bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abordagens semiquantitativa e quantitativa na avaliação da textura do solo por espectroscopia de reflectância bidirecional no VIS-NIR-SWIR
Authors: Franceschini Marston Héracles Domingues , Demattê José Alexandre M. , Sato Marcus Vinicius , Vicente Luiz Eduardo , Grego Célia Regina
Published: April 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial da espectroscopia de reflectância no VIS-NIR-SWIR, para a caracterização granulométrica de amostras de solos de diferentes classes texturais, e obter modelos de predição dos teores de argila, silte e areia no solo. Utilizou-se um conjunto de amostras representativas de Latossolos e Argissolo de cinco locais do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Os espectros do visível e do infravermelho próximo ao infravermelho de ondas curtas (de 350 a 2.500 nm) das amostras foram obtidos e analisados. Empregaram-se a análise de componentes principais (ACP), agrupamento por "fuzzy c-means", regressão logística multinomial (RLM) e regressão por mínimos quadrados parciais. Espectros característicos para as diferentes classes texturais e a segregação de amostras de classes texturais e de locais de coleta com características distintas, por meio da ACP, "fuzzy c-means" e RLM, mostram o potencial semiquantitativo dos dados de reflectância no VIS-NIR-SWIR. Obteve-se quantificação satisfatória quanto à argila (R²=0,92, RPD=3,59), ao silte (R²=0,80, RPD=2,15) e à areia (R²=0,87, RPD=2,62). As técnicas de espectroscopia de reflectância podem auxiliar na determinação da textura e da variabilidade espacial do solo com metodologias semiquantitativas ou quantitativas.
Quality of life of in patients submitted to anterior abdominal wall laparoscopic hernioplasty
Authors: ABDALLA Ricardo Zugaib , GARCIA Rodrigo Biscuola , SAID Danniel Frade , ABDALLA Beatrice Martinez Zugaib
Published: April 2014

Background - The laparoscopic ventral hernia repair technique made possible surgeries with smaller skin incisions and smaller dissection of the soft tissue around the hernia, therefore with a better wound, a quicker postoperative recovery and a lower complication rate. Aim - To evaluate the applicability of a quality of life survey based on the molds of the American Hernia Society, European Hernia Society and Carolinas Equation for Quality of Life, through telephone in patients submitted to laparoscopic hernioplasty by IPOM technique. Methods - A retrospective cohort study was made to evaluate the quality of life of 21 patients that underwent anterior abdominal wall laparoscopic hernioplasty by intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique. Questionnaire was applied through telephone. Results - Of the 21 patients, 19% felt that the hernia recurred. Also 19% passed through another abdominal wall surgery, and among these, 75% was related to the previously hernia correction. Finally, 81% of patients did not undergo any other abdominal wall surgery. Conclusion - It was possible to apply the quality of life questionnary by telephone on patients who underwent an anterior abdominal wall. The results, in its turn, were satisfactory and showed that patients, in general, were satisfied with the surgical procedure.
Sorologia e suscetibilidade antimicrobiana em isolados de Escherichia coli de pesque-pagues
Authors: Barbosa Mayhara Martins Cordeiro , Pinto Fernanda de Rezende , Ribeiro Laryssa Freitas , Guriz Cintia Sobue Lorenzon , Ferraudo Antônio Sérgio , Maluta Renato Pariz , Rigobelo Everlon Cid , Ávila Fernando Antonio , Amaral Luiz Augusto
Published: April 2014

Pesquisou-se a ocorrência de Escherichia coli (EPEC, EIEC, O157) em água e peixe (pele, trato digestivo e músculo) de pesque-pagues da microbacia do Córrego Rico, Jaboticabal (SP). Foram isoladas 115 cepas de E. coli, entre as quais 49 (43%) foram sorogrupadas como EPEC. Os sorogrupos mais frequentes foram O125, O126 e O158. Dentre as amostras testadas, 60 (52%) apresentaram resistência simultânea a dois antimicrobianos. A análise de correspondência foi realizada com o intuito de verificar as possíveis correspondências envolvendo o local de isolamento, sorogrupos e multirresistência e, com isso, pôde-se observar que o músculo apresentou menor correspondência com os demais fatores analisados. Porém, o isolamento de sorogrupos EPEC neste estudo representa risco à saúde dos consumidores.
Primeiro registro de Camponotus cingulatus Mayr, 1862 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Michel Gonçalves de , Loeck Alci Enimar , Rosado João Luís Osório
Published: April 2014

Uma colônia de formigas Camponotus cingulatus foi coletada e identificada a partir de uma floricultura no município de Capão do Leão, consistindo no seu primeiro registro para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Por apresentar grande densidade de infestação, além de associação com hemípteros sugadores de seiva e agressividade ao serem perturbadas, essas formigas reduziram as vendas e tornaram-se um incômodo para o proprietário. Dessa forma, este registro aponta para a necessidade de pesquisas sobre essa formiga no estado.
Speechreading as a communication mediator
Authors: Oliveira Letícia Neves de , Soares Alexandra Dezani , Chiari Brasilia Maria
Published: April 2014

Purposes: To compare the speechreading between individuals with hearing impairment and with normal hearing levels to verify the factors that influence the speechreading among hearing impaired patients. Methods: Forty individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss aged between 13 and 70 years old (study group) and 21 hearing individuals aged between 17 and 63 years old (control group) were evaluated. As a research instrument, anamnesis was used to characterize the groups; three speechreading instruments, presenting stimuli via a mute video, with a female speaker; and a vocabulary test, to verify their influence on speechreading. A descriptive and analytical statistics (ANOVA test and Pearson's correlation), adopting a significance level of 0.05 (5%). Results: A better performance was observed in the group with hearing impairment in speechreading tests than in the group with hearing individuals. By analyzing the group with hearing loss, there was a mean difference between tests (p<0.001), which also showed correlation between them. Individuals with pre-lingual hearing loss and those who underwent therapy for speechreading had a better performance for most speechreading instruments. The variables gender and schooling showed no influence on speechreading. Conclusion: Individuals with hearing impairment had better performance on speechreading tasks in comparison to people with normal hearing. Furthermore, it was found that the ability to perform speechread might be influenced by the vocabulary, period of installation of the hearing loss, and speechreading therapy.
Community Structure Affects Annual Grass Weed Invasion During Restoration of a Shrub–Steppe Ecosystem
Authors: Allen Phil S. , Meyer Susan E.
Published: April 2014

Ecological restoration of shrub–steppe communities in the western United States is often hampered by invasion of exotic annual grasses during the process. An important question is how to create restored communities that can better resist reinvasion by these weeds. One hypothesis is that communities comprised of species that are functionally similar to the invader will best resist invasion, while an alternative hypothesis is that structurally more complex and diverse communities will result in more effective competitive exclusion. In this field experiment, we examined the effects of restored community structure on the invasion success of three annual grass weeds (downy brome, jointed goatgrass, and cereal rye). We created replicated community plots that varied in species composition, structural complexity and density, then seeded in annual grass weeds and measured their biomass and seed production the following year, and their cover after 1 and 3 yr. Annual grass weeds were not strongly suppressed by any of the restored communities, indicating that it was difficult for native species to completely capture available resources and exclude annual grass weeds in the first years after planting. Perennial grass monocultures, particularly of the early seral grass bottlebrush squirreltail, were the most highly invaded communities, while structurally complex and diverse mixtures of shrubs (big sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush), perennial grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass and bottlebrush squirreltail) and forbs (Lewis flax, Utah sweetvetch, hairy golden aster, gooseberryleaf globemallow) were more resistant to invasion. These results suggest that restoration of sagebrush steppe communities resistant to annual grass invasion benefits from higher species diversity; significant reduction of weed propagule pressure prior to restoration may be required.
In Situ Growth and Rapid Response Management of Flood-Dispersed Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Authors: Colleran Brian P. , Goodall Katherine E.
Published: April 2014

The objective of this article is to identify growth patterns of Japanese knotweed propagules distributed by high-water events. Along four river systems, we collected and measured Japanese knotweed propagules that had been distributed by flooding approximately 1 yr earlier. Results indicate that the size of the emergent shoot may be determined by the extent of underground growth late in the growing season, although initially it is linked to the size of the propagule. Our results show that 70% of new plants originated from rhizome fragments, and 30% from stems. This proportion is similar to regeneration rates shown in laboratory studies. We suggest that the best way to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed along rivers is to focus control efforts on those stands most susceptible to erosion and propagule dispersal. We also suggest that an early detection and rapid response management approach can be effectively utilized to eradicate these propagules, and effectively suppress the spread of Japanese knotweed. Our data-collection method also provides evidence that control of newly distributed propagules can be effectively accomplished without the use of herbicides or heavy mechanical tools.
Invasion Success in Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica): A Population Genetic Approach Exploring Genetic Diversity and Historical Introductions
Authors: Lucardi Rima D. , Wallace Lisa E. , Ervin Gary N.
Published: April 2014

Propagule pressure significantly contributes to and limits the potential success of a biological invasion, especially during transport, introduction, and establishment. Events such as multiple introductions of foreign parent material and gene flow among them can increase genetic diversity in founding populations, often leading to greater invasion success. We applied the tools and theory of population genetics to better understand the dynamics of successful biological invasion. The focal species, cogongrass, is a perennial invasive grass species significantly affecting the Gulf Coast and southeastern region of the United States. The literature indicates separate, allopatric introductions of material from East Asia (Philippines and Japan) into the U.S. states of Mississippi and Alabama. Molecular analysis of samples from those two states utilized amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers on 388 individuals from 21 localities. We hypothesized that previously isolated lineages of cogongrass are present and crossing in the Southeast. We observed genetic variation within localities (0.013 ≤ heterozygosity (He) ≤ 0.051, mean = 0.028 ± 0.001) with significant and substantial population structure (FST= 0.534, P < 0.001). Population structure analyses detected two genetically defined and statistically supported populations, which appear to have experienced some admixture. The geographic distribution of those populations was consistent with the two-introduction scenario reported previously. These results are also consistent with contact in the invasive range of previously isolated lineages from the native range.
Reducing Nascent Miconia (Miconia calvescens) Patches with an Accelerated Intervention Strategy Utilizing Herbicide Ballistic Technology
Authors: Leary James , Mahnken Brooke V. , Cox Linda J. , Radford Adam , Yanagida John , Penniman Teya , Duffy David C. , Gooding Jeremy
Published: April 2014

The miconia (Miconia calvescens) invasion of the East Maui Watershed (EMW) started from a single introduction over 40 yr ago, establishing a nascent patch network spread across 20,000 ha. In 2012, an accelerated intervention strategy was implemented utilizing the Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) platform in a Hughes 500D helicopter to reduce target densities of seven nascent patches in the EMW. In a 14-mo period, a total of 48 interventions eliminated 4,029 miconia targets, with an estimated 33% increase in operations and 168% increase in recorded targets relative to the adjusted means from 2005 to 2011 data (prior to HBT adoption). This sequence of interventions covered a total net area of 1,138 ha, creating a field mosaic of overlapping search coverage (saturation) for each patch (four to eight interventions per patch). Target density reduction for each patch fit exponential decay functions (R2 > 0.88, P < 0.05), with a majority of the target interventions spatially assigned to the highest saturation fields. The progressive decay in target density led to concomitant reductions in search efficiency (min ha−1) and herbicide use rate (grams ae ha−1) in subsequent interventions. Mean detection efficacy (± SE) between overlapping interventions (n = 41) was 0.62 ± 0.03, matching closely with the probability of detection for a random search operation and verifying imperfect (albeit precise) detection. The HBT platform increases the value of aerial surveillance operations with 98% efficacy in target elimination. Applying coverage saturation with an accelerated intervention schedule to known patch locations is an adaptive process for compensating imperfect detection and building intelligence with spatial and temporal relevance to the next operation.
Tuning hardness of swollen viscose fibers
Authors: Ganser Christian , Weber Frederik , Czibula Caterina , Bernt Ingo , Schennach Robert , Teichert Christian
Published: April 2014

Viscose fibers are man-made, regenerated cellulose fibers. They offer versatile uses ranging from hygiene articles to textiles and medical applications. The great advantage over natural pulp and cotton fibers are the possibilities to design the fibers’ cross-sections and modify the material by directly mixing additives to the viscose dope. In this study, the effects of two additives – carboxymethyl cellulose (anionic) and cationic starch (cationic) – on the fibers’ mechanical properties are studied. Atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation is the method of choice to investigate swollen viscose fibers with circular as well as flat, rectangular cross-sections. It was found that carboxymethyl cellulose addition always leads to a significant decrease of hardness from 14·0 MPa for the unmodified fiber down to 4·4 MPa, a value comparable to swollen pulp fibers. Cationic starch, on the other hand, causes an increase of hardness to 16·0 MPa for round viscose fibers at a low concentration, whereas higher concentrations of cationic starch resulted in a slight decrease of hardness to 12·8 MPa. This possibility to tune the hardness of swollen viscose fibers expands the application spectrum of viscose fibers substantially.
Diffusion of phenolic compounds through polyethylene films
Authors: Mendes M. , Touze-Foltz N. , Gardoni M.dG. , Mazéas L.
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT: This paper presents experimental results of the diffusion of phenolic compounds through virgin and aged polyethylene (PE) films. The study considers five chlorophenols contaminants (4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-tricholophenol, 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol) that are known to be toxic even at very low concentrations. The concentration dynamics in the source and receptor chambers of the diffusion cells is interpreted using the numerical code Pollute. For virgin PE film, partition coefficients ranged from 0.68 to 278, which corresponded to 4-chlorophenol and pentachlorophenol, respectively. Diffusion coefficients ranged from 1.0 × 10−14 to 2.7 × 10−13 m2/s, which corresponded to pentachlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol, respectively. The study also looked at how the partition and diffusion coefficients were affected by the aqueous solubility, n-octanol–water partition coefficient, molecular diameter, and molecular weight. The trends observed in this study are similar to those found for diffusion of phenolic compounds through PE geomembranes. The results also revealed trends that differ from those previously reported for diffusion of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through geomembranes. The existing empirical relationships for VOCs are not applicable except for calculating how the diffusion coefficient evolves as a function of solubility in water. Increasing the number of chlorine atoms on the phenolic nucleus causes an increase in the partition coefficient, which is tentatively attributed to the polarity of the molecules under study.
Overview of performance compatibility issues of GCLs with respect to leachates of extreme chemistry
Authors: Bouazza A. , Gates W.P.
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT: Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are frequently used in lieu of, or as an augmentation to, compacted clay liners as secondary hydraulic barriers in municipal solid waste containment facilities. GCLs are lately being assessed for use in industrial and mining applications, not only for the temporary storage of process waters and permanent disposal of tailings, but also beneath heap leach pads, where their performance will be subjected to loads, hydraulic heads and leachate chemistries outside the normal conditions found in conventional municipal solid waste landfills for which they were designed. This paper considers recent limited research assessing the compatibility of GCLs to leachates having extreme chemistry. Extreme chemistry is here defined as strongly alkaline (pH > 12), strongly acidic (pH < 3) and hypersaline (> 1 M). Based on the limited research available, GCLs cannot be expected to perform for the long-term when in contact with strongly acidic leachates; however there exists some indication for the possibility of inducing conditions for pore clogging that may assist their performance in the short term. Many GCLs probably can exhibit long-term performance objectives for strongly alkaline leachates. In both extreme pH ranges, leachate ionic strength and the potential for cation exchange have the greatest negative effects on bentonite swelling and GCL hydraulic conductivity. Future developments toward improving bentonite resistance to leachates having extreme chemistry should focus on experiments that underpin the potential mid- to long-term performance of GCLs and undertake to evaluate, as far as possible, changes in leachate chemistry and bentonite mineralogy involved in loss of field performance.
Evaluation of Recession Defects Treated With Coronally Advanced Flaps and Either Recombinant Human Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐BB Plus β‐Tricalcium Phosphate or Connective Tissue: Comparison of Clinical Parameters at 5 Years
Authors: McGuire Michael K. , Scheyer E. Todd , Snyder Mark B.
Published: April 2014

Background: In a previously reported split‐mouth, randomized controlled trial, Miller Class II gingival recession defects were treated with either a connective tissue graft (CTG) (control) or recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB + β‐tricalcium phosphate (test), both in combination with a coronally advanced flap (CAF). At 6 months, multiple outcome measures were examined. The purpose of the current study is to examine the major efficacy parameters at 5 years.

Methods: Twenty of the original 30 patients were available for follow‐up 5 years after the original surgery. Outcomes examined were recession depth, probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), height of keratinized tissue (wKT), and percentage of root coverage. Within‐ and across‐treatment group results at 6 months and 5 years were compared with original baseline values.

Results: At 5 years, all quantitative parameters for both treatment protocols showed statistically significant improvements over baseline. The primary outcome parameter, change in recession depth at 5 years, demonstrated statistically significant improvements in recession over baseline, although intergroup comparisons favored the control group at both 6 months and 5 years. At 5 years, intergroup comparisons also favored the test group for percentage root coverage and change in wKT, whereas no statistically significant intergroup differences were seen for 100% root coverage and changes to CAL.

Conclusions: In the present 5‐year investigation, treatment with either test or control treatments for Miller Class II recession defects appear to lead to stable, clinically effective results, although CTG + CAF resulted in greater reductions in recession, greater percentage of root coverage, and increased wKT.
GATA4 Mutations Are a Cause of Neonatal and Childhood-Onset Diabetes
Authors: Shaw-Smith Charles , De Franco Elisa , Lango Allen Hana , Batlle Marta , Flanagan Sarah E. , Borowiec Maciej , Taplin Craig E. , van Alfen-van der Velden Janiëlle , Cruz-Rojo Jaime , Perez de Nanclares Guiomar , Miedzybrodzka Zosia , Deja Grazyna , Wlodarska Iwona , Mlynarski Wojciech , Ferrer Jorge , Hattersley Andrew T. , Ellard Sian
Published: April 2014

The GATA family zinc finger transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6 are known to play important roles in the development of the pancreas. In mice, both Gata4 and Gata6 are required for pancreatic development. In humans, GATA6 haploinsufficiency can cause pancreatic agenesis and heart defects. Congenital heart defects also are common in patients with GATA4 mutations and deletions, but the role of GATA4 in the developing human pancreas is unproven. We report five patients with deletions (n = 4) or mutations of the GATA4 gene who have diabetes and a variable exocrine phenotype. In four cases, diabetes presented in the neonatal period (age at diagnosis 1–7 days). A de novo GATA4 missense mutation (p.N273K) was identified in a patient with complete absence of the pancreas confirmed at postmortem. This mutation affects a highly conserved residue located in the second zinc finger domain of the GATA4 protein. In vitro studies showed reduced DNA binding and transactivational activity of the mutant protein. We show that GATA4 mutations/deletions are a cause of neonatal or childhood-onset diabetes with or without exocrine insufficiency. These results confirm a role for GATA4 in normal development of the human pancreas.
Cardiovascular effects of orotracheal intubation following anesthetic induction with propofol, ketamine-propofol, or ketamine-diazepam in premedicated dogs
Authors: Riccó Carolina H. , Henao-Guerrero Natalia
Published: April 2014

Objective—To compare the hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation following induction of anesthesia with propofol, ketamine-propofol, and ketamine-diazepam in premedicated dogs.

Design—Prospective, randomized, masked study.

Animals—10 healthy adult Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were randomly allocated to be anesthetized twice, with a 1-week wash-out interval, by means of 2 of 3 possible protocols (propofol [4 mg/kg {1.8 mg/lb}, n = 6 dogs], ketamine [2 mg/kg {0.9 mg/lb}] and propofol [2 mg/kg; 7], or ketamine [5 mg/kg {2.3 mg/lb}] and diazepam [0.2 mg/kg {0.09 mg/lb}; 6]). After instrumentation, continuous heart rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, diastolic arterial blood pressure, cardiac index, stroke volume index, and systemic vascular resistance were recorded. Fifteen minutes after premedication, dogs were anesthetized; all anesthetics were administered IV. After 5 minutes, orotracheal intubation was performed without the use of a laryngoscope. Data were collected prior to intubation (baseline), at intubation, and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 seconds thereafter. Results were compared among the 3 groups and over time.

Results—No differences among groups were observed for any variables studied. In all groups, arterial blood pressures were significantly decreased at various time points after intubation. A significant increase in systolic arterial blood pressure was observed between baseline and the 30-second time point in the ketamine-diazepam group. No significant differences were detected over time for the other variables in any group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intubation after anesthetic induction with ketamine-diazepam caused transitory hypertension, whereas intubation after induction with propofol or ketamine-propofol did not cause cardiovascular stimulation. In dogs in which hypertension is a concern, propofol or ketamine-propofol may be a better choice for induction prior to orotracheal intubation.
Fractional descriptor observers for fractional descriptor continuous-time linear system
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: April 2014

Fractional descriptor full-order observers for fractional descriptor continuous-time linear systems are proposed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the observers are established. The design procedure of the observers is demonstrated on two numerical examples.
Application of adaptive multivariable Generalized Predictive Control to a HVAC system in real time
Authors: Gulan Martin , Salaj Michal , Rohal’-Ilkiv Boris
Published: April 2014

This paper presents the application of a Multivariable Generalized Predictive Controller (MGPC) for simultaneous temperature and humidity control in a Heating, Ventilating and Air- Conditioning (HVAC) system. The multivariable controlled process dynamics is modeled using a set of MISO models on-line identified from measured input-output process data. The controller synthesis is based on direct optimization of selected quadratic cost function with respect to amplitude and rate input constraints. Efficacy of the proposed adaptive MGPC algorithm is experimentally demonstrated on a laboratory-scale model of HVAC system. To control the airconditioning part of system the designed multivariable predictive controller is considered in a cascade dual-rate control scheme with PID auxiliary controllers.
Catalytic production of oxygenated additives by glycerol etherification
Authors: Cannilla Catia , Bonura Giuseppe , Frusteri Leone , Frusteri Francesco
Published: April 2014

In this work the etherification reaction of glycerol with isobutene (IB) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) has been studied with the aim of preparing mixtures with high content of poly-substituted ethers. The results obtained using solid acid catalysts have shown that the reaction with IB proceeds at a high rate but the formation of undesired di-isobutene (DIB) represents a serious problem when catalysts with high density of acid sites, such as Amberlyst, are used. When using TBA as a reactant, the main problem is the formation of water that, due to thermodynamic reasons, prevents the formation of poly-substituted ethers regardless of the catalyst used. Some preliminary experiments carried out with a water permselective tubular membrane have demonstrated that the yield of poly-substituted ethers significantly increases once water was selectively removed from the reaction medium by recirculation of the gas phase.
Analytical methods for determination of benzodiazepines. A short review
Authors: Szatkowska Paulina , Koba Marcin , Kośliński Piotr , Wandas Jacek , Bączek Tomasz
Published: April 2014

Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are generally commonly used as anxiolytic and/or hypnotic drugs as a ligand of the GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor. Moreover, some of benzodiazepines are widely used as an anti-depressive and sedative drugs, and also as anti-epileptic drugs and in some cases can be useful as an adjunct treatment in refractory epilepsies or anti-alcoholic therapy. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods, gas chromatography (GC) methods, capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods and some of spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric methods were developed and have been extensively applied to the analysis of number of benzodiazepine derivative drugs (BDZs) providing reliable and accurate results. The available chemical methods for the determination of BDZs in biological materials and pharmaceutical formulations are reviewed in this work.
Numerical study of the three-state Ashkin-Teller model with competing dynamics
Authors: Ndizeye Prosper , Hontinfinde Felix , Kounouhewa Basile , Bekhechi Smaine
Published: April 2014

An open ferromagnetic Ashkin-Teller model with spin variables 0, ±1 is studied by standard Monte Carlo simulations on a square lattice in the presence of competing Glauber and Kawasaki dynamics. The Kawasaki dynamics simulates spin-exchange processes that continuously flow energy into the system from an external source. Our calculations reveal the presence, in the model, of tricritical points where first order and second order transition lines meet. Beyond that, several self-organized phases are detected when Kawasaki dynamics become dominant. Phase diagrams that comprise phase boundaries and stationary states have been determined in the model parameters’ space. In the case where spin-phonon interactions are incorporated in the model Hamiltonian, numerical results indicate that the paramagnetic phase is stabilized and almost all of the self-organized phases are destroyed.
Diagnostics of Echinococcus granulosus particles in hepatic cysts punctate of seropositive patients
Authors: Skuhala T. , Stojčević Jan D. , Desnica B.
Published: April 2014

Diagnosis of liver hydatid cyst disease was established by ultrasound and CT examination in 76 patients and confirmed with positive IF and ELISA tests. We found them elective for percutaneous punction after albendazole treatment. Obtained specimens were examined for presence of echinococcal particles and 48 were positive (63.16 %) and it reflects the specifity of applied serological tests. Development of more specific serological tests combined with existent radiological methods will contribute to more accurate diagnostic approach but analysis of cyst specimens will remain the cornerstone of exact diagnosis.
Framing of AIDS in Africa: Press-state relations, HIV/AIDS news, and journalistic advocacy in four sub-Saharan Anglophone newspapers
Authors: D'Angelo Paul , Pollock John C. , Kiernicki Kristen , Shaw Donna
Published: April 2014

This study offers the first systematic analysis of the impact of press-state relations, or media systems, on the HIV/AIDS news agenda in African news coverage. The premise is that media systems play a determining role in the degree to which journalists can independently advocate for social change when covering HIV/AIDS. Drawing on comparative research, four sub-Saharan countries were categorized into two media systems: Contained Democratic (South Africa, Nigeria) and Repressive Autocratic (Zimbabwe, Kenya). A sample of HIV/AIDS stories (n= 393) published from 2002–2007 in each country's leading Anglophone newspaper was content analyzed. Across all coverage, the topic of social costs was framed more for the responsibility borne by nongovernmental agents than governmental agents. In Contained Democratic media systems, however, story emphasis shifted toward government agents taking responsibility for addressing the social costs of HIV/AIDS. Prevention campaigns were framed more as progress than decline across all newspapers; however, campaigns were reported as being more efficacious in Contained Democratic systems than in Repressive Autocratic systems. No impact of media system on framing of medical developments was found. Results show the value of comparative analysis in understanding the agenda-setting process: with greater emphasis on positive efficacy and government initiative, the news agenda in Contained Democratic media systems can facilitate stronger positive societal-level responses than the news agenda in Repressive Autocratic media systems.
Socio-demographic Correlates of Depression Among Elderly Slum Dwellers of North India
Authors: Goel P K , Muzammil K , Kumar S , Singh J V , Raghav S K
Published: March 2014

Background   Ageing is an inevitable process which begins before birth and continues throughout the life. Though depression is the commonest psychiatric disorder in the elderly, it is commonly misdiagnosed and under treated. The objective of the current study is to know the socio-demographic correlates of depressive disorders amongst elderly. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional community based study was designed and conducted in an urban slum of Muzaffarnagar city, of North India, comprising of 403 elderly aged 60 years and above for a period of 6 months. First of all, the listing of elderly in the study area was done then study was started with the randomly selected name entered in list as the first one and thereafter every second elderly was interviewed alternatively with the help of predesigned proforma. The collected data was subjected to suitable statistical analysis. Results As the age advances the depressive disorders also increase. The prevalence of depressive disorders was found to be 9.4% and it has been observed to double with advancement of one decade of years in the age. It has been noted that there is statistically significant association between decadal age advancement and rise in number of cases of depression. No significant difference in the occurrence of depressive disorders among male and female elderly population has been found. Conclusion A holistic approach to underlying causes of problems of elderly should be undertaken. There is need of strengthening the existing “package” of services for elderly in various initiatives and programmes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i1.10133 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014;4 (1): 316-322
Pattern and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Future Physicians
Authors: Basu M , Das P , Dhar G , Datta S , Chattopaddhyay S , Bagchi S , Pal R
Published: March 2014

Background   Overweight including obesity is a leading cause of present day morbidity and kills more people than underweight. Keeping this background in mind this study had been conducted to establish the pattern of overweight and obesity in the midst of undergraduate medical group and to find out the association of overweight (plump) and obesity with probable hazardous factors. Materials and Methods This descriptive observational study had been conducted among undergraduate medical group for the duration of May to June 2011. Simple random sampling was adopted to select the students under study. A pretested, predesigned self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Body Mass Index (BMI) was assessed through weight and height and acted as forecaster of heavy figure and or obesity. Overweight and or obesity were analyzed to see the association with certain socio-demographic variables, dietary habits, family history of overweight and or obesity, life style issues, computer use etc. After collection of data, these were analyzed using tabulation, proportion and Chi square through Epi-Info software. Results The study subjects were young adults. The general pattern of overweight (plump) and obesity was 18.0 percent and 4.0 percent respectively. Overweight and or obesity was found significantly high among male students, fast food and soft drinks takers, low takers of fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumers, students with lack of exercise and family history of obesity. Overweight and obesity were not found associated with type of diet (vegetarian or non-vegetarian) and smoking. Conclusion Presence of probable associated factors with regard to overweight (plump) and obesity exists amid medical undergraduate pupils.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i1.10134 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014;4 (1): 323-329
Unaddressed issues in Janani Suraksha Yojana in India
Authors: Roy M P
Published: March 2014

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a combination scheme of performance based financing and conditional cash transfer for safe motherhood, has increased ante natal coverage and institutional deliveries in India. Although the two concepts have been criticized world over for both positive and negative aspects; rarely the role of these two mechanisms behind the success of JSY has been addressed. Quality, cost-effectiveness and other issues were never given due emphasis under this scheme neither efforts have been made to overcome known drawbacks of these strategies. Considering future of the scheme and sustainability, it is required to evaluate the concepts separately.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i1.10137 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014;4 (1): 341-343
Molecular Targets of β-Lactam-Based Antimicrobials: Beyond the Usual Suspects
Authors: Konaklieva Monika
Published: April 2014

The common practice in antibacterial drug development has been to rapidly make an attempt to find ever-more stable and broad-spectrum variants for a particular antibiotic, once a drug resistance for that antibiotic is detected. We are now facing bacterial resistance toward our clinically relevant antibiotics of such a magnitude that the conversation for antimicrobial drug development ought to include effective new antibiotics with alternative mechanisms of action. The electrophilic β-lactam ring is amenable for the inhibition of different enzyme classes by a suitable decoration of the core scaffold. Monocyclic β-lactams lacking an ionizable group at the lactam nitrogen exhibit target preferences toward bacterial enzymes important for resistance and virulence. The present review intends to draw attention to the versatility of the β-lactams as antimicrobials with “unusual” molecular targets.
BRCA1 and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yi Yong , Kang Hyo , Bae Insoo
Published: April 2014

The breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) has been well established as a tumor suppressor and functions primarily by maintaining genome integrity. Genome stability is compromised when cells are exposed to oxidative stress. Increasing evidence suggests that BRCA1 regulates oxidative stress and this may be another mechanism in preventing carcinogenesis in normal cells. Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is implicated in carcinogenesis and is used strategically to treat human cancer. Thus, it is essential to understand the function of BRCA1 in oxidative stress regulation. In this review, we briefly summarize BRCA1’s many binding partners and mechanisms, and discuss data supporting the function of BRCA1 in oxidative stress regulation. Finally, we consider its significance in prevention and/or treatment of BRCA1-related cancers.
Land Cover Heterogeneity Effects on Sub-Pixel and Per-Pixel Classifications
Authors: Tran Trung , Julian Jason , De Beurs Kirsten
Published: April 2014

Per-pixel and sub-pixel are two common classification methods in land cover studies. The characteristics of a landscape, particularly the land cover itself, can affect the accuracies of both methods. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare the performance of sub-pixel vs. per-pixel classification methods for a broad heterogeneous region; and (2) analyze the impact of land cover heterogeneity (i.e., the number of land cover classes per pixel) on both classification methods. The results demonstrated that the accuracy of both per-pixel and sub-pixel classification methods were generally reduced by increasing land cover heterogeneity. Urban areas, for example, were found to have the lowest accuracy for the per-pixel method, because they had the highest heterogeneity. Conversely, rural areas dominated by cropland and grassland had low heterogeneity and high accuracy. When a sub-pixel method was used, the producer’s accuracy for artificial surfaces was increased by more than 20%. For all other land cover classes, sub-pixel and per-pixel classification methods performed similarly. Thus, the sub-pixel classification was only advantageous for heterogeneous urban landscapes. Both creators and users of land cover datasets should be aware of the inherent landscape heterogeneity and its potential effect on map accuracy.
Isolation, Bioactivity, and Production of ortho-Hydroxydaidzein and ortho-Hydroxygenistein
Authors: Chang Te-Sheng
Published: April 2014

Daidzein and genistein are two major components of soy isoflavones. They exist abundantly in plants and possess multiple bioactivities. In contrast, ortho-hydroxydaidzein (OHD) and ortho-hydroxygenistein (OHG), including 6-hydroxydaidzein (6-OHD), 8-hydroxydaidzein (8-OHD), 3'-hydroxydaidzein (3'-OHD), 6-hydroxygenistein (6-OHG), 8-hydroxygenistein (8-OHG), and 3'-hydroxygenistein (3'-OHG), are rarely found in plants. Instead, they are usually isolated from fermented soybean foods or microbial fermentation broth feeding with soybean meal. Accordingly, the bioactivity of OHD and OHG has been investigated less compared to that of soy isoflavones. Recently, OHD and OHG were produced by genetically engineering microorganisms through gene cloning of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme systems. This success opens up bioactivity investigation and industrial applications of OHD and OHG in the future. This article reviews isolation of OHD and OHG from non-synthetic sources and production of the compounds by genetically modified microorganisms. Several bioactivities, such as anticancer and antimelanogenesis-related activities, of OHD and OHG, are also discussed.
Bed Scouring During the Release of an Ice Jam
Authors: Manolidis Michail , Katopodes Nikolaos
Published: April 2014

A model is developed for simulating changes in river bed morphology as a result of bed scouring during the release of an ice jam. The model couples a non-hydrostatic hydrodynamic model with the processes of erosion and deposition through a grid expansion technique. The actual movement of bed load is implemented by reconstructing the river bed in piecewise linear elements in order to bypass the limitations of the step-like approximation that the hydrodynamic model uses to capture the bed bathymetry. Initially, an ice jam is modeled as a rigid body of water near the free surface that constricts the flow. The ice jam does not exchange mass or momentum with the stream, but the ice body can have a realistic shape and offer resistance to the flow of water through the constriction. An ice jam release is modeled by suddenly enabling the ice to flow and exchange mass and momentum with the water. The resulting release resembles a dam break wave accelerating and causing flow velocities to rise rapidly. The model is used to simulate the 1984 ice jam in the St. Clair River, which is part of the Huron-Erie Corridor. The jam had a duration of 24 days, and its release was accompanied by high flow velocities. It is speculated that high flow velocities during the release of the jam caused scouring of the river bed. This led to an increase in the river’s conveyance that is partly responsible for the persistence of low water levels in the upper Great Lakes. The simulations confirm that an event similar to the 1984 ice jam will indeed cause scouring of the St. Clair River bed.
Cyanobacteria from Terrestrial and Marine Sources Contain Apoptogens Able to Overcome Chemoresistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Liu Liwei , Herfindal Lars , Jokela Jouni , Shishido Tania , Wahlsten Matti , Døskeland Stein , Sivonen Kaarina
Published: April 2014

In this study, we investigated forty cyanobacterial isolates from biofilms, gastropods, brackish water and symbiotic lichen habitats. Their aqueous and organic extracts were used to screen for apoptosis-inducing activity against acute myeloid leukemia cells. A total of 28 extracts showed cytotoxicity against rat acute myeloid leukemia (IPC-81) cells. The design of the screen made it possible to eliminate known toxins, such as microcystins and nodularin, or known metabolites with anti-leukemic activity, such as adenosine and its analogs. A cytotoxicity test on human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) fibroblasts indicated that 21 of the 28 extracts containing anti-acute myeloid leukemia (AML) activity showed selectivity in favor of leukemia cells. Extracts L26-O and L30-O were able to partly overcome the chemotherapy resistance induced by the oncogenic protein Bcl-2, whereas extract L1-O overcame protection from the deletion of the tumor suppressor protein p53. In conclusion, cyanobacteria are a prolific resource for anti-leukemia compounds that have potential for pharmaceutical applications. Based on the variety of cellular responses, we also conclude that the different anti-leukemic compounds in the cyanobacterial extracts target different elements of the death machinery of mammalian cells.
A Semi-Closed Device for Chromosome Spreading for Cytogenetic Analysis
Authors: Kwasny Dorota , Mednova Olga , Vedarethinam Indumathi , Dimaki Maria , Silahtaroglu Asli , Tümer Zeynep , Almdal Kristoffer , Svendsen Winnie
Published: April 2014

Metaphase chromosome spreading is the most crucial step required for successful karyotyping and FISH analysis. These two techniques are routinely used in cytogenetics to assess the chromosome abnormalities. The spreading process has been studied for years but it is still considered an art more than a science. The chromosome spreading greatly depends on the environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, which govern the evaporation of fixative, in which the cells are suspended. The spreading is normally performed manually in ambient conditions on glass slides, which are hydrophilic, and thus allow for better quality spreads. Further cytogenetic analysis depends on the quality of the spreads, which is dependent on the skills of the personnel and is thus limited to laboratory settings. Here, we present a semi-closed microfluidic chip for preparation of the metaphase spreads on a glass and a Topasr substrate rendered more hydrophilic by oxygen plasma treatment coupled with photografting. The device consists of a microfluidic chamber with perfusion holes that facilitate the evaporation of fixative and reliable formation of the spreads. The usability of the chromosome spreads formed on the glass and the Topasr slide is tested by performing FISH analysis.
Strain Rate Effects in CFRP Used For Blast Mitigation
Authors: Orton Sarah. , Chiarito Vincent , Rabalais Christopher , Wombacher Matthew , Rowell Stephen
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of strain rate effects in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates exposed to blast loading. The use of CFRP offers an attractive option for mitigating structures exposed to blasts. However, the effect of high strain rates in CFRP composites commonly used in the civil industry is unknown. This research conducted tensile tests of 21 CFRP coupons using a hydraulically powered dynamic loader. The strain rates ranged from 0.0015 s−1 to 7.86 s−1 and are representative of strain rates that CFRP may see in a blast when used to strengthen reinforced concrete structures. The results of the testing showed no increase in the tensile strength or stiffness of the CFRP at the higher strain rates. In addition, the results showed significant scatter in the tensile strengths possibly due to the rate of loading or manufacture of the coupon.