bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective role of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 on oxidative stress, hematological and enzymatic parameters in cadmium toxicity induced rat model
Authors: Dwivedi Vivek Kumar , Bhatanagar Anuj , Chaudhary Manu
Published: March 2013

We investigated the protective role of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 (Elores) on hematological, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymatic activities and Cd levels in the blood and tissues of cadmium exposed rats. Twenty-four male rats were divided into three groups of eight rats each. The control group received distilled water whereas group II received CdCl2 (1.5 mg/4 ml/body weight) through gastric gavage for 21 days. Group III received CdCl2 and was treated with ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 for 21 days. The hematological, biochemical, lipid per-oxidation levels and enzymatic parameters were measured in plasma and tissues (brain, liver and kidney) of all groups. The Cd, Zn and Fe levels were measured in blood and tissues of all groups. Our findings showed significantly decreased cadmium (p<0.001), malonaldialdehyde (p<0.001) and myloperoxidase (MPO) levels along with significantly increased hemoglobin (p<0.01), RBC (p<0.05), hematocrit (p<0.05) levels and all antioxidant enzymatic activities (SOD, CAT, GR, GPx) in plasma and tissues of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 treated group as compared to cadmium exposed group. Delta aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly (p<0.001) increased in the blood of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 treated group as compared with cadmium exposed group. The levels of hepatic and renal parameters were significantly (p<0.001) decreased in ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 treated group as compared to cadmium exposed group. These findings indicate that ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 acts as a potent free radical scavenger and exhibits metal chelating properties that reduce free radical mediated tissue injury and prevent dysfunction of hepatic and renal organs during metal intoxication.
Assessment of genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of an aqueous extract of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala in in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Charoensin Suphachai , Taya Sirinya , Wongpornchai Sugunya , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan
Published: March 2013

Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala, an edible fruit found in Northern Thailand, contains high amounts of phenolic compounds with invitro antioxidant activity. The aqueous extract of the ripe fruit was evaluated for its safety and beneficial effects using genotoxicity and toxicity tests. The C. nervosum extract was not only non-mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 in the presence and absence of metabolic activation, but exhibited also moderate antimutagenic effects against aflatoxin B1 and 2-amino- 3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f ]quinoline-induced mutagenesis. Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometric analysis revealed the major anthocyanins, which included cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-5-glucoside. The administration of C.nervosum at concentration of 5,000 mg/kg bw did not induce acute toxicity in rats. A liver micronucleus test was performed to detect clastogenicity and anticlastogenicity. The extract in the dose of 1,000 mg/kg did not cause micronucleus formation in the liver of rats. Furthermore, in rats administered 100-1,000 mg/kg of the extract, no anticlastogenic effect against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic micronucleus formation was observed. These studies provide data concerning the safety and antimutagenic potency of an aqueous extract of C. nervosum fruit.
A Far-reaching Shift in Argumentation: Parliamentary Debates on (post-)socialist Agricultural Cooperatives in the 1990s
Authors: Lindbloom Jana
Published: March 2013

The debate as to whether Slovak post-socialist agricultural cooperatives are cooperatives or not represents one of the focal points of their post-1989 development. The answer to this question determined and/or legitimized the rationale for the legislative framework concerning their post-socialist transformation. This analysis draws mainly on data from the parliamentary debates that preceded the enactment of three pivotal laws. In comparing the debates in 1991/1992 and 1995, the examination focuses on the shift in the argumentation put forward by representatives speaking on behalf of cooperative farms. A dramatic shift in reasoning about the character of cooperative enterprises and appropriate voting rights is interpreted as a pragmatic, effect-oriented action. It is argued that both delicate work with the hybrid nature of post-socialist cooperative farms as well as the initial withholding of cooperative principles contributed to the preservation of the specific kinds of agricultural cooperative, and consequently also large corporate farm, which now exist in Slovakia.
Amino acids content and basic chemical composition of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) meat
Authors: Cygan-Szczegielniak D. , Janicki B.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of roe deer meat considering the animals’ sex and age and to estimate the content of amino acids in the meat from two selected groups of the animals, i.e. 2-3-year-old males and females. A further goal was to assess the biological value of proteins as compared to the FAO standard. The study has revealed that in proteins from the roe deer muscle tissue the content of exogenous amino acids (in g/100g) is higher by 20-30% on average comparing to the level of amino acids, in the FAO/WHO (1973) standard protein. Among the endogenous amino acids, the highest (in g/100 g of protein) and the lowest concentrations were found for glutamic acid and proline, respectively. The research has also shown that roe deer meat possesses a high content of protein and a relatively low content of fat.
Clinical study on the application of tacrolimus and DMSO in the treatment of chronic superficial keratitis in dogs
Authors: Balicki I.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to assess the treatment of chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) in dogs with the use of tacrolimus and DMSO.

The study was conducted on 16 dogs - 7 males and 9 females, aged 3 to 11 years, diagnosed with CSK. The disease was treated with ophthalmic drops containing 0.02% tacrolimus and 50% DMSO, administered to the ocular surface three times a day. Prior to the treatment and after 5 weeks of therapy, the corneal neovascularisation, pigmentation, and also the redness and depigmentation of the third eyelid margin were assessed. The percentage of the corneal surface afflicted with inflammatory processes was calculated on the basis of photographs taken with the use of IsoCalc.com’s Get Area software for Corel DRAW 12.

It was found that the application of tacrolimus and DMSO caused a reduction of inflammatory process and neovascularisation in the cornea. The mean corneal surface afflicted with inflammatory processes was statistically significantly reduced from 69.9% to 43.9% (p ≤ 0.01) - in case of the right corneas, and from 58.9% to 38.6% in case of the left corneas. Of 32 corneas diagnosed with the pigmentation, the reduction of the pigmentation was observed in 14, while in 16 the pigmentation increased.

The treatment of CSK with the use of tacrolimus and DMSO causes the reduction in terms of inflammatory processes and neovascularisation, but in many cases does not inhibit the progress of the pigmentation.
The effect of low-dose experimental zearalenone intoxication on the immunoexpression of estrogen receptors in the ovaries of pre-pubertal bitches
Authors: Gajęcka M.
Published: March 2013

Zearalenone is an estrogenic mycotoxin that often contaminates plant material used in the production of feeds for companion animals. Small daily doses of ingested zearalenone - a competitive substrate modulating the activity of enzymes participating in estrogen biosynthesis at the pre-receptor level - can induce subclinical symptoms of hyperestrogenism in bitches. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low zearalenone doses on the presence of estrogen receptors in the ovaries of pre-pubertal Beagle bitches. The bitches were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: experimental group I - 50 μg zearalenone/kg body weight administered once daily per os; experimental group II - 75 μg zearalenone/kg body weight administered once daily per os; control group - placebo containing no ZEN administered per os. The animals were ovariorectomized at the end of the experiment, at 112 days of age. Estrogen receptors were detected in ovarian specimens by immunohistochemical methods. The results revealed an absence of estrogen receptors alpha in all groups. In both experimental groups a decrease in the positive response of estrogen receptors beta in specified structures of ovaries was observed. Very low α-zearalenol levels probably attested to the slowing down (hypostimulation) of the biotransformation process. Overall, zearalenone intoxication led to hyperestrogenism during a specific developmental stage of pre-pubertal bitches. As regards hormesis, the threshold dose of zearalenone (adaptive capability) was exceeded in the ovaries of experimental group II animals. The results obtained in both experimental groups suggest that long-term exposure to low-dose zearalenone intoxication decreased the degree of estrogen receptors beta staining in particular structures of ovaries in the experimental bitches, which initiated epigenetic modification mechanisms that inhibited ovarian development.
Late embryonic and foetal losses in eight dairy herds in north-east Poland
Authors: Barański W. , Zduńczyk S. , Janowski T.
Published: March 2013

The information about the occurrence of embryonic and fetal losses in dairy herds in Poland is limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the pregnancy loss between days 30 and 45 (late embryonic mortality) and between days 45 and 260 after artificial insemination (AI) (foetal loss). The study was carried out in 8 dairy herds in north-east Poland. In total 954 cows were examined for pregnancy on day 30 after AI using an ultrasound scanner. Cows diagnosed pregnant were re-examined on day 45 and 260 after AI using transrectal palpation. The pregnancy rate on day 30 after AI was 62.0%, after re-examination on day 45 after AI the pregnancy rate was 56.4%. The late embryonic loss rate was on an average 9.1%. The occurrence of late embryonic mortality differed not significantly (p > 0.05) among herds and ranged from 13.1% to 19.3%. The pregnancy rate on day 260 after AI was 53.5%. The average foetal loss after day 45 of pregnancy was 5.0%, ranged between herds from 0 to 9.2% (p > 0.05) and was significantly lower than embryonic loss rate (p < 0.05). The study revealed that in 8 dairy herds in north-east Poland the overall pregnancy loss between days 30 and 260 averaged 13.7% and therefore it is an important factor affecting economic efficiency of dairy production. The foetal loss was less prevalent than the late embryonic loss. Future strategies to minimizing late embryonic loss are needed.
Determination of sperm acrosin activity in the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus L.) – using method developed for human spermatozoa
Authors: Stasiak K. , Janicki B. , Glogowski J.
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to adapt a method to determine acrosin activity of human spermatozoa to arctic fox (Alopex lagopus L.) spermatozoa. We modified this method by reducing sperm count per sample from 1÷10 × 106 to 25÷200 × 103, incubation time from 180 minutes to 60 minutes, and Triton X-100 concentration in the reaction mixture from 0.01% to 0.005% per 100 cm3. It has also confirmed that arctic fox seminal plasma is rich in proteinases and their inhibitors. To completely abolish the inhibitory effect of seminal plasma on acrosin activity it is recommended to wash the spermatozoa four times. Benzamidine served an inhibitor of acrosin activity.
Response of Pole Type French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes to Sowing Dates in the Mid Hills of Western Nepal
Authors: Pandey YR , Gautam DM , Thapa RB , Sharma MD , Paudyal KP
Published: March 2013

Three pole-type French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes (Four season, Trishuli & Makwanpur) were sown in different three dates, i.e., August 16, 31 and September 15 during autumn seasons of 2010 and 2011 at the Agriculture Research Station, Malepatan, Pokhara (848 msl) to assess the fresh pod yield and yield attributes of the genotypes in different dates of sowing. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The temperature ranged from 14° to 32°C during the growth period. The results showed significant variations in fresh pod yield and yield attributes. Flowering was earlier in Makwanpur genotype. About 50% plants flowered within 39 days in Makwanpur while it took more than 48 days for Trishuli. Tallest plants were produced by Makwanpur (271.7 cm) and shortest by Trishuli (256.2 cm). The pod length was highest (18.34 cm) in Four season and lowest in Makwanpur (15.07 cm). Pod width was highest in Trishuli (9.04 mm) and lowest in Makwanpur (7.10 mm). Highest fresh pod yield was produced by Four season (25.08 t/ha) followed by Makwanpur (23.11t/ha) and the lowest by Trishuli (19.97 t/ha). Sowing date also showed significant effect on yield and yield attributes. Earliest sowing (16 August) showed better results in early flowering (42.63 days), tallest plants (280.4 cm), longest pods (18.51 cm), widest pods (9.21 mm) and the highest fresh pod yield (31.13 t/ha) than 31 August and 15 September sown conditions. Fresh pod yield was highest in 16 August sown (31.13 t/ha) followed by 31 August (21.74 t/ha) and lowest in 15 September (15.29 t/ha). Four season sown on 16 August produced the highest fresh pod yield with an average of 35.35 t/ha. The result revealed that Four season is the best genotype and mid August is the appropriate sowing time for higher fresh pod yield of French bean in the mid hills of western Nepal. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 15-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7708
Threats on Grassland Ecosystem Services: A Case from Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Authors: Bhattarai Pradeep
Published: March 2013

Change in ecosystem balance is increasing rapidly by means of humanly devised over and above natural activities to be precise land use change, deforestation, species invasion, and even the lack of sustainable management within and beyond protected area. Invasion of woody perennials and invasive alien species, human intervention together with improper management practices possibly generated substantial impacts on all major ecosystems of Shuklaphanta grassland. To acquire baseline information and understand ecosystem invasion, random line transects of 1000m were taken to get quadrats of 1m2, 25 m2 and 100 m2 in four different habitats within Shuklaphanta grassland. The result showed that the importance value index (IVI) and prominence value (PV) of woody perennials were high coupled with significant PV of invasive species. Ecosystem services change was prevalent in the study area and high possibility to change into forest vegetation. Invasive species, shrubs, and large trees encroachment consequently invited alteration challenge on preferable habitats formed on assemblage of major grass species. The disrupted ecosystem services amplified pressure on both prey and prey base species including swamp deer, antelope, one-horned rhinoceros, Asiatic elephant, royal Bengal tiger, Bengal florican and other threatened species. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 159-166 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7729
Socio-ecological Status and Antibacterial Activity of Paris polyphylla from Panchase Area of Kaski District
Authors: Chhetri Meena S , Timilsina Yajna P , Tripathee Hari P , Devkota Krishna P
Published: March 2013

The research conducted in Panchase area of Kaski district aimed to assess the ecological and social status of Paris polyphylla with its antibacterial activity and ethno-medicinal uses of available plant species. P. polyphylla shows relative density, frequency and coverage of 5.26/ha, 6.29% and 3.05%, respectively. Similarly, the importance value index of this plant was found to be 14.6. Rhizomes of this plant in the study site are mainly applied to wounds for rapid healing and antidote to the bite for poisonous insects and snakebite, fever, headache and stomach problem of both human and domestic animals. Different extracts of aerial parts of the plant are active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Escherchia coli and Salmonella flexinerai whereas, rhizome extract was active only against S. aureus. Petroleum ether extract from the rhizomes of P. polyphylla was most effective against S. aereus with minimal inhibitory concentration value of 62.5 mg/ml. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 167-174 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7730
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters of Drinking Water Supplied from Distribution Systems of Kathmandu Municipality
Authors: Shakya Prabin , Joshi Tista P , Joshi Dev R , Bhatta Dwij R
Published: March 2013

Microbial pathogens in drinking water are primary cause in gastrointestinal and waterborne diarrheal diseases. Public health authorities still have not achieved success in controlling the most common waterborne diseases in Nepal. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of drinking water supplied from distribution system of Kathmandu. A total of 114 water samples were collected from 4 distribution stations. The physicochemical and microbiological analyses of water were conducted. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC), detection of enteric pathogenic bacteria and antibiotics susceptibility test were done. Distinct variations in physicochemical parameters were observed. The mean free residual chlorine was found 0.24mg/l. Total Coliforms were found in 61.4% (70/114) of water samples among which 15.7% (11/70) had thermotolerant Coliforms. In distance, coliforms were found higher in far points (p=0.002). All thermotolerant Coliforms were identified as Escherichia coli. Mean HPC of water was found log103.15. The mean HPC of water (p=0.003) was found higher in far point. In collected samples, 10 different enteric bacteria were isolated in which E. coli was found most predominant followed by Pseudomonas spp., Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp. Non-Typhii Salmonella spp., Providencia spp., Edwardsiella spp. In antibiotics susceptibility test, Gentamicin and Ofloxacin were found most efficient (100%) and whereas Ampicillin (11.5%) was least effective. Multiple antibiotics resistance was found among 5.3% of isolates. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 179-184 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7733
Antioxidant Property, Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Lasia spinosa Leaves
Authors: Goshwami Durajan , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Muhit Md. Abdul , Islam Md. Saiful , Anasri Mukhtar
Published: March 2013

This study was undertaken to evaluate antioxidant property, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of Lasia spinosa leaves. Ethyl acetate soluble partitionate of the methanolic extract of the plant material showed significant antioxidant property using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pecrylhydrazyl) assay with IC50 value of 16.42 ?g/ml. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, LC50 values obtained from the best fit line slope were 0.544, 3.181, and 4.096 ?g/mL for standard (vincristine sulphate), dichloromethane and ethylacetate soluble partitionates of the methanolic extract respectively. The leaves extracts showed mild antimicrobial property. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 215-218 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7739
Nutritive value of three fodder species at different stages of maturity
Authors: Kanak AR , Khan MJ , Debi MR , Pikar MK , Aktar M
Published: March 2013

An experiment was conducted to compare the nutritive value of three fodder species: Para (Brachiaria mutica Stapf.), German (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) and Dhal (Hymenachne pseudointerrupta C. Muell) at three different stages of maturity. The grasses were cultivated in 9 plots arranged in completely randomized design having three replications for each fodder.  The area of each unit plot was 6 m x 6 m. Number of cuttings were 16,000 /hectare, where plant to plant distance was 16 cm and row to row distance was 16 cm. Equal amount of organic and chemical fertilizer were applied in all stages of maturity. The fodders were first harvested after 60 d of planting, second and third harvests were done after successive 60 d of re-growth. There was highly significant (p<0.01) variation on DM content among the three fodders in the first and third cuttings and significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in the second cutting. There was also significant (p<0.01) effect on Ash content in the first cutting. Significant difference at 1% and 5% level of probability was observed in NFE content in the third and second cutting, respectively. Crude fiber (CF) content was only significant (p<0.05) in the third cutting. Among the three grasses German grass showed higher value in the proximate components except EE and CP (non-significant) than other grasses. Para, German and Dhal grasses were differed insignificantly (p>0.05) in terms of IVOMD and ME content in all stages of maturity. The highest values (58.35, 59.97 and 61.92 %) of IVOMD were found in German grass compared to those of Para and Dhal grasses in all stages of maturity. The highest ME values (8.18 and 8.42 MJ/kg DM) were also found in German grass than other grasses in the second and third stages of maturity. From the above findings it may be concluded that among the three fodders, German grass showed the best result in respect of nutritive value.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i2.14123Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2012. 41 (2): 90-95
Biomedicines—Moving Biologic Agents into Approved Treatment Options
Authors: Cornetta Kenneth
Published: March 2013

The development of biologic agents for therapeutic purposes, or biomedicines, has seen an active area of research both at the bench and in clinical trials. There is mounting evidence that biologic products can provide effective therapy for diseases that have been unresponsive to traditional pharmacologic approaches. Monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer and rheumatologic diseases has become a well accepted part of disease treatment plans. Gene therapy products have been approved in China and Europe. Bioengineering of new agents capitalizing on microRNA biology, nanoparticle technology, stem cell biology, and an increasing understanding of immunology predict a rich future for product development. [...]
A Novel Three-Colour Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Approach for the Detection of t(7;12)(q36;p13) in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Reveals New Cryptic Three Way Translocation t(7;12;16)
Authors: Naiel Abdulbasit , Vetter Michael , Plekhanova Olga , Fleischman Elena , Sokova Olga , Tsaur Grigory , Harbott Jochen , Tosi Sabrina
Published: March 2013

The t(7;12)(q36;p13) translocation is a recurrent chromosome abnormality that involves the ETV6 gene on chromosome 12 and has been identified in 20–30% of infant patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The detection of t(7;12) rearrangements relies on the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) because this translocation is hardly visible by chromosome banding methods. Furthermore, a fusion transcript HLXB9-ETV6 is found in approximately 50% of t(7;12) cases, making the reverse transcription PCR approach not an ideal screening method. Considering the report of few cases of variant translocations harbouring a cryptic t(7;12) rearrangement, we believe that the actual incidence of this abnormality is higher than reported to date. The clinical outcome of t(7;12) patients is believed to be poor, therefore an early and accurate diagnosis is important in the clinical management and treatment. In this study, we have designed and tested a novel three-colour FISH approach that enabled us not only to confirm the presence of the t(7;12) in a number of patients studied previously, but also to identify a cryptic t(7;12) as part of a complex rearrangement. This new approach has proven to be an efficient and reliable method to be used in the diagnostic setting.
Low Loss Sol-Gel TiO2 Thin Films for Waveguiding Applications
Authors: Touam Tahar , Znaidi Lamia , Vrel Dominique , Ninova-Kuznetsova Iva , Brinza Ovidiu , Fischer Alexis , Boudrioua Azzedine
Published: March 2013

TiO2 thin films were synthesized by sol-gel process: titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) was dissolved in isopropanol, and then hydrolyzed by adding a water/isopropanol mixture with a controlled hydrolysis ratio. The as prepared sol was deposited by “dip-coating” on a glass substrate with a controlled withdrawal speed. The obtained films were annealed at 350 and 500 °C (2 h). The morphological properties of the prepared films were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The optical waveguiding properties of TiO2 films were investigated for both annealing temperature using m-lines spectroscopy. The refractive indices and the film thickness were determined from the measured effective indices. The results show that the synthesized planar waveguides are multimodes and demonstrate low propagation losses of 0.5 and 0.8 dB/cm for annealing temperature 350 and 500 °C, respectively.
Impact of Furfural on Rapid Ethanol Production Using a Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Ylitervo Päivi , Franzén Carl , Taherzadeh Mohammad
Published: March 2013

A membrane bioreactor was developed to counteract the inhibition effect of furfural in ethanol production. Furfural, a major inhibitor in lignocellulosic hydrolyzates, is a highly toxic substance which is formed from pentose sugars released during the acidic degradation of lignocellulosic materials. Continuous cultivations with complete cell retention were performed at a high dilution rate of 0.5 h−1. Furfural was added directly into the bioreactor by pulse injection or by addition into the feed medium to obtain furfural concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 21.8 g L−1. At all pulse injections of furfural, the yeast was able to convert the furfural very rapidly by in situ detoxification. When injecting 21.8 g L−1 furfural to the cultivation, the yeast converted it by a specific conversion rate of 0.35 g g−1 h−1. At high cell density, Saccharomyces cerevisiae could tolerate very high furfural levels without major changes in the ethanol production. During the continuous cultures when up to 17.0 g L−1 furfural was added to the inlet medium, the yeast successfully produced ethanol, whereas an increase of furfural to 18.6 and 20.6 g L−1 resulted in a rapidly decreasing ethanol production and accumulation of sugars in the permeate. This study show that continuous ethanol fermentations by total cell retention in a membrane bioreactor has a high furfural tolerance and can conduct rapid in situ detoxification of medium containing high furfural concentrations.
Dried Spent Yeast and Its Hydrolysate as Nitrogen Supplements for Single Batch and Repeated-Batch Ethanol Fermentation from Sweet Sorghum Juice
Authors: Suwanapong Sureerat , Khongsay Naulchan , Laopaiboon Lakkana , Jaisil Prasit , Laopaiboon Pattana
Published: March 2013

Dried spent yeast (DSY) and its hydrolysate (DSYH) were used as low-cost nitrogen supplements to improve ethanol production from sweet sorghum juice by Saccharomyces cerevisiae NP01 under very high gravity (VHG) fermentation (280 g·L−1 of total sugar) conditions. The supplemented DSY and DSYH concentrations were 11, 16 and 21 g·L−1, corresponding to a yeast extract nitrogen content of 6, 9 and 12 g·L−1, respectively. The initial yeast cell concentration for ethanol fermentation was approximately 5 × 107 cells·mL−1. The fermentation was carried out in single batch mode at 30 °C in 1-L air-locked bottles with an agitation rate of 100 rpm. Ethanol production from the juice with and without yeast extract (9 g·L−1) was also performed as control treatments. The results showed that DSY at 21 g·L−1gave the highest ethanol concentration (PE, 107 g·L−1) and yield (Yp/s, 0.47 g·g−1). The use of DSYH at the same DSY concentration improved ethanol productivity (Qp), but not PE and Yp/s. The ethanol production efficiencies of the juice under DSY and DSYH supplementations were markedly higher than those without nutrient supplementation. However, the PE and Qp values of the juice containing 21 g·L−1 of DSY was approximately 7 g·L−1 and 0.62 g·L−1·h−1 lower than those under the presence of yeast extract (9 g·L−1), respectively. At the end of the single batch fermentation under the optimum DSY concentration, the sugar consumption was approximately 80%. Therefore in the repeated-batch fermentation, the initial total sugar was reduced to 240 g·L−1. The results showed that the system could be carried out at least 20 successive batches with the average PE, Yp/s and Qp of 95 g·L−1, 0.46 g·g−1 and 1.45 g·L−1·h−1, respectively.
Naringin Enhances CaMKII Activity and Improves Long-Term Memory in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , Yang Ya-Jun , Zhang Li , Zhang Xu , Guan Fei-Fei , Zhang Lian-Feng
Published: March 2013

The Amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced impairment of hippocampal synaptic plasticity is an underlying mechanism of memory loss in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in human and mouse models. The inhibition of the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) autophosphorylation plays an important role in long-term memory. In this study, we isolated naringin from Pomelo peel (a Citrus species) and studied its effect on long-term memory in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model of AD. Three-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mice were randomly assigned to a vehicle group, two naringin (either 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight/day) groups, or an Aricept (2 mg/kg body weight/day) group. After 16 weeks of treatment, we observed that treatment with naringin (100 mg/kg body weight/day) enhanced the autophosphorylation of CaMKII, increased the phosphorylation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic (AMPA) receptor at a CaMKII-dependent site and improved long-term learning and memory ability. These findings suggest that the increase in CaMKII activity may be one of the mechanisms by which naringin improves long-term cognitive function in the APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model of AD.
Preparation of Amidoxime Polyacrylonitrile Chelating Nanofibers and Their Application for Adsorption of Metal Ions
Authors: Huang Fenglin , Xu Yunfei , Liao Shiqin , Yang Dawei , Hsieh You-Lo , Wei Qufu
Published: March 2013

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and they were modified with hydroxylamine to synthesize amidoxime polyacrylonitrile (AOPAN) chelating nanofibers, which were applied to adsorb copper and iron ions. The conversion of the nitrile group in PAN was calculated by the gravimetric method. The structure and surface morphology of the AOPAN nanofiber were characterized by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The adsorption abilities of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions onto the AOPAN nanofiber mats were evaluated. FT-IR spectra showed nitrile groups in the PAN were partly converted into amidoxime groups. SEM examination demonstrated that there were no serious cracks or sign of degradation on the surface of the PAN nanofibers after chemical modification. The adsorption capacities of both copper and iron ions onto the AOPAN nanofiber mats were higher than those into the raw PAN nanofiber mats. The adsorption data of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions fitted particularly well with the Langmuir isotherm. The maximal adsorption capacities of Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions were 215.18 and 221.37 mg/g, respectively.
Bioactive Polyoxygenated Steroids from the South China Sea Soft Coral, Sarcophyton sp.
Authors: Wang Zenglei , Tang Hua , Wang Pan , Gong Wei , Xue Mei , Zhang Hongwei , Liu Taofang , Liu Baoshu , Yi Yanghua , Zhang Wen
Published: March 2013

Seven new polyoxygenated steroids (1–7) were isolated together with seven known analogues (8–14) from the South China Sea soft coral, Sarcophyton sp. The structures of the new compounds were identified on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. All the steroids are characterized with 3β,5α,6β-hydroxy moiety, displaying carbon skeletons of cholestane, ergostane, gorgostane and 23,24-dimethyl cholestane. In the in vitro bioassay, metabolites exhibited different levels of antimicrobial activity against bacterial species Escherichia coli and Bacillus megaterium, and fungal species Microbotryum violaceum and Septoria tritici. No inhibition was detected towards microalga Chlorella fusca. Preliminary structure-activity analysis suggests that the 11α-acetoxy group may increase both antibacterial and antifungal activities. The terminal-double bond and the cyclopropane moiety at the side chain may also contribute to the bioactivity.
Enhanced Liquid Metal Micro Droplet Generation by Pneumatic Actuation Based on the StarJet Method
Authors: Lass Nils , Riegger Lutz , Zengerle Roland , Koltay Peter
Published: March 2013

We present a novel pneumatic actuation system for generation of liquid metal droplets according to the so-called StarJet method. In contrast to our previous work, the performance of the device has been significantly improved: the maximum droplet generation frequency in continuous mode has been increased to fmax = 11 kHz (formerly fmax = 4 kHz). In addition, the droplet diameter has been reduced to 60 μm. Therefore, a new fabrication process for the silicon nozzle chips has been developed enabling the production of smaller nozzle chips with higher surface quality. The size of the metal reservoir has been increased to hold up to 22 mL liquid metal and the performance and durability of the actuator has been improved by using stainless steel and a second pneumatic connection to control the sheath flow. Experimental results are presented regarding the characterization of the droplet generation, as well as printed metal structures.
Synthesis and Characterization of the in Situ Bulk Polymerization of PMMA Containing Graphene Sheets Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Aldosari Mohammad , Othman Ali , Alsharaeh Edreese
Published: March 2013

Polymethylmethacrylate–graphene (PMMA/RGO) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ bulk polymerization using two different preparation techniques. In the first approach, a mixture of graphite oxide (GO) and methylmethacrylate monomers (MMA) were polymerized using a bulk polymerization method with a free radical initiator. After the addition of the reducing agent hydrazine hydrate (HH), the product was reduced via microwave irradiation (MWI) to obtain R-(GO-PMMA) composites. In the second approach, a mixture of graphite sheets (RGO) and MMA monomers were polymerized using a bulk polymerization method with a free radical initiator to obtain RGO-(PMMA) composites. The composites were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and Raman spectroscopy and XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA and DSC. The results indicate that the composite obtained using the first approach, which involved MWI, had a better morphology and dispersion with enhanced thermal stability compared with the composites prepared without MWI.
Sensor-Based Trajectory Generation for Advanced Driver Assistance System
Authors: Shackleton Christopher , Kala Rahul , Warwick Kevin
Published: March 2013

This paper investigates the trajectory generation problem for an advanced driver assistance system that could sense the driving state of the vehicle, so that a collision free trajectory can be generated safely. Specifically, the problem of trajectory generation is solved for the safety assessment of the driving state and to manipulate the vehicle in order to avoid any possible collisions. The vehicle senses the environment so as to obtain information about other vehicles and static obstacles ahead. Vehicles may share the perception of the environment via an inter-vehicle communication system. The planning algorithm is based on a visibility graph. A lateral repulsive potential is applied to adaptively maintain a trade-off between the trajectory length and vehicle clearance, which is the greatest problem associated with visibility graphs. As opposed to adaptive roadmap approaches, the algorithm exploits the structured nature of the environment for construction of the roadmap. Furthermore, the mostly organized nature of traffic systems is exploited to obtain orientation invariance, which is another limitation of both visibility graphs and adaptive roadmaps. Simulation results show that the algorithm can successfully solve the problem for a variety of commonly found scenarios.
Robust Lane Sensing and Departure Warning under Shadows and Occlusions
Authors: Tapia-Espinoza Rodolfo , Torres-Torriti Miguel
Published: March 2013

A prerequisite for any system that enhances drivers’ awareness of road conditions and threatening situations is the correct sensing of the road geometry and the vehicle’s relative pose with respect to the lane despite shadows and occlusions. In this paper we propose an approach for lane segmentation and tracking that is robust to varying shadows and occlusions. The approach involves color-based clustering, the use of MSAC for outlier removal and curvature estimation, and also the tracking of lane boundaries. Lane boundaries are modeled as planar curves residing in 3D-space using an inverse perspective mapping, instead of the traditional tracking of lanes in the image space, i.e., the segmented lane boundary points are 3D points in a coordinate frame fixed to the vehicle that have a depth component and belong to a plane tangent to the vehicle’s wheels, rather than 2D points in the image space without depth information. The measurement noise and disturbances due to vehicle vibrations are reduced using an extended Kalman filter that involves a 6-DOF motion model for the vehicle, as well as measurements about the road’s banking and slope angles. Additional contributions of the paper include: (i) the comparison of textural features obtained from a bank of Gabor filters and from a GMRF model; and (ii) the experimental validation of the quadratic and cubic approximations to the clothoid model for the lane boundaries. The results show that the proposed approach performs better than the traditional gradient-based approach under different levels of difficulty caused by shadows and occlusions.
Mutation Distribution in the NSP4 Protein in Rotaviruses Isolated from Mexican Children with Moderate to Severe Gastroenteritis
Authors: González-Ochoa Guadalupe , Menchaca Griselda , Hernández Carlos , Rodríguez Cristina , Tamez Reyes , Contreras Juan
Published: March 2013

The NSP4 protein is a multifunctional protein that plays a role in the morphogenesis and pathogenesis of the rotavirus. Although NSP4 is considered an enterotoxin, the relationship between gastroenteritis severity and amino acid variations in NSP4 of the human rotavirus remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the sequence diversity of NSP4 and the severity of gastroenteritis of children with moderate to severe gastroenteritis. The rotavirus-infected children were hospitalized before the rotavirus vaccine program in Mexico. All children had diarrhea within 1-4 days, 44 (88%) were vomiting and 35 (70%) had fevers. The severity analysis showed that 13 (26%) cases had mild gastroenteritis, 23 (46%) moderate gastroenteritis and 14 (28%) severe. NSP4 phylogenetic analysis showed three clusters within the genotype E1. Sequence analysis revealed similar mutations inside each cluster, and an uncommon variation in residue 144 was found in five of the Mexican NSP4 sequences. Most of the amino acid variations were located in the VP4 and VP6 binding site domains, with no relationship to different grades of gastroenteritis. This finding indicates that severe gastroenteritis caused by the rotavirus appears to be related to diverse viral or cellular factors instead of NSP4 activity as a unique pathogenic factor.
Understanding Bacteriophage Specificity in Natural Microbial Communities
Authors: Koskella Britt , Meaden Sean
Published: March 2013

Studying the coevolutionary dynamics between bacteria and the bacteriophage viruses that infect them is critical to understanding both microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning. Phages can play a key role in shaping bacterial population dynamics and can significantly alter both intra- and inter-specific competition among bacterial hosts. Predicting how phages might influence community stability and apparent competition, however, requires an understanding of how bacteria-phage interaction networks evolve as a function of host diversity and community dynamics. Here, we first review the progress that has been made in understanding phage specificity, including the use of experimental evolution, we then introduce a new dataset on natural bacteriophages collected from the phyllosphere of horse chestnut trees, and finally we highlight that bacterial sensitivity to phage is rarely a binary trait and that this variation should be taken into account and reported. We emphasize that there is currently insufficient evidence to make broad generalizations about phage host range in natural populations, the limits of phage adaptation to novel hosts, or the implications of phage specificity in shaping microbial communities. However, the combination of experimental and genomic approaches with the study of natural communities will allow new insight to the evolution and impact of phage specificity within complex bacterial communities.
A one-pot catalyst-free synthesis of functionalized pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives from benzene-1,2-diamine, acetylenedicarboxylates and ethyl bromopyruvate
Authors: Piltan Mohammad , Moradi Loghman , Abasi Golaleh , Zarei Seyed Amir
Published: March 2013

The catalyst-free multicomponent reaction of 1,2-diaminobenzene, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, and ethyl bromopyruvate forms pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives in good yields. Ethylenediamine also reacts under similar conditions to produce new pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives.
Neglect in Children
Authors: Dubowitz Howard
Published: March 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Learn how to manage the complexities of defining neglect in children.

2.

Examine the multiple contributors to neglect.

3.

Understand principles for effectively intervening in a child neglect situation.

Child neglect is by far the most common form of child maltreatment. Approximately two-thirds of reports to child protective services involve neglect.
1
Per a community survey in 2006, the frequency of neglect is 30.6 per 1,000 children, with lower rates of 6.5, 2.4, and 4.1 for physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, respectively.
2
SSRIs for Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Camenisch David R. , Hilt Robert J.
Published: March 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Understand which indications are best suited for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) administration in children.

2.

Learn the rationale for monitoring and how to monitor for SSRI medication side effects.

3.

Learn how to manage the reported SSRI risk for suicidality in children.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medications for pediatric anxiety and depression. Despite widespread use, providers who primarily work with adults can vary widely in their knowledge base about use of this class of medication for children. This article therefore reviews the child-specific indications, side effects, and recommended monitoring parameters that prescribers should know when prescribing this class of medication to young people.
Improved Artificial Potential Field Method Manipulator Inverse Kinematics
Authors: Huang Ding Jin , Liu Teng
Published: March 2013

The use of traditional analytical method for manipulator inverse kinematics is able to get a display solution with the limitations of the application, only when the robotic arm has a specific structure. In view of the insufficient, this paper presents an improved artificial potential field method to solve the inverse kinematics problem of the manipulator which does not have a special structure. Firstly, establish the standard DH model for the robot arm. Then the strategy that improves search space of artificial potential field method and motion control standard is presented by combining artificial potential field method with the manipulator. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed method is effective.
Dynamic Modeling and Motion Characteristic Analysis of Spherical Robot
Authors: Shi Ying , Li Tai Hao , Pan He
Published: March 2013

The spherical robot is the focus field of social research now; this paper is mainly from the point of view of dynamics analysis, combined with the dynamic theory, according to Kaine's theory, the spherical robot spherical shells and heavy pendulum moment of inertia weight, from speed and the time two aspects to build the spherical robot dynamics model. Making comparative analysis of the relationship between angular velocity and time under the action of friction-free, in order to study the dynamic characteristics of spherical robot by friction, by this way, we can more clearly grasp the performance rules of spherical robot, so as to provide more powerful basis to the future spherical robot design refinement.
Research of the Seismic Wave Data Processing Based on the Wavelet Transform
Authors: En De , Wei Na Na , Wei Huang He , Shi Xiao Long , Zhou Chang Sheng
Published: March 2013

Seismic exploration is a effective methods to ascertain underground structure and looking for oil. As the data collected in the wild are often subjected to the interference of noise, is not conducive to the analysis and interpretation of seismic data, therefore removing noise is the premise of data interpretation. To use the Fourier transform and wavelet analysis denoising a synthetic seismogram in this paper, by comparing denoising results, wavelet soft threshold denoising waveform is smooth, and it can better reconstruction original waveform.
De-Noising Method of Acoustic Emission Signal for Rolling Bearing Based on Adaptive Wavelet Correlation Analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Li Xue Jun , Wang Guang Bin
Published: March 2013

In acoustic emission (AE) detection technique, to avoid the serious noise disturbance in the fault diagnosis of rotary machine, a de-noising method based on adaptive wavelet correlation analysis to be applied to the AE signal is proposed. First, AE signals are decomposed by dyadic wavelet transform and at the same time the AE signal is divided into available coefficients and noise coefficients. Secondly, the available coefficients are reconstructed to restore the original real signal after de-noising process. Finally, the de-noising threshold is set by adaptive threshold method based on wavelet entropy. On the simulation of AE signal and the bearing fault measured AE signal using wavelet entropy correlation de-noising method, the traditional wavelet de-noising method and the traditional lifting wavelet de-noising method three kinds of de-noising methods are compared, the results show that the wavelet entropy correlation de-noising method can greatly improve the rolling bearing AE signal de-noising effect.
Finite Element Analysis for Vibration Characteristic on Gear Rotors
Authors: Qi Hong Yu , Liu Lei
Published: March 2013

Gear rotor systems are widely used in many automotive, aerospace and marine applications. Dynamic analysis of gear rotor systems is essential in describing noise and durability characteristics. Using ANSYS software, a finite-element model for a gear rotor system on flexible bearing has been developed, with MARTIX element, beam element and mass element simulating mesh-couple relation and support bearing, shaft and gear individually. The dynamic coupling among the axial, transverse, tensional and rotational motions of gears are considered in the model. The harmonic analysis and forced response of the system were analyzed. The effect of bearing compliances, shaft compliances and helix angle on system dynamics were investigated. The feasibility of the method was verified, the model and result can be used for dynamic design of gear rotor system.