bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Cyclic Sedimentation in the Limestone Coal Group of the Stirling Coalfield
Authors: Read W.A.
Published: December 2013

One part of the Limestone Coal Group is particularly variable, both within the stable Kilsyth-Stirling Region and in the unstable basins farther east. It has been studied in detail in the Stirling-Denny-Bo’ness Area. Around Glasgow it comprises parts of three uniform cycles but these become reduced to a single coal in the west of the Stirling Coalfield, only to expand eastwards into a complex of strata, more than 80 ft. thick, which may include 15 partly developed cycles. Still farther east they are reduced once more into a single coal.

Isopachytes of the complex do not correspond to those of the Limestone Coal Group as a whole but indicate two troughs containing especially thick and coarse clastic sediments. Isopachytes of sandstone and of shale alone, correspond roughly to those of the whole complex but those of coal show a fairly steady eastward thickening.

The variations of the complex are thought to be due to the interaction of normal cyclic sedimentation, regional differential subsidence, local deltaic or flood-plain conditions and local differential subsidence, the last mentioned being party due to the variations in thickness and compaction of the underlying strata.
The Mullaghduff porphyry dyke
Authors: Mercy E.L.P.
Published: December 2013

A 30 ft.wide porphyry dyke shows distribution patterns for the major ions which are interpreted in terms of material transfer by diffusion processes thus establishing a limited amount of crystallisation-differentiation.
The petrography, sedimentation and provenance of the Wenlock rocks near Hawick, Roxburghshire
Authors: Warren P.T.
Published: December 2013

A petrographical description of the sediments is given, with particular reference to stratigraphical variation and provenance. It is concluded that the material was derived from a land-mass consisting largely of Ordovician spilites, cherts, acid lavas and sediments; together with metamorphic rocks, probably Dalradian, arkoses and granitic intrusions. The provenance conclusions are supported by the directional current structures, which indicate a predominantly north-westerly derivation for these rocks.

The lithology of the greywackes and interbedded sediments is consistent with their deposition by turbidity currents, about which some new details are deduced. Furthermore, the evidence of current directions and variations in lithology suggest that the two Wenlock facies represent deposition on a “submarine-delta” (Hawick Group) and in fan accumulations in deeper water, at the mouths of submarine canyons (Riccarton Group). The area of Wenlock deposition is believed to have been separated by the Ordovician/Dalradian land-mass from a contemporaneous trough at Lesmahagow; but to have been in communication with the area of deposition in the Lake District.
The glaciation of a part of Peeblesshire, Scotland
Authors: Price R.J.
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with the landforms and deposits produced by the glaciation of an area within the Southern Uplands. Two distinct phases of ice cover are described, and the landforms produced by the advance and retreat of the ice during each phase are discussed. Peeblesshire was covered by an ice sheet which attained a minimum altitude of 1750 feet and the centre of which was outside the area studied. The wastage of this ice sheet resulted in extensive erosion and deposition by meltwaters. A local valley glaciation, limited to the high ground in the south of the area studied, ploughed up the basal till deposited by the ice sheet. Well-developed moraines in five valleys indicate that this valley glaciation was limited in extent and descended to 1100 feet. It is suggested that the valley glaciation can be correlated with the Loch Lomond Readvance.
Zircons from the granitic gneiss of western Ardgour, Argyll; their bearing on its origin
Authors: Dalziel Ian W.D.
Published: December 2013

Zircons from the granitic gneiss of western Ardgour, Argyll, have been studied in order to obtain supplementary evidence regarding its origin. They are compared with zircons from the surrounding Moine metasediments, the Strontian “granite” and the orthogneisses of Carn Chuinneag and Inchbae. It is concluded that extensive zircon recrystallisation has not occurred in the granitic gneiss, which is therefore unlikely to have passed through a magmatic stage, and is probably migmatitic in origin as the structural evidence indicates.
Explosion-breccias near Stob Mhic Mhartuin, Glen Coe, Argyll and their bearing on the origin of the nearby flinty crush-rock
Authors: Hardie W.G.
Published: December 2013

The petrology of a narrow belt of quartzite breccias lying inside the Glen Coe cauldron-subsidence is discussed. The rocks, previously mapped as an outlier of Lower O.R.S. sediments, are shown to be explosion-breccias possibly related to the volcanic rocks of the area. The crushed quartzite found in these breccias closely resembles some of the early stage developments of the nearby flinty crush-rock which is present locally along the boundary–fault of the cauldron. For this reason it is argued that the flinty crush-rock is a much modified explosion-breccia, and not a variety of mylonite produced by movement of the fault as hitherto believed.
On the probable cause of the non-existence of deposits between the Permian and the Lower Silurian in the Southern Uplands of Scotland
Authors: Marshall David
Published: December 2013

The great Silurian district in the south of Scotland, named by Mr Geikie ‶the southern uplands of Scotland,″ presents the phenomenon of large patches of red sandstone of Permian age superimposed in a nearly horizontal position on the almost vertical Silurian rocks. This sandstone has been entirely worn away from the hills and extensive valleys by glacial and aqueous action; in other places less exposed to erosive forces patches of it remain; while in many of the narrower glens and gorges, where it has been comparatively protected from erosion, it has been left in masses of great thickness. The enormously lengthened Devonian and Carboniferous epochs which succeeded the upheaval of the underlying rocks have left no trace of their existence in this locality. This gap can only be referred to one of two causes—
first,
either all the Devonian and Carboniferous deposits have been removed by denudation between the period of upheaval and the Permian epoch; or,
secondly,
no Devonian or Carboniferous deposits ever existed in the district. Finding that there exists no evidence of ice action, which is the great agent in denudation, between the Silurian and Permian epochs, and that even granting great denudation during this period, it is highly improbable that all traces of the intervening deposits would be entirely obliterated had they existed, the author is driven to the hypothesis that no deposits ever existed in the district in question between the Silurian and Permian; and that, during the deposition of the Upper Silurian and Old Red Sandstone in other parts of the globe, the Lower Silurian of the southern uplands were high and dry above the sea. Between this epoch and the Carboniferous, the author conjectures that the Silurian rocks were slowly sinking, until during the Upper Carboniferous period they were once more completely covered by the sea. Then commenced the deposition of the Permian sandstone, which filled all the crevices and hollows, and which may have formed a thick crust over the whole of the underlying rocks. At a later period there ensued a movement in a contrary direction, and a slow horizontal rising took place,—not a violent upheaval like the former one,—but a gradual upward movement, until the old Silurian rocks, with their accumulated crust of sandstone, once more emerged from the sea. Then ensued the glacial epoch, which has left such extensive tokens of its presence, still further wearing down the hills and scooping out the valleys, from which it has been mainly instrumental in removing the deposit of Permian sandstone, leaving it only in narrow gorges and places protected from its action.
On the chromate of iron, serpentine and other minerals of the Shetland Isles
Authors: Mossman Samuel
Published: December 2013

In 1817, Dr Hibbert discovered that the
chromate of iron
was an abundant ingredient of the serpentine of the island of Unst, being disseminated in the form of granular particles of the size and colour of gunpowder. These particles were most apparent in the rocks in the vicinity of Balta Sound and Haroldswick, and between Balta Sound and the Loch of Cliff. Several coalesced masses of these particles were also found strewn about the hills, chiefly in a direction due west from Hagdale, as far as the Hill of Crucifield, one of which weighed 1 cwt. 20 lbs. In other places it occurred in ramifying veins.

*

The first landed proprietor who availed himself of Dr Hibbert’s discovery to work the mine was Mr Edmonstone of Buness, Balta Sound, in the island of Unst. The largest yield was from Hagdale, and is stated to have been not less than 13,000 tons. Subsequently it was wrought at Nickafirth, and at present at Haroldswick by several proprietors in Unst, among whom is Mr Edmonstone, the nephew of the first producer of the ore. Another mine is being worked at Cliff Quarry on Mr Edmonstone’s property, from which came the specimens exhibited to the Society.

Serpentine
has been found in ten different localities in Shetland, chiefly in the islands of Unst and Fetlar. Of these localities, Swinaness, a headland at the north entrance to Balta Sound, and the Isle of Gruna, yield the finest quality, known as ‶noble serpentine.″ At the former place it occurs in a bed of three to four feet in thickness.

In the serpentine rocks of Unst several rare minerals are found besides the chromate of iron, one of the most interesting being the
hydrate of magnesia,
discovered at Swinaness by Dr Hibbert in 1867, traversing the rocks in all directions in veins from half an inch to six or eight inches broad, and mixed with magnesia, carbonate of lime, and talc.
Amianthus
also occurs in the serpentine of Unst, of which a fine specimen was exhibited by Mr Mossman. It is found of a whitish and greenish colour, traversing the rock in thin veins. Common
asbestos
is also found.
Geology of Fearn and Tarbat
Authors: Cameron David
Published: December 2013

1. The normal dip of the Old Red sandstone of Moray to the north-west is prolonged across the peninsula of Tarbat Ness. In Fearn and Lower Tarbat there are many exceptions. The dip at Geanies is to south-west, at Balintore Quarry to north, at Balaldie to north-west (slightly), at Cadboll to north-north-east, at Hilton to south-east. 2. The author describes a large cave at Torrel. The knoll over the cave is crowned with the remains of a circular earthen fort 8 yards diameter. The rampart is similar to that of the old hill forts of the country. The cave and its fort must have formed a strong defensive position. 3. Boulders of large grained red and gray granites, porphyrites, and large masses of gneiss and conglomerate occur profusely all over Easter Ross as well as in Fearn and Tarbat. At Tarbat Ness some of these were formed into small stone circles inclosing earthen mounds or ancient graves. The author thinks these boulders were derived from the West Highlands of Ross. 4. At Cadboll, 124 feet above sea-level, are found marine shells; also above the Old Red quarry at Balintore at 50 feet levels; also at Portmahomack, 84 feet. Fossil shells occur in the Old Red sandstone.
A minor basin of the Old Red Sandstone in Mid-Ross
Authors: Morrison William
Published: December 2013

The small basin of Old Red sandstone at Rannoch, in Mid-Ross-shire, 14 miles from the nearest edge of Dr A. Geikie’s Old Red ‶Lake Orcadie,″ was, in the author’s opinion, probably formed in a separate area of deposit. Otherwise it is necessary to suppose Lake Orcadie to have overflowed the watershed of Ross-shire 1500 feet in height, in which case Lake Orcadie was probably connected with Lake Caledonia—a supposition for which the grounds are slender.
The glaciation of the west of Scotland, with special reference to the theory of floating ice. (Abstract.)
Authors: Bell Dugald
Published: December 2013

H
aving
described the various traces of ice-action in the neighbourhood of the Firth of Clyde, and pointed out the directions in which it was evident the ice moved, as also the proofs of the great mass and volume to which it attained, the author passed on to consider the theory which had lately been supported in certain influential quarters, that the agent which produced these effects was in the form of floating ice, or “ ice-floes.” With all respect to those who hold this theory, he showed in some detail that it is inconsistent with the characteristics of the phenomena they had been considering, viz., the striation of the rock surfaces, the distribution of boulders, and the composition of the boulder-clay. Besides, this theory requires, quite as much as the old theory of icebergs, the action of marine currents, and these again imply a deep submergence. Following the course of these supposed marine currents, from the central valley of the Clyde, it was shown that marks of them all, by different channels, led to the mountainous tracts of Dumbarton and Argyll-shires, from which they appeared to radiate in all directions. Of course, with marine currents this was impossible. The distribution of boulders, particularly those of granite, confirmed what had been stated, and showed that the agent could not have been ice-laden currents, but must have been great streams or sheets of land-ice. Further, the submergence which the theory under notice required would leave very little of the country above water; too little for the formation of “ floes ” of any extent alongside of it, or for the accumulation thereon of great quantities and varieties of rocky debris. Not only so, but such a submergence, by diminishing or abolishing the high lands, and admitting more freely the ocean-currents, would in all probability, as Lord Kelvin had shown, be attended by mild conditions of climate far up into northern latitudes. Thus the submergence which the ice-floes required in one way, seemed fatal to them in another. In conclusion, the author deprecated having recourse to great changes of the earth's surface within comparatively recent times, for which there was really no sufficient evidence; and alluded to the wise caution of Darwin, who could say with some satisfaction that he had “ never elevated or depressed Mother Earth in order to account for any one phenomenon.”
The Lower Carboniferous rocks near Aberdour (Fife)
Authors: Matley C.A.
Published: December 2013

T
he
author gave a preliminary account of the results of a detailed examination, still in progress, of the district between North Queensferry and Kinghorn. In the district to the south of a fault which crosses the shore of the Firth of Forth near Rosyth and, passing in a somewhat easterly direction to the north of Inverkeithing, re-enters the Firth at Whitesand Bay, near Aberdour, the succession is as follows, and is in continuation of the rocks found on Inchcolm: (
a
) Lavas and tuffs of Charles Hill and Porthaven; (
b
) limestones, shales, etc. (with marine fossils), of Braefoot Bay; (
c
) Aberdour Sandstone; (
d
) Teschenite Sill of Aberdour Obelisk; (
e
) sandstone and shales; (
f
) Teschenite Sill of Hall Craig and Braefoot; (
g
) sandstones (and other rocks not exposed); (
h
) sill of Dalgety and Donibristle Bays; (
i
) Dalgety Bay Sandstone, with an included band of limestone exposed at several localities; (
j
) shales, sandstones, etc. (with marine fossils), of Fordell Railway and Seafield Cottage; (
k
) quartz-dolerite sill of Inverkeithing. The volcanic beds of St David's suggest a volcanic neck, but may possibly be intercalated with the surrounding sediments. The rocks are grouped round an anticlinal fold with a N.-S. axis, which can be traced across the Firth of Forth into Midlothian. Subsidiary parallel folds occupy the ground to the west of the main anticline.

In the ground to the north of the fault referred to. above are some interesting volcanic deposits, including several lava flows, exposed along the railway east of Aberdour. They are intercalated among the sandstones and shales, and form one or more volcanic cones which pass laterally into ordinary sedimentary material. Associated with them are some shales containing a distinctly marine fauna, including
Productus
and other brachiopoda, cephalopods, etc.
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor lowers PPARγ agonist-induced body weight gain by affecting food intake, fat mass, and beige/brown fat but not fluid retention
Authors: Masuda Takahiro , Fu Yiling , Eguchi Akiko , Czogalla Jan , Rose Michael A. , Kuczkowski Alexander , Gerasimova Maria , Feldstein Ariel E. , Scadeng Miriam , Vallon Volker
Published: December 2013

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists like pioglitazone (PGZ) are effective antidiabetic drugs, but they induce fluid retention and body weight (BW) gain. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs that enhance renal Na+ and fluid excretion. Therefore, we examined whether the DPP IV inhibitor alogliptin (ALG) ameliorates PGZ-induced BW gain. Male Sv129 mice were treated with vehicle (repelleted diet), PGZ (220 mg/kg diet), ALG (300 mg/kg diet), or a combination of PGZ and ALG (PGZ + ALG) for 14 days. PGZ + ALG prevented the increase in BW observed with PGZ but did not attenuate the increase in body fluid content determined by bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). BIS revealed that ALG alone had no effect on fat mass (FM) but enhanced the FM-lowering effect of PGZ; MRI analysis confirmed the latter and showed reductions in visceral and inguinal subcutaneous (sc) white adipose tissue (WAT). ALG but not PGZ decreased food intake and plasma free fatty acid concentrations. Conversely, PGZ but not ALG increased mRNA expression of thermogenesis mediator uncoupling protein 1 in epididymal WAT. Adding ALG to PGZ treatment increased the abundance of multilocular cell islets in sc WAT, and PGZ + ALG increased the expression of brown-fat-like “beige” cell marker TMEM26 in sc WAT and interscapular brown adipose tissue and increased rectal temperature vs. vehicle. In summary, DPP IV inhibition did not attenuate PPARγ agonist-induced fluid retention but prevented BW gain by reducing FM. This involved ALG inhibition of food intake and was associated with food intake-independent synergistic effects of PPARγ agonism and DPP-IV inhibition on beige/brown fat cells and thermogenesis.
Placental mitochondrial content and function in intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia
Authors: Mandò C. , De Palma C. , Stampalija T. , Anelli G. M. , Figus M. , Novielli C. , Parisi F. , Clementi E. , Ferrazzi E. , Cetin I.
Published: December 2013

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pregnancy hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia (PE) associated with IUGR share a common placental phenotype called “placental insufficiency”, originating in early gestation when high availability of energy is required. Here, we assess mitochondrial content and the expression and activity of respiratory chain complexes (RCC) in placental cells of these pathologies. We measured mitochondrial (mt)DNA and nuclear respiratory factor 1 ( NRF1) expression in placental tissue and cytotrophoblast cells, gene and protein expressions of RCC (real-time PCR and Western blotting) and their oxygen consumption, using the innovative technique of high-resolution respirometry. We analyzed eight IUGR, six PE, and eight uncomplicated human pregnancies delivered by elective cesarean section. We found lower mRNA levels of complex II, III, and IV in IUGR cytotrophoblast cells but no differences at the protein level, suggesting a posttranscriptional compensatory regulation. mtDNA was increased in IUGR placentas. Both mtDNA and NRF1 expression were instead significantly lower in their isolated cytotrophoblast cells. Finally, cytotrophoblast RCC activity was significantly increased in placentas of IUGR fetuses. No significant differences were found in PE placentas. This study provides genuine new data into the complex physiology of placental oxygenation in IUGR fetuses. The higher mitochondrial content in IUGR placental tissue is reversed in cytotrophoblast cells, which instead present higher mitochondrial functionality. This suggests different mitochondrial content and activity depending on the placental cell lineage. Increased placental oxygen consumption might represent a limiting step in fetal growth restriction, preventing adequate oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Validation of surrogate indexes of insulin sensitivity in acute phase of myocardial infarction based on euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp
Authors: Moura Filipe A. , Carvalho Luiz Sergio F. , Cintra Riobaldo M. R. , Martins Naiara V. , Figueiredo Valeria N. , Quinaglia e Silva Jose C. , Almeida Osorio L. R. , Coelho Otavio R. , Sposito Andrei C.
Published: December 2013

The decrease in insulin sensitivity (IS) during myocardial infarction (MI) is recognized as a possible contributor to poor patient outcomes. Despite its potential relevance, a standardized and convenient IS assessment tool has yet to be established for said clinical scenarios. This study aimed to validate the accuracy of surrogate indexes in determining IS in acute MI patients by comparison with the gold standard reference method for measuring IS, the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC). We performed EHCs in 31 consecutive nondiabetic patients who were admitted within the first 24 h of symptoms of ST-segment elevation MI. Patients with prior diagnosis of diabetes, use of hypoglycemic agents, or a glycosylated hemoglobin ≥6.5% were excluded. EHCs were performed at the second day (D2) and sixth day (D6) post-MI. Basal (12-h fasting) blood samples from D2 and D6 were used to evaluate patient blood glucose and insulin levels. We then calculated the following surrogate indexes: homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2S), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). The IS index measured by EHC (ISiclamp) was correlated to HOMA2S, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI at D2 ( r = 0.485, P = 0.009; r = −0.384, P = 0.048; r = 0.479, P = 0.01, respectively) and D6 ( r = 0.621, P = 0.002; r = −0.576, P = 0.006; r = 0.626, P = 0.002, respectively). Receiver operator characteristic curves made for discrimination of ISiclamp above the median in D2 and D6 depicted areas under the curve of 0.740, 0.734, and 0.760 for HOMA2S, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI, respectively. Bland-Altman plots displayed no apparent systematic error for indexes, but a propensity for proportional error, particularly with HOMA-IR. Thus, based on EHC, these simple surrogate indexes are feasible for assessing IS during MI.
Methodology for User-Centered Innovation in Industrial Living Lab
Authors: Corallo Angelo , Latino Maria Elena , Neglia Grazia
Published: December 2013

In the last years the Living Labs (LLs) approach is becoming really important to test new products/services in real-life settings. Following the perspective of user-centered innovation emerged by the critical review of the existing international LLs’ methodologies, this paper describes how, in the Living Lab related to KHIRA research project, research activities and innovation are integrated, according to a public-private-person partnership (PPPP), to develop innovation processes, participated and user-centered, in the industrial sector. The LL related to KHIRA research project involves several users categories: industrial partners, universities and research centers, SMEs belonging to Apulian manufacturing industry, public administrations, and other users. A heterogeneous users’ community can produce new ideas of products and services oriented to solve real industrial problems as those related to the product life-cycle management (PLM) in complex manufacturing environments. Purpose of this study is to present a methodology that can be used in the industrial LLs aimed at developing new products/services in complex environments, bridging the existing gap between the LLs’ activities management and those aimed to develop user-centered innovation.
16S rRNA and Omp31 Gene Based Molecular Characterization of Field Strains of B. melitensis from Aborted Foetus of Goats in India
Authors: Singh Ajay , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Kumar Amit , Singh Vikas Kumar , Nayakwadi Shivasharanappa
Published: December 2013

Brucellosis is a reemerging infectious zoonotic disease of worldwide importance. In human, it is mainly caused by Brucella melitensis, a natural pathogen for goats. In India, a large number of goats are reared in semi‐intensive to intensive system within the close vicinity of human being. At present, there is no vaccination and control strategy for caprine brucellosis in the country. Thus, to formulate an effective control strategy, the status of etiological agent is essential. To cope up with these, the present study was conducted to isolate and identify the prevalent Brucella species in caprine brucellosis in India. The 30 samples (fetal membrane, fetal stomach content and vaginal swabs) collected throughout India from the aborted fetus of goats revealed the isolation of 05 isolates all belonging to Brucella melitensis biovars 3. All the isolates produced amplification products of 1412 and 720 bp in polymerase chain reaction with genus and species specific 16S rRNA and omp31 gene based primers, respectively. Moreover, the amplification of omp31 gene in all the isolates confirmed the presence of immuno dominant outer membrane protein (31 kDa omp) in all the field isolates of B. melitensis in aborted foetus of goats in India. These findings can support the development of omp31 based specific serodiagnostic test as well as vaccine for the control of caprine brucellosis in India.
Performance of RoutineHelicobacter pyloriInvasive Tests in Patients with Dyspepsia
Authors: Lee Hsi-Chang , Huang Ting-Chang , Lin Chin-Lin , Chen Kuan-Yang , Wang Chung-Kwe , Wu Deng-Chyang
Published: December 2013

Background. This study was designed to compare the accuracy of three different invasive methods for the detection ofHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori)infection in patients with dyspepsia. These tests included culture, histology, and the rapid urease test (CLO test).Methods.H. pyloriinfection was diagnosed prospectively in 246 untreated dyspeptic patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The gold standard forH. pyloriinfection was based on a positive culture or both a positive histological examination and a CLO test.Results.H. pyloriwas diagnosed in 33.3% of the patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy were as follows: histology from the antrum (95.12; 95.12; 90.7; 97.5; 95.12%); histology from the antrum and corpus (95.12; 95.12; 90.7; 97.5; 95.12%); histology from the corpus (76.83; 96.95; 92.65; 89.33; 90.24%); culture (91.46; 100; 100; 95.91; 97.15%); a CLO test from the antrum and corpus (85.59; 100; 100; 93.71; 95.52%); a CLO test from the antrum (64.63; 100; 100; 84.97; 88.21%); a CLO test from the corpus (69.51; 100; 100; 96.77; 89.83%), respectively.Conclusions. Antral biopsy histology and culture are the best methods for the diagnosis ofH. pyloriinfection in our cohort of patients with dyspepsia.
On Multiple Convolutions and Time Scales
Authors: Eltayeb Hassan , Kılıçman Adem , Fisher Brian
Published: December 2013

The properties of the multiple Laplace transform and convolutions on a time scale are studied. Further, some related results are also obtained by utilizing the double Laplace transform. We also provide an example in order to illustrate the main result.
The Natural History of Biopsy-Negative Rejection after Heart Transplantation
Authors: Tang Zhaoyi , Kobashigawa Jon , Rafiei Matthew , Stern Lily Kagan , Hamilton Michele
Published: December 2013

Purpose.The most recent International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) biopsy scale classifies cellular and antibody-mediated rejections. However, there are cases with acute decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 45%) but no evidence of rejection on biopsy. Characteristics and treatment response of this biopsy negative rejection (BNR) have yet to be elucidated.Methods.Between 2002 and 2012, we found 12 cases of BNR in 11 heart transplant patients as previously defined. One of the 11 patients was treated a second time for BNR. Characteristics and response to treatment were noted.Results.12 cases (of 11 patients) were reviewed and 11 occurred during the first year after transplant. 8 cases without heart failure symptoms were treated with an oral corticosteroids bolus and taper or intravenous immunoglobulin. Four cases with heart failure symptoms were treated with thymoglobulin, intravenous immunoglobulin, and intravenous methylprednisolone followed by an oral corticosteroids bolus and taper. Overall, 7 cases resulted in return to normal left ventricular function within a mean of 14 ± 10 days from the initial biopsy.Conclusion.BNR includes cardiac dysfunction and can be a severe form of rejection. Characteristics of these cases of rejection are described with most cases responding to appropriate therapy.
Influence of Disturbance on Soil Respiration in Biologically Crusted Soil during the Dry Season
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhang Yu-qing , Wu Bin , Zha Tian-shan , Jia Xin , Qin Shu-gao , Shao Chen-xi , Liu Jia-bin , Lai Zong-rui , Fa Ke-yu
Published: December 2013

Soil respiration (Rs) is a major pathway for carbon cycling and is a complex process involving abiotic and biotic factors. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are a key biotic component of desert ecosystems worldwide. In desert ecosystems, soils are protected from surface disturbance by BSCs, but it is unknown whether Rs is affected by disturbance of this crust layer. We measured Rs in three types of disturbed and undisturbed crusted soils (algae, lichen, and moss), as well as bare land from April to August, 2010, in Mu Us desert, northwest China. Rs was similar among undisturbed soils but increased significantly in disturbed moss and algae crusted soils. The variation of Rs in undisturbed and disturbed soil was related to soil bulk density. Disturbance also led to changes in soil organic carbon and fine particles contents, including declines of 60–70% in surface soil C and N, relative to predisturbance values. Once BSCs were disturbed, Q10 increased. Our findings indicate that a loss of BSCs cover will lead to greater soil C loss through respiration. Given these results, understanding the disturbance sensitivity impact on Rs could be helpful to modify soil management practices which promote carbon sequestration.
DGCR8 Localizes to the Nucleus as well as Cytoplasmic Structures in Mammalian Spermatogenic Cells and Epididymal Sperm
Authors: Nakano Akane , Onohara Yuko , Yokota Sadaki , Fujita Hideaki
Published: December 2013

The localization of DGCR8 in spermatogenic cells and sperm from rat and mouse was studied by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Spermatogenic cells from these species yielded similar DGCR8 localization pattern. Immunofluorescence microscopy results showed that DGCR8 localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus. In the cytoplasm, diffuse cytosolic and discrete granular staining was observed. Dual staining showed that DGCR8 colocalized to the granules with MAEL (a nuage marker). In the nucleus of spermatocytes, both the nucleoli and nucleoplasm were stained, whereas in the nucleus of early spermatids small spots were stained. In late spermatids, DGCR8 localized to the tip of their head and to small granules (neck granules) of the neck cytoplasm. The neck granules were also observed in the neck of epididymal sperm. Immunoelectron microscopy results showed that DGCR8 localized to nuage structures. Moreover, DGCR8 localized to nonnuage structures in late spermatids. DGCR8 also localized to the nucleolus and euchromatin in spermatocytes and round spermatids and to small granules in the nucleus of late spermatids. The results suggest that in spermatogenic cells DGCR8 localizes not only to the nuclei but also to the cytoplasmic structures such as nuage and nonnuage structures. Furthermore, DGCR8 seems to be imported into the egg with neck granules in sperm during fertilization.
In VitroScreening for Antihepatic Steatosis Active Components within Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids Extract Using Liver Cell Extraction with HPLC Analysis and a Free Fatty Acid-Induced Hepatic Steatosis HepG2 Cell Assay
Authors: Fan Hui , Chen Yuan-yuan , Bei Wei-jian , Wang Lai-you , Chen Bao-tian , Guo Jiao
Published: December 2013

A high-throughput method was developed and applied to screen for the active antihepatic steatosis components within Coptidis Rhizoma Alkaloids Extract (CAE). This method was a combination of two previously described assays: HepG2 cell extraction with HPLC analysis and a free fatty acid-induced (FFA) hepatic steatosis HepG2 cell assay. Two alkaloids within CAE, berberine and coptisine, were identified by HepG2 cell extraction with HPLC analysis as high affinity components for HepG2. These alkaloids were also determined to be active and potent compounds capable of lowering triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the FFA-induced hepatic steatosis HepG2 cell assay. This remarkable inhibition of TG accumulation (P < 0.01) by berberine and coptisine occurred at concentrations of 0.2 μg/mL and 5.0μg/mL, respectively. At these concentrations, the effect seen was similar to that of a CAE at 100.0 μg/mL. Another five alkaloids within CAE, palmatine, epiberberine, jateorhizine, columbamine, and magnoline, were found to have a lower affinity for cellular components from HepG2 cells and a lower inhibition of TG accumulation. The finding of two potent and active compounds within CAE indicates that the screening method we developed is a feasible, rapid, and useful tool for studying traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) in treating hepatic steatosis.
A New gcrR‐Deficient Streptococcus mutans Mutant for Replacement Therapy of Dental Caries
Authors: Pan Wenting , Mao Tiantian , Xu Qing-an , Shao Jin , Liu Chang , Fan Mingwen
Published: December 2013

Background. gcrR gene acts as a negative regulator related to sucrose‐dependent adherence in S. mutans. It is constructive to test the potential capacity of mutans with gcrR gene deficient in bacteria replacement therapy. Methods. In this study, we constructed the mutant by homologous recombination. The morphological characteristics of biofilms were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. S. mutans UA159 and the mutant MS‐gcrR‐def were inoculated, respectively, or together for competitive testing in vitro and in rat model. Results. Adhesion assay showed that the adhesion ability of the mutant increased relative to the wild type, especially in the early stage. MS‐gcrR‐def out‐competed S. mutans UA159 in vitro biofilm, and correspondingly coinfection displayed significantly fewer caries in vivo. The former possessed both a lower level of acid production and a stronger colonization potential than S. mutans UA159. Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that MS‐gcrR‐def appears to be a good candidate for replacement therapy.
Coupled Coincidence Point Theorems for New Types of Mixed Monotone Multivalued Mappings in Partially Ordered Metric Spaces
Authors: Klanarong Chalongchai , Suantai Suthep
Published: December 2013

We introduce and study new types of mixed monotone multivalued mappings in partially ordered complete metric spaces. We give relationships between those two types of mappings and prove their coupled fixed point and coupled common fixed point theorems in partially ordered complete metric spaces. Some examples of each type of mappings satisfying the conditions of the main theorems are also given. Our main result includes several recent developments in fixed point theory of mixed monotone multivalued mappings.
Analysis on Residents’ Travel Activity Pattern in Historic Urban Areas: A Case Study of Historic Urban Area of Yangzhou, China
Authors: Ye Mao , Yu Miao , Guo Xiucheng , Liu Yingshun , Li Zhibin
Published: December 2013

Travel behaviors and activity patterns in the historic urban area of a city are expected to be different from the overall situations in the city area. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the residents’ travel activity patterns in historic urban area. Based on survey data conducted in the historic urban area of Yangzhou, the travel activities of local residents in a whole day were classified into five types of patterns. The multinomial logit (MNL) model was developed to evaluate the impacts of explanatory variables on the choices of activity patterns. The results showed that the choice of activity pattern was significantly impacted by five contributing factors including the gender, age, occupation, car ownership, and number of electric bikes in household. The other variables, which were the family population, preschoolers, number of conventional bikes in household, motorcycle ownership, and income, were found to be not significantly related to the choice of activities. The results of this study from historic urban area were compared to findings of previous studies from overall urban area. The comparison showed that the impacts of factors on activity pattern in the historic urban area were different from those in the overall area. Findings of this study provide important suggestions for the policy makings to improve the traffic situations in historic urban areas of cities.
Real-Time Gate Reassignment Based on Flight Delay Feature in Hub Airport
Authors: Wang Huawei , Luo Yuxiao , Shi Zhijian
Published: December 2013

Appropriate gate reassignment is crucially important in efficiency improvement on airport sources and service quality of travelers. The paper divides delay flight into certain delay time flight and uncertain delay time flight based on flight delay feature. The main objective functions of model are to minimize the disturbance led by gate reassignment in the case of certain delay time flight and uncertain delay time flight, respectively. Another objective function of model is to build penalty function when the gate reassignment of certain delay time flight influences uncertain delay time flight. Ant colony algorithm (ACO) is presented to simulate and verify the effectiveness of the model. The comparison between simulation result and artificial assignment shows that the result coming from ACO is obvious prior to the result coming from artificial assignment. The maximum disturbance of gate assignment is decreased by 13.64%, and the operation time of ACO is 118 s. The results show that the strategy of gate reassignment is feasible and effective.
The Laplacian Spectral Radius of a Class of Unicyclic Graphs
Authors: Zhang Haixia
Published: December 2013

LetC(n,k)be the set of all unicyclic graphs withnvertices and cycle lengthk. For anyU∈C(n,k),Uconsists of the (unique) cycle (sayCk) of lengthkand a certain number of trees attached to the vertices ofCkhaving (in total)n-kedges. If there are at most two trees attached to the vertices ofCk, wherekis even, we identify in the class of unicyclic graphs those graphs whose Laplacian spectral radii are minimal.
AspergillusThyroiditis: A Complication of Respiratory Tract Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Alvi Madiha M. , Meyer David S. , Hardin Nicholas J. , deKay James G. , Marney Annis M. , Gilbert Matthew P.
Published: December 2013

A 59-year-old male with past medical history significant for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma status after chemotherapy presented with acute onset of neck pain, odynophagia, and dysphagia associated with subjective fever, chills, and dyspnea. Physical findings included a temperature of 38.4°C, hypertension, and tachycardia. Patient was found to have anterior neck tenderness. Laboratory evaluation revealed neutropenia. The patient was started on empiric antibacterial and antiviral therapy and continued on home prophylactic antifungal treatment. Thyroid function tests revealed overt hyperthyroidism. A thyroid ultrasound showed heterogeneous echotexture without discrete nodules. Subacute thyroiditis was treated with methylprednisolone, metoprolol, and opiate analgesics. Patient’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatments were broadened. A fine needle aspiration was not conducted. The patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly over his brief hospital course and he expired. Autopsy showed fungal thyroiditis secondary to disseminated invasiveAspergillus. This report describes the presentation of fungal thyroiditis secondary to disseminated invasiveAspergillusoriginating from the respiratory tract. The authors review the diagnostic challenges, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition.
Expression, Purification, and Functional Characterization of Atypical Xenocin, Its Immunity Protein, and Their Domains from Xenorhabdus nematophila
Authors: Rathore Jitendra Singh
Published: December 2013

Xenorhabdus nematophila, a gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae is a natural symbiont of a soil nematode from the family Steinernematidae. In this study cloning, expression, and purification of broad range iron regulated multidomain bacteriocin called xenocin from X. nematophila (66 kDa, encoded by xcinA gene) and its multidomain immunity protein (42 kDa, encoded by ximB gene) have been done. xcinA-ximB (N′ terminal 270 bp), translocation, and translocation-receptor domain of xcinA, ximB, and its hemolysin domain were cloned, expressed, and purified by single step Ni-NTA chromatography under native conditions. In the functional characterization, neutralization of xcinA toxicity by immunity domain of ximB gene was determined by endogenous assay. Exogenous toxic assays results showed that only the purified recombinant xenocin-immunity domain (10 kDa) protein complex had toxic activity. Atypical cognate immunity protein (42 kDa) of xenocin was fusion of immunity domain (10 kDa) and hemolysin domain (32 kDa). In silico analysis of immunity protein revealed its similarity with hemolysin and purine NTPase like proteins. Hemolytic activity was not observed in immunity protein or in its various domains; however, full-length immunity protein lacking Walker motif showed ATPase activity. Finally, using circular dichroism performed secondary structural analyses of all the recombinant proteins/protein complexes.
Fault Tolerant PLBGSA: Precedence Level Based Genetic Scheduling Algorithm for P2P Grid
Authors: Chauhan Piyush , Nitin
Published: December 2013

Due to monetary limitation, small organizations cannot afford high end supercomputers to solve highly complex tasks. P2P (peer to peer) grid computing is being used nowadays to break complex task into subtasks in order to solve them on different grid resources. Workflows are used to represent these complex tasks. Finishing such complex task in a P2P grid requires scheduling subtasks of workflow in an optimized manner. Several factors play their part in scheduling decisions. The genetic algorithm is very useful in scheduling DAG (directed acyclic graph) based task. Benefit of a genetic algorithm is that it takes into consideration multiple criteria while scheduling. In this paper, we have proposed a precedence level based genetic algorithm (PLBGSA), which yields schedules for workflows in a decentralized fashion. PLBGSA is compared with existing genetic algorithm based scheduling techniques. Fault tolerance is a desirable trait of a P2P grid scheduling algorithm due to the untrustworthy nature of grid resources. PLBGSA handles faults efficiently.
In Vitro Permeation of Micronized and Nanonized Alaptide from Semisolid Formulations
Authors: Opatrilova Radka , Cernikova Aneta , Coufalova Lenka , Dohnal Jiri , Jampilek Josef
Published: December 2013

This study is focused on in vitro permeation of the original Czech compound, a skin/mucosa tissue regeneration promoter, known under the international nonproprietary name “alaptide,” in micronized and nanonized forms. Alaptide showed a great potential for local applications for treatment and/or regeneration of the injured skin. The above mentioned technological modifications influence the permeation of alaptide through artificial or biological membranes, such as PAMPA or skin. The permeation of micronized and nanonized form of alaptide formulated to various semisolid pharmaceutical compositions through full‐thickness pig ear skin using a Franz cell has been investigated in detail. In general, it can be concluded that the nanonized alaptide permeated through the skin less than the micronized form; different observations were made for permeation through the PAMPA system, where the micronized form showed lower permeation than the nanonized alaptide.
Enhancement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polylactic Acid/Polycaprolactone Blends by Hydrophilic Nanoclay
Authors: Eng Chern Chiet , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Ariffin Hidayah , Yunus Wan Md. Zin Wan , Then Yoon Yee , Teh Cher Chean
Published: December 2013

The effects of hydrophilic nanoclay, Nanomer PGV, on mechanical properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Polycaprolactone (PCL) blends were investigated and compared with hydrophobic clay, Montmorillonite K10. The PLA/PCL/clay composites were prepared by melt intercalation technique and the composites were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). FTIR spectra indicated that formation of hydrogen bond between hydrophilic clay with the matrix. XRD results show that shifting of basal spacing when clay incorporated into polymer matrix. TEM micrographs reveal the formation of agglomerate in the composites. Based on mechanical properties results, addition of clay Nanomer PGV significantly enhances the flexibility of PLA/PCL blends about 136.26%. TGA showed that the presence of clay improve thermal stability of blends. DMA show the addition of clay increase storage modulus and the presence of clay Nanomer PGV slightly shift two Tg of blends become closer suggest that the presence of clay slightly compatibilizer the PLA/PCL blends. SEM micrographs revealed that presence of Nanomer PGV in blends influence the miscibility of the blends. The PLA/PCL blends become more homogeneous and consist of single phase morphology.
dTGS: Method for Effective Components Identification from Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula and Mechanism Analysis
Authors: Luo Ji , Ren Yinglong , Gu Hao , Wu Yi , Wang Yun
Published: December 2013

Because of the complexity of the components in Traditional Chinese Medicine formula (TCM formula), it is still a challenge to identify its effective components, to elucidate the mechanism of the components, and to discover the relationship between components and therapy objectives. In this paper, a method called directed TCM grammar systems (dTGS) for effective component identification was proposed using entity grammar systems (EGS) as the theoretical framework. The component-disease relationship of a TCM formula (i.e., Bai-Hu decoction plus Wasting-Thirsting formula, BHDWT) and one disease (i.e., type 2 diabetes mellitus) treated with it was studied, and the effective component groups (ECGs) were identified. 19 compounds were found acting on 20 proteins in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) disease network, and 15 compounds were determined as the candidate effective components. Results indicated that this method can be used to identify the effective components and provide an innovative way to elucidate the molecular mechanism of TCM formulas.