bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines
Authors: Azad M. A. K. , Biswas B. K. , Alam N. , Alam Sk. S.
Published: July 2012

Thirty yellow inbred lines of normal maize were evaluated for thirteen parameters at the experimental field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University during 2010-11 to study the genetic divergence using multivariate analysis. The thirty inbreds fell into six distinct clusters. The intra-cluster distances in all the six clusters were more or less low, indicating that the genotypes within the same cluster were closely related. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster I and cluster IV and the lowest between the cluster II and III. The cluster V and cluster IV contained the highest (9) and lowest (1) number of genotypes, respectively. Cluster VI showed the highest mean values for kernel yield and all the yield contributing traits except days to 50% tasseling and 50% silking. Cluster II had the lowest mean values for ear height and ear length. Days to maturity and ear diameter showed maximum contribution towards total divergence among different characters. Based on medium to high inter-cluster distances, six inbred lines viz. ML06, ML10, ML14, MK19, ML25 and ML26 were selected for hybrid program. Development of hybrids utilizing these genotypes has the chance to obtain higher heterosis with high performing crosses.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11066The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 64-70
Economic Evaluation and Yield Performance of Some Medicinal Plants in Coconut Based Multistoried Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Bari M. S. , Rahim M. A.
Published: July 2012

An experiment was conducted at the existing multistoried coconut orchard of the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to investigate the performance of three medicinal plants viz. aloe vera (Aloe indica), asparagus (Asparagus racemosus) and misridana (Kaempferia angustifolia) in coconut based multistoried agroforestry system (MAF) during March 2005 to March 2007. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Three treatments combinations were: T1- coconut + guava + individual three medicinal plant based agroforestry system, T2- coconut + lemon + individual three medicinal plant based agroforestry system, and T3- individual three medicinal plants in open condition. In the open condition, T3 received 100% sunlight; while coconut + guava based system (T1) and coconut + lemon based system (T2) were allowed 42 to 46% and 53 to 58% sunlight for the growth of the three medicinal plants, respectively. Coconut trees were planted thirty years before (August, 1978) in the spacing of 8m x 8m. As the middle layer plant, both guava and lemon were five years old. Spacing between plants of guava and/or lemon and between rows were 3m ´ 3m. The result showed that multistoried agroforestry systems resulted significant influence on yield and yield attributing parameters of the three medicinal plants. The results also revealed that among the three medicinal plants, asparagus and misridana produced maximum yield under MAF, while aloe vera yielded maximum in sole cropping. Despite of lower yields of aloe vera, the highest gross returns were observed under coconut based multistoried agroforestry systems compared to sole cropping. It was due to the substantial additional contribution by coconut, guava and lemon fruits in MAF, while extra benefit was absent under sole cropping condition. Moreover, between the two different combinations of coconut based multistoried agroforestry systems, the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was recorded from the coconut+guava based MAF (T1).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11067The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 71-80
Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) var. Cardinal and Heera
Authors: Khatun A. , Hasan M. M. , Bachchu M. A. A. , Moniruzzaman M. , Nasiruddin K. M.
Published: July 2012

Two potato varieties namely Cardinal and Heera were used in the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation experiment to investigate the genetic transformation ability in the Biotechnology laboratory of the Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during 2006 to 2007. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 having a binary vector pB1121 of 14 KDa containing selectable marker gene npt II (neomycine phosphotransferase II) conferring kanamycin resistance, and the CIPK antisense gene encoding calcineurin B-like protein were used. Leaf and internodes were used as explants. Expression of the transgene (GUS) was confirmed by histochemical analysis. The variety Cardinal was found more suitable for expressing best GUS response (80% GUS positive) over Heera.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11068The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 81-86
Effects of Drying Parameters on Dehydration of Green Banana (Musa sepientum) and its Use in Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Chips Formulation
Authors: Islam M. S. , Haque M. A. , Islam M. N.
Published: July 2012

The present study quantifies the drying kinetics of green banana during mechanical dehydration. The effect of loading density (sample thickness) and the temperature on the drying rate constant and drying time were investigated and quantified. Drying rate increased with increasing temperature but decreased with increase in loading density. The values of exponent n of the two parameters power law model describing the drying rate constant (as a function of thickness) were less than 2 which indicated the presence of significant external resistance to mass transfer despite the dominance of internal mass transfer resistance.  Investigation with three drying air temperatures (55, 60 and 65oC) at constant air velocity (0.6 m/sec) resulted that the increase in drying air temperature increased the drying process.  The moisture diffusivity values were 1.25×10-10, 1.67×10-10 and 2.19×10-10 m2/sec at 55, 60 and 65oC respectively. The activation energy (Ea) indicating the temperature dependence of the diffusivity was 51.21 KJ/mole obtained using Arrhenius model. Mixing of green banana flour in the potato chips formulation enhanced the fiber and mineral content in the product.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11069The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 87-97
Household Food Security Status of Marginal Farmers in Selected Storm Surge Prone Coastal Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Ektear
Published: July 2012

The objective of the study was to understand and describe the household food security status of the marginal farmers in a selected storm surge prone coastal area of Bangladesh. The study also assessed the extent of livelihood vulnerability and coping strategies of the storm surge affected marginal farmers. To collect data from the 30 randomly selected respondents a pre-tested structured interview schedule was administered during 01 to 10 October 2010. The finding reveals   that maximum marginal farmers were food insecured (56.67%), while 30% were moderately food secured and only 13% were food secured. Though adequate food was available in local markets those were beyond affordability. The partial food security was due to poor food utilization in marginal farmers family. The most three vulnerable options of livelihood for the marginal farmers were crop farming, fish farming and livestock farming. The respondent farmers adopted six self coping strategies and three assisted coping strategies to cope with the vulnerability and food insecurity.  The self coping strategies were decreasing the number and size of daily meals, consumption of wild food, selling labour at very low rate, selling fixed and movable household assets, contracting new loan at a high interest rate and cultivation of short duration crop. On the other hand, assisted coping strategies include relief food, social network and begging.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v10i1.11070The Agriculturists 2012; 10(1): 98-103
A Spinasteryl Glycoside from Ipomoea turpethum L. Herb (Stem) Growing in Bangladesh
Authors: Or Rashid Md Harun , Gafur Md Abdul , Sarker Md Moklesur Rahman , Karim Nurul
Published: July 2012

Chromatographic purification and spectroscopic analysis of the constituents from the stem  extract of Ipomoea turpethum L. reported 22, 23-dihydro-?-spinasteryl-?-D glucoside (H-1) in  addition to salicylic acid and N-p-comaryltyramine. The structures were elucidated by  spectroscopic analysis including 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C COSY, HMQC,  HMBC, UV and IR spectroscopy. 22, 23-dihydro-?-spinasteryl-?-D-glucoside is first reported  from Ipomoea turpethum. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10906 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 13-17, 2012
On Some Characterizations of Surfaces with Constant Curvature Zero
Authors: Hossain Mohd Altab
Published: July 2012

A class of surfaces with constant vanishing curvature is studied in this paper. The importance of this study lies in the fact that some of the special structures of this class of surfaces have been completely established. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10914 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 33-37, 2012
Background Chemical Study of Relocated Hazaribagh Tannery Complex Environment, Savar
Authors: Jolly YN , Choudhury TR , Islam A , Suravi NI , Sultana MS
Published: July 2012

A background study of the chemical constituents of some environmental samples - tannery   complex sand, river water, river sediment and river fishes collected from the Relocated Hazaribagh   Tannery Complex (RHTC) area, was carried out. In sand samples the mean values for pH, EC and   soluble salts were found to be 8.49, 0.02 mS/cm and 11.72 mg/kg and the mean concentrations of   elements K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Pb, Rb and Sr were 94.8, 68.5, 16.6, 2.68, 129, 1.19,   0.23, 0.70, 0.32, 0.62 and 1.03 mg/kg, respectively. In river water samples the average   concentrations of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, SO 4 -2, PO4 -3, Cl-1 and NO3 -1 were 13.09, 178,   0.41, 1.82, 0.073, 0.031, 0.010, 0.48, 0.057, 0.019, 15.6, 5.68 mg/l and the average values for pH,   EC, DO, BOD, SS and DS were 8.02 and 0.35 mS/cm, 6.29, 4.21, 0.06, 0.36 mg/l, respectively.   The elements K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr and Pb were measured in river sediment   samples at the limit of 205, 155, 67, 6.02, 17.2, 798, 1.10, 1.24, 1.99, 0.31, 2.34, 2.63 and 0.35   mg/kg, respectively. In some locally available fishes like tengra, puti, baim, taki, shrimp, chanda   and baila, only the elements K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Rb and Sr could be measured in all species of fishes in   the range of 0.39 - 1.01, 0.68 - 2.29, 60.6 - 125, 46.3 - 174, 2.84 - 61.8 and 12.3 - 38.0% in mg/kg,   respectively. In the light of the overall study, the chemical constituent levels of the environmental   samples of the RHTC area at present are low and the environment is not yet contaminated. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10919Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 45-51, 2012
Effects of Injury by a Pyralid Insect Pest on Duckweed Growth and Productivity in Minipond Ecosystem
Authors: Parven N , Bashar MA , Chowdhury MAK , Quraishi SB
Published: July 2012

The strategic points of a pyralid insect, Synclita occidentalis (Pylralidae, Lepidoptera) on duckweed productivity, life cycle and its association with duckweed (host-plant) in pond ecosystem was studied. A total of 16 samples were used to study the infestation intensity and the impact of pest on duckweed production. The insect was found deeply associated with duckweed to complete its life cycle. The pyralid insect attains its pest status at larval stage and continues up-to the pupal stage. Larval and pupal case-making and feeding adaptations were noted as the characteristic nature of injury. The larvae build case with duckweed fronds and roots and use duckweed fronds that failed to multiply further. The crop of larva was the largest and widest part of the alimentary canal  and varied exceedingly along with larval category. The experimental result indicated that pest impact in two different experimental miniponds was different in quantities but similar in mode of  action. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10920 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 53-59, 2012
Frequency of Vibrio cholerae in the Water and Plankton Samples of South- Western Coastal Aquatic Habitats of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Mansurul , Alam Munirul , Salam Abdus
Published: July 2012

Monthly environmental surveillance was carried out for three consecutive years in the coastal aquatic habitats of Mathbaria, with a view to assessing the culturability and abundance of V. cholerae. The study revealed that 93 samples (29%) out of 324 were positive for V. cholerae O1 on TCBS and TTGA culture media but no sample was found positive for V. cholerae O139 in the same culture media. On the other hand, all the water and plankton samples were found positive for V. cholerae O1 and O139 in DFA counting technique. Similarly, V. cholerae non-O1 and non- O139 were detected from all samples through culture methods throughout the investigation period.   V. cholerae O139 has been found to be absolutely non-responsive to artificial enrichment and culture media with the advancement of time. Therefore, water and plankton samples can also be concluded to be the additional reservoir of V. cholerae DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10922 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 71-78, 2012
Optical and Transport Properties of p-Type GaAs
Authors: Sharmin Mehnaz , Choudhury Shamima , Akhtar Nasrin , Begum Tahmina
Published: July 2012

Electrical properties such as electrical resistivity, Hall coefficient, Hall mobility, carrier concentration of p-type GaAs samples were studied at room temperature (300 K). Resistivity was  found to be of the order of 5.6 × 10-3?-cm. The Hall coefficient (RH) was calculated to be 7.69 × 10-1cm3/C and Hall mobility (?H) was found to be 131cm2/V-s at room temperature from Hall effect   measurements. Carrier concentration was estimated to be 8.12 × 1018/cm3 and the Fermi level was calculated directly from carrier density data which was 0.33 eV. Photoconductivity measurements  were carried on by varying sample current, light intensity and temperature at constant chopping     frequency 45.60 Hz in all the cases mentioned above. It was observed that within the range of sample current 0.1 - 0.25mA photoconductivity remains almost constant at room temperature 300K and it was found to be varying non-linearly with light intensity within the range 37 - 12780 lux. Photoconductivity was observed to be increasing linearly with temperature between 308 and 428 K. Absorption coefficient (?) of the samples has been studied with variation of wavelength (300 -  2500 nm). The value of optical band gap energy was calculated between 1.34 and 1.41eV for the material from the graph of (?h?)2 plotted against photon energy. The value of lattice parameter (a) was found to be 5.651 by implying X-ray diffraction method (XRD).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10926Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 97-107, 2012
Detection of Virulence Potential of Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Surface Water of Rivers Surrounding Dhaka City
Authors: Munshi Saurab Kishore , Rahman M Majibur , Noor Rashed
Published: July 2012

A total of 21 isolates were included randomly on the basis of their initial identification by the appearance of metallic sheen and from the biochemical traits to detect virulent markers of diarrhoeagenic E. Coli isolated from surface water. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates were determined against six most commonly used antibiotics. About 52% of the isolates showed resistance to at least one of the antibiotics. About 38% of the isolates were resistant to more than one antibiotics. However, all the isolates were sensitive to gentamicin (CN). Among the 21 isolates, a total of 5 randomly selected isolates were examined for the detection of virulent genes (elt, est and stx) by PCR based method. Among the 5 tested isolates, 3 harbored the gene stx encoding Shiga toxin (Stx) and 2 to elt encoding heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). None of the isolates contained est encoding heat-stable enterotoxin (ST). Data revealed that as the virulent marker genes  were detected, diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains present in the surface water would become a major public health concern. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10927 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 109-121, 2012
Surface Engineering for Bone Implants: A Trend from Passive to Active Surfaces
Authors: Bosco Ruggero , Van Den Beucken Jeroen , Leeuwenburgh Sander , Jansen John
Published: July 2012

The mechanical and biological properties of bone implants need to be optimal to form a quick and firm connection with the surrounding environment in load bearing applications. Bone is a connective tissue composed of an organic collagenous matrix, a fine dispersion of reinforcing inorganic (calcium phosphate) nanocrystals, and bone-forming and -degrading cells. These different components have a synergistic and hierarchical structure that renders bone tissue properties unique in terms of hardness, flexibility and regenerative capacity. Metallic and polymeric materials offer mechanical strength and/or resilience that are required to simulate bone tissue in load-bearing applications in terms of maximum load, bending and fatigue strength. Nevertheless, the interaction between devices and the surrounding tissue at the implant interface is essential for success or failure of implants. In that respect, coatings can be applied to facilitate the process of bone healing and obtain a continuous transition from living tissue to the synthetic implant. Compounds that are inspired by inorganic (e.g., hydroxyapatite crystals) or organic (e.g., collagen, extracellular matrix components, enzymes) components of bone tissue, are the most obvious candidates for application as implant coating to improve the performance of bone implants. This review provides an overview of recent trends and strategies in surface engineering that are currently investigated to improve the biological performance of bone implants in terms of functionality and biological efficacy.
Statistical Information Based Single Neuron Adaptive Control for Non-Gaussian Stochastic Systems
Authors: Ren Mifeng , Zhang Jianhua , Jiang Man , Tian Ye , Hou Guolian
Published: July 2012

Based on information theory, the single neuron adaptive control problem for stochastic systems with non-Gaussian noises is investigated in this paper. Here, the statistic information of the output within a receding window rather than the output value is used for the tracking problem. Firstly, the single neuron controller structure, which has the ability of self-learning and self-adaptation, is established. Then, an improved performance criterion is given to train the weights of the single neuron. Furthermore, the mean-square convergent condition of the proposed control algorithm is formulated. Finally, comparative simulation results are presented to show that the proposed algorithm is superior to the PID controller. The contributions of this work are twofold: (1) the optimal control algorithm is formulated in the data-driven framework, which needn’t the precise system model that is usually difficult to obtain; (2) the control problem of non-Gaussian systems can be effectively dealt with by the simple single neuron controller under improved minimum entropy criterion.
Reply to “Comment on the ‘Ground Water Chemistry Changes before Major Earthquakes and Possible Effects on Animals’, by R. A. Grant, T. Halliday, W. P. Balderer, F. Leuenberger, M. Newcomer, G. Cyr and F. T. Freund. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2011, 8, 1936–1956” from Friedemann Freund, Rachel Grant and Co-Authors
Authors: Freund Friedemann , Grant Rachel A.
Published: July 2012

We fully agree with Dr. Vassiliki Katsika-Tsigourakou that there is more than one possible explanation for the wide range of electromagnetic (EM) field bioeffects reported in the literature. In order to generate EM fields electric currents need to flow that oscillate. Currents that flow through the ground also generate electrical potentials. Such potentials can lead to electrochemical reactions at ground-water interfaces such as the demonstrated oxidation of water to hydrogen peroxide [1]. EM emissions and electrochemical reactions are therefore manifestations of the same physical process in the natural environment. [...]
A Cluster Randomized Trial to Evaluate a Health Education Programme “Living with Sun at School”
Authors: Sancho-Garnier Hélène , Pereira Bruno , Césarini Pierre
Published: July 2012

Over-exposure to sunlight increases the risk of skin cancers, particularly when exposure occurs during childhood. School teachers can play an active role in providing an education programme that can help prevent this. “Living with the Sun,” (LWS) is a sun safety education program for school children based on a handy guide for classroom activities designed to improve children’s knowledge, but moreover to positively modify their sun safety attitudes and behaviours. The goal of our study was to determine the effectiveness of this programme by examining children’s knowledge, attitude and sun exposure behaviours prior to and after the completion of the programme. We carried out a cluster randomised trial in which the classes were randomly assigned to one of two groups; one using the LWS programme and another that didn’t, serving as the control. Data was collected before completion of the programme and an additional three times in the year after completion. The 70 participating classes (1,365 schoolchildren) were distributed throughout France. Statistical analysis confirmed that knowledge of sun risk increased significantly in the LWS classes (p < 0.001). Both groups positively changed their attitudes when considering the best sun protection, but the LWS group proved to consistently be more convinced (p = 0.04). After the summer holidays, differences between the two groups decreased throughout the year but stayed globally significant. We also observed some significant behaviour modification during the holidays. For instance, the LWS group applied sunscreen more frequently than the control group, and were more likely to wear a hat (72% versus 59%) and use a sun umbrella on the beach (75% versus 64%).
Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1→3)-β-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing
Authors: Medeiros Sarah Dantas Viana , Cordeiro Sara Lima , Cavalcanti Jéssica Escorel Chaves , Melchuna Karina Mendes , Lima Aleida Maria da Silva , Filho Irami Araújo , Medeiros Aldo Cunha , Rocha Keyla Borges Ferreira , Oliveira Elizabeth Maia , Faria Eduardo Dantas Baptista , Sassaki Guilherme Lanzi , Rocha Hugo Alexandre Oliveira , Sales Valéria Soraya Farias
Published: July 2012

Water-insoluble glucan was isolated from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast cells were treated with alkali and the residue then with acid. Chemical and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses showed that a linear (1→3)-β-glucan was purified that was not contaminated with other carbohydrates, proteins or phenolic compounds. The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing.
Welcome to Lubricants, a New Open Access Journal for Interdisciplinary Research in the Field of Tribology
Authors: Krzanowski James E.
Published: July 2012

Welcome to Lubricants, a new open access journal for researchers and practitioners working in the field of tribology. The journal will publish peer-reviewed research papers, reviews, letters and communications, as well as papers on research ideas and proposals. The concept of open access is exciting because it allows free access of all publications to anyone, resulting in the widest dissemination possible for the authors publishing in the journal. In addition, publication is rapid, and full use can be made of color figures which are published at no additional cost to the authors. The contents of the journal will nonetheless be archival and articles can therefore have a long-term impact. [...]
Photonic Paint Developed with Metallic Three-Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Sun Po , Williams John D.
Published: July 2012

This work details the design and simulation of an inconspicuous photonic paint that can be applied onto an object for anticounterfeit and tag, track, and locate (TTL) applications. The paint consists of three-dimensional metallic tilted woodpile photonic crystals embedded into a visible and infrared transparent polymer film, which can be applied to almost any surface. The tilted woodpile photonic crystals are designed with a specific pass band detectable at nearly all incident angles of light. When painted onto a surface, these crystals provide a unique reflective infra-red optical signature that can be easily observed and recorded to verify the location or contents of a package.
Formamido-Diterpenes from the South China Sea Sponge Acanthella cavernosa
Authors: Xu Ying , Lang Jun-Hui , Jiao Wei-Hua , Wang Ru-Ping , Peng Ying , Song Shao-Jiang , Zhang Bao-Hua , Lin Hou-Wen
Published: July 2012

Seven new formamido-diterpenes, cavernenes A–D (1–4), kalihinenes E and F (5–6), and kalihipyran C (7), together with five known compounds (8–12), were isolated from the South China Sea sponge Acanthella cavernosa. Structures were established using IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and single X-ray diffraction techniques. The isolated compounds were assessed for their cytotoxicity against a small panel of human cancer cell lines (HCT-116, A549, HeLa, QGY-7701, and MDA-MB-231) with IC50 values in the range of 6–18 μM. In addition, compound 9 showed weak antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum with MIC values of 8 and 32 μg/mL, respectively, compound 10 displayed weak antifungal activity against fungi Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, T. rubrum, and M. gypseum with MIC values of 8, 8, 4, and 8 μg/mL, respectively.
Novel Antimicrobial Organic Thermal Stabilizer and Co-Stabilizer for Rigid PVC
Authors: Fahmy Mona M. , Mohamed Riham R. , Mohamed Nadia A.
Published: July 2012

Biologically active N-benzoyl-4-(N-maleimido)-phenylhydrazide (BMPH) was synthesized and its structure was confirmed by elemental analysis and various spectral tools. It was examined as a thermal stabilizer and co-stabilizer for rigid poly (vinyl chloride) at 180 °C in air. Blending BMPH with reference samples in different ratios greatly lengthens the thermal stability value and improves the extent of discoloration of PVC. TGA confirmed the improved stability of PVC in presence of the investigated organic stabilizer. GPC measurements were done to investigate the changes occurred in the molecular masses of the degraded samples of blank PVC and PVC in presence of the novel stabilizer. BMPH showed good antimicrobial activity towards two kinds of bacteria and two kinds of fungi.
Platinum Clusters on Vacancy-Type Defects of Nanometer-Sized Graphene Patches
Authors: Yumura Takashi , Awano Tatsuya , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Yamabe Tokio
Published: July 2012

Density functional theory calculations found that spin density distributions of platinum clusters adsorbed on nanometer-size defective graphene patches with zigzag edges deviate strongly from those in the corresponding bare clusters, due to strong Pt-C interactions. In contrast, platinum clusters on the pristine patch have spin density distributions similar to the bare cases. The different spin density distributions come from whether underlying carbon atoms have radical characters or not. In the pristine patch, center carbon atoms do not have spin densities, and they cannot influence radical characters of the absorbed cluster. In contrast, radical characters appear on the defective sites, and thus spin density distributions of the adsorbed clusters are modulated by the Pt-C interactions. Consequently, characters of platinum clusters adsorbed on the sp2 surface can be changed by introducing vacancy-type defects.
Effect of Ionic Liquid on the Determination of Aromatic Amines as Contaminants in Hair Dyes by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Lizier Thiago Mescoloto , Boldrin Zanoni Maria Valnice
Published: July 2012

The room temperature ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis-(trifluorometanesulfonyl)imide BMIm[NTf2] was used as a novel medium for improvement of separation and quantization of 16 aromatic amines typically present as contaminants in consumer products and detected by HPLC coupled to an electrochemical detector. The aromatic amines, namely 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4-chloroaniline, 2-methoxy-5-methyl-aniline, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 2,4-diaminotoluidine, 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline, 4,4'-oxydianiline, aniline, 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, o-dianisidine, o-anisidine, o-toluidine, 4,4'-methylene-bis-2-chloroaniline and 2-naphthyl-amine are oxidized in methanol/BMIm[NTf2] at a potential around +0.68V to +0.93V vs. Ag/AgCl at a glassy carbon electrode, which is the base for their determination by HPLC/ED. Using the optimized conditions of methanol/BMIm[NTf2] 70:30 (v/v) as mobile phase, flow-rate of 0.8 mL·min−1, column CLC-ODS, Eap = +1.0 V and T = 40 °C analytical curves were constructed for each of the tested amines. Good linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 1.09 mg·L−1 to 217 mg·L−1, with excellent correlation coefficients. The limits of detection reached 0.021 mg·L−1 to 0.246 mg·L−1 and good relative standard deviations (RSD, n = 3) were obtained from the measurements. Satisfactory recovery for each aromatic amine was achieved, ranging from 95 to 103%. The developed method was successfully applied to determine six aromatic amines present as contaminants in commercial hair dye samples.
Analysis of Uncertainty and Repeatability of a Low-Cost 3D Laser Scanner
Authors: Polo María-Eugenia , Felicísimo Ángel M.
Published: July 2012

Portable 3D laser scanners are a valuable tool for compiling elaborate digital collections of archaeological objects and analysing the shapes and dimensions of pieces. Although low-cost desktop 3D laser scanners have powerful capacities, it is important to know their limitations. This paper performs an analysis of the uncertainty and repeatability of the NextEngineTM portable low-cost 3D laser scanner by scanning an object 20 times in two different resolution modes—Macro and Wide. Some dimensions of the object were measured using a digital calliper, and these results were used as the “true” or control data. In comparing the true and the scanned data, we verified that the mean uncertainty in the Macro Mode is approximately half that of the Wide Mode, at ±0.81 mm and ±1.66 mm, respectively. These experimental results are significantly higher than the accuracy specifications provided by the manufacturer. An analysis of repeatability shows that the successive replicates do not match in the same position. The results are better in Macro Mode than in Wide Mode; it is observed that the repeatability factor is slightly larger than the corresponding mode accuracy, with ±0.84 vs. ±0.81 mm in Macro Mode and ±1.82 vs. ±1.66 mm in Wide Mode. We suggest several improvements, such as adding an external reference scale or providing a calibrated object to allow for a self-calibration operation of the scanner.
Tourism and Microcluster in Aysén, Chile
Authors: Scholz Wolfgang , Breuste Jürgen , Bourlon Fabien , Hernandez Jorge Rojas , Salinas Robinson Torres
Published: July 2012

This article analyzes the development of economic clusters and their relationship to tourism. Tourism clusters can be a useful tool to promote tourism in a particular area. However, for their implementation, there are conditions to consider when transferring the cluster concept to tourism.
With reference to the case study region of Aysén in Patagonia, Chile, the article analyzes the current situation of tourism development and its weaknesses with special attention to the local actors involved in tourism. The author's team conducted an intensive survey on stakeholders
in tourism in the region. This revealed the need for cooperation and tailor-made training of local actors in order to develop tourism in Aysén for the benefit of the local stakeholders.
Expanding the chemical diversity of spirooxindoles via alkylative pyridine dearomatization
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Liang Bo , Stephenson Corey R J
Published: July 2012

A mild and practical synthesis of spirooxindole [1,3]oxazino derivatives from N-substituted isatins and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with pyridine derivatives is reported. The reactions provided good to excellent yields. Further exploration of the molecular diversity of these compounds is demonstrated through Diels–Alder reactions.
Variants Within STAT Genes Reveal Association with Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2 European Populations
Authors: SEDDIGHZADEH MARIA , GONZALEZ ANTONIO , DING BO , FERREIRO-IGLESIAS AIDA , GOMEZ-REINO JUAN J. ,   Rheumatoid Arthritis Network and Coordinated Project, KLARESKOG LARS , ALFREDSSON LARS , DUNUSSI-JOANNOPOULOS KYRI , CLARK JAMES D. , PADYUKOV LEONID
Published: July 2012

Objective.

STAT3 and 4 are, among other factors, critical for the interleukin 12 (IL-12)-mediated Th1 response, for transfer of IL-23 signals, and for survival and expansion of Th17 cells. We investigated the association of STAT3 and STAT4 polymorphisms with serologically distinct subgroups of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

A total of 41 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within STAT3 and STAT1-STAT4 loci were investigated in a Swedish cohort of 2043 RA cases and 1115 controls. Nine of the associated SNP were tested in a Spanish cohort of 1223 RA cases and 1090 controls.

Results.

Fourteen SNP in the STAT3 and STAT1-STAT4 loci were associated with anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-negative RA in the Swedish cohort. Three of the SNP inSTAT4and 2 SNP inSTAT3remained associated with ACPA-negative RA after considering the Spanish results. In addition, rs7574865 and rs10181656, inSTAT4, were associated with ACPA-positive RA in the Swedish study. One of these SNP, rs7574865, showed a similar pattern of the association in serologically distinct subgroups of RA in a metaanalysis of all 7 published studies.

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that variants in STAT genes may contribute differentially to susceptibility to RA in seropositive and in seronegative patients.
Noninvasive Measurement of Skin Autofluorescence Is Increased in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: An Indicator of Increased Advanced Glycation Endproducts?
Authors: MURRAY ANDREA K. , MOORE TONIA L. , MANNING JOANNE B. , GRIFFITHS CHRISTOPHER E.M. , HERRICK ARIANE L.
Published: July 2012

Objective.

Skin autofluorescence noninvasively assesses expression of advanced glycation endproducts and therefore potentially the presence of oxidative stress that is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated whether autofluorescence was increased in patients with SSc, primary Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), and morphea as compared to healthy controls.

Methods.

Measurements of autofluorescence were made at 5 upper limb sites in 16 healthy controls, 16 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), 15 with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), 15 with primary RP, and 13 with morphea. For patients with morphea, additional measurements were made at the affected and an adjacent unaffected site.

Results.

Autofluorescence was significantly increased in patients with dcSSc but not lcSSc as compared to controls at the proximal phalanx [dcSSc median 0.15, interquartile range (IQR) 0.10–0.24, vs control 0.10, IQR 0.07–0.13; p = 0.014], dorsum of the hand (dcSSc 0.17, IQR 0.11–0.36, vs control 0.12, IQR 0.09–0.17; p = 0.031), the wrist (dcSSc 0.22, IQR 0.13–0.33, vs control 0.13, IQR 0.09–0.18; p = 0.005), and forearm (dcSSc 0.19, IQR 0.12–0.47, vs control 0.14, IQR 0.10–0.16; p = 0.022). There was a trend for autofluorescence to be increased in patients with lcSSc and at morphea sites, compared to noninvolved skin.

Conclusion.

Autofluorescence is increased in patients with dcSSc compared to primary RP and to healthy controls. This suggests increased oxidative stress and the potential for autofluorescence as a biomarker.
Etanercept Concentration in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Potential Influence on Treatment Decisions: A Pilot Study
Authors: DAÏEN CLAIRE IMMEDIATO , DAÏEN VINCENT , PARUSSINI ERMIS , DUPUY ANNE-MARIE , COMBE BERNARD , MOREL JACQUES
Published: July 2012

Objective.

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), recommendations are inconclusive about whether tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-blocker therapy should be evaluated at 3 or 6 months. Biomarkers are needed to predict at 3 months which patients would benefit from further treatment because of nonoptimal response. Our objective was to investigate whether serum etanercept (ETN) concentrations and anti-ETN antibodies at 3 months are predictors of clinical response to ETN at 6 months in patients with RA in terms of European League Against Rheumatism criteria and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28).

Methods.

Between 2009 and 2010, we included 19 women with active RA who were candidates for ETN therapy. Response criteria were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Serum concentrations of ETN and anti-ETN antibodies were measured by ELISA at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

Results.

Eighteen patients completed followup. Three-month ETN concentrations were lower for 6-month nonresponders than responders (p = 0.03). Three-month ETN levels correlated significantly with change in DAS28 between baseline and 6 months (r = −0.62, p = 0.006). The best predictor of response at 6 months was observed with an ETN threshold of 3.1 μg/ml at 3 months. No anti-ETN antibodies were found.

Conclusion.

ETN concentrations at 3 months predict response to ETN therapy at 6 months. Low ETN concentrations could explain the absence of response to ETN, suggesting that patients with low ETN levels could benefit from increased ETN dose or earlier interruption of treatment.
The Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis Burden and Its Relation to Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Black and White Africans with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: SOLOMON AHMED , WOODIWISS ANGELA J. , ABDOOL-CARRIM ABU T. , STEVENS BELINDA A. , NORTON GAVIN R. , DESSEIN PATRICK H.
Published: July 2012

Objective.

Black Africans currently experience a distinctly low frequency of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Whether this protection persists in those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. We compared the carotid atherosclerosis burden and its relationships with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors between Africans with RA from a developing black and developed CV population.

Methods.

We performed high resolution B-mode ultrasonography and assessed CV risk factors in 243 patients with established RA, of whom 121 were black and 122 white. Data were analyzed in age, sex, and healthcare center-adjusted regression models.

Results.

The mean ± SD common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was 0.694 ± 0.097 mm in black and 0.712 ± 0.136 mm in white patients (adjusted p = 0.8). Plaque prevalence was also similar in black compared to white cases (35.5% and 44.3%, respectively; adjusted OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.32–2.20, p = 0.7). Interactions between population grouping and several CV risk factors were independently associated with cIMT and plaque. In stratified analysis, that is, in each population group separately, risk factors associated with cIMT or/and plaque comprised the systolic blood pressure (p = 0.02), serum cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (p = 0.004), C-reactive protein concentrations (p = 0.01), and the presence of extraarticular manifestations (p = 0.01) in whites but, contrastingly, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales tension score (p = 0.04) and use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent (p = 0.03) in black patients. The Framingham score was significantly associated with atherosclerosis only in whites (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion.

The carotid atherosclerosis burden is similar in black compared to white Africans with RA, but relationships between modifiable CV risk factors and atherosclerosis vary substantially among Africans with RA.
Differential Gene Expression Profiles May Differentiate Responder and Nonresponder Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis for Methotrexate (MTX) Monotherapy and MTX plus Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Combined Therapy
Authors: OLIVEIRA RENÊ DONIZETI RIBEIRO , FONTANA VANESSA , JUNTA CRISTINA MORAES , MARQUES MÁRCIA MARIA CHIQUITELLI , MACEDO CLÁUDIA , RASSI DIANE MEYRE , PASSOS GERALDO ALEIXO , DONADI EDUARDO ANTONIO , LOUZADA-JUNIOR PAULO
Published: July 2012

Objective.

We aimed to evaluate whether the differential gene expression profiles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could distinguish responders from nonresponders to methotrexate (MTX) and, in the case of MTX nonresponders, responsiveness to MTX plus anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) combined therapy.

Methods.

We evaluated 25 patients with RA taking MTX 15–20 mg/week as a monotherapy (8 responders and 17 nonresponders). All MTX nonresponders received infliximab and were reassessed after 20 weeks to evaluate their anti-TNF responsiveness using the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. A differential gene expression analysis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed in terms of hierarchical gene clustering, and an evaluation of differentially expressed genes was performed using the significance analysis of microarrays program.

Results.

Hierarchical gene expression clustering discriminated MTX responders from nonresponders, and MTX plus anti-TNF responders from nonresponders. The evaluation of only highly modulated genes (fold change > 1.3 or < 0.7) yielded 5 induced (4 antiapoptotic and CCL4) and 4 repressed (4 proapoptotic) genes in MTX nonresponders compared to responders. In MTX plus anti-TNF non-responders, the CCL4, CD83, and BCL2A1 genes were induced in relation to responders.

Conclusion.

Study of the gene expression profiles of RA peripheral blood cells permitted differentiation of responders from nonresponders to MTX and anti-TNF. Several candidate genes in MTX non-responders (CCL4, HTRA2, PRKCD, BCL2A1, CAV1, TNIP1, CASP8AP2, MXD1, and BTG2) and 3 genes in MTX plus anti-TNF nonresponders (CCL4, CD83, and BCL2A1) were identified for further study.
Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Authors: SCHEIMAN ELAZARY ANAT , COHEN MATAN J. , AAMAR SUHAIL , DRANITZKI ZVI , TAYER-SHIFMAN OSHRAT , MEVORACH DROR , BEN-CHETRIT ELDAD , NAPARSTEK YAAKOV
Published: July 2012

Objective.

To characterize the clinical manifestations of patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) and pulmonary hemorrhage (PH).

Methods.

We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of patients with APS who were followed up from 1980 to 2011. Of these patients, only those who fulfilled the Sydney criteria for APS were included. Patients with APS that manifested with PH were called the PHAPS group. The rest of the patients with APS served as controls. Clinical manifestations were compared between the PHAPS group and controls.

Results.

Sixty-three patients fulfilled the criteria for APS. Thirteen experienced PH and were included in the PHAPS group. Seventy-five percent of the patients with PHAPS and 22% of the controls had mitral valve disease (p = 0.001). Central nervous system (CNS) involvement (cerebrovascular accident, seizures) was present in 61% and 16% of the patients with PHAPS and controls, respectively (p = 0.001). Skin involvement (livedo reticularis, chronic leg ulcers) was present in 54% and 8% of the patients with PHAPS and controls (p = 0.001). Pregnancy morbidity occurred in 87.5% and 32.5% of the patients with PHAPS and controls (p = 0.005). Ninety-two percent and 83% of the patients with PHAPS had high-titer immunoglobulin γ (IgG) anticardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein I IgG antibodies compared to 43% and 30% of the controls (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion.

Patients with PHAPS were more likely than controls to have mitral valve disease, skin disease, CNS involvement, and pregnancy morbidity as well as high-titer APS. PHAPS seems to be a unique subgroup of all patients with APS.
RANK-RANKL-OPG in Hemophilic Arthropathy: From Clinical and Imaging Diagnosis to Histopathology
Authors: MELCHIORRE DANIELA , MILIA ANNA FRANCA , LINARI SILVIA , ROMANO ELOISA , BENELLI GEMMA , MANETTI MIRKO , GUIDUCCI SERENA , CECCARELLI CLAUDIA , INNOCENTI MASSIMO , CARULLI CHRISTIAN , CIVININI ROBERTO , MORFINI MASSIMO , MATUCCI-CERINIC MARCO , IBBA-MANNESCHI LIDIA
Published: July 2012

Objective.

Hemarthrosis triggers hemophilic arthropathy, involving the target joints. The histopathogenesis of blood-induced joint damage remains unclear. The triad of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG; RANK-RANKL-OPG) controls bone turnover. Our aim was to evaluate RANK-RANKL-OPG expression in the synovium of hemophilic patients with severe arthropathy.

Methods.

Synovial biopsies were obtained from 18 patients with hemophilic arthropathy and 16 with osteoarthritis (OA) who were undergoing total knee replacement and synovectomy. The severity of hemophilic arthropathy was evaluated according to ultrasonography score, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) orthopedic joint scale, and the radiographic Pettersson score. RANK-RANKL-OPG expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Serum levels of soluble RANKL (sRANKL) and OPG from an extended group of 67 patients with hemophilic arthropathy and 30 healthy controls were measured by ELISA.

Results.

The mean ultrasonography, WFH orthopedic joint scale, and Pettersson scores in patients with hemophilic arthropathy indicated severe arthropathy. A decreased expression of OPG was found in hemophilic arthropathy synovium compared with patients with OA. RANK and RANKL immunopositivity was strong in the lining and sublining layers in hemophilic arthropathy synovial tissue. Western blotting confirmed the immunohistological findings. Serum levels of sRANKL and OPG in patients with hemophilia were lower than in healthy controls.

Conclusion.

In hemophilic arthropathy, the synovium highly expressed RANK and RANKL, whereas OPG immunopositivity decreased, suggesting an osteoclastic activation. Low tissue expression of OPG paralleled the serum levels of this protein and the severity of hemophilic arthropathy assessed by ultrasonography, Pettersson, and WFH orthopedic joint scale scores.