bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Smoke-Free Laws on Asthma Discharges: A Multistate Analysis
Authors: Landers Glenn
Published: December 2013

Objectives. This is the first, to my knowledge, multistate, county-level analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project state inpatient data to examine the relationship between smoke-free laws and asthma discharges.

Methods. I used treatment and control groups to examine the effects of state and county or city smoke-free laws separately and together (2002–2009). I compared quarterly county-level discharge rates before and after the implementation of 12 state smoke-free laws, accounting for counties with preexisting county or city smoke-free laws and using the data from 5 states without state smoke-free laws as a control group. I used difference-in-differences models, controlling for year and state fixed effects, state cigarette taxes, seasonality, and numerous county-level factors.

Results. I observed statistically significant reductions in asthma discharges after the implementation of county smoke-free laws but no statistically significant effect of state laws besides the effect of county laws or of state laws alone. There was also no statistically significant effect of any smoke-free law on appendicitis discharges.

Conclusions. It may be unwise to pursue state smoke-free laws where they have yet to pass; rather, efforts might be better focused at the local level, where there is evidence of a significant impact.
Understanding the Rural–Urban Differences in Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use and Abuse in the United States
Authors: Keyes Katherine M. , Cerdá Magdalena , Brady Joanne E. , Havens Jennifer R. , Galea Sandro
Published: December 2013

Nonmedical prescription opioid misuse remains a growing public problem in need of action and is concentrated in areas of US states with large rural populations such as Kentucky, West Virginia, Alaska, and Oklahoma. We developed hypotheses regarding the influence of 4 factors: (1) greater opioid prescription in rural areas, creating availability from which illegal markets can arise; (2) an out-migration of young adults; (3) greater rural social and kinship network connections, which may facilitate drug diversion and distribution; and (4) economic stressors that may create vulnerability to drug use more generally. A systematic consideration of the contexts that create differences in availability, access, and preferences is critical to understanding how drug use context varies across geography.
The Importance of Public Health Agency Independence: Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling in Pennsylvania
Authors: Goldstein Bernard D.
Published: December 2013

Public health often deals with inconvenient truths. These are best communicated and acted on when public health agencies are independent of the organizations or individuals for whom the truths are inconvenient. The importance of public health independence is exemplified by the lack of involvement of the Pennsylvania Department of Health in responding to health concerns about shale gas drilling. Pennsylvania Department of Health involvement has been forestalled by the state governor, who has intensely supported shale gas development.
Romantic Partners in a Market Perspective: Expectations about What Ensures a Highly Desirable Partner
Authors: Castro Felipe N. , Hattori Wallisen T. , Yamamoto Maria Emília , Lopes Fívia A.
Published: December 2013

This study used the biological market perspective and influential statistical models from the marketing field to investigate males' and females' expectations regarding which combination of characteristics are most relevant in ensuring desirable partnerships for same-sex individuals. Thus, 358 Brazilian undergraduates assessed eight descriptions of same-gender stimulus targets (formulated with different levels of physical attractiveness, social skills, and current or prospective social status) and evaluated the overall desirability of the targets' expected or probable partners. From the possible combinations, three groups emerged: for one group, mainly composed of men, status characteristics were the most important attributes; for the others, mostly composed of women, social skills or physical characteristics were identified as most important in appealing to a desirable partner. This work expands the understanding of variability in male and female romantic expectations, and its implications are discussed from an evolutionary perspective.
Fasciola hepatica — the pilot study of in vitro assessing immune response against native and recombinant antigens of the fluke
Authors: Bąska Piotr , Zawistowska-Deniziak Anna , Zdziarska Anna , Wasyl Katarzyna , Wiśniewski Marcin , Cywińska Anna , Klockiewicz Maciej , Januszkiewicz Kamil , Wędrychowicz Halina
Published: December 2013

Fasciola hepatica is a liver fluke that infects 2.4 million of people and causes great economical loss in animal production. To date a 100% effective vaccine has not been developed and the disease is controlled by drug therapy. Great efforts are put into development of effective vaccine against parasite what is difficult since Fasciola spp. (like other helmints) during evolutionary process has developed sophisticated and efficient methods to evade immune response. During preliminary experiments it is convenient to use cell lines which are relatively cheap and allow for reproducible comparison of results between laboratories. We stimulated BOMA (bovine monocyte/macrophage cell line) and BOMAC (bovine macrophage cell line) with native or recombinant antigens of Fasciola hepatica and assessed IFN-γ, IL-4 and TNF-α level upon stimulation. We observed diminished secretion of proinflammatory TNF-α in LPS activated BOMA cells stimulated with Excretory/Secretory products of adult fluke (Fh-ES). We also observed greater changes in gene expression in LPS activated BOMA cells than in non activated BOMA cells upon stimulation using Fh-ES. The results show possibility of using cell lines for in vitro research of bovine immune response against liver fluke, although this model still requires validation and further characterization.
The first detection of nematodes Ashworthius sidemi in elk Alces alces (L.) in Poland and remarks of ashworthiosis foci limitations
Authors: Demiaszkiewicz Aleksander , Kuligowska Izabela , Lachowicz Jacek , Pyziel Anna , Moskwa Bożena
Published: December 2013

Ashworthius sidemi, a nematode belonging to the family of Trichostrongylidae, is a primary parasite of the Asian deer, mainly sika deer (Cervus nippon), with which it was introduced to Ukraine, as well as Slovakia, the Czech Republic and France. Migrating red deer carried this parasite from neighboring countries to Polish territory. Until now, in Poland, this parasite has been recorded in European bison, red deer, roe deer and fallow deer. As a result of post-mortem examinations of 10 elk, 2 of them from the Augustów Forest and Biebrza Marshes, A. sidemi were found in abomasa for the first time in Poland. The intensity of the invasions was 120 and 7 specimens, respectively. This finding of Ashworthius sidemi in elk indicates a further expansion of the focus of ashworthiosis in BiaŁowieża towards the north into the Biebrza Marshes and the Augustowska Forest. The growth of the elk population and their tendency for long distance migrations can contribute to the spread of the parasitosis in much greater distances than deer. On the basis of our own research and data from the literature, the current spread of ashworthiosis in Poland is discussed.
Ultrastructure of the digestive system and experimental study of feeding in the monogenean skin and fin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis
Authors: Arafa Safaa , El-Naggar Mohammed , Kearn Graham
Published: December 2013

In the present study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to study the ultrastructure of the digestive system, namely the pharynx, oesophageal glands and intestine, of the monogenean skin and fin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis. The pharynx consists of an anterior highly muscular region and a posterior mainly glandular syncytial region. The anterior region is provided with six pharyngeal papillae, the centre of each of which is occupied by electron dense secretory bodies, identical with those in the posterior region of the pharynx. The intestine has an uninterrupted syncytial gastrodermis and the luminal surface is provided with many unbranched lamellae. The intestine of living specimens contains large and small granules which give it a reddish brown colour. Large particles, presumed to be lipid droplets, and small granules, presumed to be melanin granules, were found in the gastrodermis and in the intestinal lumen. Parasites were induced to feed and then preserved for TEM at the following intervals: just after feeding, 30 min after feeding, 1 h 30 min after feeding and 2 h after feeding. The specimens were then processed for TEM and sections cut through the intestine of each specimen were examined with the transmission electron microscope. Three types of vacuoles (V1, V2, V3) were detected in the gastrodermis. Vacuoles V1 have thick walls and are likely to be endocytotic, enclosing luminal contents at the surface of the gastrodermis. V2 vacuoles may be lysosomes that fuse with V1 vacuoles. V3 vacuoles may serve to dispose of residual digestive material into the lumen.
Parasites of juvenile golden grey mullet Liza aurata Risso, 1810 in Sarıkum Lagoon Lake at Sinop, Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Türkay
Published: December 2013

Juvenile golden grey mullet, Liza aurata were collected from Sarıkum Lagoon Lake which connected to the Black Sea at Sinop, Turkey and examined for parasitic fauna. A total of 219 fish were investigated throughout a 1-year period. Parasite species recovered were Trichodina lepsii, T. puytoraci, Gyrodactylus sp., Ligophorus cephali, Ligophorus mediterraneus, Solostamenides mugilis, Ascocotyle sp. (metacercaria) and Ergasilus lizae. Overall infection prevalence (%) and mean intensity values were 95.9% and 412.65 ± 85.31 parasites per infected fish, respectively. Infection prevalence and mean intensity values for each parasite species in relation to season and fish size were also determined and discussed. While Ligophorus cephali and L. mediterraneus are new records for Turkish parasite fauna, the juvenile Liza aurata is a new host record for Ligophorus cephali and L. mediterraneus.
Associations between Demodex species infestation and various types of cancer
Authors: Sönmez Özlem , Yalçın Zeliha , Karakeçe Engin , Çiftci İhsan , Erdem Teoman
Published: December 2013

Tumor-associated immune system cells secrete protease and cytokines that can inhibit the immune response. In particular, T-cell effector functions could be inhibited, potentially causing an increase in parasitic infestations. Demodex species are common inhabitants of normal hair follicles. Humans are the specific host for two species Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and infestation of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in patients with cancer. In the present study, 101 patients with cancer were selected from among patients who were diagnosed and treated for cancer. The cancer patients were divided into four groups according to cancer type. Slides were examined for parasites using light microscopy at magnifications of ×40 and ×100. Infestation was defined as having at least five living parasites/cm2 of skin. The ages of the patients with cancer ranged between 38 and 82 years, with a mean of 65.5±10.1 years. It was determined that 77 of the 101 (76.2%) cancer patients were positive for Demodex species. Infestation was positive in 18 (47.4%) of the 38 cases in the breast cancer group, 7 (29.2%) of the 24 cases in the lung cancer group, 5 (18.5%) of the 27 cases in the gastrointestinal system cancer group, and 2 (16.7%) of the 12 cases in the urogenital system cancer group. Results showed that the rate of Demodex species infestation was higher in patients with breast cancer. Thus, cancer — and particularly breast cancer — is a risk factor for Demodex species infestation.
Can the studies at a spatial scale of 100s meters detect the spatiotemporal fluctuations of a parasite assemblage?
Authors: Parietti Manuela , Merlo Matías , Etchegoin Jorge
Published: December 2013

The importance of small-scale heterogeneity in local factors which overrides that of larger-scales factors, suggest that local factors play a major role in determining the richness and prevalence of larval digeneans in intertidal gastropods. The restricted distribution of the snail Heleobia australis along a 500 m transect in Cangrejo creek (Mar Chiquita, Argentina) provides a good opportunity to test the assumption that a study at spatial scale of 100s meters can detect spatiotemporal fluctuations of a larval digenean assemblage. To analyze that, 3600 specimens of H. australis were collected seasonally during the year 2011. A quantitative variation and a space-time interaction between sampling points and seasons of the year for the total prevalence of larval digeneans and snail’s densities were found, as well as a positive correlation with abiotic factors. These results revealed that the fluctuations in the community of larval digeneans of the snail H. australis can be detected at small spatial scale, using its natural distribution of 500 m. This study also highlights the importance of seasonality as a factor that must be considered in studies focused on the search for patterns structuring the communities of larval digeneans, at medium and large scales.
The Effect of Nanocomposite Coating with Different Concentrations on Fatigue Life of Carbon Steel AISI 1045
Authors: Aldousari Saad M. A Saad M.
Published: December 2013

Recently, nano-materials have received more attention due to their potential application as practical structural and functional materials. The unique mechanical properties of CNTs, especially their high strength and stiffness, make them highly attractive for potential improvement of mechanical properties of structural materials. The aim of this research is to investigate experimentally the effect of coated nano-composite with different concentrations on fatigue life behaviour of carbon steel specimens with 0.3 μm surface finish. Nano-adhesives of epoxy resin are synthesized and evaluated. They are modified by multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) (0.3 wt.- %, 0.5 wt.- %, 0.7 wt.- %) as reinforcement. Fatigue tests are conducted on specimens using a rotating bending machine of the cantilever type to evaluate the fatigue strength and these are compared with them obtained for the neat material. By comparing the results of specimens coated with different concentrations of MWCNT-epoxy composition with the base materials, it is found that 0.5 wt.- % of MWCNT composition is the best selection for specimens having 0.3 μm roughness. As compared to the base materials, the fatigue life increased by 383 %, 785 %, 1239 %, and 800 % by coating with neat epoxy as well as with 0.3 wt.- %, 0.5 wt.- %, and 0.7 wt.- % MWCNT-epoxy, respectively.
Analysis on Dynamic Compaction and Mechanical Behavior of Reclamation Foundation Using Soil Tests
Authors: Fan Donghong
Published: December 2013

The dynamic compaction method was used to analyze the consolidation of a railway foundation. Based on the physical characteristics of sands, the parameters of an extended model were proposed by the soil tests. Such model is powerful for investigations of mechanical behaviour of sands under the dynamic compactions. By comparing with experimental results, it is indicated that the dynamic compaction was an effective method for understanding the consolidation of railway foundations. So, the numerical model based on the infinite element analysis was very significant for the practical conditions without the boundary reflection under the dynamic compactions.
Initial field observations on Qaanaaq ice cap, northwestern Greenland
Authors: Sugiyama Shin , Sakakibara Daiki , Matsuno Satoshi , Yamaguchi Satoru , Matoba Sumito , Aoki Teruo
Published: December 2013

To study the glaciological processes controlling the mass budget of Greenland’s peripheral glaciers and ice caps, field measurements were carried out on Qaanaaq ice cap, a 20 km long ice cap in northwestern Greenland. In the summer of 2012, we measured surface melt rate, ice flow velocity and ice thickness along a survey route spanning the ice margin (200m a.s.l.) to the ice-cap summit (1110m a.s.l.). Melt rates in the ablation area were clearly influenced by dark materials covering the ice surface, where degree-day factors varied from 5.44 mm w.e. K–1 d–1 on a clean surface to 8.26 mm w.e. K–1 d–1 in the dark regions. Ice velocity showed diurnal variations, indicating the presence of surface-meltwater induced basal sliding. Mean ice thickness along the survey route was 120 m, with a maximum thickness of 165 m. Ice velocity and temperature fields were computed using a thermomechanically coupled numerical glacier model. Modelled ice temperature, obtained by imposing estimated annual mean air temperature as the surface boundary condition, was substantially lower than implied by the observed ice velocity. This result suggests that the ice dynamics and thermodynamics of the ice cap are significantly influenced by heat transfer from meltwater and changing ice geometry.
Bronchial Asthma amound Sawmill Workers
Authors: Sarkar Md Abdul Mukit , Ar Rashid Md Al Mamun , Rashid Md Abdur , Mostafa Md Golam
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ibmcj.v2i1.17307 IBMC J 2011; 2(1): 03-07
Giant Retroperitoneal Fibrolipoma
Authors: Pramanik Md Abul Kasem , Hasan Md Nazmul , Bipasha Sazia Khan , Hasan Rajibul , Zahangir Md , Badruddoza Shah Md
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ibmcj.v2i1.17313 IBMC J 2011; 2(1): 21-24
Acute Stroke Syndrome in Pediatric Age Group: A Review
Authors: Kamruzzaman AKM , Khatun Most. Manzuara , Haidary MH
Published: December 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ibmcj.v2i1.17315 IBMC J 2011; 2(1): 28-32
Introduction: Pursuing the Trivial
Authors: Maly Barbara , Horak Roman , Schörgenhuber Eva , Seidl Monika
Published: December 2013

No abstract available.
Nationwide Surveillance for Pathogenic Microorganisms in Groundwater near Carcass Burials Constructed in South Korea in 2010
Authors: Joung Ha , Han Sang , Park Su-Jung , Jheong Weon-Hwa , Ahn Tae , Lee Joong-Bok , Jeong Yong-Seok , Jang Kyung , Lee Gyu-Cheol , Rhee Ok-Jae , Park Jeong-Woong , Paik Soon
Published: December 2013

Widespread outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza occurred in South Korea during 2010. In response to the culling of many animals to attenuate the spread of disease, South Korea used mass burial sites to dispose of the large number of carcasses; consequently, concerns about groundwater contamination by leachate from these burial sites are increasing. Groundwater is one of the main sources of drinking water, and its cleanliness is directly related to public health. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the safety of groundwater around the burial sites (total of 600 sites). A total of 1,200 groundwater samples were collected though the country, and microbial analysis was conducted during two time periods: during the spring (n = 600; April to June 2012) and after rainfall (n = 600; August to October, 2012; fall). Fecal coliform and Escherichia coli were detected in 173 (14.4%) and 85 (7.1%) of the 1,200 samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. each were detected only once (0.083%). Clostridium perfringens was detected from 7 groundwater samples (0.583%), and E. coli O157:H7 was not detected. With respect to norovirus, only the GII type was detected from six groundwater samples (0.5%), and enterovirus was detected in 15 groundwater samples (1.25%). The frequency of E. coli that we detected was lower than that found in previous studies conducted in South Korea, but we detected higher frequency of fecal coliform than that observed in a previous report. The contamination frequencies of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were very low, but C. perfringens, which could be an indicator of fecal pollution, was detected in seven regions. Overall, the results of the present study indicate a low possibility of contamination from burial sites. However, consistent monitoring is required to prevent microbial contamination of groundwater near the burial sites.
Increased Pathogenicity of West Nile Virus (WNV) by Glycosylation of Envelope Protein and Seroprevalence of WNV in Wild Birds in Far Eastern Russia
Authors: Kariwa Hiroaki , Murata Ryo , Totani Masashi , Yoshii Kentaro , Takashima Ikuo
Published: December 2013

In this review, we discuss the possibility that the glycosylation of West Nile (WN) virus E-protein may be associated with enhanced pathogenicity and higher replication of WN virus. The results indicate that E-protein glycosylation allows the virus to multiply in a heat-stable manner and therefore, has a critical role in enhanced viremic levels and virulence of WN virus in young-chick infection model. The effect of the glycosylation of the E protein on the pathogenicity of WN virus in young chicks was further investigated. The results indicate that glycosylation of the WN virus E protein is important for viral multiplication in peripheral organs and that it is associated with the strong pathogenicity of WN virus in birds. The micro-focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) in which a large number of serum samples can be handled at once with a small volume (15 μL) of serum was useful for differential diagnosis between Japanese encephalitis and WN virus infections in infected chicks. Serological investigation was performed among wild birds in the Far Eastern region of Russia using the FRNT. Antibodies specific to WN virus were detected in 21 samples of resident and migratory birds out of 145 wild bird samples in the region.
Dynamics of Order Reconstruction in a Nanoconfined Nematic Liquid Crystal with a Topological Defect
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Zhang Zhidong
Published: December 2013

At the wall in a hybrid nematic cell with strong anchoring, the nematic director is parallel to one wall and perpendicular to the other. Within the Landau-de Gennes theory, we have investigated the dynamics of s = ±1/2 wedge disclinations in such a cell, using the two-dimensional finite-difference iterative method. Our results show that with the cell gap decreasing, the core of the defect explodes, and the biaxiality propagates inside the cell. At a critical value of dc* ≈ 9ξ (where ξ is the characteristic length for order-parameter changes), the exchange solution is stable, while the defect core solution becomes metastable. Comparing to the case with no initial disclination, the value at which the exchange solution becomes stable increases relatively. At a critical separation of dc ≈ 6ξ, the system undergoes a structural transition, and the defect core merges into a biaxial layer with large biaxiality. For weak anchoring boundary conditions, a similar structural transition takes place at a relative lower critical value. Because of the weakened frustration, the asymmetric boundary conditions repel the defect to the weak anchoring boundary and have a relatively lower critical value of da, where the shape of the defect deforms. Further, the response time between two very close cell gaps is about tens of microseconds, and the response becomes slower as the defect explodes.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs in Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Cheng Chenxia , Xu Xiaozhao , Gao Min , Li Jun , Guo Chunlei , Song Junyang , Wang Xiping
Published: December 2013

Plant respiratory burst oxidase homolog (rboh) genes appear to play crucial roles in plant development, defense reactions and hormone signaling. In this study, a total of seven rboh genes from grape were identified and characterized. Genomic structure and predicted protein sequence analysis indicated that the sequences of plant rboh genes are highly conserved. Synteny analysis demonstrated that several Vvrboh genes were found in corresponding syntenic blocks of Arabidopsis, suggesting that these genes arose before the divergence of the respective lineages. The expression pattern of Vvrboh genes in different tissues was assessed by qRT-PCR and two were constitutively expressed in all tissues tested. The expression profiles were similarly analyzed following exposure to various stresses and hormone treatments. It was shown that the expression levels of VvrbohA, VvrbohB and VvrbohC1 were significantly increased by salt and drought treatments. VvrbohB, VvrbohC2, and VvrbohD exhibited a dramatic up-regulation after powdery mildew (Uncinula necator (Schw.) Burr.) inoculation, while VvrbohH was down-regulated. Finally, salicylic acid treatment strongly stimulated the expression of VvrbohD and VvrbohH, while abscisic acid treatment induced the expression of VvrbohB and VvrbohH. These results demonstrate that the expression patterns of grape rboh genes exhibit diverse and complex stress-response expression signatures.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Lanthanide N-Trimethylsilyl and -Mesityl Functionalised Bis(iminophosphorano)methanides and -Methanediides
Authors: Marshall George , Wooles Ashley , Mills David , Lewis William , Blake Alexander , Liddle Stephen
Published: December 2013

We report the extension of the series of {BIPMTMSH}− (BIPMR = C{PPh2NR}2, TMS = trimethylsilyl) derived rare earth methanides by the preparation of [Ln(BIPMTMSH)(I)2(THF)] (Ln = Nd, Gd, Tb), 1a–c, in 34–50% crystalline yields via the reaction of [Ln(I)3(THF)3.5] with [Cs(BIPMTMSH)]. Similarly, we have extended the range of {BIPMMesH}− (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) derived rare earth methanides with the preparation of [Gd(BIPMMesH)(I)2(THF)2], 3, (49%) and [Yb(BIPMMesH)(I)2(THF)], 4, (26%), via the reaction of [Ln(I)3(THF)3.5] with [{K(BIPMMesH)}2]. Attempts to prepare dysprosium and erbium analogues of 3 or 4 were not successful, with the ion pair species [Ln(BIPMMesH)2][BIPMMesH] (Ln = Dy, Er), 5a–b, isolated in 31–39% yield. The TMEDA (N',N',N",N"-tetramethylethylenediamine) adducts [Ln(BIPMMesH)(I)2(TMEDA)] (Ln = La, Gd), 6a–b, were prepared in quantitative yield via the dissolution of [La(BIPMMesH)(I)2(THF)] or 3 in a TMEDA/THF solution. The reactions of [Ln(BIPMMesH)(I)2(THF)] [Ln = La, Ce, Pr, and Gd (3)] or 6a–b with a selection of bases did not afford [La(BIPMMes)(I)(S)n] (S = solvent) as predicted, but instead led to the isolation of the heteroleptic complexes [Ln(BIPMMes)(BIPMMesH)] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Gd), 7a–d, in low yields due to ligand scrambling.
Design of Friction Stir Welding Tool for Avoiding Root Flaws
Authors: Ji Shude , Xing Jingwei , Yue Yumei , Ma Yinan , Zhang Liguo , Gao Shuangsheng
Published: December 2013

In order to improve material flow behavior during friction stir welding and avoid root flaws of weld, a tool with a half-screw pin and a tool with a tapered-flute pin are suggested. The effect of flute geometry in tool pins on material flow velocity is investigated by the software ANSYS FLUENT. Numerical simulation results show that high material flow velocity appears near the rotational tool and material flow velocity rapidly decreases with the increase of distance away from the axis of the tool. Maximum material flow velocity by the tool with the tapered-flute pin appears at the beginning position of flute and the velocity decreases with the increase of flow length in flute. From the view of increasing the flow velocity of material near the bottom of the workpiece or in the middle of workpiece, the tool with the half-screw pin and the tool with the tapered-flute pin are both better than the conventional tool.
Preparative Separation of Six Rhynchophylla Alkaloids from Uncaria macrophylla Wall by pH-Zone Refining Counter-Current Chromatography
Authors: Zhang Qinghai , Lin Changhu , Duan Wenjuan , Wang Xiao , Luo Aiqin
Published: December 2013

pH-Zone refining counter-current chromatography was successfully applied to the preparative isolation and purification of six alkaloids from the ethanol extracts of Uncaria macrophylla Wall. Because of the low content of alkaloids (about 0.2%, w/w) in U. macrophylla Wall, the target compounds were enriched by pH-zone refining counter-current chromatography using a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–isopropanol–water (2:6:3:9, v/v), adding 10 mM triethylamine in organic stationary phase and 5 mM hydrochloric acid in aqueous mobile phase. Then pH-zone refining counter-current chromatography using the other two-phase solvent system was used for final purification. Six target compounds were finally isolated and purified by following two-phase solvent system composed of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)–acetonitrile–water (4:0.5:5, v/v), adding triethylamine (TEA) (10 mM) to the organic phase and HCl (5 mM) to aqueous mobile phase. The separation of 2.8 g enriched total alkaloids yielded 36 mg hirsutine, 48 mg hirsuteine, 82 mg uncarine C, 73 mg uncarine E, 163 mg rhynchophylline, and 149 mg corynoxeine, all with purities above 96% as verified by HPLC Their structures were identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
The Effect of Conformational Variability of Phosphotriesterase upon N-acyl-L-homoserine Lactone and Paraoxon Binding: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Zhan Dongling , Zhou Zhenhuan , Guan Shanshan , Han Weiwei
Published: December 2013

The organophosphorous hydrolase (PTE) from Brevundimonas diminuta is capable of degrading extremely toxic organophosphorous compounds with a high catalytic turnover and broad substrate specificity. Although the natural substrate for PTE is unknown, its loop remodeling (loop 7-2/H254R) led to the emergence of a homoserine lactonase (HSL) activity that is undetectable in PTE (kcat/km values of up to 2 × 104), with only a minor decrease in PTE paraoxonase activity. In this study, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations have been undertaken seeking to explain the reason for the substrate specificity for the wild-type and the loop 7-2/H254R variant. The cavity volume estimated results showed that the active pocket of the variant was almost two fold larger than that of the wild-type (WT) enzyme. pKa calculations for the enzyme (the WT and the variant) showed a significant pKa shift from WT standard values (ΔpKa = 3.5 units) for the His254residue (in the Arg254 variant). Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the displacement of loops 6 and 7 over the active site in loop 7-2/H254R variant is useful for N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) with a large aliphatic chain to site in the channels easily. Thence the expanding of the active pocket is beneficial to C4-HSL binding and has a little effect on paraoxon binding. Our results provide a new theoretical contribution of loop remodeling to the rapid divergence of new enzyme functions.
Study of the Effect of Grafting Method on Surface Polarity of Tempo-Oxidized Nanocellulose Using Polycaprolactone as the Modifying Compound: Esterification versus Click-Chemistry
Authors: Benkaddour Abdelhaq , Jradi Khalil , Robert Sylvain , Daneault Claude
Published: December 2013

Esterification and click-chemistry were evaluated as surface modification treatments for TEMPO-oxidized nanocelluloses (TONC) using Polycaprolactone-diol (PCL) as modifying compound in order to improve the dispersion of nanofibers in organic media. These two grafting strategies were analyzed and compared. The first consists of grafting directly the PCL onto TONC, and was carried out by esterification between hydroxyl groups of PCL and carboxyl groups of TONC. The second strategy known as click-chemistry is based on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between azides and alkyne terminated moieties to form the triazole ring between PCL and TONC. The grafted samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Further, the effects of the two treatments on the surface hydrophobization of TONC were investigated by contact angle measurements. The results show that both methods confirm the success of such a modification and the click reaction was significantly more effective than esterification.
Proceedings of the 2013 Meeting of the Australasian Section of the American Oil Chemists Society (AAOCS)
Authors: Murphy Karen , Howe Peter
Published: December 2013

The Australasian section of the American Oil Chemists Society (AAOCS) held their biennial meeting in Newcastle, Australia from 6 to 8 November, 2013. Over 150 scientists, researchers and industry representatives gathered for three days of talks and discussions on a variety of lipid related topics. The AAOCS awarded its inaugural AAOCS Award for Scientific Excellence in Lipid Research to Dr Allan Green from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Dr Green is deputy chief of the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry and has been active in lipid research for several decades. His main research focus is on plant breeding and genetic engineering techniques to develop improved oilseeds with enhanced human nutritional value and novel industrial uses. Refer to “AAOCS Award for Scientific Excellence in Lipid Research” for more detail of his contributions [1].
The Application of Deep Convective Clouds in the Calibration and Response Monitoring of the Reflective Solar Bands of FY-3A/MERSI (Medium Resolution Spectral Imager)
Authors: Chen Lin , Hu Xiuqing , Xu Na , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2013

Based on simulated reflectance, deep convective clouds (DCC) can be used as an invariant target to monitor the radiometric response degradation of the FY-3A/MERSI (Medium Resolution Spectral Imager) reflective solar bands (RSBs). The long-term response of the MERSI RSBs can easily be predicted using a quadratic fit of the monthly DCC mean reflectance, except for bands 6 and 7, which suffer from instrument anomalies. DCC-based degradations show that the blue bands (λ < 500 nm) and water-vapor bands have degraded significantly, whereas for near-infrared bands, the total degradations in four years are within 3% (excluding bands 3 and 20). For most bands, the degradation rates are greatest during the first year in orbit and decrease over time. The FY-3A/MERSI degradation results derived from DCC are consistent within 2.5%, except for bands, 11, 18 and 19, when compared with Aqua/MODIS(Moderate Resolution Imaging Sepetroradiometer) inter-calibration, multi-site invariant earth target calibration and the CRCS(Chinese Radiometric Calibration Site) Dunhuang desert vicarious calibration methods. Overall, the 2σ/mean degradation uncertainty for most MERSI bands was within 3%, validating the temporal stability of the DCC monthly mean reflectances. The DCC method has reduced the degradation uncertainties for MERSI water vapor bands over other methods. This is a significant advantage of the DCC calibration method. The saturation of some MERSI bands may hinder the effectiveness of the DCC calibration approach.
De facineroso ladrón a santo milagroso : el culto a los bandidos en la literatura y la devoción popular
Authors: Cortés Hernández Santiago
Published: December 2013

Le phénomène de la canonisation d'un bandit par la dévotion et la littérature populaire peut être observé partout et à toutes les époques dans le monde hispanique. A partir de l'analyse de quelques-unes de ces figures populaires, cet article étudie les processus culturels et littéraires qui font d'un personnage de bandit une figure de sainteté.
La inocencia de los pobres se llama necesidad. Memoria y reivindicación de bandidos en el cancionero criminal argentino
Authors: Aguirre Osvaldo
Published: December 2013

Desde principios del siglo XIX, los sucesos criminales fueron una de las principales inspiraciones en Argentina para diversos géneros anfsticos, desde la poesfa al folletin. Las andanzas de los «gauchos malos», primera, las nuevas formas de criminalidad asociadas con la formaciôn de las grandes ciudades, a principios del siglo XX, los «enemigos pûblicos», consagrados por la prensa en la Década Infâme, y las sagas de bandidos devenidos en objet os de culto han sido comentadas y reinventadas en un cancionero con tôpicos y visiones persistentes a través del tiempo.
Vivendo a muque. Malandros, pivetes e ladrões no cancioneiro de Chico Buarque
Authors: Duarte Cristina
Published: December 2013

Presque rien ne prédisposait l'auteur-compositeur Chico Buarque à la critique sociale. Parmi les personnages de ses chansons, le bandit est l'un des plus significatifs. Déjà présent dans ses premiers textes, il aura sa plus fine expression dans «O Meu Guri».
Sobre héroes, monstruos y tumbas. Los capos en el narcocorrido colombiano
Authors: Valbuena Carlos
Published: December 2013

De unos afios acd, los corridos de narcotraficantes han alcanzado una difusiôn muy importante en Colombia. Este trabajo revisa - a partir de un extenso trabajo de campo y una amplia recolecciôn de corridos en Colombia y Mexico - la vida y leyenda de dos célèbres traficantes : Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha, alias El Mexicano, y Pablo Escobar Gaviria. Ambos han alcanzado, en el cancionero popular, el estatuto de héroes.
D'Espagne en Amérique. Une poésie récalcitrante
Authors: Gilard Jacques
Published: December 2013

A pesar de la hostilidad de las autoridades y la reticencia de las élites, el canto al bandolero cruza las épocas y mantiene una popularidad duradera en los pafses de lengua espafîola. Por medio de sondeos en los estudios de algunos folkloristas y eruditos, este articulo propone un recorrido desde el llamado romance vulgar del XVIII espanol hasta el narcocorrido actual.
¿Quién parte y reparte? Análisis de la disposición urbana en la Cartago fenicia
Authors: Fumadó Ortega Iván
Published: December 2013

En este artículo quiero llamar la atención sobre la significativa regularidad arquitectónica que caracteriza los restos arqueológicos prerromanos registrados en Cartago. Pese a haber sido repetidas veces interpretados desde un prejuicio lógico-espacial, estos datos permiten proponer que la fundación tiria se implantó en la península cartaginesa según un modelo que, estando mejor documentado en las colonias arcaicas griegas de Sicilia, ha sido denominado per strigas por la historiografía arqueológica. Para defender esta tesis señalaré qué restos arquitectónicos le sirven de base material, con especial atención a los hallados bajo el cruce entre el decumano máximo y el cardo x este, e intentaré sintetizar el estado de la cuestión actual sobre la forma urbana de la Cartago fenicia. A continuación repasaré algunos ejemplos de segmentación ortogonal de espacios urbanos documentados en el Próximo Oriente antiguo. Ello nos ayudará a suponer cuál habría sido el contexto técnico y práctico en que vivieron las sociedades fenicias de los siglos IX-VIII a.C. y, más concretamente, el contexto sociopolítico de los fundadores de Cartago. Por último y a la luz de estos elementos, presentaré una propuesta de reconstrucción de la forma urbana de la Cartago fenicia.
Sobre un modelo constructivo de la arquitectura ibérica en territorio Ausetano
Authors: Olmos Benlloch Pau
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo presentamos el estudio arquitectónico de un tipo de construcción identificado en el territorio ibérico ausetano. A partir del análisis constructivo de tres obras defensivas militares identificadas como murallas de compartimentos (Turó del Montgròs, Casol de Puigcastellet y l’Esquerda), planteamos una propuesta de restitución del diseño arquitectónico de estas construcciones basadas en el uso de formas geométricas simples y en la adición de módulos cuadrangulares.
Métodos estadísticos y funciones SIG: una propuesta de modelado del poblamiento en el ager Tarraconensis
Authors: Fiz Ignacio
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de la aplicación de determinados métodos estadísticos y funciones SIG sobre los datos conocidos del poblamiento del ager Tarraconensis, es decir, del territorio de la colonia de Tarraco. El estudio está centrado en un periodo cronológico que se extiende desde época ibérica al siglo III d.C., dos momentos en los que se producen sendos cambios en la estructura de la población que ocupa el llamado Camp de Tarragona. Los métodos aplicados nos han permitido modelizar y explicar la estructuración y dinámica del poblamiento. También aportamos nuevos datos e ideas sobre el momento en el cual se produce la llegada de colonos itálicos, cómo se distribuyen en el territorio y cual habría podido ser el estatuto jurídico de la ciudad de Tarraco en el final del siglo II a.C. Por otro lado presentamos modelos explicativos de los periodos de estabilidad en el medio rural durante las dinastías julio-claudia y flavia. Finalmente se analizan y explican aquellos datos que nos muestran cómo dicha estabilidad se quiebra en el siglo II d.C., alterándose por completo la articulación del poblamiento en el territorio en el III d.C.
Arucci y Turobriga: Su problemática y reducción
Authors: Campos Carrasco Juan Manuel , Bermejo Meléndez Javier
Published: December 2013

La realidad del yacimiento de San Mamés (Aroche, Huelva) se encuentra a día de hoy ampliamente difundida en el mundo científico y académico, sin embargo las cuestiones referentes al proceso de implantación de Roma y el modelo que desarrolla, así como la problemática histórica que gira en torno a los topónimos Arucci Turobriga, ha visto una nueva interpretación gracias a las últimas investigaciones cuya explicación reside en una sola realidad topográfica y el trasfondo de un proceso jurídico por el que se establecerá la agregación administrativa del segundo con respecto al primero. Así, todo parece indicar que estaríamos ante el desarrollo de un proceso de implantación basado en un proceso de sinecismo, que verá en la mutatio oppidi del núcleo céltico de Arucci y la contribución de los núcleos célticos del territorio el surgimiento de una nueva fundación en los Llanos debido a los reajustes territoriales y administrativos desarrolladas en torno a las últimas décadas del siglo I a.C.
El abastecimiento de grano a las ciudades hispanorromanas. Producción, almacenaje y gestión
Authors: Salido Domínguez Javier
Published: December 2013

En este trabajo se presentan las últimas novedades sobre el estudio del aprovisionamiento de grano y otros productos agrícolas en las ciudades hispanorromanas. Se pretende abordar la cuestión del abastecimiento, superando la visión que nos ofrecen las fuentes literarias, y centrando su atención en los restos materiales que mejor nos informan sobre la producción, el almacenaje y la redistribución de los alimentos, es decir, los horrea y graneros conservados tanto en el territorio como en el núcleo urbano de las antiguas ciudades romanas. La reinterpretación y análisis de los testimonios epigráficos nos permiten además presentar nuevos planteamientos sobre la gestión del cereal y otros productos alimentarios en las ciudades hispanorromanas.
Cuatro altares de La Vera, Cáceres
Authors: Gómez-Pantoja Joaquín L. , Madruga José V. , González Cordero Antonio
Published: December 2013

Se describen cuatro altares inscritos recientemente descubiertos en La Vera, comarca cacereña situada en la orilla septentrional del río Tiétar. De las nuevas inscripciones, tres son altares dedicados a lo que se han llamado “dioses indígenas”: Band(-) Vortiacius, lo que parece una nueva paredría (Ulisus y Ulisona) y Quangeius; nótese que este se colocó in fano, la segunda mención epigráfica del término aparecida hasta ahora en la Península. La última pieza es un epitafio, pero tan estropeado por la erosión, que apenas se reconocen los elementos característicos de esta clase de epígrafes.
Peak season leaf area index for the Nanaimo Aquifer - 2011
Authors: Maloley MJ , Fernandes R , Canisius F , Butson C
Published: December 2013

This document describes the production and assessment of peak season leaf area index estimates over the Nanaimo Aquifer and surrounding regions from satellite imagery using standard Canada Centre for Remote Sensing algorithms. A 30m resolution map of 2011 peak
season leaf area index for the Nanaimo Aquifer was created using a combination of in situ LAI estimates, vegetation indices from remotely sensed spectral data and land cover information from SPOT 5 satellite imagery. A total of 104 ground plots were sampled across the study area between July 15-30,
2011for the purposes of calibration and validation of the leaf area index product.
Human Fires and Wildfires on Sydney Sandstones: History Informs Management
Authors: Jurskis Vic , Underwood Roger
Published: December 2013

There is a concept in fire ecology that some natural (pre-European) fire regimes were dominated by infrequent high intensity fires ignited by lightning. In Australia, some ecologists extend this to most or all ecosystems across the landscape. They regard contemporary human burning or prescribed burning as an unnatural disturbance that threatens biodiversity. Their particular concern is the potential extinction of slow maturing obligate seeders by frequent fire. However, a completely different picture emerges from study of Australia’s ecological history and prehistory. There is ample evidence that Australian vegetation was shaped by thousands of years of frequent mild burning by Aborigines. Infrequent, high intensity lightning fires affected only small areas of wet forests in refuges that were physically protected from mild fires. We present a case study of ecosystems on the Sydney sandstones to demonstrate that a regime of infrequent high intensity wildfires since European settlement has caused structural changes and reduced spatial diversity. This has put many fire dependent plants at a competitive disadvantage and increased their susceptibility to disease. We argue that biodiversity, ecosystem health, and fire safety are threatened by lack of frequent mild fire. Ecological theory should build on ecological history. Australia is fortunate in having comprehensive historical records of Aboriginal burning against which paleoecological data can be calibrated. We emphasize the importance of using historical information to interpret ecological studies and inform fire management.
Unauthorized Firesetting as Socioecological Disturbance: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Incendiary Wildfires in Georgia, USA, 1987–2010
Authors: Coughlan Michael R.
Published: December 2013

I analyzed the spatiotemporal patterning of intentional, unauthorized landscape fires in the state of Georgia, USA, for the years 1987 through 2010 with the aim of delineating socioecological constraints on and firesetter preferences for the timing and placement of ignitions. Unauthorized fires represent complex phenomena through which actors compete over social and ecological outcomes that transcend the spatiotemporal confines of individual fires themselves. Current classificatory systems define unauthorized firesetting behavior as irrational, destructive, and malicious. Because landscape fires cause both positive and negative consequences for biological diversity and ecosystems services, perceived costs and benefits of fires are contestable and relative to point of view. The locational and temporal patterns of unauthorized landscape fires examined in this study do not show firesetter preferences for maximizing damage to landscapes. Instead, unauthorized fires in Georgia potentially contribute to the maintenance of landscapes adapted to frequent, dormant- and early growing-season fire regimes.