bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial TEMPO-oxidized hemp fibers with incorporated silver particles
Authors: Milanovic Jovana , Mihailovic Tatjana , Popovic Katarina , Kostic Mirjana
Published: December 2012

In this paper, the preparation of the antimicrobial silver loaded hemp fibers
were carried out by selective TEMPO-mediated oxidation, i.e. oxidation with
sodium hypochlorite and catalytic amount of sodium bromide and
2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxy radical (TEMPO), followed by silver
sorption from aqueous silver nitrate solution. The most suitable experimental
conditions for the selective TEMPO-mediated oxidation were determined by
changing oxidation conditions: concentration of sodium hypochlorite and
duration of sorption. The obtained results showed that the maximum sorption
capacity (0.703 mmol of silver per gram of fibers) of modified hemp fibers
was obtained for the sample modified with 9.67 mmol NaClO per gram of fibers,
during 4 hours. SEM microphotographs of the modified hemp fibers with
incorporated silver showed uniformly distributed silver particles on the
surface of fibers, with isometric shapes and sizes from 10 to 100 nm, despite
the fact that silver was sorbed from ionic solution. The antibacterial
activity of the TEMPO-oxidized hemp fibers with silver particles was
confirmed in vitro against two strains: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923)
and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and the antifungal activity against fungi
Candida albicans (ATCC 24433). The best antimicrobial activity of
silver-loaded TEMPO-oxidized hemp fibers was showed against strain
Staphylococcus aureus.
Acute Macrovascular Dysfunction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Induced by Ingestion of Advanced Glycated β-Lactoglobulins
Authors: Stirban Alin , Kotsi Paraskevi , Franke Knut , Strijowski Ulf , Cai Weijing , Götting Christian , Tschoepe Diethelm
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

Recent evidence indicates that heat-enhanced food advanced glycation end products (AGEs) adversely affect vascular function. The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of an oral load of heat-treated, AGE-modified β-lactoglobulins (AGE-BLG) compared with heat-treated, nonglycated BLG (C-BLG) on vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a double-blind, controlled, randomized, crossover study, 19 patients with T2DM received, on two different occasions, beverages containing either AGE-BLG or C-BLG. We measured macrovascular [brachial ultrasound of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)] and microvascular (laser-Doppler measurements of reactive hyperemia in the hand) functions at baseline (T0), 90 (T90), and 180 (T180) min.

RESULTS

Following the AGE-BLG, FMD decreased at T90 by 80% from baseline and remained decreased by 42% at T180 (P < 0.05 vs. baseline, P < 0.05 vs. C-BLG at T90). By comparison, following C-BLG, FMD decreased by 27% at T90 and 51% at T180 (P < 0.05 vs. baseline at T180). A significant decrease in nitrite (T180) and nitrate (T90 and T180), as well as a significant increase in Nε-carboxymethyllisine, accompanied intake of AGE-BLG. There was no change in microvascular function caused by either beverage.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with T2DM, acute oral administration of a single AGE-modified protein class significantly though transiently impaired macrovascular function in concert with decreased nitric oxide bioavailability. These AGE-related changes were independent of heat treatment.
Cutaneous neoplastic lesions of equids in the central United States and Canada: 3,351 biopsy specimens from 3,272 equids (2000–2010)
Authors: Schaffer Paula A. , Wobeser Bruce , Martin Laura E. R. , Dennis Michelle M. , Duncan Colleen G.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To identify epidemiological trends in cutaneous neoplasms affecting equids in central North America and compare them with previously reported trends.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Sample—3,351 cutaneous biopsy specimens from 3,272 equids with a neoplastic diagnosis.

Procedures—Diagnostic reports from 2 diagnostic laboratories (Colorado State University and Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc) were reviewed for frequency of specific lesions and epidemiological trends. Variables included in analyses (if known) were age, sex, breed, geographic location, date of diagnosis, location of neoplasm on the body, and presence or absence of ulceration.

Results—Sarcoid, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma were the 3 most common tumors diagnosed. Tumors associated with UV radiation (SCC, SCC in situ, hemangioma, hemangiosarcoma) were 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 3.0) times as common in biopsy specimens received by Colorado State University than in specimens received by Prairie Diagnostic Services Inc. Appaloosa horses and American Paint horses, respectively, were 7.2 (95% CI, 5.6 to 9.2) and 4.4 (95% CI, 3.6 to 5.4) times as likely as other breeds to have tumors associated with UV radiation. Thoroughbreds were predisposed to cutaneous lymphoma, whereas Arabians were more likely to have melanomas. Draft and pony breeds were 3.1 (95% CI, 1.9 to 5.1) times as likely as other breeds to have benign soft tissue tumors. Morgans and pony breeds more commonly had basal cell tumors. Tumors in the perianal region were significantly more likely to be SCC or melanoma while tumors on the limbs were more likely to be giant cell tumor of soft parts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Signalment, anatomic location of the mass, and geographic location of the horse can be used to help equine practitioners formulate differential diagnoses for cutaneous masses. Further research is necessary to identify the biological basis for the development of many equine cutaneous neoplasms.
Need to take Measures to Combat the Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Thanju Jeewan Prasad
Published: December 2012

No abstract availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7194 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 p.3
Hydrologic Characterization of the Koshi Basin and the Impact of Climate Change
Authors: Bharati Luna , Gurung Pabitra , Jayakody Priyantha
Published: December 2012

Assessment of surface and groundwater resources and water availability for different sectors is a great challenge in Nepal mainly due to data limitations. In this study, the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate the hydrology and to calculate sub-basin wise water balances in the Koshi Basin, Nepal. The impacts of Climate Change (CC) projections from four GCMs (CNRM-CM3, CSIRO-Mk3.0,ECHam5 and MIROC 3.2) on the hydrology of the basin were also calculated. This paper summarizes some of the key results. The full report of the study is in preparation.The basin can be divided into the trans-mountain, central mountain, eastern mountain, eastern hill and central hill regions. Results show that current precipitation is highest in the central mountain and eastern mountain regions during both the dry and wet seasons. Water balance results showed that Actual ET as well as Runoff is also highest in the central and eastern mountain regions followed by the mid-hills. Results from climate change projections showed that average temperature will increase in the 2030’s by 0.7-0.9° Celsius. Results for 2030s projections also show that during the dry season, precipitation increases in the trans-mountain but decreases in the other regions for both A2 and B1 scenarios. During the wet season, the MarkSim projections show a decrease in precipitation in all the regions. Net water yields also increased for the trans-mountain zone during the dry season but show varying results during the monsoon. Assessment of projected future flow time series showed that there will be an increase in the number of extreme events; i.e., both low flows and large floods. There is however; a high degree of uncertainty in the projected climate data as the relative standard deviation was quite high.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7198 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.18-22
Downstream Impacts of the Melamchi Inter-Basin Water Transfer Plan (MIWTP) Under Current and Future Climate Change Projections
Authors: Gurung Pabitra , Bharati Luna
Published: December 2012

The Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) is designed to minimize the shortage of drinking water in the Kathmandu valley. Although the project was supposed to be completed by 2008, due to various problems, it is still difficult to forecast the exact date of completion. This paper quantifies the downstream effects of diverting water from the Melamchi (Stage-I), Yangri (Stage-II) and Larke (Stage-III) rivers under current as well as future climate scenarios. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used in the analysis. Result shows that in the Stage-I water transfer plan, average inflow reduction in the immediate downstream sub-basin in the dry and wet seasons are 36% and 7% respectively, where as in Stage-II the inflow reductions are 38% for the dry season and 8% for the wet season. In Stage-III, inflow reductions are 38% in the dry season and 7% in the wet season.The impact of the water transfer schemes on various changes in water management within the Melamchi River irrigation command area was also tested. BUDGET (soil, water and salt balance) model was used to quantify crop water requirement of Melamchi River command area when the irrigated area is increased and the cropping pattern is changed. Simulation results of crop water requirement in intensive water use conditions show that present Melamchi River command area can be increased by 2.2 times under current climate projection, whereas the area can be increased 1.4 times in 2030s and by 2.0 times in 2050s.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7199 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.23-29
Increasing Crop Water Productivity through Local Crops and Technologies: A Case from the Ethnic Chepang Community of Nepal
Authors: Khatiwada Bed P. , Ghimire Rajan , Adhikari Rabindra , Osti Surendra
Published: December 2012

Water is the most important and scarce production resource, and with changing climate the importance of this resource increases significantly. Increasing efforts are being made in research and education to maximize the water use efficiently with the concept of ‘crop per drop’ to increase crop water productivity with a good blend of science and indigenous knowledge. Nepalese farmers are adapting the best to water scarcity through adoption of sustainable soil management and the use of crops with minimum water requirement, among other options. This paper attempts to deal with the neglected issues of using local crops and indigenous knowledge and technologies for increasing water productivity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7204 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.50-53
Adapting Rice Technologies to Climate Change
Authors: Tripathi B.P. , Mahato R.K. , Yadaw R.B. , Sah S.N. , Adhikari B.B.
Published: December 2012

Rice is prime crop that contributes to food security and provides employment to a large number of populations in Nepal. More than 51% of the area of rice land in Nepal is rain-fed. Over the last few years, however, the country has been experiencing erratic rainfall, with less water available for rice cultivation, as well as temperature rise. There are both submergence (flooding) problems and drought in the main rice growing areas. Hence, there is a need to generate suitable rice technologies under such adverse conditions.The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has initiated research in collaboration with the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (IAAS) to develop suitable rice technologies for submergence and drought prone areas of Nepal. Various rice germplasm was brought from IRRI, Philippines, and research was conducted at NARC and IAAS as well as in farmers’ fields following a program of Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS). Water-saving rice technologies as well as other technologies, including indigenous practices, were identified for utilizing less water for rice cultivation. Several varieties of rice under drought prone and under submergence conditions were identified, and have been recommended for cultivation by Nepalese farmers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7209 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.69-72
Adapting Climate Change in Agriculture: The Sustainable Way in Nepalese Context
Authors: Panday Dinesh
Published: December 2012

Nepalese agriculture is still subsistence and traditional in nature, which makes it highly vulnerable to effects of climate change. The major impacts on agriculture from climate change are due to the pattern of rainfall and increased temperature. The increased temperature, in the longer term, has negative impact on crop yield through increased rate of respiration and evapo-transpiration process causing moisture deficit in the soil and plant system due to more emission of green house gases. Under changing precipitation trends, water harvesting is crucial to facilitate water availability. An integration of agriculture with forest, agro-forestry, can be effective to mobilize local capacities in relation to climate regulation. It is indeed necessary to formulate an integrated action plan for agricultural development in which adaptation strategies are embedded within the local spatial planning in consideration of economic, social and political context. The best adaptation measure to secure against climate change is to promote the principles and practices of sustainable agricultural technology among all farmers from marginalized to capitalized ones. More importantly, the promotional technologies of sustainable soil management, ecological practices of pest management, and participatory promotion of local varieties or landraces are the major adaptive mechanism to revive our agriculture from the impacts of climate change. Such practices are helpful to promote the concept of food sovereignty, which is utterly important in the developing countries like Nepal, rather than food security.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7222 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.91-94
Nepal: Food Security, a Localized Institutional Irrigation Perspective on Public Irrigation Systems
Authors: Gautam Upendra
Published: December 2012

Oriental philosophers have given top priority to food for orderly state affairs as well as personal wellbeing. In past, Nepal had a strong agricultural economy based on indigenous Farmer Managed Irrigation System (FMIS). State policy helped promote these systems. But contemporary Nepal opted for state control on irrigation water by building large scale public irrigation systems. In the last 43 years of planned development (1957-2002), the government has spent 70% of US$1.3 billion on these systems, covering 30% of the irrigated area in the country; the remaining 70% is with the FMIS. Despite the investment, these systems neither promoted themselves as an enterprise nor helped enhance agricultural productivity leading to social insecurity. This social insecurity is reflected in the country's increasing import of food, mass workforce exodus for employment abroad, and added socio-economic vulnerability due to climate change.Donor and government recommendations centered on (i) expansion of irrigated area, (ii) irrigation management transfer, and (iii) agriculture extension seem to have failed in Nepal. These failures asked for alternative institutional development solutions, whereas public irrigation systems are (i) localized to establish system's operational autonomy with ownership and governance, (ii) treated as a rich resource-base with water, land and labor, and (iii) recognized as cooperative enterprise of local stakeholders by law with authorities to enter into joint actions with relevant partners for promoting commercialization and environmental quality of irrigated agriculture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7223 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.95-99
Climate Change Adaptation: The Institutional Context
Authors: Pant Dhruba , Gautam Kamal Raj
Published: December 2012

The vulnerability of the communities to the climate change effect is expected to increase and concerted effort from all concerned at all levels has become important. Policy, plans and programs and their implementation are important in addressing the issues and effects of climate change. This paper looks into the policy, legal and institutional mechanisms and their effectiveness and weaknesses in addressing climate change adaptation through the review of the three major policies and strategies of the Nepal Government, which have bearing on the climate change issues.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7224 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.100-105
Revitalizing Irrigation Systems for Reducing Effects of Climate Change on Irrigated Agriculture in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Mahesh Man
Published: December 2012

Effects of Climate Change (CC) on hydrology and irrigated agriculture in Nepalese irrigation systems will be one of the major constraints in near future in irrigation development. The current status of Nepalese irrigation systems is highlighted briefly with its problems, constraints, challenges and opportunities, and current public policies and regulations in irrigation are summarized briefly with their relevancy and constraints. Reviewing the Agricultural Perspectives Plan (APP) and other policy and strategy frameworks, analyzing its performance and the relevance of its priorities and strategies to the current situation, and based on above facts mitigation and adaptation measures are suggested for short, medium and long-term strategies to revitalize irrigation systems of Nepal for irrigated agriculture enhancement. Suggestions and recommendations to incorporate are made in formulating its principle strategy into a forthcoming Irrigation Policy framework.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7225 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.106-111
Rethinking Development Models and Irrigation Projects in Nepal
Authors: Clement Floriane , Banset Govinda , Bharati Luna
Published: December 2012

Despite decades of investment and institutional refinement, externally funded irrigation programs still exhibit low success rates and more particularly in countries facing institutional and political challenges. This paper aims at bringing fresh insights on the reasons for such shortcomings with the particular case study of a donor-sponsored program recently implemented in the Mid and Far Western Regions of Nepal.Findings indicate that the political situation and institutional system in Nepal have substantially affected the outcomes of the agricultural water management (AWM) interventions conducted by the program. Yet, beyond the influence of these contextual factors, two other (less acknowledged) mechanisms have contributed to create a gap between project objectives and outcomes: a) concepts commonly found in project documents and development discourses such as participation or empowerment are kept vague and ambiguous and lack an explicit recognition of power distribution; and b) the organizational system of many funding agencies tends to create incentives for project staff to show outcomes rather than to make impacts.These findings suggest that refi ning current models of AWM interventions is not sufficient to improve their achievements. A more radical shift is needed. A few avenues for change include to: 1) pay a greater attention to the meaning and operationalisation of common development concepts (e.g., rights based approach, empowerment or participation); 2) consider the way interventions affect power distribution among stakeholders, including communities; and 3) modify the organizational system of the funding agency to increase its downward accountability to targeted beneficiaries. To sum-up, we need to rethink development as a means of empowering governments and citizens rather than as a way to provide assistance.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7226 Hydro Nepal Special Issue: Conference Proceedings 2012 pp.112-120
(Carrying the Fire on) No Road for Old Horses: Cormac McCarthy’s Untold Biblical Stories
Authors: Walsh Richard
Published: December 2012

Abstract:

Three “major” movies have been based on the novels of Cormac McCarthy: All the Pretty Horses, No Country for Old Men, and The Road. In a landscape of loss, these fictions realize strange, new biblical stories about those who are neither chosen nor special and thus those who do not find the promise, are the prey of demons, and live after a secular apocalypse. These fictions are strange, new versions of Job in which no whirlwind answers, Job’s adversary roams unbound, and Job’s self-curse has become a luxury. Amidst an implacable fate, the fictions’ call to “carry the fire” differs from biblical faith in election and providence and from popular assumptions about US exceptionalism.
Neurosurgical treatment of low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma in children and adolescents: a single consecutive institutional series of 100 patients
Authors: Due-Tønnessen Bernt Johan , Lundar Tryggve , Egge Arild , Scheie David
Published: December 2012

Object

The objective of this study was to delineate the long-term results of surgical treatment of pediatric low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma.

Methods

One hundred consecutive children and adolescents (0–19 years old) who underwent primary tumor resection for a low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma during the years 1980–2011 were included in this retrospective study on surgical morbidity, mortality rate, academic achievement, and/or work participation. Gross motor function and activities of daily living were scored according to the Barthel Index.

Results

Of the 100 patients, 61 children were in the 1st decade, and 39 were 10–19 years old. The male/female ratio was 1.13:1 (53 males, 47 females). No patients were lost to follow-up. There were no deaths in this series and all 100 patients are currently alive. In 29 patients, the follow-up duration was less than 10 years, in 37 it was between 10 and 19 years, and in 34 it was between 20 and 31 years. The Barthel Index was 100 (normal) in 97 patients, 90 in 2 patients, and 40 in the last patient. A total of 113 tumor resections were performed. Two patients underwent further tumor resection due to MRI-confirmed residual tumor demonstrated on the immediate postoperative MR image (obtained the day after the initial procedure). Furthermore, 9 children underwent repeat tumor resection after MRI-confirmed progressive tumor recurrence up to 10 years after the initial operation. Two of these patients also underwent a third resection, without subsequent radiation therapy, and have experienced 8 and 12 years of tumor-free follow-up thereafter, respectively. A total of 15% of the patients required treatment for persistent hydrocephalus.

Conclusions

Low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma is a surgical disease, in need of long-term follow-up, but with excellent long-term results. Nine percent of the children in this study underwent repeated surgery due to progressive tumor recurrence, and 15% were treated for persistent hydrocephalus.
Classification and Clustering of Electricity Demand Patterns in Industrial Parks
Authors: Hernández Luis , Baladrón Carlos , Aguiar Javier , Carro Belén , Sánchez-Esguevillas Antonio
Published: December 2012

Understanding of energy consumption patterns is extremely important for optimization of resources and application of green trends. Traditionally, analyses were performed for large environments like regions and nations. However, with the advent of Smart Grids, the study of the behavior of smaller environments has become a necessity to allow a deeper micromanagement of the energy grid. This paper presents a data processing system to analyze energy consumption patterns in industrial parks, based on the cascade application of a Self-Organizing Map (SOM) and the clustering k-means algorithm. The system is validated with real load data from an industrial park in Spain. The validation results show that the system adequately finds different behavior patterns which are meaningful, and is capable of doing so without supervision, and without any prior knowledge about the data.
An Efficient Drift-Flux Closure Relationship to Estimate Liquid Holdups of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Pipes
Authors: Choi Jinho , Pereyra Eduardo , Sarica Cem , Park Changhyup , Kang Joe
Published: December 2012

The reliable predictions of liquid holdup and pressure drop are essential for pipeline design in oil and gas industry. In this study, the drift-flux approach is utilized to calculate liquid holdups. This approach has been widely used in formulation of the basic equations for multiphase flow in pipelines. Most of the drift-flux models have been developed on an empirical basis from the experimental data. Even though, previous studies showed that these models can be applied to different flow pattern and pipe inclination, when the distribution parameter is flow pattern dependent. They are limited to a set of fluid properties, pipe geometries and operational conditions. The objective of this study is to develop a new drift-flux closure relationship for prediction of liquid holdups in pipes that can be easily applied to a wide range of flow conditions. The developed correlation is compared with nine available correlations from literatures, and validated using the TUFFP (Fluid Flow Projects of University of Tulsa) experimental datasets and OLGA (OiL and GAs simulator supplied by SPTgroup) steady-state synthetic data generated by OLGA Multiphase Toolkit. The developed correlation performs better in predicting liquid holdups than the available correlations for a wide range of flow conditions.
Intelligent Design of Nano-Scale Molecular Imaging Agents
Authors: Kim Sung , Hattori Mitsuru , Ozawa Takeaki
Published: December 2012

Visual representation and quantification of biological processes at the cellular and subcellular levels within living subjects are gaining great interest in life science to address frontier issues in pathology and physiology. As intact living subjects do not emit any optical signature, visual representation usually exploits nano-scale imaging agents as the source of image contrast. Many imaging agents have been developed for this purpose, some of which exert nonspecific, passive, and physical interaction with a target. Current research interest in molecular imaging has mainly shifted to fabrication of smartly integrated, specific, and versatile agents that emit fluorescence or luminescence as an optical readout. These agents include luminescent quantum dots (QDs), biofunctional antibodies, and multifunctional nanoparticles. Furthermore, genetically encoded nano-imaging agents embedding fluorescent proteins or luciferases are now gaining popularity. These agents are generated by integrative design of the components, such as luciferase, flexible linker, and receptor to exert a specific on–off switching in the complex context of living subjects. In the present review, we provide an overview of the basic concepts, smart design, and practical contribution of recent nano-scale imaging agents, especially with respect to genetically encoded imaging agents.
Virtual Screening of Specific Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) Inhibitors from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Molecular Database
Authors: Fan Cong , Huang Yan-Xin , Bao Yong-Li , Sun Lu-Guo , Wu Yin , Yu Chun-Lei , Zhang Yu , Song Zhen-Bo , Zheng Li-Hua , Sun Ying , Wang Guan-Nan , Li Yu-Xin
Published: December 2012

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is an attractive drug target for cancer therapy and research on IGF1R inhibitors has had success in clinical trials. A particular challenge in the development of specific IGF1R inhibitors is interference from insulin receptor (IR), which has a nearly identical sequence. A few potent inhibitors that are selective for IGF1R have been discovered experimentally with the aid of computational methods. However, studies on the rapid identification of IGF1R-selective inhibitors using virtual screening and confidence-level inspections of ligands that show different interactions with IGF1R and IR in docking analysis are rare. In this study, we established virtual screening and binding-mode prediction workflows based on benchmark results of IGF1R and several kinase receptors with IGF1R-like structures. We used comprehensive analysis of the known complexes of IGF1R and IR with their binding ligands to screen specific IGF1R inhibitors. Using these workflows, 17 of 139,735 compounds in the NCI (National Cancer Institute) database were identified as potential specific inhibitors of IGF1R. Calculations of the potential of mean force (PMF) with GROMACS were further conducted for three of the identified compounds to assess their binding affinity differences towards IGF1R and IR.
An Ethanol Extract Derived from Bonnemaisonia hamifera Scavenges Ultraviolet B (UVB) Radiation-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species and Attenuates UVB-Induced Cell Damage in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Piao Mei , Hyun Yu , Cho Suk , Kang Hee , Yoo Eun , Koh Young , Lee Nam , Ko Mi , Hyun Jin
Published: December 2012

The present study investigated the photoprotective properties of an ethanol extract derived from the red alga Bonnemaisonia hamifera against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cell damage in human HaCaT keratinocytes. The Bonnemaisonia hamifera ethanol extract (BHE) scavenged the superoxide anion generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and the hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction (FeSO4 + H2O2), both of which were detected by using electron spin resonance spectrometry. In addition, BHE exhibited scavenging activity against the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that were induced by either hydrogen peroxide or UVB radiation. BHE reduced UVB-induced apoptosis, as shown by decreased apoptotic body formation and DNA fragmentation. BHE also attenuated DNA damage and the elevated levels of 8-isoprostane and protein carbonyls resulting from UVB-mediated oxidative stress. Furthermore, BHE absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range (280–320 nm). These results suggest that BHE protects human HaCaT keratinocytes against UVB-induced oxidative damage by scavenging ROS and absorbing UVB photons, thereby reducing injury to cellular components.
Applicability of Solid Solution Heat Treatments to Aluminum Foams
Authors: Lázaro Jaime , Solórzano Eusebio , Escudero Javier , De Saja Jose , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel
Published: December 2012

Present research work evaluates the influence of both density and size on the treatability of Aluminum-based (6000 series) foam-parts subjected to a typical solid solution heat treatment (water quenching). The results are compared with those obtained for the bulk alloy, evaluating the fulfilment of cooling requirements. Density of the foams was modeled by tomography analysis and the thermal properties calculated, based on validated density-scaled models. With this basis, cooling velocity maps during water quenching were predicted by finite element modeling (FEM) in which boundary conditions were obtained by solving the inverse heat conduction problem. Simulations under such conditions have been validated experimentally. Obtained results address incomplete matrix hardening for foam-parts bigger than 70 mm in diameter with a density below 650 kg/m3. An excellent agreement has been found in between the predicted cooling maps and final measured microhardness profiles.
Nanostructured Metal Oxide Gas Sensors, a Survey of Applications Carried out at SENSOR Lab, Brescia (Italy) in the Security and Food Quality Fields
Authors: Ponzoni Andrea , Comini Elisabetta , Concina Isabella , Ferroni Matteo , Falasconi Matteo , Gobbi Emanuela , Sberveglieri Veronica , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: December 2012

In this work we report on metal oxide (MOX) based gas sensors, presenting the work done at the SENSOR laboratory of the CNR-IDASC and University of Brescia, Italy since the 80s up to the latest results achieved in recent times. In particular we report the strategies followed at SENSOR during these 30 years to increase the performance of MOX sensors through the development of different preparation techniques, from Rheotaxial Growth Thermal Oxidation (RGTO) to nanowire technology to address sensitivity and stability, and the development of electronic nose systems and pattern recognition techniques to address selectivity. We will show the obtained achievement in the context of selected applications such as safety and security and food quality control.
Effects of Cry1Ab Transgenic Maize on Lifecycle and Biomarker Responses of the Earthworm, Eisenia Andrei
Authors: Van der Merwe Frances , Bezuidenhout Carlos , Van den Berg Johnnie , Maboeta Mark
Published: December 2012

A 28-day study was conducted to determine the effects of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin on the earthworm Eisenia andrei. Previously, investigations have been limited to life-cycle level effects of this protein on earthworms, and mostly on E. fetida. In this study several endpoints were compared which included biomass changes, cocoon production, hatching success, a cellular metal-stress biomarker (Neutral Red Retention Time; NRRT) and potential genotoxic effects in terms of Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA sequences (RAPDs). NRRT results indicated no differences between treatments (p > 0.36), and NRRT remained the same for both treatments at different times during the experiment (p = 0.18). Likewise, no significant differences were found for cocoon production (p = 0.32) or hatching success (p = 0.29). Conversely, biomass data indicated a significant difference between the control treatment and the Bt treatment from the second week onwards (p < 0.001), with the Bt treatment losing significantly more weight than the isoline treatment. Possible confounding factors were identified that might have affected the differences in weight loss between groups. From the RAPD profiles no conclusive data were obtained that could link observed genetic variation to exposure of E. andrei to Cry1Ab proteins produced by Bt maize.
Intuitive Terrain Reconstruction Using Height Observation-Based Ground Segmentation and 3D Object Boundary Estimation
Authors: Song Wei , Cho Kyungeun , Um Kyhyun , Won Chee , Sim Sungdae
Published: December 2012

Mobile robot operators must make rapid decisions based on information about the robot’s surrounding environment. This means that terrain modeling and photorealistic visualization are required for the remote operation of mobile robots. We have produced a voxel map and textured mesh from the 2D and 3D datasets collected by a robot’s array of sensors, but some upper parts of objects are beyond the sensors’ measurements and these parts are missing in the terrain reconstruction result. This result is an incomplete terrain model. To solve this problem, we present a new ground segmentation method to detect non-ground data in the reconstructed voxel map. Our method uses height histograms to estimate the ground height range, and a Gibbs-Markov random field model to refine the segmentation results. To reconstruct a complete terrain model of the 3D environment, we develop a 3D boundary estimation method for non-ground objects. We apply a boundary detection technique to the 2D image, before estimating and refining the actual height values of the non-ground vertices in the reconstructed textured mesh. Our proposed methods were tested in an outdoor environment in which trees and buildings were not completely sensed. Our results show that the time required for ground segmentation is faster than that for data sensing, which is necessary for a real-time approach. In addition, those parts of objects that were not sensed are accurately recovered to retrieve their real-world appearances.
In Vitro Antiplasmodial Activity of Phospholipases A2 and a Phospholipase Homologue Isolated from the Venom of the Snake Bothrops asper
Authors: Castillo Juan , Vargas Leidy , Segura Cesar , Gutiérrez José , Pérez Juan
Published: December 2012

The antimicrobial and antiparasite activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from snakes and bees has been extensively explored. We studied the antiplasmodial effect of the whole venom of the snake Bothrops asper and of two fractions purified by ion-exchange chromatography: one containing catalytically-active phospholipases A2 (PLA2) (fraction V) and another containing a PLA2 homologue devoid of enzymatic activity (fraction VI). The antiplasmodial effect was assessed on in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum. The whole venom of B. asper, as well as its fractions V and VI, were active against the parasite at 0.13 ± 0.01 µg/mL, 1.42 ± 0.56 µg/mL and 22.89 ± 1.22 µg/mL, respectively. Differences in the cytotoxic activity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells between the whole venom and fractions V and VI were observed, fraction V showing higher toxicity than total venom and fraction VI. Regarding toxicity in mice, the whole venom showed the highest lethal effect in comparison to fractions V and VI. These results suggest that B. asper PLA2 and its homologue have antiplasmodial potential.
Diversity in Glycosaminoglycan Binding Amongst hMPV G Protein Lineages
Authors: Adamson Penelope , Thammawat Sutthiwan , Muchondo Gamaliel , Sadlon Tania , Gordon David
Published: December 2012

We have previously shown that hMPV G protein (B2 lineage) interacts with cellular glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In this study we examined subtypes A1, A2 and B1 for this interaction. GAG-dependent infectivity of available hMPV strains was demonstrated using GAG-deficient cells and heparin competition. We expressed the G protein ectodomains from all strains and analysed these by heparin affinity chromatography. In contrast to the B2 lineage, neither the A2 or B1 G proteins bound to heparin. Sequence analysis of these strains indicated that although there was some homology with the B2 heparin-binding domains, there were less positively charged residues, providing a likely explanation for the lack of binding. Although sequence analysis did not demonstrate well defined positively charged domains in G protein of the A1 strain, this protein was able to bind heparin, albeit with a lower affinity than G protein of the B2 strain. These results indicate diversity in GAG interactions between G proteins of different lineages and suggest that the GAG-dependency of all strains may be mediated by interaction with an alternative surface protein, most probably the conserved fusion (F) protein. Analysis of both native and recombinant F protein confirmed that F protein binds heparin, supporting this conclusion.
A bisazobenzene crosslinker that isomerizes with visible light
Authors: Samanta Subhas , Qureshi Harris I , Woolley G Andrew
Published: December 2012

Background: Large conformational and functional changes of azobenzene-modified biomolecules require longer azobenzene derivatives that undergo large end-to-end distance changes upon photoisomerization. In addition, isomerization that occurs with visible rather than UV irradiation is preferred for biological applications.

Results: We report the synthesis and characterization of a new crosslinker in which a central piperazine unit links two azobenzene chromophores. Molecular modeling indicates that this crosslinker can undergo a large change in end-to-end distance upon trans,trans to cis,cis isomerization. Photochemical characterization indicates that it does isomerize with visible light (violet to blue wavelengths). However, the thermal relaxation rate of this crosslinker is rather high (τ½ ~ 1 s in aqueous buffer at neutral pH) so that it is difficult to produce large fractions of the cis,cis-species without very bright light sources.

Conclusion: While cis-lifetimes may be longer when the crosslinker is attached to a biomolecule, it appears the para-piperazine unit may be best suited for applications where rapid thermal relaxation is required.
Un peuple peut-il survivre à son président ? Représentations de l'élection en milieu populaire
Authors: Tarragoni Federico , Berjaud Clémentine
Published: December 2012

Résumé À la veille des élections, interroger les rapports que nourrissent les citoyens des barrios vénézuéliens à l’égard du président Chávez, à nouveau candidat, semble de mise. La personnalisation de l’élection et les représentations de la démocratie circulant en milieux populaires permettent un nouvel éclairage sur ce moment du vote marquant pour la politique nationale. Au-delà du moment électoral en soi, le temps plus long de la politisation et des réappropriations du politique engagées par ces citoyens repose et remet en perspective la question du leadership d’Hugo Chávez, de sa continuité et de ses ruptures.
Les usages politiques de la mémoire en Amérique Centrale (Nicaragua-El Salvador, 1992-2009)
Authors: Moallic Benjamin
Published: December 2012

Résumé Comment comprendre la prolifération de musées, de lieux de mémoire, de témoignages et de commémorations des périodes de guerre ou des expériences révolutionnaires en Amérique centrale ? Fruit d’opportunités nouvelles, ce travail de mémoire a au départ été alimenté par les stratégies de reconversion des cadres des organisations politico-militaires. Se professionnalisant peu à peu, ce travail de mémoire donnait naissance à un personnel politique d’un type nouveau. Avec le retour des anciens révolutionnaires au pouvoir depuis 2006, « la mémoire » des expériences passées devenait un enjeu croissant des luttes entre factions de gauche.
Measuring Instruments Control Methodology Performance for Analog Electronics Remote Labs
Authors: Hernandez-Jayo Unai , García-Zubía Javier
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the work that has been developed in parallel to the VISIR project. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the validations processes that have been carried out to check the control methodology. This method has been developed with the aim of being independent of the instruments of the labs.
Towards Middleware-Based Cooperation Topologies for the Next Generation of CPS
Authors: Etxeberria-Agiriano Ismael , Calvo Isidro , Noguero Adrián , Zulueta Ekaitz
Published: December 2012

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integrate embedded computers that control physical processes. Application domains for CPS may be found in intelligent buildings, healthcare, transportation and factory automation, among many others. Typically, they are based on low profile computing elements, such as sensors and actuators that must communicate to carry out complex tasks. They must address certain issues such as managing available resources and service redundancy, as well as solving heterogeneity. In particular, managing communication issues can be relatively complex. In this scenario, middleware technologies can help developers in the design of state-of-the-art CPS. This work describes the design principles of CPS that require cooperation. More specifically, it presents a generic family of logical information exchange and cooperation topologies capable of adapting dynamically to changes in the environment. These topologies may be implemented on top of several middleware specifications as a means for managing distributed resources and service redundancy of CPS at run-time.
Conceptual Design of a Thermal Process Plant Weblab
Authors: Siqueira Marco Túlio Corrêa de , Santos Marcio Luiz Debner dos , Mendes Luciano Antonio
Published: December 2012

Weblabs, or remote experimentation laboratories, make possible carrying out real-time experiments through the internet by using integrated laboratorial systems, software, hardware and multimedia resources, having important applications in engineering education and research teams cooperation. This paper presents the conceptual design of a Weblab for a thermal process plant, based on the systematic model for planning and development of Weblabs. Its approach comprises three layers (physical system, hardware and software), being prescribed the following steps: definition of requirements; system technical specification; conceptual synthesis; analysis, simulation and dimensioning; detailing and documentation; integration and start up test. The users (qualitative) and project (technical, quantitative) requirements have been compiled in a previous work through the application of the House of Quality matrix from the QFD method. The functional structure, the morphological chart and the use of Pugh's method to select the best design solution, as well as a description of the developed conceptual solution, are presented. The conceptual solution includes the thermal process plant remote configuration to allow the variation of the experimental setup parameters, offering three variants of control engineering exercises. The presented results provide the basis for the next stage of the Weblab development.
Variants in the Signaling Protein TSAd are Associated with Susceptibility to Ovarian Cancer in BRCA1/2 Negative High Risk Families
Authors: Kaplun Ludmila , Fridman Aviva Levine , Chen Wei , Levin Nancy K. , Ahsan Sidra , Petrucelli Nancie , Barrick Jennifer L. , Gold Robin , Land Susan , Simon Michael S. , Morris Robert T. , Munkarah Adnan R. , Tainsky Michael A.
Published: December 2012

A substantial fraction of familial ovarian cancer cases cannot be attributed to specific genetic factors. The discovery of additional susceptibility genes will permit a more accurate assessment of hereditary cancer risk and allow for monitoring of predisposed women in order to intervene at the earliest possible stage. We focused on a population with elevated familial breast and ovarian cancer risk. In this study, we identified a SNP rs926103 whose minor allele is associated with predisposition to ovarian but not breast cancer in a Caucasian high-risk population without BRCA1/ BRCA2 mutations. We have found that the allelic variation of rs926103, which alters amino acid 52 of the encoded protein SH2D2A/TSAd, results in differences in the activity of this protein involved in multiple signal transduction pathways, including regulation of immune response, tumor vascularization, cell growth, and differentiation. Our observation provides a novel candidate genetic biomarker of elevated ovarian cancer risk in members of high-risk families without BRCA1/2 mutations, as well as a potential therapeutic target, TSAd.
Beneficio de la realización de un taller en gestión emocional para enfermería nefrológica
Authors: García-Llana Helena , Barbero Gutiérrez Javier , Remor Bitencurt Eduardo , Celadilla Díez Olga , Trocolí González Filomena , Del Peso Gilsanz Gloria , Selgas Gutiérrez Rafael
Published: December 2012

Los profesionales de enfermería del servicio de nefrología recibieron entrenamiento en gestión emocional mediante un taller de 12 horas centrado en la tecnología relacional de Counselling de amplia aplicabilidad en entornos sanitarios. El objetivo fue evaluar cambios en actitudes en relación a los principios bioéticos y en conocimientos sobre comunicación y gestión emocional antes y después de la implantación del taller. La muestra estaba formada por 63 profesionales del ámbito de la enfermería nefrológica (43 enfermeras y 20 auxiliares de enfermería) para la variable conocimientos y por 23 profesionales para la variable de actitudes (18 enfermeras y 5 auxiliares). Los resultados muestran cambios en implicación con los principios bioéticos (p<0,05) y conocimientos (p<0,001) en la muestra.