bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bangladeshi Women’s Experiences of Their Men’s Migration
Authors: Rashid Syeda Rozana
Published: October 2013

This article examines Bangladeshi women’s experiences of their men’s migration. It focuses on the lifestyles, household responsibilities, and levels of compliance with or defiance against dominant gender ideologies concerning the everyday lives of left-behind women in two migration-intensive villages in Bangladesh. By locating the meanings and substance of women’s power and agency in the context of their living arrangement in nuclear, joint, and natal families, I argue that the choices and priorities of these women be interpreted beyond liberal feminist models of “empowerment” and “emancipation.”
Assignment of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Linkage Groups to Specific Chromosomes Reveals a Karyotype with Multiple Rearrangements of the Chromosome Arms of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Phillips Ruth B , Park Linda K , Naish Kerry A
Published: October 2013

The Chinook salmon genetic linkage groups have been assigned to specific chromosomes using fluorescence in situ hybridization with bacterial artificial chromosome probes containing genetic markers mapped to each linkage group in Chinook salmon and rainbow trout. Comparison of the Chinook salmon chromosome map with that of rainbow trout provides strong evidence for conservation of large syntenic blocks in these species, corresponding to entire chromosome arms in the rainbow trout as expected. In almost every case, the markers were found at approximately the same location on the chromosome arm in each species, suggesting conservation of marker order on the chromosome arms of the two species in most cases. Although theoretically a few centric fissions could convert the karyotype of rainbow trout (2N = 58–64) into that of Chinook salmon (2N = 68) or vice versa, our data suggest that chromosome arms underwent multiple centric fissions and subsequent new centric fusions to form the current karyotypes. The morphology of only approximately one-third of the chromosome pairs have been conserved between the two species.
Mapping Polycomb Response Elements at the Drosophila melanogaster giant Locus
Authors: Abed Jumana AlHaj , Cheng Connie L , Crowell Chase R , Madigan Laura L , Onwuegbuchu Erica , Desai Siddhi , Benes Judith , Jones Richard S
Published: October 2013

Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are highly conserved epigenetic transcriptional regulators. They are capable of either maintaining the transcriptional silence of target genes through many cell cycles or enabling a dynamic regulation of gene expression in stem cells. In Drosophila melanogaster, recruitment of PcG proteins to targets requires the presence of at least one polycomb response element (PRE). Although the sequence requirements for PREs are not well-defined, the presence of Pho, a PRE-binding PcG protein, is a very good PRE indicator. In this study, we identify two PRE-containing regions at the PcG target gene, giant, one at the promoter, and another approximately 6 kb upstream. PRE-containing fragments, which coincide with localized presence of Pho in chromatin immunoprecipitations, were shown to maintain restricted expression of a lacZ reporter gene in embryos and to cause pairing-sensitive silencing of the mini-white gene in eyes. Our results also reinforce previous observations that although PRE maintenance and pairing-sensitive silencing activities are closely linked, the sequence requirements for these functions are not identical.
Inference of the Properties of the Recombination Process from Whole Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Ansari M Azim , Didelot Xavier
Published: October 2013

Patterns of linkage disequilibrium, homoplasy, and incompatibility are difficult to interpret because they depend on several factors, including the recombination process and the population structure. Here we introduce a novel model-based framework to infer recombination properties from such summary statistics in bacterial genomes. The underlying model is sequentially Markovian so that data can be simulated very efficiently, and we use approximate Bayesian computation techniques to infer parameters. As this does not require us to calculate the likelihood function, the model can be easily extended to investigate less probed aspects of recombination. In particular, we extend our model to account for the bias in the recombination process whereby closely related bacteria recombine more often with one another. We show that this model provides a good fit to a data set of Bacillus cereus genomes and estimate several recombination properties, including the rate of bias in recombination. All the methods described in this article are implemented in a software package that is freely available for download at http://code.google.com/p/clonalorigin/.
Antimicrobial activity of the Nisin Z producer Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lc08 against Listeria monocytogenes in skim milk
Authors: Perin L.M. , Miranda R.O. , Camargo A.C. , Colombo M. , Carvalho A.F. , Nero L.A.
Published: October 2013

The presented study aimed to verify the effect of different pH values, enzyme solutions and heat treatments on the antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocinogenic strain Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis Lc08 and to test their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes in reconstituted skim milk at refrigeration temperatures. This strain was previously described as a nisin Z producer and capable of inhibiting L. monocytogenes growth in in vitro tests. The antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin cell-free supernatant of Lc08 was sensitive to enzyme treatments (except papain). The pH values and heating (65ºC for 30min, 75ºC for 15s) had no apparent effect on the antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin produced by Lc08. Only treatment at autoclave conditions result in loss of their antimicrobial activity. Lc08 presented antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes in the milk system after 12h at 25ºC. No effect was found at 7ºC. The results show the application viability of the Lc08 in food systems as a biopreservative against L. monocytogenes.
Percepção do consumidor frente aos riscos associados aos alimentos, sua segurança e rastreabilidade
Authors: Andrade Juliana Cunha de , Deliza Rosires , Yamada Eunice Akemi , Galvão Maria Teresa Esteves Lopes , Frewer Lynn J. , Beraquet Nelson José
Published: October 2013

Nas últimas décadas, tem-se observado um crescente interesse dos consumidores pelas questões relacionadas à segurança dos alimentos. Os governos têm sido pressionados a adotar medidas que assegurem a inocuidade dos alimentos e, consequentemente, legislações rigorosas quanto à contaminação dos alimentos por agentes físicos, químicos e microbiológicos estão sendo implantadas. Dentro desse panorama, conhecer a percepção do consumidor brasileiro sobre o tema é extremamente relevante. No presente estudo, avaliaram-se, em duas grandes cidades brasileiras (Campinas-SP e Rio de Janeiro-RJ), os critérios utilizados por consumidores para a compra de produtos alimentícios e suas visões sobre os riscos potenciais de contaminação dos alimentos. Avaliou-se também a percepção dos consumidores sobre a rastreabilidade e seu papel na melhoria da segurança dos alimentos, utilizando-se a metodologia focus group. Três sessões de discussão foram conduzidas (duas em Campinas e uma no Rio de Janeiro), tendo sido observadas diferenças entre os consumidores das distintas praças. Os consumidores de Campinas mostraram-se mais preocupados e interessados no assunto do que os do Rio de Janeiro, pois relataram buscar mais informações nos rótulos de alimentos. Menções relacionadas a riscos, como intoxicação alimentar, botulismo e agrotóxicos foram comuns para os entrevistados das duas cidades e, entre os principais produtos considerados com risco à saúde, ficaram as carnes e os frutos do mar, sendo estes últimos com maior ênfase no Rio de Janeiro. Dentre os produtos reconhecidos como seguros, destacaram-se as frutas (produzidas sem agrotóxicos), os legumes e os produtos secos/desidratados. Em todos os grupos, observou-se grande preocupação com a contaminação por agrotóxicos e metais pesados. Em termos microbiológicos, ambas as praças destacaram os riscos com bactérias, especialmente a Salmonella. O tema rastreabilidade se mostrou relevante nos três grupos, pois esta deve contribuir para o recolhimento mais eficiente de produtos, caso seja necessário. No entanto, sob a ótica do consumidor, a rastreabilidade leva ao aumento dos preços, embora aumente a confiança em relação à segurança dos alimentos. Muitas das preocupações dos consumidores refletem as informações publicadas em revistas e jornais, como o caso da crença de que hormônios são utilizados na cadeia da carne de frango. Indústria e varejistas devem incrementar a comunicação de informações científicas sobre a segurança dos alimentos, contribuindo, assim, na educação do consumidor.
Determinants of moth diversity and community in a temperate mountain landscape: vegetation, topography, and seasonality
Authors: Highland Steven A. , Miller Jeffrey C. , Jones Julia A.
Published: October 2013

Macromoth diversity, abundance, and community structure in the topographically complex HJ Andrews Experimental Forest and LTER site was studied on the west slope of the Cascade Range, Oregon. Data on 493 macromoth species (62,221 individuals) was sampled eight times/year at 20 locations from 2004 to 2008 and examined using multivariate statistics and generalized additive models to determine the importance of topography and vegetation on moth community assembly and diversity. Significant differences exist between moth communities at lower and higher elevations. High‐elevation moth communities are far more variable inter‐annually, whether associated with high‐elevation forests, meadows, or clearcuts. Low‐elevation young and old gymnosperm forests and riparian forests are more stable and predictable communities having less inter‐annual variability. High‐elevation communities show more intra‐annual variability than low‐elevation communities. Low‐elevation moth communities are more abundant than high‐elevation communities and typically associated with the most common, abundant species of macromoths in the study. High‐elevation communities, by contrast, are associated with less abundant, more evenly distributed species, as well as with rare moth species. Macromoth community structure and diversity were related to year or sample period and structural descriptions of vegetation communities, but not related to known host‐plant diversity. High‐elevation communities are threatened by contraction of montane meadows and climate change which, given the variability in high‐elevation communities, could severely impact the biological diversity of the western Cascades landscape. Nocturnal macromoths represent an important potential indicator of ecosystem health and change.
Reduced ectoparasite loads of deer mice in burned forest: From fleas to trees?
Authors: Zwolak R. , Meagher S. , Vaughn J. W. , Dziemian S. , Crone E. E.
Published: October 2013

We tested whether reduced parasite loads might contribute to high post‐fire abundances of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). We performed parasite examinations of 54 mice captured in burned forest in the area of Davis Fire (western Montana, USA), and 26 mice captured in nearby unburned forest. Mean abundance of ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, and lice) was lower in burned than in unburned forest. The difference was particularly pronounced for fleas, which were reduced by 70% in burned forest. Endoparasites (i.e., nematodes and cestodes) were unaffected. Mechanisms for the lower mean abundance of fleas in burned areas are not known, but might involve flea mortality in burrows during fire or decreased transmission, survival, or both in the post‐fire environment. We propose several hypothetical pathways through which reduced ectoparasite loads could cause an increase in deer mouse abundance, such as improved health status or increased foraging efficiency of mice, both of which could translate into the increased reproduction that has been reported in mice from burned forest. We encourage experimental tests of the ectoparasite release hypothesis of the post‐fire increase in deer mouse abundance.
Size‐based species interactions shape herring and cod population dynamics in the face of exploitation
Authors: van Denderen P. Daniël , van Kooten Tobias
Published: October 2013

Size‐specific competition and predation interactions often link the population dynamics of fish species in their response to exploitation. The effects of harvesting on interacting fish species is of increasing relevance as more and more fish populations worldwide are reduced by fishing. When stocks are harvested, effects of harvesting may percolate to populations of other species with which it interacts through competition, predation, etcetera. When multiple species are exploited, this can lead to interactions between fisheries, mediated by ecological interactions. Nevertheless, most fish stocks are managed using a single‐species framework. We studied how single‐species explanations of historical population dynamics work out when size‐based interactions between harvested species are taken into account. We have taken as a case study the dynamics of cod (Gadus morhua) and herring (Clupea harengus) in the North Sea. These dynamics are generally considered to be shaped by fishing pressure on and food availability to single species. Our results indicate that the explanatory power of these factors is maintained with the inclusion of species interactions, but the processes leading to the observed patterns are altered as the fates of the species are interdependent. The sign and magnitude of the interaction between the species depends on the state of the populations, their exploitation history and environmental factors such as resource productivity. This context‐dependent response to changing fishery intensity has important ramifications for management. We show that management plans for the exploitation of either one of these species, or for the recovery of North Sea cod, which do not account for these subtle interactions, may fail or backfire. Hence, such interactions link the fate of these species in complex ways, which must be taken into consideration for successful management of their exploitation, including harvesting at maximum sustainable yield, as we move towards an ecosystem‐based management of marine fisheries.
Implementation of an i.v.-compounding robot in a hospital-based cancer center pharmacy
Authors: Yaniv Angela W. , Knoer Scott J.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The implementation of a robotic device for compounding patient-specific chemotherapy doses is described, including a review of data on the robot’s performance over a 13-month period.

The automated system prepares individualized i.v. chemotherapy doses in a variety of infusion bags and syringes; more than 50 drugs are validated for use in the machine. The robot is programmed to recognize the physical parameters of syringes and vials and uses photographic identification, barcode identification, and gravimetric measurements to ensure that the correct ingredients are compounded and the final dose is accurate. The implementation timeline, including site preparation, logistics planning, installation, calibration, staff training, development of a pharmacy information system (PIS) interface, and validation by the state board of pharmacy, was about 10 months. In its first 13 months of operation, the robot was used to prepare 7384 medication doses; 85 doses (1.2%) found to be outside the desired accuracy range (±4%) were manually modified by pharmacy staff. Ongoing system monitoring has identified mechanical and materials-related problems including vial-recognition failures (in many instances, these issues were resolved by the system operator and robotic compounding proceeded successfully), interface issues affecting robot–PIS communication, and human errors such as the loading of an incorrect vial or bag into the machine. Through staff training, information technology improvements, and workflow adjustments, the robot’s throughput has been steadily improved.

Conclusion

An i.v.-compounding robot was successfully implemented in a cancer center pharmacy. The robot performs compounding tasks safely and accurately and has been integrated into the pharmacy’s workflow.
Nitrogen and COD Removal from Septic Tank Wastewater in Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands: Plants Effects
Authors: Collison R. S. , Grismer M. E.
Published: October 2013

We evaluated subsurface flow (SSF) constructed wetland treatment performance with respect to organics (COD) and nitrogen (ammonium and nitrate) removal from domestic (septic tank) wastewater as affected by the presence of plants, substrate “rock” cation exchange capacity (CEC), laboratory versus field conditions and use of synthetic as compared to actual domestic wastewater. This article considers the effects of plants on constructed wetland treatment in the field. Each constructed wetland system was comprised of two beds (2.6 m long by 0.28 m wide and deep filled with ~18 mm crushed lava rock) separated by an aeration tank connected in series. The lava rock had a porosity of ~47% and a CEC of 4 meq/100 gm. One pair of constructed wetland systems was planted with cattails in May 2008, while an adjacent pair of systems remained unplanted. Collected septic tank or synthesized wastewater was allowed to gravity feed each constructed wetland system and effluent samples were regularly collected and tested for COD and nitrogen species during four time periods spanning November 2008 through June 2009. These effluent concentrations were tested for statistical differences at the 95% level for individual time periods as well as the overall 6‐month period. Organics removal from domestic wastewater was 78.8% and 76.1% in the planted and unplanted constructed wetland systems, respectively, while ammonium removal was 94.5% and 90.2%, respectively. Similarly, organics removal from the synthetic wastewater of equivalent strength was 88.8% and 90.1% for planted and unplanted constructed wetland systems, respectively, while ammonium removal was 96.9% and 97.3%, respectively.
Determination of clopidogrel using square wave voltammetry at a gold electrode
Authors: Mladenovic Aleksandar , Jovanovic Vladislava , Petrovic Slobodan , Mijin Dusan , Drmanic Sasa , Avramov-Ivic Milka
Published: October 2013

The determination of clopidogrel, an antiplatelet agent, was performed at a
gold electrode in pH 3.7 acetate buffer using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and
square wave voltammetry (SWV). Each voltammogram is characterized by the well
defined peak at approximately 1.0 V. The current of anodic stripping peak
exhibits linear dependence on the clopidogrel concentration in a range from
317.89 mg cm-3 to 935.16 mg cm-3. The obtained linearity was applied to
determine clopidogrel amount in the tablet form of pharmaceutical preparation
(Plavix?). The results were compared to the UV spectrophotometric and HPLC
method.
Stability of zirconia sol in the presence of various inorganic electrolytes
Authors: Markovic Jelena , Milonjic Slobodan , Leovac Vukadin
Published: October 2013

Zirconia sol was prepared from zirconium oxychloride solutions by forced
hydrolysis at 102?C. The prepared sol consisted of almost spherical,
monoclinic, hydrated zirconia particles 61 nm in diameter. The stability of
zirconia sol in the presence of various inorganic electrolytes (LiCl, NaCl,
KCl, CsCl, KBr, KI, KNO3, and K2SO4) was studied by potentiometric titration
method. Dependence of the critical concentration of coagulation (CCC) on the
dispersion pH was determined for all studied electrolytes. The critical
coagulation concentration values, for all investigated electrolytes, are
lower at higher pH. These values for all 1:1 electrolytes are equal in the
range of experimental error. For a given pH value, CCCs of K2SO4 are 3-4
orders of magnitude lower than the corresponding values for 1:1 electrolytes.
Pt monolayer shell on hollow Pd core electrocatalysts: Scale up synthesis, structure, and activity for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Vukmirovic Miomir , Yu Zhang , Wang Jia , Buceta David , Wu Lijun , Adzic Radoslav
Published: October 2013

We report on synthesis, characterization and the oxygen reduction reaction
(ORR) kinetics of Pt monolayer shell on Pd(hollow), or Pd-Au(hollow) core
electrocatalysts. Comparison between the ORR catalytic activity of the
electrocatalysts with hollow cores and those of Pt solid and Pt hollow
nanoparticles has been obtained using the rotating disk electrode technique.
Hollow nanoparticles were made using Ni or Cu nanoparticles as sacrificial
templates. The Pt ORR specific and mass activities of the electrocatalysts
with hollow cores were found considerably higher than those of the
electrocatalysts with the solid cores. We attribute this enhanced Pt activity
to the smooth surface morphology and hollow-induced lattice contraction, in
addition to the mass-saving geometry of hollow particles.
Approximation by complex summation-integral type operator in compact disks
Authors: Gupta Vijay , Yadav Rani
Published: October 2013

In the present paper we estimate a Voronovskaja type quantitative estimate for a certain type of complex Durrmeyer polynomials, which is different from those studied previously in the literature. Such estimation is in terms of analytic functions in the compact disks. In this way, we present the evidence of overconvergence phenomenon for this type of Durrmeyer polynomials, namely the extensions of approximation properties (with quantitative estimates) from real intervals to compact disks in the complex plane. In the end, we mention certain applications.
The Impact and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis in the Middle East: A Comparison with the Landmark Allergy Surveys from Other Worldwide Regions
Authors: Hadi Usamah H. , Rahman Hussain A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that significantly affects quality of life. It is associated with illness, disability, health care costs, and comorbidities such as asthma.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2011, a series of patient surveys were conducted covering the United States, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. This article compares data regarding disease burden, treatment patterns, and patient expectations in Middle Eastern countries with those from other regions.

Results

The surveys highlighted the relatively low use of intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs), the current “gold standard” treatment for allergic rhinitis. This may be because of side effects, lack of efficacy, or reduced effectiveness over time. A higher proportion of patients in the Middle East reported bothersome side effects of their prescription nasal sprays, and a higher proportion of these patients strongly agreed that there were no truly effective treatments for allergic rhinitis. This suggests that health care practitioners in the Middle East should be encouraged to explain the use of INCSs in greater depth to their patients.

Conclusion

There remains an unmet need in the treatment of nasal allergies worldwide. The allergy surveys highlight the key factors in choosing an INCS: fast, complete, and long-lasting symptom relief. There is opportunity for novel INCS treatments that address these needs while reducing troublesome side effects. Patient education must play a central role in treatment decision making, particularly in the Middle East, to achieve higher patient satisfaction.
A review of finite-element modelling in snow mechanics
Authors: Podolskiy E.A. , Chambon G. , Naaim M. , Gaume J.
Published: October 2013

The finite-element method (FEM) is one of the main numerical analysis methods in continuum mechanics and mechanics of solids (Huebner and others, 2001). Through mesh discretization of a given continuous domain into a finite number of sub-domains, or elements, the method finds approximate solutions to sets of simultaneous partial differential equations, which express the behavior of the elements and the entire system. For decades this methodology has played an accelerated role in mechanical engineering, structural analysis and, in particular, snow mechanics. To the best of our knowledge, the application of finite-element analysis in snow mechanics has never been summarized. Therefore, in this correspondence we provide a table with a detailed review of the main FEM studies on snow mechanics performed from 1971 to 2012 (40 papers), for facilitating comparison between different mechanical approaches, outlining numerical recipes and for future reference. We believe that this kind of compact review in a tabulated form will produce a snapshot of the state of the art, and thus become an appropriate, timely and beneficial reference for any relevant follow-up research, including, for example, not only snow avalanche questions, but also modeling of snow microstructure and tire–snow interaction. To that end, this correspondence is organized according to the following structure. Table 1 includes all essential information about previously published FEM studies originally developed to investigate stresses in snow with all corresponding mechanical and numerical parameters. Columns in Table 1 provide references to particular studies, placed in chronological order. Rows correspond to the main model parameters and other details of each considered case.
Animal Health and Welfare Issues Facing Organic Production Systems
Authors: Sutherland Mhairi , Webster Jim , Sutherland Ian
Published: October 2013

The demand for organically-grown produce is increasing worldwide, with one of the drivers being an expectation among consumers that animals have been farmed to a high standard of animal welfare. This review evaluates whether this expectation is in fact being met, by describing the current level of science-based knowledge of animal health and welfare in organic systems. The primary welfare risk in organic production systems appears to be related to animal health. Organic farms use a combination of management practices, alternative and complementary remedies and convenional medicines to manage the health of their animals and in many cases these are at least as effective as management practices employed by non-organic producers. However, in contrast to non-organic systems, there is still a lack of scientifically evaluated, organically acceptable therapeutic treatments that organic animal producers can use when current management practices are not sufficient to maintain the health of their animals. The development of such treatments are necessary to assure consumers that organic animal-based food and fibre has not only been produced with minimal or no chemical input, but under high standards of animal welfare.
Estimating Functions of Distributions Defined over Spaces of Unknown Size
Authors: Wolpert David , DeDeo Simon
Published: October 2013

We consider Bayesian estimation of information-theoretic quantities from data, using a Dirichlet prior. Acknowledging the uncertainty of the event space size m and the Dirichlet prior’s concentration parameter c, we treat both as random variables set by a hyperprior. We show that the associated hyperprior, P(c, m), obeys a simple “Irrelevance of Unseen Variables” (IUV) desideratum iff P(c, m) = P(c)P(m). Thus, requiring IUV greatly reduces the number of degrees of freedom of the hyperprior. Some information-theoretic quantities can be expressed multiple ways, in terms of different event spaces, e.g., mutual information. With all hyperpriors (implicitly) used in earlier work, different choices of this event space lead to different posterior expected values of these information-theoretic quantities. We show that there is no such dependence on the choice of event space for a hyperprior that obeys IUV. We also derive a result that allows us to exploit IUV to greatly simplify calculations, like the posterior expected mutual information or posterior expected multi-information. We also use computer experiments to favorably compare an IUV-based estimator of entropy to three alternative methods in common use. We end by discussing how seemingly innocuous changes to the formalization of an estimation problem can substantially affect the resultant estimates of posterior expectations.
Measurement of Lipid Droplet Accumulation Kinetics in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Using Seoul-Fluor
Authors: Park Jae , Na Sang , Lee Youngjun , Lee Sanghee , Park Seung , Jeon Noo
Published: October 2013

Alternative energy resources have become an important issue due to the limited stocks of petroleum-based fuel. Microalgae, a source of renewable biodiesel, use solar light to convert CO2 into lipid droplets (LDs). Quantification of LDs in microalgae is required for developing and optimizing algal bioprocess engineering. However, conventional quantification methods are both time and labor-intensive and difficult to apply in high-throughput screening systems. LDs in plant and mammalian cells can be visualized by staining with various fluorescence probes such as the Nile Red, BODIPY, and Seoul-Fluor (SF) series. This report describes the optimization of LD staining in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with SF probes via systematic variations of dye concentration, staining time, temperature, and pH. A protocol for quantitative measurement of accumulation kinetics of LDs in C. reinhardtii was developed using a spectrofluorimeter and the accuracy of LD size measurement was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results indicate that our spectrofluorimeter-based measurement approach can monitor kinetics of intracellular LDs (in control and nitrogen-source-starved Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) accumulation that has not been possible in the case of conventional imaging-based methods. Our results presented here confirmed that an SF44 can be a powerful tool for in situ monitoring and tracking of intracellular LDs formation.
Domestic Asbestos Exposure: A Review of Epidemiologic and Exposure Data
Authors: Goswami Emily , Craven Valerie , Dahlstrom David , Alexander Dominik , Mowat Fionna
Published: October 2013

Inhalation of asbestos resulting from living with and handling the clothing of workers directly exposed to asbestos has been established as a possible contributor to disease. This review evaluates epidemiologic studies of asbestos-related disease or conditions (mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pleural and interstitial abnormalities) among domestically exposed individuals and exposure studies that provide either direct exposure measurements or surrogate measures of asbestos exposure. A meta-analysis of studies providing relative risk estimates (n = 12) of mesothelioma was performed, resulting in a summary relative risk estimate (SRRE) of 5.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.48–10.13). This SRRE pertains to persons domestically exposed via workers involved in occupations with a traditionally high risk of disease from exposure to asbestos (i.e., asbestos product manufacturing workers, insulators, shipyard workers, and asbestos miners). The epidemiologic studies also show an elevated risk of interstitial, but more likely pleural, abnormalities (n = 6), though only half accounted for confounding exposures. The studies are limited with regard to lung cancer (n = 2). Several exposure-related studies describe results from airborne samples collected within the home (n = 3), during laundering of contaminated clothing (n = 1) or in controlled exposure simulations (n = 5) of domestic exposures, the latter of which were generally associated with low-level chrysotile-exposed workers. Lung burden studies (n = 6) were also evaluated as a surrogate of exposure. In general, available results for domestic exposures are lower than the workers’ exposures. Recent simulations of low-level chrysotile-exposed workers indicate asbestos levels commensurate with background concentrations in those exposed domestically.
Coal Combustion Wastes Reuse in Low Energy Artificial Aggregates Manufacturing
Authors: Ferone Claudio , Colangelo Francesco , Messina Francesco , Iucolano Fabio , Liguori Barbara , Cioffi Raffaele
Published: October 2013

Sustainable building material design relies mostly on energy saving processes, decrease of raw materials consumption, and increase of waste and by-products recycling. Natural and lightweight artificial aggregates production implies relevant environmental impact. This paper addresses both the issues of residues recycling and energy optimization. Particularly, three coal combustion wastes (Weathered Fly Ash, WFA; Wastewater Treatment Sludge, WTS; Desulfurization Device Sludge, DDS) supplied by the Italian electric utility company (ENEL) have been employed in the manufacture of cold bonded artificial aggregates. Previously, the residues have been characterized in terms of chemical and mineralogical compositions, water content, particle size distribution, and heavy metal release behavior. These wastes have been used in the mix design of binding systems with the only addition of lime. Finally, the artificial aggregates have been submitted to physical, mechanical, and leaching testing, revealing that they are potentially suitable for many civil engineering applications.
2-Hydrazinoquinoline as a Derivatization Agent for LC-MS-Based Metabolomic Investigation of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Lu Yuwei , Yao Dan , Chen Chi
Published: October 2013

Short-chain carboxylic acids, aldehydes and ketones are products and regulators of many important metabolic pathways. Their levels in biofluids and tissues reflect the status of specific metabolic reactions, the homeostasis of the whole metabolic system and the wellbeing of a biological entity. In this study, the use of 2-hydrazinoquinoline (HQ) as a novel derivatization agent was explored and optimized for simultaneous liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of carboxylic acids, aldehydes and ketones in biological samples. The formation of carboxylic acid derivative is attributed to the esterification reaction between HQ and a carboxyl group, while the production of aldehyde and ketone derivatives is through the formation of Schiff bases between HQ and a carbonyl group. The compatibility of HQ with biological samples was demonstrated by derivatizing urine, serum and liver extract samples. Using this HQ-based approach, the kinetics of type 1 diabetes-induced metabolic changes was characterized by the LC-MS-based metabolomic analysis of urine samples from streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice. Subsequently, carboxylic acid, aldehyde and ketone metabolites associated with STZ-elicited disruption of nutrient and energy metabolism were conveniently identified and elucidated. Overall, HQ derivatization of carboxylic acids, aldehydes and ketones could serve as a useful tool for the LC-MS-based metabolomic investigation of endogenous metabolism.
Computational Analyses of Spectral Trees from Electrospray Multi-Stage Mass Spectrometry to Aid Metabolite Identification
Authors: Cao Mingshu , Fraser Karl , Rasmussen Susanne
Published: October 2013

Mass spectrometry coupled with chromatography has become the major technical platform in metabolomics. Aided by peak detection algorithms, the detected signals are characterized by mass-over-charge ratio (m/z) and retention time. Chemical identities often remain elusive for the majority of the signals. Multi-stage mass spectrometry based on electrospray ionization (ESI) allows collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation of selected precursor ions. These fragment ions can assist in structural inference for metabolites of low molecular weight. Computational investigations of fragmentation spectra have increasingly received attention in metabolomics and various public databases house such data. We have developed an R package “iontree” that can capture, store and analyze MS2 and MS3 mass spectral data from high throughput metabolomics experiments. The package includes functions for ion tree construction, an algorithm (distMS2) for MS2 spectral comparison, and tools for building platform-independent ion tree (MS2/MS3) libraries. We have demonstrated the utilization of the package for the systematic analysis and annotation of fragmentation spectra collected in various metabolomics platforms, including direct infusion mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography coupled with either low resolution or high resolution mass spectrometry. Assisted by the developed computational tools, we have demonstrated that spectral trees can provide informative evidence complementary to retention time and accurate mass to aid with annotating unknown peaks. These experimental spectral trees once subjected to a quality control process, can be used for querying public MS2 databases or de novo interpretation. The putatively annotated spectral trees can be readily incorporated into reference libraries for routine identification of metabolites.
Comparison of Systolic Blood Pressure Values Obtained by Photoplethysmography and by Korotkoff Sounds
Authors: Nitzan Meir , Adar Yair , Hoffman Ellie , Shalom Eran , Engelberg Shlomo , Ben-Dov Iddo , Bursztyn Michael
Published: October 2013

In the current study, a non-invasive technique for systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement based on the detection of photoplethysmographic (PPG) pulses during pressure-cuff deflation was compared to sphygmomanometry—the Korotkoff sounds technique. The PPG pulses disappear for cuff-pressures above the SBP value and reappear when the cuff-pressure decreases below the SBP value. One hundred and twenty examinations were performed on forty subjects. In 97 examinations the two methods differed by less than 3 mmHg. In nine examinations the SBP value measured by PPG was higher than that measured by sphygmomanometry by 5 mmHg or more. In only one examination the former was lower by 5 mmHg or more than the latter. The appearance of either the PPG pulses or the Korotkoff sounds assures that the artery under the cuff is open during systolic peak pressure. In the nine examinations mentioned above the PPG pulses were observed while Korotkoff sounds were not detected, despite the open artery during systole. In these examinations, the PPG-based technique was more reliable than sphygmomanometry. The high signal-to-noise ratio of measured PPG pulses indicates that automatic measurement of the SBP by means of automatic detection of the PPG signals is feasible.
Role of Serum Levels of Angiogenic Cytokines in Assessment of Angiogenesis after Stem Cell Therapy of Diabetic Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Dubsky Michal , Jirkovska Alexandra , Bem Robert , Fejfarova Vladimira , Varga Martin , Kolesar Libor , Pagacova Libuse , Sykova Eva , Jude Edward. B.
Published: October 2013

The release of proangiogenic cytokines into the circulation after stem cell (SC) therapy and compensatory increase of angiogenesis inhibitors may reflect local vasculogenesis but also can increase the risk of side effects. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum levels of angiogenic cytokines with regard to the assessment of local and systemic vasculogenesis in diabetic patients with no-option critical limb ischemia (NO-CLI). Twenty-five diabetic patients with NO-CLI treated with SCs isolated from bone marrow or stimulated peripheral blood were included in the study. Serum levels of proangiogenic cytokines (VEGF, bFGF, Ang-1, PDGF-AA, and PDGF-BB) and an antiangiogenic cytokine (endostatin) were assessed 6 months after cell treatment, compared to baseline values, and correlated with the number of injected CD34+ cells. The clinical effect of SC therapy (assessed by changes in TcPO2) and potential systemic vasculogenesis (assessed by eye fundus examination) were evaluated after 6 months. Serum levels of angiogenic inhibitor endostatin increased significantly after 1 and 3 months ( p = 0.0003), but no significant increase in serum levels of proangiogenic cytokines was observed. A significant correlation between number of injected CD34+ cells and serum levels of endostatin was observed ( r = 0.41, p < 0.05); however, proangiogenic cytokines did not correlate with CD34+ cells. No correlation between increase in TcPO2 after treatment and serum levels of any of the angiogenic cytokines were seen, and no signs of systemic vasculogenesis in the retina were observed after 6 months. Despite the significant increase in the levels of the angiogenic inhibitor endostatin following SC treatment, there was no risk of systemic vasculogenesis after SC therapy as documented by serum levels of proangiogenic cytokines or changes in the retina.
Coculture with Mesenchymal Stem Cells Results in Improved Viability and Function of Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Fitzpatrick Emer , Wu Yue , Dhadda Paramjeet , Hughes Robin D. , Mitry Ragai R. , Qin Hong , Lehec Sharon C. , Heaton Nigel D. , Dhawan Anil
Published: October 2013

Hepatocyte transplantation is becoming an accepted therapy for acute liver failure, either as a bridge to liver regeneration or to organ transplantation. Hepatocytes provide liver function in place of the failing organ. The maintenance of sufficient viability and function of the transplanted hepatocytes is a concern. There is a lot of recent interest in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the provision of structural and trophic support to hepatocytes, but few studies currently use primary human hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate if coculture of human MSCs with cryopreserved human hepatocytes may improve their function and viability, thus with potential for cellular therapy of liver disease. MSCs were isolated from human umbilical cord or adipose tissue. Hepatocytes were isolated from donor organs unsuitable for transplantation. MSCs and hepatocytes were cocultured in both direct and indirect contact. Conditioned medium (CM) from cocultured MSCs and hepatocytes was also used on hepatocytes. Viability and liver-specific function were compared between test and controls. Human hepatocytes that were cocultured directly with MSCs demonstrated improved production of albumin from day 5 to day 25 of culture. This effect was most prominent at day 15. Likewise, urea production was improved in coculture from day 5 to 25. Indirect coculture demonstrated improved albumin production by day 4 (1,107 ng/ml) versus hepatocyte monoculture (940 ng/ml). Hepatocytes in CM demonstrated a nonsignificant improvement in function. The viability of cocultured hepatocytes was superior to that of monocultured cells with up to a 16% improvement. Thus, coculture of human hepatocytes with MSCs demonstrates both improved function and viability. The effect is seen mainly with direct coculture but can also be seen in indirect culture and with CM. Such coculture conditions may convey major advantages in hepatocyte survival and function for cell transplantation.
Characteristic Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex and Immune Privilege Genes in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Derivatives
Authors: Chen Hsin-Fu , Yu Chun-Ying , Chen Mei-Jou , Chou Shiu-Huey , Chiang Ming-Shan , Chou Wen-Hsi , Ko Bor-Sheng , Huang Hsiang-Po , Kuo Hung-Chih , Ho Hong-Nerng
Published: October 2013

Pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), have been regarded as useful sources for cell-based transplantation therapy. However, immunogenicity of the cells remains the major determinant for successful clinical application. We report the examination of several hESC lines (NTU1 and H9), hiPSC lines, and their derivatives (including stem cell-derived hepatocytes) for the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), natural killer (NK) cell receptor (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46) ligand, immune-related genes, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotyping, and the effects in functional mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Flow cytometry showed lower levels (percentages and fluorescence intensities) of MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules, β2-microglobulin, and HLA-E in undifferentiated stem cells. The levels were increased after cotreatment with interferon-γ and/or in vitro differentiation. Antigen-presenting cell markers (CD11c, CD80, and CD86) and MHC-II (HLA-DP, -DQ, and -DR) remained low throughout the treatments. Recognition of stem cells/derivatives by NK lysis receptors were lower or absent. Activation of responder lymphocytes was significantly lower by undifferentiated stem cells than by allogeneic lymphocytes in MLR, but differentiated NTU1 hESCs induced a cell number-dependent lymphocyte proliferation comparable with that by allogeneic lymphocytes. Interestingly, activation of lymphocytes by differentiated hiPSCs or H9 cells became blunted at higher cell numbers. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) showed significant differential expression of immune privilege genes ( TGF-β2, Arginase 2, Indole 1, GATA3, POMC, VIP, CALCA, CALCB, IL-1RN, CD95L, CR1L, Serpine 1, HMOX1, IL6, LGALS3, HEBP1, THBS1, CD59, and LGALS1) in pluripotent stem cells/derivatives when compared to somatic cells. It was concluded that pluripotent stem cells/derivatives are predicted to be immunogenic, though evidence suggests some level of potential immune privilege. In addition, differential immunogenicity may exist between different pluripotent stem cell lines and their derivatives.
Transplantation of Enteric Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells into the Irradiated Young Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Osman Ahmed M. , Zhou Kai , Zhu Changlian , Blomgren Klas
Published: October 2013

Radiotherapy is an effective teatment for brain tumors but often results in cognitive deficits in survivors. Transplantation of embryonic or brain-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (BNSPCs) ameliorated cognitive impairment after irradiation (IR) in animal models. However, such an approach in patients requires a clinically relevant source of cells. We show for the first time the utilization of enteric neural stem/progenitor cells (ENSPCs) from the postnatal intestinal wall as a source of autologous cells for brain repair after injury caused by IR. Cells were isolated from the intestinal wall and propagated in vitro for 1 week. Differentiation assays showed that ENSPCs are multipotent and generated neurons, astrocytes, and myofibroblasts. To investigate whether ENSPCs can be used in vivo, postnatal day 9 mice were subjected to a single moderate irradiation dose (6 or 8 Gy). Twelve days later, mice received an intrahippocampal injection of syngeneic ENSPCs. Four weeks after transplantation, 0.5% and 1% of grafted ENSPCs were detected in the dentate gyrus of sham and irradiated animals, respectively, and only 0.1% was detected after 16 weeks. Grafted ENSPCs remained undifferentiated but failed to restore IR-induced loss of BNSPCs and the subsequent impaired growth of the dentate gyrus. We observed microglia activation, astogliosis, and loss of granule neurons associated with grafted ENSPC clusters. Transplantation of ENSPCs did not ameliorate IR-induced impaired learning and memory. In summary, while autologous ENSPC grafting to the brain worked technically, even in the absence of immunosuppression, the protocols need to be modified to improve survival and integration.