bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Versus Multivariate Methods for Identifying Jaguar, Puma, and Large Canid Tracks
Authors: DE ANGELO CARLOS , PAVIOLO AGUSTÍN , DI BITETTI MARIO S.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT  The jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) are the largest felids of the American Continent and live in sympatry along most of their distribution. Their tracks are frequently used for research and management purposes, but tracks are difficult to distinguish from each other and can be confused with those of big canids. We used tracks from pumas, jaguars, large dogs, and maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) to evaluate traditional qualitative and quantitative identification methods and to elaborate multivariate methods to differentiate big canids versus big felids and puma versus jaguar tracks (n = 167 tracks from 18 zoos). We tested accuracy of qualitative classification through an identification exercise with field‐experienced volunteers. Qualitative methods were useful but there was high variability in accuracy of track identification. Most of the traditional quantitative methods showed an elevated percentage of misclassified tracks (≥20%). We used stepwise discriminant function analysis to develop 3 discriminant models: 1 for big canid versus big felid track identification and 2 alternative models for jaguar versus puma track differentiation using 1) best discriminant variables, and 2) size‐independent variables. These models had high classification performance, with <10% of error in the validation procedures. We used simpler discriminant models in the elaboration of identification keys to facilitate track classification process. We developed an accurate method for track identification, capable of distinguishing between big felids (puma and jaguar) and large canids (dog and maned wolf) tracks and between jaguar and puma tracks. Application of our method will allow a more reliable use of tracks in puma and jaguar research and it will help managers using tracks as indicators of these felids' presence for conservation or management purposes.
Surveying Predicted Rendezvous Sites to Monitor Gray Wolf Populations
Authors: AUSBAND DAVID E. , MITCHELL MICHAEL S. , DOHERTY KEVIN , ZAGER PETER , MACK CURT M. , HOLYAN JIM
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT We used rendezvous site locations of wolf (Canis lupus) packs recorded during 1996–2006 to build a predictive model of gray wolf rendezvous site habitat in Idaho, USA. Variables in our best model included green leaf biomass (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), surface roughness, and profile curvature, indicating that wolves consistently used wet meadow complexes for rendezvous sites. We then used this predictive model to stratify habitat and guide survey efforts designed to document wolf pack distribution and fecundity in 4 study areas in Idaho. We detected all 15 wolf packs (32 wolf pack‐yr) and 20 out of 27 (74%) litters of pups by surveying <11% of the total study area. In addition, we were able to obtain detailed observations on wolf packs (e.g., hair and scat samples) once we located their rendezvous sites. Given an expected decrease in the ability of managers to maintain radiocollar contact with all of the wolf packs in the northern Rocky Mountains, rendezvous sites predicted by our model can be the starting point and foundation for targeted sampling and future wolf population monitoring surveys.
Efficient, Noninvasive Genetic Sampling for Monitoring Reintroduced Wolves
Authors: STENGLEIN JENNIFER L. , WAITS LISETTE P. , AUSBAND DAVID E. , ZAGER PETER , MACK CURT M.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT Traditional methods of monitoring gray wolves (Canis lupus) are expensive and invasive and require extensive efforts to capture individual animals. Noninvasive genetic sampling (NGS) is an alternative method that can provide data to answer management questions and complement already‐existing methods. In a 2‐year study, we tested this approach for Idaho gray wolves in areas of known high and low wolf density. To focus sampling efforts across a large study area and increase our chances of detecting reproductive packs, we visited 964 areas with landscape characteristics similar to known wolf rendezvous sites. We collected scat or hair samples from 20% of sites and identified 122 wolves, using 8–9 microsatellite loci. We used the minimum count of wolves to accurately detect known differences in wolf density. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian single‐session population estimators performed similarly and accurately estimated the population size, compared with a radiotelemetry population estimate, in both years, and an average of 1.7 captures per individual were necessary for achieving accurate population estimates. Subsampling scenarios revealed that both scat and hair samples were important for achieving accurate population estimates, but visiting 75% and 50% of the sites still gave reasonable estimates and reduced costs. Our research provides managers with an efficient and accurate method for monitoring high‐density and low‐density wolf populations in remote areas.
Bioenergy II: Bio-Ethanol from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): The Role of Biomass Properties and Structures During the Ethanol Conversion Process
Authors: Li Aiduan , Khraisheh Majeda
Published: June 2010

The emerging biofuel industry demands large amount of biomass feedstock. Although commercial ethanol has been produced from primary biomass sources such as corns, the global food crisis caused by the use of primary biomass has been raised. Thus, lignocellulosic biomass, known as second generation of biomass, has become a promising source for ethanol production. However, the more complex structure requires more advance technology. MSW with more than 60% of biodegradable composition, as one of the promising biomass sources has the potential benefits of replacing primary biomass and preventing environment from MSW pollution.In this paper, three major biodegradable municipal solid waste (BMSW) components: kitchen organic waste (KOW), green organic waste (GOW) and paper and card waste (PCW), are classified and characterised according to substrate composition, cellulose crystallinity, bulk density and particle size. The substrate composition indicates how much cellulose, lignin, hermicellulose each model waste has. The cellulose content shows the potential glucose/ethanol product yield. Other chemical composition such as lignin and hemicellulose indicates how easy of each model waste can be converted. These contents are also important information when selecting pretreatment methods and conversion process conditions in the following steps.Based on the comprehensive understanding of biomass structures and compositions, studies look into the effects of substrate properties (such crystallinity, presence of lignin and cellulose content on process performances during enzymatic hydrolysis adsorption. Results indicated how the adsorption process is affected by the substrate properties. This provides understanding of the role of substrate properties during enzyme-cellulose adsorption.
Bioenergy II: Comparison of Laboratory and Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains for their Stress Tolerance
Authors: Geng Anli , Wang Zhankun , Lai Kok Soon , Tan Mark Wei Yi
Published: June 2010

There are various kinds of stresses during the process of ethanol fermentation and more inhibitory factors are produced when lignocelluloses hydrolysate is used as the substrate. The pretreatment of lignocelluloses biomass causes the increase in the amount of acids and thus the decrease in pH. Low-molecular weight aliphatic acids, furaldehydes and a broad range of aromatic compounds are produced during the pretreatment process. They are the inhibitors for the ethanol producers, e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, besides glucose, lignocellulose hydrolysate contains other sugars, such as xylose, arabinose, galactose and mannose etc., among which xylose is taking the major proportion. Stress tolerance and xylose utilization are therefore essential for Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to get high-efficiency fermentation and high-yield ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials. In this study, a few laboratory and industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were selected for the evaluation of their potentials in pH tolerance, inhibitor resistance, temperature and ethanol tolerance, and xylose resistance. The results revealed that strains ATCC 96581 and ATCC 24860 are the most stress tolerant S. cerevisiae strains for ethanol fermentation. Such strains will be improved for inhibitor resistance and xylose utilization in the future by metabolic engineering and directed evolution.
Methane Production during Start-Up Phase of Mesophilic Semi-Continues Suspended Growth Anaerobic Digester
Authors: Alrawi Reem A , Ahmad Anees , I. Norli , A. K. Mohd Omar
Published: June 2010

This study identified the effect and importance of the start-up period on methane production. Methane production was studied during the start-up period of semi-continuous stirred tank reactor (SCSTR) of anaerobic suspended growth under mesophilic conditions (37±3°C) with semi-continuous feeding. Two reactors were seeded with an inoculum of rumen fluid (5% and 10%) and mixed with anaerobic granular sludge (95% and 90%) as a substrate, respectively. The anaerobic digesters were filled up with 800 ml of these seeds during feeding phase. A supernatant of raw Palm oil mill effluent (POME) was fed in semi-continuous mode during the stabilization phase. The pH of the digesters was kept within the range of 7.2 -7.5 without any adjustment during this period. The effects of different concentration of seeding, MLVSS and COD (mg/L) on the quantity of produced methane during the startup period were studied. The results showed that during the feeding phase methane content was 82.10% and 81.34% for both mixtures. But at the end of start-up period both reactors have the same percentage which is around 55%. Higher methane production occurred during the feeding phase for the second mixture. MLVSS and COD concentrations have a direct relationship with the methane obtained.
Estrogenic and Embryo-Fetotoxic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Linum usitatissimum in Rats
Authors: Zanwar Anand A. , Aswar Urmila M. , Hegde Mahabaleshwar V. , Bodhankar Subhash L.
Published: June 2010

The objective of the study was to investigate estrogenic and progestogenic activity of ethanol extract of Linum usitatissimum (LU-EE) in immature rats and its resultant effect on pregnancy in adult rats. Estrogenic activity was carried out by vaginal cornification, vaginal opening and by rodent uterotrophic assay. Effect of LU-EE on pregnancy in rats was studied on female Wistar rats by oral administration of LU-EE to pregnant female rats from day 1-7 of pregnancy. Further progesterogenic activity was studied by histamine-induced deciduoma formation. Blood hormones were estimated for further confirmation. LU-EE (500, 1000 mg/kg) caused a significantly (P<0.001) increase in uterine weight in immature rats. LU-EE (500, 1000 mg/kg) produced cornification of epithelium suggesting estrogenic activity. Oral administration of LU-EE to pregnant female rats from day 1-7 of pregnancy at the doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight resulted in complete termination of pregnancy. Estimation of estrogen in blood showed significant increase in estrogen level in LU-EE (1000 mg/kg) treated rats (P <0.001). It can be concluded that LU-EE possesses estrogenic activity and the estrogenic activity of LU-EE appears to be responsible for fetocidal effect.
Increased Brain Fatty Acid Uptake in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Karmi Anna , Iozzo Patricia , Viljanen Antti , Hirvonen Jussi , Fielding Barbara A. , Virtanen Kirsi , Oikonen Vesa , Kemppainen Jukka , Viljanen Tapio , Guiducci Letizia , Haaparanta-Solin Merja , Någren Kjell , Solin Olof , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

To test whether brain fatty acid uptake is enhanced in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) and whether weight reduction modifies it.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured brain fatty acid uptake in a group of 23 patients with MS and 7 age-matched healthy control subjects during fasting conditions using positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]-palmitate and [18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid ([18F]-FTHA). Sixteen MS subjects were restudied after 6 weeks of very low calorie diet intervention.

RESULTS

At baseline, brain global fatty acid uptake derived from [18F]-FTHA was 50% higher in patients with MS compared with control subjects. The mean percentage increment was 130% in the white matter, 47% in the gray matter, and uniform across brain regions. In the MS group, the nonoxidized fraction measured using [11C]-palmitate was 86% higher. Brain fatty acid uptake measured with [18F]-FTHA-PET was associated with age, fasting serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Both total and nonoxidized fractions of fatty acid uptake were associated with BMI. Rapid weight reduction decreased brain fatty acid uptake by 17%.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study on humans to observe enhanced brain fatty acid uptake in patients with MS. Both fatty acid uptake and accumulation appear to be increased in MS patients and reversed by weight reduction.
The Redox Enzyme p66Shc Contributes to Diabetes and Ischemia-Induced Delay in Cutaneous Wound Healing
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Albiero Mattia , Menegazzo Lisa , Boscaro Elisa , Pagnin Elisa , Iori Elisabetta , Cosma Chiara , Lapolla Annunziata , Pengo Vittorio , Stendardo Massimo , Agostini Carlo , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Giorgio Marco , Avogaro Angelo
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

The redox enzyme p66Shc produces hydrogen peroxide and triggers proapoptotic signals. Genetic deletion of p66Shc prolongs life span and protects against oxidative stress. In the present study, we evaluated the role of p66Shc in an animal model of diabetic wound healing.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Skin wounds were created in wild-type (WT) and p66Shc−/− control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice with or without hind limb ischemia. Wounds were assessed for collagen content, thickness and vascularity of granulation tissue, apoptosis, reepithelialization, and expression of c-myc and β-catenin. Response to hind limb ischemia was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Diabetes delayed wound healing in WT mice with reduced granulation tissue thickness and vascularity, increased apoptosis, epithelial expression of c-myc, and nuclear localization of β-catenin. These nonhealing features were worsened by hind limb ischemia. Diabetes induced p66Shc expression and activation; wound healing was significantly faster in p66Shc−/− than in WT diabetic mice, with or without hind limb ischemia, at 1 and 3 months of diabetes duration and in both SV129 and C57BL/6 genetic backgrounds. Deletion of p66Shc reversed nonhealing features, with increased collagen content and granulation tissue thickness, and reduced apoptosis and expression of c-myc and β-catenin. p66Shc deletion improved response to hind limb ischemia in diabetic mice in terms of tissue damage, capillary density, and perfusion. Migration of p66Shc−/− dermal fibroblasts in vitro was significantly faster than WT fibroblasts under both high glucose and hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

p66Shc is involved in the delayed wound-healing process in the setting of diabetes and ischemia. Thus, p66Shc may represent a potential therapeutic target against this disabling diabetes complication.
Pragmatics in pre‐schoolers with language impairments
Authors: Geurts Hilde , Embrechts Mariëtte
Published: June 2010

Background: Pragmatic assessment methods are very diverse and differ in informant type. Some rely on parents, others on teachers/professionals and some directly test pragmatic abilities in the children themselves. A widely used pragmatic parent questionnaire is the Children's Communication Checklist—2 (CCC‐2). However, it is not known how scores on the CCC‐2 relate to direct measures of pragmatics.

Aims: The aim of the current study is determine whether children's language patterns on pragmatics obtained with a parent questionnaire were converging with findings when the children were directly tested with a pragmatic test.

Methods & Procedures: The CCC‐2 and the Nijmegen Pragmatics Test (NPT) were applied to 24 pre‐schoolers (aged 4–7 years) with various language impairments and 33 age‐matched typically developing pre‐schoolers.

Outcomes & Results: Both pragmatic language instruments clearly differentiated between pre‐schoolers with language impairments and those without language impairments. However, the obtained correlations between the different measures were low to moderate. The specificity of each of the instruments was sufficient, but the sensitivity was generally poor.

Conclusions & Implications: The instruments were not always converging, but when the instruments did converge the obtained results were valid. However, the obtained high specificity and relatively low sensitivity values for each of the instruments showed that better cut‐off scores are needed. When only one of the instruments indicated the absence or presence of language impairments, one needs to be careful in concluding whether or not there are indeed language impairments.
Role of phonotactic frequency in nonword repetition by children with specific language impairments
Authors: Coady Jeffry , Evans Julia L. , Kluender Keith R.
Published: June 2010

Background: Children with specific language impairments (SLI) repeat nonwords less accurately than typically developing children, suggesting a phonological deficit. Much work has attempted to explain these results in terms of a phonological memory deficit. However, subsequent work revealed that these results might be explained better as a deficit in phonological sensitivity.

Aims: This study used a nonword repetition task to examine how children with SLI extract phonological regularities from their language input.

Methods & Procedures: Eighteen English‐speaking children with SLI (7;3–10;6) and 18 age‐matched controls participated in two English nonword repetition tasks. Three‐ and four‐syllable nonwords varied in a single phonotactic frequency manipulation, either consonant frequency or phoneme co‐occurrence frequency, while all other factors were held constant. Repetitions were scored in terms of accuracy as either the percentage of phonemes correctly produced or phoneme co‐occurrences (diphones) correctly produced. In addition, onset‐to‐onset reaction times and repetition durations were measured.

Outcomes & Results: Accuracy results revealed significant group, length, and phonotactic frequency effects. Children with SLI repeated nonwords less accurately than age‐matched peers, and all children repeated three‐syllable nonwords and those with higher frequency phonotactic patterns more accurately. However, phonotactic frequency by group interactions were not significant. Timing results were mixed, with group reaction time differences for co‐occurrence frequency, but not consonant frequency, and no group repetition duration differences.

Conclusions & Implications: While children with SLI were less accurate overall, non‐significant interactions indicate that both groups of children were comparably affected by differences in consonant and diphone frequency.
The Nrf1 and Nrf2 Balance in Oxidative Stress Regulation and Androgen Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Schultz Michelle A. , Abdel-Mageed Asim B. , Mondal Debasis
Published: June 2010

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling has recently sparked a surge of interest as being the molecular underpinning for cancer cell survival, but the precise mechanisms involved have not been completely elucidated. This review covers the possible roles of two ROS-induced transcription factors, Nrf1 and Nrf2, and the antioxidant proteins peroxiredoxin-1 (Prx-1) and Thioredoxin-1 (Txn-1) in modulating AR expression and signaling in aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) cells. In androgen independent (AI) C4-2B cells, in comparison to the parental androgen dependent (AD) LNCaP cells, we present evidence of high Nrf1 and Prx-1 expression and low Nrf2 expression in these aggressive PCa cells. Furthermore, in DHT treated C4-2B cells, increased expression of the p65 (active) isoform of Nrf1 correlated with enhanced AR transactivation. Our findings implicate a crucial balance of Nrf1 and Nrf2 signaling in regulating AR activity in AI-PCa cells. Here we will discuss how understanding the mechanisms by which oxidative stress may affect AR signaling may aid in developing novel therapies for AI-PCa.
Illustration of Modern Wind Turbine Ancillary Services
Authors: Margaris Ioannis D. , Hansen Anca D. , Sørensen Poul , Hatziargyriou Nikolaos D.
Published: June 2010

Increasing levels of wind power penetration in modern power systems has set intensively high standards with respect to wind turbine technology during the last years. Security issues have become rather critical and operation of wind farms as conventional power plants is becoming a necessity as wind turbines replace conventional units on the production side. This article includes a review of the basic control issues regarding the capability of the Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) wind turbine configuration to fulfill the basic technical requirements set by the system operators and contribute to power system security. An overview of ancillary services provided by wind turbine technology nowadays is provided, i.e., fault ride-through capability, reactive power supply and frequency-active power control.
Methylmercury Exposure and Health Effects from Rice and Fish Consumption: A Review
Authors: Li Ping , Feng Xinbin , Qiu Guangle
Published: June 2010

Methylmercury (MeHg) is highly toxic, and its principal target tissue in humans is the nervous system, which has made MeHg intoxication a public health concern for many decades. The general population is primarily exposed to MeHg through consumption of contaminated fish and marine mammals, but recent studies have reported high levels of MeHg in rice and confirmed that in China the main human exposure to MeHg is related to frequent rice consumption in mercury (Hg) polluted areas. This article reviews the progress in the research on MeHg accumulation in rice, human exposure and health effects, and nutrient and co-contaminant interactions. Compared with fish, rice is of poor nutritional quality and lacks specific micronutrients identified as having health benefits (e.g., n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, selenium, essential amino acids). The effects of these nutrients on the toxicity of MeHg should be better addressed in future epidemiologic and clinical studies. More emphasis should be given to assessing the health effects of low level MeHg exposure in the long term, with appropriate recommendations, as needed, to reduce MeHg exposure in the rice-eating population.
Eco-Contribution for the Production of N-Arylnitrones: Solvent-Free and Assisted by Microwaves
Authors: Reyes Leonor , Corona Sandra , Arroyo Gabriel , Delgado Francisco , Miranda René
Published: June 2010

A simple green approach for the production of benzylideneaniline oxides is offered. This contribution was performed via the condensation of phenylhydroxylamine with several aryl aldehydes, in the absence of both catalyst and solvent, and using microwave irradiation as the activating reaction mode. In addition, good yields of the products were achieved in a short time. It is also worth noting that the work-up procedure is simple and the products do not require further purification. Finally, an interesting comparison without the use of microwave irradiation is also discussed.
Properties and Clinical Application of Three Types of Dental Glass-Ceramics and Ceramics for CAD-CAM Technologies
Authors: Ritzberger Christian , Apel Elke , Höland Wolfram , Peschke Arnd , Rheinberger Volker
Published: June 2010

The main properties (mechanical, thermal and chemical) and clinical application for dental restoration are demonstrated for three types of glass-ceramics and sintered polycrystalline ceramic produced by Ivoclar Vivadent AG. Two types of glass-ceramics are derived from the leucite-type and the lithium disilicate-type. The third type of dental materials represents a ZrO2 ceramic. CAD/CAM technology is a procedure to manufacture dental ceramic restoration. Leucite-type glass-ceramics demonstrate high translucency, preferable optical/mechanical properties and an application as dental inlays, onlays and crowns. Based on an improvement of the mechanical parameters, specially the strength and toughness, the lithium disilicate glass-ceramics are used as crowns; applying a procedure to machine an intermediate product and producing the final glass-ceramic by an additional heat treatment. Small dental bridges of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic were fabricated using a molding technology. ZrO2 ceramics show high toughness and strength and were veneered with fluoroapatite glass-ceramic. Machining is possible with a porous intermediate product.
Rare-Earth Activated Nitride Phosphors: Synthesis, Luminescence and Applications
Authors: Xie Rong-Jun , Hirosaki Naoto , Li Yuanqiang , Takeda Takashi
Published: June 2010

Nitridosilicates are structurally built up on three-dimensional SiN4 tetrahedral networks, forming a very interesting class of materials with high thermomechanical properties, hardness, and wide band gap. Traditionally, nitridosilicates are often used as structural materials such as abrasive particles, cutting tools, turbine blade, etc. Recently, the luminescence of rare earth doped nitridosilicates has been extensively studied, and a novel family of luminescent materials has been developed. This paper reviews the synthesis, luminescence and applications of nitridosilicate phosphors, with emphasis on rare earth nitrides in the system of M-Si-Al-O-N (M = Li, Ca, Sr, Ba, La) and their applications in white LEDs. These phosphors exhibit interesting luminescent properties, such as red-shifted excitation and emission, small Stokes shift, small thermal quenching, and high conversion efficiency, enabling them to use as down-conversion luminescent materials in white LEDs with tunable color temperature and high color rendering index.
Are Known Cyanotoxins Involved in the Toxicity of Picoplanktonic and Filamentous North Atlantic Marine Cyanobacteria?
Authors: Frazão Bárbara , Martins Rosário , Vasconcelos Vitor
Published: June 2010

Eight marine cyanobacteria strains of the genera Cyanobium, Leptolyngbya, Oscillatoria, Phormidium, and Synechococcus were isolated from rocky beaches along the Atlantic Portuguese central coast and tested for ecotoxicity. Strains were identified by morphological characteristics and by the amplification and sequentiation of the 16S rDNA. Bioactivity of dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts was assessed by the Artemia salina bioassay. Peptide toxin production was screened by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Molecular analysis of the genes involved in the production of known cyanotoxins such as microcystins, nodularins and cylindrospermopsin was also performed. Strains were toxic to the brine shrimp A. salina nauplii with aqueous extracts being more toxic than the organic ones. Although mass spectrometry analysis did not reveal the production of microcystins or other known toxic peptides, a positive result for the presence of mcyE gene was found in one Leptolyngbya strain and one Oscillatoria strain. The extensive brine shrimp mortality points to the involvement of other unknown toxins, and the presence of a fragment of genes involved in the cyanotoxin production highlight the potential risk of cyanobacteria occurrence on the Atlantic coast.
Continued Growth of the Impact Factors of MDPI Open Access Journals
Authors: Rordorf Dietrich
Published: June 2010

We are pleased to report the continued increase of the Impact Factors of MDPI journals in 2009 (see Table 1 and Figure 1). As noted in a similar Editorial published in June 2009, the Impact Factors of MDPI journals have been steadily recovering since the inception of the full Open Access publishing policy in early 2007 [1]. We are pleased to see that all journals now have an Impact Factor much higher than 1. In 2011 the Journal Citation Report (JCR) will include the first official Impact Factor of Entropy , and in 2012, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health will be included for the first time. Nevertheless, we are already able to compute a preliminary impact factor of approximately 1.4 for Entropy [2]. [...]
HPLC and Anti-Inflammatory Studies of the Flavonoid Rich Chloroform Extract Fraction of Orthosiphon Stamineus Leaves
Authors: Yam Mun Fei , Lim Vuanghao , Salman Ibrahim Muhammad , Ameer Omar Ziad , Ang Lee Fung , Rosidah Noersal , Abdulkarim Muthanna Fawzy , Abdullah Ghassan Zuhair , Basir Rusliza , Sadikun Amirin , Asmawi Mohd Zaini
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts and to identify the active compound(s) contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity using a developed HPLC method. Active chloroform extract of O. stamineus was fractionated into three fractions using a dry flash column chromatography method. These three fractions were investigated for anti-peritoneal capillary permeability, in vitro nitric oxide scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method. The flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction (CF2) [containing sinensetin (2.86% w/w), eupatorin (5.05% w/w) and 3’-hydroxy-5,6,7,4’-tetramethoxyflavone (1.101% w/w)], significantly reduced rat hind paw edema, NO and decreased dye leakage to peritoneal cavity at p < 0.05. IC50 of in vitro NO scavenging of CF2 was 0.3 mg/mL. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of these CF2 may possibly be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds capable of affecting the NO pathway.
Static Calibration and Analysis of the Velodyne HDL-64E S2 for High Accuracy Mobile Scanning
Authors: Glennie Craig , Lichti Derek D.
Published: June 2010

The static calibration and analysis of the Velodyne HDL-64E S2 scanning LiDAR system is presented and analyzed. The mathematical model for measurements for the HDL-64E S2 scanner is derived and discussed. A planar feature based least squares adjustment approach is presented and utilized in a minimally constrained network in order to derive an optimal solution for the laser’s internal calibration parameters. Finally, the results of the adjustment along with a detailed examination of the adjustment residuals are given. A three-fold improvement in the planar misclosure residual RMSE over the standard factory calibration model was achieved by the proposed calibration. Results also suggest that there may still be some unmodelled distortions in the range measurements from the scanner. However, despite this, the overall precision of the adjusted laser scanner data appears to make it a viable choice for high accuracy mobile scanning applications.
Review on the Modeling of Electrostatic MEMS
Authors: Chuang Wan-Chun , Lee Hsin-Li , Chang Pei-Zen , Hu Yuh-Chung
Published: June 2010

Electrostatic-driven microelectromechanical systems devices, in most cases, consist of couplings of such energy domains as electromechanics, optical electricity, thermoelectricity, and electromagnetism. Their nonlinear working state makes their analysis complex and complicated. This article introduces the physical model of pull-in voltage, dynamic characteristic analysis, air damping effect, reliability, numerical modeling method, and application of electrostatic-driven MEMS devices.
SirT1—A Sensor for Monitoring Self-Renewal and Aging Process in Retinal Stem Cells
Authors: Peng Chi-Hsien , Chang Yuh-Lih , Kao Chung-Lan , Tseng Ling-Min , Wu Chih-Chia , Chen Yu-Chih , Tsai Ching-Yao , Woung Lin-Chung , Liu Jorn-Hon , Chiou Shih-Hwa , Chen Shih-Jen
Published: June 2010

Retinal stem cells bear potency of proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation into many retinal cells. Utilizing appropriate sensors one can effectively detect the self-renewal and aging process abilities. Silencing information regulator (SirT1), a member of the sirtuin family, is a NAD-dependent histone deacetylase and an essential mediator for longevity in normal cells by calorie restriction. We firstly investigate the SirT1 mRNA expression in retinal stem cells from rats and 19 human eyes of different ages. Results revealed that SirT1 expression was significantly decreased in in vivo aged eyes, associated with poor self-renewal abilities. Additionally, SirT1 mRNA levels were dose-dependently increased in resveratrol- treated retinal stem cells. The expression of SirT1 on oxidative stress-induced damage was significantly decreased, negatively correlated with the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species production. Treatment with resveratrol could effectively further reduce oxidative stress induced by H2O2 treatment in retinal stem cells. Importantly, the anti-oxidant effects of resveratrol in H2O2-treated retinal stem cells were significantly abolished by knockdown of SirT1 expression (sh-SirT1). SirT1 expression provides a feasible sensor in assessing self-renewal and aging process in retinal stem cells. Resveratrol can prevent reactive oxygen species-induced damages via increased retinal SirT1 expression.
Arsenic in Cancer Treatment: Challenges for Application of Realgar Nanoparticles (A Minireview)
Authors: Baláž Peter , Sedlák Ján
Published: June 2010

While intensive efforts have been made for the treatment of cancer, this disease is still the second leading cause of death in many countries. Metastatic breast cancer, late-stage colon cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, and other forms of cancer are still essentially incurable in most cases. Recent advances in genomic technologies have permitted the simultaneous evaluation of DNA sequence-based alterations together with copy number gains and losses. The requirement for a multi-targeting approach is the common theme that emerges from these studies. Therefore, the combination of new targeted biological and cytotoxic agents is currently under investigation in multimodal treatment regimens. Similarly, a combinational principle is applied in traditional Chinese medicine, as formulas consist of several types of medicinal herbs or minerals, in which one represents the principal component, and the others serve as adjuvant ones that assist the effects, or facilitate the delivery, of the principal component. In Western medicine, approximately 60 different arsenic preparations have been developed and used in pharmacological history. In traditional Chinese medicines, different forms of mineral arsenicals (orpiment—As2S3, realgar—As4S4, and arsenolite—arsenic trioxide, As2O3) are used, and realgar alone is included in 22 oral remedies that are recognized by the Chinese Pharmacopeia Committee (2005). It is known that a significant portion of some forms of mineral arsenicals is poorly absorbed into the body, and would be unavailable to cause systemic damage. This review primary focuses on the application of arsenic sulfide (realgar) for treatment of various forms of cancer in vitro and in vivo.
Estimated average annual rate of change of CD4+ T-cell counts in patients on combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors:   the EuroSIDA Study Group, Mocroft Amanda , Phillips Andrew N , Ledergerber Bruno , Smith Colette , Bogner Johannes R , Lacombe Karine , Wiercinska-Drapalo Alicje , Reiss Peter , Kirk Ole , Lundgren Jens D
Published: June 2010

Background

Patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) might continue treatment with a virologically failing regimen. We sought to identify annual change in CD4+ T-cell count according to levels of viraemia in patients on cART.

Methods

A total of 111,371 CD4+ T-cell counts and viral load measurements in 8,227 patients were analysed. Annual change in CD4+ T-cell numbers was estimated using mixed models.

Results

After adjustment, the estimated average annual change in CD4+ T-cell count significantly increased when viral load was <500 copies/ml (30.4 cells/mm3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 26.6–34.3), was stable when viral load was 500–9,999 copies/ml (3.1 cells/mm3, 95% CI -5.3–11.5) and decreased when viral load was ≥10,000 copies/ml (-14.8 cells/mm3, 95% CI -4.5– - 25.1). Patients taking a boosted protease inhibitor (PI) regimen had more positive annual CD4+ T-cell count changes than patients taking other regimens for any given viral load strata: 30.9 cells/mm3 (95% CI 27.7–34.1) when viral load was <500 copies/ml, 14.2 cells/mm3 (95% CI -2.1–30.4) when viral load was 500–9,999 copies/ml and -19.9 cells/mm3 (95% CI -36.6– -3.3) when viral load was ≥10,000 copies/ml. By contrast, among patients taking a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen, the CD4+ T-cell count significantly decreased when the viral load was 500–9,999 copies/ml (-18.6 cells/mm3, 95% CI -33.8– - 3.5) and decreased at a faster rate when the viral load was ≥10,000 copies/ml (-44.4 cells/mm3, 95% CI -62.0– -26.9; P=0.0012, test for interaction).

Conclusions

On average, CD4+ T-cell counts did not significantly decrease until the viral load exceeded 10,000 copies/ml in patients treated with a boosted PI-containing cART regimen, but decreased in patients taking an NNRTI-based cART regimen when viral load was 500–9,999 copies/ml.
Parvovirus-B19-associated fulminant myocarditis successfully treated with immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy
Authors: Dennert Robert , Velthuis Sebastiaan , Westermann Dirk , Donker Dirk , Schalla Simon , Suylen Robert-Jan , Heymans Stephane
Published: June 2010

Fulminant myocarditis is a rare inflammatory heart disease affecting relatively young adults. We describe a case of a 27-year-old male with acute onset severe heart failure. A rapid and accurate diagnostic approach suggested parvovirus B19 as the most probable cause for this fulminant viral myocarditis. Initial haemodynamic support, intensive immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy resulted in a complete recovery within 2 weeks. This case demonstrates the importance of a detailed diagnosis, allowing better classification of the underlying pathology and subsequent targeted treatment.
Pyrimidine deoxynucleoside and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor metabolism in the perfused heart and isolated mitochondria
Authors: Morris Gerald W , LaClair Darcy D , McKee Edward E
Published: June 2010

Background

The metabolism of pyrimidine deoxynucleosides and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors has been studied in growing cells. However, many of these drugs are associated with mitochondrial toxicities observed in non-replicating tissues, such as in the heart, where their metabolism has not been investigated.

Methods

The aims of this study were twofold. The first was to investigate the metabolism of the thymidine analogues 3’-azido-3'deoxythymidine (AZT) and 2’,3’-didehydrodideoxy-thymidine (d4T), and the deoxycytidine (dCyd) analogues 2’-deoxy-3’-thiacytidine (3TC) and 2’,3’-dideoxycytidine (ddC) with regard to phosphorylation and breakdown. The second was to investigate their potential effects, singly or in combination with AZT, on metabolism of the naturally occurring deoxynucleosides in the perfused rat heart and in isolated heart mitochondria.

Results

The analogue d4T was not metabolized in perfused heart or in isolated mitochondria, and had no effect on either thymidine or dCyd metabolism. The dCyd analogues were both phosphorylated in perfused heart to the triphosphate, but only at the limit of detection and they were not phosphorylated in isolated mitochondria. Neither ddC nor 3TC had any effect on thymidine or dCyd metabolism in either perfused heart or in isolated mitochondria. AZT has been previously shown to inhibit thymidine phosphorylation. When d4T, 3TC or ddC were given with AZT, only ddC caused a significant further decrease in thymidine phosphorylation.

Conclusions

These results indicate that with the exception of the competition between AZT and thymidine, there was little competition for phosphorylation among and between these other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and the naturally occurring deoxynucleosides in cardiac tissue and isolated heart mitochondria.
Biomarkers of Liver Injury for Hepatitis Clinical Trials: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Poynard Thierry , Ngo Yen , Munteanu Mona , Thabut Dominique , Massard Julien , Moussalli Joseph , Varaud Anne , Benhamou Yves , Ratziu Vlad
Published: June 2010

Background

Liver biopsy and virological end points are standard references for assessing the effect of viral hepatitis treatments. We aimed to review evidence-based published data of biomarkers that have been validated as non-invasive alternatives to biopsy as end points for HBV and HCV infection trials.

Methods

Studies were included if there were at least two repeated estimates of fibrosis per patient using biomarkers with at least two studies and a control group. Meta-analysis of the percentage of fibrosis progression per year (pFPy) was performed.

Results

Two biomarkers were included, FibroTest® and liver stiffness measurement (LSM; FibroScan®). A total of 1,413 patients with chronic hepatitis C (11 populations) and 772 with chronic hepatitis B (6 populations) were analysed. In a comparison of HCV patients with controls, the FibroTest® pFPy was -18% (95% confidence interval [CI] -23– -14; P<0.001) in treated patients and the LSM pFPy was -15% (95% CI -28– -1; P=0.01), both with differences according to virological responses. In HBV patients, there was a significant decrease of the pFPy only in patients with baseline advanced fibrosis (mean difference -5% [95% CI -10– -0.1]; P=0.02). In patients with advanced fibrosis, stratified by virological response, there were similar differences between pFPy estimated either using FibroTest® or biopsy, both in HCV and HBV infections. Repeated LSM in HBV patients had an early variability related to necroinflammatory activity.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic hepatitis C and B, the treatment effect on fibrosis progression rate was similarly estimated using FibroTest® or biopsy. The same concordance was observed for FibroScan® but with a possible overestimation of the fibrosis regression during the first weeks of treatment.
Anthropometry in the prediction of sleep disordered breathing in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men
Authors: Brown Todd T , Patil Susheel P , Jacobson Lisa P , Margolick Joseph B , Laffan Alison M , Godfrey Rebecca J , Johnson Jacquett R , Johnson-Hill Lisette M , Reynolds Sandra M , Schwartz Alan R , Smith Philip L
Published: June 2010

Background

Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and neck circumference (NC) are important screening tools for sleep disordered breathing (SDB); however, the utility of anthropometry for this purpose has not been evaluated among HIV-positive patients.

Methods

HIV-negative men ( n=60), HIV-positive men receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HIV- positive/ HAART; n=58) and HIV-positive men not receiving HAART (HIV-positive/no HAART; n=41) from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study underwent a nocturnal sleep study and anthropomorphic assessment. Moderate-severe SDB was defined as an apnea/hypopnea event rate ≥15 episodes/h. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the ability of different anthropometric measurements to predict SDB within each group.

Results

Moderate-severe SDB was found in 48% of men (HIV-negative [57%], HIV-positive/HAART [41%] and HIV-positive/no HAART [44%]). The performance of BMI, WC and NC to predict SDB was excellent among the HIV-negative men (ROC areas under the curve [AUCs] 0.83, 0.88 and 0.88, respectively) and fair among the HIV-positive/HAART group (AUC 0.71, 0.77 and 0.77, respectively). By contrast, these measurements had no predictive value in the HIV-positive/no HAART group (AUC 0.43, 0.41 and 0.45, respectively). Moreover, in the HIV-positive/no HAART group, moderate-severe SDB was independently associated with serum C- reactive protein ≥3.0 mg/l (odds ratio 6.9; P=0.04) and HIV RNA>10,000 copies/ml (odds ratio 7.1; P=0.05).

Conclusions

BMI, WC and NC had a better predictive value for moderate-severe SDB in HIV-positive men compared with HIV-negative men, and had no value among HIV-positive/no HAART men. Among this latter group, systemic inflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis of SDB.
Breves notas sobre una colección de arte privada
Authors: Guillermo Perinat y Elio Luis
Published: June 2010

No disponible
La distribución del objeto artístico
Authors: Gómez-Baeza Tinture Rosina
Published: June 2010

«De ahora en adelante una empresa podrá elegir entre el mecenazgo y el patrocinio, del mismo modo que puede hacerlo entre campañas de relaciones públicas y publicidad. Es una mera cuestión de estrategia. Creo que, para una empresa, el mecenazgo constituye un mejor medio de comunicación que el patrocinio ya que, al estar relacionado con la cultura por el valor semántico de su propio nombre, resulta más intelectual y cualitativo» (Alain-Dominique Perrin, Cartier International, «Art and Business», pág. 208).
El cerebro humano aplicado a la creatividad
Authors: Jáuregui Oroquieta José Antonio
Published: June 2010

No disponible
Bases científicas del entrenamiento deportivo
Authors: Martínez Rodríguez José Luis
Published: June 2010

No disponible
Ayudas ergogénicas en el deporte
Authors: Odriozola Lino José María
Published: June 2010

Cuando se buscan los límites en la capacidad física de los humanos, toda mejora lleva implícita la optimización del funcionamiento del organismo. Para conseguirla se recurre a ayudas ergogénicas, aunque muchas de las utilizadas no se ha probado científicamente que consigan el efecto deseado. Además las hay permitidas y prohibidas (dopantes), saludables e insalubres. Con arreglo a sus efectos las podemos agrupar en nutricionales y no nutricionales. Entre las primeras, estarían todos los suplementos dietarios, tales como vitaminas, minerales, bebidas y nutrientes energéticos. Entre las segundas, las ayudas mecánicas, psicológicas, fisiológicas y farmacológicas. Estas últimas incluyen el amplio grupo de sustancias prohibidas, que constituyen dopaje. Las ayudas ergogénicas hacen más efecto, en general, a los deportistas recreacionales que a la élite y en todo caso la respuesta es siempre individual.
Influencia de la actividad física en la salud humana
Authors: Alonso Martín Juan Manual
Published: June 2010

El ejercicio físico es un agente importante en el mantenimiento de la salud y en la prevención de diversas enfermedades. El cuidado en la enfermedad coronaria, la hipertensión, la diabetes, la obesidad, el cáncer, la osteoporosis y el incremento de la salud mental se han relacionado con la actividad física y el ejercicio. En este artículo se resumen los efectos de la realización de deporte en las enfermedades más comunes de la sociedad actual. Sin embargo, la mayoría de la población no practica actividad física. Por lo tanto, es preciso que los médicos prescriban más frecuentemente el ejercicio físico.
Lesiones en el deporte
Authors: Rubio Gimeno Silvio , Chamorro Manuel
Published: June 2010

El incremento de la actividad física y del deporte, en las sociedades llamadas desarrolladas, ha traído consigo beneficios claros para la salud, reflejados en diferentes indicadores de salud. Simultáneamente, el deporte
de competición obliga a una dedicación diaria a intensidad de entrenamiento, con objeto de obtener los elevados requerimientos físicos que exige la competición. Todo ello ha traído consigo la aparición de numerosas lesiones, fundamentalmente del sistema músculo- esquelético. Se exponen en este trabajo consideraciones históricas, la epidemiología de la lesión deportiva y se describen, concisamente, algunas de las lesiones más habituales y significativas que afectan a músculos, tendones y sistema esquelético.