bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of nonlinear phenomenon of NO ultraviolet broadband absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Xiong Feng , Peng Zhi-Min , Ding Yan-Jun , Du Yan-Jun ,   School of Control and Computer Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China,   State Key Laboratory of Control and Simulation of Power Systems and Generation Equipment, Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Published: July 2022

Ultraviolet broadband absorption spectroscopy (UV-BAS) has been widely used to measure the concentration of gas pollutant, such as NO. However, the nonlinear dependence of the absorbance on the optical thickness (XL) caused by the broadening effect of instrument function is observed. In this paper, the nonlinear behavior of NO absorbance is investigated both theoretically and experimentally, and a database using a polynomial to describe the nonlinearity is established to present a simple method of measuring NO concentration. First, the nonlinear relationship between absorbance and XL is deduced. Second, the nonlinearity of an isolated spectral line is simulated, and the dependence of nonlinear behavior on instrument width is investigated. Third, the nonlinerities of peak absorbance in γ (0, 0) band with different instrumental widths are calculated, the nonlinear expression is given in a polynomial form, and the corresponding coefficient database is established. In addition, the nonlinearities in different vibration bands with the same instrumental width are compared with each other. Finally, two spectrometers are used to measure NO absorption spectra in different instrumental widths in order to validate the above-mentioned results of theoretical analysis. The relative error between the measured peak absorbance and theoretical calculation is less than 4%, and that between experimental results and the interpolation polynomial results is less than 8%. The experimental results demonstrate the accuracy of theoretical calculation and the reliability of database.
Giant Cervical Polyp in Primigravida: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Laishram Caroline , Triveni GS , Aggarwal Kiran , Gupta Aprajita
Published: July 2022

Cervical polyp is the most common benign lesion arising from the cervix. It is usually found incidentally unless it is symptomatic or gargantuan in size protruding from the introitus. The giant cervical polyp with size greater than 4 cm are rare in gravid women. Most of the obstetricians would prefer a conservative management for polyps in pregnancy. The present unusual case is that of a 30-year-old primigravida, 19 weeks gestation with giant, symptomatic, significantly growing endocervical bifid appearing polyp. The case was managed with transvaginal polypectomy without any need of cervical cerclage. The giant polyp specimen measuring 7×3 cm though appeared clinically malignant, histopathology confirmed its benign etiology. It is prudent to excise cervical polyp, when symptomatic and suspicious of malignancy. The gravid women undergoing cervical polypectomy may carry risk of premature delivery and hence pregnancy has to be carefully supervised.
Do Woody Plants Facilitate Herbaceous Plants in Dryland New Zealand?
Authors: Camara Amadou S.
Published: July 2022

Aims: Woody plants are postulated to facilitate understory herbaceous plants in arid and semi-arid environments worldwide, the so-called ‘nurse plant’ effect, but this mechanism. has been little studied in the drylands of New Zealand. Indigenous dryland plants postulated to have grown under woody shrubs in New Zealand before European settlement may benefit from their recovery, or even their replacement by exotic substitutes. The aim of this study was to investigate woody pant facilitation of understory herbaceous plants in dryland New Zealand.

Study Design: In this study I investigated the effects of canopies of four shrub species – Kunzea serotina, Discaria toumatou, Rosa rubiginosa and Coprosma propinqua – on herbaceous plant species richness, in the presence and absence of rabbit grazing (for K. serotina).

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the drylands of Central Otago, New Zealand, from August 2007 to January 2009.

Results: Herbaceous plant species richness was lower under canopies of K. serotina, possibly because the dense canopy shaded the understorey plants. It was higher under C. propinqua, D. toumatou and R. rubiginosa canopies than in their adjacent open grasslands, but for all three species this effect was seen only in winter. Woody plant canopy protection of understorey herbaceous plants against winter frost may explain the effects. Grazing significantly decreased herbaceous plant species richness. Since D. toumatou, R. rubiginosa and C. propinqua showed facilitative effects on herbaceous plant species richness they are possible agents for the restoration of dryland vegetation.

Conclusion: I conclude that control of grazing and the protection of these three woody species could be a good management strategy for the maintenance of a predominantly indigenous dryland mixed herbaceous and woody vegetation in Central Otago.
Increasing Growth Performance and Omega-3 of Pangasius Catfish with Fish Oil Administration
Authors: Ginting Alpriyanto , Rostika Rita , Bachtiar Eri , Pratiwy Fittrie Meylianawaty
Published: July 2022

This research aims to examine the effect of adding fish oil on the growth performance and content of Omega-3 fatty acids in Pangasius catfish (Pangasius sp). The research carried out in October and November 2021 at the Faculty of Fisheries, Padjadjaran University. Pangasius catfish with an average weight of 12.41 gram were reared in a fiber tank with stocked with 15 giving a stocking density of 10 fish-1 m2. The fish were reared for 28 days. This study used a completely randomized design with five treatments with fish oil supplemented to the feed at 0%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% with each treatment consisting of three replications. The fish were fed twice a day at 08:00 am and 16:00 pm West Indonesian time, at a feeding level of 3% of the fish biomass per day. The feed used was pellet for catfish from Hi Provite PF 781 brand. Parameter tested included SGR, feed efficiency, omega-3 content and water quality. The result showed optimum application of fish oil increasing growth performance, the highest SGR was 2.07% day-1, the best efficiency feed 85.85%, EPA content was 30.7 mg-1 100 gram and DHA was 10.6 mg-1 100 gram.
Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Melothria pendula Linn. (Pipinong-Gubat) Leaf Extract
Authors: Dianito Nathaniel A. , Dagalea Flyndon Mark S. , Vicencio Manuela Cecille G. , Lim Karina Milagros C.
Published: July 2022

Nanoparticles have all kinds of unexpected benefits in different fields and industry. For this reason, the demand for nanoparticles is increasing at overwhelming rate the increased demand resulted to increase in production. Conventional method in synthesizing nanoparticles have been reported to be capital intensive, inefficient in materials and energy use. Because of this, researchers are leaning to biological method in synthesizing NPs. In this study, aqueous leaf extract of Melothria pendula Linn. (Pipinong-gubat) was used to biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the biosynthesized nanoparticle underwent physicochemical and antibacterial analysis. Physical and chemical properties of leaf extract have been determine having an black color, pleasant odor, boiling point of 94.3°C, density of 0.94g/mL, pH of 8 slightly basic and polar in both water and ethanol and non-polar in hexane. Secondary metabolites that are present in leaf extract are alkaloids, saponins and terpenoids. Having a coloration of yellowish-brown, the synthesized AgNPs was characterized using UV-VIS Spectrophotometer that the resulting peak confirm the formation of AgNps, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) determined the functional group that was present and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) determined the surface morphology that shows AgNps in agglomeration state at a magnification of (a) 1000 k (b) 2000 k (c) 3000 k (d) 4000 k and a diameter of (a) 100 um (b) 30 um (c) 30 um (d) 20 um. In terms with its antibacterial result, it was found out to be effective against S. aureus and E. coli. It has a clear zone of inhibition of 5mm in S. aureus and 3.67mm in E.coli. Furthermore, statistical treatment shows that there is no significant in antibacterial activity between positive control (Chloramphenicol) and sample (AgNPs). This implies that the sample could be a substitute to the market as antibacterial agent against S. aureus and E. coli.
Adoption and Implementation of E-Learning Framework for Shaikh Zayed University, Khost, Afghanistan
Authors: Taniwall Nasim Jan , Haider Muhammad Sharif , Hassan Samiullah , Salih Salih Khan , Ahmadi Abdul Rahim
Published: July 2022

Ministry of higher education has recently launched an e-learning tool during the global COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan. Many higher learning institutions in Afghanistan have implemented e-learning tool because of its effectiveness as a learning approach. However, fever studies have shown that there are still low adoption rate of e-learning in higher education institutions in Afghanistan. This study explored the rate of adoption and an implementation framework of e-learning in Shaikh Zayed University Khost, Afghanistan. The strategy of inquiry is quantitative and the instrument for determining the perceptions of target group is questionnaire. A total of 120 instructors have participated in the survey in which some of them were IT Administrators. The survey result revealed that 37.08% of contents delivery is traditional on chalk and talk based,  47.91% contents delivered by instructors using projector and 31.66% academic staff use lab sessions at Shaikh Zayed University. As a result, the ministry of higher education in Afghanistan needs to have guidelines to help higher education institutions to implement e-learning successfully and efficiently.
Chemical Composition, Bioactive Potential, and Thermal Behaviour of Cyperus scariosus Essential Oil
Authors: Jha Vikas , Patel Reetikesh , Devkar Sakshi , Shaikh Mohd Aslam , Rai Diksha , Walunj Shraddha , Koli Joshua , Jain Tisha , Jadhav Namrata , Narvekar Shruti , Shinde Rushiraj
Published: July 2022

Plant derived oils have recently been found to be more effective in pharmaceutical sectors than synthetic goods since these plants contain physiologically active chemicals with a wide range of therapeutic effects. Essential oil, also known as essence, volatile oil, etheric oil, or aetheroleum, is a complex mixture of volatile elements biosynthesised by living organisms, which is particularly abundant in aromatic plants. This research summarizes facts on the chemistry of essential oil isolated from Cyperus scariosus on the one hand and their most important biological activities on the other. The essential oil components were determined to be a complex mixture of volatile chemicals such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and their oxygenated derivatives using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Thermoanalytical techniques such as TGA and DSC were used to investigate the oil's stability. Infrared spectroscopy was used to provide further information on the existence of various functional groups. Furthermore, the extracted oil's antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimalarial activities were investigated. The antimalarial activity was tested against Plasmodium falciparum, and the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity were calculated using the DPPH reagent. This comprehensive study will provide an overview of the chemicals extracted from Cyperus scariosus as well as the plant's convincing pharmacological qualities.
Alterations Due to Heat Shock in Biological and Commercial Features of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Bhat Muzafar Ahmad , Salam Abdul , Chanotra Suraksha , Kapoor Sumya , Aziz Abdul
Published: July 2022

The impact of HS on larval growth and development, ERR, cocoon characteristics and biochemical elements of carbohydrate content was investigated using FC2 X FC1 bivoltine hybrid silkworm breed. On the third day of the fifth instar, the FC2 X FC1 bivoltine hybrid was treated to HS at 30, 35, 40 and 45ºC for 1 h with 1 h retrieval. Following that, silkworms were maintained in the rearing house under naturally fluctuating environmental circumstances in order to assess their intrinsic potentiality for overcoming temperature changes and producing cocoons in contrast to non-HS B. mori larvae. At 40°C, the biological and commercial features gained the most weight. As a result, although all larvae heat shocked at 35 and 40°C metamorphosed into pupae with better growth than controls, the fifth instar showed the greatest improvement in it. However, heat shock temperature of 45˚C was lethal since all the biological and commercial characters were severely affected in all instars. Thus, temperatures of 40°C should be considered when screening for better parents to develop thermotolerant breeds/hybrids for tropical countries such as India, in order to elicit a profound response and acquire tolerance to overcome the fluctuated environmental condition. Both control and HS showed a sequential increase in carbohydrate content but found declined upon HS of 45˚C.
In-vitro Evaluation of the Efficacy of Two Plant Extracts Allium sativum (Garlic) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) in the Control of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum of Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)
Authors: Sani Modibbo Musa , Shefiu Oyewumi Zainab , Jacob Mekidani Salu , Chiamaka Ekemezie Success , Ada Amienyo Charity
Published: July 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of extracts of some selected plant materials in the control of Powdery Mildew of Okra plant.

Study Design: Completely randomized design.

Place of Study: This study was carried out in the Biology Laboratory of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology.

Methodology: Three Okra farms showing symptoms of powdery mildew disease were surveyed, disease occurrence was recorded, and disease incidence was calculated. Leaves of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) showing symptoms of powdery mildew were collected from the farms. The disease incidence was recorded and the samples of infected leaves were collected from the farms and taken to the laboratory for microscopic examination. The fungus associated with the disease was isolated and cultured to obtain a pure culture. Pathogenicity test was carried out on a healthy okra plant. Extraction of the two plants were done using methanol and it was then diluted to different concentrations. The antifungal susceptibility test on Golovinomyces cichoracearum was carried out using the agar diffusion method and recorded at various concentrations of 50 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 12.5 mg/ml, and 6.25 mg/ml under in-vitro conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and antifungal activity were recorded at these concentrations.

Results: Results of phytochemical analysis showed that Alkaloids, reducing sugars, carbohydrates, Flavanoids, Tannins and Resins were present in both Allium sativum (garlic) and Azadirachta indica (neem). These phytochemicals present are suspected to be responsible for the antifungal activity of the plants. Out of the two plants, neem leaf extract was found to be best in the inhibition of the fungus at 50 mg/ml with a significantly high inhibition of 26.77±0.50 after the treatment. At P<= 0.05 there was a significant difference in the antifungal activity of the extract of A. indica on Golovinomyces cichoracearum.

Conclusion: The extracts of both Allium sativum (garlic) and Azadirachta indic (neem) possess antifungal properties, and may have the potential for the production of biopesticides, that can be used for the control of fungi.
Standardization of Amla Candy (Emblica officinalis L.) Cv. Kanchan
Authors: Sohshangrit Sacreacy , Prasad V. M. , Nura Cherish Sheeba
Published: July 2022

An experiment was carried out at the Post Harvest Technology, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) during the year 2021 - 2022. Amla is an indigenous fruit to the Indian subcontinent. It is a fruit that is now underutilized but has huge potential in the global market. It has got great potential in processed forms, such as candy. Attempts are being made to produce products that are not only nutritionally delicious but also acceptable among consumers. The medicinal, nutritional, and organoleptic quality of amla candy can be improved by the addition of different syrups in the amla candy like rose syrup, tulsi syrup, and ginger syrup. The experiment consisted of 6 different treatments comprising the different syrups (sugar syrup, rose syrup, tulsi syrup, ginger syrup) with the addition of the standard recommended dosage of citric acid and sodium benzoate. This investigation was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. After preparation, the amla candy samples were evaluated for Physico-chemical alterations, and sensory evaluation was done using a 9-point hedonic scale that was tested on a panel of 7 experts. These candies were stored for about 90 days at ambient temperature.  From storage studies, it was revealed that total soluble solids and acidity increase gradually till the end of the experiment while pH and ascorbic acid are in decreasing order. On the basis of the organoleptic test concluded that the candy was prepared from cv. Kanchan and treatment with T2 (Amla + 68% Sugar syrup + 10% Spices) are found to be the best amla candy.
Screening for Export Potential Potato Varieties in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Mazadul , Uddin Md Nasir , Naznin Sauda , Amin Md. Nurul , Mondol Md. Raziul Hassan , Naznin Afroz , Ferdous Md. Zannatul , Salim Md. , Karim Md. Rezaul , Kundu Bimal Chandra
Published: July 2022

Aims: The main aim of this study was to find out the suitable variety having the export potentiality.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with the two replications in each location.

Place of the Study: The study was conducted in ten different agroecological environments across the country, namely Bogura, Jashore, Munshiganj, Gazipur, Patuakhali, Faridpur, Debiganj, Madaripur, Thakurgaon and Rangpur district of Bangladesh during November 2020 to March 2021.

Methodology: Sixty-two released potato varieties and exotic materials were used as planting materials for the experiment. Whole seed tubers of 28–40 mm were planted in the last week of November with a spacing of 60 cm between the rows and 20 cm between the plants. The crops were harvested at full maturity during March. Tuber yield was determined by adding the weights of marketable and unmarketable tubers from the net plot area and converting them to tons per hectare. After that, the tubers were graded in different grades and the dry matter of the potato was analyzed.

Results: Considering the results, the location Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Debiganj and Bogura are the most suitable place for export variety cultivation in Bangladesh. The potato variety and genotypes 13.7, BARI Alu-12, BARI Alu-61, BARI Alu-68, BARI Alu-73 and Innovator were found promising for export for their yield, tuber size and dry matter content.

Conclusion: The variety having good yield, bigger size and high dry matter could be selected for export from Bangladesh and the better-performed regions can be utilized for export quality potato production in Bangladesh.
Kariya Biodiesel Process Optimization Using Kariya Pod-husks Bio-catalyzed
Authors: Ogundahunsi O. E. , Ogunsina B. S. , Aransiola E. F.
Published: July 2022

In this study, biodiesel was produced from underutilized kariya oilseed using ethanol in the presence of kariya pod-husks bio-catalyst. The oil used was extracted through the soxhlet solvent extraction approach. Transesterification of kariya seed oil was investigated using Central Composite Design (CCD) of Response surface methodology. Process factors such as reaction temperature (65, 70, and 85oC), reaction time (2, 3, and 4 h), and ethanol/kariya oil molar ratio (8:1, 10:1, and 12:1) were modeled based on CCD experimental design. The fuel properties of biodiesel produced, and its blends with petrol-diesel were determined. The average yield of extracted kariya oil was 32.55 wt. %. Based on the results, biodiesel yield of 94.41 wt.% was obtained at optimal conditions; a temperature of 75oC, time of 2 h, and ethanol: oil mole ratio of 10:1 at catalyst loading of 5 wt.%. The physicochemical and fuel properties of produced biodiesel and its blend were well within American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D6751) standard and compared favorably with petrol-diesel.
Development of Deep Neural Network Model for the Prediction of Road Crashes in Real Time
Authors: Olokun M. S. , Ipindola O. O. , Oyediji F. T. , Falana J. N.
Published: July 2022

Road safety remains a global concern with the number of deaths and injury recorded from road traffic accidents estimated to be 1.5 million and 50 million respectively by 2025. Despite being predictable and largely preventable, the trend of road traffic crash is on the rise in Nigeria with an annual average of 33.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Proactive technique such as real time traffic and crash prediction has the potential to reduce the likelihood of crashes and to improve post-crash response. GoogleNet Convolutional Neural Network was developed in this study to classify road conditions and predict crashes along Ondo – Akure single carriage highway in Nigeria. Traffic flow relationships were established for the empirical data collected through video technique and compared to Green shields, Greenberg and Underwood models. The results were found generally satisfactory at an average coefficient of correlation of 0.96. The developed GoogleNet Convolutional network performed quite satisfactorily at predicting the probability of different traffic conditions – congested traffic (0.98), free-flowing traffic (0.64) and traffic crash (0.94). The developed algorithm can be integrated with traffic cameras and crowd-sourced images in areas that are not within the reach of surveillance cameras and sensors to report traffic condition in real time.
Life-Changing Coping Mechanisms and Resilience Strategies of Post-Natal Unmarried Teenage Mothers in the Central Region, Ghana
Authors: Nkansah Jacob Oppong , Ababio Mark Opoku , Awuviry-Newton Kofi
Published: July 2022

Aim: The paper aimed at exploring the life-changing coping and interventional strategies adopted by unmarried teenage mothers in Enyan Denkyira in the Central Region of Ghana.

Methods: The paper adopted the phenomenological design and through Snowballing and Purposive techniques, sampled 15 unmarried teenage mothers, 10 church leaders, and 2 District Assembly officials who accounted for their daily coping mechanisms and interventional strategies existing for teenage mothers in the Enyan Denkyira District.

Results: The study revealed that teenage mothers in Enyan Denkyira continued to engage in labor-intensive occupations such as fetching water for construction works and washing other people's clothes to make ends meet. It was evident that when the support they got from sympathizers did not come and their other sources of income also failed, they were pushed into relying on men which made them become perpetual victims of unprepared pregnancy and premature motherhood.

Conclusion: It was therefore recommended that the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) money should be expanded to benefit more teenage mothers. Also, religious bodies, institutions, and the family must be encouraged and supported by the government to continue to play their roles as sources of social protection for teenage mothers instead of neglecting them.
Botulinum toxin types A, B and D inhibit catecholamine secretion from bovine adrenal medullary cells
Authors: Knight D.E.
Published: July 2002

Evoked catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells is inhibited by commercially available botulinum toxins — types A, B and D (104–106 MLD/ml of culture medium). Basal secretion is also inhibited. The catecholamine content of such toxin‐treated cells is larger than that of control cells and may in part be a result of the inhibition of basal release. The onset of action of botulinum toxin types A and D can be neutralised by their respective antisera. Concentrations of botulinum toxins A, B or D that inhibit secretion leave unaffected the 45Ca2+ influxes normally associated with secretion. These data provide further evidence to support the idea [(1985) Nature 317, 719–721] that botulinum toxins block secretion by acting downstream of the Ca2+ transient at or near the site of exocytosis.
Thymine hydroperoxide, a substrate for rat Se‐dependent glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase isoenzymes
Authors: Tan K.H. , Meyer D.J. , Coles B. , Ketterer B.
Published: July 2002

The thymine hydroperoxide, 5‐hydroperoxymethyluracil, is a substrate for Se‐dependent glutathione (GSH) peroxidase and the Se‐independent GSH peroxidase activity associated with the GSH transferase fraction. These enzymes may contribute to repair mechanisms for damage caused by oxygen radicals. GSH transferases 1‐1, 2‐2, 3‐3, 4‐4, 6‐6 and 7‐7 [(1984) Biochem. Pharmacol. 33, 2539–2540] are shown to differ considerably in their ability to utilize this substrate. For example, high activity is found in GSH transferase 6‐6 which is the major isoenzyme in spermatogenic tubules where DNA synthesis is so active and faithful DNA replication so important. The activity of the purified GSH transferase isoenzymes towards 5‐hydroperoxymethyluracil is comparable with their activity towards other endogenous substrates related to cellular peroxidation such as linoleate hydroperoxide and 4‐hydroxynon‐2‐enal or biologically important xenobiotic metabolites such as benzo(a)pyrene‐7,8‐diol‐9,10‐oxide.
Mathematical Programming Assisted Drug Design for Nonclassical Antifolates
Authors: Garg Sanjeev , Achenie Luke E. K.
Published: July 2002

A concept from optimization theory, specifically, mathematical programming, is proposed for designing drugs with desired properties. The mathematical programming formulation is solved to obtain the optimal descriptor values, which are employed in the Cerius2modeling environment to infer the optimal lead candidates, in the sense that they exhibit both high selectivity and activity while ensuring low toxicity. It has been observed that unique substituent groups and their molecular conformations are responsible for attaining the goal of simultaneous high selectivity and activity. Both linear and nonlinear quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs) have been developed for use in the proposed approach. A comparative study of these models is done, and it is shown that the QSARs are well represented by nonlinear models. The proposed mathematical programming strategy has been demonstrated for a class of nonclassical antifolates forPneumocistiscariniiandToxoplasma gondiidihydofolate reductase. Some of the potential leads found in this study have biological properties similar to those in the open literature. We believe the technique proposed is general and can be applied to other structure based drug design.
A Column Design for Reducing Viscous Fingering in Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Fernandez Erik J. , Norton T. Tucker , Jung William C. , Tsavalas John G.
Published: July 2002

Under high concentration overload conditions, resolution during size exclusion chromatography of proteins can be compromised due to nonuniform flow caused by the viscous fingering flow instability. In this work, the nonuniform flow under these chromatographic conditions is analyzed by numerical simulation and magnetic resonance imaging. On the basis of an improved understanding of the flow phenomena, a new column design is proposed. The effectiveness of the design is evaluated by chromatography, magnetic resonance imaging, and numerical simulation.
Substrate Controlled Fed‐Batch Production of l‐Lysine with Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Weuster‐Botz D. , Kelle R. , Frantzen M. , Wandrey C.
Published: July 2002

A fed‐batch process for the production of l‐lysine with Corynebacterium glutamicum in a stirred tank reactor was developed up to a 150‐L scale applying the general approach of reaction engineering: Experimental optimization of medium composition (13 components: mineral salts and biotin) in parallel shake‐flask experiments using a Genetic Algorithm and the study of l‐leucine, ammonia, and phosphate supply in glucose controlled fed‐batch fermentations resulted in a volumetric l‐lysine productivity of 8.3 mol/(m3·h), a l‐lysine yield of 32% (mol/mol), and a l‐lysine concentration of 500 mM. The glucose concentration was controlled to 50 mM using on‐line HPLC and semicontinuous extended Kalman‐filter with a minimum variance controller. Nitrogen accumulation of the C. glutamicum cells in the early process phase for subsequent l‐lysine formation was identified by means of a reaction engineering analysis. Glucose limitation in the inoculum (1–2 h) results in growth linked l‐lysine production with a differential l‐lysine selectivity of 38% (mol/mol) and a maximum cell specific l‐lysine production rate of 1.1 mmol/(g·h) . l‐Lysine was not growth linked produced, if the inoculum was transferred at the exponential state.
Effects of Secondary Flow Caused by a Curved Channel on Plasma Protein Adsorption to Artificial Surfaces
Authors: Pfeiffer Natasha , Mandrusov Evgenia , Vroman Leo , Leonard Edward F.
Published: July 2002

The effects of secondary flow induced by a curved channel on fibrinogen deposition and replacement on a glass surface were studied. Platelet adhesion to surface‐bound fibrinogen was also studied to indicate how secondary flow may affect thrombogenesis on artificial surfaces. A saline pre‐wetted channel with straight and curved sections was exposed to flowing plasma at a Reynolds number of 28.6. Results show that fibrinogen deposited on the surface at a shear rate of 175 s−1 was replaced faster in regions of secondary flow (Dean numbers from 11 to 19) than in adjacent regions of shear flow. Platelets adhered only to those surfaces where fibrinogen had been detected.
Retrospective study: the presence ofMalasseziain feline skin biopsies. A clinicopathological study
Authors: Mauldin Elizabeth A. , Morris Daniel O. , Goldschmidt Michael H.
Published: July 2002

AbstractMalasseziaspp. dermatitis, a rare disorder in cats, has previously been associated with immune suppression and internal malignancies. This study evaluates the presence and importance ofMalasseziaspp. in feline biopsy specimens submitted for histopathological examination. Five hundred and fifty haematoxylin and eosin‐stained skin biopsy specimens received for histopathological examination between January 1999 and November 2000 were reviewed. Fifteen (2.7%) submissions containedMalasseziaorganisms in the stratum corneum of the epidermis or follicular infundibulum. Eleven of 15 cats presented with an acute onset of multifocal to generalized skin lesions. All 11 cats were euthanized or died within 2 months of the onset of clinical signs. Seven cats had dermatopathological changes and clinical signs supportive of paraneoplastic alopecia, and three cats had an interface dermatitis suggestive of erythema multiforme or thymoma‐associated dermatosis. Histopathological changes were nonspecific in one cat that was euthanized 2 weeks following onset of severe pruritus and alopecia. In three cats,Malasseziaspp. were found in localized sites (two chin, one footpads) and appeared inconsequential to their overall health status. One cat hadMalasseziaspp. in association with cutaneous demodicosis. These findings suggest thatMalasseziayeast in dermatopathological specimens from multifocal or generalized lesions should prompt a thorough clinical work‐up for internal neoplasia.
Histamine response and local cooling in the human skin: involvement of H1‐ and H2‐receptors
Authors: Grossmann M. , Jamieson M. J. , Kirch W.
Published: July 2002

Aims
 Histamine may contribute locally to cutaneous blood flow control under normal and pathologic conditions. The objective of this study was to observe the influence of skin temperature on histamine vasodilation, and the roles of H1‐and H2‐receptors using novel noninvasive methods.

Methods
 Eleven healthy subjects received, double‐blind, single doses of the H1‐receptor antagonist cetirizine (10 mg), cetirizine (10 mg) plus the H2‐receptor antagonist cimetidine (400 mg), or placebo on separate occasions. Histamine was dosed cumulatively by iontophoresis to the forearm skin at 34° C and 14° C. Laser‐Doppler flux (LDF) was measured at the same sites using customised probeholder/iontophoretic chambers with Peltier cooling elements. Finger mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured and cutaneous vascular conductance calculated as LDF/MAP.

Results
 Histamine vasodilation was reduced in cold skin. Cetirizine shifted the histamine dose‐response at both temperatures: statistically significantly at 14° C only. Combined H1‐ and H2‐receptor antagonism shifted the response significantly at both temperatures.

Conclusions
 H1‐ and H2‐receptors mediate histamine‐induced skin vasodilation. The sensitivity of these receptors, particularly the H1‐ receptor, is attenuated at low skin temperature. Whether the reduced effect in cold skin represents specific receptor or postreceptor desensitization, or nonspecific attenuation of cutaneous vasodilation remains to be elucidated.
Leaf age effects of elevated CO2‐grown white oak leaves on spring‐feeding lepidopterans
Authors: Williams RaY. S. , Lincoln David E. , Norby Richard J.
Published: July 2002

Folivorous insect responses to elevated CO2‐grown tree species may be complicated by phytochemical changes as leaves age. For example, young expanding leaves in tree species may be less affected by enriched CO2‐alterations in leaf phytochemistry than older mature leaves due to shorter exposure times to elevated CO2atmospheres. This, in turn, could result in different effects on early vs. late instar larvae of herbivorous insects. To address this, seedlings of white oak (Quercus albaL.), grown in open‐top chambers under ambient and elevated CO2, were fed to two important early spring feeding herbivores; gypsy moth (Lymantria disparL.), and forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstriaHübner). Young, expanding leaves were presented to early instar larvae, and older fully expanded or mature leaves to late instar larvae. Young leaves had significantly lower leaf nitrogen content and significantly higher total nonstructural carbohydrate:nitrogen ratio as plant CO2concentration rose, while nonstructural carbohydrates and total carbon‐based phenolics were unaffected by plant CO2treatment. These phytochemical changes contributed to a significant reduction in the growth rate of early instar gypsy moth larvae, while growth rates of forest tent caterpillar were unaffected. The differences in insect responses were attributed to an increase in the nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of early instar forest tent caterpillar larvae feeding on elevated CO2‐grown leaves, while early instar gypsy moth larval NUE remained unchanged among the treatments. Later instar larvae of both insect species experienced larger reductions in foliage quality on elevated CO2‐grown leaves than earlier instars, as the carbohydrate:nitrogen ratio of leaves substantially increased. Despite this, neither insect species exhibited changes in growth or consumption rates between CO2treatments in the later instar. An increase in NUE was apparently responsible for offsetting reduced foliar nitrogen for the late instar larvae of both species.
The structure of an aphid–parasitoid community
Authors: MU­Ller C. B. , Adriaanse I. C. T. , Belshaw R. , Godfray H. C. J.
Published: July 2002

1.A quantitative parasitoid web was constructed describing the trophic relationships between the community of aphids, parasitoids and secondary parasitoids in an abandoned field in southern England. Root aphids were omitted and secondary parasitoids were associated with aphids rather than primary parasitoids. All aphids, parasitoids and trophic links were expressed in the same units (m−2). Over a 2‐year period, separate webs were constructed for every month that aphids and parasitoids were active in the field.

2.Twenty‐six species of plants were attacked by 25 species of aphid which were parasitized by 18 species of primary parasitoids. The primary parasitoids were attacked by 28 species of secondary parasitoids, of which 18 directly attacked the still living aphid (hyperparasitoids) and 10 attacked the aphid after mummification (mummy parasitoids). The aphids were attended by three species of ants.

3.Eleven webs were constructed for the months May to September 1994 and May to October 1995. Aphids and primary parasitoids were most abundant and diverse in June, and secondary parasitoids one month later.

4.The ratios of the number of aphid species to the number of species of primary parasitoid and hyperparasitoid were relatively constant across webs, as was the ratio of the number of links involving hyperparasitoids and mummy parasitoids. The ratio of the total number of links to the total number of species increased with web size.

5.The relative abundance of the species in the different webs was well described by a Dirichlet distribution with a common parameter. This implies a gamma distribution of aphid abundances in the field with few common and many rare species.

6.Predator (i.e. parasitoid) overlap graphs were constructed to assess the potential for indirect interactions between aphids. Mummy parasitoids were the most important group linking different aphids. A quantitative overlap diagram was developed to illustrate the potential strengths of indirect linkages. Common aphid species shared few strong, indirect links via primary parasitoids or hyperparasitoids, but could be strongly linked by mummy parasitoids. Symmetrical links were uncommon, and rare species were potentially strongly influenced by the presence of common aphids with which they shared parasitoids.

7.Ant‐attended aphids were attacked by fewer species of primary parasitoids and hyperparasitoids than those species not attended by ants. Species of mummy parasitoids attack, on average, approximately twice the number of host species than species of either primary parasitoids or hyperparasitoids.
New software for lens retro‐illumination digital image analysis
Authors: Gershenzon A , Robman L D
Published: July 2002

Purpose: To describe functions of new software for cataract assessment and compare its validity with that of the Nidek EAS‐1000 software (Nidek, Japan).

Methods: A new Microsoft Windows 3.1/95 (Microsoft, USA) compliant software, Retroillumination Image Analysis (RIA), has been developed. The cataract reading is based on the contrasts in illumination between the opaque and transparent areas of the lens. Image loading, pupil detection and image analyses are automated. Differentiation between the different cataract types (cortical/posterior subscapsular) and other opacities is possible.

Results: The program was tested on 233 Nidek EAS‐1000 images. In all, 148 eyes had clear media or cortical cuneiform cataract, 37 also had confounding opacities and 48 had no confounding opacities but pupils were unevenly illuminated. The results of analysis with both Nidek EAS‐1000 and RIA software were compared against clinical Wilmer grading. The correlation of cortical opacity size in Nidek EAS‐1000 3.01c and RIA software, respectively, were 0.50* and 0.57* for whole data set, 0.54* and 0.55* for subgroup with no confounders or artefacts, 0.54* and 0.66* for subgroup with artefacts, 0.27 (P < 0.105) and 0.65* for subgroup with confounders (*P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The RIA software significantly improves the accuracy of cataract measurement in lens images with uneven pupil illumination or confounding opacities. Automation of (i) image loading, (ii) pupil detection and (iii) defining of the opacity area increases the efficiency of digital eye photography, eliminates human errors and speeds assessment.
Evaluation of clinical staging before cystectomy in transitional cell bladder carcinoma: a long‐term follow‐up of 276 consecutive patients
Authors: WijkstrÖM  , Norming  , Lagerkvist  , Nilsson  , NÄslund  , Wiklund
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To evaluate retrospectively the clinical staging in a consecutive series of patients selected for cystectomy and to define its limitations with a view to possible improvements.

Patients and methods

 From 1979 to 1988, 276 patients with newly detected or recurring transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, were offered pre‐operative irradiation (20 Gy) and cystectomy. The patients were assessed during 1995 and the outcome related to both clinical and surgical data. Survival was analysed on the basis of ‘intention to treat’. Estimates of survival probabilities were calculated by the method of Kaplan and Meier. Differences in survival among subgroups were assessed using the log rank test and Cox stepwise regression analysis.

Results

 Cancer‐specific actuarial survival for the whole series was 68% at 5 years and 63% at 10 years. Survival was closely related to the depth of invasion found at surgery, clearly discriminating those with tumours confined to the bladder wall (≤P3A) from those with extravesical extension (≥P3B). The cancer‐specific survival at 5 years for patients with ≤P3A tumours was 85% and for those with ≥P3B tumours was 50%. This important distinction was anticipated accurately using bimanual palpation before surgery, those patients with no palpable mass after transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) having an actuarial survival of 83%, and those with a residual mass a survival of 50% at 5 years. In the multivariate analysis, increasing clinical stage was the only pretreatment variable with significant prognostic value for survival. However, this variable was highly dependent on the palpatory findings after TURBT, the presence of a residual mass being a prerequisite for the clinical stage T3 in case of muscle‐invasive tumour.

Conclusion

 Bimanual palpation remains crucially important in clinical staging, and there is a need for further standardization and refinement of this procedure.
Changes in the surface conditioning of calcium‐salt crystals treated with physiological and alkaline urine
Authors: Santin  , Motta  , Cannas
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To study, using anin vitromodel, the early phases of deposition of urinary components onto the surface of calcium‐salt crystals treated with physiological and alkaline urine.

Materials and methods

 Calcium carbonate, oxalate and phosphate crystals were incubated in either freshly collected ‘physiological’ urine (pH 5.5) or with urine at pH 8.0. The surface conditioning was characterized using sodium‐dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblot profiles of the adsorbed proteins and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Crystal morphology and aggregation were assessed using scanning electron microscopy.

Results

 The patterns of protein adsorption from physiological urine showed the ubiquitous adsorption of bands within 51–86 kDa, while Tamm‐Horsfall protein (THP) and alpha1‐microglobulin were found only in calcium oxalate crystals. Less aggregation was detected in calcium oxalate and phosphate crystals treated in urine at pH 5.5, while a new crystalline phase was deposited on calcium carbonate surfaces. Incubation in alkaline urine led to changes in the protein electrophoretic profiles, with a significant variation in the morphology of the inorganic phase only in calcium phosphate crystals.

Conclusions

 The binding of urinary proteins onto crystals depends on the chemistry of the surface and on the physicochemical composition of the urine. THP, albumin, alpha1‐microglobulin and a 20 kDa protein were able to bind calcium crystals under different circumstances. Except for THP, there was no clear relationship between the adsorption of proteins on crystals and the re‐arrangement of the inorganic phase.
Subcutaneous curettage vs. injection of botulinum toxin A for treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Rompel R , Scholz S
Published: July 2002

Background

Axillary hyperhidrosis is a functional non‐inflammatory abnormality of the eccrine sweat glands. The cause of genuine hyperhidrosis is unknown and, therefore, no specific corrective therapy is available and conservative treatment often fails. Subcutaneous sweat gland curettage of the axillae is one of the proven surgical modalities. Local injection of botulinum toxin A (BT‐A) is a promising new conservative approach.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of subcutaneous curettage vs. injection of BT‐A in axillary hyperhidrosis.

Methods

A total of 113 patients (36.3% males, 63.7% females) suffering from genuine axillary hyperhidrosis were treated by either subcutaneous curettage (n = 90) or local injection of BT‐A (n = 23). Median follow‐up period was 23.5 months. Questionnaires were handed out to patients for a subjective assessment of symptoms before treatment, 6 months after the procedure, and at the time of last follow‐up. The patients were asked to rate the amount of axillary sweating based on a score ranging from 1 (no axillary secretion) to 6 (maximum axillary secretion). The subjective scores of sweating at rest, at high temperatures, under physical stress, under emotional stress and after spicy meals were assessed.

Results

The patients’ subjective assessments of the overall outcome after subcutaneous curettage were ‘very good’ in 36.4%, ‘good’ in 29.9% and ‘satisfactory’ in 16.9%. The subjective score of axillary sweating at rest was reduced to 40.0% after 6 months, and finally to 45.7% at the end of follow‐up (median: 28.2 months). Patients treated by BT‐A injection assessed outcome as ‘very good’ in 39.1%, ‘good’ in 21.7% and ‘satisfactory’ in 8.7%. Sweating at rest was reduced to 48.5% after 6 months, and finally to 68.8% at the end of follow‐up (median: 16.1 months). The mean duration of the antiperspiration effect of BT‐A was 7.6 months (median: 7 months), but there were two cases of long durations, i.e. 14 and 18 months.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous curettage and injection of BT‐A both present major advantages compared with earlier methods. Subcutaneous curettage offers the same permanent efficacy but far fewer side‐effects than sympathectomy, and less scarring than local excisional procedures, respectively. Of the conservative approaches BT‐A is by far the most efficacious. Patients should be informed of the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
Eruptive syringoma: 27 new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Soler‐Carrillo J , Estrach T , Mascaró JM
Published: July 2002

Background

Eruptive syringomas are uncommon eccrine sweat gland tumours. Only 64 cases have been reported in the literature.

Objective

Clinical findings of 27 patients with eruptive syringomas were reviewed over a 47‐year period.

Results

The tumours appeared as multiple yellow–brown‐coloured papules localized on the neck, anterior trunk, axillae, shoulders, abdomen or pubic area. This disorder occurs more frequently among women, and is frequent in the prepubertal as well as in the postpubertal age. The diagnosis was not clinically suspected in most cases.

Conclusions

Eruptive syringomas have to be considered in differential diagnosis of papular dermatosis at any age.