bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Estimate of the Intrinsic Rate of Increase of a Millipede:Polydesmus angustus(Polydesmida: Polydesmidae) in a Seasonal Environment
Authors: David Jean-Francois
Published: January 2012

Although dramatic millipede outbreaks have been reported worldwide, there is no data available on the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of these arthropods. This parameter was estimated in the west-European millipede Polydesmus angustus Latzel, a seasonally-breeding species with mixed 1-yr and 2-yr life cycles within populations. Individuals from 20 broods were reared throughout their life cycle under seasonal conditions simulated in the laboratory (monthly mean temperatures and naturally varying photoperiods), to determine age-specific survival and fertility in annual (1-yr life cycle) and biennial (2-yr life cycle) females. The finite rate of increase (λm) was calculated using a periodic matrix model and rm was found to be 5.85 per year. This estimate suggests that outbreaks of annual polydesmidan species in greenhouses or under favorable field conditions can be generated by a small number of fertilized females in 2 yr. The relevance of seasonal conditions to measure rm per year in long-lived arthropod species that breed seasonally is emphasized. Estimates such as that obtained in P. angustus integrate most seasonal adaptations of the species and are ecologically plausible in the absence of extrinsic sources of mortality. Finally, the results show that biennial females represent a very small proportion of individuals in the stable population structure, but analysis of short-term dynamics indicates that they may be more successful as colonists than annual females.
Use of13C Isotope Discrimination Analysis to Quantify Distribution of Barnyardgrass and Rice Roots in a Four-Year Study of Weed-Suppressive Rice
Authors: Gealy David R. , Moldenhauer Karen A. K.
Published: January 2012

In a 4-yr field study, “weed suppressive” rice cultivars provided 30% greater control of barnyardgrass and sustained 44% less yield loss (relative to weed-free) compared to “nonsuppressive” tropical japonica rice cultivars.13C analysis revealed that rice root mass predominated vertically and laterally within the soil profile of plots infested with barnyardgrass. Among all cultivars, rice roots accounted for 75 to 90% of the total root mass in samples, and this was most concentrated in the surface 5 cm of soil in the row. Barnyardgrass roots were most prevalent in the surface 5 cm between rows where they accounted for 30% of total root mass. Overall, barnyardgrass root mass was about twice as high in nonsuppressive rice compared to suppressive rice. Weed suppression by indica/tropical japonica rice crosses generally was intermediate between that of the other two rice groups. At the 0- to 5-cm depth, between-rows, barnyardgrass root mass was correlated negatively with rice height (r = −0.424), yield (r = −0.306), and weed control ratings (r = −0.524) in weedy plots. Control ratings in weedy plots also were negatively correlated with rice percent height reduction (r = −0.415) and % yield loss (r = −0.747) relative to weed-free plots, and with barnyardgrass root mass as a percent of total root mass (r = −0.612). Control ratings were positively correlated with rice yield under weed pressure (r = 0.429) but were correlated with rice root mass in-rows only (r = −0.322). Clearly, rice root mass could not have been the major cause of the differences in barnyardgrass control between cultivars.
Influence of Glyphosate on Rhizoctonia Crown and Root Rot (Rhizoctonia solani) in Glyphosate-Resistant Sugarbeet
Authors: Barnett Kelly A. , Sprague Christy L. , Kirk William W. , Hanson Linda E.
Published: January 2012

Previous greenhouse studies with a noncommercial glyphosate-resistant sugarbeet variety indicated that susceptibility to Rhizoctonia crown and root rot could increase after glyphosate was applied. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 to determine if glyphosate influenced disease severity in potential commercially available varieties of glyphosate-resistant sugarbeet. In the first greenhouse experiment in 2008, Hilleshög 9027RR, the most tolerant variety to Rhizoctonia crown and root rot, exhibited an increase in disease severity when glyphosate was applied. There were no significant differences between herbicide treatments in Hilleshög 9028RR, and glyphosate decreased disease severity in Hilleshög 9032RR when compared with the no-herbicide treatment. Experiments conducted to determine if glyphosate influenced Rhizoctonia solani growth in vitro indicated that glyphosate did not increase the radial growth of R. solani, except at 10× (190 µg ae ml−1) the normal rate of glyphosate plus ammonium sulfate (AMS). Field and additional greenhouse experiments were conducted using four commercial varieties. Differences in disease severity were observed when comparing varieties, but glyphosate did not significantly influence the severity of Rhizoctonia crown and root rot when compared with the no-herbicide control. Choosing a glyphosate-resistant sugarbeet variety with the best demonstrated tolerance to Rhizoctonia crown and root rot is an important factor in reducing disease severity and maintaining sugarbeet yield.
Maternal Corn Environment Influences Wild-Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum) Seed Characteristics
Authors: Williams Martin M. , Schutte Brian J. , So Yim F.
Published: January 2012

Modification of the cropping environment to make weed seed more susceptible to fatal germination or decay processes is based, in part, on the premise that seed longevity is affected by the crop-influenced environment in which seed is produced, hereafter, called thematernal crop environment. The objective of this investigation was to determine the influence of maternal crop environment on wild-proso millet seed production, germinability, and seed coat tone (i.e., lightness), a trait previously associated with seed longevity in wild-proso millet. Maternal corn environments were established by growing wild-proso millet plants in four morphologically different sweet corn hybrids in four replicates over 2 yr. Wild-proso millet seed was collected at sweet corn harvest, enumerated, characterized for seed coat tone, and tested for germination. Principal component factor analysis reduced six sweet corn traits measured between silking and harvest into a single maternal corn environment factor that accounted for 84% of the variation among crop canopies. Functional relationships between maternal corn environment factor scores and wild-proso millet seed characteristics were clarified by fitting linear models. For each unit decrease in maternal environment factor score, wild-proso millet seed production increased 1,535 seed m−2, germination increased 2.2%, and seed coat tone was 1.8% lighter. These results show the size and germinability of wild-proso millet seed was highest in less-competitive maternal corn environments characterized by a short time to crop maturity and a small crop-canopy size.
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) Seed Dispersal in Corn Crops under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Barroso Judit , Andújar Dionisio , Martín Carolina San , Fernández-Quintanilla César , Dorado José
Published: January 2012

Natural dissemination of johnsongrass seeds as well as the effect of combine harvesting on this process were studied in corn fields. The estimation of natural dispersal was carried out by two different methods, collecting seeds throughout the season using seed traps and sampling soil–surface seed abundance before harvest using a vacuum device. Both methods showed the same dispersal pattern. A minimum of 84.6% was dispersed in the first 2 m from the focus and a maximum of 1.6% was dispersed beyond the first 5 m. An average of 76.3% of these dispersed seeds were lost or buried after shedding but before harvest. Seed dispersal by the combine harvester was estimated from the difference between soil–surface seed abundance in the same sites pre and postharvest. Although the quantity of seeds dispersed by the combine was similar to those dispersed by natural factors, dispersal distances were significantly higher. Around 90% of the dispersed seeds were found in the first 5 m forward and backward of the combine direction from the infestation source, and 1.6% of the seeds were found beyond 22 m forward and 10 m backward of the combine direction from the infestation source. A large proportion of the seeds dispersed were dormant or not viable. It is concluded that the major role of sexual reproduction in johnsongrass population dynamics may be to spread the risks, promoting dispersal in time and space.
Factors Affecting Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) Germination
Authors: Stanton Rex , Wu Hanwen , Lemerle Deirdre
Published: January 2012

Silverleaf nightshade is a widespread, deep-rooted, summer-growing perennial that significantly reduces production in Australian crop and pasture systems. It has an extensive root system, which competes both directly and indirectly with summer and winter pastures and crops through depletion of soil moisture and nutrients. Long-distance dispersal of seeds is an important mechanism for its spread and management. A range of experiments was conducted to determine the factors influencing seed production and seedbank dynamics. Seed production ranged from 1,814 to 2,945 m−2. Diurnally fluctuating temperatures of 25/15 C provided the optimal thermal conditions for germination, with germination not affected by light. Osmotic stress reduced germination, with no germination occurring at −1MPa. Germination was reduced to 5% at 160 mM NaCl, suggesting some salt sensitivity. Germination occurred over a pH range of 4 to 10, but declined with increasing acidity. Viability of buried seed declined to around 20% after 3 yr, with seed buried at 10 cm remaining the most viable. The prolonged seed persistence in the soil indicates a long-term control program is necessary for depleting the soil seedbank.
The Gingival Crevicular Fluid Levels of Interleukin‐11 and Interleukin‐17 in Patients With Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Ay Zuhal Yetkin , Yılmaz Gülin , Özdem Muhsin , Koçak Havva , Sütçü Recep , Uskun Ersin , Tonguç Mine Öztürk , Kırzıoğlu Fatma Yeşim
Published: January 2012

Background: The balance (ratio) of anti‐inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis. Moreover, the imbalance of anti‐inflammatory/proinflammatory cytokines may modulate disease progression in aggressive periodontitis (AgP). This study aims to investigate the levels of interleukin (IL)‐11 and IL‐17 and their ratio in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with AgP.

Methods: This study included 20 patients with generalized AgP (GAgP) and 18 healthy controls (HC). For each patient, the values of clinical parameters, such as gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level, were recorded. Levels of IL‐11 and IL‐17 in GCF samples were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The values of clinical parameters, cytokine levels, and the ratios of cytokines were evaluated.

Results: The values of all the clinical parameters were significantly higher in the GAgP group than in the HC group (P <0.001). The total amount and concentration of IL‐11 and the concentration of the IL‐17 and IL‐11/IL‐17 ratio were significantly lower in the GAgP group than in the HC group (P <0.001). The total amount of IL‐17 was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.317)

Conclusions: The IL‐11/IL‐17 ratio was decreased in the GAgP group because of the decreased IL‐11 levels. The IL‐11/IL‐17 axis and the link between IL‐17 and neutrophil function disorders in AgP should be investigated to clarify the role of the IL‐11/IL‐17 axis and its balance and imbalance in the pathogenesis of AgP.
Periodontal Status and Metabolic Syndrome in Middle‐Aged Japanese
Authors: Fukui Nao , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Shinagawa Takashi , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: January 2012

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of various lifestyle‐related diseases. Although some studies have reported a significant relationship between periodontal status and MetS, little information exists about the nature of the relationship between periodontal health status and MetS.

Methods: Comprehensive health examinations of 6,421 Japanese individuals (aged 34 to 77 years) were performed. Five components (obesity, high blood pressure, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and high plasma glucose) of MetS were evaluated, and individuals with ≥3 positive components were defined as having MetS. The periodontal parameters were periodontal probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and each parameter was divided into three categories (none/mild: ≤3 mm; moderate: 4 to 5 mm; and severe: ≥6 mm).

Results: When PD and CAL were analyzed separately in multivariate models, both parameters were significantly associated with MetS. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis using a combination of PD and CAL as an independent variable, individuals with severe PD and severe CAL or with moderate PD and moderate CAL had significantly higher odds ratios for MetS, but severe CAL without severe PD was not significantly associated with MetS.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that periodontal status, particularly in individuals suspected to have untreated periodontal infection indicated by ≥4 mm PD, is significantly associated with MetS.
Oral Thromboprophylaxis Following Total Hip or Knee Replacement: Review and Multicentre Experience with Dabigatran Etexilate
Authors: Kendoff D , Perka C , Fritsche H.M , Gehrke T , Hube R
Published: January 2012

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement surgery is high. As a result, thromboprophylaxis is highly recommended. While current thromboprophylactic agents, such as low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and vitamin K antagonists, are safe and effective their use can be problematic. Therefore, there is a need for alternative anticoagulants that are as safe and effective as conventional agents, but are more convenient and easier to use. Dabigatran etexilate, a direct thrombin inhibitor, is one such anticoagulant. For VTE prevention following major orthopaedic surgery, dabigatran etexilate shows similar efficacy and safety to the LMWH enoxaparin, and is approved for use in more than 75 countries, including Europe and Canada. Here, we summarize and discuss the experiences of four German clinics that have recently introduced dabigatran etexilate into clinical practice. Overall, dabigatran etexilate was well received by patients, surgeons and nurses, and compared favourably with enoxaparin. Staff appreciated the oral, single-dose administration of dabigatran etexilate. Patient satisfaction was high, especially in those individuals who had previously used LMWHs. In this review, we also address a number of questions that were asked by patients or staff; this will be of relevance to orthopaedic surgeons and nurses. We conclude that, in these four German clinics, dabigatran etexilate offered an effective oral alternative to existing thromboprophylactic agents in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery.
Dental status in adults of the municipality of Foca
Authors: Zuza Aleksandra , Radovic Igor , Krunic Jelena , Stojanovic Nikola
Published: January 2012

Introduction. Dental caries has been one of the oldest but still one of the
most common oral diseases in humans. Even though it has been almost
eradicated in developed countries due to increased fluoride use, adoption of
proper oral hygiene habits and systematic implementation of preventive
programs, caries remained one of leading oral diseases in developing
countries. Epidemiological data about the prevalence of caries is very
important for prediction of need for dental care, number of dental care
providers as well as financial aspect. The aim of this study was to determine
dental status and indicate dental treatment need in adults of the
municipality of Foca, Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Material and
Methods. The study included 244 randomly selected residents (131 males and
113 females) from the municipality of Foca which were divided into three age
groups: 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years. Dental status and need for dental
treatment were determined in accordance to the criteria and methodology of
the World Health Organization. Results. Mean value of DMFT index was 12.7 for
the first age group, 16.4 for the second and 20.5 for the third age group of
respondents. Dominant components in the first group were restored and carious
teeth while in the third age group number of extracted teeth dominated. Also,
in the third age group of respondents need for one and two or more surfaces
fillings was significantly lower (p<0.01), but need for removable dentures
was significantly higher (p<0.01) as compared to other two groups.
Conclusion. These results indicated high value of DMFT index in adult
population of the municipality of Foca.
Marsupialization of juvenile paradental cyst: A case report
Authors: Stepic Jelena , Pejovic Marko , Colic Snjezana
Published: January 2012

Juvenile paradental cysts (JPC) are rare cystic lesions that usually develop
on buccal, distal, or mesial side of first, and rarely second permanent
mandibular molars. They occur during tooth eruption, in children aged 6 to 12
years, and belong to the group of inflammatory paradental cysts. Clinical
symptomatology is scarce and often manifested as appearance of painless
swelling on the buccal side of the offending tooth. Different therapeutic
procedures could be used: enucleation, enucleation with tooth extraction or
marsupialization. This study presents the marsupialization procedure of
bilateral JPC attached to the first permanent lower molars in seven year old
girl.
Public management in Serbia: From imitation to status quo
Authors: Janicijevic Nebojsa , Bogicevic-Milikic Biljana
Published: January 2012

Public management in Serbia has been experiencing reform changes since 2000.
In this paper we attempt to analyze reforms in public management in Serbia
during the period 2000-2010 from two theoretical frameworks: the
institutional changes perspective and the downsizing perspective. We believe
that the selected time frame is suitable for our research, since the period
of ten years is long enough for radical changes to take place. The analysis
from the institutional changes perspective suggests that the success in
creating the new state administration institutional model in Serbia will
greatly depend on the amount of pressure put by the European Union and IMF on
the Serbian Government, but also on raising the level of knowledge and
competence for conducting necessary changes in the Serbian state
administration. The analysis from the downsizing perspective reveals that
efforts aimed at downsizing of public administration in Serbia, initiated by
the need to achieve results quickly, have almost been blocked by strong
forces towards maintaining the status quo.
Protection of children of divorced parents who are victims of emotional abuse
Authors: Batic Dragana , Akimovska-Maletic Iskra
Published: January 2012

Very little is said and written about the problem of emotional abuse of
children, as a result of parental divorce and separation, probably because it
is a very sophisticated type of emotional abuse, which unfortunately
sometimes experts do not recognize. This phenomenon is rarely explored and
researched in general and especially in the Republic of Macedonia. It is not
disputed that there is a solid legal framework for a government response to
this type of child abuse in Republic of Macedonia. Given the impact on
children, this problem requires much more attention, education and
cooperation between the competent institutions. This paper tries to explore
the concept of emotional abuse of children, as a result of divorce and
separation of the parents, as a very specific form of domestic violence from
a psychological point of view, as well as to analyze the legal norm of this
form of domestic violence in the Republic of Macedonia.
Dynamics of episodic transient correlations in currency exchange rate returns and their predictability
Authors: Žukovič Milan
Published: January 2012

We study the dynamics of the linear and non-linear serial dependencies in financial time series in a rolling window framework. In particular, we focus on the detection of episodes of statistically significant two- and three-point correlations in the returns of several leading currency exchange rates that could offer some potential for their predictability. We employ a rolling window approach in order to capture the correlation dynamics for different window lengths and analyze the distributions of periods with statistically significant correlations. We find that for sufficiently large window lengths these distributions fit well to power-law behavior. We also measure the predictability itself by a hit rate, i.e. the rate of consistency between the signs of the actual returns and their predictions, obtained from a simple correlation-based predictor. It is found that during these relatively brief periods the returns are predictable to a certain degree and the predictability depends on the selection of the window length.
Normalized gait parameters in NDT-Bobath post-stroke gait rehabilitation
Authors: Mikołajewska Emilia
Published: January 2012

The aim of the research was to evaluate the results of NDT-Bobath method in gait re-education of adult patients after ischemic stroke using normalized parameters of gait. The investigation group consisted of 60 patients, all sufferers of an ischemic stroke, and participated in a rehabilitation program: 10 sessions of NDT-Bobath therapy through 2 weeks (ten days of the therapy). Normalized parameters of gait were calculated based on anthropometric measures of patients and their gait parameters (gait velocity, cadence and stride length) measured in every patient on admission (before the therapy) and after the last session of the therapy to assess rehabilitation effects. Results among patients involved in the research were as follows:
in normalized gait velocity: recovery in 42 cases (70 %), relapse in 10 cases (16,67 %), no measurable changes in 8 cases (13.33 %)in normalized cadence: recovery in 39 cases (65 %), relapse in 16 cases (26.67 %), no measurable changes in 5 cases (8.33 %)in normalized stride length: recovery in 50 cases (83.33 %), relapse in 4 cases (6.67 %), no measurable changes in 6 cases (10 %).

Observed statistically significant and favourable changes in health status of patients, described by normalized gait parameters, confirm effectiveness of the NDT-Bobath method.
Vaccination in children with cancer: a debate
Authors: Battista Andrea , Ruggiero Antonio , Coccia Paola , Arena Roberta , Attinà Giorgio , Riccardi Riccardo
Published: January 2012

Children with malignancy present an important alteration of the immune system functionality caused by the illness itself and by the therapy they undergo. Therefore, they are at high risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases and of developing important complications. Vaccinations represent valid devices against these infections but this condition involves two main problems: are vaccines safe in these patients? Are vaccines effective in these patients? The aim of this review is to discuss the principles of vaccination management in children with cancer.
Early Badenian ostracod assemblage of the Židlochovice stratotype(Carpathian Foredeep, Czech Republic)
Authors: Seko Michal , Pipík Radovan , Doláková Nela
Published: January 2012

Fifty-two ostracod taxa were identified from two sediment cores collected from the early Badenian Židlochovice stratotype. Ostracod assemblages were analyzed with a focus on taxonomy, paleoecology, distribution of taxa along the sediment cores, quantification of valve/carapace ratios, and species richness by Simpson’s Reciprocal Index. The changes in ostracod assemblages identified in these cores reflect a shallowing of the marine water-depth from circalittoral/epibathyal to shallow infralittoral, and an increase in the sedimentation rate upwards through time. A comparison of all Badenian ostracod assemblages in the Carpathian Foredeep indicates a high proportion of deep-water ostracod species in Židlochovice and its surroundings, suggesting that the deepest part of the Carpathian Foredeep was probably situated in this part of the Czech Republic.
Sexually. Transmitted Infections, Sexuality and STI Stigma among Nepalese youth and adults
Authors: Pokhrel DB
Published: January 2012

Keywords: Sexually Transmitted Illnes; sexuality; STI stigmaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5711Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 6-9
Cutaneous leishmaniasis: a case report
Authors: Kayastha BMM , Shrestha P , Shrestha R , Jahan R
Published: January 2012

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne protozoal infection of the skin. It is endemic in the tropics and neotropics. Several species of Leishmania cause this disease in the Old World. It is manifested as chronic nodular to ulcerative lesions of the skin, which last for many months and may be disfiguring. Despite its increasing worldwide incidence, it is infrequently reported from Nepal. We are reporting a case of CL in a man who acquired the disease while working in Saudi Arabia and who was successfully treated with Sodium Stibogluconate injections.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5715  Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 27-30
Spanish naturalists and natural history societies in the process of colonisation in Morocco (1859–1912)
Authors: González-Bueno Antonio , Gomis Alberto
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we have analysed the reasons that motivated Spanish naturalists to pursue the study of nature in Morocco during the second half of the nineteenth century. We have paid special attention to the social, political and economic influence of the Africanist groups in the development of these studies. In doing so, our intention is to demonstrate how the scientific study of the natural environment constituted yet another argument for the colonisation of the territory. Our analysis spans a period from the Spanish-Moroccan War of the mid-nineteenth century to the declaration of the Spanish Protectorate over the northern part of Moroccan territory.
Effects of Interdependence and Social Interaction-Based Person-Team Fit
Authors: Glew David J.
Published: January 2012

The match between employees and their vocations, jobs and organizations has been the focus of the majority of past person-environment fit research. The compatibility between individuals and their work team environments is a more recently recognized, but much less studied, type of fit. Person-team fit is conceptualized here along two fundamental dimensions of team environments: interdependence and social interaction. Results from a study involving 209 cross-functional team members indicate that person-team fit has an impact on satisfaction, commitment, trust and performance.
Regionalizing Immigration, Health and Inequality: Iraqi Refugees in Australia
Authors: Vasey Katie , Manderson Lenore
Published: January 2012

Humanitarian immigrants and refugees face multiple adjustment tasks and post-settlement support services concentrated in metropolitan areas play an important role. As part of an ongoing commitment, the Australian Government has increasingly supported resettlement in rural and regional areas of the country. Drawing on the experience of Iraqi migrants in Victoria, Australia, we examine some of the conditions that characterize regional resettlement and raise key questions for public health policy. Structural vulnerabilities and discriminations impact upon physical, mental and social wellbeing, leading to further exclusion, with negative long-term implications. The discussion throws light on the issues that migrants and refugees may encounter in other parts within Australia, but are also germane in many countries and highlight the resulting complexity for policy-making.
Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinomas (MANECs) of the Gastrointestinal Tract: An Update
Authors: La Rosa Stefano , Marando Alessandro , Sessa Fausto , Capella Carlo
Published: January 2012

The systematic application of immunohistochemical techniques to the study of tumors has led to the recognition that neuroendocrine cells occur rather frequently in exocrine neoplasms of the gut. It is now well known that there is a wide spectrum of combinations of exocrine and neuroendocrine components, ranging from adenomas or carcinomas with interspersed neuroendocrine cells at one extreme to classical neuroendocrine tumors with a focal exocrine component at the other. In addition, both exocrine and neuroendocrine components can have different morphological features ranging, for the former, from adenomas to adenocarcinomas with different degrees of differentiation and, for the latter, from well differentiated to poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. However, although this range of combinations of neuroendocrine and exocrine components is frequently observed in routine practice, mixed exocrine-neuroendocrine carcinomas, now renamed as mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs), are rare; these are, by definition, neoplasms in which each component represents at least 30% of the lesion. Gastrointestinal MANECs can be stratified in different prognostic categories according to the grade of malignancy of each component. The present paper is an overview of the main clinicopathological, morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular features of this specific rare tumor type.
Influence of Semiconductor Nanocrystal Concentration on Polymer Hole Transport in Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Pate Ryan , Stiff-Roberts Adrienne D.
Published: January 2012

This article investigates hole transport in poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV)/CdSe colloidal quantum dot (CQD) nanocomposites using a modified time-of-flight photoconductivity technique. The measured hole drift mobilities are analyzed in the context of Bässler’s Gaussian disorder model and the correlated disorder model in order to determine the polymer internal morphology of hybrid nanocomposite thin films. This work shows that increasing the CdSe CQD concentration decreases the polymer hole mobility from ~5.9 × 10−6 cm2/Vs in an MEH-PPV film to ~8.1 × 10−8 cm2/Vs in a 20:80 (wt%) MEH-PPV:CdSe CQD nanocomposite film (measured at 25 °C and ~2 × 105 V/cm). The corresponding disorder parameters indicate increasing disruption of interchain interaction with increasing CQD concentration. This work quantifies polymer chain morphology in hybrid nanocomposite thin films and provides useful information regarding the optimal use of semiconductor nanocrystals in conjugated polymer-based optoelectronics.
The Relevance of Personal Characteristics in Allocating Health Care Resources—Controversial Preferences of Laypersons with Different Educational Backgrounds
Authors: Winkelhage Jeannette , Diederich Adele
Published: January 2012

In all industrial countries publicly funded health care systems are confronted with budget constraints. Therefore, priority setting in resource allocation seems inevitable. This paper examines whether personal characteristics could be taken into consideration when allocating health services in Germany, and whether attitudes towards prioritizing health care vary among individuals with different levels of education. Using a conjoint analysis approach, hypothetical patients described in terms of ‘lifestyle’, ‘age’, ‘severity of illness’, ‘type of illness’, ‘improvement in health’, and ‘treatment costs’ were constructed, and the importance weights for these personal characteristics were elicited from 120 members of the general public. Participants were selected according to a sampling guide including educational background, age, chronic illness and gender. Results are reported for groups with different levels of education (low, middle, high) only. The findings show that the patients’ age is the most important criterion for the allocation of health care resources, followed by ‘severity of illness’ and ‘improvement in health’. Preferences vary among participants with different educational backgrounds, which refer to different attitudes towards distributive justice and might represent different socialization experiences.
Lewis y Regulate Cell Cycle Related Factors in Ovarian Carcinoma Cell RMG-I in Vitro via ERK and Akt Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liu Dawo , Liu Juanjuan , Lin Bei , Liu Shuice , Hou Rui , Hao Yingying , Liu Qing , Zhang Shulan , Iwamori Masao
Published: January 2012

Objective: To investigate the effect of Lewis y overexpression on the expression of proliferation-related factors in ovarian cancer cells. Methods: mRNA levels of cyclins, CDKs, and CKIs were measured in cells before and after transfection with the α1,2-fucosyltransferase gene by real-time PCR, and protein levels of cyclins, CDKs and CKIs were determined in cells before and after gene transfection by Western blot. Results: Lewis y overexpression led to an increase in both mRNA and protein expression levels of cyclin A, cyclin D1 and cyclin E in ovarian cancer cells, decrease in both mRNA and protein expression levels of p16 and p21, and decrease of p27 at only the protein expression level without change in its mRNA level. There were no differences in proteins and the mRNA levels of CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6 before and after gene transfection. Anti-Lewis y antibody, ERK and PI3K pathway inhibitors PD98059 and LY294002 reduced the difference in cyclin and CKI expression caused by Lewis y overexpression. Conclusion: Lewis y regulates the expression of cell cycle-related factors through ERK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to promote cell proliferation.
Icariin Ameliorates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Retinopathy in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Xin Hua , Zhou Feng , Liu Tao , Li Guang-Yong , Liu Jing , Gao Zhe-Zhu , Bai Guang-Yi , Lu Hong , Xin Zhong-Cheng
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effect of Icariin (ICA) supplementation on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model system. Fifty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly distributed into a control group and a streptozotocin-induced diabetes group. Diabetic rats were randomly divided into two groups; one group received ICA 5 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks by oral gavage; the other group received saline gavage as a placebo. Retinal morphological changes, endothelial markers (RECA), collagen IV (Col-IV), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neuropathic changes (Thy-1 and Brn3a expression) of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were investigated. The effects of ICA at various concentrations (0, 101, 102, 103 nmol/mL) on neurite growth were investigated also in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) cultured from both diabetic and normal animals. Numerous pathological changes (deceased expression of RECA, VEGF, Thy-1, and Brn3a as well as decreased Collagen IV and Müller cell content) were noted in the retinal vessels of diabetic rats; these changes were attenuated in diabetic animals that received ICA. ICA enhanced neurite growth in RGC from both normal rats and diabetic rats in a dose dependent fashion. ICA may be useful in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Further investigations are indicated.
Molecular Cloning, Characterization and Predicted Structure of a Putative Copper-Zinc SOD from the Camel, Camelus dromedarius
Authors: Ataya Farid S. , Fouad Dalia , Al-Olayan Ebtsam , Malik Ajamaluddin
Published: January 2012

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the first line of defense against oxidative stress induced by endogenous and/or exogenous factors and thus helps in maintaining the cellular integrity. Its activity is related to many diseases; so, it is of importance to study the structure and expression of SOD gene in an animal naturally exposed most of its life to the direct sunlight as a cause of oxidative stress. Arabian camel (one humped camel, Camelus dromedarius) is adapted to the widely varying desert climatic conditions that extremely changes during daily life in the Arabian Gulf. Studying the cSOD1 in C. dromedarius could help understand the impact of exposure to direct sunlight and desert life on the health status of such mammal. The full coding region of a putative CuZnSOD gene of C. dromedarius (cSOD1) was amplified by reverse transcription PCR and cloned for the first time (gene bank accession number for nucleotides and amino acids are JF758876 and AEF32527, respectively). The cDNA sequencing revealed an open reading frame of 459 nucleotides encoding a protein of 153 amino acids which is equal to the coding region of SOD1 gene and protein from many organisms. The calculated molecular weight and isoelectric point of cSOD1 was 15.7 kDa and 6.2, respectively. The level of expression of cSOD1 in different camel tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung and testis) was examined using Real Time-PCR. The highest level of cSOD1 transcript was found in the camel liver (represented as 100%) followed by testis (45%), kidney (13%), lung (11%) and spleen (10%), using 18S ribosomal subunit as endogenous control. The deduced amino acid sequence exhibited high similarity with Cebus apella (90%), Sus scrofa (88%), Cavia porcellus (88%), Mus musculus (88%), Macaca mulatta (87%), Pan troglodytes (87%), Homo sapiens (87%), Canis familiaris (86%), Bos taurus (86%), Pongo abelii (85%) and Equus caballus (82%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cSOD1 is grouped together with S. scrofa. The predicted 3D structure of cSOD1 showed high similarity with the human and bovine CuZnSOD homologues. The Root-mean-square deviation (rmsd) between cSOD1/hSOD1 and cSOD1/bSOD1 superimposed structure pairs were 0.557 and 0.425 A. The Q-score of cSOD1-hSOD1 and cSOD1-bSOD1 were 0.948 and 0.961, respectively.
Structural Modeling and Biochemical Characterization of Recombinant KPN_02809, a Zinc-Dependent Metalloprotease from Klebsiella pneumoniae MGH 78578
Authors: Wong Mun Teng , Choi Sy Bing , Kuan Chee Sian , Chua Siang Ling , Chang Chiat Han , Normi Yahaya Mohd , See Too Wei Cun , Wahab Habibah A. , Few Ling Ling
Published: January 2012

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative, cylindrical rod shaped opportunistic pathogen that is found in the environment as well as existing as a normal flora in mammalian mucosal surfaces such as the mouth, skin, and intestines. Clinically it is the most important member of the family of Enterobacteriaceae that causes neonatal sepsis and nosocomial infections. In this work, a combination of protein sequence analysis, structural modeling and molecular docking simulation approaches were employed to provide an understanding of the possible functions and characteristics of a hypothetical protein (KPN_02809) from K. pneumoniae MGH 78578. The computational analyses showed that this protein was a metalloprotease with zinc binding motif, HEXXH. To verify this result, a ypfJ gene which encodes for this hypothetical protein was cloned from K. pneumoniae MGH 78578 and the protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The purified protein was about 32 kDa and showed maximum protease activity at 30 °C and pH 8.0. The enzyme activity was inhibited by metalloprotease inhibitors such as EDTA, 1,10-phenanthroline and reducing agent, 1,4-dithiothreitol (DTT). Each molecule of KPN_02809 protein was also shown to bind one zinc ion. Hence, for the first time, we experimentally confirmed that KPN_02809 is an active enzyme with zinc metalloprotease activity.
Characterization of Electrosynthesized Conjugated Polymer-Carbon Nanotube Composite: Optical Nonlinearity and Electrical Property
Authors: Bahrami Afarin , Talib Zainal Abidin , Shahriari Esmaeil , Yunus Wan Mahmood Mat , Kasim Anuar , Behzad Kasra
Published: January 2012

The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) concentration on the structural, optical and electrical properties of conjugated polymer-carbon nanotube composite are discussed. Multi-walled carbon nanotube-polypyrrole nanocomposites were synthesized by electrochemical polymerization of monomers in the presence of different amounts of MWNTs using sodium dodecylbenzensulfonate (SDBS) as surfactant at room temperature and normal pressure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) indicates that the polymer is wrapped around the nanotubes. Measurement of the nonlinear refractive indices (n2) and the nonlinear absorption (β) of the samples with different MWNT concentrations measurements were performed by a single Z-scan method using continuous wave (CW) laser beam excitation wavelength of λ = 532 nm. The results show that both nonlinear optical parameters increased with increasing the concentration of MWNTs. The third order nonlinear susceptibilities were also calculated and found to follow the same trend as n2 and β. In addition, the conductivity of the composite film was found to increase rapidly with the increase in the MWNT concentration.
Preparation and Thermal Characterization of Annealed Gold Coated Porous Silicon
Authors: Behzad Kasra , Mat Yunus Wan Mahmood , Talib Zainal Abidin , Zakaria Azmi , Bahrami Afarin
Published: January 2012

Porous silicon (PSi) layers were formed on a p-type Si wafer. Six samples were anodised electrically with a 30 mA/cm2 fixed current density for different etching times. The samples were coated with a 50–60 nm gold layer and annealed at different temperatures under Ar flow. The morphology of the layers, before and after annealing, formed by this method was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) measurements were carried out to measure the thermal diffusivity (TD) of the PSi and Au/PSi samples. For the Au/PSi samples, the thermal diffusivity was measured before and after annealing to study the effect of annealing. Also to study the aging effect, a comparison was made between freshly annealed samples and samples 30 days after annealing.
Quantum Dot- Conjugated Anti-GRP78 scFv Inhibits Cancer Growth in Mice
Authors: Xu Weiming , Liu Lizhi , Brown Nicola J. , Christian Sven , Hornby David
Published: January 2012

Semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots) have recently been shown to offer significant advantages over conventional fluorescent probes to image and study biological processes. The stability and low toxicity of QDs are well suited for biological applications. Despite this, the potential of Qdots remains limited owing to the inefficiency of existing delivery methods. By conjugating Qdots with small antibody fragments targeting membrane-bound proteins, such as GRP78, we demonstrate here that the Quantum dot- Anti-GRP78 scFv (Qdot-GRP78) retains its immunospecificity and its distribution can be monitored by visualization of multi-color fluorescence imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover we demonstrate here for the first time that Qdot-GRP78 scFv bioconjugates can be efficiently internalized by cancer cells, thus upregulate phophosphate-AKT-ser473 and possess biological anti-tumour activity as shown by inhibition of breast cancer growth in a xenograft model. This suggests that nanocarrier-conjugated scFvs can be used as a therapeutic antibody for cancer treatment.
Benzoylated Uronic Acid Building Blocks and Synthesis of N-Uronate Conjugates of Lamotrigine
Authors: Esmurziev Aslan M. , Reimers Arne , Andreassen Trygve , Simic Nebojsa , Sundby Eirik , Hoff Bård Helge
Published: January 2012

A chemoenzymatic approach towards benzoylated uronic acid building blocks has been investigated starting with benzoylated hexapyranosides using regioselective C-6 enzymatic hydrolysis as the key step. Two of the building blocks were reacted with the antiepileptic drug lamotrigine. Glucuronidation of lamotrigine using methyl (2,3,4-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D-glycopyranosyl bromide)uronate proceeded to give the N2-conjugate. However, lamotrigine-N2-glucuronide was most efficiently synthesised from methyl (2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide)uronate. Employing nitromethane as solvent with CdCO3 as a base lamotrigine-N2 glucuronide was prepared in a high yield (41%). Also methyl (2,3-di-O-benzoyl-4-deoxy-4-fluoro-α-D-glucosyl bromide)uronate underwent N-glucuronidation, but the product was unstable, eliminating hydrogen fluoride to give the corresponding enoate conjugate.
Synthesis and Size Dependent Reflectance Study of Water Soluble SnS Nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Ying , Al-Salim Najeh , Tilley Richard D.
Published: January 2012

Near-monodispersed water soluble SnS nanoparticles in the diameter range of 3–6 nm are synthesized by a facile, solution based one-step approach using ethanolamine ligands. The optimal amount of triethanolamine is investigated. The effect of further heat treatment on the size of these SnS nanoparticles is discussed. Diffuse reflectance study of SnS nanoparticles agrees with predictions from quantum confinement model.
Phantom with Pulsatile Arteries to Investigate the Influence of Blood Vessel Depth on Pulse Oximeter Signal Strength
Authors: Stuban Norbert , Niwayama Masatsugu , Santha Hunor
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a three-layer head phantom with artificial pulsating arteries at five different depths (1.2 mm, 3.7 mm, 6.8 mm, 9.6 mm and 11.8 mm). The structure enables formation of spatially and temporally varying tissue properties similar to those of living tissues. In our experiment, pressure pulses were generated in the arteries by an electronically controlled pump. The physical and optical parameters of the layers and the liquid in the artificial arteries were similar to those of real tissues and blood. The amplitude of the pulsating component of the light returning from the phantom tissues was measured at each artery depth mentioned above. The build-up of the in-house-developed pulse oximeter used for performing the measurements and the physical layout of the measuring head are described. The radiant flux generated by the LED on the measuring head was measured to be 1.8 mW at 910 nm. The backscattered radiant flux was measured, and found to be 0.46 nW (0.26 ppm), 0.55 nW (0.31 ppm), and 0.18 nW (0.10 ppm) for the 1.2 mm, 3.7 mm and 6.8 mm arteries, respectively. In the case of the 9.6 mm and 11.8 mm arteries, useful measurement data were not obtained owing to weak signals. We simulated the phantom with the arteries at the above-mentioned five depths and at two additional ones (2.5 mm and 5.3 mm in depth) using the Monte Carlo method. The measurement results were verified by the simulation results. We concluded that in case of 11 mm source-detector separation the arteries at a depth of about 2.5 mm generate the strongest pulse oximeter signal level in a tissue system comprising three layers of thicknesses: 1.5 mm (skin), 5.0 mm (skull), and > 50 mm (brain).
Sap Flow Sensors: Construction, Quality Control and Comparison
Authors: Davis Tyler W. , Kuo Chen-Min , Liang Xu , Yu Pao-Shan
Published: January 2012

This work provides a design for two types of sensors, based on the thermal dissipation and heat ratio methods of sap flow calculation, for moderate to large scale deployments for the purpose of monitoring tree transpiration. These designs include a procedure for making these sensors, a quality control method for the final products, and a complete list of components with vendors and pricing information. Both sensor designs were field tested alongside a commercial sap flow sensor to assess their performance and show the importance for quality controlling the sensor outputs. Results show that for roughly 2% of the cost of commercial sensors, self-made sap flow sensors can provide acceptable estimates of the sap flow measurements compared to the commercial sensors.