bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detoxifying effect of Nelumbo nucifera and Aegle marmelos on hematological parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Vinodhini Rajamanickam
Published: January 2011

Detoxifying effect ofNelumbo nuciferaandAegle marmeloson hematological parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpioL.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy ofNelumbo nuciferaandAegle marmeloson common carp exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of combined heavy metals (5 ppm) under laboratory conditions. The fish were treated withNelumbo nucifera(500 mg/kg bwt) andAegle marmelos(500 mg/kgbwt) for 30 days as a dietary supplement. The blood biochemical parameters of the fish were evaluated by analyzing the level of red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, glucose, cholesterol, iron and copper. The findings of the present investigation showed significant increase in hemoglobin (p<0.001), RBC (p<0.01) and PCV (p<0.01) of herbal drug-treated groups compared with metal-exposed fish. Conversely, glucose and cholesterol level in blood of common carp showed significant reduction compared with heavy-metal-exposed groups. All the values measured inNelumbo nuciferaandAegle marmelostreated fish were restored comparably to control fish. Our results confirmed thatNelumbo nuciferaandAegle marmelosprovide a detoxification mechanism for heavy metals in common carp.
Nanotechnology, Governance and Public Management: A Techno-Economic Paradigms Perspective
Authors: Drechsler Wolfgang
Published: January 2011

Nanotechnology, Governance and Public Management: A Techno-Economic Paradigms Perspective

This essay investigates, from the perspective of Carlota Perez' theory of Techno-Economic Paradigms, the possible impact of a specific technology, nanotechnology, on governance and public management. Based on this example, it argues, i.a., that techno-economic paradigms do come with their own optimal (and less optimal) forms of governance and indeed public management, but that both the attitude towards the state and thus public management and the need for good public policy and its institutional prerequisites are a matter of the period within the paradigm, not of the paradigm itself.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Medical Abortion at BPKIHS
Authors: Agrawal Ajay , Regmi Mohan C , Uprety Dhruba Kumar , Pokhrel Hanoon , Rijal Pappu
Published: January 2011

Objective: To test the feasibility and acceptability of a simplified mifepristone-misoprostol regimen for early abortion at BPKIHS.Methods: Pregnant women (n=100) with amenorrhea of 56 days or less seeking termination of pregnancy received 200mg of oral mifepristone followed 48hours later by 400 μg of oral misoprostol, administered either at home or at the clinic. Prospective data were collected to determine the women.s experience, abortion outcome, and the operational requirement for providing the method.Result: Most (91%) of the 88 women with known outcomes had successful medical abortions. Given the option, most (95.4%) women elected to administer the misoprostol at home. Conclusion: A simplified medical abortion protocol, including home administration of misoprostol, is highly safe, effective acceptable and feasible in our setting. Keywords: medical abortion; mifepristone; misoprostol DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4205Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);142-146
Fracture of Lateral end of Clavicle with Coracoclavicular Ligament Rupture Treated with Coracoclavicular Screw and Stainless Steel Wire - A Series of Eleven Cases
Authors: Chaudhary Pashupati , Karn N , Shrestha BP , Khanal GP , Rijal R , Paneru SR
Published: January 2011

Background: Various treatment options have been described in the literature for treatment of lateral end of clavicle with no single method is superior to another. Objectives: To assess fracture stabilty, pain at fracture site and functional outcome. Methods: This is retrospective interventional (case series) study done in the department of Orthopaedics at B.P.Koirala Institue of Health Sciences, Dharan from January 2007 to December 2009 over a period of 2 years.The study enrolled 11 patients aged 18-35 years who had presented with fracture lateral end of clavicle. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of fractures with coracoclavicular screw and stainless steel wire. Results: The study was comprised of 8 men and 3 women. Average patient.s age was mean ±SD 27.2 years (range: 18-35 years). The common mechanism of injury was a fall on outstretched hand with the shoulder in extension and abduction (6 patients) followded by direct violence (5 patients). Most of the patients were right handed. All patients were returned to the pre-injury work level with no pain or dysfunction. There was no pseudoarthrosis, infection, neurovascular damage, or skin necrosis or implant failure. Conclusion: Coracoclavicular screw/ SS wire fixation is a relatively simple, reliable, and safe technique of indirect open reduction and internal fixation of the type II distal clavicle fracture with a low complication rate. Key words: clavicle; coracoclavicular screw; steinless steel wire DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4206Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);147-151
Gender Difference in Electroencephalographic and Anxiety Status in Response to Single Bout of Physical Exercise
Authors: Limbu Nimala , Sinha Ramanjan , Sinha Meenakshi , Paudel Bishnu Hari
Published: January 2011

Background: Short-term or long-term physical exercise is associated with reductions in anxiety. Cerebral lateralization hypothesis predicts that anxiety reductions caused by exercise is due to decrease in right, relative to left, hemisphere activation. However, research reports on difference in anxiety reduction in response to short-term exercise are scanty. Objective: This study was aimed to compare the effect of acute bout of aerobic exercise on electroencephalographic (EEG) frontal alpha activity and anxiety between genders, and correlate between them. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on healthy 30 adult (male=15, female=15) subjects. They bicycled on automated ergometer, maintaining 50% HRmax for 20 min. EEG was recorded from frontal and occipital region (Fp, F1, F2, O1, and O2) and anxiety-scores were recorded before and after exercise. Results: Frontal EEG alpha activity power was significantly greater in females (p<0.001) than in males both in left (females=106.87±34.20 vs. males=53.68±7.90 µV2) and right hemispheres (females=127.62±36.45 vs. males=48.33±8.18 µV2) pre-exercise; and also in left (females=97.97±40.74 vs. males=54.12±10.73 µV2) and right (females=116.01±54.70 vs. males =58.53±15.43 µV2) hemispheres post-exercise. However, only males showed a statistically significant increase in right frontal activity (right=48.33±8.18 to 58.53±15.43 µV2, p<0.01) post-exercise. Only males showed a significant negative correlation between pre-exercise state-anxiety and right frontal alpha activity (r value= -0.634, p<0.05). Conclusions: Our study suggests that females have positive affect at rest than males. In both genders, exercise reduced anxiety scores. However, only males supported cerebral lateralization hypothesis and negative association between resting frontal asymmetry and state-anxiety. Keywords: acute aerobic exercise; anxiety; frontal alpha asymmetry; gender DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4207Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);152-157
Intussusceptions in Adults: A Retrospective Interventional Series of Cases
Authors: Gupta Rakesh Kr , Agrawal Chandra Shekhar , Yadav Rohit , Bajracharya Amir , Sah Panna Lal
Published: January 2011

Background: Intussusception is a different entity in adults than it is in children and is usually secondary to a definable pathology. Objective: To review adult intussusception: clinical features, diagnosis and their management. Subjects and methods: A retrospective review of 38 cases of intussusception in individuals older than 18 years of age presenting to BPKIHS Dharan, Nepal from January 2003 to December 2009 was done. Results: In six years, there were thirty-eight patients of surgically proven adult intussusception. The patients. mean age was 49.6 ± 16.2 years, M: F ratio was 1.3:1. Intestinal obstructions of various extents were the commonest presentation in twenty-seven patients (71%). There were 42% enteric, 32% ileocolic and 26% colonic AI. The diagnostic accuracy of the ultrasonography was 78.5%, CT scan was 90% and colonoscopy was 100%. The pathological lesions were found in 94% of AI. Among the pathological lesion, enteric have 62% benign, 38% malignant, ileocolic have 50% benign, 50% malignant, and in colocolic 70% malignant, 30% benign. In enteric AI, 68% were reduced successfully, 25% reduction was not attempted. Of ileocolic AI, 58.3% were reduced successfully, 41.6% had resection without reduction. Of colocolic AI, 30% of them were reduced successfully before resection, 70% had resection without reduction. Conclusion: CT scanning is the most useful diagnostic radiologic method in AI. Colonoscopy is the most accurate in ileocolic and colonic AI. Small-bowel intussusception should be reduced before resection if the underlying etiology is suspected to be benign or if the resection required without reduction is deemed to be massive. Large bowel should generally be resected without reduction because pathology is mostly malignant. Keywords: Adult intussusception (AI); Bowel obstruction; CT scan DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4208Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);158-165
Knowledge about Breast Cancer and Breast Self Examination Practices among Medical, Dental and B.Sc Nursing Students of BPKIHS
Authors: Parajuli Puspa , Mandal GN
Published: January 2011

The aim of this descriptive cross sectional study was to assess knowledge about breast cancer and breast self examination practices among medical, dental and B.Sc nursing students and to identify the associated factors which influence towards the breast self examination (BSE). The survey was conducted among 220 graduate levels female students by using non probability convenience sampling technique. Mean knowledge about the breast cancer, as indicated by the results were 63.67±16.22, 71 ±18.16 and 76 07 ±18.60 among BDS, B.SC nursing and MBBS students respectively. Similarly mean practices regarding BSE were found to be 34.67 ± 15. 41, 47.85 ±14.08 and 46.76 ±14.77 among BDS, B.Sc nursing and MBBS respectively. Knowledge was less among BDS students whereas, it was found quite higher in MBBS and B.Sc nursing students. Similarly, mean practice in relation to BSE was found to be low in BDS, high in B.Sc nursing, and higher in MBBS students. Overall level of knowledge was found to be mordantly adequate among all disciplines, however practices among them were found to be inadequate. Keywords: knowledge; practices; breast cancer; breast self examination; medical; dental and B.Sc Nursing students. DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4209Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);166-168
Nonsurgical Method of Treatment of Childhood Phimosis with the use of Topical Betamethasone
Authors: Rai BK
Published: January 2011

Background: Topical steroid application is an effective alternative to circumcision for the treatment of infant and childhood phimosis. Materials & method: prospective study in 42 boys under 13 years of age, with non retractable foreskin with asymptomatic and past history of disease in grade 4 to 6 weeks treatment. the success was defined as full and free retraction, or easy retraction limited only by congenital adhesions to the glans. Results: Forty-two patients completed the treatment. Successful retraction was achieved in 14 (33.33%) at 4 weeks and 32(76.19%) after 6 weeks of application. No adverse systemic side effects were noted. Two patients had failed treatment and were enrolled for circumcision. Two patients refused further treatment. Six patients were lost in subsequent to follow-up. Conclusion: Betamethasone 0.10% ointment is an effective alternative, non surgical method of the treatment for the childhood phimosis. Keywords: Chilhood phimosis; betamethasone DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4211Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);176-180
Pyogenic Granuloma: A Case Report
Authors: Rizwanulla Md T , Koirala Bandana , Sharma Shivalal , Adhikari Lalita , Pradhan Anju
Published: January 2011

Anju Pradhan was added as an author of this paper on 04/03/2011Pyogenic granulomas (PG) are common benign vascular lesions of the skin and mucosa. They are neither infective, purulent nor granulomatous as the name might suggest-rather a reactive enlargement that is an inflammatory response to local irritation such as calculus, fractured tooth, minor trauma, rough dental restorations and foreign materials. Here, we report a case of 13 year old patient with PG and in addition to the knowledge, the importance of biopsy findings in establishing definitive diagnosis has been emphasized. Keywords: pyogenic granuloma; inflammatory hyperplasia; lobular capillary hemangioma. DOI: 10.3126/hren.v8i3.4215Health Renaissance, September-December 2010; Vol 8 (No.3);196-198
Lonely older people as a problem in society – construction in Finnish media
Authors: Uotila Hanna , Lumme-Sandt Kirsi , Saarenheimo Marja
Published: January 2011

Loneliness is a prevalent stereotype of old age but there is a lack of studies of how it is represented in mass media. This study examines how the loneliness of older people is portrayed in mass media. The research material consists of 154 texts from the leading 50+ magazines and daily newspapers in Finland. In the texts, loneliness was rarely seen solely as a lack of companionship and many negative attributes were connected to it. Among other things, loneliness was connected to the low status of older people in society, inhumane practices in elderly care, lack of meaning in life and neglect by relatives. Loneliness was also viewed as an inevitable part of ageing. However, many suggestions were made to alleviate loneliness. The extent of these suggestions varied from broad and collective actions to simple and perfunctory solutions.
Embodying the ideal carer
Authors: Weicht Bernhard
Published: January 2011

Demographic developments have caused challenges to national arrangements for elderly care. In Austria one answer has been the employment of migrant carers in the home of people with care needs. The literature on migrant carers has largely discussed economic considerations and specific national welfare state arrangements which underlie the employment of carers. This article focuses on the relation between the moral construction of migrant carers in the family-oriented welfare system of Austria and the ideological understanding of ’’ideal’’ care in society.Using Critical Discourse Analysis the discourse is analysed in newspapers and through focus groups. Migrant carers are constructed as fictive kin, representing an approximation of the idealised family carer. Furthermore, investigating the way people think and talk about migrant carers enables a better understanding of what an idealised notion of care entails and how it represents the ideological construction of the welfare state. It will be argued that the migrant carer is constructed in the public discourse as a replacement for a nostalgically imagined ideal care relationship.
Migrant home care workers caring for older people: fictive kin, substitute, and complementary family caregivers in an ethnically diverse environment
Authors: Hoff Andreas , Feldman Susan , Vidovicova Lucie
Published: January 2011

Not available.
Conceptualising Animal Abuse with an Antisocial Behaviour Framework
Authors: Gullone Eleonora
Published: January 2011

This paper reviews current findings in the human aggression and antisocial behaviour literature and those in the animal abuse literature with the aim of highlighting the overlap in conceptualisation. The major aim of this review is to highlight that the co-occurrence between animal abuse behaviours and aggression and violence toward humans can be logically understood through examination of the research evidence for antisocial and aggressive behaviour. From examination through this framework, it is not at all surprising that the two co-occur. Indeed, it would be surprising if they did not. Animal abuse is one expression of antisocial behaviour. What is also known from the extensive antisocial behaviour literature is that antisocial behaviours co-occur such that the presence of one form of antisocial behaviour is highly predictive of the presence of other antisocial behaviours. From such a framework, it becomes evident that animal abuse should be considered an important indicator of antisocial behaviour and violence as are other aggressive and antisocial behaviours. The implications of such a stance are that law enforcement, health and other professionals should not minimize the presence of animal abuse in their law enforcement, prevention, and treatment decisions.
Antioxidant Status and Immune Activity of Glycyrrhizin in Allergic Rhinitis Mice
Authors: Li Xiao-Lan , Zhou Ai-Guo , Zhang Li , Chen Wei-Jun
Published: January 2011

Oxidative stress is considered as a major risk factor that contributes to increased lipid peroxidation and declined antioxidants in some degenerative diseases. Glycyrrhizin is widely used to cure allergic diseases due to its medicinal properties. In the present study, we evaluated the role of glycyrrhizin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in the blood and nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis (AR) mice. Mice were divided into six groups: normal control mice, model control (MC) mice, three glycyrrhizin-treated mice groups and lycopene-treated mice. Sensitization-associated increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in the blood and nasal mucosa of MC mice. Activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and levels of glutathione (GSH) were found to be significantly decreased in the blood and nasal mucosa in MC mice when compared to normal control mice. However, normalized lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defenses were reported in the glycyrrhizin-treated and lycopene-treated mice. Moreover, glycyrrhizin treatment still enhanced IFN-γ and reduced IL-4 levels in glycyrrhizin-treated mice. These findings demonstrated that glycyrrhizin treatment enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased the incidence of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation and improved immunity activities in the blood and nasal mucosa of AR mice.
Compilation of Secondary Metabolites from Bidens pilosa L.
Authors: Lima Silva Fabiana , Fischer Dominique Corinne Hermine , Fechine Tavares Josean , Sobral Silva Marcelo , Filgueiras de Athayde-Filho Petronio , Barbosa-Filho Jose Maria
Published: January 2011

Bidens pilosa L. is a cosmopolitan annual herb, known for its traditional use in treating various diseases and thus much studied for the biological activity of its extracts, fractions and isolated compounds. Polyacetylenes and flavonoids, typical metabolite classes in the Bidens genus, predominate in the phytochemistry of B. pilosa. These classes of compounds have great taxonomic significance. In the Asteraceae family, the acetylene moiety is widely distributed in the Heliantheae tribe and some representatives, such as 1-phenylhepta-1,3,5-triyne, are noted for their biological activity and strong long-wave UV radiation absorbance. The flavonoids, specifically aurones and chalcones, have been reported as good sub-tribal level markers. Natural products from several other classes have also been isolated from different parts of B. pilosa. This review summarizes the available information on the 198 natural products isolated to date from B. pilosa.
Synthesis and Anti-Fungal Activity of Seven Oleanolic Acid Glycosides
Authors: Zhao Hanqing , Zong Guanghui , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Daoquan , Liang Xiaomei
Published: January 2011

In order to develop potential anti-fungal agents, seven glycoconjugates composed of a-L-rhamnose, 6-deoxy-a-L-talose, b-D-galactose, a-D-mannose, b-D-xylose-(1®4)-6-deoxy-a-L-talose, b-D-galactose-(1®4)-a-L-rhamnose, b-D-galactose-(1®3)-b-D-xylose-(1®4)-6-deoxy-a-L-talose as the glycone and oleanolic acid as the aglycone were synthesized in an efficient and practical way using glycosyl trichloroacetimidates as donors. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed by MS, 1H-NMR and 13C- NMR. Preliminary studies based on means of mycelium growth rate, indicated that all the compounds possess certain fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, Botrytis cinerea Pers and Phytophthora parasitica Dast.
Monoaminergic Antidepressants in the Relief of Pain: Potential Therapeutic Utility of Triple Reuptake Inhibitors (TRIs)
Authors: Hache Guillaume , Coudore François , Gardier Alain M. , Guiard Bruno P.
Published: January 2011

Over 75% of depressed patients suffer from painful symptoms predicting a greater severity and a less favorable outcome of depression. Imaging, anatomical and functional studies have demonstrated the existence of common brain structures, neuronal pathways and neurotransmitters in depression and pain. In particular, the ascending serotonergic and noradrenergic pathways originating from the raphe nuclei and the locus coeruleus; respectively, send projections to the limbic system. Such pathways control many of the psychological functions that are disturbed in depression and in the perception of pain. On the other hand, the descending pathways, from monoaminergic nuclei to the spinal cord, are specifically implicated in the inhibition of nociception providing rationale for the use of serotonin (5-HT) and/or norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, NRIs, SNRIs), in the relief of pain. Compelling evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) is also involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. Indeed, recent insights have demonstrated a central role for DA in analgesia through an action at both the spinal and suprasinal levels including brain regions such as the periaqueductal grey (PAG), the thalamus, the basal ganglia and the limbic system. In this context, dopaminergic antidepressants (i.e., containing dopaminergic activity), such as bupropion, nomifensine and more recently triple reuptake inhibitors (TRIs), might represent new promising therapeutic tools in the treatment of painful symptoms with depression. Nevertheless, whether the addition of the dopaminergic component produces more robust effects than single- or dual-acting agents, has yet to be demonstrated. This article reviews the main pathways regulating pain transmission in relation with the monoaminergic systems. It then focuses on the current knowledge regarding the in vivo pharmacological properties and mechanism of action of monoaminergic antidepressants including SSRIs, NRIs, SNRIs and TRIs. Finally, a synthesis of the preclinical studies supporting the efficacy of these antidepressants in analgesia is also addressed in order to highlight the relative contribution of 5-HT, NE and DA to nociception.
Influence of Initial Substrate Concentration of the Belouzov-Zhabotinsky Reaction on Transmittance Self-Oscillation for a Nonthermoresponsive Polymer Chain
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Jahan Rumana A.
Published: January 2011

We succeeded in causing transmittance self-oscillations of a novel self-oscillating polymer chain induced by the Belouzov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction under constant conditions. The novel polymer chain was composed of a biocompatible and non-thermoresponsive poly-vinylpyrrolidone (PVP) main-chain, covalently-bonded to the ruthenium catalyst (Ru(bpy)3) of the BZ reaction. We investigated the influence of initial substrate concentrations of the three BZ substrates on the transmittance self-oscillation of the novel polymer solution. As a result, we demonstrated that the width of the transmittance self-oscillation is significantly affected by these initial concentrations. However, the amplitude of the transmittance self-oscillation is hardly affected by the BZ substrate conditions. Furthermore, the period of the self‑oscillation has a good linear relationship to the concentration of the BZ substrates. Therefore, the period of the self-oscillation can be controlled by the selection of the initial concentrations of the BZ substrates.
A Simple Fiber Bragg Grating-Based Sensor Network Architecture with Self-Protecting and Monitoring Functions
Authors: Yeh Chien-Hung , Chow Chi-Wai , Wu Ping-Chun , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: January 2011

A novel fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based passive sensor architecture, which can be used to protect the fiber cut and monitor the multiple sensors simultaneously, is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Here, we employ a wavelength-tunable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser scheme with 25 km cavity length acting as the detecting light source in central office (CO). Each FBG sensor, serving as a feedback element, is used in proposed sensor architecture. By tuning the tunable bandpass filter (TBF) placing inside cavity to match the corresponding Bragg wavelength of FBG over the amplification bandwidth, we can retrieve the related wavelength lasing for the FBG sensing and monitoring simultaneously. Moreover, the survivability and capacity of the passive FBG sensor architecture can be also enhanced.
Path Renewal Method in Filtering Based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Jin Myoung , Han Young Shin , Lee Hae Young , Cho Tae Ho
Published: January 2011

In applications of wireless sensor networks, there are many security issues. Attackers can create false reports and transmit the reports to the networks. These false reports can lead not only false alarms, but also the depletion of limited energy resources. In order to filter out such false reports during the forwarding process, Ye et al. proposed the statistical en-route filtering (SEF). Several research efforts to enhance the efficiency of SEF have been made. Especially, the path selection method proposed by Sun et al. can improve the detection power of SEF by considering the information on the filtering keys of and distances of upstream paths. However, such selection mechanism could lead to favored paths in heavy traffic, which would result in unbalanced energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a path renewal method to provide load balancing for sensor networks in terms of energy consumption. In our method, a node renews its upstream path to save energy resources if the remaining energy of and the communication traffic of the node exceed some threshold values. We show the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of balanced energy consumption and filtering power by providing simulation results.
The Averaging Effect of Odorant Mixing as Determined by Air Dilution Sensory Tests: A Case Study on Reduced Sulfur Compounds
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: January 2011

To learn more about the effects of mixing different odorants, a series of air dilution sensory (ADS) tests were conducted using four reduced sulfur compounds [RSC: hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (CH3SH), dimethylsulfide (DMS), and dimethyldisulfide (DMDS)] at varying concentration levels. The tests were initially conducted by analyzing samples containing single individual RSCs at a wide range of concentrations. The resulting data were then evaluated to define the empirical relationship for each RSC between the dilution-to-threshold (D/T) ratio and odor intensity (OI) scaling. Based on the relationships defined for each individual RSC, the D/T ratios were estimated for a synthetic mixture of four RSCs. The effect of mixing was then examined by assessing the relative contribution of each RSC to those estimates with the aid of the actually measured D/T values. This stepwise test confirmed that the odor intensity of the synthetic mixture is not governed by the common theoretical basis (e.g., rule of additivity, synergism, or a stronger component model) but is best represented by the averaged contribution of all RSC components. The overall results of this study thus suggest that the mixing phenomenon between odorants with similar chemical properties (like RSC family) can be characterized by the averaging effect of all participants.
A Novel Method for In-Situ Monitoring of Local Voltage, Temperature and Humidity Distributions in Fuel Cells Using Flexible Multi-Functional Micro Sensors
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Fan Wei-Yuan , Chang Chih-Ping
Published: January 2011

In this investigation, micro voltage, temperature and humidity sensors were fabricated and integrated for the first time on a stainless steel foil using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). These flexible multi-functional micro sensors have the advantages of high temperature resistance, flexibility, smallness, high sensitivity and precision of location. They were embedded in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and used to simultaneously measure variations in the inner voltage, temperature and humidity. The accuracy and reproducibility of the calibrated results obtained using the proposed micro sensors is excellent. The experimental results indicate that, at high current density and 100%RH or 75%RH, the relative humidity midstream and downstream saturates due to severe flooding. The performance of the PEM fuel cell can be stabilized using home-made flexible multi-functional micro sensors by the in-situ monitoring of local voltage, temperature and humidity distributions within it.
MEMS-Based Power Generation Techniques for Implantable Biosensing Applications
Authors: Lueke Jonathan , Moussa Walied A.
Published: January 2011

Implantable biosensing is attractive for both medical monitoring and diagnostic applications. It is possible to monitor phenomena such as physical loads on joints or implants, vital signs, or osseointegration in vivo and in real time. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based generation techniques can allow for the autonomous operation of implantable biosensors by generating electrical power to replace or supplement existing battery-based power systems. By supplementing existing battery-based power systems for implantable biosensors, the operational lifetime of the sensor is increased. In addition, the potential for a greater amount of available power allows additional components to be added to the biosensing module, such as computational and wireless and components, improving functionality and performance of the biosensor. Photovoltaic, thermovoltaic, micro fuel cell, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric based generation schemes are evaluated in this paper for applicability for implantable biosensing. MEMS-based generation techniques that harvest ambient energy, such as vibration, are much better suited for implantable biosensing applications than fuel-based approaches, producing up to milliwatts of electrical power. High power density MEMS-based approaches, such as piezoelectric and electromagnetic schemes, allow for supplemental and replacement power schemes for biosensing applications to improve device capabilities and performance. In addition, this may allow for the biosensor to be further miniaturized, reducing the need for relatively large batteries with respect to device size. This would cause the implanted biosensor to be less invasive, increasing the quality of care received by the patient.
Estimating Three-Dimensional Orientation of Human Body Parts by Inertial/Magnetic Sensing
Authors: Sabatini Angelo Maria
Published: January 2011

User-worn sensing units composed of inertial and magnetic sensors are becoming increasingly popular in various domains, including biomedical engineering, robotics, virtual reality, where they can also be applied for real-time tracking of the orientation of human body parts in the three-dimensional (3D) space. Although they are a promising choice as wearable sensors under many respects, the inertial and magnetic sensors currently in use offer measuring performance that are critical in order to achieve and maintain accurate 3D-orientation estimates, anytime and anywhere. This paper reviews the main sensor fusion and filtering techniques proposed for accurate inertial/magnetic orientation tracking of human body parts; it also gives useful recipes for their actual implementation.
Stigmatic receptivity in a dichogamous early‐divergent angiosperm species, Annona cherimola (Annonaceae): Influence of temperature and humidity
Authors: Lora Jorge , Herrero Maria , Hormaza Jose I.
Published: January 2011

• Premise of the study: A variety of mechanisms to prevent inbreeding have arisen in different angiosperm taxa during plant evolution. In early‐divergent angiosperms, a widespread system is dichogamy, in which female and male structures do not mature simultaneously, thus encouraging cross pollination. While this system is common in early‐divergent angiosperms, it is less widespread in more recently evolved clades. An evaluation of the consequences of this system on outbreeding may provide clues on this change, but this subject has been little explored.

• Methods: In this work, we characterized the cycle and anatomy of the flower and studied the influence of temperature and humidity on stigmatic receptivity in Annona cherimola, a member of an early‐divergent angiosperm clade with protogynous dichogamy.

• Key results: Paternity analysis reveals a high proportion of seeds resulting from self‐fertilization, indicating that self‐pollination can occur in spite of the dichogamous system. Stigmatic receptivity is environmentally modulated—shortened by high temperatures and prolonged by high humidity.

• Conclusions: Although spatial and temporal sexual separation in this system seems to effectively decrease selfing, the system is modulated by environmental conditions and may allow high levels of selfing that can guarantee reproductive assurance.
Recovery from bud disappearance explains prolonged dormancy in Cleistes bifaria (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Gregg Katharine B.
Published: January 2011

• Premise of the study: Virtually nothing is known about what actually happens during prolonged dormancy, the period during which significant proportions of geophyte populations do not sprout after seasonal dormancy but remain alive underground, to emerge again 1 or more years later. This study investigated the fate of perennating buds on plants of the orchid Cleistes bifaria during prolonged dormancy, as well as effects of bud removal on dormancy and future sprouting.

• Methods: Fates of healthy perennating buds were observed by examining underground plant structures over an annual cycle (fall, spring, fall). Effects of bud loss were assessed by removal of mature buds from one group of plants, followed by comparison with a control group a year later.

• Key results: Of the 142 perennating buds under observation, 38% did not emerge in the spring, and all these were missing the buds that were present and healthy the previous fall. Removal of perennating buds in the fall did not affect whether a plant emerged in the spring; however, it reduced the number and size of perennating buds produced for the following year.

• Conclusions: For C. bifaria in West Virginia, prolonged dormancy appears to be the time period during which plants are recovering from the disappearance of perennating buds. Although the cause of bud loss remains unknown, research can now be focused on whether other species fail to emerge for the same reason, what causes buds to disappear, and why removal had no effect on spring emergence but negatively affected future sprouting.
Synthesis of cationic dibenzosemibullvalene-based phase-transfer catalysts by di-π-methane rearrangements of pyrrolinium-annelated dibenzobarrelene derivatives
Authors: Ihmels Heiko , Luo Jia
Published: January 2011

Dibenzobarrelene derivatives, that are annelated with a pyrrolinium unit [N,N-dialkyl-3,4-(9',10'-dihydro-9',10'-anthraceno-3-pyrrolinium) derivatives], undergo a photo-induced di-π-methane rearrangement upon triplet sensitization to give the corresponding cationic dibenzosemibullvalene derivatives [N,N-dialkyl-3,4-{8c,8e-(4b,8b-dihydrodibenzo[a,f]cyclopropa[cd]pentaleno)}pyrrolidinium derivatives]. Whereas the covalent attachment of a benzophenone functionality to the pyrrolinium nitrogen atom did not result in an internal triplet sensitization, the introduction of a benzophenone unit as part of the counter ion enables the di-π-methane rearrangement of the dibenzobarrelene derivative in the solid-state. Preliminary experiments indicate that a cationic pyrrolidinium-annelated dibenzosemibullvalene may act as phase-transfer catalyst in alkylation reactions.
Pour une sociologie législative du pouvoir des parlementaires en France
Authors: Milet Marc
Published: January 2011

La faiblesse du parlement français sous le régime de la Cinquième République est considérée comme une réalité indépassable bien qu’elle n’ait cependant guère fait l’objet d’une évaluation rigoureuse, et que la sociologie de l’action publique et la sociologie législative, laquelle est encore faiblement développée en France, s’ignorent mutuellement et font du temps législatif un véritable trou noir au sein du processus de décision. L’article se propose de contribuer à remédier à cette carence en posant les jalons d’une méthodologie empirique de réévaluation de la capacité législative. Après avoir discuté la pertinence des modalités d’évaluation quantitative de la contribution des parlementaires à la fabrique de la loi, l’article présente l’apport d’une approche processuelle fondée sur le suivi par observation participante d’études de cas – en l’espèce la loi « Urbanisme et habitat » de 2003 –, dont les prémices ont été établis dans des recherches nord-américaines et qu’il s’agit de transposer au cas français aﬁn de caractériser cette marge de manœuvre. Une telle démarche permet alors de vériﬁer l’hypothèse selon laquelle la capacité d’amendement des projets de lois gouvernementaux pour les députés se révèle plus grande sur des textes techniques qui offrent une plus faible potentialité de polarisation idéologique et donc de politisation.
Restitución de Pterolepis grallata (Pantel, 1886) como especie válida y estatus taxonómico de las especies ibéricas del género (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Barranco P. , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez J.
Published: January 2011

Se revisa la situación taxonómica de las especies ibéricas encuadradas en los géneros Pterolepis Rambur, 1838 y Rhacocleis Fieber, 1853 mediante el estudio de 126 ejemplares procedentes de diversas instituciones y colecciones. Se restituye Pterolepis grallata (Pantel, 1886) como especie válida en función del estudio morfológico y filogenético. Se acepta el criterio de Willemse & Willemse (2005), descartando la utilización de la espinación apical de las tibias posteriores como carácter para discriminar los géneros, por el que todas las especies ibéricas citadas hasta el momento en esos géneros, pertenecen al género Pterolepis.
Typhlocharis vicariantes del Estrecho de Gibraltar. I: Typhlocharis armata Coiffait, 1969 (Coleoptera, Caraboidea, Trechidae)
Authors: Zaballos J. P. , Pérez González S.
Published: January 2011

Esta primera parte sobre las especies de Typhlocharis vicariantes del Estrecho de Gibraltar está dedicada a Typhlocharis armata Coiffait, 1969; mientras que en un segundo artículo se tratará T. silvanoides Dieck, 1869. El material estudiado procede de cuatro campañas entomológicas realizadas en el sur de España y en el norte de Marruecos entre 1997 y 2001 (Zaballos & Banda, 2000; Zaballos, 2005). En estas campañas se recolectaron, en localidades diferentes, abundantes ejemplares de Typhlocharis (Coleoptera, Caraboidea, Trechidae), la mayoría de los cuales han resultado pertenecer a la especie T. armata Coiffait, 1969. Su estudio y la consulta de la serie típica de la especie han permitido realizar una completa redescripción de la misma y aclarar su estatus dentro del género. Contrariamente a lo que se ha considerado tradicionalmente, la serie umbilicada marginal de los élitros de T. armata está formada por tres setas posteriores en vez de cuatro. Se establecen las nuevas afinidades taxonómicas de la especie, se discute el peso morfológico de la serie umbilicada de los élitros como carácter definitorio de los linajes y grupos de especies y se revisa la teoría de Jeanne (1973) que relaciona el acortamiento de los élitros y la reducción de la serie umbilicada con una disminución del tamaño corporal. Se valora la capacidad de dispersión de estos coleópteros y se propone una explicación biogeográfica para la nueva distribución de la especie.
La morfología de Laparocerus undatus Wollaston, 1864 y consideraciones sobre la tribu Laparocerini Lacordaire, 1863 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Authors: Machado A.
Published: January 2011

Se presenta un estudio morfológico de Laparocerus undatus Wollaston, 1864 que comprende la anatomía externa e interna del adulto, incluido el canal alimentario, sistema nervioso central y sistema reproductor. También se describen las anatomías de la larva y de la pupa, hasta ahora desconocidas en el género. Los Laparocerus son curculiónidos entiminos que muestran algunos caracteres primitivos infrecuentes en el grupo. Se plantea si se justifica o no mantener la tribu Laparocerini, pendiente de revisión desde que fuera establecida por Lacordaire en 1863. Se discuten las semejanzas halladas en los caracteres imaginales y preimaginales con otros géneros y tribus, y se buscan las relaciones genéticas más cercanas empleando secuencias parciales del gen 16SrRNA de una veintena de especies, obtenidas de GenBank. Laparocerus presenta importantes caracteres singulares o combinación de ellos, y se separa claramente de los demás Entiminae estudiados, ocupando una posición posiblemente basal dentro del grupo. Se proponen algunos caracteres diagnósticos para Laparocerini: presencia de mandíbulas con prolongación dehiscente (o su cicatriz), piezas bucales fanerognatas, escapo antenal largo, ojos y escrobas no dorsales, sutura entre el primer y segundo ventrito sinuosa al medio, éste tan largo como el tercero y cuarto reunidos; fémures sin dientes, tibias mucronadas con cestilla abierta, uñas soldadas y esternito VIII masculino completamente membranoso y provisto de un pequeño espículo relicto; en la larva coinciden las antenas de base oval con sensilo en forma de almohadilla y una mala con cinco setas en su cara ventral; la pupa carece de setas mandibulares. En función de estos y otros caracteres, se discuten los demás géneros atribuidos a Laparocerini, corroborando las exclusiones hechas por otros autores recientemente, y proponiendo la exclusión de Merimnetes, Neomerimnetes y Cyrtozemia. Quedan pendientes de confirmar si son Laparocerini dos géneros africanos: Asmaratrox y Straticus. Finalmente se discute en contexto biogeográfico la conveniencia de desglosar Laparocerus en una quincena de géneros independientes, o de mantenerlo unificado como un único género con varios subgéneros.
Descripción de la primera especie neotropical de Bassettia Ashmead, 1887 de Panamá (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Cynipini)
Authors: Medianero E. , Nieves-Aldrey J. L.
Published: January 2011

Se describe una nueva especie de Bassettia Ashmead, 1887, Bassettia caulicola (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Cynipini), de Panamá. La nueva especie induce agallas en los tallos de Quercus bumelioides Liebm. (Fagaceae secc. Quercus). Se aportan los caracteres diagnósticos de la nueva especie, su distribución y su biología. La nueva especie es incluida en la clave de identificación de la especies de Bassettia del Neártico. Se amplían los datos diagnósticos morfológicos del género Bassettia así como se comenta el primer registro de este género en la región neotropical.
GCN5 Regulates the Superoxide-Generating System in Leukocytes Via Controlling gp91-phox Gene Expression
Authors: Kikuchi Hidehiko , Kuribayashi Futoshi , Kiwaki Naomi , Takami Yasunari , Nakayama Tatsuo
Published: January 2011

The superoxide anion (O2−)-generating system is an important mechanism of innate immune response against microbial infection in phagocytes and is involved in signal transduction mediated by various physiological and pathological signals in phagocytes and other cells, including B lymphocytes. The O2−-generating system is composed of five specific proteins: p22-phox, gp91-phox, p40-phox, p47-phox, p67-phox, and a small G protein, Rac. Little is known regarding epigenetic regulation of the genes constituting the O2−-generating system. In this study, by analyzing the GCN5 (one of most important histone acetyltransferases)-deficient DT40 cell line, we show that GCN5 deficiency causes loss of the O2−-generating activity. Interestingly, transcription of the gp91-phox gene was drastically downregulated (to ∼4%) in GCN5-deficient cells. To further study the involvement of GCN5 in transcriptional regulation of gp91-phox, we used in vitro differentiation system of U937 cells. When human monoblastic U937 cells were cultured in the presence of IFN-γ, transcription of gp91-phox was remarkably upregulated, and the cells were differentiated to macrophage-like cells that can produce O2−. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using the U937 cells during cultivation with IFN-γ revealed not only that association of GCN5 with the gp91-phox gene promoter was significantly accelerated, but also that GCN5 preferentially elevated acetylation levels of H2BK16 and H3K9 surrounding the promoter. These results suggested that GCN5 regulates the O2−-generating system in leukocytes via controlling the gp91-phox gene expression as a supervisor. Our findings obtained in this study should be useful in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in epigenetic regulation of the O2−-generating system in leukocytes.
Activated Invariant NKT Cells Regulate Osteoclast Development and Function
Authors: Hu Ming , Bassett J. H. Duncan , Danks Lynett , Howell Peter G. T. , Xu Ke , Spanoudakis Emmanouil , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Boyde Alan , Williams Graham R. , Horwood Nikki , Roberts Irene A. G. , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: January 2011

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells modulate innate and adaptive immune responses through activation of myeloid dendritic cells and macrophages and via enhanced clonogenicity, differentiation, and egress of their shared myeloid progenitors. Because these same progenitors give rise to osteoclasts (OCs), which also mediate the egress of hematopoietic progenitors and orchestrate bone remodeling, we hypothesized that iNKT cells would extend their myeloid cell regulatory role to the development and function of OCs. In this study, we report that selective activation of iNKT cells by α-galactosylceramide causes myeloid cell egress, enhances OC progenitor and precursor development, modifies the intramedullary kinetics of mature OCs, and enhances their resorptive activity. OC progenitor activity is positively regulated by TNF-α and negatively regulated by IFN-γ, but is IL-4 and IL-17 independent. These data demonstrate a novel role of iNKT cells that couples osteoclastogenesis with myeloid cell egress in conditions of immune activation.