bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participatory variety slection of cold tolerant rice in the western hills of Nepal
Authors: Karki TB , Koirala KB , BK SB
Published: February 2013

To verify and up scale promising cold tolerant rice genotypes in the western hills, participatory variety selection (PVS) activities viz; coordinated farmer’s field trials (CFFTs), FFTs prepared from Lumle , farmers’ acceptance tests (FATs), larger plot demonstrations, and upscaling activities were conducted during 2008 to 2009. Yield and yield related parameters considering farmers’ preferences were also recorded and analyzed for PVSs under FATs. In 2008, genotypes NR10481-B-11-1-1-1, NR10479-B-33-2-1-1 and NR10482-B-10-3-2-2 had been preferred by farmers because of high grain yield and desired parameters. In 2008, grain yield of Machapuchhre-3, Chhomrong Dhan, and Lumle 5- 2 over yielded Farmers’ Local (2.2 mt/ha) by 83, 89 and 81%, respectively whereas in 2009, grain yield increment of Machapuchhre- 3, Chhomrong Dhan, Lumle- 2, and Chandannath-3 over Farmers’ Local (2.1 t/ha ) was 98 %, 97%, 1078% and 49 %, respectively. Farmers of upper high hills (>2000-m) and high hills (1500-2000-m) preferred Chandannath-3, Machapuchhre- 3, and Chhomrong Dhan while Lumle-2 was liked by farmers of mid hills (1000-1500-m ). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7545 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.74-79
Separating climate resilient crops through screening of drought tolerant rice land races in Nepal
Authors: Puri RR , Khadka K , Paudyal A
Published: February 2013

Many studies have shown that local landraces are found to be better adapted to changing climatic conditions. The screening of local land races is one of important processes to detect drought tolerant behavior of crop species to further verify in similar field situation and genomic/molecular level studies. In 2009 for main season rice, a study was done to identify different land races of rice in Jhapa and Kailali districts to know their performance on drought stressed conditions by field techniques. Among the 22 rice land races studied, Kataush showed maximum drought tolerant efficiency (DTE) of 192.8% and minimum drought susceptibility index (DSI) of -0.88% followed by Guthanisaro (DTE=181% and DSI= -0.77%). Likewise, in the cluster analysis, these genotypes formed a cluster with two highest DTE and minimum DSI. Hence, these two land races could be used for drought stressed breeding program in the future to include drought resistant genes for variety impovement. Also, it was recorded that these land races could be used as the most drought tolerant variety in Terai region similar to Jhapa and Kailali, Nepal. These varieties could play important role in climate extreme situations, where farmers can adopt them as climatic resilient rice genotypes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7546 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.80-84
Development of semi-synthetic diet for laboratory rearing of western corn borer (Ostrinia spp.) in Kobe, Japan
Authors: Pokhrel S , Wijarn S
Published: February 2013

A pair wise experiment was conducted, aiming to develop an artificial diet for laboratory rearing of Ostrinia species and for understanding their developmental characteristics in the control environment in insect physiology lab, Kobe University, Japan. Eleven different diets with various recipes were tested to observe the performance of diets and to evaluate the developmental characteristics of three Ostrinia species. In general, the survival was highest with O zaguliaevi adapted nearly all diets we prepared, O furnacalis survived fairy well but none of the diet was found satisfactory for rearing O scapulalis. The period of larval stage was shortest in O zaguliaevi, longest in O furnacalis and intermediate in O scapulalis. Photoperiodism was observed with both O scapulalis and O furnacalis. The type of photoperiodoic response was a typical long day type. Different diet resulted in one hour difference in the critical photoperiod in case of O scapulalis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7549 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.103-106
Community based maize seed production in the hills and mountains of Nepal: A review
Authors: Sapkota D , Pokhrel S
Published: February 2013

A review on the community based maize seed production and technology dissemination in Nepal was made in 2009 to know the seed production situation and technology dissemination approaches. Twenty three open pollinated maize varieties and one hybrid were released by the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) up to 2009. A number of stakeholders were involved on improved technologies dissemination, seed production and marketing. Approaches for technology dissemination include district seed self sufficiency program (DISSPRO) and community based seed production (CBSP) program. About 4500 ton of cereal seeds annually has been producing from these approaches. Approach include subsidies on source seeds, creation of revolving funds, group/co-operative formation, their mobilization for participatory varietal selection (PVS), demonstrations, training, informal research and development (IRD) kit distribution and exchange visits. In community level, activities such as community based seed production approaches, particiapatory technology development, verification and dissemination for sustainable seed production and marketing has been taken place. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7550 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.107-112
Rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivation in the highest elevation of the world
Authors: Paudel MN
Published: February 2013

Jumla is one of the 75 districts in the midwestern hills of Nepal. Rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivation in Jumla ranges from 2,400 to 3,050 m altitude, which is the highest elevation in the world. The highest elevation at 3,050 m is Chhumjul of Jumla, a record altitude, where rice is cultivated in Nepal. Jumli Marshi, a Japonica variety of indigenous rice, having cold tolerant gene, is probably cultivated since 1,300 years ago in Jumla in the bank of the Tila river. Improved rice varieties were tested in the Jumla valley by the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). In 2002, two improved rice varieties Chandannath-1 and Chandannath-3 were released for temperate region of Jumla and Karnali zone. Productivity of rice in Jumla is 1.7 mt/ha almost 40% lower than that of national average of 2.97 t/ha. Low productivity of rice is mainly due to the constraints of many biotic, abiotic and socio-economic factors. Food security in the food deficit region of the Karnali zone could be sustained by increasing rice productivity in the Jumla region where perennial irrigation is available round the year. Whole of the Jumla region is unique place with respect to rice cultivation in the highest altitude of the world. The practice of rice cultivation in Jumla could be a remarkable activity for boosting agro-tourism in the agrarian country like Nepal. Rice cultivation in Jumla is quite unique from the rice cultivation even in the same range of temperate region. Such a typical organic rice production system in the highest elevation of the world needs immediate attention of all institutions and authorities concerned to conserve it for the future generation as well. Jumla, the temperate region, is also affected by the impact of global warming thereby receding water level in the Tila river and its tributaries flowing in the Jumla valleys during rice growing season (March - October). Attempts have been made to document ethno-culture, socio-economic and cultural practices of rice cultivation in the highest elevation in the world. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7519 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.31-41
Rice Whitefly (Aleurocybotus occiduus Maria), a new emerging threat of rice production and its natural control in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel S , Thapa RB
Published: February 2013

An intensive field study was carried out to identify the problem causing reddish yellowing of the rice plants, access potential natural control of the suspected pests, estimate yield losses and to suggest an immediate, environmentally safe, possible control measures. Whitefly (Aleurocybotus occiduus Maria) was outbreak on main season rice in Chitwan valley, which affected a total of 20561 ha (Severly 177.3 ha, medium 2787.6 ha, low 6945.4 ha and mild 10691.7 ha) land, losing 9448 mt rice yield in 2003. Use of monoculture, susceptible varieties (Sabitri) and improper cultural operations, excess use of agrochemicals and unconsciousness on the population build up of pest and natural enemies were the causes of outbreak. A maximum of 1000 Whitefly nymphs /tiller were counted. Parasitoid, Encarsia sp was fond most functional natural enemy in the field. However, the population build up of the parasitoid was observed quite late. Rice plants recovered in some extent after heading when the Whiteflies were found naturally controlled. Higher the population of Whitefly proportionally decreased the tillers number/hill, fertile tillers/hill, grain weight/panicle and the grain yield/ha. Rice plants infested with high population of Whitefly (898/tiller) failed to gave rice yield, where medium population (335 / tiller) gave 1287 kg and low population (103 Whitefly/tiller) gave 3456.0 kg (30.8% less than of last year) /ha. Kanchhi Mansuli (4200 kg/ha) and Mansuli (3960 kgs/ha) were comparative tolerant varieties than the Sabitri. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7521 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.56-74
Tuber yield and quality of potato chips as affected by mulch, variety, and potash levels under western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal R , Sah SK , Shakya SM , Basnet KB
Published: February 2013

An experiment was conducted at Divyapuri of Nawalparasi district in the western Terai during winter season 2008/09. There were 16 treatments consisting of two mulch levels (mulched and no mulch) as main plot, two varieties (Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Chipsona-2) as sub plot and four levels of potash (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg K2O /ha) as sub-sub plot arranged in split-split plot design with four replications to evaluate the effect of these treatments on tuber production and their effect on quality of potato chips. The result showed that plant height, number of shoot per plant, dry matter accumulation, number and weight of tuber per plant and tuber yield were significantly higher in Kufri Chipsona-2 than in Kufri Chipsona-1. Lower reducing sugar and browning percent of chips and higher dry matter content and chips recovery were also recorded in Kufri Chipsona-2 compared to Kufri Chipsona-1. Simple economic analysis on gross return, net return and B/C ratio were higher in Kufri Chipsona-2. However, increasing levels of potash from 0-150 kg K2O /ha increased the dry matter accumulation, LAI, number and weight of tuber per plant. The result also showed that as the level of potash increased there was a decrease level of reducing sugar and browning of chips as well. On the other hand, higher potash levels increased the percentage of fat content and recovery of chips. Also increase in potash levels resulted to increase in gross return, net return, and B/C ratio. There was no effect of mulching levels on tuber yield and quality of chips recovery. Of the two varieties, Kufri Chipsona-2 with 100 kg K2O/ha was found suitable for tuber production and recovery of chips quality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v2i0.7527 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 2: 2011 pp.121-132
Evaluation of Primary Screening Test for Platelet Homeostasis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Islam Md Nazrul , Jahan Shah Md Sarwer , Badrudduza Shah Md , Hossain Md Zakir
Published: February 2013

This observational study was done on 50 cases of predialytic chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The aim of the study was to determination of total platelet count and bleeding time, comparison of the platelet count and bleeding time with the severity of chronic kidney disease. The mean age of the patients was 41.22±2.0 years, mean haemoglobin 4.96 ±0.32gm/dl, serum creatinine430.74± 11.92 ?mol/L, platelet count 246.50 ± 13.63x109/L and bleeding time were 4.13± 0.28 min respectively. Thrombocytopenia (<150x109/L) were found in 19(38%) cases. Bleeding time was prolonged (>9min) 6(12%) cases , among them only 4(8% ) cases were thrombocytopenic. There was no significant relationship between platelet count and serum creatinine. No correlation was found between platelet count and bleeding time. No significant correlation was also found in Bleeding time and creatinine. Therefore, it can be concluded that platelet count is highly variable in chronic kidney disease and it is not a reliable screening test for bleeding diathesis in chronic kidney disease patients. Bleeding time is the best platelet function test that correlates clinical bleeding.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13610 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 55-57
Exxtraintestinal Manifestations of Crohn's Disease in Bangladesh
Authors: Barua Rajib , Ahmed Dewan Saifuddin , Raihan ASMA , Azad Mohammad Abul Kalam , Chakrovortty Sadesh Kumar , Azad Md Abul Kalam
Published: February 2013

Crohns disease has been considered to be uncommon in Asia Pacific region The study was undertaken to know the extraintestinal manifestations of Crohns disease in Bangladesh and to compare the result with that of other Asian and Western countries. This was an observational study consisting of patients seen in the department of gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for 20 years (between 1991 and 2010). Individual case records were carefully reviewed with regard to gender, sex and extraintestinal manifestations. A total of 41 patients with Crohns disease were identified. 70.7% were male and 29.3% were female with male to female ratio was 2.4:1. Mean age was 34±11.8 years and peak age group was 21-30 years. The chief extraintestinal manifestations were arthritis, aphthous ulcer in the oral cavity, erythema nodosum and episcleritis. Arthritis was the most frequent among the extraintestinal manifestations. So, Crohns disease should be considered as an important differential diagnosis when a patient presents with bowel symptoms associated with extraintestinal manifestation and thus early recognition and treatment could be possible. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13611 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 58-59
Awareness on Breast Feeding among Readymade Garments (RMG) Working Women in Dhaka city
Authors: Shefa Jannatara , Rahman Mohammad Ferdous Ur , Alamgir Mithun , Azad Md Abul Kalam , Ara Rowsan
Published: February 2013

Back ground: Breast-feeding is the unique source of nutrition that plays an important role in the growth, development and survival of infants. There are lots of readymade garments working (RMG) women in Dhaka city who have poor facilities for their childs breast feeding which is not only a National issue but also an International issue. Objective: To identify the awareness on breast feeding among RMG working women in Dhaka city. Methods: Descriptive Cross Sectional study was conducted among RMG Women in Dhaka City, aged 1549 years. The study conducted in Readymade Garments factory at Mirpur Police station area in Dhaka city during the period of January 2009 to June 2009. The sample size for the cross sectional study was calculated by using Z test and it was 625. Result: About 94.5% of the mothers attempted breastfeeding. At 1 month, 71.6% were still breastfeeding, 49.6% continued to do so at 2 months, and 29.8% persisted till 4 months. By 6 months, the breastfeeding prevalence rate fell to 21.1%. The median duration of breastfeeding was 7.0 weeks and the mean duration was 12.7 weeks. The median duration of breastfeeding was shorter than the mean duration as the proportion of mothers who continued breastfeeding was smaller than that of mothers who stopped breastfeeding; and among those who persisted, their average duration were longer. Among the mothers who attempted breastfeeding, the shortest duration was 0.5 weeks, while 21.1% were still doing so at the end of 6 months. Conclusions: Many women would also find it useful to have more flexible working hours. In some work settings, giving women with young infants extra flexibility in work hours might be a low-cost and effective intervention DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13613 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 65-70
Adverse Drug Reaction: A Common Dermatological Emergency
Authors: Khondker Lubna , Wahab Md Abdul , Khan Md Shirajul Islam
Published: February 2013

In the evaluation of patients with a history of adverse cutaneous drug reactions, it is important to obtain a detailed medication therapy including over-the-counter drugs, herbal and neuropathic remedies. There are a significant number of offending drugs causing adverse cutaneous drug reactions. If we can find out the clinical pattern of drug reaction along with their risk and aggravating factors, a good number of lives can be saved. If the offending drugs can be identified, proper preventive measures can be taken by individual or policy makers. Many of the cutaneous drug reactions can be prevented if diagnosed early. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13618 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 90-95
Thymic Carcinoma: A Rare Cause of SVC Obstruction
Authors: Azad Mohammad Abul Kalam , Arafat Shohael Mahmud , Islam Md Ariful , Islam Md Shirajul , Quader Monzoor , Abdullah ABM
Published: February 2013

Superior vena caval obstruction in majority of cases is caused by bronchial carcinoma. Thymic carcinoma which by itself is a rare malignancy is a very rare cause of superior vena caval obstruction. Here by we are reporting a young ma le of 26 year of age who presented to us with feature of superior vena caval obstruction caused by thymic carcinoma. Initially he was misdiagnosed as a case of tubercular mediastinal lymhadenopathy as a cause of superior vena caval obstruction but after proper evaluation and investigation he was confirmed as a case of thymic carcinoma. Considering the rare cause of SVO and unusual age of presentation, here we are reporting a case of thymic carcinoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13621 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 105-107
Presentation of Biliary Ascariasis: A Study of 30 Cases
Authors: Begum Hasina , Rahman MM , Salahuddin M , Ahmed F , Hossain A
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v22i1.13593 Bangladesh J Medicine 2011; 22: 8-11
A Young Girl with Repeated Episodes of Pneumonia and Intermittednt Diarrhoea - The Primary Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Authors: Al-Mamun Abdullah , Hasan Samim , Abdullah Syed Ahmed , Hossain Ahmed Riyad , Alam Safiul , Amin Robed , Kahhar MA
Published: February 2013

A description is given of a case of a young girl who presented with repeated episodes of pneumonia since childhood. In addition, she had episodes of intermittent diarrhoea. Her investigative work-up revealed a deficiency of serum immunoglobulins. The profile was suggestive of common variable immunodeficiency. Because of a relative rarity of this disease, it is often misdiagnosed earlier. Late diagnosis and delayed institution of immunoglobulin replacement therapy results in increased morbidity with a wide variety of organ-specific complications and increased mortality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v22i1.13597 Bangladesh J Medicine 2011; 22: 24-26
Colon specific drug delivery of mesalamine using eudragit S100-coated chitosan microspheres for the treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Badhana Seema , Garud Navneet , Garud Akanksha
Published: February 2013

The purpose of the present study was to prepare, characterize and evaluate the colon-targeted microspheres of mesalamine for the treatment and management of ulcerative colitis (UC). Microspheres were prepared by the ionic-gelation emulsification method using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross linking agent. The microspheres were coated with Eudragit S-100 by the solvent evaporation technique to prevent drug release in the stomach. The prepared microspheres were evaluated for surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, micromeritic properties and in-vitro drug release. The microspheres formed had rough surface as observed in scanning electron microscopy. The entrapment efficiency of microspheres ranged from 43.72%-82.27%, drug loading from 20.28%-33.26%. The size of the prepared microspheres ranged between 61.22-90.41µm which was found to increase with increase in polymer concentration. All values are statistically significant as p<0.05. Micromeritic properties showed good flow properties and packability of prepared microspheres. The drug release of mesalamine from microspheres was found to decrease as the polymer concentration increases. The release profile of mesalamine from eudragit-coated chitosan microspheres was found to be pH dependent. It was observed that Eudragit S100 coated chitosan microspheres gave no release in the simulated gastric fluid, negligible release in the simulated intestinal fluid and maximum release in the colonic environment. It was concluded from the study that Eudragit-coated chitosan microspheres were promising carriers for colon-targeted delivery of Mesalamine.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i3.13577 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, February 2013, 2(3): 42-48
Rethinking Film History: Bazin's Impact in England
Authors: Barr Charles
Published: February 2013

A new orthodoxy suggests that André Bazin's work had little influence in anglophone countries until decades after his death. This article cites a wide range of evidence, mainly from British publications, in order to challenge this view. Starting with the critics who were associated with the ground-breaking magazine Movie in the early 1960s, it notes also Bazin's early impact in America via the magazine Film Quarterly and the high-profile critic Andrew Sarris. Moreover, Peter Wollen and Laura Mulvey, two of the most prominent British theorists commonly associated with an anti-Bazinian ‘Screen Theory’ of the 1970s, are shown to have been both continuously respectful of, and influenced by, Bazin's work. In short, it is argued that Bazin's influence on anglophone film culture has been continuous and formative rather than sporadic.
Biofuel-Food Market Interactions: A Review of Modeling Approaches and Findings
Authors: Oladosu Gbadebo , Msangi Siwa
Published: February 2013

The interaction between biofuels and food markets remains a policy issue for a number of reasons. There is a continuing need to understand the role of biofuels in the recent spikes in global food prices. Also, there is an ongoing discussion of changes to biofuel policy as a means to cope with severe weather-induced crop losses. Lastly, there are potential interactions between food markets and advanced biofuels, although most of the latter are expected to be produced from non-food feedstocks. This study reviews the existing literature on the food market impacts of biofuels. Findings suggest that initial conclusions attributing most of the spike in global food prices between 2005 and 2008 to biofuels have been revised. Instead, a multitude of factors, in addition to biofuels, converged during the period. Quantitative estimates of the impacts of biofuels on food markets vary significantly due to differences in modeling approaches, geographical scope, and assumptions about a number of crucial factors. In addition, many studies do not adequately account for the effects of macroeconomic changes, adverse weather conditions and direct market interventions during the recent food price spikes when evaluating the role of biofuels.
Genetic Variation in Soybean at the Maturity Locus E4 Is Involved in Adaptation to Long Days at High Latitudes
Authors: Tsubokura Yasutaka , Matsumura Hisakazu , Xu Meilan , Liu Baohui , Nakashima Hiroko , Anai Toyoaki , Kong Fanjiang , Yuan Xiaohui , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Katayose Yuichi , Takahashi Ryoji , Harada Kyuya , Abe Jun
Published: February 2013

Soybean (Glycine max) cultivars adapted to high latitudes have a weakened or absent sensitivity to photoperiod. The purposes of this study were to determine the molecular basis for photoperiod insensitivity in various soybean accessions, focusing on the sequence diversity of the E4 (GmphyA2) gene, which encodes a phytochrome A (phyA) protein, and its homoeolog (GmphyA1), and to disclose the evolutionary consequences of two phyA homoeologs after gene duplication. We detected four new single-base deletions in the exons of E4, all of which result in prematurely truncated proteins. A survey of 191 cultivated accessions sourced from various regions of East Asia with allele-specific molecular markers reliably determined that the accessions with dysfunctional alleles were limited to small geographical regions, suggesting the alleles’ recent and independent origins from functional E4 alleles. Comparison of nucleotide diversity values revealed lower nucleotide diversity at non-synonymous sites in GmphyA1 than in E4, although both have accumulated mutations at almost the same rate in synonymous and non-coding regions. Natural mutations have repeatedly generated loss-of-function alleles at the E4 locus, and these have accumulated in local populations. The E4 locus is a key player in the adaptation of soybean to high-latitude environments under diverse cropping systems.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Spay and Neuter Veterinarians
Authors: White Sara
Published: February 2013

A cross-sectional study to investigate musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) surveyed 219 veterinarians who currently or previously perform spays and neuters at least 4 hours per week. Participants were asked about the presence and severity of hand and body MSD during the previous month, whether MSD interfered with work or daily activities, whether they attributed their MSD to their spay/neuter work, and whether MSD had ever necessitated absence from work. The period prevalence of MSD was 99.1%, with 76.7% experiencing hand or wrist pain and 98.2% experiencing body pain. Hand discomfort was most commonly reported in the right thumb and/or thumb base (49.8%) and the right wrist (37.9%). Body discomfort was most commonly reported in the lower back (76.7%), shoulders (72.6%), and neck (71.7%). Increasing career length, increasing weekly hours in surgery and decreasing job satisfaction were the work-related factors with the greatest relative contribution accounting for variation in hand pain severity and total pain. Although 94.4% of respondents felt that posture during surgery is important, only 30.6% had received any instruction in posture and positioning for surgery. Future interventions should aim to optimize surgical efficiency, surgeon work schedules, and working environment. Analysis and intervention studies are required to determine further causes of MSD in these veterinarians and develop interventions to prevent MSD.
Double Relativistic Electron Accelerating Mirror
Authors: Andreev Alexander , Platonov Konstantin , Sadykova Saltanat
Published: February 2013

In the present paper, the possibility of generation of thin dense relativistic electron layers is shown using the analytical and numerical modeling of laser pulse interaction with ultra-thin layers. It was shown that the maximum electron energy can be gained by optimal tuning between the target width, intensity and laser pulse duration. The optimal parameters were obtained from a self-consistent system of Maxwell equations and the equation of motion of electron layer. For thin relativistic electron layers, the gaining of maximum electron energies requires a second additional overdense plasma layer, thus cutting the laser radiation off the plasma screen at the instant of gaining the maximum energy (DREAM-schema).
High Genetic Diversity in Geographically Remote Populations of Endemic and Widespread Coral Reef Angelfishes (genus: Centropyge)
Authors: Hobbs Jean-Paul , Van Herwerden Lynne , Jerry Dean , Jones Geoffrey , Munday Philip
Published: February 2013

In the terrestrial environment, endemic species and isolated populations of widespread species have the highest rates of extinction partly due to their low genetic diversity. To determine if this pattern holds in the marine environment, we examined genetic diversity in endemic coral reef angelfishes and isolated populations of widespread species. Specifically, this study tested the prediction that angelfish (genus: Centropyge) populations at Christmas and Cocos Islands have low genetic diversity. Analyses of a 436 base pair fragment of the mtDNA control region revealed that the endemic C. joculator exhibited high haplotype (h > 0.98 at both locations) and nucleotide (Christmas p% = 3.63, Cocos p% = 9.99) diversity. Similarly, isolated populations of widespread angelfishes (C. bispinosa and C. flavicauda) had high haplotype (h > 0.98) and nucleotide (p% = 2.81 and p% = 5.78%, respectively) diversity. Therefore, in contrast to terrestrial patterns, endemic and isolated populations of widespread angelfishes do not have low genetic diversity, rather their haplotype and nucleotide diversities were among the highest reported for marine fishes. High genetic diversity should reduce extinction risk in these species as it could provide the evolutionary potential to adapt to the rapidly changing environmental conditions forecast for coral reefs.
Investigating Individual- and Area-Level Socioeconomic Gradients of Pulse Pressure among Normotensive and Hypertensive Participants
Authors: Matricciani Lisa , Paquet Catherine , Howard Natasha , Adams Robert , Coffee Neil , Taylor Anne , Daniel Mark
Published: February 2013

Socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease. Pulse pressure, the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, has been identified as an important predictor of cardiovascular risk even after accounting for absolute measures of blood pressure. However, little is known about the social determinants of pulse pressure. The aim of this study was to examine individual- and area-level socioeconomic gradients of pulse pressure in a sample of 2,789 Australian adults. Using data from the North West Adelaide Health Study we estimated the association between pulse pressure and three indices of socioeconomic status (education, income and employment status) at the area and individual level for hypertensive and normotensive participants, using Generalized Estimating Equations. In normotensive individuals, area-level education (estimate: −0.106; 95% CI: −0.172, −0.041) and individual-level income (estimate: −1.204; 95% CI: −2.357, −0.050) and employment status (estimate: −1.971; 95% CI: −2.894, −1.048) were significant predictors of pulse pressure, even after accounting for the use of medication and lifestyle behaviors. In hypertensive individuals, only individual-level measures of socioeconomic status were significant predictors of pulse pressure (education estimate: −2.618; 95% CI: −4.878, −0.357; income estimate: −1.683, 95% CI: −3.743, 0.377; employment estimate: −2.023; 95% CI: −3.721, −0.326). Further research is needed to better understand how individual- and area-level socioeconomic status influences pulse pressure in normotensive and hypertensive individuals.
Aggregation of p-Sulfonatocalixarene-Based Amphiphiles and Supra-Amphiphiles
Authors: Basilio Nuno , Francisco Vitor , Garcia-Rio Luis
Published: February 2013

p-Sulfonatocalixarenes are a special class of water soluble macrocyclic molecules made of 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate units linked by methylene bridges. One of the main features of these compounds relies on their ability to form inclusion complexes with cationic and neutral species. This feature, together with their water solubility and apparent biological compatibility, had enabled them to emerge as one the most important host receptors in supramolecular chemistry. Attachment of hydrophobic alkyl chains to these compounds leads to the formation of macrocyclic host molecules with amphiphilic properties. Like other oligomeric surfactants, these compounds present improved performance with respect to their monomeric counterparts. In addition, they hold their recognition abilities and present several structural features that depend on the size of the macrocycle and on the length of the alkyl chain, such as preorganization, flexibility and adopted conformations, which make these molecules very interesting to study structure-aggregation relationships. Moreover, the recognition abilities of p-sulfonatocalixarenes enable them to be applied in the design of amphiphiles constructed from non-covalent, rather than covalent, bonds (supramolecular amphiphiles). In this review, we summarize the developments made on the design and synthesis of p-sulfonatocalixarenes-based surfactants, the characterization of their self-assembly properties and on how their structure affects these properties.
Structural and Optical Properties of Lead-Boro-Tellurrite Glasses Induced by Gamma-Ray
Authors: Mustafa Iskandar , Kamari Halimah , Yusoff Wan , Aziz Sidek , Rahman Azhar
Published: February 2013

Spectrophotometric studies of lead borotellurite glasses were carried out before and after gamma irradiation exposure. The increasing peak on the TeO4 bi-pyramidal arrangement and TeO3+1 (or distorted TeO4) is due to augmentation of irradiation dose which is attributed to an increase in degree of disorder of the amorphous phase. The structures of lead tellurate contain Pb3TeO6 consisting of TeO3 trigonal pyramid connected by PbO4 tetragonal forming a three-dimensional network. The decrease of glass rigidity is due to irradiation process which is supported by the XRD diffractograms results. The decreasing values of absorption edge indicate that red shift effect occur after irradiation processes. A shift in the optical absorption edge attributed to an increase of the conjugation length. The values of optical band gap, Eopt were calculated and found to be dependent on the glass composition and radiation exposure. Generally, an increase and decrease in Urbach’s energy can be considered as being due to an increase in defects within glass network.
Magnetic Moment of Cu-Modified Ni2MnGa Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Kanomata Takeshi , Endo Keita , Kudo Naoto , Umetsu Rie , Nishihara Hironori , Kataoka Mitsuo , Nagasako Makoto , Kainuma Ryosuke , Ziebeck Kurt
Published: February 2013

The magnetization measurements at 5 K were carried out for Ni2Mn1 − xCuxGa (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40) and Ni2MnGa1 − yCuy (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.25) alloys. All of the magnetization curves are characteristic of ferromagnetism or ferrimagnetism. By using Arrott plot analysis the spontaneous magnetization of all samples was determined from the magnetization curves. The magnetic moment per formula unit, μs, at 5 K was estimated from the spontaneous magnetization. For Ni2Mn1 − xCuxGa (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40) alloys μs at 5 K decreases linearly with increasing x. On the other hand, the μs at 5 K for Ni2MnGa1 − yCuy (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.25) alloys decreases more steeply with increasing x compared to the μs for Ni2Mn1 − xCuxGa (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40) alloys. On the basis of the experimental results, the site-occupation configurations of Ni2Mn1 − xCuxGa (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40) and Ni2MnGa1 − yCuy (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.25) alloys are proposed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Unsymmetrical and Symmetrical 3-Halo- or 3-Methoxy-substituted 2-Dibenzoylamino-1,4-naphthoquinone Derivatives
Authors: Brandy Yakini , Brandy Nailah , Akinboye Emmanuel , Lewis Malik , Mouamba Claudia , Mack Seshat , Butcher Ray , Anderson Alan , Bakare Oladapo
Published: February 2013

Symmetrical and unsymmetrical 3-halo- or 3-methoxy- substituted 2-dibenzoylamino- 1,4-naphthoquinone analogs were synthesized with an average yield of 45% via sodium hydride promoted bis-acylation of 2-amino-3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-amino-3-bromo-1,4-naphthoquinone and 2-amino-3-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone.
Cytotoxicity and Structure-Activity Relationships of Xanthone Derivatives from Mesua beccariana, Mesua ferrea and Mesua congestiflora towards Nine Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Teh Soek , Ee Gwendoline , Mah Siau , Lim Yang , Ahmad Zuraini
Published: February 2013

The cytotoxic structure-activity relationships among a series of xanthone derivatives from Mesua beccariana, Mesua ferrea and Mesua congestiflora were studied. Eleven xanthone derivatives identified as mesuarianone (1), mesuasinone (2), mesuaferrin A (3), mesuaferrin B (4), mesuaferrin C (5), 6-deoxyjacareubin (6), caloxanthone C (7), macluraxanthone (8), 1,5-dihydroxyxanthone (9), tovopyrifolin C (10) and α-mangostin (11) were isolated from the three Mesua species. The human cancer cell lines tested were Raji, SNU-1, K562, LS-174T, SK-MEL-28, IMR-32, HeLa, Hep G2 and NCI-H23. Mesuaferrin A (3), macluraxanthone (8) and α-mangostin (11) showed strong cytotoxicities as they possess significant inhibitory effects against all the cell lines. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) study revealed that the diprenyl, dipyrano and prenylated pyrano substituent groups of the xanthone derivatives contributed towards the cytotoxicities.
Defensin Production by Human Limbo-Corneal Fibroblasts Infected with Mycobacteria
Authors: Castañeda-Sánchez Jorge , García-Pérez Blanca , Muñoz-Duarte Ana , Baltierra-Uribe Shantal , Mejia-López Herlinda , López-López Carlos , Bautista-De Lucio Victor , Robles-Contreras Atzín , Luna-Herrera Julieta
Published: February 2013

Epithelial cells of the cornea and the conjunctiva constitutively produce antimicrobial peptides; however, the production of defensins by other cell types located around the eye has not been investigated. We analyzed the production of beta-defensins (hBD) and cathelicidin LL-37 during the infection of primary limbo-corneal fibroblasts with M. tuberculosis (MTB), M. abscessus (MAB), and M. smegmatis (MSM). The intracellular survival of each mycobacterium, the production of cytokines and the changes on the distribution of the actin filaments during the infection were also analyzed. Fibroblasts produce basal levels of hBD1 and LL-37 and under PMA stimulation they produce hBD2, hBD3 and overexpress hBD1 and LL-37. MAB induced the highest levels of hBD1 and LL-37 and intermediate levels of IL-6; however, MAB was not eliminated. In addition, MAB induced the greatest change to the distribution of the actin filaments. MTB also produced changes in the structure of the cytoskeleton and induced low levels of hBD1 and IL-6, and intermediate levels of LL-37. The balance of these molecules induced by MTB appeared to contribute to the non-replicative state observed in the limbo-corneal cells. MSM induced the lowest levels of hBD1 and LL-37 but the highest levels of IL-6; MSM was eliminated. The results suggest that mycobacterial infections regulate the production of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines, which in conjunction can contribute to the control of the bacilli.
Targeting Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90: Towards Reversing Antimalarial Resistance
Authors: Shahinas Dea , Folefoc Asongna , Pillai Dylan
Published: February 2013

Malaria continues to exact a great human toll in tropical settings. Antimalarial resistance is rife and the parasite inexorably develops mechanisms to outwit our best drugs, including the now first-line choice, artesunate. Novel strategies to circumvent resistance are needed. Here we detail drug development focusing on heat shock protein 90 and its central role as a chaperone. A growing body of evidence supports the role for Hsp90 inhibitors as adjunctive drugs able to restore susceptibility to traditionally efficacious compounds like chloroquine.
Mapping Tropical Rainforest Canopy Disturbances in 3D by COSMO-SkyMed Spotlight InSAR-Stereo Data to Detect Areas of Forest Degradation
Authors: Deutscher Janik , Perko Roland , Gutjahr Karlheinz , Hirschmugl Manuela , Schardt Mathias
Published: February 2013

Assessment of forest degradation has been emphasized as an important issue for emission calculations, but remote sensing based detecting of forest degradation is still in an early phase of development. The use of optical imagery for degradation assessment in the tropics is limited due to frequent cloud cover. Recent studies based on radar data often focus on classification approaches of 2D backscatter. In this study, we describe a method to detect areas affected by forest degradation from digital surface models derived from COSMO-SkyMed X-band Spotlight InSAR-Stereo Data. Two test sites with recent logging activities were chosen in Cameroon and in the Republic of Congo. Using the full resolution COSMO-SkyMed digital surface model and a 90-m resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission model or a mean filtered digital surface model we calculate difference models to detect canopy disturbances. The extracted disturbance gaps are aggregated to potential degradation areas and then evaluated with respect to reference areas extracted from RapidEye and Quickbird optical imagery. Results show overall accuracies above 75% for assessing degradation areas with the presented methods.
Assessing Land Degradation/Recovery in the African Sahel from Long-Term Earth Observation Based Primary Productivity and Precipitation Relationships
Authors: Fensholt Rasmus , Rasmussen Kjeld , Kaspersen Per , Huber Silvia , Horion Stephanie , Swinnen Else
Published: February 2013

The ‘rain use efficiency’ (RUE) may be defined as the ratio of above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) to annual precipitation, and it is claimed to be a conservative property of the vegetation cover in drylands, if the vegetation cover is not subject to non-precipitation related land degradation. Consequently, RUE may be regarded as means of normalizing ANPP for the impact of annual precipitation, and as an indicator of non-precipitation related land degradation. Large scale and long term identification and monitoring of land degradation in drylands, such as the Sahel, can only be achieved by use of Earth Observation (EO) data. This paper demonstrates that the use of the standard EO-based proxy for ANPP, summed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies 3rd generation (GIMMS3g)) over the year (ΣNDVI), and the blended EO/rain gauge based data-set for annual precipitation (Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation, CMAP) results in RUE-estimates which are highly correlated with precipitation, rendering RUE useless as a means of normalizing for the impact of annual precipitation on ANPP. By replacing ΣNDVI by a ‘small NDVI integral’, covering only the rainy season and counting only the increase of NDVI relative to some reference level, this problem is solved. Using this approach, RUE is calculated for the period 1982–2010. The result is that positive RUE-trends dominate in most of the Sahel, indicating that non-precipitation related land degradation is not a widespread phenomenon. Furthermore, it is argued that two preconditions need to be fulfilled in order to obtain meaningful results from the RUE temporal trend analysis: First, there must be a significant positive linear correlation between annual precipitation and the ANPP proxy applied. Second, there must be a near-zero correlation between RUE and annual precipitation. Thirty-seven percent of the pixels in Sahel satisfy these requirements and the paper points to a range of different reasons why this may be the case.
A Routing Protocol Based on Energy and Link Quality for Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Machado Kássio , Rosário Denis , Cerqueira Eduardo , Loureiro Antonio , Neto Augusto , De Souza José
Published: February 2013

The Internet of Things (IoT) is attracting considerable attention from the universities, industries, citizens and governments for applications, such as healthcare, environmental monitoring and smart buildings. IoT enables network connectivity between smart devices at all times, everywhere, and about everything. In this context, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play an important role in increasing the ubiquity of networks with smart devices that are low-cost and easy to deploy. However, sensor nodes are restricted in terms of energy, processing and memory. Additionally, low-power radios are very sensitive to noise, interference and multipath distortions. In this context, this article proposes a routing protocol based on Routing by Energy and Link quality (REL) for IoT applications. To increase reliability and energy-efficiency, REL selects routes on the basis of a proposed end-to-end link quality estimator mechanism, residual energy and hop count. Furthermore, REL proposes an event-driven mechanism to provide load balancing and avoid the premature energy depletion of nodes/networks. Performance evaluations were carried out using simulation and testbed experiments to show the impact and benefits of REL in small and large-scale networks. The results show that REL increases the network lifetime and services availability, as well as the quality of service of IoT applications. It also provides an even distribution of scarce network resources and reduces the packet loss rate, compared with the performance of well-known protocols.
Residential Tourism and Multiple Mobilities: Local Citizenship and Community Fragmentation in Costa Rica
Authors: Van Noorloos Femke
Published: February 2013

Current patterns of “move-in move-out” hypermobility are perfectly exemplified by residential tourism: the temporary or permanent mobility of relatively well-to-do citizens from mostly western countries to a variety of tourist destinations, where they buy property. The mobility of residential tourists does not stand alone, but has broader chain effects: it converts local destinations into transnational spaces, leading to a highly differentiated and segmented population landscape. In this article, residential tourism’s implications in terms of local society in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, are examined, starting from the idea that these implications should be viewed as complex and traveling in time and space. Mobile groups, such as residential tourists, can have an important local participation and involvement (independently of national citizenship), although recent flows of migrants settle more into compatriot social networks. The fact that various migrant populations continually travel back and forth and do not envision a future in the area may restrict their opportunities and willingness for local involvement. Transnational involvement in itself is not a problem and can be successfully combined with high local involvement; however, the great level of fragmentation, mobility, temporariness and absenteeism in Guanacaste circumscribes successful community organizing. Still, the social system has not completely dissolved.
Is Protein Phosphatase Inhibition Responsible for the Toxic Effects of Okadaic Acid in Animals?
Authors: Munday Rex
Published: February 2013

Okadaic acid (OA) and its derivatives, which are produced by dinoflagellates of the genera Prorocentrum and Dinophysis, are responsible for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning in humans. In laboratory animals, these toxins cause epithelial damage and fluid accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, and at high doses, they cause death. These substances have also been shown to be tumour promoters, and when injected into the brains of rodents, OA induces neuronal damage reminiscent of that seen in Alzheimer’s disease. OA and certain of its derivatives are potent inhibitors of protein phosphatases, which play many roles in cellular metabolism. In 1990, it was suggested that inhibition of these enzymes was responsible for the diarrhetic effect of these toxins. It is now repeatedly stated in the literature that protein phosphatase inhibition is not only responsible for the intestinal effects of OA and derivatives, but also for their acute toxic effects, their tumour promoting activity and their neuronal toxicity. In the present review, the evidence for the involvement of protein phosphatase inhibition in the induction of the toxic effects of OA and its derivatives is examined, with the conclusion that the mechanism of toxicity of these substances requires re-evaluation.