bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical visit: BDS conference 2012 – tour of Baitings, Boothwood and Scammonden reservoirs
Authors: Judge Tony
Published: February 2013

The British Dam Society conference was held in Leeds in 2012. As part of this successful conference, the attendees had pre-selected which one of four tour groups they would like to participate on. This short paper describes the visits made on conference tour A to Baitings, Boothwood and Scammonden reservoirs, detailing the scale and specifics of each dam structure.
Technical visit: BDS conference 2012 – tour of Winscar, Langsett and Underbank reservoirs
Authors: Hopkins John
Published: February 2013

One of the four technical visits on 14 September 2012, as part of the British Dam Society Conference in Leeds, visited Yorkshire Water's Winscar, located at the head of the River Don, and Langsett and Underbank impounding reservoirs, located in the Little Don valley.
Pro-poor sewerage: solids modelling for design optimisation
Authors: Gormley Michael , Mara Duncan D. , Jean Nicole , McDougall Ian
Published: February 2013

More than 2·8 billion people still live without adequate sanitation. ‘Simplified sewerage’ is one possible solution, offering the possibility of an appropriate scale for urban sanitation. Adoption of such systems requires the range of engineering and advocacy tools erstwhile only available in developed countries. The application of small-bore solid transport system models is wholly appropriate for simplified sewerage, but modifications are required to account for the shallow gradients and the likely accumulation of solids due to low water usage. The importance of local water flow depth on drain self-cleansing where large accumulated solids are present has been identified, and the solid movement threshold has been quantified for a range of expected gross accumulated solids. These modifications, together with improved solid deposition predictions, have contributed to the development of a robust model suitable for application to simplified sewerage systems in order to improve efficiency and optimise design.
Water-safety strategies and local-scale spatial quality
Authors: Nillesen Anne Loes
Published: February 2013

Delta regions throughout the world are subject to increasing flood risks. For protection, regional water-safety strategies are being developed. Local-scale spatial qualities should be included in their evaluation. An experimental methodology has been developed for this purpose. This paper concentrates on water safety in The Netherlands. The Deltaprogram aims to ensure the country's water safety until 2100. A sub-programme, Rhine Estuary–Drechtsteden, defines scenarios for water-safety interventions that use combinations of permanent or flexible, opening or closing of connections between the Dutch delta, North Sea and river systems. Cross-sections show water levels throughout the urbanised Rhine Estuary region, based on forecasts for each of the scenarios, and local-scale interventions, such as dykes or flood barriers. The interventions are rated using existing and new criteria for the evaluation of spatial quality. Dominant criteria for each area have been used to define design criteria. The choice of a solution on a regional scale is shown to have a significant impact on the spatial quality on a local scale. In particular, water-safety interventions that result in extreme water levels have a negative impact. The methodology is suitable for estimating the impact of a regional water-safety strategy on a local scale and provides valuable design criteria.
Carry‐over effects from breeding modulate the annual cycle of a long‐distance migrant: an experimental demonstration
Authors: Catry Paulo , Dias Maria P. , Phillips Richard A. , Granadeiro José P.
Published: February 2013

Carry‐over effects relate to events or processes that influence individual performance in a subsequent season, but their occurrence in the annual cycle of migratory avian taxa is seldom studied. We investigated if different levels of resource allocation to reproduction may result in carry‐over effects that change the timing and destination of long‐distance migration. We reduced the parental investment of Cory's Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea by removing their chick at an early stage. When compared to individuals with greater parental investment (controls that raised chicks to close to fledging), manipulated birds started most stages of migration sooner and returned to the colony earlier at the start of the following breeding season. Late arrival in the subsequent nesting season increased the probability of skipping a breeding year. Manipulated males were less likely to engage in long‐distance migration, which supports the idea that partial migration is condition dependent. Our study demonstrates experimentally that energetic or time‐dependent costs of reproduction may have an enduring impact on migration schedule and on nonbreeding geographical distribution of long‐distance migrants, which may also influence the ability to breed in the following season.
Continuous, pulsed and disrupted nutrient subsidy effects on ecosystem productivity, stability, and energy flow
Authors: Weber Michael J. , Brown Michael L.
Published: February 2013

Resource pulses and subsidies can supply ecosystems with an important source of nutrients that supports additional productivity at multiple trophic levels. Common carp Cyprinus carpio provide ecosystems with a continuous nutrient subsidy through bioturbation and excretion but may also initiate a nutrient pulse through carcass decomposition. We examined how continuous (common carp foraging and excretion), pulsed (carcass decomposition) and disrupted (carp introduced and then removed) nutrient subsidies differed in their ability to alter nutrient availability, ecosystem productivity and stability and energy flow. Nitrogen and phosphorus availability and primary production were highest in pulsed, intermediate in continuous and lowest for disrupted and control systems. Continuous, and to a lesser extent pulsed, systems were associated with decreased water clarity and macrophyte coverage. Nutrient pulses ascended to higher trophic levels and supported greater densities of consumers (i.e., zooplankton and macroinvertebrates). Biotic and abiotic responses in disrupted systems quickly returned to control levels and water quality improved. Light penetration and Daphnia spp. dynamics were more stable in systems with pulses whereas stability of other variables was similar across treatments. Biotic materials collected from pulsed and continuous subsidy systems were typically enriched in δ15N suggesting common carp‐derived nutrients supported increased productivity whereas δ13C signatures were depleted suggesting a transition to more pelagic energy pathways, likely due to enhanced phytoplankton production. Our results suggest that continuous and pulsed nutrient subsidies vary in their ability to support and sustain ecosystem productivity with resulting variation in food web structure and ecosystem stability.
Rosuvastatin was Effective in Acute Heart Failure and Slow Coronary Flow: A Hypothesis-generating Case Report
Authors: Arrivi Alessio , Tanzilli Gaetano , Puddu Paolo Emilio , Iannucci Luca , Mangieri Enrico
Published: February 2013

Slow coronary flow phenomenon (SCFP) is characterized by angiographically normal coronary arteries with delayed run-off of contrast medium across the vasculature. Its etiology and clinical significance are still not completely known; however, acute congestive heart failure (CHF) is rare in this context. A 71 year-old woman with SCFP presented with acute CHF complicated by ventricular tachycardia. Treated with rosuvastatin (20 mg/day for 6 days) and inotropic drug infusion she had a complete recovery of left ventricular function and normalization of serum levels of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which were increased (3.6 mg/L) during the acute phase. This case illustrates that the anti-inflammatory properties of rosuvastatin may deserve specific clinical tests not only during the chronic phase but also in the acute phase of CHF patients.
Meat quality characteristics of DurocxYorkshire, DurocxYorkshirexwild boar and wild boar
Authors: Ivanovic Snezana , Stojanovic Zoran , Popov-Raljic Jovanka , Baltic Milan , Pisinov Boris , Nesic Ksenija
Published: February 2013

Chemical composition, pH value, fatty acids profile, cholesterol content,
color and sensory analysis of pork meat from Duroc x Yorkshire (D x Y),
Duroc x Yorkshire x wild boar (D x Y x WB) crossbreeds and wild boars (WB)
was investigated. Samples for all tests were taken from m. longissimus
dorsi. Chemical composition and pH value were tested by ISO methods. Fatty
acid and cholesterol determination was performed by gas chromatography
technique with external standard method. Color was determined instrumentally
using the thristimulus colourimeter. The overall sensoric quality
(appearance, texture and smell) of samples of raw meat was evaluated. In
evaluation of results the scoring system was used. In chemical composition
(moisture, fat, protein, ash) and pH values statistically significant difference was noted (p<0,05) between each of the examined groups. Also, among all the examined groups statistically significant difference (p<0,05) was found for fatty acids and cholesterol content. Measurment of the color of meat from all three groups showed that the L*, a * b *, Chroma and Hue angle were also statistically significantly different (p<0,01).
Core structure of aligned chitin fibers within the interlamellar framework extracted from Haliotis rufescens nacre. Part I: Implications for growth and mechanical response
Authors: Bezares Jiddu , Asaro Robert , Lubarda Vlado
Published: February 2013

By means of consecutive alkaline and proteolytic treatments of the organic
framework?s interlamellar layers extracted from the nacre of H. rufescens, we
have exposed a core of aligned parallel chitin fibers. Our findings both
verify basic elements of the interlamellar layer structural model of
Levi-Kalisman et al. (2001) and extend the more detailed model of Bezares et
al. (2008, 2010). We observe via SEM imaging of square millimeter sized
samples, which include numerous interlamellar layers and micron sized, yet
nanocrystalline, CaCO3 tiles whose native orientation within the shell was
first documented, that the chitin fibers in all layers are aligned normal to
the growth direction of the shell. Similar alignment has been suggested in
the literature for two other classes of mollusks, viz. N. rupertus and P.
martensii (Weiner and Traub, 1983; Wada, 1958), suggesting that this may be a
more general motif. We find that in order to expose the chitin core it is
necessary to first remove protein by an alkaline treatment followed by
enzymatic digestion with proteinase-K. We also observe what appear to be the
points of traversal of the exposed chitin core by mineral bridges. The
implications of these findings touch directly and most specifically upon the
expected mechanical properties of organic framework layers such as stiffness
and relaxation time constants, viz. they should be planeorthotropic. Single
interlamellar layers extracted from nacre should, by implication, also
exhibit an orthotropic stiffness. These novel findings provide the structural
picture required for a complete anisotropic, time dependent, constitutive
description of nacre long thought to be a paradigm of structural
optimization. Such a model is briefly described herein and is developed, in
full, in Part II of this series.
Improving Antarctic Sediment 14C Dating Using Ramped Pyrolysis: An Example from the Hugo Island Trough
Authors: Rosenheim Brad E , Santoro Jennifer A , Gunter Madeleine , Domack Eugene W
Published: February 2013

To improve the chronology of sediments containing information about Holocene ice shelf and oceanic dynamics in the vicinity of the Antarctic Peninsula, we compare bulk acid-insoluble radiocarbon dating to ramped pyrolysis 14C dating in a sediment core containing ample organic material. This core spans the last 12,000 yr of open-shelf sedimentation in the Bellingshausen Sea, western Antarctic Peninsula. By estimating the spectrum of 14C ages within a given core horizon, the ramped pyrolysis 14C method separates organic carbon relative to thermal stability, isolating younger parts of the mixture from older ones and providing an estimate of the geological uncertainty inherent in a bulk 14C age. Employing the ramped pyrolysis 14C method to this core demonstrates variable bulk 14C age bias and increasing age spectrum downcore, neither of which can be associated with major changes in lithology of the core. The chronology of the sediment core using the youngest ages from the ramped pyrolysis technique allows for correlation between nearby Palmer Deep sediments and these sediments from the Hugo Island Trough.
Carbon Isotope Exchange During Calcite Interaction With Brine: Implications for 14C Dating of Hypersaline Groundwater
Authors: Avrahamov Naama , Sivan Orit , Yechieli Yoseph , Lazar Boaz
Published: February 2013

Due to its possible role in solid/water carbon isotope exchange, the effect of salinity on radiocarbon dating of groundwater was examined by batch interaction of alluvial sediment and calcite powder with freshwater (Cl– = 100 mg L–1) and Dead Sea (DS) brine (Cl– = 225 g L–1). These 2 water types were spiked with H13CO3– tracer and kept under constant agitation for about 1 yr. Several bottles were respiked twice with the tracer. The uptake of the 13C by calcite was monitored through repeated isotopic measurements of the aqueous solutions, and the effect on 14C groundwater dating was evaluated using a simple transport reaction model. The results indicate that the kinetics of water/calcite isotope exchange start with a very fast initial step followed by a slower one, which was used here to simulate the long-term water/solid exchange in “real” aquifers. The exchange model that best fits the data was homogeneous recrystallization that formed just a very thin layer of newly formed calcite. The estimated recrystallization rates for calcite powder/solution interaction were much smaller for the DS brine than for freshwater: 3 × 10–5 to 7 × 10–6 and 9 × 10–4 to 7 × 10–5 mol m2 yr–1, respectively. The 13C experimental data imply a very small effect of the brine/calcite isotope exchange on the 14C age estimate for the brines within the DS coastal aquifer. However, when calcite recrystallization reaches ∼1% of the solid, the 14C groundwater dating estimates will show aging by ∼10%.
Towards a First Chronology for the Middle Settlement of Norse Greenland: 14C and Related Studies of Animal Bone and Environmental Material
Authors: Edwards Kevin J , Cook Gordon T , Nyegaard Georg , Schofield J Edward
Published: February 2013

The so-called Middle Settlement (Mellembygden) of Norse/Viking Greenland has received far less attention than either of its larger Eastern and Western counterparts. The Greenlandic Norse occupation is nominally taken to date between AD 985 and about AD 1450 and it is generally assumed that the Western Settlement was abandoned prior to the Eastern, but where the Middle Settlement fits into the pattern temporally has hitherto been completely unknown. This paper presents the first absolute dating evidence from the Middle Settlement. In addition to providing the results (14C, δ13C, δ15N) of a radiocarbon dating and stable isotope measurement program from domesticated (Bos, Ovis/Capra) and wild (Rangifer) animal bone and cultural-environmental (coastal, possibly midden) samples, the paper also addresses some problems of 14C estimation for the period of Norse occupation in Greenland. Investigations show a Medieval Scandinavian presence close to the start of the conventional landnám period (after AD 985) and with occupation continuing up to at least the 14th century AD. The start of this activity, found at 2 sites, bears comparison with various locations in both the Eastern and Western Settlement areas. The terminal phase of activity in the Middle Settlement is represented at 1 site only, but despite this limitation, it shows that the Norse may have been present for most of the period that they occupied sites in both the Western and Eastern settlements. Caribou bone from separate contexts that also contained Thule Inuit material proves useful in indicating dates for a probable post-Norse Inuit presence. The position of age estimates on the calibration curve underscores the need to look critically at such evidence when making chronological inference during the Norse period owing to the existence of plateaus and wiggles. The inclusion of samples from both domesticated and wild fauna considered to be possibly modern, yet reported from archaeological assemblages, provides a warning to archaeozoologists to be especially vigilant when considering the potential non-contemporaneity of material.
Investigation of thermal and catalytic degradation of polystyrene waste into styrene monomer over natural volcanic tuff and Florisil catalysts
Authors: Filip Miuţa , Pop Aurelia , Perhaiţa Ioana , Moldovan Mărioara , Truşcă Roxana
Published: February 2013

Thermal and catalytic degradation of polystyrene waste over two different samples of natural volcanic tuff catalyst comparative with Florisil catalyst has been carried out in order to establish the conversion degree into styrene monomer. The polystyrene waste (PS) was subjected to a thermal degradation process in the range of 380–500°C in presence of studied catalysts in a ratio of 1/10 in mass, catalyst/PS. The catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Influences of temperature and type of catalysts on the yields and on the distribution of end-products obtained by thermal and catalytic degradation of polystyrene waste have been studied. The maximum yields of liquid products were obtained at 460°C degradation temperature and were calculated between 83.45% and 90.11%. The liquid products were characterized by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and FTIR analytical techniques. The GC-MS results showed that the liquid products contained styrene monomer up to 55.62%. The FTIR spectra of liquid products indicated the specific vibration bands of the functional groups of compounds of liquid products. The amounts of styrene monomer obtained were influenced by structural and textural properties of studied catalyst and the contribution on product distribution is discussed.
Research on thermal decomposition of trinitrophloroglucinol salts by DSC, TG and DVST
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Tonglai , Yang Li , Zhou Zunning , Hu Xiaochun
Published: February 2013

The thermal decomposition of the four nitrogen-rich salts of ammonia (NH4), aminoguanidine (AG), carbohydrazide (CHZ) and 5-aminotetrazo (ATZ) based on trinitrophloroglucinol (H3TNPG) was investigated using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravity (TG), and dynamic vacuum stability test (DVST). DSC and TG methods research the complete decomposition, while DVST method researches the very early reaction stage. The peak temperatures of DSC curves are consistent with the temperatures of maximum mass loss rates of TG curves. The apparent activation energies of these H3TNPG-based salts obtained by DSC and DVST have the same regularity, i.e., (ATZ)(H2TNPG)·2H2O 2O 4(H2TNPG) 2TNPG). The thermal stability order is (ATZ)(H2TNPG)·2H2O 2O 2TNPG) 4(H2TNPG), which was evaluated by DVST according to the evolved gas amount of thermal decomposition. DVST can monitor the real-time temperature and pressure changes caused by thermal decomposition, dehydration, phase transition and secondary reaction, and also evaluate the thermal stability and kinetics.
The influence of electrogalvanic device on scaling
Authors: Simonič Marjana , Ban Irena
Published: February 2013

The use of an electrogalvanic device for scale neutralisation is descibed in this paper. Physico-chemical analyses were performed before and after the treatment. The results were compared with those obtained by using magnetic water treatment device. By measuring some individual parameters and the implementation of chemical analysis, the satisfactory functioning of the electrogalvanic device was demonstrated. The quality of drinking water did not change much after the water treatment method. The results of determination of calcium carbonate saturating index showed that the raw drinking water is in carbonate equlibrium as well as both treated water samples. The calcite/aragonite ratio was studied by means of microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. Inspection of crystals formed during the experiments with microscopy indicated that aragonite crystal structure of the precipitates prevailed over the calcite stucture. The diffractograms showed that the share of aragonite increased after using the electrogalvanic device compared with raw drinking water samples where the share of calcite was higher.
Facile synthesis of nanoscaled α-Fe2O3, CuO and CuO/Fe2O3 hybrid oxides and their electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Pan Lu , Tang Jing , Wang Fengwu
Published: February 2013

A facile and easily controlled route was designed to synthesize nano-structured Fe2O3, CuO, and CuO/Fe2O3 hybrid oxides with different Cu/Fe molar ratios via a hydrothermal procedure. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results showed that the morphologies of the samples changed with different Cu/Fe ratios. The electrocatalytic properties of the samples modified on a glassy carbon electrode for p-nitrophenol reduction in a basic solution were investigated. The results indicated that CuO/Fe2O3 hybrids with lower Cu/Fe ratio exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic performances of the samples for methyl orange degradation with assistance of oxydol under irradiation of visible light were studied. The results revealed that CuO/Fe2O3 hybrids with higher Cu/Fe ratio showed efficient photocatalytic activity.
Aromatic properties of 8-hydroxyquinoline and its metal complexes
Authors: Zborowski Krzysztof , Solá Miquel , Poater Jordi , Proniewicz Leonard
Published: February 2013

Chelatoaromaticity (aromaticity of chelate complexes) has been recently recognized as an important property influencing the stability of chelate compounds. In this paper, aromaticity of various forms of 8-hydroxyquinoline (anion, neutral molecule, zwitterion and cation) as well as its chelate complexes with magnesium and aluminium ions are investigated. Aromatic properties of these compounds are analyzed using several aromaticity indices based on energetic, geometric, magnetic and electronic physical manifestations of this phenomenon. Results of performed calculations have shown different aromatic properties for the two rings (pyridine and benzene) occurring in the studied ligand. Aromaticity of these rings in metal complexes of 8-hydroxyquinoline is significantly higher than that in corresponding ligand anion. This means that during complexation the aromaticity of the ligand increases and the chelatoaromatic effect stabilizes the studied metal complexes. In contrast, metallocyclic rings of studied metal complexes have non-aromatic properties, and, consequently, the metallocyclic ring is not stabilized by chelatoaromaticity. We conclude that, in the complex, every 8-hydroxyquinoline unit and the metal ion are separated p-electronic systems.
Addition of boranes to (E)-(η5-C5H5)2Zr(CH=CHPh)Cl
Authors: Ferland Patrick , Prosser Kathleen , Bourque Jeremy , Edwards Ian , Hamilton Nathan , Joyce Lori , Finniss Mathew , Yorke Scott , Vogels Christopher , Fontaine Frédéric-Georges , Decken Andreas , Westcott Stephen
Published: February 2013

In this study, the addition of boranes to (E)-(η5-C5H5)2Zr(CH=CHPh)Cl (3) has been examined in order to investigate the regioselectivity of these ‘hydroboration’ reactions. We have found that these additions proceed with remarkable selectivity to give exclusive formation of a saturated organic molecule where one carbon atom has both the boron and the zirconium fragments. These reactions do not proceed via a conventional hydroboration reaction, but instead go through an initial transmetalation step to generate (E)-(η5-C5H5)2Zr(H)Cl (1) and the corresponding alkenyl boron intermediate, whereupon subsequent hydrozirconation of this latter species gives the geminal products. An x-ray diffraction study has been conducted on gem-(η5-C5H5)2Zr(CH(Bpin)CH2Ph)Cl (pin = 1, 2-O2C2Me4) (2). Crystals of 2 were orthorhombic with a = 18.545(3) Å, b = 15.713(3) Å, c = 16.157(3) Å in the space group Pccn. An x-ray diffraction study has also been conducted on the trinuclear zirconium oxide species (η5-C5H5)2ZrO2[ZrCl(η5-C5H5)2]2(4). Crystals of 4 were orthorhombic with a = 13.6000(8) Å, b = 14.2252(8) Å, c = 17.6500(10) Å in the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1).
The use of mass spectrometry in obstetric and gynecology
Authors: Ilia Gheorghe , Crasmareanu Eleonora , Pascut Dan , Darabanti Laura , Simulescu Vasile
Published: February 2013

The present review shows the utility of using mass spectrometry (MS) in obstetrics and gynecology. In this review different gas chromatography / mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry methods developed before to be used in obstetrics and gynecology are described. These methods are very useful to determine different hormones in pregnancy, fatty acids esters (related to the use of ethanol) in human meconium and toxic compounds in umbilical cord (as ethanol, steroids, morphine, cocaine, methadone and other drugs). It is also shown in this review the progress during last decades in the field of using mass spectrometry in obstetrics and gynecology (for screening in utero exposure of the child to alcohol, drugs and other toxic compounds). In the field of using mass spectrometry in obstetrics and gynecology are still many problems to solve. For example, the detection of fatty acids esters in meconium has several limitations, which affects the results. One limitation is multiple births. Also in fetal distress, meconium may be passed before birth, and in this case, the collection is impossible. Moreover the meconium is formed starting from the fourth month of pregnancy, so the fetal exposure at any toxic compounds during the first three months cannot be detected at all. To solve all of these, the best would be to combine the results obtained from meconium, with other results obtained from pregnancy serum, placenta or umbilical cord. The main reason for using MS in obstetrics and gynecology is that MS is a noninvasive and a complementary method. It offers the results at a very early point in time, even before the act of birth. Sometimes the use of mass spectrometry is the only alternative. This shows that these methods are of great interest for the future and need to be developed further.
Socio-Demographic and Clinical Profile of People Living with HIV/AIDS.
Authors: Khan MA , Sharma Shashi
Published: February 2013

Although India is in the grip of HIV/AIDS epidemic, not much information is available on socio-demographic and clinical aspects of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The present study has been designed with the following objective. Objectives: To assess the socio-demographic and clinical profile of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in India. Material and methods: The study was carried among 251 HIV/AIDS positive persons attending the out-patients department at the antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinic of the HIV testing centers at three major govt. hospital of Delhi, India. All the patients, male and female in the age range of 20-65 years and willing to participate were included in this study during the period 2007-2009. Written as well as informed consent was obtained for each patient at the time of recruitment. The HIV status was analyzed by ELISA with further confirmation by western blot; CD4/CD8 counts were measured by a flow-cytometer. Statistical analysis was carried out using chi-square test in order to see the association between age groups for various psychological measures and for treatment responses of the participants receiving ART. Results: Majority of the patients (77.7%) were found to be young (<40 years) and married (86.9 %). As high as 61.8% came from low socio-economic class and more than 93.6% acquired HIV transmission through heterosexual routes. A large proportion of these patients reported an extremely high level of anxiety, moderate level of stress and a borderline level of clinical depression. While some of the patients (28.3%) were well-adjusted with the ART, the rest of the patients reported difference in making adjustment with the treatment schedules. Conclusion: The study suggests that counselling and supportive therapy could play a pivotal role in controlling anxiety, stress, depression and rehabilitating people with HIV/AIDS. Thus, proper preventive intervention among general population and establishment of proper laboratory support is recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i2.5039 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 1-10
Identification and Characterization of Carbapenem Hydrolysing β-lactamase – KPC among Enterobacteriaceae: A report from North India
Authors: Upadhyay Supriya , Sen Malay Ranjan , Bhattacharjee Amitabha
Published: February 2013

Objective: The serine carbapenemase KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase) has emerged as a beta-lactamase capable of inactivating carbapenem antibiotics. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteria is therefore worrisome, since consequently the antimicrobial treatment options are very restricted. In the present study we have reported the presence of KPC ?-lactamase producing enterobacterial isolates from a tertiary referral hospital in north India. Methods: The isolates were subjected to phenotypic confirmatory test by boronic acid and clavulanic acid inhibition and presence of carbapenemase activity. They were further tested for PCR detection of blaKPC and the associated genetic component. Results: Three enterobacterial isolates were found to be phenotypically similar to that of KPC enzyme and genotypically showing positive results with primers specific for blaKPC gene were found to be located on integron. Conclusion: The findings indicate the need for continuous surveillance of this resistant determinant in this part of the world. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i2.5087 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 11-15
Dyke Davidoff Masson Syndrome with Abdominal Epilepsy-Rare Presentation
Authors: Srivastava Shitanshu , Singh Rajat Pratap , Srivastava KL
Published: February 2013

Dyke Davidoff Masson Syndrome (DDMS) with abdominal epilepsy, is a rare clinical condition. It is characterized by severe abdominal pain with seizures, facial asymmetry, contralateral hemiparesis, and mental retardation. Diagnosis is made clinically coupled with radiological features which include cerebral hemiatrophy with homolateral hypertrophy of the skull and sinuses along with abnormal EEG and response to antiepileptic drugs. Here we report a case of DDMS with abdominal epilepsy in a 10 year old male child who presented with recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain followed by seizures, hemiparesis and mental retardation. CT and MRI showed hemiatrophy of right cerebral hemisphere. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i2.6172 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 25-28
Human Resource Management, 11th Edition International Student Version. By David A. DeCenzo, Stephen P. Robbins and Susan L. Verhulst, Wiley, 2013; 448 Pages. Price £54.99 / €66.00, ISBN 978-1-1183-7971-4
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: February 2013

The 11th Edition of Human Resource Management helps students understand and remember concepts through a straightforward and conversational writing style and a wealth of examples to clarify ideas and build interest. The authors provide a strong foundation of essential elements of Human Resource Management (HRM) as well as a clear understanding of how Human Resource Management links with business strategy. Through practical applications, the authors illustrate the importance of employees on every level of the organization, helping students understand HRM elements such as recruitment, training, motivation, retention, safety, the legal environment, and how they support successful business strategies.
Group Size, Coordination, and the Effectiveness of Punishment in the Voluntary Contributions Mechanism: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Xu Bin , Cadsby C. , Fan Liangcong , Song Fei
Published: February 2013

We examine the effectiveness of the individual-punishment mechanism in larger groups, comparing groups of four to groups of 40 participants. We find that the individual punishment mechanism is remarkably robust when the marginal per capita return (MPCR), i.e. the return to each participant from each dollar that is contributed, is held constant. Moreover, the efficiency gains from the punishment mechanism are significantly higher in the 40-participant than in the four-participant treatment. This is true despite the coordination problems inherent in an institution relying on decentralized individual punishment decisions in the context of a larger group. It reflects increased per capita expenditures on punishment that offset the greater coordination difficulties in the larger group. However, if the marginal group return (MGR), i.e. the return to the entire group of participants, stays constant, resulting in an MPCR that shrinks with group size, no such offset occurs and punishment loses much but not all of its effectiveness at encouraging voluntary contributions to a public good. Efficiency is not significantly different from the small-group treatment.
Does Farming Have an Effect on Health Status? A Comparison Study in West Greece
Authors: Demos Konstantinos , Sazakli Eleni , Jelastopulu Eleni , Charokopos Nikolaos , Ellul John , Leotsinidis Michalis
Published: February 2013

Investigating the health status of agricultural workers is a challenging goal. Contradictory outcomes concerning farmers’ health are reported in the literature. In this cross-sectional study, certain clinical and neurobehavioral health outcomes were compared between farmers and non-farmers living in the same rural area. Farmers (328) and non-farmers (347), matched per age and sex, were selected randomly in an agricultural area in West Greece. Both groups underwent haematological and biochemical examinations and were administered two neurobehavioral tests, namely the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Sociodemographic, personal medical, nutritional and lifestyle data were recorded. According to personal statements, farmers suffered from hypertension, cardiovascular, orthopaedic and ENT problems in higher frequency. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and serum cholinesterase’s activity were found to be lower among farmers. Lower prevalence of hypertension and better performances on MMSE and MADRS tests were recorded in young farmers in relation to young non-farmers, while these findings were reversed in older ages. Odds Ratios were calculated through multivariate logistic regression models. Factors affecting these impairments remain to be clarified.
Outbreak of Ampicillin/Piperacillin-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Investigation and Control Measures
Authors: Fabbri Giuliana , Panico Manuela , Dallolio Laura , Suzzi Roberta , Ciccia Matilde , Sandri Fabrizio , Farruggia Patrizia
Published: February 2013

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a frequent cause of infectious outbreaks in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The aim of this paper is to describe an outbreak occurred in a 13-bed NICU and the control measures adopted in order to interrupt the chain of transmission. We described the microbiological investigations, the NICU staff compliance to the infection control measures by means of a specifically designed check-list and the control measures adopted. Six cases of primary bloodstream infections sustained by ampicillin/piperacillin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae were observed over a two-month period. One culture obtained from a 12% saccarose multiple-dose solution allowed the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae. During the inspections performed by the Hospital Infection Control Team, using the check-list for the evaluation of the NICU staff compliance to the infection control measures, several breaches in the infection control policy were identified and control measures were adopted. In our case the definition of a specific check-list led to the adoption of the correct control measures. Further studies would be helpful in order to develop a standard check-list able to identify critical flows in the adhesion to the guidelines. It could be used in different NICUs and allow to obtain reproducible levels of infection control.
Brain Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lemke Johannes , Scheele Jan , Kapapa Thomas , Wirtz Christian , Henne-Bruns Doris , Kornmann Marko
Published: February 2013

Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease with a 5-year survival rate below 5%. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced tumor stage and existence of distant metastases. However, involvement of the central nervous system is rare in pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively analyzed all cases of brain metastases in pancreatic cancer reported to date focusing on patient characteristics, clinical appearance, therapy and survival. Including our own, 12 cases of brain metastases originating from pancreatic cancer were identified. In three patients brain metastases were the first manifestation of pancreatic cancer. All other patients developed brain metastases during their clinical course. In most cases, the disease progressed rapidly and the patients died within weeks or months. However, two patients showed long-term survival. Of note, both patients received resection of the pancreatic cancer as well as curative resection of the metachronous brain metastases. Brain metastases in pancreatic cancer are a rare condition and usually predict a very poor prognosis. However, there is evidence that resection of brain metastases of pancreatic cancer can be immensely beneficial to patient’s survival, even with the chance for cure. Therefore, a surgical approach in metastatic pancreatic cancer should be considered in selective cases.
Preparation of Chitosan and Water-Soluble Chitosan Microspheres via Spray-Drying Method to Lower Blood Lipids in Rats Fed with High-Fat Diets
Authors: Tao Yi , Zhang Hong-Liang , Hu Yin-Ming , Wan Shuo , Su Zheng-Quan
Published: February 2013

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of the chitosan (CTS) and water-soluble chitosan (WSC) microspheres on plasma lipids in male Sprague-Dawley rats fed with high-fat diets. CTS microspheres and WSC microspheres were prepared by the spray-drying technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the microspheres were nearly spherical in shape. The mean size of CTS microspheres was 4.07 μm (varying from 1.50 to 7.21 μm) and of WSC microspheres was 2.00 μm (varying from 0.85 to 3.58 μm). The rats were classified into eight groups (n = 8) and were fed with high-fat diets for two weeks to establish the hyperlipidemic condition and were then treated with CTS microspheres and WSC microspheres, CTS and WSC for four weeks. The results showed that CTS and WSC microspheres reduced blood lipids and plasma viscosity and increased the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly. This study is the first report of the lipid-lowering effects of CTS and WSC microspheres. CTS and WSC microspheres were found to be more effective in improving hyperlipidemia in rats than common CTS and WSC.
Phenotypic Identification of the Redox Dye Methylene Blue as an Antagonist of Heat Shock Response Gene Expression in Metastatic Melanoma Cells
Authors: Davis Angela , Cabello Christopher , Qiao Shuxi , Azimian Sara , Wondrak Georg
Published: February 2013

Repurposing approved and abandoned non-oncological drugs is an alternative developmental strategy for the identification of anticancer therapeutics that has recently attracted considerable attention. Due to the essential role of the cellular heat shock response in cytoprotection through the maintenance of proteostasis and suppression of apoptosis, small molecule heat shock response antagonists can be harnessed for targeted induction of cytotoxic effects in cancer cells. Guided by gene expression array analysis and a phenotypic screen interrogating a collection of 3,7-diamino-phenothiazinium derivatives, we have identified the redox-drug methylene blue (MB), used clinically for the infusional treatment of methemoglobinemia, as a negative modulator of heat shock response gene expression in human metastatic melanoma cells. MB-treatment blocked thermal (43 °C) and pharmacological (celastrol, geldanamycin) induction of heat shock response gene expression, suppressing Hsp70 (HSPA1A) and Hsp27 (HSPB1) upregulation at the mRNA and protein level. MB sensitized melanoma cells to the apoptogenic activity of geldanamycin, an Hsp90 antagonist known to induce the counter-regulatory upregulation of Hsp70 expression underlying cancer cell resistance to geldanamycin chemotherapy. Similarly, MB-cotreatment sensitized melanoma cells to other chemotherapeutics (etoposide, doxorubicin). Taken together, these data suggest feasibility of repurposing the non-oncological redox drug MB as a therapeutic heat shock response antagonist for cancer cell chemosensitization.
Brain Activity of Thioctic Acid Enantiomers: In Vitro and in Vivo Studies in an Animal Model of Cerebrovascular Injury
Authors: Tomassoni Daniele , Amenta Francesco , Amantini Consuelo , Farfariello Valerio , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Nwankwo Innocent , Marini Carlotta , Tayebati Seyed
Published: February 2013

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense mechanisms, potentially leading to tissue damage. Oxidative stress has a key role in the development of cerebrovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases. This phenomenon is mainly mediated by an enhanced superoxide production by the vascular endothelium with its consequent dysfunction. Thioctic, also known as alpha-lipoic acid (1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoic acid), is a naturally occurring antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the fatty and watery regions of cells. Both the reduced and oxidized forms of the compound possess antioxidant ability. Thioctic acid has two optical isomers designated as (+)- and (−)-thioctic acid. Naturally occurring thioctic acid is the (+)-thioctic acid form, but the synthetic compound largely used in the market for stability reasons is a mixture of (+)- and (−)-thioctic acid. The present study was designed to compare the antioxidant activity of the two enantiomers versus the racemic form of thioctic acid on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in a rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and free oxygen radical species (ROS) production was assessed by flow cytometry. Antioxidant activity of the two enantiomers and the racemic form of thioctic acid was also evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) used as an in vivo model of increased oxidative stress. A 3-h exposure of PC12 cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) significantly decreased cell viability and increased levels of intracellular ROS production. Pre-treatment with racemic thioctic acid or (+)-enantiomer significantly inhibited H2O2-induced decrease in cell viability from the concentration of 50 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L, respectively. Racemic thioctic acid and (+)-salt decreased levels of intracellular ROS, which were unaffected by (−)-thioctic acid. In the brain of SHR, the occurrence of astrogliosis and neuronal damage, with a decreased expression of neurofilament 200 kDa were observed. Treatment of SHR for 30 days with (+)-thioctic acid reduced the size of astrocytes and increased the neurofilament immunoreaction. The above findings could contribute to clarify the role played by thioctic acid in central nervous system injury related to oxidative stress. The more pronounced effect of (+)-thioctic acid observed in this study may have practical therapeutic implications worthy of being investigated in further preclinical and clinical studies.
Covalent Immobilization of Bacillus licheniformis γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase on Aldehyde-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Yi-Yu , Tsai Ming-Gen , Chi Meng-Chun , Wang Tzu-Fan , Lin Long-Liu
Published: February 2013

This work presents the synthesis and use of surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles for the covalent immobilization of Bacillus licheniformis γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (BlGGT). Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by an alkaline solution of divalent and trivalent iron ions, and they were subsequently treated with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APES) to obtain the aminosilane-coated nanoparticles. The functional group on the particle surface and the amino group of BlGGT was then cross-linked using glutaraldehyde as the coupling reagent. The loading capacity of the prepared nanoparticles for BlGGT was 34.2 mg/g support, corresponding to 52.4% recovery of the initial activity. Monographs of transmission electron microscopy revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a mean diameter of 15.1 ± 3.7 nm, and the covalent cross-linking of the enzyme did not significantly change their particle size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the immobilization of BlGGT on the magnetic nanoparticles. The chemical and kinetic behaviors of immobilized BlGGT are mostly consistent with those of the free enzyme. The immobilized enzyme could be recycled ten times with 36.2% retention of the initial activity and had a comparable stability respective to free enzyme during the storage period of 30 days. Collectively, the straightforward synthesis of aldehyde-functionalized nanoparticles and the efficiency of enzyme immobilization offer wide perspectives for the practical use of surface-bound BlGGT.
Long Non-Coding RNA in Cancer
Authors: Hauptman Nina , Glavač Damjan
Published: February 2013

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pervasively transcribed in the genome and are emerging as new players in tumorigenesis due to their various functions in transcriptional, posttranscriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation. LncRNAs are deregulated in a number of cancers, demonstrating both oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles, thus suggesting their aberrant expression may be a substantial contributor in cancer development. In this review, we will summarize their emerging role in human cancer and discuss their perspectives in diagnostics as potential biomarkers.
Interplay between Hepatitis C Virus and Redox Cell Signaling
Authors: Ruggieri Anna , Anticoli Simona , Nencioni Lucia , Sgarbanti Rossella , Garaci Enrico , Palamara Anna
Published: February 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects approximately 3% of the world’s population. Currently licensed treatment of HCV chronic infection with pegylated-interferon-α and ribavirin, is not fully effective against all HCV genotypes and is associated to severe side effects. Thus, development of novel therapeutics and identification of new targets for treatment of HCV infection is necessary. Current opinion is orienting to target antiviral drug discovery to the host cell pathways on which the virus relies, instead of against viral structures. Many intracellular signaling pathways manipulated by HCV for its own replication are finely regulated by the oxido-reductive (redox) state of the host cell. At the same time, HCV induces oxidative stress that has been found to affect both virus replication as well as progression and severity of HCV infection. A dual role, positive or negative, for the host cell oxidized conditions on HCV replication has been reported so far. This review examines current information about the effect of oxidative stress on HCV life cycle and the main redox-regulated intracellular pathways activated during HCV infection and involved in its replication.