bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of EDTA on the Nucleation Kinetics and Mechanical Properties of KDP Crystal
Authors: Rahman A. , Podder J.
Published: September 2012

Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate (KDP) has been successfully grown in pure form and doped with ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) by low temperature solution growth technique and nucleation kinetics of KDP crystals in doped and undoped solutions were measured and analyzed. The induction period ? was measured and experiments were performed at selected degrees of supersaturation and the critical nucleation parameters like energy of formation of the critical nucleus (?G*), radius of the critical nucleus r*, nucleation rate J, number of the molecules in the critical nucleus i* have been calculated based on the classical theory of nucleation. The grown crystals have been subjected to study the mechanical property. The microhardness test was carried out on (100) plane. The load dependent hardness and work hardening coefficient was measured.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i3.9415 J. Sci. Res. 4 (3), 533-540 (2012)
Newly Synthesized Ti5Al2C3: Electronic and Optical Properties by First-principles Method
Authors: Ali M. S. , Islam A. K. M. A. , Hossain M. A.
Published: September 2012

A theoretical study of the newly identified Ti5Al2C3 belonging to the MAX phases has been performed by using the first-principles pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The energy band structure and optical properties are reported for the first time. It is seen that Ti 3d electrons mainly contribute to the DOS at the Fermi level, and should be involved in the conduction properties. The parameters of optical properties (dielectric functions, absorption spectrum, conductivity, energy-loss spectrum and reflectivity) for Ti5Al2C3 are calculated and discussed. The material has a large positive static dielectric constant of 130 which indicates it to be a good dielectric material. Further the reflectivity of Ti5Al2C3 is high in the infrared-visible-UV region up to ~ 9.7 eV showing promise as a good coating material to avoid solar heating.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i3.9891 J. Sci. Res. 4 (3), 569-575 (2012)
Effects of Combination of Antidiabetic Agent and Statin on Alloxan-induced Diabetes with Cardiovascular Diseases in Rats
Authors: Islam M. S. , Alam A. H. M. K. , Rahman M. A. A. , Ali Y. , Mamun Al , Rahman M. , Hossain A. K. M. M. , Rashid M.
Published: September 2012

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of combination drugs (metformin and atorvastatin) on long-term alloxan-induced diabetes with CVD in rats. In short-term alloxan-induced diabetic rats, metformin reduced significant amount of glucose in blood, but it had no significant effect on lipid profile. Atorvastatin significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C, whereas it increased significant amount of HDL-C. However, pathological changes of heart were not observed after short-term induction of alloxan in rats. In long-term induction of diabetes by alloxan, LV hypertrophy was observed and cardimyocyte size in rats was increased. Atorvastatin alone and in combination with metformin significantly reduced the LV hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte size, TC, TG and LDL-C level. They increased significant amount of HDL-C level and showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Present findings may suggest that treatment with combination therapy is more effective than mono-therapy for preventing diabetes with CVD in rats.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i3.9974 J. Sci. Res. 4 (3), 709-720 (2012)
In Vitro Cytotoxic and Anthelmintic Activities of Leonurus sibiricus L.
Authors: Saha M. R. , Ul Bari F.M.S.N. , Rahman M. A. , Islam M. A.
Published: September 2012

This study investigated the cytotoxic and anthelmintic activities of Leonurus sibiricus L. (commonly known as Raktodrone in Bangladesh) belonging to the family Labiatae. The dried leaves and roots of L. sibiricus were extracted with methanol and fractionated by modified Kupchan method. The crude methanolic extracts as well as its soluble fractions of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform were screened for cytotoxic activity using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. They were found to possess significant cytotoxic activities. The LC50 values of crude extract of leaves and its pet-ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform soluble fractions were 1.0, 2.0, 2.11 and1.33 µg/ml, respectively. On the other hand, the LC50 of crude methanolic extract of roots and fractions of pet-ether, ethyl acetate and chloroform were 2.0µg/ml, 2.81 µg/ml, 3.55 µg/ml and 7.58µg/ml, respectively. Vincristine sulphate was used as positive control. The crude methanol extract of leaves and roots also showed very good anthelmintic activities as determined against the earthworms, Pheretima posthuma. The study confirms the moderate anthelmintic and potent cytotoxic activities of leaf and root extracts of L. sibiricus.© 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i3.9998 J. Sci. Res. 4 (3), 721-727 (2012)
Stress Response Pathways in Ameloblasts: Implications for Amelogenesis and Dental Fluorosis
Authors: Sierant Megan L. , Bartlett John D.
Published: August 2012

Human enamel development of the permanent teeth takes place during childhood and stresses encountered during this period can have lasting effects on the appearance and structural integrity of the enamel. One of the most common examples of this is the development of dental fluorosis after childhood exposure to excess fluoride, an elemental agent used to increase enamel hardness and prevent dental caries. Currently the molecular mechanism responsible for dental fluorosis remains unknown; however, recent work suggests dental fluorosis may be the result of activated stress response pathways in ameloblasts during the development of permanent teeth. Using fluorosis as an example, the role of stress response pathways during enamel maturation is discussed.
Next Generation Sequence Analysis and Computational Genomics Using Graphical Pipeline Workflows
Authors: Torri Federica , Dinov Ivo D. , Zamanyan Alen , Hobel Sam , Genco Alex , Petrosyan Petros , Clark Andrew P. , Liu Zhizhong , Eggert Paul , Pierce Jonathan , Knowles James A. , Ames Joseph , Kesselman Carl , Toga Arthur W. , Potkin Steven G. , Vawter Marquis P. , Macciardi Fabio
Published: August 2012

Whole-genome and exome sequencing have already proven to be essential and powerful methods to identify genes responsible for simple Mendelian inherited disorders. These methods can be applied to complex disorders as well, and have been adopted as one of the current mainstream approaches in population genetics. These achievements have been made possible by next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, which require substantial bioinformatics resources to analyze the dense and complex sequence data. The huge analytical burden of data from genome sequencing might be seen as a bottleneck slowing the publication of NGS papers at this time, especially in psychiatric genetics. We review the existing methods for processing NGS data, to place into context the rationale for the design of a computational resource. We describe our method, the Graphical Pipeline for Computational Genomics (GPCG), to perform the computational steps required to analyze NGS data. The GPCG implements flexible workflows for basic sequence alignment, sequence data quality control, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, copy number variant identification, annotation, and visualization of results. These workflows cover all the analytical steps required for NGS data, from processing the raw reads to variant calling and annotation. The current version of the pipeline is freely available at http://pipeline.loni.ucla.edu. These applications of NGS analysis may gain clinical utility in the near future (e.g., identifying miRNA signatures in diseases) when the bioinformatics approach is made feasible. Taken together, the annotation tools and strategies that have been developed to retrieve information and test hypotheses about the functional role of variants present in the human genome will help to pinpoint the genetic risk factors for psychiatric disorders.
Prenatal Vitamin D Deficiency Induces an Early and More Severe Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in the Second Generation
Authors: Fernandes de Abreu Diana Andrea , Landel Véréna , Barnett Adrian G. , McGrath John , Eyles Darryl , Feron Francois
Published: August 2012

In a previous study, we demonstrated that mouse adult F1 offspring, exposed to a vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy, developed a less severe and delayed Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE), when compared with control offspring. We then wondered whether a similar response was observed in the subsequent generation. To answer this question, we assessed F2 females whose F1 parents (males or females) were vitamin D-deprived when developing in the uterus of F0 females. Unexpectedly, we observed that the vitamin D deficiency affecting the F0 pregnant mice induced a precocious and more severe EAE in the F2 generation. This paradoxical finding led us to assess its implications for the epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in humans. Using the REFGENSEP database for MS trios (the patient and his/her parents), we collected the parents’ dates of birth and assessed a potential season of birth effect that could potentially be indicative of the vitamin D status of the pregnant grandmothers. A trend for a reduced number of births in the Fall for the parents of MS patients was observed but statistical significance was not reached. Further well powered studies are warranted to validate the latter finding.
A Comparison of Fruit Chemical Characteristics of Two Wild Grown Rubus Species from Different Locations of Croatia
Authors: Dujmović Purgar Dubravka , Duralija Boris , Voća Sandra , Vokurka Aleš , Ercisli Sezai
Published: August 2012

The main focus of our study was to investigate differences in nutritional (dry matter, soluble solids content, total acidity and pH value) and bioactive values (ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total phenols, and non-flavonoids content) of wild grown raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and blackberry (Rubus discolor) genotypes harvested from native populations in Croatia. The average total acidity ranged from 0.93 to 1.72% in R. discolor and 1.57 to 1.91% in R. idaeus. Ascorbic acid was found between 22.34 mg and 45.00 mg 100 g−1 in R. idaeus, while it was between 30.64 mg and 33.09 mg 100 g−1 in R. discolor genotypes. A great variability in total anthocyanins was detected in Croatian wild blackberry and raspberry genotypes, ranging from 2,226 to 2,367 mg kg−1 for blackberries and 279 to 582 mg kg−1 for raspberries, indicating wild blackberries are particularly rich in anthocyanins. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that investigated wild growing fruit species have a great potential in nutritive research, as well as in biodiversity research. It is necessary to carry out further investigation and evaluation of wild growing fruit species to utilize them in the most appropriate way, as well as conservation of interesting accessions in the gene banks.
Optimization of Sampling Positions for Measuring Ventilation Rates in Naturally Ventilated Buildings Using Tracer Gas
Authors: Shen Xiong , Zong Chao , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: August 2012

Finding out the optimal sampling positions for measurement of ventilation rates in a naturally ventilated building using tracer gas is a challenge. Affected by the wind and the opening status, the representative positions inside the building may change dynamically at any time. An optimization procedure using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was conducted. In this method, the concentration field inside the building was estimated by a three-order RSM polynomial model. The experimental sampling positions to develop the model were chosen from the cross-section area of a pitched-roof building. The Optimal Design method which can decrease the bias of the model was adopted to select these sampling positions. Experiments with a scale model building were conducted in a wind tunnel to achieve observed values of those positions. Finally, the models in different cases of opening states and wind conditions were established and the optimum sampling position was obtained with a desirability level up to 92% inside the model building. The optimization was further confirmed by another round of experiments.
Smart Sensor for Online Detection of Multiple-Combined Faults in VSD-Fed Induction Motors
Authors: Garcia-Ramirez Armando G. , Osornio-Rios Roque A. , Granados-Lieberman David , Garcia-Perez Arturo , Romero-Troncoso Rene J.
Published: August 2012

Induction motors fed through variable speed drives (VSD) are widely used in different industrial processes. Nowadays, the industry demands the integration of smart sensors to improve the fault detection in order to reduce cost, maintenance and power consumption. Induction motors can develop one or more faults at the same time that can be produce severe damages. The combined fault identification in induction motors is a demanding task, but it has been rarely considered in spite of being a common situation, because it is difficult to identify two or more faults simultaneously. This work presents a smart sensor for online detection of simple and multiple-combined faults in induction motors fed through a VSD in a wide frequency range covering low frequencies from 3 Hz and high frequencies up to 60 Hz based on a primary sensor being a commercially available current clamp or a hall-effect sensor. The proposed smart sensor implements a methodology based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT), RMS calculation and artificial neural networks (ANN), which are processed online using digital hardware signal processing based on field programmable gate array (FPGA).
Acoustoelectric Effect on the Responses of SAW Sensors Coated with Electrospun ZnO Nanostructured Thin Film
Authors: Tasaltin Cihat , Ebeoglu Mehmet Ali , Ozturk Zafer Ziya
Published: August 2012

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) was a very good candidate for improving the sensitivity of gas sensor technology. The preparation of an electrospun ZnO nanostructured thin film on a 433 MHz Rayleigh wave based Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor and the investigation of the acoustoelectric effect on the responses of the SAW sensor are reported. We prepared an electrospun ZnO nanostructured thin film on the SAW devices by using an electrospray technique. To investigate the dependency of the sensor response on the structure and the number of the ZnO nanoparticles, SAW sensors were prepared with different coating loads. The coating frequency shifts were adjusted to fall between 100 kHz and 2.4 MHz. The sensor measurements were performed against VOCs such as acetone, trichloroethylene, chloroform, ethanol, n-propanol and methanol vapor. The sensor responses of n-propanol have opposite characteristics to the other VOCs, and we attributed these characteristics to the elastic effect/acoustoelectric effect.
Applying Developmental Criminology to Law: Reconsidering Juvenile Sex Offenses
Authors: Tolan Patrick H , Walker Tammi , Reppucci N. Dickon
Published: August 2012

In this article we apply a developmental psychology analysis to sex offender laws and policies for adolescents to examine how such laws and policies, derived primarily from downward extension of adult criminal predatory sexual offender statutes and policies, serve the early identification of predators, constraint of such behavior, and/or engagement in rehabilitation. This focus is framed within advances in the past 20 years in the understanding of neurobiology and the social development of adolescence and in the understanding of the makeup of the population potentially coming under juvenile sex offender regulations. We find a significant mismatch between the prevailing laws and policies and the scientific knowledge about adolescents' development and the intended service to public safety. We provide suggestions from the attending empirical knowledge for increasing differentiation in the understanding of and treatment of adolescents and adult offenders. We also suggest heterogeneity, or subgroup differences, within the adolescent population now considered offenders are an important contributor to the mismatch. We discuss the benefits of structuring policies and laws so they are grounded in a developmental understanding of behavior, which will likely lead to a reduction in recidivism and an increase in public safety. Similarly, important research efforts to shore up understanding are proposed.
Receptivity to Research in Policing
Authors: Lum Cynthia , Telep Cody W. , Koper Christopher S. , Grieco Julie
Published: August 2012

Evidence-based policing—using research and scientific processes to inform police decisions—is a complex approach to policing that involves various challenges. One primary difficulty is how research can be translated into digestible and familiar forms for practitioners. A central part of successful translation is the receptivity of decisionmakers to research as well as how research is presented and packaged to increase receptivity. In this article we first discuss the complexity of evidence-based policing, highlighting the much-lamented gap between research and practice. We review research from other disciplines and also in policing about what contributes to research being better received and used by practitioners. We then describe our own receptivity survey, offering preliminary findings about the receptivity of officers to research, researchers, and tactics influenced by research. Finally, we conclude with examples of the types of efforts practitioners and researchers can engage in that might improve receptivity to research. Specifically, we discuss the Evidence-Based Policing Matrix as a research translation tool, as well as multiple demonstrations conducted by the authors that focus on institutionalizing the use of research into daily police activities.
Reducing Crime and Criminal Justice Costs: Washington State's Evolving Research Approach
Authors: Drake Elizabeth K.
Published: August 2012

A series of public policy reforms put into place since the mid-1990s has helped move Washington state toward an “evidence-based” juvenile justice system. The central concept behind these reforms is to identify and implement strategies shown through rigorous research to reduce crime cost-effectively. Using a benefit-cost model developed by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, this article describes the conceptual methods behind the Institute's approach to demonstrating cost-effectiveness of programs that reduce crime within the policy context of Washington's juvenile justice system. Evidence-based reforms have been a gradual, intentional process, requiring the continued efforts of statewide stakeholders.
Does the subject have a gender?
Authors: Sang Ong-Van-Cung Kim
Published: August 2012

Dans cette étude, je propose une reconstruction de la description phénoménologique du corps-sujet, en particulier avec Merleau-Ponty et Simone de Beauvoir. Le point de vue phénoménologique est en effet la seule perspective philosophique qui thématise la question de la différence sexuelle. L’ontologie du corps-sujet parvient-elle à expliquer l’identification à un genre et à rendre compte de la différence sexuelle ? Et si être un sujet sexué, c’est s’identifier à un genre, à des normes de genre, comme le soutient Judith Butler, est-il possible de se passer de l’apport que la psychanalyse fournit sur cette question de l’identification et comment est-il possible d’en faire usage ? Je montre que l’identification à un genre relève du performatif, de la citation d’un fragment imagé d’une « scène » de désir qui tire son évidence de s’oublier (comme citation). En m’aidant du conatus de Spinoza, et en dépit de l’aporie du sujet féminin, j’essaie d’envisager l’identification au genre d’une manière qui ne soit pas mélancolique.
The jouissance of the soma and the subjective metaphor in the contemporary social link: three cases of auto-immune and idiopathic disease
Authors: Malichin Katerina
Published: August 2012

L’augmentation brutale des maladies auto-immunes relève de la nouvelle clinique de la société contemporaine sous l’imposition du discours du capitaliste. La place du sujet dans le symbolique est transformée : Sujets présents, mais non dénommés. La maladie auto-immune ou idiopathique ébranle le sujet et le corps. Le Discours de la médecine et de la science ne suffit pas pour la connaître, et pour cela nous la considérons comme un phénomène psychosomatique selon l’enseignement de Lacan. Il s’agit d’une autopoïèse du sujet dans une procédure de métaphore subjective où le corps devient barrière de la jouissance et lieu d’inscription de la perte.
1974. Autour de L'Anti-Œdipe
Authors: David-Ménard Monique
Published: August 2012

La publication, en 1972, de L’Anti-Œdipe. Capitalisme et schizophrénie, par Gilles Deleuze et Félix Guattari, marque l’éloignement sans explication entre les psychanalystes et les philosophes critiques du « complexe d’Œdipe », considéré comme un mythe forgé par Freud. En lisant trois prises de position sur « l’Œdipe », qui ont suivi cette publication – celles de Jacques Lacan, de Michel Foucault et de Wladimir Granoff –, il s’agit d’évaluer pour aujourd’hui l’intérêt de ce débat manqué il y a quarante ans.
Le sujet a-t-il un genre ?
Authors: Sang Ong-Van-Cung Kim
Published: August 2012

Dans cette étude, je propose une reconstruction de la description phénoménologique du corps-sujet, en particulier avec Merleau-Ponty et Simone de Beauvoir. Le point de vue phénoménologique est en effet la seule perspective philosophique qui thématise la question de la différence sexuelle. L’ontologie du corps-sujet parvient-elle à expliquer l’identification à un genre et à rendre compte de la différence sexuelle ? Et si être un sujet sexué, c’est s’identifier à un genre, à des normes de genre, comme le soutient Judith Butler, est-il possible de se passer de l’apport que la psychanalyse fournit sur cette question de l’identification et comment est-il possible d’en faire usage ? Je montre que l’identification à un genre relève du performatif, de la citation d’un fragment imagé d’une « scène » de désir qui tire son évidence de s’oublier (comme citation). En m’aidant du conatus de Spinoza, et en dépit de l’aporie du sujet féminin, j’essaie d’envisager l’identification au genre d’une manière qui ne soit pas mélancolique.
Les souffrances du dévoilement sexuel
Authors: Pommier François
Published: August 2012

À propos de situations cliniques, il s’agira de montrer dans quelle mesure le dévoilement du choix d’objet homosexuel aux proches et à la famille tout particulièrement, reste une démarche difficile en dépit des années sida et d’une soi-disant libération des mœurs. C’est une question à laquelle nous nous sommes souvent trouvé confronté dans notre pratique clinique, non seulement avec des patients sidéens en psychothérapie ou en psychanalyse mais aussi plus généralement avec des sujets qui consultent pour tout autre chose et qui en viennent assez vite au problème de leur homosexualité débutante et cachée qu’ils vont devoir exprimer verbalement.
Les fondements du savoir psychiatrique sur la sexualité déviante au XIXe siècle
Authors: Chaperon Sylvie
Published: August 2012

Au prix d’un certain schématisme, l’historien du XIXe siècle peut voir se succéder trois modèles scientifiques encadrant les théories et les pratiques médicales mobilisés autour des déviants sexuels. Dans le premier tiers du siècle, les pionniers de l’aliénisme français formulent la monomanie qui se décline en nymphomanie, érotomanie, satyriasis et, plus tardivement, masturbation. La plupart des observations médicales portent sur des femmes ou des fillettes. Ce cadre théorique, mal dégagé de la culture religieuse, n’est pas sans faire penser aux tentations du démon, il est très contesté. La théorie de la dégénérescence, énoncée à la fin des années 1850, triomphe dans le dernier tiers du siècle où se fixe la nomenclature des perversions. Cette fois, la grande majorité des observations de pervers porte sur des hommes et on peut s’interroger sur le changement du genre des malades qui accompagne ce changement de paradigme. Enfin, au tournant du siècle, s’ébauche une psychologie de la vie sexuelle dont Freud donnera une formulation théorique synthétique.
Des bâtiments écologiques : un moyen d'améliorer la rentabilité des organisations ?
Authors: Domard Jean-Michel , Lanoie Paul
Published: August 2012

Résumé Dans un contexte d’affaires marqué par une crise énergétique croissante et une institutionnalisation progressive du développement durable, les actifs à long terme – et notamment les bâtiments – sont cruciaux pour le positionnement stratégique des entreprises. Afin d’éclairer les gestionnaires dans leurs décisions d’investissement, cet article présente une synthèse des écrits sur la rentabilité des bâtiments durables en Amérique du Nord. Il apparaît que si les bâtiments « verts » comportent un coût initial additionnel, les gains potentiels qu’ils permettent, du côté de l’augmentation des revenus ou de celui de la réduction des coûts, peuvent être la source d’un avantage concurrentiel à la fois pour les entreprises de l’immobilier qui construisent ces édifices et pour les entreprises commerciales qui s’y installent. Fonctions : management, comptabilité, GOP, finance
Effects of algal diets and starvation on growth, survival and fatty acid composition of Solen marginatus (Bivalvia: Solenidae) larvae
Authors: Da Costa Fiz , Nóvoa Susana , Ojea Justa , Martínez-Patiño Dorotea
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is necessary to feed Solen marginatus (Pennánt, 1777) larvae externally and the evolution of fatty acids in the neutral and polar lipids during larval development in starved larvae and larvae fed on two different microalgal diets. Larvae were subjected to three different treatments: 1. 10 equivalent cells (Isochrysis galbana, Pavlova lutheri and Chaetoceros calcitrans) plus 20 equivalent cells of Tetraselmis suecica; 2. 80 equivalent cells of I. galbana and 3. starvation during eight days, and then individuals were re-fed on diet 1. The best results for growth were observed in larvae fed on diet 1. Starved larvae reached the best survival rate at day 8 (66%). However, three days after re-feeding all larvae died, suggesting that the “point of no return” was exceeded. In spite of the large size of S. marginatus eggs and the great amount of stored reserves, the larvae need to feed on microalgae to undergo metamorphosis. Non-methyle-interrupted dienoic fatty acids and their precursors 16:1n-7 and 18:1n-9 are of great importance in starved larvae. Saturated fatty acids, especially 16:0, fuel larval development. A certain degree of bioconversion of 18:2n-6 to 20:4n-6 was observed in S. marginatus larvae.
Comparison of satellite altimetry sea level anomalies and hydrographic observations in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Mir Calafat Francisco , Marcos Moreno Marta
Published: August 2012

Steric sea level (SSL) computed from hydrographic observations in the Mediterranean Sea is compared against altimetric sea level anomalies (SLA) at seasonal and inter-annual time scales for the period 1993-2008. SSL (referenced to 300 m) is computed using two data sets: in situ profiles and gridded products obtained from interpolated observations. The impact of expendable/mechanical bathythermograph (XBT/MBT) biases affecting some of the in situ profiles is investigated by comparing both corrected and uncorrected data. For the period 2003-2008 the mass component is estimated from GRACE observations and subtracted from SLA. The analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of profiles shows that the number of profiles with data below 300 m is a small percentage of the total and that their spatial coverage of the Mediterranean basin is very limited. This is an important handicap for regions where the contribution of the deep layers to SSL is significant. Overall, SSL and SLA are shown to be consistent in the Mediterranean at seasonal time scales, although the annual amplitude of the SSL from in situ profiles and interpolated data is considerably smaller than that of the SLA. The agreement at inter-annual time scales is less good. At some particular locations SSL computed from individual profiles is more correlated with SLA than the gridded products. At basin and sub-basin scales, however, interpolated and in situ observations provide similar results in terms of their correlation with observed SLA. The XBT/MBT bias corrections have little effect on the SSL at the time scales considered in this study.
Lack of the Lectin-like Domain of Thrombomodulin Worsens Shiga Toxin-Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Mice
Authors: Zoja Carlamaria , Locatelli Monica , Pagani Chiara , Corna Daniela , Zanchi Cristina , Isermann Berend , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Conway Edward M. , Noris Marina
Published: September 2012

Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli is a primary cause of diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disorder of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure. The pathophysiology of renal microvascular thrombosis in Stx-HUS is still ill-defined. Based on evidence that abnormalities in thrombomodulin (TM), an anticoagulant endothelial glycoprotein that modulates complement and inflammation, predispose to atypical HUS, we assessed whether impaired TM function may adversely affect evolution of Stx-HUS. Disease was induced by coinjection of Stx2/LPS in wild-type mice (TMwt/wt) and mice that lack the lectin-like domain of TM (TMLeD/LeD), which is critical for its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. After Stx2/LPS, TMLeD/LeD mice exhibited more severe thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction than TMwt/wt mice. Lack of lectin-like domain of TM resulted in a stronger inflammatory reaction after Stx2/LPS with more neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages infiltrating the kidney, associated with PECAM-1 and chemokine upregulation. After Stx2/LPS, intraglomerular fibrin(ogen) deposits were detected earlier in TMLeD/LeD than in TMwt/wt mice. More abundant fibrin(ogen) deposits were also found in brain and lungs. Under basal conditions, TMLeD/LeD mice exhibited excess glomerular C3 deposits, indicating impaired complement regulation in the kidney that could lead to local accumulation of proinflammatory products. TMLeD/LeD mice with HUS had a higher mortality rate than TMwt/wt mice. If applicable to humans, these findings raise the possibility that genetic or acquired TM defects might have an impact on the severity of microangiopathic lesions after exposure to Stx-producing E. coli infections and raise the potential for using soluble TM in the treatment of Stx-HUS.
IL-10 Triggers Changes in Macrophage Phenotype That Promote Muscle Growth and Regeneration
Authors: Deng Bo , Wehling-Henricks Michelle , Villalta S. Armando , Wang Ying , Tidball James G.
Published: August 2012

We examined the function of IL-10 in regulating changes in macrophage phenotype during muscle growth and regeneration following injury. Our findings showed that the Th1 cytokine response in inflamed muscle is characterized by high levels of expression of CD68, CCL-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 at 1 d postinjury. During transition to the Th2 cytokine response, expression of those transcripts declined, whereas CD163, IL-10, IL-10R1, and arginase-1 increased. Ablation of IL-10 amplified the Th1 response at 1 d postinjury, causing increases in IL-6 and CCL2, while preventing a subsequent increase in CD163 and arginase-1. Reductions in muscle fiber damage that normally occurred between 1 and 4 d postinjury did not occur in IL-10 mutants. In addition, muscle regeneration and growth were greatly slowed by loss of IL-10. Furthermore, myogenin expression increased in IL-10 mutant muscle at 1 d postinjury, suggesting that the mutation amplified the transition from the proliferative to the early differentiation stages of myogenesis. In vitro assays showed that stimulation of muscle cells with IL-10 had no effect on cell proliferation or expression of MyoD or myogenin. However, coculturing muscle cells with macrophages activated with IL-10 to the M2 phenotype increased myoblast proliferation without affecting MyoD or myogenin expression, showing that M2 macrophages promote the early, proliferative stage of myogenesis. Collectively, these data show that IL-10 plays a central role in regulating the switch of muscle macrophages from a M1 to M2 phenotype in injured muscle in vivo, and this transition is necessary for normal growth and regeneration of muscle.
Evidence of IgY Subclass Diversification in Snakes: Evolutionary Implications
Authors: Wang Tao , Sun Yi , Shao Wenwei , Cheng Gang , Li Lingxiao , Cao Zubing , Yang Zhi , Zou Huiying , Zhang Wei , Han Binyue , Hu Yang , Ren Liming , Hu Xiaoxiang , Guo Ying , Fei Jing , Hammarström Lennart , Li Ning , Zhao Yaofeng
Published: August 2012

Mammalian IgG and IgE are thought to have evolved from IgY of nonmammalian tetrapods; however, no diversification of IgY subclasses has been reported in reptiles or birds, which are phylogenetically close to mammals. To our knowledge, we report the first evidence of the presence of multiple IgY-encoding (υ) genes in snakes. Two υ genes were identified in the snake Elaphe taeniura, and three υ genes were identified in the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus). Although four of the υ genes displayed a conventional four-H chain C region exon structure, one of the υ genes in the Burmese python lacked the H chain C region 2 exon, thus exhibiting a structure similar to that of the mammalian γ genes. We developed mouse mAbs specific for the IgY1 and IgY2 of E. taeniura and showed that both were expressed in serum; each had two isoforms: one full-length and one truncated at the C terminus. The truncation was not caused by alternative splicing or transcriptional termination. We also identified the μ and δ genes, but no α gene, in both snakes. This study provides valuable clues for our understanding of Ig gene evolution in tetrapods.
Tension Gastrothorax Complicating Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Suspicion is the Key
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Rosha Deepak , Dash Sananta K. , Chand Trilok
Published: August 2012

Gastrothorax is characterized by herniation of the stomach and other abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity either through the oesophageal hiatus or ruptured diaphragm. When gastrothorax causes pulmonary and hemodynamic compromise, due to compression of lungs and mediastinal structures, it is named as tension gastrothorax. Diagnosis of tension gastrothorax is often complicated during late pregnancy, because of unusual presentation, altered physiology, absence of trauma, hesitation about radiation exposure, and rarity of the condition. We report a case of a patient, in her 32nd week of pregnancy, who presented with left tension gastrothorax. Lower segment caesarean section was planned after steroid therapy, with all the preparations for thoracotomy. Intra-operatively, stomach, spleen, and colon were found herniated in the left hemithorax, through a ruptured left hemidiaphragm. Thoracotomy was done immediately after caesarean section, with reduction of herniated contents and repair of the defect in the diaphragm. The patient and her baby were discharged in stable condition 2 weeks after thoracotomy.
Cloud Computing for Comparative Genomics with Windows Azure Platform
Authors: Kim Insik , Jung Jae-Yoon , DeLuca Todd F. , Nelson Tristan H. , Wall Dennis P.
Published: August 2012

Cloud computing services have emerged as a cost-effective alternative for cluster systems as the number of genomes and required computation power to analyze them increased in recent years. Here we introduce the Microsoft Azure platform with detailed execution steps and a cost comparison with Amazon Web Services.
OAC Amber winter durum wheat
Authors: Tamburic-Ilincic Lily , Smid Arend , Griffey Carl
Published: August 2012

Tamburic-Ilincic, L., Smid, A. and Griffey, C. 2012. OAC Amber winter durum wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 973–975. OAC Amber is the first winter durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It is an awned wheat with amber colored kernels, high test weight, kernel weight, and protein level with good winter hardiness. OAC Amber has good resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) but is moderately susceptible to powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) and leaf blotch (Septoria tritici), and susceptible to Fusarium head blight (FHB). OAC Amber is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of Ontario.
Testing irrigation, day/night foliar spraying, foliar calcium and growth inhibitor as possible cultural practices to reduce tipburn in lettuce
Authors: Corriveau Jennifer , Gaudreau Linda , Caron Jean , Jenni Sylvie , Gosselin André
Published: August 2012

Corriveau, J., Gaudreau, L., Caron, J., Jenni, S. and Gosselin, A. 2012. Testing irrigation, day/night foliar spraying, foliar calcium and growth inhibitor possible as cultural practices to reduce tipburn in lettuce. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 889–899. Most of the lettuce produced in Quebec, Canada, is grown in organic soils in the area south of Montreal. Regularly, producers experience tipburn damage to their crop, a physiological disorder associated with Ca deficiency along the margins of young actively growing leaves. Therefore, active research is ongoing to reduce damage associated with this disorder. Two greenhouse trials on Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. ‘Sunbelt’) were conducted to measure the effect of day and night foliar water spraying, irrigation, foliar application of prohexadione calcium (a growth inhibitor) and foliar application of Ca on lettuce growth and incidence of tipburn. None of the treatments had a significant effect on biomass, dry weight, leaf number or leaf area in lettuce. However, the results show that frequent foliar applications of Ca as low as 90 mg L−1Ca2+resulted in a significant decreases in the number of leaves and percent leaf area with tipburn, and significant increases in Ca content in young leaves. Foliar water spraying, irrigation and foliar application of prohexadione calcium resulted in no significant differences in tipburn in greenhouse experiments. As greenhouse and field conditions may differ importantly, Ca application should be tested further at the field scale.
Evaluation of the APSIM-Wheat model in terms of different cultivars, management regimes and environmental conditions
Authors: Zhang Yi , Feng Liping , Wang Enli , Wang Jing , Li Baoguo
Published: August 2012

Zhang, Y., Feng, L., Wang, E., Wang, J. and Li, B. 2012. Evaluation of the APSIM-Wheat model in terms of different cultivars, management regimes and environmental conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 937–949. Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world, and wheat models have been widely used to study yield responses to changes in management and climate. However, less information is available on how a wheat model performs in simulation of wheat response to changes in varieties, sowing dates and planting densities across space. This study presents an evaluation of the APSIM-Wheat model using data from field experiments consisting of three sowing dates, two and three crop varieties and three planting densities in a split-split plot design at three ecological sites from 2008 to 2010 in the North China Plain. The results show that the APSIM-Wheat model could capture a large part of the variation in phenology, biomass and yield for the same variety across sites. However, errors of simulation in phenology and yield were increased with delay in sowing date, with the average absolute root mean square errors of 2 d, 3 d, and 3–4 d in phenology, and the normalized root mean square error (RMSEn) of 7–12%, 11–16%, 16–22% in yield at early, medium, and late sowing dates, respectively. Simulation of yield achieved poor results with decreased planting density, with average RMSEn of 9–12%, 11–12%, and 16–19% at high, medium, and low density, respectively. Additionally, the simulation behaved in a complex manner, and the errors varied greatly with different combinations of sowing dates and planting densities. These alerted us that the model should be used cautiously to simulate growth and yield over a wide range of sowing dates and planting densities. Improved modeling of the responses of wheat growth to extreme temperatures during winter and spring periods, and to varying planting densities is needed for better future prediction. Other areas of model improvements are also discussed.
Salinity effects on perennial, warm-season (C4) grass germination adapted to the northern Great Plains
Authors: Schmer M. R. , Xue Q. , Hendrickson J. R.
Published: August 2012

Schmer, M. R., Xue, Q. and Hendrickson, J. R. 2012. Salinity effects on perennial, warm-season (C4) grass germination adapted to the northern Great Plains. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 873–881. Limited information is available on the germination of perennial C4grasses adapted to the northern Great Plains under saline conditions. Big bluestem (Andropogen gerardii Vitman), indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash], prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Link), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) seeds were evaluated under non-saline and saline conditions corresponding to electric conductivity (EC) values of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 dS m−1, respectively. Ten cultivars were evaluated to determine salinity tolerance differences among and within species. Seeds were monitored for 21 d and analyzed for final germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI), corrected germination rate index (CGRI), and germination velocity (GV). Differences among species were observed for all indices tested (P<0.01). Indices showed within species variation for big bluestem, indiangrass, and switchgrass. Big bluestem had the highest germination rates under increased salinity levels while prairie cordgrass had the lowest germination rates under non-saline and saline conditions. Indiangrass showed higher seed germination than switchgrass under low EC levels (0 to 4 dS m−1) but declined at a higher rate when EC levels exceeded 16 dS m−1. Results from this study suggest grassland reestablishment from seed on variable saline soils will be dependent on both the species chosen and the specific cultivar used.
Review: Northern Ontario medicinal plants
Authors: Hassan Haider M. , Jiang Zi-Hua , Syed Tarannum A. , Qin Wensheng
Published: August 2012

Hassan, H. M., Jiang, Z.-H., Syed, T. A. and Qin, W. 2012. Review: Northern Ontario medicinal plants. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 815–828. The majority of scholarly investigations conducted in the 20th century have provided the incentive for establishing plants as sources of diverse phytochemicals. With infectious and cancerous diseases causing millions of mortalities worldwide, and the advent of resistant strains, the discovery of new antimicrobial and anticancer agents is crucial. Hence, included in this review is a novel list of 48 northern Ontario medicinal plants that may be sources of antifungal, antibacterial and/or anticancer phytochemicals. A total of two ferns and allied plants, two sedges and grasses, six trees, four shrubs, one vine and 33 herbs were identified. These plants were accumulated through interviews with native Elders and a survey of ethnobotanical literature on northern Canadian species of medicinal plants. We also present a critical review of their potential constituents, medicinal properties, and analysis of four promising plants (skullcaps, devil's club, St. John's wort and evergreens). Skullcaps and St. John's wort are model plants with documented anticancer, antibacterial and antifungal bioactivities. However, a considerable gap in ethnopharmacological data was found for species of skullcaps (Scutellaria galericulata, S. parvula and S. lateriflora) and St. John's wort (Hypericum mutilum, H. majus, H. canadense) growing in northern Ontario. These findings provide promising incentives in the ethnopharmacological community for medicinal research in this region.
Glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) control with preplant herbicides in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Vink Joseph P. , Soltani Nader , Robinson Darren E. , Tardif François J. , Lawton Mark B. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: August 2012

Vink, J. P., Soltani, N., Robinson, D. E., Tardif, F. J., Lawton, M. B. and Sikkema, P. H. 2012. Glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida L.) control with preplant herbicides in soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 913–922. Giant ragweed populations in southwestern Ontario have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed interference in field crops can lead to significant yield losses. Eleven field trials [five with preplant (PP) burndown only and six with PP burndown plus residual herbicides] were conducted in 2010 and 2011 on Ontario farms with GR giant ragweed to evaluate the efficacy of various PP herbicides applied prior to soybean planting. Glyphosate applied at the recommended field dose failed to adequately control GR giant ragweed. The PP herbicides 2,4-D ester, cloransulam-methyl and saflufenacil applied alone and with glyphosate provided 97–99, 68–100 and 71–94% control, respectively and resulted in soybean yields equivalent to the weed-free check. Combinations of glyphosate plus cloransulam-methyl or linuron controlled GR giant ragweed 8 wk after application (WAA), 75–95 and 95–98%, respectively. Residual control with glyphosate plus linuron resulted in soybean yield equivalent to the weed-free check. Based on these results, GR giant ragweed can be controlled prior to soybean planting in southwestern Ontario.
La Gestión del conocimiento en y para la Universidad
Authors: Vega Roberto Ismael
Published: August 2012

El presente trabajo parte de la hipótesis que la Universidad Latinoamericana ha avanzado en el desarrollo y la aplicación de los conocimientos científicos de los últimos dos siglos, incorporándolos a las diferentes currículas de las carreras que ofrece. Esto es particularmente válido para las disciplinas que sirven a la gestión de las organizaciones, entendiendo por tal desde la fijación de políticas hasta la administración de los medios para implementarlas. No obstante no se verifica que este conocimiento haya sido aplicado en su propia gestión, que sigue moviéndose con gran improvisación y donde no parece que el conocimiento tenga un lugar destacado. Esta carencia conlleva, en una época de grandes mutaciones, a la imposibilidad de contar con estructuras flexibles y cuerpos de gestores calificados que permitan que la Universidad se mantenga acorde a estos cambios y constituya un motor para el desarrollo de nuestras sociedades.
Las políticas de convergencia de la educación superior: un estudio comparado entre el proceso de Bologna y el MERCOSUR
Authors: Hermo Javier Pablo , Verger Antoni
Published: August 2012

El documento analiza dos procesos de regionalización y convergencia de la educación superior: el del Sector Educativo del MERCOSUR en América Latina y el Proceso de Bologna en Europa. El análisis que se realiza en el documento tiene dos dimensiones diferentes. La primera de ellas consiste en la comparación del contenido y la evolución de los dos procesos. Entre otras cosas, apoyamos la comparación mediante el uso de las teorías sobre la globalización y regionalización. La segunda dimensión de análisis se centra sobre las 'influencias externas' que afectan a ambos procesos y, concretamente, sobre las implicaciones políticas de la interacción entre ellos. En este sentido, mostramos cómo y de qué formas el Proceso de Bologna ha llegado a ser muy influyente en el campo de la educación superior de América Latina. Concluimos que regionalismo y globalización no son proyectos políticos incompatibles, por lo menos en el dominio de la educación superior. Más bien, pareciera ser que Bologna actúa como una especie de "regionalismo globalizado' que empuja para la convergencia de los sistemas de educación superior a nivel mundial.