bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Field Partitioning for Center‐Pivot‐Irrigated Cotton in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Nair Shyam , Maas Stephan , Wang Chenggang , Mauget Steven
Published: November 2012

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the yield or profit from a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field can be increased by irrigating only a fraction of the field while keeping the rest as dryland when the irrigation water availability is suboptimal. The cotton growth simulation model Cotton2K was used to simulate the lint yield of cotton for different amounts of available irrigation water using historic weather data for the last 110 yr in the Texas High Plains. The data generated were used to evaluate different field partitioning strategies at four different amounts of total available irrigation water (150, 225, 300, and 375 mm). The results revealed that irrigating 30, 45, 55, and 70% of the field were the best strategies to maximize both the lint yield and profit under 150, 225, 300, and 375 mm of available irrigation water, respectively. The field partitioning strategies had a more pronounced impact on effective lint yield and profit when lower amounts of irrigation water were available and under low‐rainfall conditions.
Nutrient Uptake, Partitioning, and Remobilization in Modern, Transgenic Insect‐Protected Maize Hybrids
Authors: Bender Ross R. , Haegele Jason W. , Ruffo Matias L. , Below Fred E.
Published: November 2012

Modern maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids coupled with improved agronomic practices may have influenced the accumulation and partitioning of nutrient uptake since the last comprehensive studies were published. The objective of this study was to investigate nutrient uptake and partitioning among elite commercial germplasm with transgenic insect protection grown under modern management practices. Plants were sampled at six growth stages and divided into four fractions for nutrient determination. Total nutrients required per hectare to produce 23.0 Mg ha−1 of total biomass with 12.0 Mg ha−1 of grain included 286 kg N, 114 kg P2O5, 202 kg K2O, 59 kg Mg, 26 kg S, 1.4 kg Fe, 0.5 kg Mn, 0.5 kg Zn, 0.1 kg Cu, and 0.08 kg B. A 10‐d period (V10–V14) denoted the maximum rates of accumulation on a per day basis for dry weight (439 kg), N (8.9 kg), P2O5 (2.4 kg), K2O (5.8 kg), Mg (2.2 kg), S (0.7 kg), Zn (14.2 g), Mn (18.0 g), B (3.3 g), Fe (95.3 g), and Cu (3.0 g). The majority of total uptake occurred post‐flowering for P, S, Zn, and Cu. Harvest index values of P (79%), S (57%), Zn (62%), and N (58%) were identified in the grain. These results provide much needed data on the nutrient uptake and partitioning of current hybrids, and provide an opportunity to further refine fertilizer method and timing recommendations for maize biomass and grain production.
Cloud and cluster computing in uncertainty analysis of integrated flood models
Authors: Quiroga V. Moya , Popescu I. , Solomatine D. P. , Bociort L.
Published: November 2012

There is an increased awareness of the importance of flood management aimed at preventing human and material losses. A wide variety of numerical modelling tools have been developed in order to make decision-making more efficient, and to better target management actions. Hydroinformatics assumes the holistic integrated approach to managing the information propagating through models, and analysis of uncertainty propagation through models is an important part of such studies. Many popular approaches to uncertainty analysis typically involve various strategies of Monte Carlo sampling of uncertain variables and/or parameters and running a model a large number of times, so that in the case of complex river systems this procedure becomes very time-consuming. In this study the popular modelling systems HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS and Sobek1D2D were applied to modelling the hydraulics of the Timis–Bega basin in Romania. We considered the problem of studying how the flood inundation is influenced by uncertainties in water levels of the reservoirs in the catchment, and uncertainties in the digital elevation model (DEM) used in the 2D hydraulic model. For this we used cloud computing (Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud platform) and cluster computing on the basis of a number of office desktop computers, and were able to show their efficiency, leading to a considerable reduction of the required computer time for uncertainty analysis of complex models. The conducted experiments allowed us to associate probabilities to various areas prone to flooding. This study allows us to draw a conclusion that cloud and cluster computing offer an effective and efficient technology that makes uncertainty-aware modelling a practical possibility even when using complex models.
Extension of the constrained ant colony optimization algorithms for the optimal operation of multi-reservoir systems
Authors: Moeini R. , Afshar M. H.
Published: November 2012

This paper extends the application of Constrained Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms (CACOAs) to optimal operation of multi-reservoir systems. Three different formulations of the constrained Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) are outlined here using Max-Min Ant System for the solution of multi-reservoir operation problems. In the first two versions, called Partially Constrained ACO algorithms, the constraints of the multi-reservoir operation problems are satisfied partially. In the third formulation, all the constraints of the underlying problem are implicitly satisfied by the provision of tabu lists to the ants which contain only feasible options. The ants are, therefore, forced to construct feasible solutions and hence the method is referred to as a Fully Constrained ACO algorithm. The proposed constrained ACO algorithms are formulated for both possible cases of taking storage/release volumes as the decision variables of the problem. The proposed methods are used to optimally solve the well-known problems of four- and ten-reservoir operations and the results are presented and compared with those of the conventional unconstrained ACO algorithm and existing methods in the literature. The results indicate the superiority of the proposed methods over conventional ACOs and existing methods to optimally solve large scale multi-reservoir operation problems.
A grey-based method for evaluating the effects of rating curve uncertainty on frequency analysis of annual maxima
Authors: Alvisi S. , Franchini M.
Published: November 2012

A grey-based technique for characterizing the rating curve uncertainty due to discharge measurement errors and its effect on flood frequency analysis is here presented. On the basis of river stage and discharge measurements, the grey parameters of the rating curve are estimated by using a grey non-linear regression. Commencing with this grey rating curve and a set of annual maximum stages, we show how the probability distribution (here assumed of EV1 type) of the grey annual maximum discharges can be estimated. The grey EV1 distribution can be estimated through two approaches, the first of which directly exploits the grey discharges corresponding to the annual maximum stages, whereas with the second approach two different sets of extreme (crisp) discharges, and therefore two EV1 distributions of extreme (crisp) values which delimit the grey discharges of a given return period, are obtained by considering the lower and upper limits of the grey parameters of the rating curve. The methodology is illustrated using data pertaining to a gauged section of the River Po (Italy). The results show that the first approach yields a wider grey EV1 distribution with respect to that resulting from the second approach: physical justification of this is given.
A method for quantitative discrimination in flow pattern evolution of water distribution supply areas with interpretation in terms of demand and leakage
Authors: van Thienen Peter
Published: November 2012

A method, the comparison of flow pattern distributions (CFPD), is described in which the specific representation of flow measurements for two different time periods allows a direct, quantitative interpretation of changes in the pattern. Two types of changes can be distinguished. The first is changes from one period to the next in demand consistent with the existing pattern, e.g. due to changing weather or changes in the population size. The second type is inconsistent changes which may be due to increased leakage. The method is successfully applied to drinking water distribution systems of different sizes and characteristics. Being data driven, it is independent of model assumptions and therefore insensitive to uncertainties therein which may hinder some other leakage determination methods. Because it is simple to implement and apply but nevertheless powerful in distinguishing between consistent and inconsistent changes in water demand, the method provides water companies with a way to constantly monitor their networks for possible changes in customer demand and the possible occurrence of new leakages and also check archived data for similar changes. This could render additional information about customer behavior and the evolving condition of the network from data which is usually readily available at water companies.
Predicting apparent shear stress in prismatic compound open channels using artificial neural networks
Authors: Huai Wenxin , Chen Gang , Zeng Yuhong
Published: November 2012

The apparent shear stress acting on the vertical interface between main channel and floodplain (with and without vegetation) in prismatic compound open channels was studied using artificial neural networks (ANNs). Apparent shear stress is commonly used to quantify the transverse momentum exchange between sub-areas of the cross section, and its influencing factors include channel geometry, boundary roughness conditions and hydraulic properties of flow. In particular, if vegetations exist, the eco-characteristics of vegetation can be crucial. To mathematically describe the effect of channel symmetry, we present a new expression of width ratio through which the symmetrical and asymmetrical cross section can be distinguished. The effect of vegetation is considered using degree of submersion and the porosity (volume ratio occupied by water). Dimensional analysis was conducted to determine the mathematical formula of apparent shear stress, and seven non-dimensional parameters were selected as the influencing factors. In total, 260 sets of data (including our new experimental series conducted in a compound channel with vegetated floodplain) were used for training and testing a three-layer, feed-forward neural network with Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) as the selected training algorithm. Also, the effects of main influencing factors on the apparent shear stress were investigated.
Using high performance techniques to accelerate demand-driven hydraulic solvers
Authors: Guidolin Michele , Kapelan Zoran , Savić Dragan
Published: November 2012

Computer models of water distribution networks are commonly used to simulate large systems under complex dynamic scenarios. These models normally use so-called demand-driven solvers, which determine the nodal pressures and pipe flow rates that correspond to specified nodal demands. This paper investigates the use of data parallel high performance computing (HPC) techniques to accelerate demand-driven hydraulic solvers. The sequential code of the solver implemented in the CWSNet library is analysed to understand which computational blocks contribute the most to the total computation time of a hydraulic simulation. The results obtained show that, contrary to popular belief, the linear solver is not the code block with the highest impact on the simulation time, but the pipe head loss computation. Two data parallel HPC techniques, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) operations and general purpose computation on graphics processing units (GPGPU), are used to accelerate the pipe head loss computation and linear algebra operations in new implementations of the hydraulic solver of CWSNet library. The results obtained on different network models show that the use of this techniques can improve significantly the performance of a demand-driven hydraulic solver.
Dialysis Modality and Correction of Uremic Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Vashistha Tania , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Molnar Miklos Z. , Torlén Klara , Mehrotra Rajnish
Published: November 2012

Background and objectives

Uremic metabolic acidosis is only partially corrected in many hemodialysis patients, and low serum bicarbonate predicts higher death risk. This study determined the comparative efficacy of peritoneal dialysis in correcting uremic metabolic acidosis and the association of serum bicarbonate and death risk with the two therapies.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Data were obtained from 121,351 prevalent ESRD patients (peritoneal dialysis, 10,400; hemodialysis, 110,951) treated in DaVita facilities between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2006, with follow-up through June of 2007.

Results

Serum bicarbonate was <22 mEq/L in 25% and 40% of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients, respectively. Thus, peritoneal dialysis patients were substantially less likely to have lower serum bicarbonate (adjusted odds ratio<20 mEq/L, 0.45 [0.42, 0.49]; <22 mEq/L, 0.41 [0.39, 0.43]). Time-averaged serum bicarbonate<19 mEq/L was associated with an 18% and 25% higher risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, in prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients (reference group: serum bicarbonate between 24 and <25 mEq/L). In analyses using the entire cohort of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients, the adjusted risk for all-cause mortality was higher in most subgroups with serum bicarbonate<22 mEq/L, irrespective of dialysis modality.

Conclusions

The measured bicarbonate is significantly higher in peritoneal dialysis patients, suggesting that the therapy provides a more complete correction of metabolic acidosis than intermittent hemodialysis. Survival data suggest maintaining serum bicarbonate>22 mEq/L for all ESRD patients, irrespective of dialysis modality.
Effect of Spironolactone and Amiloride on Thiazolidinedione-Induced Fluid Retention in South Indian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Viswanathan Vijay , Mohan Viswanathan , Subramani Poongothai , Parthasarathy Nandakumar , Subramaniyam Gayathri , Manoharan Deepa , Sundaramoorthy Chandru , Gnudi Luigi , Karalliedde Janaka , Viberti Giancarlo
Published: November 2012

Background and objectives

Thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone) induce renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)–mediated sodium reabsorption, resulting in plasma volume (PV) expansion. Incidence and long-term management of fluid retention induced by thiazolidinediones remain unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In a 4-week run-in period, rosiglitazone, 4 mg twice daily, was added to a background anti-diabetic therapy in 260 South Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with PV expansion (absolute reduction in hematocrit in run-in, ≥1.5 percentage points) entered a randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate effects of amiloride and spironolactone on attenuating rosiglitazone-induced fluid retention. Primary endpoint was change in hematocrit in each diuretic group versus placebo (control group).

Results

Of the 260 patients, 70% (n=180) had PV expansion. These 180 patients (70% male; mean age, 47.8 years [range, 30–80 years]) were randomly assigned to rosiglitazone, 4 mg twice daily, plus spironolactone, 50 mg once daily; rosiglitazone, 4 mg twice daily, plus amiloride, 10 mg once daily; or rosiglitazone, 4 mg twice daily, plus placebo for 24 weeks. Hematocrit continued to decrease significantly in control and spironolactone groups (mean absolute change, −1.2 [P=0.01] and −0.7 [P=0.02] percentage points, respectively), suggesting continued PV expansion. No change occurred with amiloride (mean change, 0.0 percentage points). Amiloride, but not spironolactone, was superior to control (mean hematocrit difference [95% confidence interval] relative to control, 1.27 [0.21–2.55] and 0.49 [−0.79–1.77] percentage points [P=0.04 and P=0.61], respectively).

Conclusions

Prevalence of rosiglitazone-induced fluid retention in South Indian patients with type 2 diabetes is high. Amiloride, a direct ENaC blocker, but not spironolactone, prevented protracted fluid retention in these patients.
Study of pH-dependent drugs solubility in water
Authors: Pobudkowska A. , Domańska U.
Published: November 2012

The solubilities of five sparingly soluble drug-compounds in water have been
measured at constant temperatures (298.1K and 310.1K) by the classical
saturation shake-flask method. All substances presented in this work are
derivatives of anthranilic acid: flufenamic acid, (FLU), mefenamic acid,
(MEF), niflumic acid, (NIF), diclofenac sodium, (DIC), and meclofenamic
sodium, (MEC). All of them have anti-inflammatory action. Since the aqueous
solubility of the ionized drug is significantly higher than the unionized,
the experimental conditions that affect equilibrium solubility values such as
composition of aqueous buffer have been examined. The Henderson-Hasselbalch
(HH) relationship has been used to predict the pH-dependent solubility
profiles of chosen drugs at two temperatures. For this purpose the pKa values
of the investigated drugs have been determined with Bates-Schwarzenbach
spectrophotometric method at temperature 310.1 K. At temperature 298.1K these
values were reported earlier. Similar values of pKa were obtained from the
solubility measurements.
Correlation of yield and heterosis of maize hybrids and their parental lines with genetic distance based on SSR markers
Authors: Mladenovic-Drinic Snezana , Kostadinovic Marija , Ristic Danijela , Stevanovic Milan , Camdzija Zoran , Filipovic Milomir , Kovacevic Dragan
Published: November 2012

The yield, grain yield heterosis and genetic distance based on SSR markers
were analyzed in eight maize hybrids and their parental lines. The mean grain
yield of all F1 hybrids was 11.37 tha-1. The F1 hybrid from the crosses
between L4xL6 gave the highest grain yield of 12.12 tha-1. For the mid parent
heterosis (MPH) grain yields of the F1 hybrids, the data showed the average
value of 164.25%, and ranged from 136.72% (L4xL6) to 218.07% (L8xL2), and for
better parent heterosis (BPH) from 100.70% (H4) to 212.60% (H2), averaged
137.36%. The average genetic distance among parental inbred lines of analyzed
hybrids was 0.58 with a range from 0.55 to 0.61. The GD showed a positive
correlation with the grain yield of the F1 hybrids (0.22), as well as with
MPH and BPH, with the values of 0.12 and 0.45, respectively.
Catalytic Studies of Sodium Hydroxide and Carbon Monoxide Reaction
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Drozd Vadym , Saxena Surendra
Published: November 2012

We have studied the effect of ball milling on alumina mixed nickel, magnetite and Raney nickel on the reaction: 2NaOH(s) + CO (g) = Na2CO3 (s) + H2 (g) and determined the optimum particle size for the catalysts. The best performance was shown by a 2 h ball milled Raney nickel with average crystallite size of 209 Å. This reaction serves the dual purpose of carbon sequestration and yielding hydrogen gas.
Conversion of CO2 via Visible Light Promoted Homogeneous Redox Catalysis
Authors: Reithmeier Richard , Bruckmeier Christian , Rieger Bernhard
Published: November 2012

This review gives an overview on the principles of light-promoted homogeneous redox catalysis in terms of applications in CO2 conversion. Various chromophores and the advantages of different structures and metal centers as well as optimization strategies are discussed. All aspects of the reduction catalyst site are restricted to CO2 conversion. An important focus of this review is the question of a replacement of the sacrificial donor which is found in most of the current publications. Furthermore, electronic parameters of supramolecular systems are reviewed with reference to the requisite of chromophores, oxidation and reduction sites.
Impact of PHEVs Penetration on Ontario’s Electricity Grid and Environmental Considerations
Authors: Ahmadi Lena , Croiset Eric , Elkamel Ali , Douglas Peter , Unbangluang Woramon , Entchev Evgueniy
Published: November 2012

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have a large potential to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and increase fuel economy and fuel flexibility. PHEVs are propelled by the energy from both gasoline and electric power sources. Penetration of PHEVs into the automobile market affects the electrical grid through an increase in electricity demand. This paper studies effects of the wide spread adoption of PHEVs on peak and base load demands in Ontario, Canada. Long-term forecasting models of peak and base load demands and the number of light-duty vehicles sold were developed. To create proper forecasting models, both linear regression (LR) and non-linear regression (NLR) techniques were employed, considering different ranges in the demographic, climate and economic variables. The results from the LR and NLR models were compared and the most accurate one was selected. Furthermore, forecasting the effects of PHEVs penetration is done through consideration of various scenarios of penetration levels, such as mild, normal and aggressive ones. Finally, the additional electricity demand on the Ontario electricity grid from charging PHEVs is incorporated for electricity production planning purposes.
The Association between Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Parental Educational Level in Portuguese Children
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Vale Susana , Santos Maria Paula , Ribeiro José Carlos , Mota Jorge
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to examine any differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Portuguese children split by parental educational level. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted in 2011 on 359 Portuguese children (202 girls and 157 boys) aged 10 to 17 years (mean age ± SD = 13.9 ± 1.98 years). Height and body mass were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI). Parental education level (PEL) was used as a surrogate for socioeconomic status (SES). Capillary blood sampling was used to determine: Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Fasting Glucos (GLUC), High and Low Density Lipoprotein (HDL/LDL). These measurements were combined with measures of systolic blood pressure and cardiorespiratory fitness as z-scores. CVD risk was constructed by summing the z-scores. Analysis of covariance, controlling for BMI, indicated that CVD risk was significantly different across PEL groups (p = 0.01), with CVD risk score being significantly lower in low (p = 0.04) and middle (p = 0.008) PEL groups, compared to high PEL. Moreover, the covariate, BMI was also significant (p = 0.0001, β = 0.023), evidencing a significant positive association between BMI and CVD risk, with higher BMI associated with greater CVD risk. In Portuguese children, significantly greater CVD risk was found for children of high PEL, while higher BMI was associated with greater CVD risk.
IL-22 mRNA Expression in Blood Samples as a Useful Biomarker for Assessing the Adverse Health Effects of PCBs on Allergic Children
Authors: Tsuji Mayumi , Kawamoto Toshihiro , Koriyama Chihaya , Matsumura Fumio
Published: November 2012

To facilitate the assessment of adverse effects of very low concentrations of air pollutants on general populations, we planned to establish a reliable biomarker that is also useful in identifying vulnerable populations. For this purpose we monitored several inflammation markers in blood samples from 2 year old Japanese children (N = 30), and found that those children living close to major highways (<50 m) show higher levels of mRNA expression IL-22 in their blood samples than those living further away (+50 m). This tendency was more pronounced among subjects showing positive IgE against egg and milk. We further examined association between IL-22 mRNA expression and PCB residues and found a number of significant positive correlations between each individual PCB congener and IL-22 expression. To identify the most vulnerable population among those children we selected asthma as a typical allergy-related disease, and could show that there are significant differences in the levels of IL-22 mRNA expression between IgE negative non-asthmatic subject and asthmatic children showing positive IgE reaction toward egg or milk, again. These observations support our main conclusion that IL-22 expression is a sensitive biomarker which is useful in identifying sub-populations of children who are especially vulnerable to air pollution.
Muscodor albus Volatiles Control Toxigenic Fungi under Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage Conditions
Authors: Braun Gordon , Vailati Matteo , Prange Robert , Bevis Eric
Published: November 2012

Muscodor albus, a biofumigant fungus, has the potential to control post-harvest pathogens in storage. It has been shown to produce over 20 volatile compounds with fungicidal, bactericidal and insecticidal properties. However, M. albus is a warm climate endophyte, and its biofumigant activity is significantly inhibited at temperatures below 5 °C. Conidia of seven mycotoxin producing fungi, Aspergillus carbonarius, A. flavus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, Penicillium verrucosum, Fusarium culmorum and F. graminearum, were killed or prevented from germinating by exposure to volatiles from 2 g M. albus-colonized rye grain per L of headspace in sealed glass jars for 24 h at 20 °C. Two major volatiles of M. albus, isobutyric acid (IBA) and 2-methyl-1-butanol (2MB) at 50 µL/L and 100 µL/L, respectively, gave differential control of the seven fungi when applied individually at 20 °C. When the fungi were exposed to both IBA and 2MB together, an average of 94% of the conidia were killed or suppressed. In a factorial experiment with controlled atmosphere storage (CA) at 3 °C and 72 h exposure to four concentrations of IBA and 2MB combinations, 50 µL/L IBA plus 100 µL/L 2MB killed or suppressed germination of the conidia of all seven fungi. Controlled atmosphere had no significant effect on conidial viability or volatile efficacy. Major volatiles of M. albus may have significant potential to control plant pathogens in either ambient air or CA storage at temperatures below 5 °C. However, combinations of volatiles may be required to provide a broader spectrum of control than individual volatiles.
Microsatellites in the Endangered Species Dyckia distachya (Bromeliaceae) and Cross-Amplification in Other Bromeliads
Authors: Zanella Camila , Janke Aline , Paggi Gecele , Goetze Márcia , Reis Mauricio , Bered Fernanda
Published: November 2012

Microsatellite markers were isolated in Dyckia distachya, an endangered bromeliad from southern Brazil, which will be useful to assess the population genetic structure and reproductive success in introduced and natural populations of this species. Twenty microsatellite loci were developed from an enriched genomic library, and nine of these were amplified. The loci were characterized in 43 individuals from introduced and wild D. distachya populations. All nine loci were polymorphic, with four to ten alleles per locus. In an introduced population the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.136–0.667 and 0.543–0.877, respectively, while in a wild population it ranged from 0.000 to 0.895 and from 0.050 to 0.811, respectively. The development of these microsatellite markers will contribute to investigations of the reproductive potential and viability of introduced populations of D. distachya as well as the single known wild population. Cross-amplification in other Bromeliaceae species was successful, with high rates in four loci, demonstrating the applicability of these microsatellite markers in other taxa.
Impact of Cyanidin-3-Glucoside on Glycated LDL-Induced NADPH Oxidase Activation, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Viability in Cultured Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xie Xueping , Zhao Ruozhi , Shen Garry
Published: November 2012

Elevated levels of glycated low density lipoprotein (glyLDL) are frequently detected in diabetic patients. Previous studies demonstrated that glyLDL increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activated NADPH oxidase (NOX) and suppressed mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) enzyme activities in vascular endothelial cells (EC). The present study examined the effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a type of anthocyanin abundant in dark-skinned berries, on glyLDL-induced ROS production, NOX activation and mETC enzyme activity in porcine aortic EC (PAEC). Co-treatment of C3G prevented glyLDL-induced upregulation of NOX4 and intracellular superoxide production in EC. C3G normalized glyLDL-induced inhibition on the enzyme activities of mETC Complex I and III, as well as the abundances of NADH dehydrogenase 1 in Complex I and cytochrome b in Complex III in EC. Blocking antibody for the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) prevented glyLDL-induced changes in NOX and mETC enzymes. Combination of C3G and RAGE antibody did not significantly enhance glyLDL-induced inhibition of NOX or mETC enzymes. C3G reduced glyLDL-induced RAGE expression with the presence of RAGE antibody. C3G prevented prolonged incubation with the glyLDL-induced decrease in cell viability and the imbalance between key regulators for cell viability (cleaved caspase 3 and B cell Lyphoma-2) in EC. The findings suggest that RAGE plays an important role in glyLDL-induced oxidative stress in vascular EC. C3G may prevent glyLDL-induced NOX activation, the impairment of mETC enzymes and cell viability in cultured vascular EC.
Modulation of Adipogenic Conditions for Prospective Use of hADSCs in Adipose Tissue Engineering
Authors: Galateanu Bianca , Dinescu Sorina , Cimpean Anisoara , Dinischiotu Anca , Costache Marieta
Published: November 2012

Modern strategies in adipose tissue engineering (ATE) take advantage of the easy harvest, abundance and differentiation potential towards mesenchymal lineages of hADSCs. The controlled conversion of hADSCs to committed adipogenic precursors and further mature adipocytes formation is important for good long-term results in soft tissue regeneration. Thus, in this study, we report: (i) the isolation of the processed lipoaspirate (PLA) cells from adipose tissue and sanguine fractions; (ii) the phenotypic characterization of the PLA descendants; (iii) the design of a novel protocol for the modulation of adipogenic conditions in the perspectives of ATE applications. To modulate the differentiation rate through our protocol, we propose to selectively modify the formulation of the adipogenic media in accordance with the evolution of the process. Therefore, we aimed to ensure the long-term proliferation of the precursor cells and to delay the late adipogenic events. The status of differentiation was characterized in terms of intracellular lipid accumulation and reorganization of the cytoskeleton simultaneously with perilipin protein expression. Moreover, we studied the sequential activation of PPARγ2, FAS, aP2 and perilipin genes which influence the kinetics of the adipogenic process. The strategies developed in this work are the prerequisites for prospective 3D regenerative systems.
Drug Conjugates Such as Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), Immunotoxins and Immunoliposomes Challenge Daily Clinical Practice
Authors: Janthur Wolf-Dieter , Cantoni Nathan , Mamot Christoph
Published: November 2012

Drug conjugates have been studied extensively in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models but to date only a few compounds have progressed to the clinical setting. This situation is now changing with the publication of studies demonstrating a significant impact on clinical practice and highlighting the potential of this new class of targeted therapies. This review summarizes the pharmacological and molecular background of the main drug conjugation systems, namely antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), immunotoxins and immunoliposomes. All these compounds combine the specific targeting moiety of an antibody or similar construct with the efficacy of a toxic drug. The aim of this strategy is to target tumor cells specifically while sparing normal tissue, thus resulting in high efficacy and low toxicity. Recently, several strategies have been investigated in phase I clinical trials and some have entered phase III clinical development. This review provides a detailed overview of various strategies and critically discusses the most relevant achievements. Examples of the most advanced compounds include T-DM1 and brentuximab vedotin. However, additional promising strategies such as immunotoxins and immunoliposmes are already in clinical development. In summary, targeted drug delivery by drug conjugates is a new emerging class of anti-cancer therapy that may play a major role in the future.
Degradation Mechanisms for GaN and GaAs High Speed Transistors
Authors: Cheney David , Douglas Erica , Liu Lu , Lo Chien-Fong , Gila Brent , Ren Fan , Pearton Stephen
Published: November 2012

We present a review of reliability issues in AlGaN/GaN and AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) as well as Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) in the AlGaAs/GaAs materials systems. Because of the complex nature and multi-faceted operation modes of these devices, reliability studies must go beyond the typical Arrhenius accelerated life tests. We review the electric field driven degradation in devices with different gate metallization, device dimensions, electric field mitigation techniques (such as source field plate), and the effect of device fabrication processes for both DC and RF stress conditions. We summarize the degradation mechanisms that limit the lifetime of these devices. A variety of contact and surface degradation mechanisms have been reported, but differ in the two device technologies: For HEMTs, the layers are thin and relatively lightly doped compared to HBT structures and there is a metal Schottky gate that is directly on the semiconductor. By contrast, the HBT relies on pn junctions for current modulation and has only Ohmic contacts. This leads to different degradation mechanisms for the two types of devices.
New Furanones from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Pestalotiopsis besseyi
Authors: Liu Haitao , Liu Shuchun , Guo Liangdong , Zhang Yonggang , Cui Langjun , Ding Gang
Published: November 2012

Pestalafuranones A–E (compounds 1–5), five new 2(5H)-furanones, have been isolated from cultures of an isolate of Pestalotiopsis besseyi. The structures of these compounds were elucidated mainly by analysis of their NMR spectroscopic data and HRESIMS experiments. Pestalafuranones A–C (compounds 1–3) displayed weak inhibitory effects against HIV-1 replication in C8166 cells, whereas pestalafuranones D (4) and E (5) showed moderate antifungal activity against the plant pathogens Verticillium dahiae and Alternaria longipes.
Antifungal Activity of Homoaconitate and Homoisocitrate Analogs
Authors: Milewska Maria , Prokop Marta , Gabriel Iwona , Wojciechowski Marek , Milewski Sławomir
Published: November 2012

Thirteen structural analogs of two initial intermediates of the L-a-aminoadipate pathway of L-lysine biosynthesis in fungi have been designed and synthesized, including fluoro- and epoxy-derivatives of homoaconitate and homoisocitrate. Some of the obtained compounds exhibited at milimolar range moderate enzyme inhibitory properties against homoaconitase and/or homoisocitrate dehydrogenase of Candida albicans. The structural basis for homoisocitrate dehydrogenase inhibition was revealed by molecular modeling of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. On the other hand, the trimethyl ester forms of some of the novel compounds exhibited antifungal effects. The highest antifungal activity was found for trimethyl trans-homoaconitate, which inhibited growth of some human pathogenic yeasts with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 16–32 mg/mL.
Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Pu-erh Tea
Authors: Zhang Hai , Wang Cheng , Shen Sheng , Wang Gang , Liu Peng , Liu Zi , Wang Yong , Du Shu , Liu Zhi , Deng Zhi
Published: November 2012

Eight compounds were isolated from the water extract of Pu-erh tea and their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS as gallic acid (1), (+)-catechin (2), (−)-epicatechin (3), (−)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (4), (−)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (5), (−)-epiafzelechin- 3-O-gallate (6), kaempferol (7), and quercetin (8). Their in vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by the DPPH and ABTS scavenging methods with microplate assays. The relative order of DPPH scavenging capacity for these compounds was compound 8 > compound 7 > compound 1 > compound 6 > compound 4 ≈ compound 5 > compound 2 > VC (reference) > compound 3, and that of ABTS scavenging capacity was compound 1 > compound 2 > compound 7 ≈ compound 8 > compound 6 > compound 5 > compound 4 > VC (reference) > compound 3. The results showed that these phenolic compounds contributed to the antioxidant activity of Pu-erh tea.
Norcembranoidal Diterpenes from a Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia sp.
Authors: Yen Wei-Hsuan , Hu Li-Chung , Su Jui-Hsin , Lu Mei-Chin , Twan Wen-Hung , Yang Show-Ying , Kuo Yung-Chi , Weng Ching-Feng , Lee Chia-Hung , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: November 2012

Two norcembranoidal diterpenes, 5-episinuleptolide acetate (1) and scabrolide D (2), were isolated from a Formosan octocoral identified as Sinularia sp. The structures of norcembranoids 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic methods and by comparison of the spectral data with those of known analogues and 1 was proven to be a new natural product. Norcembranoid 1 was found to exhibit cytotoxicity toward a panel of tumor cells.
Spontaneous Deposition of Prussian Blue on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and the Application in an Amperometric Biosensor
Authors: Yao Yanli , Bai Xiaoyun , Shiu Kwok-Keung
Published: November 2012

A simple method has been developed for the spontaneous deposition of Prussian blue (PB) particles from a solution containing only ferricyanide ions onto conducting substrates such as indium tin oxide glass, glassy carbon disk and carbon nanotube (CNT) materials. Formation of PB deposits was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrometry and electrochemical techniques. The surface morphology of the PB particles deposited on the substrates was examined by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. CNT/PB composite modified glassy carbon electrodes exhibited an electrocatalytic property for hydrogen peroxide reduction. These modified electrodes exhibited a high sensitivity for electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide at −0.05 V (vs. Ag|AgCl), probably due to the synergistic effect of CNT with PB. Then, CNT/PB modified electrodes were further developed as amperometric glucose biosensors. These biosensors offered a linear response to glucose concentration from 0.1 to 0.9 mM with good selectivity, high sensitivity of 0.102 A M−1 cm−2 and short response time (within 2 s) at a negative operation potential of −0.05 V (vs. Ag|AgCl). The detection limit was estimated to be 0.01 mM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3.
Retinal Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Early Atrophic Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and a New Metric for Objective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ocular Nutrition
Authors: Richer Stuart , Cho Jane , Stiles William , Levin Marc , Wrobel James , Sinai Michael , Thomas Carla
Published: November 2012

Purpose: A challenge in ocular preventive medicine is identification of patients with early pathological retinal damage that might benefit from nutritional intervention. The purpose of this study is to evaluate retinal thinning (RT) in early atrophic age-related macular degeneration (AMD) against visual function data from the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function (ZVF) randomized double masked placebo controlled clinical trial (FDA IND #78973). Methods: Retrospective, observational case series of medical center veterans with minimal visible AMD retinopathy (AREDS Report #18 simplified grading 1.4/4.0 bilateral retinopathy). Foveal and extra-foveal four quadrant SDOCT RT measurements were evaluated in n = 54 clinical and ZVF AMD patients. RT by age was determined and compared to the OptoVue SD OCT normative database. RT by quadrant in a subset of n = 29 ZVF patients was correlated with contrast sensitivity and parafoveal blue cone increment thresholds. Results: Foveal RT in AMD patients and non-AMD patients was preserved with age. Extrafoveal regions, however, showed significant slope differences between AMD patients and non-AMD patients, with the superior and nasal quadrants most vulnerable to retinal thinning (sup quad: −5.5 μm/decade thinning vs. Non-AMD: −1.1 μm/decade, P < 0.02; nasal quad: −5.0 μm/decade thinning vs. Non-AMD: −1.0 μm/decade, P < 0.04). Two measures of extrafoveal visual deterioration were correlated: A significant inverse correlation between % RT and contrast sensitivity (r = −0.33, P = 0.01, 2 Tailed Paired T) and an elevated extrafoveal increment blue cone threshold (r = +0.34, P = 0.01, 2 Tailed T). Additional SD OCT RT data for the non-AMD oldest age group (ages 82–91) is needed to fully substantiate the model. Conclusion: A simple new SD OCT clinical metric called “% extra-foveal RT” correlates well with functional visual loss in early AMD patients having minimal visible retinopathy. This metric can be used to follow the effect of repleting ocular nutrients, such as zinc, antioxidants, carotenoids, n-3 essential fats, resveratrol and vitamin D.
Dose and Latency Effects of Leucine Supplementation in Modulating Glucose Homeostasis: Opposite Effects in Healthy and Glucocorticoid-Induced Insulin-Resistance States
Authors: Zanchi Nelo , Guimarães-Ferreira Lucas , De Siqueira-Filho Mário , Felitti Vitor , Nicastro Humberto , Bueno Carlos , Lira Fábio , Naimo Marshall , Campos-Ferraz Patrícia , Nunes Maria , Seelaender Marília , De Oliveira Carvalho Carla , Blachier François , Lancha Antonio
Published: November 2012

Dexamethasone (DEXA) is a potent immunosupressant and anti-inflammatory agent whose main side effects are muscle atrophy and insulin resistance in skeletal muscles. In this context, leucine supplementation may represent a way to limit the DEXA side effects. In this study, we have investigated the effects of a low and a high dose of leucine supplementation (via a bolus) on glucose homeostasis, muscle mass and muscle strength in energy-restricted and DEXA-treated rats. Since the leucine response may also be linked to the administration of this amino acid, we performed a second set of experiments with leucine given in bolus (via gavage) versus leucine given via drinking water. Leucine supplementation was found to produce positive effects (e.g., reduced insulin levels) only when administrated in low dosage, both via the bolus or via drinking water. However, under DEXA treatment, leucine administration was found to significantly influence this response, since leucine supplementation via drinking water clearly induced a diabetic state, whereas the same effect was not observed when supplied via the gavage.
Synthesis and COX-2 Inhibitory Activity of 4-[(E)-2-(4-Oxo-3-phenyl-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)ethenyl]benzene-1-sulfonamide and Its Analogs
Authors: Hayun  , Hudiyono Sumi , Hanafi Muhammad , Yanuar Arry
Published: November 2012

Some novel 3-phenyl-2-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one derivatives possessing para-sulfonamides groups on the phenyl ring of the 2-phenylethenyl moiety have been synthesized and their COX-2 inhibitory activity evaluated. The stuctures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. The COX-2 inhibition screening assay revealed that 4-[(E)-2-{3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl}ethenyl]benzene-1-sulfonamide had a maximum COX-2 inhibition (47.1%), at a concentration of 20 μM.
Composition Influence on Pulmonary Delivery of Rifampicin Liposomes
Authors: Manca Maria , Sinico Chiara , Maccioni Anna , Diez Octavio , Fadda Anna , Manconi Maria
Published: November 2012

The effects of lipid concentration and composition on the physicochemical properties, aerosol performance and in vitro toxicity activity of several rifampicin-loaded liposomes were investigated. To this purpose, six liposome formulations containing different amounts of soy phosphatidylcholine and hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine, with and without cholesterol and oleic acid, were prepared and fully characterized. Uni- or oligo-lamellar, small (~100 nm), negatively charged (~60 mV) vesicles were obtained. Lipid composition affected aerosol delivery features of liposomal rifampicin; in particular, the highest phospholipid concentration led to a better packing of the vesicular bilayers with a consequent higher nebulization stability. The retention of drug in nebulized vesicles (NER%) was higher for oleic acid containing vesicles (55% ± 1.4%) than for the other samples (~47%). A549 cells were used to evaluate intracellular drug uptake and in vitro toxicity activity of rifampicin-loaded liposomes in comparison with the free drug. Cell toxicity was more evident when oleic acid containing liposomes were used.
Characterizing Post-Drainage Succession in Thermokarst Lake Basins on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska with TerraSAR-X Backscatter and Landsat-based NDVI Data
Authors: Regmi Prajna , Grosse Guido , Jones Miriam , Jones Benjamin , Anthony Katey
Published: November 2012

Drained thermokarst lake basins accumulate significant amounts of soil organic carbon in the form of peat, which is of interest to understanding carbon cycling and climate change feedbacks associated with thermokarst in the Arctic. Remote sensing is a tool useful for understanding temporal and spatial dynamics of drained basins. In this study, we tested the application of high-resolution X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data of the German TerraSAR-X satellite from the 2009 growing season (July–September) for characterizing drained thermokarst lake basins of various age in the ice-rich permafrost region of the northern Seward Peninsula, Alaska. To enhance interpretation of patterns identified in X-band SAR for these basins, we also analyzed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculated from a Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper image acquired on July 2009 and compared both X-band SAR and NDVI data with observations of basin age. We found significant logarithmic relationships between (a) TerraSAR-X backscatter and basin age from 0 to 10,000 years, (b) Landat-5 TM NDVI and basin age from 0 to 10,000 years, and (c) TerraSAR-X backscatter and basin age from 50 to 10,000 years. NDVI was a better indicator of basin age over a period of 0–10,000 years. However, TerraSAR-X data performed much better for discriminating radiocarbon-dated basins (50–10,000 years old). No clear relationships were found for either backscatter or NDVI and basin age from 0 to 50 years. We attribute the decreasing trend of backscatter and NDVI with increasing basin age to post-drainage changes in the basin surface. Such changes include succession in vegetation, soils, hydrology, and renewed permafrost aggradation, ground ice accumulation and localized frost heave. Results of this study show the potential application of X-band SAR data in combination with NDVI data to map long-term succession dynamics of drained thermokarst lake basins.
Detecting Changes of a Distant Gas Source with an Array of MOX Gas Sensors
Authors: Pashami Sepideh , Lilienthal Achim , Trincavelli Marco
Published: November 2012

We address the problem of detecting changes in the activity of a distant gas source from the response of an array of metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors deployed in an open sampling system. The main challenge is the turbulent nature of gas dispersion and the response dynamics of the sensors. We propose a change point detection approach and evaluate it on individual gas sensors in an experimental setup where a gas source changes in intensity, compound, or mixture ratio. We also introduce an efficient sensor selection algorithm and evaluate the change point detection approach with the selected sensor array subsets.