bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
It's Not what you Get but when you Get It: The Effect of Gift Sequence on Deposit Balances and Customer Sentiment in a Commercial Bank
Authors: Haisley Emily , Loewenstein George
Published: January 2011

The authors examine the impact of gifts on deposit balances and customer satisfaction in a longitudinal field experiment conducted at a commercial bank. They find that gifts increased deposit balances, survey response rates, and customer satisfaction compared with the no-gift control. They manipulated several factors within the gift treatment: gift type, the accompanying message, and the sequence of gift value, which improved ($35 then $100 gift), worsened ($100 then $35 gift), or was a single gift. A highly detrimental effect of decreasing gift value occurred on deposit balances. This “deterioration aversion” persisted in a long-term follow-up analysis of deposit balances. A vignette experiment replicates deterioration aversion and extends the results, demonstrating increased effectiveness of improving gifts over constant gift sequences and indicating that the mechanism underlying deterioration aversion involves the violation of expectations.
Mapping Online Consumer Search
Authors: Kim Jun B. , Albuquerque Paulo , Bronnenberg Bart J.
Published: January 2011

The authors propose a new method to visualize browsing behavior in so-called product search maps. Manufacturers can use these maps to understand how consumers search for competing products before choice, including how information acquisition and product search are organized along brands, product attributes, and price-related search strategies. The product search maps also inform manufacturers about the competitive structure in the industry and the contents of consumer consideration sets. The proposed method defines a product search network, consisting of the products and links that designate whether a product is searched conditional on searching other products. The authors model this network using a stochastic, hierarchical, and asymmetric multidimensional scaling framework and decompose the product locations as well as the product-level influences using product attributes. The advantages of the approach are twofold. First, the authors simultaneously visualize the positions of products and the direction of consumer search over products in a perceptual map of search proximity. Second, they explain the formation of the map using observed product attributes. The authors empirically apply their approach to consumer search of digital camcorders at Amazon.com and provide several managerial implications.
The Influence of Price Discount versus Bonus Pack on the Preference for Virtue and Vice Foods
Authors: Mishra Arul , Mishra Himanshu
Published: January 2011

The authors find that consumers prefer a bonus pack to a price discount for virtue foods but they prefer a price discount to a bonus pack for vice foods. Prior research has shown that, all else being equal, consumers prefer bonus packs to price discounts. The authors propose that this preference does not hold for vice food, because consumers cannot generate good justifications for buying such food when a bonus pack is offered because this would mean consuming more of the vice. However, a price discount on a vice food can be justified because it acts as a guilt-mitigating mechanism. For virtue foods, the absence of both anticipated postconsumption guilt and the resultant need to justify leads consumers to prefer a bonus pack to a price discount. The authors demonstrate the proposed effect and test its underlying process across five experiments.
The Effects of Consumers’ Price Expectations on Sellers’ Dynamic Pricing Strategies
Authors: Yuan Hong , Han Song
Published: January 2011

The authors propose a dynamic market equilibrium model to investigate how consumers form price expectations and how these expectations influence their sequential search behavior and prices in the market. They derive a perfect Bayesian Nash equilibrium and show that whereas higher current period prices induce search, consumers who observe higher historical prices form higher price expectations, become more pessimistic, and search less. Furthermore, the authors show that when prices increase as a result of an increase in marginal costs, consumers respond by searching more, which then leads to higher prices and instant price adjustment. In contrast, because consumer search activities decline when prices fall, sellers may respond by lowering their prices just enough to dampen consumers’ search tendencies when costs decrease. The authors test their theoretical model and its implications and find support for it in a series of simulated market experiments.
From Generic to Branded: A Model of Spillover in Paid Search Advertising
Authors: Rutz Oliver J. , Bucklin Randolph E.
Published: January 2011

In Internet paid search advertising, marketers pay for search engines to serve text advertisements in response to keyword searches that are generic (e.g., “hotels”) or branded (e.g., “Hilton Hotels”). Although standalone metrics usually show that generic keywords have higher apparent costs to the advertiser than branded keywords, generic search may create a spillover effect on subsequent branded search. Building on the Nerlove–Arrow advertising framework, the authors propose a dynamic linear model to capture the potential spillover from generic to branded paid search. In the model, generic search advertisements serve to expose users to information about the brand's ability to meet their needs, raising awareness that the brand is relevant to the search. In turn, this can induce additional future search activity for keywords that include the brand name. Using a Bayesian estimation approach, the authors apply the model to data from a paid search campaign for a major lodging chain. The results show that generic search activity positively affects future branded search activity through awareness of relevance. However, branded search does not affect generic search, demonstrating that the spillover is asymmetric. The findings have implications for understanding search behavior on the Internet and the management of paid search advertising.
Dissection and prediction of RNA-binding sites on proteins
Authors: Pérez-Cano Laura , Fernández-Recio Juan
Published: January 2011

RNA-binding proteins are involved in many important regulatory processes in cells and their study is essential for a complete understanding of living organisms. They show a large variability from both structural and functional points of view. However, several recent studies performed on protein-RNA crystal structures have revealed interesting common properties. RNA-binding sites usually constitute patches of positively charged or polar residues that make most of the specific and non-specific contacts with RNA. Negatively charged or aliphatic residues are less frequent at protein-RNA interfaces, although they can also be found either forming aliphatic and positive-negative pairs in protein RNA-binding sites or contacting RNA through their main chains. Aromatic residues found within these interfaces are usually involved in specific base recognition at RNA single-strand regions. This specific recognition, in combination with structural complementarity, represents the key source for specificity in protein-RNA association. From all this knowledge, a variety of computational methods for prediction of RNA-binding sites have been developed based either on protein sequence or on protein structure. Some reported methods are really successful in the identification of RNA-binding proteins or the prediction of RNA-binding sites. Given the growing interest in the field, all these studies and prediction methods will undoubtedly contribute to the identification and comprehension of protein-RNA interactions.
Characterization of Oxygen Distribution in LOCA Situations
Authors: Duriez C. , Guilbert S. , Stern A. , Grandjean C. , Bělovský L. , Desquines J.
Published: January 2011

Oxygen distribution in the rod cladding tubes during a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) situation is known to play a key role regarding the post-quench mechanical properties of fuel rods. Analytical solutions of the diffusion equations in the complex multilayer and multiphase systems describing the cladding material tube during high temperature oxidation are limited to stationary isothermal conditions. To address the problem of non-stationary transient LOCA situations, a numerical tool (named DIFFOX) has been developed. In the first part, the main assumptions and main features of the code are described. In parallel to the code development, an experimental program has been launched to provide a validation database as well as to input data for improvement of the code models. Zircaloy-4 cladding samples have been pre-oxidized at low temperature then vacuum annealed or steam oxidized at high temperature. Oxygen distribution profiles are investigated by Electron Probe Microanalysis. The ability of the code to describe the chemical reduction of the pre-oxide layer and oxygen diffusion into the metal during high temperature annealing is demonstrated. Regarding high temperature steam oxidation, the pre-oxide layers are observed to be either protective or not on a same given sample. While a good code to experimental data agreement is obtained in the first case, the growing of a high temperature oxide underneath the pre-oxide is not well reproduced by the code. The effect of hydrogen has also been investigated by performing small scale oxidation tests on 600 wppm hydrogen charged Zy-4 cladding. Samples have been long-term annealed for homogenization after oxidation. The main purpose of these experiments is to provide quantitative data on the modification of the α/α+β and α+β/β transus of the Zy4-O pseudo binary phase diagram induced by the presence of hydrogen. A variation of the transus locations deduced from these experiments is proposed.
Gene expression profiles in aldosterone-producing adenomas and adjacent adrenal glands
Authors: Wang Tao , Satoh Fumitoshi , Morimoto Ryo , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Sasano Hironobu , Auchus Richard J , Edwards Michael A , Rainey William E
Published: January 2011

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of endocrine hypertension affecting ∼8–10% of hypertensive subjects. Aldosterone production in PA occurs under low-renin conditions, and the mechanisms that maintain the production of aldosterone in PA remain unknown.

Objective

This study was designed to compare the transcript profiles between aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and their adjacent adrenal gland (AAG) from the same adrenal.

Methods

Total RNA was extracted from ten APA and ten AAG; and subsequently analyzed by microarray and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR). The microarray data were paired for each APA–AAG, and analyzed by GeneSpring GX 11 with paired t-test and fold change calculations for each transcript. Changes identified by microarray analysis were confirmed by qPCR.

Results

Microarray analysis indicated that 14 genes had significantly up-regulated expression in APA compared to AAG. Among the elevated genes were aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) as well as novel transcription factors, calmodulin-binding proteins, and other genes that have not been previously studied in APA. Selective analysis of 11 steroidogenic enzymes using microarray demonstrated that only CYP11B2 showed a significantly higher transcript level in APA compared to AAG (P<0.001). In contrast, AKR1C3 (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5), CYP17 (17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase), and CYB5 (cytochrome b5) showed significantly lower transcript level in APA (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The transcriptome analysis of APA compared with AAG showed several novel genes that are associated with APA phenotype. This gene list provides new candidates for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms leading to PA.
A role of some food arthropods as vectors of human enteric infections
Authors: Graczyk Zofi , Graczyk Tadeusz , Naprawska Agnieszka
Published: January 2011

Arthropods are very important organisms in the environment in relation to transmission of pathogenic infections to humans. The information on transmission of pathogenic infections to people by commercially offered food arthropods is scant. Consumption of seafood is a very popular dietary habit around the world. Whereas shrimp are the most commonly consumed seafood item, crabmeat has recently become a very popular commercial product, specifically for a majority of European countries. The transmission of waterborne protozoan parasites is facilitated by consumption of seafood harvested from contaminated waters, drinking water or via contact with recreational and surface waters, and remains common throughout the developing as well as the developed world. Protozoan infections pose a significant health risk for immunocompetent individuals, and may cause life-threatening diseases among immunocompromised and immunosuppressed individuals. The transmissive stages of human protozoan parasites are small in size and are shed in large numbers in feces of infected people and animals. These pathogens are resistant to environmental stressors (sometimes even to chlorine disinfection), and only a few of them (e.g., Cryptosporidium oocysts, Giardia cysts, or Vibrio bacteria) are able to cause infection in seafood consumers.
Continuous dialysis of sulphuric acid in the presence of zinc sulphate
Authors: Palatý Zdeněk , Bendová Helena
Published: January 2011

Transport of sulphuric acid in the presence of zinc sulphate through the anion-exchange membrane Neosepta-AFN (Astom Corporation, Japan) was studied in a two-compartment counter-current dialyzer with single passes at steady state. The following characteristics were used to characterize the dialysis process: recovery yield of acid, rejection coefficient of salt, and permeability coefficient of the membrane. In case of the H2SO4 + ZnSO4 mixture, permeability of the membrane was quantified by four phenomenological coefficients which are functions of acid and salt concentrations in the feed. They were determined by numerical integration of differential equations describing the concentration profiles of both components in both compartments, which was combined with an optimizing procedure.
Soft bottom sublittoral amphipod fauna of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctic
Authors: Jażdżewska Anna
Published: January 2011

The present analysis is based on 140 quantitative samples collected from depths of 20 to 500 m in the central basin of Admiralty Bay and its inner shallow area, Ezcurra Inlet. One hundred and twenty species were identified, of which 47 species were new for Admiralty Bay. Mean density of crustaceans decreased with depth. Highest species richness was observed at depths of 50–100 m. Historical data and present investigations revealed distinct differences in the amphipod assemblages at different depths. In the subtidal zone, Gondogeneia antarctica was the dominant species; in the shallow sublittoral (down to ca 50 m) Prostebbingia gracilis and Hippomedon kergueleni played an important role. Below 50 m, the importance of phoxocephalid species increased.
Crustacean communities as food resources for fish in shallow Polesie lakes with contrasting development of submerged macrophytes
Authors: Adamczuk Małgorzata , Kornijów Ryszard
Published: January 2011

The aim of the research was to evaluate crustacean forage resources for fish in five shallow lakes varied in respect to species richness and coverage of submerged macrophytes, and thus representing different alternative stable states. The results revealed that lakes with a high or moderate abundance of macrophytes and moderate visibility (macrophyte-dominated Lake Rotcze, phytoplankton-macrophyte dominated lakes Sumin and Głębokie) displayed reach crustacean forage base for fish. Poor feeding conditions were found in two extremely different lakes: turbid phytoplankton-dominated Lake Syczyńskie devoid of macrophytes, and heavily vegetated, clear-water macrophyte-dominated Lake Kleszczów. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed.
Non-native fish in Belarusian and Polish areas of the European central invasion corridor
Authors: Semenchenko Vitaliy , Grabowska Joanna , Grabowski Michal , Rizevsky Viktor , Pluta Michail
Published: January 2011

This is the first comprehensive review to examine the role of the central European invasion corridor on fish introductions into Belarusian and Polish inland waters (Dnieper-Bug-Vistula-Oder-Elbe-Spree-Havel). Historical and recent data were assessed, including the results of a 2003–2008 survey along the Belarusian and Polish sections of the corridor. Since the eighteenth century, at least six fish species of Ponto-Caspian origin have spread via the corridor and migrated westwards to the Baltic basin, with five species found in recent surveys, namely the monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis, round goby N. melanostomus, racer goby N. gymnotrachelus, tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus and the white eye-bream Abramis sapa. Four other non-native species were also found within the corridor — the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii, gibel carp Carassius gibelio, brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus and the topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva. Their presence is related to numerous accidental introductions to many localities in Belarus and Poland, rather than from using the corridor as an invasion route. One species, the ninespine stickleback, Pungitius pungitius, has migrated from the Baltic basin to the Black Sea drainage systems.
Diatoms as indicators of eutrophication in the SW part of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the Baltic Sea
Authors: Leśniewska Małgorzata , Witak Małgorzata
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to reconstruct paleoenvironmental changes of the SW part of the Gulf of Gdańsk. Three subbottom sedimentary cores were analyzed with respect to diatom flora. Post-Littorina Sea assemblages were noticed in the lower parts of the cores, whilst the present-day eutrophication of the gulf was evidenced in their superficial sediments, with high abundance of so-called ‘anthropogenic assemblage’ taxa. Shifts in the species composition might have been caused by intensified nutrient load, increasing organic matter concentrations and possible silica limitation.
Four pathogens found associated with Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne-Edwards, 1853 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Grapsidae) from Lake Dąbie (Poland)
Authors: Sobecka Ewa , Hajek Grzegorz , Skorupiński Łukasz
Published: January 2011

Eriocheir sinensis is a habitat for invertebrates living externally and internally. It may transport native and non-native species to new habitats. Present studies on the Chinese mitten crab from Lake Dąbie add four new taxonomic units to the number of pathogens: Ichthyophonus hoferi, Epistylis sp., Branchiobdella sp. and Digenea gen. sp., which until now have not been found in this host.
Deleterious Effects of Ethanol on Hematological Parameters and Fertility in Albino Rats
Authors: Osonuga OA , Osonuga OI , Osonuga AA
Published: January 2011

Objective: Hematological disorders including anaemia are prevalent in alcoholics. The study was an attempt to find out the toxic effects of ethanol on blood values and semen parameters of albino rats. Material & Methods: 15 male albino rats with body weight (bwt) of 190 – 220 gm were used for the 2-phase study. 25% ethanol was administered via oral cannula to a group of 5 male rats each at daily dose of 0.6ml/200gm bwt respec-tively for 3 days during phase I. Phase II was a recovery study involving 5 male rats exposed to dose regimen as in phase I, and sacrificed after 3-day withdrawal of treatment. The control group of 5 male rats was given sterile water ad-libitum. Each animal was weighed before sacrifice to obtain difference in bwt relative to its basal value. Blood samples were collected by cardio-puncture from the rats for hematology and serum testosterone at the end of each phase. Semen parameters were determined and compared with controls. Results: Ethanol caused significant reduction (P< 0.05) in the hematological profile as well as in the serum testoster-one and semen parameters of the animals. Discontinuation of the drug use however showed gradual recovery of the depressed indices of the semen, serum testosterone and blood parameters. Conclusion: The ethanol could induce reversible changes in hematological profiles and semen parameters of rats, and by extension man. Hence, the study supported the use of alcohol with caution especially in infertile men and those prone to anemic tendencies. Key Words: Albino rats; ethanol; semen parameters; hematology DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.3350Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 37-40
International Conference on HIV-AIDS in Nepal-2010
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2011

DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.4166Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 91-108
Orwell on Jura: Locating Nineteen Eighty-Four
Authors: Delany Paul
Published: January 2011

George Orwell's biographers have been divided about his move to the island of Jura in the last years of his life. Some have seen it as a refuge from the trials of London life during the war; others as a bleak and inaccessible place, chosen in one of Orwell's masochistic gestures. The ordeal of writing Nineteen Eighty-Four on Jura has been described as a suicidal project. But Orwell wanted to be ‘a farmer who wrote’ after the war, for both sentimental and practical reasons. Life on Jura was in some ways healthier and more comfortable than London, and Orwell certainly was happier there than in most other places he lived. If he had survived, he probably would have continued to live in the countryside – still producing his books, but also cultivating his vegetables.
The Beckettian Mimesis of Time
Authors: Levy Eric P.
Published: January 2011

The present study is the first to examine the Beckettian representation of time in relation to the conceptual complexity of time itself – the cluster of concepts informing the idea of time, philosophically construed. There is no consistency in the representation of time in the Beckettian opus. For fundamentally time is relegated to the status of illusion, as the driving aim of Beckettian texts is to express an abiding mentality or attitude toward experience which does not change and remains impervious to local circumstance. At bottom, the Beckettian attitude toward experience construes awareness in terms of the unremittingly uniform unpleasantness of suffering it. In contrast to the Kantian dispensation, in Beckettian mimesis time is not a condition preceding experience, but a conclusion drawn from experience and a means of expressing that experience. Analysis of the diverse and complex Beckettian constructions of time enables deeper understanding of the texts in which they occur.
In vitro Plant Regeneration from Different Leaf Segments of Verbesina encelioides and Correlation with Endogenous Level of IAA
Authors: Karnawat Monika , Jain Devendra , Singh Abhijeet , Malik C. P.
Published: January 2011

Variable leaf segments of Verbesina encelioides exhibited different responses when cultured on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP. With the addition of IAA/NAA to the basal medium completely inhibited the formation and growth of callus. Endogenous content of IAA in the different segments of the leaf when assayed revealed that middle segment  had highest level of IAA and apical and basal segments contained lowest contents. A specific correlation existed between the segment and callus formation.   Key words: Plant regeneration, leaf segments, Verbesina encelioides   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6914   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 195-201, 2010 (December)
Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Authors: Islam Mohammad Nurul , Islam Kazi Tariqul
Published: January 2011

Kew words: Mungbean, Vigna radiata, BINA mug-5,Transformation, nptII, GUS   D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i2.6918   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(2): 233-236, 2010 (December) - Short communication
Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mitra Doyel , Malkoski Stephen P. , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: January 2011

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common malignancy world-wide, however the survival rate has not improved for the past 20 years. In recent years, the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has gained ground in several malignancies and there is mounting evidence suggesting CSCs mediate tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the CSC theory is also challenged at least in certain types of cancer. Here we review the progress of CSC studies in HNC, which suggest that HNC conforms to the CSC model. The identified CSC markers and their tumor initiation properties provide a framework for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HNC.
Usage Patterns of Stop Smoking Medications in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States: Findings from the 2006–2008 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Fix Brian V. , Hyland Andrew , Rivard Cheryl , McNeill Ann , Fong Geoffrey T. , Borland Ron , Hammond David , Cummings K. Michael
Published: January 2011

Varenicline is a new prescription stop smoking medication (SSM) that has been available in the United States since August 1, 2006, in the United Kingdom and other European Union countries since December 5, 2006, in Canada since April 12, 2007, and in Australia since January 1, 2008. There are few population-based studies that have examined use rates of varenicline and other stop smoking medications. We report data from the ITC Four Country survey conducted with smokers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia who reported an attempt to quit smoking in past year in the 2006 survey (n = 4,022 participants), 2007 (n = 3,790 participants), and 2008 surveys (n = 2,735 participants) Respondents reported use of various stop smoking medications to quit smoking at each survey wave, along with demographic and smoker characteristics. The self-reported use of any stop smoking medication has increased significantly over the 3 year period in all 4 countries, with the sharpest increase occurring in the United States. Varenicline has become the second most used stop smoking medication, behind NRT, in all 4 countries since being introduced. Between 2006 and 2008, varenicline use rates increased from 0.4% to 21.7% in the US, 0.0% to 14.8% in Canada, 0.0% to 14.5% in Australia, and 0.0% to 4.4% in the UK. In contrast, use of NRT and bupropion remained constant in each country. Males and non-whites were significantly less likely to report using any SSM, while more educated smokers were significantly more likely to use any SSM, including varenicline. Our findings suggest that the introduction of varenicline led to an increase in the number of smokers who used evidence-based treatment during their quit attempts, rather than simply gaining market share at the expense of other medications. From a public health perspective, messages regarding increased success rates among medication users and the relative safety of stop smoking medications should be disseminated widely so as to reach all smokers of all socioeconomic classifications equally.
Socio-Economic Variation in Price Minimizing Behaviors: Findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey
Authors: Licht Andrea S. , Hyland Andrew J. , O’Connor Richard J. , Chaloupka Frank J. , Borland Ron , Fong Geoffrey T. , Nargis Nigar , Cummings K. Michael
Published: January 2011

This paper examines how socio-economic status (SES) modifies how smokers adjust to changes in the price of tobacco products through utilization of multiple price minimizing techniques. Data come from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Four Country Survey, nationally representative samples of adult smokers and includes respondents from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Cross-sectional analyses were completed among 8,243 respondents (7,038 current smokers) from the survey wave conducted between October 2006 and February 2007. Analyses examined predictors of purchasing from low/untaxed sources, using discount cigarettes or roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco, purchasing cigarettes in cartons, and engaging in high levels of price and tax avoidance at last purchase. All analyses tested for interactions with SES and were weighted to account for changing and under-represented demographics. Relatively high levels of price and tax avoidance behaviors were present; 8% reported buying from low or untaxed source; 36% used discount or generic brands, 13.5% used RYO tobacco, 29% reported purchasing cartons, and 63% reported using at least one of these high price avoidance behaviors. Respondents categorized as having low SES were approximately 26% less likely to report using low or untaxed sources and 43% less likely to purchase tobacco by the carton. However, respondents with low SES were 85% more likely to report using discount brands/RYO compared to participants with higher SES. Overall, lower SES smokers were 25% more likely to engage in at least one or more tax avoidance behaviors compared to their higher SES counterparts. Price and tax avoidance behaviors are relatively common among smokers of all SES strata, but strategies differed with higher SES groups more likely to report traveling to a low-tax location to avoid paying higher prices, purchase duty free tobacco, and purchase by cartons instead of packs all of which were less commonly reported by low SES smokers. Because of the strategies lower SES respondents are more likely to use, reducing price differentials between discount and premium brands may have a greater impact on them, potentially increasing the likelihood of quitting.
Serum Fatty Acid Reference Ranges: Percentiles from a New Zealand National Nutrition Survey
Authors: Bradbury Kathryn E. , Skeaff Clark Murray , Crowe Francesca L. , Green Timothy J. , Hodson Leanne
Published: January 2011

Serum fatty acids are increasingly used in cross-sectional surveys and cohort studies as biomarkers of dietary fat intake; however, it is currently difficult to judge whether an individual has low or high fatty acid status, or whether the distribution of fatty acids of a group of people is low or high due to a lack of appropriate reference values. In the absence of interpretive criteria, the distribution of serum fatty acids from a suitable reference population can be used as an alternative. We describe the distribution of the fatty acid composition of the three most commonly reported lipid classes in serum; cholesterol ester, phospholipid and triacylgycerol. Results for each serum lipid class are presented as means (SD) and percentiles (5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, and 95) of serum fatty acids in non-fasting blood samples collected from a population based cross-sectional survey of New Zealand adults (n = 2793). These serum fatty acid reference ranges are applicable and relevant to Australia, United Kingdom, and United States as well as other countries where fat intakes are similar to New Zealand.
Developing a New Wireless Sensor Network Platform and Its Application in Precision Agriculture
Authors: Aquino-Santos Raúl , González-Potes Apolinar , Edwards-Block Arthur , Virgen-Ortiz Raúl Alejandro
Published: January 2011

Wireless sensor networks are gaining greater attention from the research community and industrial professionals because these small pieces of “smart dust” offer great advantages due to their small size, low power consumption, easy integration and support for “green” applications. Green applications are considered a hot topic in intelligent environments, ubiquitous and pervasive computing. This work evaluates a new wireless sensor network platform and its application in precision agriculture, including its embedded operating system and its routing algorithm. To validate the technological platform and the embedded operating system, two different routing strategies were compared: hierarchical and flat. Both of these routing algorithms were tested in a small-scale network applied to a watermelon field. However, we strongly believe that this technological platform can be also applied to precision agriculture because it incorporates a modified version of LORA-CBF, a wireless location-based routing algorithm that uses cluster-based flooding. Cluster-based flooding addresses the scalability concerns of wireless sensor networks, while the modified LORA-CBF routing algorithm includes a metric to monitor residual battery energy. Furthermore, results show that the modified version of LORA-CBF functions well with both the flat and hierarchical algorithms, although it functions better with the flat algorithm in a small-scale agricultural network.
A New Tissue Resonator Indenter Device and Reliability Study
Authors: Jia Ming , Zu Jean W. , Hariri Alireza
Published: January 2011

Knowledge of tissue mechanical properties is widely required by medical applications, such as disease diagnostics, surgery operation, simulation, planning, and training. A new portable device, called Tissue Resonator Indenter Device (TRID), has been developed for measurement of regional viscoelastic properties of soft tissues at the Bio-instrument and Biomechanics Lab of the University of Toronto. As a device for soft tissue properties in-vivo measurements, the reliability of TRID is crucial. This paper presents TRID’s working principle and the experimental study of TRID’s reliability with respect to inter-reliability, intra-reliability, and the indenter misalignment effect as well.
Changes in expression pattern of the teosinte branched1‐like genes in the Zingiberales provide a mechanism for evolutionary shifts in symmetry across the order
Authors: Bartlett Madelaine E. , Specht Chelsea D.
Published: January 2011

• Premise of the study: Floral symmetry is a trait of key importance when considering floral diversification because it is thought to play a significant role in plant–pollinator interactions. The CYCLOIDEA/TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 (CYC/TB1)‐like genes have been implicated in the development and evolution of floral symmetry in numerous lineages. We thus chose to investigate a possible role for these genes in the evolution of floral symmetry within petaloid monocots, using the order Zingiberales as a model system. In the Zingiberales, evolutionary shifts in symmetry have occurred in all floral whorls, making the order ideal for studying the evolution of this ecologically significant trait.

• Methods: We analyzed TB1‐like (TBL) genes from taxa spanning the order in a phylogenetic context. Using RNA in situ hybridization, we examined the expression of two TBL genes in Costus spicatus (Costaceae) and Heliconia stricta (Heliconiaceae), taxa with divergent floral symmetry patterns.

• Key results: We identified Zingiberales‐specific gene duplications as well as a duplication in the TBL gene lineage that predates the diversification of commelinid monocots. Shifts in TBL gene expression were associated with evolutionary shifts in floral symmetry and stamen abortion. ZinTBL1a expression was found in the posterior (adaxial) staminode of H. stricta and in the abaxial staminodial labellum of C. spicatus. ZinTBL2 expression was strongest in the anterior (abaxial) sepals of H. stricta and in the adaxial fertile stamen of C. spicatus.

• Conclusions: This study adds to the growing body of evidence that CYC/TB1‐like genes have been repeatedly recruited throughout the course of evolution to generate bilateral floral symmetry (zygomorphy).
Hospitalizations associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and seasonal influenza in Saurashtra region, India
Authors: Chudasama Rajesh K , Patel Umed V , Verma Pramod B
Published: January 2011

Introduction: This study investigated the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of patients who were hospitalized with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus infection and seasonal influenza in the Saurashtra region of India. Methodology: From September 2009 to February 2010, a total of 773 patients with influenza virus attending different hospitals in Rajkot city were studied. Real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) testing was used to confirm infection; the clinico-epidemiological features of the disease were closely monitored. Results: Of the 733 patients, 35.4% (274/773) were cases of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza and 64.6% (499/773) were cases of seasonal influenza. Of the 274 patients with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza, the median age was 29.5 years, and 51.5% were males. Only 1.1% positive patients had recent travel history to an infected region. A median time of five days was observed from onset of illness to influenza A (H1N1) diagnosis, and a median time of six days was reported for hospital stay. All admitted influenza A (H1N1) patients received Oseltamivir drug, but only 16.1% received it within two days of onset of illness. One fourth of the admitted positive patients died. The most common symptoms were cough, fever, sore throat, and shortness of breath. The coexisting conditions were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic pulmonary diseases, and pregnancy (p = 0.001). Chest radiography revealed 93% of the positive patients had pneumonia. Conclusion: The clinical course and outcomes of the 2009 pandemic (H1N1) influenza virus are comparable to those of the currently circulating seasonal influenza, with high mortality in influenza A (H1N1) patients.
Frequency and susceptibility pattern of metallo-beta-lactamase producers in a hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Kaleem Fatima , Usman Javaid , Hassan Afreenish , Khan Aslam
Published: January 2011

Introduction: The rapid spread of acquired metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) among major Gram-negative pathogens is an emerging threat and a matter of particular concern worldwide. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted between January and August 2009 in the department of Microbiology, Army Medical College, National University of Sciences and Technology, Rawalpindi, to determine the frequency and susceptibility patterns of MBL-producers among carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative rods (GNRs) from clinical isolates of a tertiary care hospital. All clinical samples were processed according to standard microbiological methods. Isolated GNRs were subjected to susceptibility testing against various antibiotics by disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.  Carbapenem-resistant isolates were subjected to the detection of MBL production by the E-test MBL strip method. Results: Out of 50 carbapenem resistant isolates, 39 (78%) of were confirmed to be MBL producers by the E-strip method.  Acinetobacter baumannii were the most frequent MBL producers, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A total of 19 (37%) of the MBL producers were susceptible to cefoperazone-sulbactam. Conclusion: The findings strongly suggest that there is a need to track the detection of MBL producers and that judicious use of carbapenems is necessary to prevent the further spread of these organisms.
Assessment of effectiveness and safety of Ibicella lutea extract in the control of experimental Proteus mirabilis urinary tract infection
Authors: Sosa Vanessa , Zunino Pablo
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Proteus mirabilis is an important cause of complicated urinary tract infections (UTI). Like many other microorganisms, P. mirabilis has acquired resistance to many antibiotics. Due to the serious effects associated with uropathogenic P. mirabilis and the problems related to the use of antibiotics, alternative strategies for its control must be developed. Previously, we studied the effect of Ibicella lutea extract, a South American indigenous plant, on in vitro uropathogenicity of P. mirabilis. We observed that I. lutea extract had an effect on various attributes associated with P. mirabilis urovirulence. The objective of this study was to assess I. lutea extract against UTI by P. mirabilis. Methodology: This study was based on the effect of I. lutea extract to prevent or treat P. mirabilis experimental UTI in mice and the influence of this administration on the normal intestinal flora. Also, we studied the toxicity, mutagenicity, and antimutagenicity of the extract. Results: In this study, while I. lutea administration showed an effect in the prevention and treatment of UTI in the mouse, the intestinal microflora did not change. The I. lutea extract was neither toxic nor mutagenic although the extract showed antimutagenic properties. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the administration of I. lutea extract could represent an interesting new strategy to control P. mirabilis UTI.
Blood group testing in developing countries: an ignored concern
Authors: Talwar Divya , Arora Amit
Published: January 2011

This item has no abstract: use the links below to access the full text.
Study of a novel method to assist in early reporting of sepsis from the microbiology laboratory
Authors: Barman Purabi , Sengupta Sharmila , Singh Shefali
Published: January 2011

Introduction: Microbiology laboratories must provide accurate blood culture reports with rapid turnaround time (TAT) to effectively manage patients with sepsis. In this study three methods are compared for reporting blood culture results: a manual method that included use of a serum separator tube (SST),   the conventional manual, and an automated method for identification and susceptibility (ID/AST). Methodology: Broth from positive blood culture bottles was added to an SST and then centrifuged. The pellet obtained was used to directly inoculate biochemical tests for identification and agar plates for AST on the first day of positivity. Biochemicals and AST plates were read the next day and final results reported on the second day at 24 hours. For conventional disk diffusion testing, the newly positive blood culture broth was also inoculated on solid media on the first day and incubated overnight. The next day AST by was performed as well as biochemical tests from pure colonies. These colonies were also used to inoculate panels for ID/AST using the automated MicroScan 40SI System. These results were recorded on the third day and results reported at 48 hours. Results: The study included 851 samples Out of 106 (12.4%) positive blood cultures, 102 were included in the study; Comparison of the 3 methods showed good correlation. Identification was correctly reported in 95 (93.1%) isolates. The overall AST error rate was 3.8%, Conclusions: The use of SST and direct from pellet inoculation reduced TAT for identification and AST results between 18 and 24 hours.
Sobre el origen y la cronología del trípode de varillas de La Clota (Calaceite, Teruel): nuevos datos arqueométricos
Authors: Rafel N. , Montero I. , Rovira M. C. , Hunt M. A.
Published: January 2011

Los nuevos datos arqueométricos sobre los fragmentos de trípode de varillas de tipo chipriota de La Clota (Calaceite) permiten considerarlo desde una nueva perspectiva. Los más significativos son su manufactura a la cera perdida, el hecho de que se trate de una aleación ternaria y, sobre todo, que el plomo utilizado en ella sea de procedencia peninsular. Estos datos, sumados a los ya conocidos sobre la broncística de influencia chipro-levantina en el Extremo Occidente, indican una manufactura peninsular e invitan a reconsiderar de forma global la pieza.
Paisaje y gestión de los recursos vegetales en el yacimiento romano de Gabia (Granada) a través de la Arqueobotánica
Authors: Oliva Rodríguez-Ariza M.ª , Montes Moya Eva
Published: January 2011

Se presentan los resultados obtenidos por la antracología y la carpología en la villa romana de Gabia, que nos dan un importante conocimiento sobre la explotación del medio y del uso de los recursos vegetales utilizados con diversas finalidades. Estos resultados confirman la existencia de un paisaje fuertemente antropizado, con una vegetación relativamente abierta donde tienen una gran importancia las especies arbustivas y de matorral, quedando sólo la encina y el pino carrasco como representantes del estrato arbóreo. Los cultivos predominarían en el entorno, siendo los cereales, con el trigo desnudo y la cebada vestida, los que ocuparían parte de las tierras ganadas al bosque, desarrollándose también leguminosas como garbanzos, lentejas, guijas, guisantes y habas. El combustible para los hogares provenía tanto de leña recogida en el bosque, como de los deshechos de las podas de los árboles cultivados. Para la construcción de postes y vigas se recurre a árboles de gran porte, que pueden ofrecer leños rectos y largos, caso de los pinos y el olmo y ramas de gran resistencia como son el nogal y la encina; mientras que para la construcción de los techos se utilizan especies arbustivas: enebros, leguminosas, retama y romero.
Una inscripción de época republicana dedicada a Salaecus en la región minera de Carthago Nova
Authors: González Fernández Rafael , Olivares Pedreño Juan Carlos
Published: January 2011

Estudiamos una inscripción votiva inédita procedente de Mina Mercurio (Portmán, Cartagena), depositada en el Museo Arqueológico de Águilas. La dedican unos libertos de la gens Roscia, conocida familia de negotiatores que firmaban los sellos de lingotes de galena argentífera que aparecieron en el Cabezo Rajao de La Unión, en torno a 1846. Se trata de una de las inscripciones más antiguas de la zona de Carthago Noua. Se fecha a finales del siglo II o principios del siglo I a. C., fundamentalmente a partir de la utilización de un nominativo plural arcaico en -es. Está dedicada a Salaecus, un apelativo que se relaciona etimológicamente con las aguas y con el mar. Por ello y por el lugar donde apareció, formulamos la hipótesis de que haría alusión al dios romano Neptuno o a una deidad hispánica relacionada con el agua.
El Opus testaceum en la arquitectura pública de Augusta Emerita
Authors: Pizzo Antonio
Published: January 2011

El artículo presenta los avances alcanzados en el estudio del opus testaceum en Mérida a raíz de los nuevos datos obtenidos en las excavaciones arqueológicas desarrolladas en los últimos años. El análisis general de las técnicas constructivas de la arquitectura pública de la ciudad permite presentar un trabajo específico sobre el empleo de esta técnica, una propuesta de clasificación abierta y una revisión de las cronologías tradicionales.
Reloj solar de Caesaraugusta
Authors: Raya Román José Mª
Published: January 2011

Se exponen las dos técnicas, cuyos antecedentes los encontramos en Egipto y en Caldea, que utilizaron en Roma para la construcción de relojes de sol esféricos; y se describe y clasifica el fragmento del reloj de sol encontrado en las excavaciones del Teatro de Caesaraugusta.
Por último, con el Analema de Vitruvio y comparándolo con el reloj de sol expuesto en el Museo Nacional de Arte Romano de Mérida, se hace una reconstrucción del reloj de sol esférico de Caesaraugusta, analizando cada una de las líneas que aparecen en su esfera.
En torno a la tendicula de Séneca (Quaest. Nat. 1, 3, 2): una aproximación léxica e iconográfica a la ars fullonia
Authors: Uscatescu Alexandra
Published: January 2011

Este artículo propone que el bastidor de madera, representado en un relieve romano de Forli, sea la tendicula conocida por la literatura latina. Las operaciones de estiramiento de paños desarrolladas con este aparato están relacionadas inequívocamente con la ars fullonia, y por ende, con la antigua industria lanera romana, tal y cómo indican algunos pasajes de Séneca y Agustín (siglo I y fin siglo IV-inicios del V, respectivamente), siendo este último la clave para la comprensión del primero. Igualmente, se demuestra que las operaciones efectuadas en las tendiculae y la referencia de Séneca, a diferencia de lo establecido por Blümner (1875; reeditado en 1912), nada tienen que ver con el prensado de los paños. El análisis iconográfico aquí desarrollado sustenta esta interpretación lingüistica, sopesado por las imágenes conservadas de la Antigüedad Clásica.