatially explicit representation of runoff generation processes of small landscape elements such as wetlands, a new sub-grid parameterization scheme was implemented in the model. In addition, a simple flow distribution and lake retention routine was introduced to better conceptualize the flow routing. During intensive model evaluation and comparison the model underwent conventional split-sample and proxy-basin tests. In this process, shortcomings of the model in the transferability of parameter sets and in the spatial representation of runoff generating processes were found. It was also demonstrated how a detailed comparison with a lumped benchmark model and the additional use of synoptic stream flow measurements allowed further insights into the model performance. It could be concluded that such a thorough model assessment can help to detect shortcomings in the spatial representation of the model and help facilitate model development.
Paleoflood marks in sandur morphometry as the result of the glacier surge (NW Poland)
Authors: Szafraniec Joanna E.
Published: March 2013

In the Pomeranian marginal zone of the last Pleistocene glaciation specific morphometric features are found. They represent indicators of surging events affecting the individual outlet glacier lobes of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin. They are assumed to have been active during the climate warming of the Weichselian glaciation decay. Many tunnel valleys deep-rooted in the proximal slopes of the terminal moraine ridge with incised gorges and wide extramarginal sandur fans spread from the mouths to the forefield. The relatively low relief intensity factor, the fluvioglacial sediments covering distal slopes of the terminal moraines and ‘washed out’ older forms may be considered as indirect evidence of outburst floods caused by a re-canalization of the subglacial drainage system. The morphometry of the palaeochannels in the gorge profiles are used to calculate estimates of extreme discharges (c. 5 × 103–105m3s–1).
Parameter sensitivity of a watershed-scale flood forecasting model as a function of modelling time-step
Authors: O'Loughlin Fiachra , Bruen Michael , Wagener Thorsten
Published: March 2013

Although ongoing technological advances have alleviated data restrictions and most of the computational barriers to distributed modelling, lumped, parsimonious, conceptual and rainfall-runoff models are still widely used for flood forecasting. However both optimum parameter values and the fluxes of water through individual model components change significantly with the time-step used. Thus, such models should be used with caution in applications such as hydrograph separation or water quality studies that require the fluxes through individual flow routes through the model or which try to relate parameters to physical features of the catchment. To demonstrate this time-scale limitation, a parameter sensitivity analysis was performed on the lumped conceptual Soil Moisture Accounting and Routing with Groundwater component (SMARG) model for a 182 km2 rural catchment in Ireland for a number of time-steps, flow regimes and evaluation metrics. A global sensitivity analysis method (Higher Dimensional Model Representation) showed that sensitivity indices vary greatly with time-step and evaluation metric. The sensitivity of parameters also varied for different flow regimes. Certain parameters' sensitivities remain fairly constant across both flow regimes and time-step, while others are very much regime or time-step dependent. Care should be taken in using internal information from conceptual models because of this strong dependence on time-step.
Changes in TRP Channels Expression in Painful Conditions
Authors: Bishnoi Mahendra , Premkumar Louis S.
Published: March 2013

Over the last fifteen years after the successful cloning of the first nociceptive Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channel, TRP Vanilloid 1, other members of the TRP channel family have been cloned, characterized and implicated in different modalities of pain. Tremendous progress has been made with regard to the specific role of these TRP channels in nociception using electrophysiological and molecular methods, along with behavioral models combined
with gene disruption techniques. This review summarizes the evidence supporting the role of TRP channels (TRP Vanilloid 1, TRP Vanilloid 2, TRP Vanilloid 3, TRP Vanilloid 4, TRP Ankyrin 1, TRP Melastatin 2, TRP Melastatin 3, TRP Melastatin 8, TRP Mucolipin 3 and TRP Canonical 1, 6) involved in nociception. The review also highlights the current status and future avenues for developing TRP channel modulators as analgesic agents.
TRP Receptors in Arthritis, Gaining Knowledge for Translation from Experimental Models
Authors: Fernandes E.S. , Awal S. , Karadaghi R. , Brain S.D.
Published: March 2013

Arthritis is a condition characterised by mainly pain, reduced joint movement and signs of inflammation, such as swelling. The disorder has many different types, of which osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic autoimmune disease) are the two most common forms. There are >6 million sufferers in the UK and both conditions have a huge potential to impair capabilities and contribute to social and economic burdens. Whilst there are a wide range of arthritic therapies available, many patients under treatment complain of poor pain relief. Thus there is a need for novel therapeutic approaches, and the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of receptor channels has been investigated. One particular area of recent research has been the ligand-gated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. Findings from numerous pre-clinical models and scientific studies have shown that TRPV1 desensitisation, or the use of TRPV1 antagonists alleviates pain and some inflammatory aspects. New findings have started to unveil
the potential of other TRP channels in mediating arthritic pain and inflammation. With the understanding that the currently available treatments for arthritis are limited, researchers have looked into the exciting prospect that TRP receptor antagonists may be developed into effective, specific drugs, which would potentially protect against the complications of arthritis. These antagonists are still under development, although only data from studies from pre-clinical models are currently available. This review acts to summarize knowledge of the potential influence of TRP receptors in arthritis to date.
Resiniferatoxin for Pain Treatment: An Interventional Approach to Personalized Pain Medicine
Authors: Iadarola Michael J. , Gonnella Gian Luigi
Published: March 2013

This review examines existing preclinical and clinical studies related to resiniferatoxin (RTX) and its potential uses in pain treatment. Like capsaicin, RTX is a vanilloid receptor (TRPV1) agonist, only more potent. This increased potency confers both quantitative and qualitative advantages in terms of drug action on the TRPV1 containing nerve terminal, which result in an increased efficacy and a long duration of action. RTX can be delivered by a central route of administration through injection into the subarachnoid space around the lumbosacral spinal cord. It can also be administered peripherally into a region of skin or deep tissue where primary afferents nerves terminate, or directly into a nerve trunk or a dorsal root ganglion. The central route is currently being evaluated as a treatment for intractable pain in patients with advanced cancer. Peripheral administration offers the possibility to treat a wide diversity of pain problems because of the ability to bring the treatment to the site of the pain (the peripheral generator). While not all pain disorders
are appropriate for RTX, tailoring treatment to an individual patient's needs via a selective and local intervention that chemically targets a specific population of nerve terminals provides a new capability for pain therapy and a simplified and effective approach to personalized pain medicine.
TRPV1 Antagonists as Analgesic Agents
Authors: Trevisani Marcello , Gatti Raffaele
Published: March 2013

The last decade (2001 - 2010), declared as the Decade of Pain Control and Research by the United States Congress, brought significantly advances in our understanding of pain biology. Unfortunately, this has not translated into additional effective treatments of chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain is a debilitating and complex clinical state usually associated with diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, low back pathology, fibromyalgia, and neurological disorders. Standard pain drugs, even narcotic opioid analgesic agents, often provide unsatisfactory pain relief while causing important side-effect such as sedation, tolerance, dependence, respiratory depression and constipation. Furthermore, the effective management of chronic pain needs a multidisciplinary management approach and still represents one of the most urgent unmet medical need. Recently, preclinical research has uncovered new molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and transduction of pain, many of which represent new targets for innovative pharmacological interventions. This review focuses on Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Vanilloid Type 1 (TRPV1) channel as a target for treating chronic pain. TRPV1 is a multifunctional ion channel involved in thermosensation (heat) and taste perception. Importantly, TRPV1 also functions as a molecular integrator for a broad variety of seemingly unrelated noxious stimuli. Indeed, TRPV1 is thought to be a major transducer of the thermal hyperalgesia that follows inflammation and/or tissue injury. Desensitization to topical TRPV1 agonists (e.g. capsaicin creams and patches) has been in clinical use for decades to treat chronic painful conditions like diabetic neuropathy. Most recently, a number of potent, small molecule TRPV1 antagonists have been advanced into clinical trials for pain relief. Perhaps not unexpectedly given the prominent role of TRPV1 in thermosensation, some of these antagonists showed worrisome adverse effects (hyperthermia and impaired noxious heat sensation) in humans, leading to their withdrawal from clinical trials. However, recent reports of TRPV1 antagonists that do not affect core body temperature in preclinical species suggest a potential opportunity to reduce at least this important
side effect.
Morphological responses of pulse (Vigna spp.) crops to soil water deficit
Authors: Baroowa Bhaswatee , Gogoi Nirmali , Paul Sreyashi , Sarma Banashree
Published: March 2013

The present experiment was conducted with two common pulse crops namely black
gram (Vigna mungo L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata L.) with the objective to
study the morpho-physiological changes that took place in response to low
moisture stress. Parameters such as plant height, leaf number, leaf area and
pod number were studied under moisture stress condition as well as subsequent
recovery stages. At harvest, yields of these two crops were recorded and
various yield indexes like drought susceptibility index, drought tolerance
index, mean and productivity rate were calculated. The study revealed that
moisture stress has a significant impact on all these parameters in both
crops. The effect was more significant in green gram compared to black gram.
From the findings it is observed that moisture stress during flowering stage
is detrimental for yield of the pulse crops and re-watering does not have a
significant impact on yield improvement. Black gram variety T9 and green gram
variety Pratap were identified as drought-tolerant varieties.
Astronomical phenomena in Dresden codex
Authors: Böhm V. , Böhm B. , Klokocník J. , Vondrák J. , Kostelecký J.
Published: March 2013

The relationship between Maya and our calendar is expressed by a coefficient
known as ?correlation? which is a number of days that we have to add to the
Mayan Long Count date to get Julian Date used in astronomy. There is
surprisingly large uncertainty in the value of the correlation, yielding a
shift between both calendars (and thus between the history of Maya and of our
world) to typically several hundred years. There are more than 50 diverse
values of the correlation, some of them derived from historical, other by
astronomical data. We test here (among others) the well established
Goodman-Mart?nez-Thompson correlation (GMT), based on historical data, and
the B?hms? one (B&B), based on astronomical data decoded from the Dresden
Codex (DC); this correlation differs by about +104 years from the GMT. In our
previous works we used several astronomical phenomena as recorded in the DC
for a check. We clearly demonstrated that (i) the GMT was not capable to
predict these phenomena that really happened in nature and (ii) that the GMT
predicts them on the days when they did not occur. The phenomena used till
now in the test are, however, short-periodic and the test then may suffer
from ambiguity. Therefore, we add long-periodic astronomical phenomena,
decoded successfully from the DC, to the testing. These are (i) a synchrony
of Venusian heliacal risings with the solar eclipses, (ii) a synchrony of
Venus and Mars conjunctions with the eclipses, (iii) conjunctions of Jupiter
and Saturn repeated in a rare way, and (iv) a synchrony of synodic and
sideric periods of Mercury with the tropical year. Based on our analysis, we
find that the B&B correlation yields the best agreement with the astronomical
phenomena observed by the Maya. Therefore we recommend to reject the GMT and
support the B&B correlation.
Description of 160Dy nucleus by partial dynamical SU(3) symmetry
Authors: Fouladi Naser , Jafarizadeh Mohammadali , Fouladi Javad , Sabri Hadi
Published: March 2013

We considered the characteristic features of SU(3) partial dynamical symmetry in the interacting boson model framework to show the relevance of such intermediate symmetry structure in the nuclear spectroscopy of the 160Dy nucleus. The predictions of SU(3)-PDS for the energy spectrum and the transition probabilities were compared with the most recent experimental data and an acceptable degree of agreement was achieved.
Existence of solutions for sequential fractional differential equations with four-point nonlocal fractional integral boundary conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Alsaedi Ahmed , Al-Hutami Hana
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates the existence of solutions for a nonlinear boundary value problem of sequential fractional differential equations with four-point nonlocal Riemann-Liouville type fractional integral boundary conditions. We apply Banach’s contraction principle and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem to establish the existence of results. Some illustrative examples are also presented.
Axially symmetrical molecules in electric and magnetic fields: energy spectrum and selection rules
Authors: Petreska Irina , Sandev Trifce , Nedelkoski Zlatko , Pejov Ljupco
Published: March 2013

In this paper we investigate the effects of external electric and magnetic fields on a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator with axial symmetry. The energy spectrum of such a system is non-degenerate due to the presence of the magnetic field. The degeneracy of the energy spectrum in the absence of a magnetic field is discussed. The influence of electric and magnetic fields, as well as the frequencies of the oscillator on the probability distribution function is analyzed. Optical transition probabilities are examined by deriving the selection rules in dipole approximation for the quantum numbers n
p, m
l and n
z. Employing stationary perturbation theory, the effects of deformations of the potential energy function on the oscillatory states are analyzed. Such models have been used in literature in analysis of spectra of axially symmetrical molecules and cylindrical quantum dots.
Development of a new wheat microarray from a durum wheat totipotent cDNA library used for a powdery mildew resistance study
Authors: Cifarelli Rosa , D’Onofrio Olimpia , Grillo Rosalba , Mango Teresa , Cellini Francesco , Piarulli Luciana , Simeone Rosanna , Giancaspro Angelica , Colasuonno Pasqualina , Blanco Antonio , Gadaleta Agata
Published: March 2013

Totipotent cDNA libraries representative of all the potentially expressed sequences in a genome would be of great benefit to gene expression studies. Here, we report on an innovative method for creating such a library for durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) and its application for gene discovery. The use of suitable quantities of 5-azacytidine during the germination phase induced the demethylation of total DNA, and the resulting seedlings potentially express all of the genes present in the genome. A new wheat microarray consisting of 4925 unigenes was developed from the totipotent cDNA library and used to screen for genes that may contribute to differences in the disease resistance of two near-isogenic lines, the durum wheat cultivar Latino and the line 5BIL-42, which are respectively susceptible and resistant to powdery mildew. Fluorescently labeled cDNA was prepared from the RNA of seedlings of the two near-isogenic wheat lines after infection with a single powdery mildew isolate under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. Hybridization to the microarray identified six genes that were differently expressed in the two lines. Four of the sequences could be assigned putative functions based on their similarity to known genes in public databases. Physical mapping of the six genes localized them to two regions of the genome: the centromeric region of chromosome 5B, where the Pm36 resistance gene was previously localized, and chromosome 6B.
Barriers to International Student Mobility
Authors: Souto-Otero Manuel , Huisman Jeroen , Beerkens Maarja , de Wit Hans , VujiĆ SunČica
Published: March 2013

In this article, we look at the barriers to international student mobility, with particular reference to the European Erasmus program. Much is known about factors that support or limit student mobility, but very few studies have made comparisons between participants and nonparticipants. Making use of a large data set on Erasmus and non-Erasmus students in seven European countries, we look at the barriers for participation. Results reveal the overall impact of financial barriers but suggest that it is personal barriers that help us to better differentiate between Erasmus and non-Erasmus students. The analysis suggests a two-pronged approach to increase participation: one focusing on better information and communication and the other stressing the benefits of Erasmus mobility.
Mucinous carcinoma of breast: FNAC as effective diagnostic modality
Authors: Tyagi Ruchita , Kumar Mahendra , Tanwar Pranay , Dey Pranab
Published: March 2013

Mucinous carcinoma of the breast in pure form comprises only 2% of all breast cancers. Pure mucinous carcinoma of the breast have better prognosis. They are usually having higher incidence in peri-menopausal and post-menopausal age group. We report a 32-year-old female, clinically suspected to have benign breast disease, diagnosed as mucinous carcinoma of the breast on FNAC. In such cases, there is always a high probability of missing the diagnosis at imaging because of the absence of established radiological signs of malignancy such as calcification and spiculation. In this case imaging was not helpful and diagnosis was ascertained by FNAC. This case further strongly substantiates, Fine needle aspiration cytology as rapid , highly sensitive and highly specific diagnostic investigation of choice for management of breast lumps . Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-3 No-3 (2012), Page -32-35 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i3.5240
Outbreak Of Jaundice In Rural School Children: An Epidemiological Investigation
Authors: Mohite RV , Kumbhar SM , Tondare MB , Ganganhali P , Salunkhe LR
Published: March 2013

Background: Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem in India and epidemiology of viral hepatitis is going to changing as outbreaks of hepatitis A are being reported with increased frequency, in the pediatric age group as well. Objective: To study the time, place, and person distribution of hepatitis A infection in rural school population & to find the source of infection in the study area. Methodology: Community based survey was conducted among the school population of village Kalawade district Satara of state Maharashtra during July-August 2011 by interview and clinical examination utilizing pre-designed semi-structured proforma. Data collected by investigation team was compiled and presented into frequency, percentage & chi-square test was applied to know the statistical association. Results: Out of 400 school children, 32 suffered from Hepatitis A viral infection with overall attack rate 8% involving 25 males & 7 females showed statistical significant association (p < 0.05). Index case was detected on 20th July 2011 while maximum no. of cases i.e. 11 cases were detected during 3rd week of outbreak with a median incubation period 21 days. Majority of patients, 96.8% & 81.2% were presented with dark yellow colored urine and yellowish discoloration of sclera. Out of 32 patients, 68.5% cases were from private high school with water supply from bore well while 31.5% cases from anganwadies & primary school with a water supply from gram panchayat well. However, water supply source to private high school was found contaminated. Conclusion: An outbreak of Hepatitis A reported in school children mainly due to consumption of contaminated bore well water. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-3 No-3 (2012), Page -20-26 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i3.7743
Perception And Knowledge Regarding Reproductive Health Among Adolescent Males Of Lalitpur
Authors: Upadhyay-Dhungel Kshitiz , Dhungel BA , Das PKL , Karki BMS
Published: March 2013

Background: Puberty is a significant phase of human growth. It has important implications for the development of regulatory competence and of physical, emotional, social maturity. Adolescents should have knowledge regarding their physical growth and reproductive health, so that unnecessary reservations and stress could be avoided. Adolescent males have as many health issues as adolescent females, but they are less likely to be seen in a clinical setting due to both individual factors and the health care system itself. Also, very few studies are done to access knowledge and perception of adolescent males regarding reproductive health. Hence, this study was designed to access the knowledge and perception of young adolescent males regarding physical growth and reproductive health which will help to design effective interventions mostly in terms of sex and health education. Method: : A Self designed questionnaire was given to the participants after explaining the objective of the study and taking written consent .The data was tabulated and students’ perception and knowledge regarding reproductive health was analysed. Result: 125 boys filled the form, mean age 13.2±2.2. Overall knowledge and perception regarding reproductive health was found to be satisfactory. Some shortcomings do exist like 50% participants did not know about contraceptives, 23% are worried about shape and size of their penis, and 23% feel no one understands them. Conclusion: Adolescent possess some knowledge about reproductive health but still effective educational intervention is required to encourage more sensible and healthy behaviour which and may lessen stress and reservations that comes with pubertal maturation. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-3 No-3 (2012), Page -27-31 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i3.7744
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Local Population of Patan.
Authors: Maharjan Babu Raja , Bhandary Shital , Shrestha Ira , Sunuwar Laxmi , Shrestha Sanjjit
Published: March 2013

Introduction: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of complex interrelated risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease which includes central obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, high triglyceride and low HDL-C. The prevalence of MS in Asian Indian is 49.2%. There is evidence of increasing prevalence of MS in the world. Therefore, we intended to find the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the local population of Patan, a major urban center in Nepal. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study which was carried out in one of the urban clusters (or wards) of the Lalitpur Sub- Metropolitan (or Patan) City. Measurements of waist circumference, height, weight; blood parameters like lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS) were done. Measurement of blood pressure was done. The prevalence of MS was obtained by using three different criteria Joint Interim Statement 2009 criteria, International diabetes federation (IDF) 2005 criteria and National cholesterol education program adult treatment Panel (NCEP ATP) III 2001 criteria. Results: There were 205 participants among which 34.6% were male and 65.4% were female. The prevalence of MS as per the Joint Interim Statement 2009, IDF 2005 and NCEP ATP III 2001 criteria was 61.7%, 52.7% and 43.4% respectively. There was significantly high total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TAG), FBS, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and significantly low HDL-C in the individuals with MS compared to the normal individuals. The logistic regression revealed the increasing prevalence of MS with increasing age, BMI and positive family history of diabetes. Conclusions: There is high prevalence of MS in the study population. Age, BMI and family history of diabetes are found to be the main predictors for metabolic syndrome. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; Jan-June 2012/vol.11/Issue1/27-31 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i1.7764
Early Experiences with Indigenous Medicated Spacers in the Management of Infected Hip Prosthesis.
Authors: Chand Pankaj , Magar Suchil Rana , Thapa Bishnu Babu , KC Bachhu Ram , Joshi Amit , Kayastha Nirab
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Joint replacement surgery, has become one of the most frequent prosthetic surgeries over the past decades due to its success in restoring function to disabled arthritic individual. A two-stage revision arthroplasty is a well-accepted method for the treatment of a deep infection of a hip with a joint implant. In the present study, the results of three infected hips with the interim use of an indigenous cemented prosthesis along with gentamycin impregnated cement beads were assessed with a two stage revision. Methods: Three consecutive patients who were managed with a two-stage revision hip arthroplasty for the treatment of a previous infection, with retained implants, were followed clinically and radiographically for an average of 15 months. Following removal of implants and debridement (first stage), an indigenous medicated prosthesis along with antibiotic coated cement beads were implanted, for an interim phase of six - eight weeks aft er which a new prosthesis was placed ( second stage ).In this period antibiotics ( both intravenous and oral) were administered to the patients. Results: In a mean follow up period of 15 months, there is no evidence of recurrent infection in all three patients, as of now. The use of antibiotic coated cement prosthesis along with gentamycin mixed cement beads was associated with a satisfactory hip score, and better walking capacity in the interim period, a lower transfusion requirement at the time of reimplantation, and no postoperative dislocation. Conclusions: Locally prepared medicated spacer and gentamycin coated beads help in eradicating hip infection, besides being more cost effective. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; Jan-June 2012/vol.11/Issue1/32-36 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i1.7765
Physiologic Skin Changes During Pregnancy.
Authors: Shah Arpana , Shah Sushil Jung , Jha Sagar Mani , Shakya Nabin Bhakta , Dangol Anil , Shakya Sunil
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Approximately 90% pregnant women are associated with skin changes. The skin undergoes profound alterations during pregnancy as a result of endocrine, metabolic and immunologic changes. Some of these are trivial and chiefly cosmetic, producing no or minor symptoms, others can be distressing and/or of major medical importance. For the necessity of proper and complex care of the pregnant woman ,the knowledge about the changes are crucial. The ability of precise diagnosis of physiological skin changes allows specifying the suspected cases of pathologic etiology and referring them to the dermatological referral centers for in-depth diagnosis and eventual treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and types of dermatological changes in our population. Methods: Pregnant patients attending the antenatal clinic of the Gynecology department in Shree Birendra Hospital, and presenting to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology, Bir Hospital, for any dermatologic problem, were enrolled. The study spanned a period of 10months (January 2008 to October 2008). We evaluated 150 pregnant women to determine the pattern of pregnancy-induced physiologic skin changes in Nepalese community. Results: Majority of patient developed dermatological changes in second and third trimester. The commonest sign was hyper pigmentation of the skin followed by striae and edema. Fungal infections were the commonest infections observed,Tineacorporis accounting for 10 (6.66%) and tineaversicolarwas seen in Eight (5.33%) patients. Three (2%) patients had Scabies. A total of 3 patients had sexually transmitted disease. 2 (1.3%) had Condyloma acuminate and 1 (.006%) had syphilis. Conclusions: Hyperpigmentation was the commonest sign (87.33%) followed by striae (82%), edema (45.3%), vascular changes (17.3%) and melasma (8%). Varicosities of veins, spider nevi and palmar erythema are relatively less frequent in our population. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; Jan-June 2012/vol.11/Issue1/42-45 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i1.7767
Freshwater Fish Species of the Oorlogskloof River, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Ramollo P.P. , Schumann M. , Pretorius W.A.J.
Published: March 2013

The freshwater fish of Oorlogskloof River were sampled in March 2010. The study aimed to determine the distribution and relative abundance of freshwater fish in the Oorlogskloof River. A total of 4643individuals represented by five fish species belonging to two families were sampled. The Barbus anoplus was only sampled in the upper reaches of the Oorlogskloof River gorge while endangered Labeobarbus capensis appeared downstream in the Oorlogskloof River. Barbus serra dominated the fish species in the system. The invasion of Tilapia sparmanni in this system was confirmed during the survey andthe species appeared to be widespread throughout the system. At this stage it does not appear to be posing a serious threat to the endangered fish species. The Oorlogskloof River can be considered as a potential refuge site for the conservation of some endemic and threatened freshwater fishes of South Africa.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v10i1.7746
Seasonal Variation of Food composition and Feeding Activity of Small Adult Barramundi (Lates calcarifer, Bloch) in the South west Coastal Water near Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Mushahida-Al-Noor Syeda , Kamruzzaman Sheikh , Hossain Md. Delwer
Published: March 2013

The food habits of juvenile Lates calcarifer in the Shibsha river were investigated by examining the gastro-intestine contents of 720 specimens collected from June, 2010 to July, 2011. The major component of the diet was teleosts were dominant (32.40%) found in the stomach of Lates calcarifer. The next major food group were macro-crustacean (22.65%), followed by zooplankton (17.16%), algae (10.40%) and insects (9.89%). Monthly fluctuations were also witnessed in the percentage occurrence of stomachs with different degrees of fullness. It is evident that higher percentage of fullness of the stomach was recorded in pre-monsoon due to pre-spawning fattening process. Higher percentage of emptiness of the stomach was recorded in monsoon, due to starvation during breeding seasons. It is also observed that the percentage of stomach fullness was higher in summer than the percentage in winter in juvenile L. calcarifer..DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v10i1.7772
Through Clio's Lens: Exploring Disciplinary, Intellectual, and Historical Orientations in the History of Photography
Authors: Buchanan Anne L. , Hérubel Jean-Pierre V. M.
Published: March 2013

This conceptually driven exploratory discussion of history of photography serves to capture and situate the use of photography and photographic evidence in history journals. Since its invention in 1839 in Europe, photography has evolved to assume its near hegemonic ubiquity throughout the world, permeating media in general. Gaining insight into the history of photography as a disciplinary formation and specialization addresses disciplinary issues beyond the confines of art history, of which photography has been identified traditionally as a sub-field. To identify global and overarching characteristics of the literature, Historical Abstracts was consulted in order to collect and classify articles in the years 1961–1970, 1971–1980, 1981–1990, 1991–2000, and 2001–2010. Further analysis of the data revealed major characteristics of history of photography that appeared in a spectrum of journals beyond the purview of art history journals. Selected subjects were used to further articulate the complex nature of the history of photography, bringing into focus general disciplinary and intellectual currents animating these findings.
The Barriers to Producing High Quality Library and Information Science Research in Developing Countries: The Case of Pakistan
Authors: Ameen Kanwal
Published: March 2013

It is generally recognized that in many developing countries, for a variety of reasons, research output in most disciplines lags behind that in the developed nations. Among the reasons is a range of factors that may hinder good-quality research outputs. This paper focuses on the matter of research quality in library and information science (LIS) in Pakistan as a case study. To test the types of barriers that the researcher believes hinder the production of quality research in Pakistan, a web-based survey was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of structured and open-ended questions. The questionnaire was based on a set of barriers to quality research production, which were identified from the literature. The respondents were asked to indicate their views on the impact of these barriers on the production of quality research. The data was analysed using SPSS. The findings reveal that the lack of critical thinking, a poor research culture, lack of encouragement of research, and inadequate imparting of research skills in LIS education are the most significant barriers. The study suggests that determining the order in which to tackle these barriers will facilitate the production of high-quality research in countries like Pakistan.