bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local weather differently affects collared flycatcher reproduction at different altitudes
Authors: Slobodník Roman , Balážová Mária , Jandzik David , Baláž Michal
Published: August 2013

Temperature and precipitation are amongst the most important characteristics of local climatic conditions affecting the breeding biology of birds. Many bird species experiencing higher temperatures lay their eggs earlier and/or have bigger clutches. Higher precipitation can lead to a decrease in food availability and/or an increase of the costs of thermoregulation, which consequently may result in lower breeding success. In this paper we present differences in the breeding biology of two collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) populations experiencing different temperatures and precipitation conditions associated with the different altitudes of their localities. We found differences in clutch size and nest success, as well as small differences in dates of egg laying. The population breeding at a higher altitude, and thus harsher conditions, was characterized by smaller clutches and lower nest success. In addition, this population was significantly affected by local weather, and showed correlation between both the beginning of egg laying and the local temperature, as well as between nest success and precipitation. Conversely, the population inhabiting the lower elevation locality with milder conditions showed no relationships with temperature or precipitation. These results suggest that severe conditions, such as high altitude, enhance the effect of local climatic conditions on collared flycatcher breeding ecology.
Gill tissue recovery after copper exposure in Carassius gibelio (Pisces: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Velcheva Iliana , Georgieva Elenka , Atanassova Pepa
Published: August 2013

We investigated the influence of copper in a long-time treatment with concentrations of 0.05 mg L−1 and 0.1 mg L−1 to track the histopathological changes in gills of Carassius gibelio, and to find at what extent they will recover after the effect of the copper concentrations stops. Treatment with copper lasted 21 days and the recovery time was of the same duration. The results of histological examination showed degenerative changes (resulting in thinner secondary lamellae and filamentary epithelium), and hyperplastic and hypertrophic changes (proliferation, vasodilatation, aneurysms, epithelial interstitial edema, and fusion) in gills under the influence of two concentrations. The degenerative changes have higher prevalence at low concentrations, while hyperplastic and hypertrophic ones — at high concentrations. After the period of recovery they remained the same, but the extent of expression on the surface of gill filaments changed. The long-time copper intoxication in low concentrations of copper affects gill structure, causing severe changes whose recovery is a slow process that requires a longer period of time.
Short term exposure of Lemna minor and Lemna gibba to mercury, cadmium and chromium
Authors: Varga Martina , Horvatić Janja , Čelić Ante
Published: August 2013

The effects of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 20 mg L−1 applied for 24 h were assessed in Lemna minor and Lemna gibba by measuring changes in protein concentration, ascorbic acid, phenolics, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the activity of guaiacol peroxidase (G-POX) and catalase (CAT). Ascorbic acid, phenolics, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase played a key role in the antioxidative response of L. gibba. Inadequate activity of antioxidant enzymes in the L. minor resulted in MDA and H2O2 accumulation. In both used species, Hg treatment decreased protein content and increased CAT and G-POX activity, but decreased MDA and H2O2 levels. Cadmium and chromium had opposite impacts on two used Lemna species on almost all observed parameters. Enhanced antioxidative responses of L. gibba to lower concentrations of Hg, Cd and Cr indicated greater abiotic stress tolerance than L. minor.
Design and synthesis of novel thiopheno-4-thiazolidinylindoles as potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agents
Authors: Biradar Jaiprakash , Rajesab Parveen , Sasidhar B.
Published: August 2013

A novel and convenient synthesis of thiopheno-4-thiazolidinyl indole analogues is presented (IVa-IVi), with the aim of obtaining biologically active compounds. 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxyhydrazides (Ia-If) were allowed to react with 3-acetyl-2,5-dichlorothiophene (II) to yield the corresponding 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carbohydrazides (IIIa-IIIf). The pre-formed indolecarbohydrazides (IIIa-IIIf) were allowed to react with 2-mercaptoacetic acid or 2-mercaptopropanoic acid to produce thiopheno-4-thiazolidinylindoles (IVa-IVi). This reaction protocol affords a simple, eco-friendly, non-hazardous, easier preparation and high yields. The antioxidant (free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) and antimicrobial activities of the synthesised compounds were evaluated. The structures and purity of the products were confirmed by their IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral and analytical data. Most of the compounds tested showed very significant scavenging, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Compounds containing electron donor group (CH3) at the fifth position of indole exhibit an excellent ferric-reducing activity. The present study suggests that compounds IIIa-IIIb, IIIf, IVa-IVc, IVf-IVi, may serve as promising lead scaffolds for antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.
Assessment of waxy and non-waxy corn and wheat cultivars as starch substrates for ethanol fermentation
Authors: Gago František , Horváthová Viera , Ondáš Vladimír , Šturdík Ernest
Published: August 2013

The amylose/amylopectin ratio in cereal substrates is one of the parameters affecting starch hydrolysis and fermentation process. Waxy (less than 1 mass % of amylose) starch seems to be suitable for improving the fuel ethanol production. The main aim of this paper was to characterize the fermentation performance of corn and wheat waxy and non-waxy cultivars in terms of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) as well as of the separated hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) type. Two corn (waxy and non-waxy) and two wheat (waxy and non-waxy) cultivars were used for the comparison applying separate enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. In the SHF process, the glucose content was higher after saccharification in the waxy corn and wheat compared to that in non-waxy corn and wheat. In the SSF of waxy varieties, the glucose content after the pre-saccharification was also higher than in the non-waxy ones. Although the starch content did not vary significantly, differences in the glucose content after saccharification were observed. The ethanol yield obtained after the distillation of mash varied from 229.2–262.3 L per ton for the SHF fermentation, while it was in the range of 311.5–347.9 L per ton for the SSF process.
Inhibition of copper corrosion in acidic sulphate media by eco-friendly amino acid compound
Authors: Simonović Ana , Petrović Marija , Radovanović Milan , Milić Snežana , Antonijević Milan
Published: August 2013

This investigation aimed to study a “green” non-toxic biodegradable copper corrosion inhibitor in an acidic sodium sulphate solution. The methods used in the investigation of cysteine as a copper corrosion inhibitor in an acidic sodium sulphate solution were: potentiodynamic measurements, open circuit potential measurements, and chronoamperometric measurements. Optical microscopy was used in addition to electrochemical methods. Potentiodynamic measurements show that cysteine has good inhibitory properties in an acidic medium. Polarisation curves indicate that the presence of cysteine in a sulphate solution decreases the current density and that using various cysteine concentrations results in the formation of a protective film on the surface of the electrode due to the formation of the Cu(I)-cys complex. These results are confirmed by chronoamperometric measurements. Furthermore, it is clear from microphotographs that a protective film does form on copper electrode in the presence of cysteine. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm indicates that cysteine is chemisorbed on the surface of the electrode.
Editorial Vol.1(2)
Authors: Chaudhary Shatdal
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8401 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013
Impact of Healthy Life Style on the Patients of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Srivastav Lata Suman , Khare RS , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2013

RESEARCH QUESTION: Impact of healthy life style modification on the patients of diabetes and impaired  group STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study design STUDY SETTING: Swarn Jayanti Park and adjacent sector 18 , Indira Nagar, Lucknow STUDY PERIOD: January to June 2010 RESULTS:  The results of the analytical findings of the data shows that the fasting glucose reading decreases  significantly as the outcome of medication, along with the adoption of healthy life style and the same conclusion  is on the impaired group.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8407 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 30-34
Adolescence - Somatic, Sexual and Brain Growth and Development
Authors: Agarwal KN , Agarwal Dev K
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8410 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 39-43
Accidents to Ovarian Cysts
Authors: Jyoti Mishru
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8412 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 46-53
The Data-Its Adequacy and Accuracy in Presentation; Probability, Dispersion and the Correlation (Statistical Applications in Medical Research)
Authors: Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2013

The data forms the main base at the very grass root level and is the BACK BONE for application of all the statistical methods, be it in the field of medical sciences, social sciences or any such allied field. The present paper, in this direction, attempts to HIGHLIGHT the main considerations and points to be taken care of in DATA ANALYSIS, towards statistical Inference(s)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v1i2.8414 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2013: 69-74
Velocity and pressure gradients of cerebrospinal fluid assessed with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Matsumae Mitsunori , Hirayama Akihiro , Atsumi Hideki , Yatsushiro Satoshi , Kuroda Kagayaki
Published: August 2013

Object

New approaches for understanding CSF motion in healthy individuals and patients with hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation are presented. The velocity and the pressure gradient of CSF motion were determined using phase contrast (PC) MRI.

Methods

The authors examined 11 healthy control subjects and 2 patients (1 with hydrocephalus and 1 with Chiari malformation), using 4-dimensional PC (4D-PC) MRI and a newly developed computer analysis method that includes calculation of the pressure gradient from the velocity field. Sagittal slices including the center of the skull and coronal slices of the foramen of Monro and the third ventricle were used.

Results

In the ventricular system, mixing and swirling of the CSF was observed in the third ventricle. The velocity images showed that the CSF was pushed up and back down to the adjacent ventricle and then returned again to the third ventricle. The CSF traveled bidirectionally in the foramen of Monro and sylvian aqueduct. Around the choroid plexus in the lateral ventricle, the CSF motion was stagnant and the CSF pressure gradient was lower than at the other locations. An elevated pressure gradient was observed in the basal cistern of the subarachnoid space. Sagittal imaging showed that the more prominent pressure gradients originated around the cisterna magna and were transmitted in an upward direction. The coronal image showed a pressure gradient traveling from the central to the peripheral subarachnoid spaces that diminished markedly in the convexity of the cerebrum. The 2 patients, 1 with secondary hydrocephalus and 1 with Chiari malformation, were also examined.

Conclusions

The observed velocity and pressure gradient fields delineated the characteristics of the CSF motion and its similarities and differences among the healthy individuals and between them and the 2 patients. Although the present results did not provide general knowledge of CSF motion, the authors' method more comprehensively described the physiological properties of the CSF in the skull than conventional approaches that do not include measurements of pressure gradient fields.
Subphrenic hematoma after thoracoscopic discectomy: description of a very rare adverse event and review of the literature on complications
Authors: Barbagallo Giuseppe M. V. , Piccini Mario , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Milone Pietro , Albanese Vincenzo
Published: August 2013

The authors describe a very rare and previously unreported complication of thoracoscopic discectomy. Endoscopic spine surgery has evolved as a safe and effective treatment, and thoracoscopic discectomy, in particular, provides several advantages over open approaches, although it can be associated with intraoperative or postoperative complications. The most frequently observed adverse events are intercostal neuralgia, retained disc fragments, durotomies, atelectasis, extensive bleeding, and emergency conversion to open thoracotomy for vascular injuries. Even rare complications, such as chylorrhea or brain hemorrhagic infarction, have been reported. Nonetheless, a literature review did not reveal any case of postoperative intraabdominal hematoma following thoracoscopic discectomy. A 43-year-old woman, with no history of hematological or vascular disorders or thoracic surgery, underwent a right-sided thoracoscopic discectomy for T11–12 disc herniation. No apparent surgical technique–related complications were encountered, but intermittently repeated difficulties with single-lung ventilation occurred. The resultant dysventilation allowed partial right lung reexpansion, along with increased abdominal pressure. The latter induced an upward ballooning of the right diaphragm with consequent obstruction of the surgical field of view, requiring constant and continuous pressure applied to the thoracic surface of the diaphragm via a metal fan retractor and thus counteracting the increased abdominal pressure. Postoperatively, a large subdiaphragmatic hematoma originating from a bleeding right inferior phrenic artery was diagnosed and required urgent endovascular occlusion. The patient made an uneventful recovery with conservative treatment. A very rare and previously unreported complication—that is, early subdiaphragmatic hematoma after thoracoscopic discectomy—is described here. The authors submit that conversion to an open approach is safer when persistent anesthesia-related complications are encountered in thoracoscopic discectomy.
Untangling the Genetic Basis of Fibrolytic Specialization by Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae in Diverse Gut Communities
Authors: Biddle Amy , Stewart Lucy , Blanchard Jeffrey , Leschine Susan
Published: August 2013

The Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae are two of the most abundant families from the order Clostridiales found in the mammalian gut environment, and have been associated with the maintenance of gut health. While they are both diverse groups, they share a common role as active plant degraders. By comparing the genomes of the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae with the Clostridiaceae, a more commonly free-living group, we identify key carbohydrate-active enzymes, sugar transport mechanisms, and metabolic pathways that distinguish these two commensal groups as specialists for the degradation of complex plant material.
Local Feature Extraction and Information Bottleneck-Based Segmentation of Brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) Images
Authors: Shen Pengcheng , Li Chunguang
Published: August 2013

Automated tissue segmentation of brain magnetic resonance (MR) images has attracted extensive research attention. Many segmentation algorithms have been proposed for this issue. However, due to the existence of noise and intensity inhomogeneity in brain MR images, the accuracy of the segmentation results is usually unsatisfactory. In this paper, a high-accuracy brain MR image segmentation algorithm based on the information bottleneck (IB) method is presented. In this approach, the MR image is first mapped into a “local-feature space”, then the IB method segments the brain MR image through an information theoretic formulation in this local-feature space. It automatically segments the image into several clusters of voxels, by taking the intensity information and spatial information of voxels into account. Then, after the IB-based clustering, each cluster of voxels is classified into one type of brain tissue by threshold methods. The performance of the algorithm is studied based on both simulated and real T1-weighted 3D brain MR images. Our results show that, compared with other well-known brain image segmentation algorithms, the proposed algorithm can improve the accuracy of the segmentation results substantially.
Damping Wind and Wave Loads on a Floating Wind Turbine
Authors: Christiansen Søren , Bak Thomas , Knudsen Torben
Published: August 2013

Offshore wind energy capitalizes on the higher and less turbulent wind speeds at sea. To enable deployment of wind turbines in deep-water locations, structures are being explored, where wind turbines are placed on a floating platform. This combined structure presents a new control problem, due to the partly unconstrained movement of the platform and ocean wave excitation. If this additional complexity is not dealt with properly, this may lead to a significant increase in the structural loads and, potentially, instability of the controlled system. In this paper, the wave excitation is investigated, and we show the influence that both wind speed, wave frequencies and misalignment between wind and waves have on the system dynamics. A new control model is derived that extends standard turbine models to include the hydrodynamics, additional platform degrees of freedom, the platform mooring system and tower side-side motion, including gyroscopic effects. The models support a model-based design that includes estimators for wind speed and wave frequency. The design is applied to a number of examples representing different wind and wave conditions and successfully demonstrates a reduction in the structural oscillations, while improving power performance.
Environmental Drivers of West Nile Fever Epidemiology in Europe and Western Asia—A Review
Authors: Paz Shlomit , Semenza Jan
Published: August 2013

Abiotic and biotic conditions are both important determinants of West Nile Fever (WNF) epidemiology. Ambient temperature plays an important role in the growth rates of vector populations, the interval between blood meals, viral replication rates and transmission of West Nile Virus (WNV). The contribution of precipitation is more complex and less well understood. In this paper we discuss impacts of climatic parameters (temperature, relative humidity, precipitation) and other environmental drivers (such as bird migration, land use) on WNV transmission in Europe. WNV recently became established in southeastern Europe, with a large outbreak in the summer of 2010 and recurrent outbreaks in 2011 and 2012. Abundant competent mosquito vectors, bridge vectors, infected (viremic) migrating and local (amplifying) birds are all important characteristics of WNV transmission. In addition, certain key climatic factors, such as increased ambient temperatures, and by extension climate change, may also favor WNF transmission, and they should be taken into account when evaluating the risk of disease spread in the coming years. Monitoring epidemic precursors of WNF, such as significant temperature deviations in high risk areas, could be used to trigger vector control programs and public education campaigns.
Travel Mode and Physical Activity at Sydney University
Authors: Rissel Chris , Mulley Corinne , Ding Ding
Published: August 2013

How staff and students travel to university can impact their physical activity level. An online survey of physical activity and travel behaviour was conducted in early November 2012 to inform planning of physical activity and active travel promotion programs at the University of Sydney, Australia as part of the “Sit Less, Move More” sub-committee of the Healthy University Initiative, and as baseline data for evaluation. There were 3,737 useable responses, 60% of which were from students. Four out of five respondents travelled to the University on the day of interest (Tuesday, November 30, 2012). The most frequently used travel modes were train (32%), car as driver (22%), bus (17%), walking (17%) and cycling (6%). Staff were twice as likely to drive as students, and also slightly more likely to use active transport, defined as walking and cycling (26% versus 22%). Overall, 41% of respondents were sufficiently active (defined by meeting physical activity recommendations of 150 min per week). Participants were more likely to meet physical activity recommendations if they travelled actively to the University. With a high proportion of respondents using active travel modes or public transport already, increasing the physical activity levels and increasing the use of sustainable travel modes would mean a mode shift from public transport to walking and cycling for students is needed and a mode shift from driving to public transport or active travel for University staff. Strategies to achieve this are discussed.
Structural Variations in Articular Cartilage Matrix Are Associated with Early-Onset Osteoarthritis in the Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (Sedc) Mouse
Authors: Macdonald David , Squires Ryan , Avery Shaela , Adams Jason , Baker Melissa , Cunningham Christopher , Heimann Nicholas , Kooyman David , Seegmiller Robert
Published: August 2013

Heterozgyous spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (sedc/+) mice expressing a missense mutation in col2a1 exhibit a normal skeletal morphology but early-onset osteoarthritis (OA). We have recently examined knee articular cartilage obtained from homozygous (sedc/sedc) mice, which express a Stickler-like phenotype including dwarfism. We examined sedc/sedc mice at various levels to better understand the mechanistic process resulting in OA. Mutant sedc/sedc, and control (+/+) cartilages were compared at two, six and nine months of age. Tissues were fixed, decalcified, processed to paraffin sections, and stained with hematoxylin/eosin and safranin O/fast green. Samples were analyzed under the light microscope and the modified Mankin and OARSI scoring system was used to quantify the OA-like changes. Knees were stained with 1C10 antibody to detect the presence and distribution of type II collagen. Electron microscopy was used to study chondrocyte morphology and collagen fibril diameter. Compared with controls, mutant articular cartilage displayed decreased fibril diameter concomitant with increases in size of the pericellular space, Mankin and OARSI scores, cartilage thickness, chondrocyte clustering, proteoglycan staining and horizontal fissuring. In conclusion, homozygous sedc mice are subject to early-onset knee OA. We conclude that collagen in the mutant’s articular cartilage (both heterozygote and homozygote) fails to provide the normal meshwork required for matrix integrity and overall cartilage stability.
Mechanisms of Lin28-Mediated miRNA and mRNA Regulation—A Structural and Functional Perspective
Authors: Mayr Florian , Heinemann Udo
Published: August 2013

Lin28 is an essential RNA-binding protein that is ubiquitously expressed in embryonic stem cells. Its physiological function has been linked to the regulation of differentiation, development, and oncogenesis as well as glucose metabolism. Lin28 mediates these pleiotropic functions by inhibiting let-7 miRNA biogenesis and by modulating the translation of target mRNAs. Both activities strongly depend on Lin28’s RNA-binding domains (RBDs), an N-terminal cold-shock domain (CSD) and a C-terminal Zn-knuckle domain (ZKD). Recent biochemical and structural studies revealed the mechanisms of how Lin28 controls let-7 biogenesis. Lin28 binds to the terminal loop of pri- and pre-let-7 miRNA and represses their processing by Drosha and Dicer. Several biochemical and structural studies showed that the specificity of this interaction is mainly mediated by the ZKD with a conserved GGAGA or GGAGA-like motif. Further RNA crosslinking and immunoprecipitation coupled to high-throughput sequencing (CLIP-seq) studies confirmed this binding motif and uncovered a large number of new mRNA binding sites. Here we review exciting recent progress in our understanding of how Lin28 binds structurally diverse RNAs and fulfills its pleiotropic functions.
Skp2 Regulates Subcellular Localization of PPARγ by MEK Signaling Pathways in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheng Hongge , Meng Jie , Wang Guisheng , Meng Yuming , Li Yu , Wei Dong , Fu Chunyun , Deng Kaifeng , Shen Aiguo , Wang Huimin , Dai Shengming
Published: August 2013

Nuclear hormone receptor family member PPARγ plays an important role in mammary gland tumorigenesis. Previous studies have shown PPARγ has cytoplasmic activities upon tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) stimulation. However, the clinical pathological significance of cytoplasmic PPARγ is not completely understood in human breast cancer. Skp2 is oncogenic, and its frequent amplification and overexpression correlated with the grade of malignancy. In this study, the role of cytoplasmic PPARγ and Skp2 expression was investigated in human breast cancer progression. Therefore, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin sections of 70 specimens. Furthermore, Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy analysis were used to study the relationship between expression of cytoplasmic PPARγ and Skp2 expression in human breast cancer cells in vitro. Results showed that the expression of cytoplasmic PPARγ was positively correlated with Skp2 expression (p < 0.05), and correlated significantly with estrogen receptor (p = 0.026) and pathological grade (p = 0.029), respectively. In addition, Skp2 overexpression can provoke cytoplasmic localization of PPARγ upon MEK1-dependent mechanisms in human breast cancer cells by nuclear-cytosolic fractionation technology and immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. Using RNA interference technology, we also found that down-regulated Skp2 reduced the phosphorylation level of MEK1 and significantly reversed TPA-induced nuclear export of PPARγ in MDA-MB-231 cells. The changes in the subcellular localization of PPARγ may represent a novel target for selective interference in patients with breast cancer.
Development of Quorum-Based Anti-Virulence Therapeutics Targeting Gram-Negative Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Tay Song , Yew Wen
Published: August 2013

Quorum sensing is a cell density-dependent signaling phenomenon used by bacteria for coordination of population-wide phenotypes, such as expression of virulence genes, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Lately, disruption of bacterial communication has emerged as an anti-virulence strategy with enormous therapeutic potential given the increasing incidences of drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria. The quorum quenching therapeutic approach promises a lower risk of resistance development, since interference with virulence generally does not affect the growth and fitness of the bacteria and, hence, does not exert an associated selection pressure for drug-resistant strains. With better understanding of bacterial communication networks and mechanisms, many quorum quenching methods have been developed against various clinically significant bacterial pathogens. In particular, Gram-negative bacteria are an important group of pathogens, because, collectively, they are responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired infections. Here, we discuss the current understanding of existing quorum sensing mechanisms and present important inhibitory strategies that have been developed against this group of pathogenic bacteria.
Optimization of Microwave-Based Heating of Cellulosic Biomass Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Hsiung , Shiao Yong-Fong , Chang Ruey-Fong , Yeh Yu-Ting
Published: August 2013

This study discusses the application of microwave-based heating for the pretreatment of biomass material, with Pennisetum purpureum selected for pretreatment. The Taguchi method was used to plan optimization experiments for the pretreatment parameter levels, and to measure the dynamic responses. With a low number of experiments, this study analyzed and determined a parameter combination in which Pennisetum purpureum can be rapidly heated to 190 °C. The experimental results suggested that the optimal parameter combination is: vessel capacity of 150 mL (level 2), heating power of 0.5 kW (level 1), and mass of Pennisetum purpureum of 5 g (level 1). The mass of Pennisetum purpureum is a key factor affecting system performance. An eight-order ARX model (Auto-Regressive eXogeneous) was representative of the actual system performance, and the fit was 99.13%. The results proved that microwave-based heating, with the assistance of the Taguchi method for pretreatment of the biomass material, can reduce the parameter combination variations.
Accidental Interaction between PDZ Domains and Diclofenac Revealed by NMR-Assisted Virtual Screening
Authors: Tenno Takeshi , Goda Natsuko , Umetsu Yoshitaka , Ota Motonori , Kinoshita Kengo , Hiroaki Hidekazu
Published: August 2013

In silico approaches have become indispensable for drug discovery as well as drug repositioning and adverse effect prediction. We have developed the eF-seek program to predict protein–ligand interactions based on the surface structure of proteins using a clique search algorithm. We have also developed a special protein structure prediction pipeline and accumulated predicted 3D models in the Structural Atlas of the Human Genome (SAHG) database. Using this database, genome-wide prediction of non-peptide ligands for proteins in the human genome was performed, and a subset of predicted interactions including 14 PDZ domains was then confirmed by NMR titration. Surprisingly, diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was found to be a non-peptide PDZ domain ligand, which bound to 5 of 15 tested PDZ domains. The critical residues for the PDZ–diclofenac interaction were also determined. Pharmacological implications of the accidental PDZ–diclofenac interaction are further discussed.
The Arabidopsis Plant Intracellular Ras-group LRR (PIRL) Family and the Value of Reverse Genetic Analysis for Identifying Genes that Function in Gametophyte Development
Authors: Forsthoefel Nancy , Klag Kendra , Simeles Barbara , Reiter Rachel , Brougham Lauren , Vernon Daniel
Published: August 2013

Arabidopsis thaliana has proven a powerful system for developmental genetics, but identification of gametophytic genes with developmental mutants can be complicated by factors such as gametophyte-lethality, functional redundancy, or poor penetrance. These issues are exemplified by the Plant Intracellular Ras-group LRR (PIRL) genes, a family of nine genes encoding a class of leucine-rich repeat proteins structurally related to animal and fungal LRR proteins involved in developmental signaling. Previous analysis of T-DNA insertion mutants showed that two of these genes, PIRL1 and PIRL9, have an essential function in pollen formation but are functionally redundant. Here, we present evidence implicating three more PIRLs in gametophyte development. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that disruption of either PIRL2 or PIRL3 results in a low frequency of pollen morphological abnormalities. In addition, molecular analysis of putative pirl6 insertion mutants indicated that knockout alleles of this gene are not represented in current Arabidopsis mutant populations, suggesting gametophyte lethality may hinder mutant recovery. Consistent with this, available microarray and RNA-seq data have documented strongest PIRL6 expression in developing pollen. Taken together, these results now implicate five PIRLs in gametophyte development. Systematic reverse genetic analysis of this novel LRR family has therefore identified gametophytically active genes that otherwise would likely be missed by forward genetic screens.
Exosomal Proteome Profiling: A Potential Multi-Marker Cellular Phenotyping Tool to Characterize Hypoxia-Induced Radiation Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Thomas Stefani , Liao Zhongping , Clark David , Chen Yangyi , Samadani Ramin , Mao Li , Ann David , Baulch Janet , Shapiro Paul , Yang Austin
Published: August 2013

Radiation and drug resistance are significant challenges in the treatment of locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic breast cancer that contribute to mortality. Clinically, radiotherapy requires oxygen to generate cytotoxic free radicals that cause DNA damage and allow that damage to become fixed in the genome rather than repaired. However, approximately 40% of all breast cancers have hypoxic tumor microenvironments that render cancer cells significantly more resistant to irradiation. Hypoxic stimuli trigger changes in the cell death/survival pathway that lead to increased cellular radiation resistance. As a result, the development of noninvasive strategies to assess tumor hypoxia in breast cancer has recently received considerable attention. Exosomes are secreted nanovesicles that have roles in paracrine signaling during breast tumor progression, including tumor-stromal interactions, activation of proliferative pathways and immunosuppression. The recent development of protocols to isolate and purify exosomes, as well as advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics have facilitated the comprehensive analysis of exosome content and function. Using these tools, studies have demonstrated that the proteome profiles of tumor-derived exosomes are indicative of the oxygenation status of patient tumors. They have also demonstrated that exosome signaling pathways are potentially targetable drivers of hypoxia-dependent intercellular signaling during tumorigenesis. This article provides an overview of how proteomic tools can be effectively used to characterize exosomes and elucidate fundamental signaling pathways and survival mechanisms underlying hypoxia-mediated radiation resistance in breast cancer.
Evaluation of Land Surface Temperature Operationally Retrieved from Korean Geostationary Satellite (COMS) Data
Authors: Cho A-Ra , Suh Myoung-Seok
Published: August 2013

We evaluated the precision of land surface temperature (LST) operationally retrieved from the Korean multipurpose geostationary satellite, Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS). The split-window (SW)-type retrieval algorithm was developed through radiative transfer model simulations under various atmospheric profiles, satellite zenith angles, surface emissivity values and surface lapse rate conditions using Moderate Resolution Atmospheric Transmission version 4 (MODTRAN4). The estimation capabilities of the COMS SW (CSW) LST algorithm were evaluated for various impacting factors, and the retrieval accuracy of COMS LST data was evaluated with collocated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST data. The surface emissivity values for two SW channels were generated using a vegetation cover method. The CSW algorithm estimated the LST distribution reasonably well (averaged bias = 0.00 K, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 1.41 K, correlation coefficient = 0.99); however, the estimation capabilities of the CSW algorithm were significantly impacted by large brightness temperature differences and surface lapse rates. The CSW algorithm reproduced spatiotemporal variations of LST comparing well to MODIS LST data, irrespective of what month or time of day the data were collected from. The one-year evaluation results with MODIS LST data showed that the annual mean bias, RMSE and correlation coefficient for the CSW algorithm were −1.009 K, 2.613 K and 0.988, respectively.
Ground-Based Hyperspectral Characterization of Alaska Tundra Vegetation along Environmental Gradients
Authors: Buchhorn Marcel , Walker Donald , Heim Birgit , Raynolds Martha , Epstein Howard , Schwieder Marcel
Published: August 2013

Remote sensing has become a valuable tool in monitoring arctic environments. The aim of this paper is ground-based hyperspectral characterization of Low Arctic Alaskan tundra communities along four environmental gradients (regional climate, soil pH, toposequence, and soil moisture) that all vary in ground cover, biomass, and dominating plant communities. Field spectroscopy in connection with vegetation analysis was carried out in summer 2012, along the North American Arctic Transect (NAAT). Spectral metrics were extracted, including the averaged reflectance and absorption-related metrics such as absorption depths and area of continuum removal. The spectral metrics were investigated with respect to “greenness”, biomass, vegetation height, and soil moisture regimes. The results show that the surface reflectances of all sites are similar in shape with a reduced near-infrared (NIR) reflectance that is specific for low-growing biomes. The main spectro-radiometric findings are: (i) Southern sites along the climate gradient have taller shrubs and greater overall vegetation biomass, which leads to higher reflectance in the NIR. (ii) Vegetation height and surface wetness are two antagonists that balance each other out with respect to the NIR reflectance along the toposequence and soil moisture gradients. (iii) Moist acidic tundra (MAT) sites have “greener” species, more leaf biomass, and green-colored moss species that lead to higher pigment absorption compared to moist non-acidic tundra (MNT) sites. (iv) MAT and MNT plant community separation via narrowband Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) shows the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing applications in the tundra.
On-Line Flatness Measurement in the Steelmaking Industry
Authors: Molleda Julio , Usamentiaga Rubén , García Daniel
Published: August 2013

Shape is a key characteristic to determine the quality of outgoing flat-rolled products in the steel industry. It is greatly influenced by flatness, a feature to describe how the surface of a rolled product approaches a plane. Flatness is of the utmost importance in steelmaking, since it is used by most downstream processes and customers for the acceptance or rejection of rolled products. Flatness sensors compute flatness measurements based on comparing the length of several longitudinal fibers of the surface of the product under inspection. Two main different approaches are commonly used. On the one hand, most mechanical sensors measure the tensile stress across the width of the rolled product, while manufacturing and estimating the fiber lengths from this stress. On the other hand, optical sensors measure the length of the fibers by means of light patterns projected onto the product surface. In this paper, we review the techniques and the main sensors used in the steelmaking industry to measure and quantify flatness defects in steel plates, sheets and strips. Most of these techniques and sensors can be used in other industries involving rolling mills or continuous production lines, such as aluminum, copper and paper, to name a few. Encompassed in the special issue, State-of-the-Art Sensors Technology in Spain 2013, this paper also reviews the most important flatness sensors designed and developed for the steelmaking industry in Spain.
Some Challenges to Sustainability
Authors: Conard Bruce
Published: August 2013

The word “sustainability” is often used in business in the belief that the current ways of doing things will be able to be continued with only minor changes to balance economic development with related environmental and social issues. There are, however, immense challenges that threaten the very sustainability of our global society, let alone individual businesses or developments. A few of the most important of these challenges—population growth, clean energy supply, fresh water availability, and global climate change—are discussed. As humanity forms its collective response to these threats, it is concluded that all intelligent people, but especially scientists, have important roles to play, not only in technical innovation, but also in catalyzing political action.
Isotype Diversification of IgG Antibodies to HIV Gag Proteins as a Therapeutic Vaccination Strategy for HIV Infection
Authors: French Martyn , Abudulai Laila , Fernandez Sonia
Published: August 2013

The development of vaccines to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been hampered by an incomplete understanding of “protective” immune responses against HIV. Natural control of HIV-1 infection is associated with T-cell responses against HIV-1 Gag proteins, particularly CD8+ T-cell responses restricted by “protective” HLA-B alleles, but other immune responses also contribute to immune control. These immune responses appear to include IgG antibodies to HIV-1 Gag proteins, interferon-a-dependant natural killer (NK) cell responses and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) responses. Here, it is proposed that isotype diversification of IgG antibodies against HIV-1 Gag proteins, to include IgG2, as well as IgG3 and IgG1 antibodies, will broaden the function of the antibody response and facilitate accessory cell responses against HIV-1 by NK cells and pDCs. We suggest that this should be investigated as a vaccination strategy for HIV-1 infection.
Distant metastatic lesions in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ahn B.-C. , Jeong S. Y. , Lee S.-W. , Lee J. , Hong C. M.
Published: August 2013

Aim: Many investigators have reported an inverse relationship between iodine and glucose utilization of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) according to its degree of differentiation; however, not every DTC is compatible with this phenomenon. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical implication of iodine and glucose uptake at distant metastatic lesions in DTC patients. Patients, methods: 64 DTC patients (women 47; mean age 49.9 ± 16.4 years) with distant metastasis who underwent post 131I treatment whole-body scan (RxWBS) and FDG PET/CT were included in the study. Radioiodine (RAI) and FDG uptake of metastatic lesions were evaluated. TSH stimulated serum thyroglobulin (s-Tg) were obtained. Results: 53 of 64 patients (82.8%) were RAI(+) group, and 37 patients (57.8%) were FDG(+) group. Patients in the RAI(–) group showed a higher rate of FDG uptake than RAI(+) group (100.0% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.002). Patients in the FDG(–) group showed a higher rate of RAI uptake than FDG(+) group (100.0% vs. 70.3%, p = 0.002). Patients with s-Tg < 100 ng/ml were frequently observed in the FDG(–)/RAI(+) group and the FDG(+)/ RAI(–) group (p = 0.023). And patients with s-Tg ≥ 500 ng/ml were more frequently observed in the FDG(+)/RAI(+) group, compared with the FDG(+)/RAI(–) group (p = 0.036). Reduced disease-specific survival (DSS) was observed in patients with RAI(–) (p = 0.003), FDG(+) (p = 0.006), SUVmax > 3.6 (p<0.001), and s-Tg > 75.8 ng/ml (p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, only a SUVmax > 3.6 was significantly predictive of DSS (p = 0.006). Conclusion: An inverse relationship between RAI and FDG uptake, flip-flop phenomenon, was observed in patients with metastatic lesions of DTC. Reduced disease-specific survival was observed in patients with FDG(+), RAI(–) in metastatic lesions, or high s-Tg value.
Provincial governance in Iraq: Councils, contestation, and capacity building
Authors: Cravens Lamar , Brinkerhoff Derick
Published: August 2013

Assessments of the United States–led effort to create a democratically governed Iraq following the toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003 have generally been negative. However, these criticisms have, for the most part, ignored the progress Iraq made on putting in place basic public administration practices and political processes that better serve its citizens, particularly at the subnational level. This paper reviews the experience of the Local Governance Program in strengthening the capacities of subnational councils and provincial offices to develop legislation and to plan and budget for capital investments. The discussion reveals how contestation over the legal interpretations of decentralization constrained the autonomy of provincial actors, and how mastery of administrative tools and methods enabled them to maneuver more effectively within evolving provincial governance structures. This experience offers several lessons for international stabilization and reconstruction operations: constitution-making in divided societies paves over differences with ambiguities in order to reach agreement, which pushes the unresolved conflicts into political, legislative, and administrative arenas; decentralization debates are ultimately about the distribution of political power and control and cannot be addressed solely as technical and administrative governance questions; and basic public administration capacity is critical to meeting citizens’ expectations for services, security, and economic opportunity. A final observation is that international governance improvement templates can only be effective if they recognize that technical interventions must account for politics and the incentives facing local actors.
L'intellectuel socialiste révolutionnaire Daniel Guérin en Allemagne avant et après la catastrophe
Authors: Saintin Alexandre
Published: August 2013

Alors qu’il est déjà engagé politiquement mais qu’il — n’est pas encore l’auteur de l’anthologie Ni Dieu ni Maître , Daniel Guérin entame un premier voyage en Allemagne à l’été 1932, à la découverte des révolutions socialiste et nazie. Au terme d’un second périple, en juin 1933, la peste brune a laissé des traces chez ce jeune intellectuel socialiste : ce sont ses récits de voyage, la rencontre avec l’étranger et l’altérité politique que cet article propose de décrypter.
La langue-paysage de Sarah Berthiaume
Authors: Rigeade Anne-Laure
Published: August 2013

Dans Yukonstyle, la dramaturge québécoise Sarah Berthiaume retravaille le matériau littéraire des récits du Grand Nord et la mythologie des chercheurs d’or non plus pour faire entendre l’épique traversée des espaces vierges de toute conquête, mais pour faire apparaître des modes de relations assimilables à un écosystème. Sarah Berthiaume a en effet choisi de centrer sa pièce sur les rapports d’interdépendance qui unissent les personnages, sur le dévoilement progressif de cette interdépendance profonde. Peu à peu apparaît un équilibre fragile qui est aussi esthétique : la pièce marche sur un fil entre plusieurs langues, entre plusieurs héritages, entre plusieurs identités, de sorte que le lecteur-spectateur fait l’expérience d’un décentrement constant. De paysage littéraire, le Yukon devient ainsi l’analogon identifiant le tissu textuel à l’équilibre naturel.
Texte et image dans la « théorie des noms » d’Ingeborg Bachmann. La leçon de Francfort Der Umgang mit Namen (1959-1960)
Authors: Hattenville Alice
Published: August 2013

Les noms de l’art – titres d’œuvres d’art et noms d’artistes – sont au cœur de la théorie des noms qu’Ingeborg Bachmann expose dans la leçon de Francfort Der Umgang mit Namen (1959-1960) : les œuvres d’art et leurs auteurs sont intégrés à l’œuvre littéraire par les noms avec lesquels ils ont été « baptisés ». Ces noms, une fois intégrés au texte, sont les moteurs de la réminiscence, c’est-à-dire d’un processus de remémoration de ce qui a été oublié. Cet article se propose d’exposer cette théorie, ainsi que de la situer par rapport à ses présupposés historiques (l’expérience de la guerre), littéraires (Marcel Proust) et philosophiques (Walter Benjamin).