bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13 gene expression in cultured mononuclear cells from porcine circovirus type 2–vaccinated pigs after cells were challenged with porcine circovirus type 2 open reading frame 2 antigen
Authors: Quereda Juan J. , Ramis Guillermo , Pallarés Francisco J. , Chapat Ludivine , Goubier Anne , Joisel François , Charreyre Catherine , Villar David , Muõoz Antonio
Published: December 2012

Objective—To characterize the kinetics of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 secretion in peripheral blood and lymph node mononuclear cells isolated from porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)–vaccinated pigs after cells were challenged with PCV2 open reading frame 2 antigen.

Animals—10 pigs.

Procedures—5 pigs were vaccinated with a PCV2 vaccine and received a booster dose 3 weeks later. They were kept together with a similar group of 5 nonvaccinated pigs that served as controls. One week after the second vaccination, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and excised retropharyngeal lymph node mononuclear cells (LNMCs) were isolated and cultured. Cells were then challenged by exposure to PCV2 open reading frame 2 and evaluated at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours to determine the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 via quantitative PCR assay. Changes in gene expression were analyzed relative to the results from analysis of the sample at 0 hours (calibrator).

Results—All ILs were upregulated differently in LNMCs and PBMCs from vaccinated pigs. Lymph node mononuclear cells from vaccinated animals produced significantly more IL-4 mRNA than did PBMCs at 2, 12, and 48 hours (relative change: 2.8 vs −3.6, 13.0 vs 3.6, and 9.8 vs 1.8, respectively) and more IL-5 mRNA at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours (relative change: 1. 2 vs −4.8, 2.2 vs 0.2, 3.2 vs −1.9, and 4.0 vs −3.6, respectively). Interleukin-13 mRNA reached its highest concentration at 24 hours but was 11.9-fold higher in PBMCs than in LNMCs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results supported the importance of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in pigs, suggesting that PBMCs and LNMCs express cytokines in a tissue-specific manner.
Proteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from West Highland White Terriers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, dogs with chronic bronchitis, and healthy dogs
Authors: Lilja-Maula Liisa I. O. , Palviainen Mari J. , Heikkilä Henna P. , Raekallio Marja R. , Rajamäki Minna M.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To evaluate protein expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained from West Highland White Terriers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), dogs with chronic bronchitis, and healthy control dogs to identify potential biomarkers for IPF.

Samples—BALF samples obtained from 6 West Highland White Terriers with histologically confirmed IPF, 5 dogs with chronic bronchitis, and 4 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Equal amounts of proteins in concentrated BALF samples were separated via 2-D differential gel electrophoresis. Proteins that were differentially expressed relative to results for healthy control dogs were identified with mass spectrometry and further verified via western blotting.

Results—Expression of 6 proteins was upregulated and that of 1 protein was downregulated in dogs with IPF or chronic bronchitis, compared with results for healthy dogs. Expression of proteins β-actin, complement C3, α-1-antitrypsin, apolipoprotein A-1, haptoglobin, and transketolase was upregulated, whereas expression of lysozyme C was downregulated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Proteomics can be used to search for biomarkers and to reveal disease-specific mechanisms. The quantitative comparison of proteomes for BALF obtained from dogs with IPF and chronic bronchitis and healthy dogs revealed similar changes for the dogs with IPF and chronic bronchitis, which suggested a common response to disease processes in otherwise different lung diseases. Specific biomarkers for IPF were not identified.
Assessment of circulating concentrations of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide in dogs with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome
Authors: Rancan Lisa , Romussi Stefano , Garcia Paloma , Albertini Mariangela , Vara Elena , de la Muela Mercedes Sánchez
Published: December 2012

Objective—To evaluate plasma concentrations of inflammatory mediators in dogs with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome, identify a possible role for these mediators in the syndrome, and investigate the relationship between plasma concentrations of inflammatory mediators and severity of clinical signs.

Animals—17 dogs with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome and 10 mesocephalic (control) dogs.

Procedures—A blood sample was collected once from each dog. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-10, and IL-13 were measured with ELISAs. Nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were determined with a Griess test. For analysis, brachycephalic dogs were categorized into groups depending on weight (smal [< 16 kg]) and large [≥ 16 kg]) or on whether they required medical or surgical treatment.

Results—Compared with control dog values, plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-17A were significantly higher in brachycephalic dogs and markedly so for brachycephalic dogs that required surgery; findings for small and large brachycephalic dogs did not differ. A similar pattern of differences between control and brachycephalic dogs was dentified for plasma NO concentration. Plasma IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations in control and brachycephalic dogs did not differ.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In brachycephalic dogs, plasma TNF-α, IL-10, IL-13, L-17A, and NO concentrations were higher than values in control dogs and appeared to be associated with disease severity. These variables may be useful as indicators of inflammatory processes associated with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome in dogs.
Impacts of dual-use research on life science researchers including veterinarians
Authors: Graham Tanya D.
Published: December 2012

Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, concern for the future direction of biological research has expanded to include not only issues involving the welfare of mankind, but also the more immediate and personal concern of individual scientists in the life sciences community. For many investigators in the life sciences, the remainder of their careers will be impacted by concerns about bioterrorism and issues associated with dual-use research. Awareness of these issues will be critical for all professional groups and affiliated organizations as they navigate the growing call for more federal rules and regulations. Veterinarians are not immune to the coming changes in science; all researchers risk criminal sanctions if they violate the USA Patriot Act or the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. Compliance with these regulations will be necessary, not just because of the potential legal ramifications, but because establishing and maintaining public trust is a never-ending requirement for the future of scientific research.
Development of an in vitro model of injury-induced osteoarthritis in cartilage explants from adult horses through application of single-impact compressive overload
Authors: Lee Christina M. , Kisiday John D. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Grodzinsky Alan J. , Frisbie David D.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To develop an in vitro model of cartilage injury in full-thickness equine cartilage specimens that can be used to simulate in vivo disease and evaluate treatment efficacy.

Sample—15 full-thickness cartilage explants from the trochlear ridges of the distal aspect of the femur from each of 6 adult horses that had died from reasons unrelated to the musculoskeletal system.

Procedures—To simulate injury, cartilage explants were subjected to single-impact uniaxial compression to 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% strain at a rate of 100% strain/s. Other explants were left uninjured (control specimens). All specimens underwent a culture process for 28 days and were subsequently evaluated histologically for characteristics of injury and early stages of osteoarthritis, including articular surface damage, chondrocyte cell death, focal cell loss, chondrocyte cluster formation, and loss of the extracellular matrix molecules aggrecan and types I and II collagen.

Results—Compression to all degrees of strain induced some amount of pathological change typical of clinical osteoarthritis in horses; however, only compression to 60% strain induced significant changes morphologically and biochemically in the extracellular matrix.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The threshold strain necessary to model injury in full-thickness cartilage specimens from the trochlear ridges of the distal femur of adult horses was 60% strain at a rate of 100% strain/s. This in vitro model should facilitate study of pathophysiologic changes and therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis.
Evaluation of serum trace mineral, vitamin D, and sex steroid hormone concentration, and survey data in llamas and alpacas with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension
Authors: Semevolos Stacy A. , Reed Shannon K. , Schultz Loren G.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To characterize serum trace mineral, sex steroid hormone, and vitamin D concentrations and identify factors associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in llamas and alpacas.

Samples—Serum samples from 79 llamas and 15 alpacas and owner survey data for 573 llamas and 399 alpacas.

Procedures—Serum samples were stored at −20°C until analysis and were evaluated for trace mineral, vitamin D, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations. Information regarding age of onset, number of affected animals in herd, feed and supplements given, type of housing, and management practices was obtained in an owner survey.

Results—Higher serum zinc and iron concentrations were associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension in camelids, compared with controls. In summer and fall months, vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in affected camelids than controls. Overall prevalence was 13.3% in llamas, compared with 0.7% in alpacas. No management factors were found to be predictive of this condition. No other factors examined were associated with metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal hyperextension.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Despite similar supplementation practices and environmental conditions between affected and unaffected animals, an association of high serum zinc, iron, and vitamin D concentrations in affected camelids, compared with controls, may indicate differences of intake or absorption of dietary supplements.
Evaluation of tissue Doppler imaging for regional quantification of radial left ventricular wall motion in healthy horses
Authors: Decloedt Annelies , Verheyen Tinne , Sys Stanislas , De Clercq Dominique , van Loon Gunther
Published: December 2012

Objective—To compare the feasibility and repeatability of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) for quantification of radial left ventricular (LV) velocity and deformation from different imaging planes and to correlate cardiac event timing data obtained by TDI to M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler-derived time intervals in horses.

Animals—10 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Repeated echocardiography was performed by 2 observers from right and left parasternal short-axis views at papillary muscle and chordal levels. The TDI measurements of systolic and diastolic velocity, strain rate, strain peak values, and timing were performed in 8 LV wall segments (LV free wall and interventricular septum from right parasternal views; left and right region of LV wall from left parasternal views). The inter- and intraobserver within- and between-day variability and measurement variability were assessed. The correlation between TDI-based measurements and M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler-based time measurements was calculated.

Results—TDI measurements of velocity, strain rate, and strain were feasible in each horse, although deformation could often not be measured in the LV free wall. Systolic and diastolic time intervals could be determined with low to moderate variability, whereas peak amplitude variability ranged from low to high. The TDI-based time measurements were significantly correlated to M-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—TDI measurements of radial LV velocity and deformation were feasible with low to moderate variability in 8 LV segments. These measurements can be used for evaluating LV function in further clinical studies.
Plasma concentrations and therapeutic effects of budesonide in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pietra Marco , Fracassi Federico , Diana Alessia , Gazzotti Teresa , Bettini Giuliano , Peli Angelo , Morini Maria , Pagliuca Giampiero , Roncada Paola
Published: December 2012

Objective—To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of budesonide in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Animals—11 dogs (mean ± SD age, 5.7 ± 3.9 years; various breeds and body weights) with moderate or severe IBD.

Procedures—Each dog received a controlled-release formulation of budesonide (3 mg/m2, PO, q 24 h) for 30 days (first day of administration was day 1). The concentration of budesonide and its metabolite (16-α-hydroxyprednisolone) was measured via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and urine samples obtained on days 1 and 8 of treatment. On those days, plasma samples were obtained before the daily budesonide administration and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 7 hours after drug administration, whereas urine samples were obtained after collection of the last blood sample. A clinical evaluation was performed on the dogs before onset of drug administration and on days 20 and 30 after start of drug administration.

Results—The highest plasma concentration of budesonide and 16-α-hydroxyprednisolone on day 1 was detected at 1 hour and at 2 hours after drug administration, respectively. After standardization on the basis of specific gravity, the ratio between urinary concentrations of budesonide and 16-α-hydroxyprednisolone was 0.006 and 0.012 on days 1 and 8, respectively. The clinical response was adequate in 8 of 11 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Budesonide was rapidly absorbed and metabolized in dogs with IBD. The drug gradually accumulated, and there was an adequate therapeutic response and no adverse effects.
Evaluation of insulin secretion and action in New World camelids
Authors: Firshman Anna M. , Cebra Christopher K. , Schanbacher Barbara J. , Seaquist Elizabeth R.
Published: December 2012

Objective—To measure and compare insulin secretion and sensitivity in healthy alpacas and llamas via glucose clamping techniques.

Animals—8 llamas and 8 alpacas.

Procedures—Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamping (HEC) and hyperglycemic clamping (HGC) were performed on each camelid in a crossover design with a minimum 48-hour washout period between clamping procedures. The HEC technique was performed to measure insulin sensitivity. Insulin was infused IV at 6 mU/min/kg for 4 hours, and an IV infusion of glucose was adjusted to maintain blood glucose concentration at 150 mg/dL. Concentrations of blood glucose and plasma insulin were determined throughout. The HGC technique was performed to assess insulin secretion in response to exogenous glucose infusion. An IV infusion of glucose was administered to maintain blood glucose concentration at 320 mg/dL for 3 hours, and concentrations of blood glucose and plasma insulin were determined throughout.

Results—Alpacas and llamas were not significantly different with respect to whole-body insulin sensitivity during HEC or in pancreatic β-cell response during HGC. Alpacas and llamas had markedly lower insulin sensitivity during HEC and markedly lower pancreatic β-cell response during HGC, in comparison with many other species.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—New World camelids had lower glucose-induced insulin secretion and marked insulin resistance in comparison with other species. This likely contributes to the disorders of fat and glucose metabolism that are common to camelids.
Photocatalytic properties of ZnO/TiO2 powders obtained via combustion gel method
Authors: Bachvarova-Nedelcheva Albena , Iordanova Reni , Stoyanova Angelina , Gegova Radka , Dimitriev Yanko , Loukanov Alexandre
Published: December 2012

Abstract The present study is a continuation of our previous investigations on the ZnO-TiO2 system. By applying different sol-gel methods we proved that the type of precursor and the order of adding the components influence the microstructure of the final product. This study focuses on the combustion sol-gel synthesis and photocatalytic properties of nanosized (∼7-20 nm) ZnO-TiO2 powders. The photocatalytic tests were performed toward two model organic dyes, Malachite Green and Reactive Black 5, in the UV and Vis region. For synthesis of ZnO/TiO2 powders, different precursors such as Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O, Ti(OC2H5)4 and Ti(OC4H9)4 were used. During the combustion process various phases (ZnO, TiO2 — anatase and rutile, ZnTiO3) were obtained. The structure and morphology of the resulting particles were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. All samples exhibited a good photocatalytic activity in both UV and Vis regions. Graphical abstract
Phosphatidylcholine — Mg2+ equilibria in a monolayer at the air/water interface
Authors: Petelska Aneta , Figaszewski Zbigniew
Published: December 2012

Abstract The interaction between Mg2+ and a phosphatidylcholine (lecithin, L) monolayer at the air/water interface was investigated. Surface tension measurements (Langmuir method) of phosphatidylcholine monolayers as a function of Mg2+ concentration were carried out at 22°C using a Teflon trough and a Nima 9000 tensiometer. Interactions between phosphatidylcholine and Mg2+ result in significant deviations from additivity. An equilibrium theory was developed to obtain the stability constants and areas occupied by one molecule of LMg+ and L2Mg. The stability constants were K 1 = 9.95×102 m2 mol−1 and K 2 = 3.87×104 m2 mol−1. The area occupied by LMg+ is 77 Å2 molecule−1, while that occupied by L2Mg is 109 Å2 molecule−1. The Gibbs free energies of complexation for LMg+ and L2Mg are −16.91 ± 0.51 and −25.88 ± 0.76 kJ mol−1. Graphical abstract
Flash point of organic binary mixtures containing alcohols: experiment and prediction
Authors: Hristova Mariana , Damgaliev Dimitar
Published: December 2012

The flash points of three organic binary mixtures containing alcohols were measured in the present work. The experimental data was obtained using the Pensky-Martens closed cup tester. The experimental data were compared with the values calculated by the Liaw model. Activity coefficients were calculated by the Wilson equation and NRTL equation. The accuracy of predicted flash point values is dependent on the thermodynamic model used for activity coefficient.
Spectrophotometric method for rapid estimation of the oxygen stoichiometry in YBCO superconducting samples
Authors: Georgieva Stela , Nedeltcheva Tsvetanka , Vladimirova Latinka , Stoyanova-Ivanova Angelina
Published: December 2012

Abstract Detailed investigations on the possibility for determination of the oxygen stoichiometry in YBa2Cu3Oy superconducting samples by measuring the absorbance of the colored Co(III)-EDTA and Cu(II)-EDTA complexes in one solution have been performed. The absorptivity of the complexes at pH 2.5 and 4.9 as well as Beer’s law have been studied. The content of the solution for the sample dissolving has been established. The stoichiometry of the oxidation-reduction reaction between Cu(III) from the sample and Co(II) in the solution has been proved. The possibility to dissolve the sample in air has been tested. As a result a simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of the δ non-stoichiometric oxygen coefficient in YBa2Cu3O6.5+δ samples has been developed without precise measurement of the sample mass. The standard deviation of the δ- and y-coefficient results is 0.017. The reproducibility of the y-values in relative units (sr ) is 0.2%. The accuracy of the results has been confirmed by the method, which is based on the absorbance measurement of the I 3−-starch compound. Graphical abstract
Composite membranes with poly(ether ether ketone) as support and polyaniline like structure, with potential applications in fuel cells
Authors: Baicea Cristina , Luntraru Vlad , Vaireanu Danut , Vasile Eugeniu , Trusca Roxana
Published: December 2012

Abstract In this paper we present the synthesis of two composite membranes with sulfonated polyether etherketone as support polymer and as conductive polymers: polyaniline and poly(p-phenylenediamine) — which has a similar structure with polyaniline. The support membranes were obtained by the phase inversion process, the conductive polymers were added by in situ polymerization into the membrane pores, and to increase the conductive properties they were doped with polystyrene sulfonic acid. The synthesized membranes were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, EDAX and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Graphical abstract
A silica gel-bound macrocycle system for the selective separation of toxic cadmium from metal-affluent aqueous matrix
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroshi , Rahman Ismail , Begum Zinnat , Umehara Yoshihiro , Maki Teruya , Furusho Yoshiaki , Mizutani Satoshi
Published: December 2012

Abstract Selective separation of cadmium(II) on a macrocycle immobilized solid phase extraction (SPE) system namely AnaLig Cd-01, and commonly known as molecular recognition technology (MRT) gel, have been examined. The MRT-SPE able to retain the cadmium from the metal-affluent aqueous matrix at the pH range of 2 to 8, and the captured species can be recovered via elution with 1 and 6 M HNO3. Besides the effects of solution pH and eluent concentration, the impacts of sample loading flow rates and coexisting matrix ions were also investigated and optimized. The Cd(II) retention capacity of the MRT-SPE was 0.26 mmol g-1, and it can be reused for more than 100 loading and elution cycles. The Cd(II) recovery attained from the metal-spiked natural waters was satisfactory (95.3–98.1%). However, the Cd(II) retention ability of the MRT-SPE was significantly decreased when excess of chelant remain in the aqueous waste matrix. Graphical abstract
Separation of ketoprofen enantiomers at nanomolar concentration levels by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with on-line electrokinetic preconcentration
Authors: Petr Jan , Ginterová Pavlína , Znaleziona Joanna , Knob Radim , Lošťáková Markéta , Maier Vítězslav , Ševčík Juraj
Published: December 2012

Abstract Separation of enantiomers represents an extremely important task in the field of analytical chemistry. This paper contributes to the field of the on-line preconcentration of enantiomers by developing a novel setup based on the electrokinetic accumulation of ketoprofen enantiomers on the pH boundary followed by enantioselective mobilization by a mixture of SDS, sulfated-β-cyclodextrin (S-β-CD), and trimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (TM-β-CD). Under the best conditions, where the injection electrolyte was composed of 50 mmol L−1 borate/NaOH pH 9.5 with 60% (v/v) methanol, the background electrolyte contained 50 mmol L−1 phosphate/NaOH pH 2.5, and the mobilization electrolyte consisted of 50 mmol L−1 phosphate/NaOH pH 2.5 with 4.0% (w/v) S-β-CD, 0.5% (w/v) TM-β-CD, and 20 mmol L−1 SDS, the determination of nanomolar concentration levels of ketoprofen enantiomers was successful by using micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a common UV detection. LODs were 2.5 nmol L−1 and 3.4 nmol L−1, which represent enhancement factors of 9921 and 8529, respectively. The method was also applied to the determination of ketoprofen enantiomers in waste water samples by using simple filtration as a clean-up step. Here, the recovery of ketoprofen enantiomers was 91% at the concentration level of 5×10−9 mol L−1. Graphical abstract
Structure and permanent electric dipole of para-fluoroaniline in gaseous phase
Authors: Rahim Mohamad , Ghannam Leila , Antoine Rodolfe , Dugourd Philippe , Rayane Driss , Broyer Michel , Karamé Iyad
Published: December 2012

Abstract By coupling a matrix assisted laser desorption source to an electric beam deflection setup, we have measured the permanent electric dipole moment of the isolated para-fluroaniline PFAN (FC6H4NH2) molecule in the ground state. This measurement of the electric dipole of an isolated push-pull molecule is unique. The experimental value is compared to two different calculations and the structure of the system is discussed. Graphical abstract
First synthesis of important secondary oxidative metabolites of morphine and codeine with the Michael addition
Authors: Garadnay Sándor , Gyulai Zsuzsanna , Makleit Sándor , Sipos Attila
Published: December 2012

Abstract Morphine (1) and codeine (2) are two representatives of medically important, frequently used natural opiates, therefore the exploration of their metabolic pathways and the exact characterization of the metabolites are main targets of their pharmacological studies. These morphinans also play a crucial role in drug abuse; therefore, the analysis and preparation of the metabolites for identification and quantitation in human samples are considered important aims. In order to allow the in-depth analysis of metabolites derived from the oxidative pathways through morphinone (3) and codeinone (4), synthetic procedures have been elaborated for the gram-scale preparation of glutathione and N-acetylcysteine adducts. Primary pharmacological studies revealed the inactive nature of these metabolites in opioid receptor binding tests. Graphical abstract
Visible light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 deposited on activated carbon
Authors: Eliyas Alexander , Ljutzkanov Ljutzkan , Stambolova Irina , Blaskov Vladimir , Vassilev Sasho , Razkazova-Velkova Elena , Mehandjiev Dimitar
Published: December 2012

Abstract Four photocatalyst samples, prepared from beech sawdust, were synthesized by an original method, combining pyrolysis and impregnation — two of them: TiO2 + activated carbon and other two — only activated carbon. The pyrolysis process has been carried out at two different temperatures — 680°C and 830°C. The prepared samples were characterized by a series of methods — XRD, BET, SEM and DTA/TG. The most important result was achieving visible light photocatalytic activity with an azo dye pollutant for both materials. The TiO2/AC-680°C sample demonstrated higher activity under visible light illumination than the TiO2/AC-830°C sample. The visible light activity was attributed to the active carbon component in the composite materials, which was evidenced by the photocatalytic tests with bare carbon (without any TiO2) manifesting visible light activity. The AC-680°C carbon was superior to the AC-830°C under visible illumination probably due to its higher specific surface area and porous texture. UV-light testing of the photocatalytic activity revealed that the TiO2/AC-680°C sample was higher than that of the TiO2/AC-830°C under polychromatic UV-A illumination (320–400 nm with a maximum at l = 365 nm). The TiO2/AC-680°C sample was also more efficient with the monochromatic UV-C illumination (l = 254 nm). Graphical abstract
Reversible and irreversible electroporation of cell suspensions flowing through a localized DC electric field
Authors: Korohoda Włodzimierz , Grys Maciej , Madeja Zbigniew
Published: December 2012

Experiments on reversible and irreversible cell electroporation were carried out with an experimental setup based on a standard apparatus for horizontal electrophoresis, a syringe pump with regulated cell suspension flow velocity and a dcEF power supply. Cells in suspension flowing through an orifice in a barrier inserted into the electrophoresis apparatus were exposed to defined localized dcEFs in the range of 0–1000 V/cm for a selected duration in the range 10–1000 ms. This method permitted the determination of the viability of irreversibly electroperforated cells. It also showed that the uptake by reversibly electroperforated cells of fluorescent dyes (calcein, carboxyfluorescein, Alexa Fluor 488 Phalloidin), which otherwise do not penetrate cell membranes, was dependent upon the dcEF strength and duration in any given single electrical field exposure. The method yields reproducible results, makes it easy to load large volumes of cell suspensions with membrane non-penetrating substances, and permits the elimination of irreversibly electroporated cells of diameter greater than desired. The results concur with and elaborate on those in earlier reports on cell electroporation in commercially available electroporators. They proved once more that the observed cell perforation does not depend upon the thermal effects of the electric current upon cells. In addition, the method eliminates many of the limitations of commercial electroporators and disposable electroporation chambers. It permits the optimization of conditions in which reversible and irreversible electroporation are separated. Over 90% of reversibly electroporated cells remain viable after one short (less than 400 ms) exposure to the localized dcEF. Experiments were conducted with the AT-2 cancer prostate cell line, human skin fibroblasts and human red blood cells, but they could be run with suspensions of any cell type. It is postulated that the described method could be useful for many purposes in biotechnology and biomedicine and could help optimize conditions for in vivo use of both reversible and irreversible electroporation.
A nanoformulation of siRNA and its role in cancer therapy: In vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Jagani Hitesh , Rao Josyula , Palanimuthu Vasanth , Hariharapura Raghu , Gang Sagar
Published: December 2012

Overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 is often observed in a wide variety of human cancers. It prevents the induction of apoptosis in neoplastic cells and contributes to resistance to chemotherapy. RNA interference has emerged as an efficient and selective technique for gene silencing. The potential to use small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer has elicited a great deal of interest. However, insufficient cellular uptake and poor stability have limited its therapeutic applications. The purpose of this study was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles via ionic gelation of chitosan by tripolyphosphate for effective delivery of siRNA to silence the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene in neoplastic cells. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with siRNA were in the size range 190 to 340 nm with a polydispersive index ranging from 0.04 to 0.2. They were able to completely bind with siRNA, provide protection against nuclease degradation, and enhance the transfection. Cell culture studies revealed that nanoparticles with entrapped siRNA could efficiently silence the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene. Studies on Swiss albino mice showed that siRNA could be effectively delivered through nanoparticles. There was significant decrease in the tumor volume. Blocking the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 can enhance the sensitivity of cancerous cells to anti-cancer drugs and the apoptosis rate. Therefore, nanoformulations with siRNA can be promoted as an adjuvant therapy in combination with anti-cancer drugs.
Introducing OGR — a new approach to anonymous IP datagram transmission based on the Chaumian ‘onion’ encryption and the KISS principle
Authors: Kozłowski Marek
Published: December 2012

The goal of this paper is to introduce a technique, called ‘OGR’, that allows anonymous transmission of IP datagrams of any kind. During the last decade numerous anonymizing solutions implementing the Chaumian ‘onion’ encryption have been proposed. Many of them are dedicated to specific services: either anonymous mail delivery or anonymous storage sharing, while the other ones, referred as low-latency systems, work real-time and are able to anonymize any TCP streams (with preference to http), but poorly deal with or even don’t support other transports. ‘OGR’ is strongly inspired by the original Chaumian Mix-net model and aims at universality (the ability to work at the level of IP datagrams rather than upper-layers protocols) and maximal simplicity (the KISS principle). It discards the idea of fixed circuits (or cascades) present in most low-latency solutions in favor of independent, intelligent packets. Although this approach may occur less efficient for huge data streams it’s able to handle any request-reply protocols including those operating over UDP as well as all applications where other transports or raw IP packets are to be used.
Trematode cercariae infections in freshwater snails of Chitwan district, central Nepal
Authors: Devkota Ramesh , Budha Prem Bahadur , Gupta Ranjana
Published: December 2012

Because Nepal has been virtually unexplored with respect to its trematode fauna, we sampled freshwater snails from grazing swamps, lakes, rivers, swamp forests, and temporary ponds in the Chitwan district of central Nepal between July and October 2008. Altogether we screened 1,448 individuals of nine freshwater snail species (Bellamya bengalensis, Gabbia orcula, Gyraulus euphraticus, Indoplanorbis exustus, Lymnaea luteola, Melanoides tuberculata, Pila globosa, Thiara granifera and Thiara lineata) for shedding cercariae. A total of 4.3% (N=62) infected snails were found, distributed among the snail species as follows (B. bengalensis - 1, G. orcula - 11, G. euphraticus - 8, I. exustus - 39, L. luteola - 2 and T. granifera - 1). Collectively, six morphologically distinguishable types of trematode cercariae were found: amphistomes, brevifurcate-apharyngeate (likely mammalian schistosomes), clinostome, gymnocephalus (likely fasciolid), longifurcate-pharyngeate and xiphidiocercaria. I. exustus had the highest prevalence of trematode infection, and harbored all the noted cercarial types except gymnocephalus cercariae. One double infection (xiphidiocercaria and longifurcate-pharyngeate cercaria) was found in this snail. Amphistome cercariae were common in G. euphraticus, G. orcula, and I. exustus. The highest prevalence of infection (38.3%) was recorded among snails collected from temporary ponds.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.2183 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.9-14
How best to support livelihoods of blacksmiths with minimum impact on forest products
Authors: Rijal Rajan , Chhetri Ran Bahadur , Ricardo Rozzi
Published: December 2012

NoneDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.2338 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.7-8
A remote sensing-based approach for water accounting in the East Rapti River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Shilpakar Rajendra Lal , Bastiaanssen Wim G.M. , Molden David J.
Published: December 2012

Accurate estimates of evapotranspiration across different land uses are a major challenge in the process of understanding water availability and uses in a river basin. This study demonstrated a remote sensing-based procedure for accurately generating evaporative depletion and runoff in mountainous areas using Landsat ETM+ images combined with standard hydro-meteorological data. The data was used as a key input into the International Water Management Institute (IWMI)’s water accounting procedure to understand how water is now used, and opportunities for improvements in the future. We found a higher annual actual evapotranspiration from the riparian forest than from irrigated agriculture in the East Rapti River basin of Nepal. Another important finding of our study is that simple rainfall surplus can be a good predictor of river flow at an ungagged site of the East Rapti River basin. The water accounting analysis revealed that there is the potential for further development of water resources in the East Rapti River basin as only 59% of the total available water is depleted. A critical analysis of social and ecological flow requirements downstream is necessary before any development of water resources upstream. This study successfully demonstrated that the key inputs required for evaluating and monitoring the overall water resources conditions in a mountainous river basin can be computed from satellite data with a minimal support from ground information.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hjs.v7i9.5785 Himalayan Journal of Sciences Vol.7 Issue 9 2011 pp.15-30
Documenting Targeted Behaviors Associated with Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Cooper Jill F. , Schneider Robert J. , Ryan Sherry , Co Sean
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to provide an exploratory analysis of the proportion of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers exhibiting four specific behaviors at 12 intersections near transit stations in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Those target behaviors were (a) pedestrians crossing a roadway while using a mobile device, such as a cell phone; (b) pedestrians crossing a signalized intersection against a red light; (c) bicyclists running a red light at a signalized intersection; and (d) automobiles turning right on red without stopping. Those four behaviors are important because they may lead to pedestrian crashes. Overall, 8% of pedestrians used mobile devices while crossing, but the proportion ranged from less than 3% to more than 18% at specific study sites. At some locations, fewer than 3% of nonmotorized road users violated red lights, whereas approximately 70% did at other sites. The percentage of motorists turning right on red without stopping ranged from zero to more than 70%. Female pedestrians were more likely than were males to talk on mobile devices while crossing a street, but males were more likely to violate traffic signals while walking or bicycling. However, these observations did not control for differences in gender and other characteristics at sites. As pedestrian and bicycle mode shares increase, it will be essential for all users to understand their rights and responsibilities in the environment of the roadway. The documentation of behaviors helps provide a foundation for engineering, education, enforcement, and encouragement countermeasures that will improve safety for pedestrians and other roadway users.
How Common is Pedestrian Travel to, from, and within Shopping Districts?
Authors: Schneider Robert J. , Pande Swati
Published: December 2012

Growing interest in sustainable transportation systems and livable communities has created a need for more complete measures of pedestrian travel. Yet many performance measures do not account for short pedestrian movements, such as walking between stores in a shopping district, from a street parking space to a building entrance, or from a bus stop to home. This study used a 2009 intercept survey and the 2009 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) to quantify pedestrian travel to, from, and within 20 shopping districts in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Overall, walking was the primary travel mode for 21% of intercept survey and 10% of NHTS tours with stops in these shopping districts. However, detailed analysis of pedestrian movements showed that walking was common on respondent tours (52% of intercept survey tours included some walking) and that walking was used on the majority of trips within these shopping districts (65% of intercept survey trips and 71% of NHTS trips within the shopping districts were made by walking). In general, urban core and suburban main street shopping districts had higher levels of pedestrian activity than suburban thoroughfare and suburban shopping center shopping districts. The detailed analysis in this paper provides a more complete picture of pedestrian activity than is commonly shown by national and regional household survey summaries.
Simple, Inexpensive Approach to Sampling for Pedestrian and Bicycle Surveys
Authors: Forsyth Ann , Agrawal Asha Weinstein , Krizek Kevin J.
Published: December 2012

Many transportation planners undertake local surveys for a better understanding of the levels of walking and cycling of residents in their city or town. This paper explores the challenges of designing a robust sampling strategy for such surveys. A review of existing surveys on nonmotorized transportation demonstrated that many existing surveys used less than ideal sampling approaches for communities that were aiming to collect populationwide data on cycling and walking and thereby jeopardized the strength of their conclusions. Either surveys used approaches that were too expensive and complex for most communities to implement or surveys generated data that were not applicable to all residents in a community (i.e., data that were not generalizable to the full population). In response to that sampling problem, this paper presents a new method for collecting generalizable data: the sampling method developed in the Pedestrian and Bicycling Survey (PABS) project. PABS offers a rigorous, yet inexpensive, simple, and well-documented method to conduct surveys. The PABS mail-out–mail-back survey and probabilistic (generalizable) sampling approach can be performed in-house within municipal agencies. With the use of PABS, transportation professionals can obtain higher-quality data about their community as a whole than they would obtain with many of the other existing approaches. PABS is thus a useful complement to other sampling approaches such as intercept surveys (an important way to collect data on the use of specific facilities) or surveys distributed to e-mail lists (a cheap and useful way to collect qualitative data).
Nature of Modeling Boundary Pedestrian Crashes at Zones
Authors: Siddiqui Chowdhury , Abdel-Aty Mohamed
Published: December 2012

Traffic analysis zones are often delineated by the existing street network. This practice may result in a considerable number of crashes on or near zonal boundaries. Although the traditional macrolevel approach to crash modeling assigns zonal attributes to all crashes that occur within the zonal boundary, this paper acknowledges the inaccuracy resulting from relating crashes on or near the boundary of the zone to merely the attributes of that zone. This paper proposes a novel approach to account for the spatial influence of neighboring zones on crashes that occur specifically on or near the zonal boundaries. Predictive models for pedestrian crashes per zone were developed with a hierarchical Bayesian framework and with separate predictor sets for boundary and interior (nonboundary) crashes. The hierarchical Bayesian model that accounted for spatial autocorrelation was found to have better goodness-of-fit measures than did models that had no specific consideration for crashes located on or near the boundaries. In addition, the models were able to capture some unique predictors associated explicitly with interior and boundary-related crashes. For example, two variables, total roadway length with a posted speed of 35 mph and long-term parking cost, were not statistically significant from zero in the interior crash model but were significantly different from zero at the 95% level in the boundary crash model.
Perception of Pedestrian Traffic Signals by Pedestrians with Varying Levels of Vision
Authors: Scott Alan C. , Atkins Katherine N. , Bentzen Billie Louise , Barlow Janet M.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluated the usability of pedestrian signals by persons with varying visual acuities under different conditions of symbol size, crossing length, and type of background behind the signals. While viewing photographs presented on a computer monitor under unimpaired viewing conditions (approximately 20/20 visual acuity) and under simulated visual impairment (approximate acuities of 20/100 and 20/300), participants attempted to determine the pedestrian phase (“Walk” or “Don't Walk”) and to report the number presented by the countdown timer display. Performance on the phase discrimination task by those with simulated 20/300 acuity and with symbols 9 and 12 in. high often was little better than chance despite a highly controlled environment (i.e., no moving vehicles or environmental distractions) and signals that were subjectively determined to be in excellent working condition and of high visibility (i.e., good luminance–contrast, no glare). Reading the countdown display was essentially impossible. Participants with simulated 20/100 acuity were rather successful in phase identification, and they averaged more than 87% correct under all stimulus conditions. But room for improvement existed compared with performance under 20/20 conditions. Reading the countdown display was difficult for participants with simulated 20/100 acuity; they averaged between 6.5% and 58.5% correct under the various stimulus conditions. The effect of different backgrounds on the usability of the signals, as well as the implications of the findings about signal size and crossing length on the current signals standards, are discussed.
Analysis of Pedestrian Exposure to Risk in Relation to Crossing Behavior
Authors: Papadimitriou Eleonora , Yannis George , Golias John
Published: December 2012

The objective of this research was to analyze pedestrian exposure to risk along urban trips in relation to pedestrian crossing behavior. First, an appropriate microscopic indicator was selected for the estimation of pedestrian exposure to risk while a person crossed a road at isolated locations. This indicator expressed exposure as the number of vehicles encountered by pedestrians during the crossing of a single uncontrolled road lane and could be further adapted and applied for various road design and traffic control features. Moreover, the number and type of crossings along a pedestrian trip could be identified on the basis of the trip length and topology, whereas the set of choices of alternative crossing locations for each crossing decision could also be defined. The crossing probability associated with each alternative location along the trip could then be estimated by means of a sequential logit model. A method is presented for the estimation of exposure to risk for pedestrians along a trip in relation to their crossing behavior. The proposed approach was demonstrated in a pilot implementation for a typical pedestrian trip in the center of Athens, Greece, for four scenarios combining different traffic conditions and pedestrian walking speed. The results showed that exposure to risk for pedestrians along a trip was significantly affected by the pedestrians' crossing choices, as well as by road and traffic characteristics. Results also revealed that pedestrians with increased walking speed might have partly compensated for their exposure to risk so that the risk was not significantly affected by traffic volume. Moreover, specific locations with increased pedestrian exposure to risk could be identified for each trip. The proposed microscopic analysis of exposure to risk proved advantageous compared with existing macroscopic ones. This microscopic analysis revealed the different possible definitions and aspects of pedestrian exposure, with useful implications for road safety analysis.