bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polarization and Myelination in Myelinating Glia
Authors: Masaki Toshihiro
Published: December 2012

Myelinating glia, oligodendrocytes in central nervous system and Schwann cells in peripheral nervous system, form myelin sheath, a multilayered membrane system around axons enabling salutatory nerve impulse conduction and maintaining axonal integrity. Myelin sheath is a polarized structure localized in the axonal side and therefore is supposed to be formed based on the preceding polarization of myelinating glia. Thus, myelination process is closely associated with polarization of myelinating glia. However, cell polarization has been less extensively studied in myelinating glia than other cell types such as epithelial cells. The ultimate goal of this paper is to provide insights for the field of myelination research by applying the information obtained in polarity study in other cell types, especially epithelial cells, to cell polarization of myelinating glia. Thus, in this paper, the main aspects of cell polarization study in general are summarized. Then, they will be compared with polarization in oligodendrocytes. Finally, the achievements obtained in polarization study for epithelial cells, oligodendrocytes, and other types of cells will be translated into polarization/myelination process by Schwann cells. Then, based on this model, the perspectives in the study of Schwann cell polarization/myelination will be discussed.
Long-Term Outcome after Resection Rectopexy for Internal Rectal Intussusception
Authors: Johnson Egil , Kjellevold Kristin , Johannessen Hans-Olaf , Drolsum Anders
Published: December 2012

Background and Aims. The optimal treatment of patients with internal rectal intussusception (IRI) is unresolved. The aim was to study the short- and long-term outcome of resection rectopexy in these patients. Methods. An observational and mainly prospective study of 48 patients (44 women) with IRI who had ligament-preserving suture rectopexy by laparoscopic (n=25) or open (n=23) technique. Outcome measures were morbidity, scores for constipation and anal incontinence, patients’ report, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results. From preoperatively to a median of 6 months and 76 months postoperatively, constipation scores were reduced from a mean of (95% CI) 13.20 (11.41 to 15.00) to 6.91 (5.29 to 8.54) and 6.35 (4.94 to 7.76) (P<0.0001). The number of constipated patients was reduced from 35 to eleven and eight, respectively, and none became constipated. Nine of ten symptoms of constipation improved. Corresponding scores for anal incontinence were 4.7 (2.4–7.0), 4.0 (2.4–5.7), and 4.1 (2.3–5.8), respectively. HRQoL at long-term followup compared to the general Norwegian population was reduced in four out of eight dimensions concerning physical factors. The patient-reported outcome at short- and long-term followup was improved by 85.4% and 75.0%, respectively. Conclusions. Resection rectopexy for IRI improved the outcome. HRQoL was reduced compared with the general population.
Linen Most Useful: Perspectives on Structure, Chemistry, and Enzymes for Retting Flax
Authors: Akin Danny E.
Published: December 2012

The components of flax (Linum usitatissimum) stems are described and illustrated, with reference to the anatomy and chemical makeup and to applications in processing and products. Bast fiber, which is a major economic product of flax along with linseed and linseed oil, is described with particular reference to its application in textiles, composites, and specialty papers. A short history of retting methods, which is the separation of bast fiber from nonfiber components, is presented with emphasis on water retting, field retting (dew retting), and experimental methods. Past research on enzyme retting, particularly by the use of pectinases as a potential replacement for the current commercial practice of field retting, is reviewed. The importance and mechanism of Ca2+chelators with pectinases in retting are described. Protocols are provided for retting of both fiber-type and linseed-type flax stems with different types of pectinases. Current and future applications are listed for use of a wide array of enzymes to improve processed fibers and blended yarns. Finally, potential lipid and aromatic coproducts derived from the dust and shive waste streams of fiber processing are indicated.
Squeeze Film Lubrication between Rough Poroelastic Rectangular Plates with Micropolar Fluid: A Special Reference to the Study of Synovial Joint Lubrication
Authors: Naduvinamani N. B. , Savitramma G. K.
Published: December 2012

The effects of surface roughness and poroelasticity on the micropolar squeeze film behavior between rectangular plates in general and that of synovial joints in particular are presented in this paper. The modified Reynolds equation, which incorporates the randomized surface roughness structure as well as elastic nature of articular cartilage with micropolar fluid as lubricant, is derived. The load-carrying capacity and time of approach as functions of film thickness during normal articulation of joints are obtained by using Christensen stochastic theory for rough surfaces with the assumption that the roughness asperity heights are to be small compared to the film thickness. It is observed that the effect of surface roughness has considerable effects on lubrication mechanism of synovial joints.
Friction Behavior of a Wet Clutch Subjected to Accelerated Degradation
Authors: Ompusunggu Agusmian Partogi , Janssens Thierry , Sas Paul
Published: December 2012

This study aims at experimentally investigating the sliding friction characteristics of a wet clutch during its lifetime. More precisely, the objective is to understand how the Stribeck and the frictional lag (i.e, sliding hysteresis) parameters evolve as the clutch degradation progresses. For this purpose, a novel test procedure has been proposed and a set of experiments has been carried out on a fully assembled (commercial) clutch using a modified SAE#2 test setup. Furthermore, a systematic methodology for the Stribeck and the frictional lag parameters identification is developed. Regardless of the applied pressure, it appears that the first three identified Stribeck parameters tend to decrease with the progression of the degradation, while the last parameter tends to increase. In regard to the frictional lag parameter, the trend shows pressure dependency.
Irregular Meal Timing Is Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastritis
Authors: Lim Su-Lin , Canavarro Claudia , Zaw Min-Htet , Zhu Feng , Loke Wai-Chiong , Chan Yiong-Huak , Yeoh Khay-Guan
Published: December 2012

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is associated with chronic gastritis and gastric cancer, and more than half of the world’s population is chronically infected. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether an irregular meal pattern is associated with increased risk of gastritis and HP infection. The study involved 323 subjects, divided into three groups as follows: subjects with HP infection and gastritis, subjects with gastritis, and a control group. Subjects were interviewed on eating habits and meal timing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare groups. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were derived controlling for gender, age, stress, and probiotic consumption. Subjects who deviated from their regular meals by 2 hours or more had a significantly higher incidence of HP infection with gastritis (adjusted OR = 13.3; 95% CI 5.3–33.3; P<0.001) and gastritis (adjusted OR = 6.1; 95% CI 2.5–15.0; P<0.001). Subjects who deviated their meals by 2 hours or more, twice or more per week, had an adjusted OR of 6.3 and 3.5 of acquiring HP infection with gastritis (95% CI 2.6–15.2; P<0.001) and gastritis (95% CI 1.5–8.5; P<0.001), respectively. Frequent deviation in meal timing over a prolonged period appears associated with increased risk of developing HP infection and gastritis.
Development of Machining Processes for the Use of Multilayer High-Performance Coatings
Authors: Goeke Sebastian , Brüggemann Tobias , Biermann Dirk
Published: December 2012

The development of corrosion- and wear-resistant high-performance coatings is important to improve components of mobile and stationary turbines, aerospace undercarriages,
combustion engines, and hydraulic modules. New micro- and nanostructured coating materials and processes to machine these coatings are developed in order to increase the performance of workpieces and components, to enhance durability, and to reduce maintenance and manufacturing costs. At the Institute of Machining Technology (ISF), milling and grinding procedures have been developed for the preparation of the workpiece surface for the subsequent coating process. In contrast to conventional applications, the workpieces are not manufactured with the aim of achieving a minimized resulting surface roughness. Instead of this, a defined and adequate structure has to be generated, providing a good adhesion of the thermal sprayed coating on the workpiece surface. After first coating of the prepared substrates by a High-Velocity-Oxygen-Fuel (HVOF) coating process, the resulting surface topography does not have the required surface quality for a subsequent (Diamond Like Carbon) DLC coating process. In order to generate
a more uniform surface structure, the deteriorated surface resulting from the HVOF coating process also has to be processed. Therefore, the application of an adapted grinding process with diamond wheels is used.
Challenges in Enzymatic Route of Mannitol Production
Authors: Bhatt Sheelendra Mangal , Mohan Anand , Srivastava Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2012

Mannitol is an important biochemical often used as medicine and in food sector, yet its biotechnological is not preffered in Industry for large scale production, which may be due to the multistep mechanism involved in hydrogenation and reduction. This paper is a comparative preview covering present chemical and biotechnological approaches existing today for mannitol production at industrial scale. Biotechnological routes are suitable for adaptation at industrial level for mannitol production, and whatever concerns are there had been discussed in detail, namely, raw materials, broad range of enzymes with high activity at elevated temperature suitable for use in reactor, cofactor limitation, reduced by-product formation, end product inhibition, and reduced utilization of mannitol for enhancing the yield with maximum volumetric productivity.
Evaluation of Deutzia x carnea (Lem.) Rehd. as a food source to urban bees
Authors: Masierowska Marzena
Published: December 2012

This 3-year study examined the flowering phenology, to- tal floral display, nectar and pollen production as well as bee visitation to the ornamental shrub Deutzia x carnea (Lem.) Rehd.
D. x carnea bloomed from early June until the middle of July. The total flower display reached 47927 flowers per plant. The number of developed flowers strongly depended on weather conditions before and during the flowering period and fluctuated significantly during the years of study. The flower of D. x carnea lived 5 days and the persistence of an inflorescence was 11 days.
Nectar productivity per 10 flowers differed significantly between the years of study and ranged between 15.7 and
40.14 mg. Mean sugar content in nectar was 39.7%. The total sugar mass in nectar per 10 flowers averaged 9.91 mg (range:
3.81 – 18.91 mg). Pollen mass per 10 flowers was 16.89 mg. The estimated sugar and pollen productivity per plant was 36.8 g and
40 g, respectively.
Among bees (Apoidea), honey bees were principal visitors on Deutzia flowers. The peak of daily activity of honey bees and bumblebees occurred between 11.00 and 15.00 hrs, whereas the presence of other wild bees was noted in the morning and in the late afternoon. All bees gathered mainly nectar, but pollen collectors were also noted. The mean daily visiting rate was 0.0809 visits per flower × min-1.
The use of this shrub in gardens and parks should be encouraged in order to enrich food pasture for urban Apoidea. However, its cultivation is limited to areas of mild climate and adequate water supply.
The advanced statistical methods in aerobiological studies
Authors: Grinn-Gofroń Agnieszka , Bosiacka Beata
Published: December 2012

Pollen and spore forecasting has become an important aim in aerobiology. The main goal is to provide accurate information on biological particles in the air to sensitive users in order to help them optimize their treatment process.
Many statistical methods of data analysis are based on the assumptions of linearity and normality that often cannot be fulfilled. The advanced statistical methods can be applied to the problems that cannot be solved in any other effective way, and are suited to predicting the concentration of airborne pollen or spores in relation to weather conditions. The purpose of the study was to review some advanced statistical methods that can be used in aerobiological studies.
The influence of adenine and benzyladenine on rooting and development of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings
Authors: Wróblewska Katarzyna
Published: December 2012

Cytokinins are a group of plant hormones stimulating, among others, axillary bud formation and inhibiting rhizogenesis. Adenine, their common component, often expresses cytokinin-like activity in plant development. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of adenine on rooting and development of Fuchsia hybrida cuttings. The influence of adenine was also assessed in comparison to benzyladenine, including their cooperation with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. Anatomical analysis of the rooting process was also undertaken. Application of BA, both alone or together with NAA, strongly inhibited rhizogenesis, but stimulated axillary shoot outgrowth. Adenine exhibited cytokinin-like activity on axillary shoot development in Fuchsia hybrida cuttings, but did not show the inhibitory effect on root development typical for cytokinins. This compound, particularly at higher concentrations, stimulated both axillary shoot development and rooting, which was expressed as an increase in root number and rooting percentage, even after direct application to the base of the cuttings. Anatomical analysis revealed adenine-derived acceleration during elongation of adventitious root primordia.
Effect of benzyladenine on the abundance and quality of flower yield in the calla lily (Zantedeschia spreng.)
Authors: Janowska Beata , Stanecki Mateusz
Published: December 2012

The soaking of rhizomes, 15–18 cm in circumference in the cultivars 'Black Magic' and 'Mango' as well as 20+ cm in 'Albomaculata', with leaf buds 0.5–2 cm in length, in solutions of benzyladenine at concentrations of 100, 350 and 600 mg × dm-3 lasted 30 and 60 minutes. After this procedure, slightly dried rhizomes were planted into 20-cm pots. Rhizome soaking in BA at concentrations of 350–600 mg × dm-3 for 60 minutes increases the yield of flowers 3–4 times in 'Black Magic', 'Mango', and 'Albomaculata'. BA at concentrations of 350–600 mg × dm-3 retards the flowering of the cultivars 'Black Magic', 'Mango', and 'Albomaculata'. However, at 100 mg × dm-3 it brings flowering forward in 'Mango' and 'Albomacu- lata'. BA at a concentration of 600 mg × dm-3 inhibits the growth of peduncles, while at a concentration of 100–600 mg × dm-3 it causes the formation of longer spathes in the cultivar 'Albomaculata'. In 'Black Magic' at a concentration of 350–600 mg × dm-3 and in 'Mango' at a concentration of 100–600 mg × dm-3, it causes the development of flowers with a smaller weight.
Effect of intercropping carrot (Daucus carota L.) with french marigold (Tagetes patula nana L.) and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) on the occurrence of some pests and quality of carrot yield
Authors: Jankowska Beata , Jędrszczyk Elżbieta , Poniedziałek Małgorzata
Published: December 2012

Intercropping combines different aspects of the interaction between organisms in ecosystems and may be classified as a pro-ecological method of plant cultivation limiting the harmful human interference in the environment, especially the use of chemicals. It also allows high yield, good quality, and economic productivity to be achieved. The aim of the present study, conducted in the years 2003–2004 in Mydlniki near Kraków, was to determine the effect of intercropping carrot Nardin F1 with French marigold (Tagetes patula nana L.) 'Kolombina' and pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) 'Promyk' on carrot yield, its quality, and the occurrence of pests. On average in both years of the study, intercropping did not reduce total or marketable carrot yield. In 2003 intercropping contributed to a significant increase in marketable yield compared with yield from sole cropping. In 2004 the dry matter content was higher in the roots of carrots grown with pot marigold. The treatments intercropped with both French and pot marigold were characterized by an increased content of sugars in carrot roots and in 2004 year – of carotenoids. Intercropping had a significant effect on the number of roots damaged by the carrot rust fly, Psila rosae, (the best in this respect was the combination with Tagetes) and by nematodes (the best in this respect was the combination with Calendula). The number of larvae of carrot psyllid, Trioza viridula, was significantly lower in the plots where carrot was intercropped. The study did not find intercropping to have a positive effect on reducing the occurrence of the root aphid.
Flowering and characteristics of useful traits of some faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) cultivars and breeding lines
Authors: Łabuda Helena
Published: December 2012

This study, conducted during the period 2008–2009, related to the growth, flowering, pod set, and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major) cultivars and breeding lines. Biometric measurements, made on 20 randomly selected plants, included the following traits: plant height, number of branches per plant, number of inflorescences per plant and number of flowers per inflorescence, number of pods per plant: large pods (marketable), small pods (undeveloped), and pods with disease symptoms. Moreover, the following characters were determined: pod and seed weight per plant in faba bean plants harvested once at processing maturity of fresh green seeds, pod length, width and weight as well as single seed weight. The evaluated cultivars and breeding lines of faba bean were characterized by large variations in the most important commercial traits. The abundance and duration of flowering as well as the number and weight of pods per plant were clearly modified by weather factors during the growth of plants. The new breeding lines R-366/1 and R-384 as well as the cultivars 'Bachus' and 'Jankiel Biały' were characterized by quite stable pod and seed yield per plant. Single harvesting of faba bean pods for green seeds at green maturity stage produced positive results in the case of all cultivars and breeding lines investigated; marketable pods per plant accounted for 75–80% of the total number of pods.
Are we the same online? The expression of the five factor personality traits on the computer and the Internet
Authors: Blumer Tim , Döring Nicola
Published: January 2013

The article distinguishes between different perspectives of contemporary research on personality and Internet usage. An open question concerns how personality is expressed on the Internet. Although some authors postulate a structural change of personality on the Internet, the precondition of cross-situational consistency rather speaks for just a different, situation-dependent expression of personality on the Internet. This study provides an initial empirical approach to the question of whether the five factor personality traits – exemplary for the whole personality of a person – express differently on the computer and on the Internet. Therefore, the five factors of 122 student participants were measured by the NEO-FFI. In a second step, the same subjects completed a modified version of the NEO-FFI, in which all items refer to computer-mediated communication. Results indicate that with regard to four of the five factors, the absolute influence of personality on behavior and experience decreases in favor of situational impact. In the case of neuroticism, a different effect occurred. On the computer and the Internet participants report higher emotional stability than in the offline world.
Laboratory-Developed L1 Sequencing and Type-Specific, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection and Typing of Human Papillomaviruses in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissues
Authors: Mills Anne , Balasubramaniam Rajeev , Longacre Teri A. , Kong Christina S. , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: December 2012

Context.—The detection and typing of high-risk and low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues by nucleic acid amplification testing is an important adjunct to immunohistochemical staining in evaluation of squamous cell proliferations of the oropharynx, larynx, and anal canal.

Objective.—To evaluate semiautomated, xylene-free extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues combined with laboratory-developed HPV L1 sequencing and type-specific HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 real-time polymerase chain reaction for identification and typing of HPV in the clinical laboratory.

Design.—We evaluated the adequacy of extraction using β-globin amplification and compared L1 sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods for typing accuracy using 68 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, including 56 anorectal biopsy or surgical resection specimens and 12 laryngeal papilloma specimens from patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Results.—Adequate DNA was obtained from 68 of 68 specimens analyzed and all were HPV positive. In 47 cases where L1 sequencing demonstrated that the predominant HPV type was 6, 11, 16, or 18, type-specific, real-time polymerase chain reaction provided concordant results. Sequencing revealed additional low-risk (HPV 40) and high-risk HPV types (HPV 31, 33, 56, and 58) in anorectal specimens, whereas HPV 6 or 11 were the types found in laryngeal papillomas.

Conclusion.—Both L1 sequencing and type-specific, real-time polymerase chain reaction are suitable methods for routine HPV testing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues in a clinical laboratory setting.
The Optimum Number and Types of Plasma Samples Necessary for an Accurate Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time–Based Heparin Therapeutic Range
Authors: Marlar Richard A. , Gausman Jana
Published: December 2012

Context.—Monitoring of unfractionated heparin therapy by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) using the ex vivo method for determining the aPTT-based heparin therapeutic range (HTR) is the standard of practice. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence its accuracy.

Objective.—To investigate the optimum number and types of samples acceptable for an accurate ex vivo HTR determination.

Design.—Values from patients receiving unfractionated heparin are used to determine the HTR by published guidelines. The number and types of samples are changed to investigate the effect on HTR parameters.

Results.—Absolute minimum number of samples for an accurate HTR is 20, with fewer than 10% of the samples from the same patient or 50% of the samples with international normalized ratio of 1.3 to 1.5.

Conclusions.—The ex vivo HTR method is the best protocol currently available; however, the number of samples used affects its accuracy. The optimum number of samples is 30 or more but the absolute minimum number is 20. In addition, limitation of specific sample types also affects the HTR parameters. An inaccurate HTR may be calculated if inappropriate sample number or types of samples are used.
Paget Disease of the Breast With Invasion From Nipple Skin Into the Dermis: An Unusual Type of Skin Invasion Not Associated With an Adverse Outcome
Authors: Sanders Mary Ann , Dominici Laura , Denison Christine , Golshan Mehra , Wiecorek Tad , Lester Susan C.
Published: December 2012

Context.—Paget disease is an uncommon skin manifestation of breast cancer, associated with either invasive carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ in the underlying breast. In very rare cases, tumor cells within the epidermis invade through the basement membrane of the skin into the dermis.

Objectives.—To identify a series of cases of Paget disease with direct dermal invasion and to investigate the clinicopathologic features and outcome.

Design.—Cases were identified during a 6-year period from the files of 2 hospitals. The clinical histories, imaging studies, and pathology reports were reviewed.

Results.—Seven patients were identified, 5 with microinvasion (<0.1 cm) and 2 with 0.2- or 0.3-cm invasive carcinomas in the dermis. No lymphovascular invasion was seen. Sentinel nodes were negative in 3 patients who underwent biopsy. Five patients were treated with breast conservation with radiation. Three patients were at high risk for breast cancer because of prior breast cancer, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or radiation for Hodgkin disease. The latter 2 patients underwent bilateral mastectomies. Three patients received hormonal therapy and 1 oophorectomy. No patient received chemotherapy. At follow-ups ranging from 4 to 66 months (median, 20 months), there have been no recurrences.

Conclusions.—Patients with direct dermal invasion from Paget disease had a favorable outcome during the available follow-up period. This type of dermal involvement must be distinguished from locally advanced invasive carcinomas with skin invasion classified as T4b in the American Joint Cancer Commission staging system, as cancers with other types of skin invasion are associated with a poor prognosis.
Multiple Factors Contribute to Positive Results for Hepatitis A Virus Immunoglobulin M Antibody
Authors: Alatoom Adnan , Ansari M. Qasim , Cuthbert Jennifer
Published: December 2012

Context.—In the United States, a successful vaccination program for hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has decreased both its incidence and the true positive rate for diagnostic immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to HAV in acute hepatitis.

Objective.—To survey positive results of HAV IgM tests and determine the effect of changing ordering options.

Design.—We reviewed all positive results for IgM antibody to HAV between January 2007 and December 2010. Patient demographics, clinical history, and laboratory data were recorded and the encounter, order, and reason for test reviewed. Each result was categorized as indicating acute, recent, resolved, or indeterminate HAV infection.

Results.—A total of 10 735 tests were performed; 35 patients had 49 positive results. Most positive test results were associated with outpatient visits and were ordered in the assessment of patients with liver disease, but not clinical acute hepatitis. In the final analysis, 4 patients had acute hepatitis A and 20 individual patients had recent and/or resolved hepatitis. All but 1 of the remaining 11 patients had another established cause of liver disease with a positive IgM HAV antibody test result; data to determine causality were insufficient. The total number of tests requested annually decreased more than 35% with the introduction of computerized physician order entry.

Conclusions.—Current assays for IgM HAV antibodies are overused in the absence of clinical acute hepatitis; future clinical decision support may improve patterns of order entry. Most patients have findings consistent with HAV exposure but not acute hepatitis; dormant viral infection may be a continuing source of antigen.
Power in Numbers: Student Participation in Mathematical Discussions in Heterogeneous Spaces
Authors: Esmonde Indigo , Langer-Osuna Jennifer M.
Published: January 2013

In this article, mathematics classrooms are conceptualized as heterogeneous spaces in which multiple figured worlds come into contact. The study explores how a group of high school students drew upon several figured worlds as they navigated mathematical discussions. Results highlight 3 major points. First, the students drew on 2 primary figured worlds: a mathematics learning figured world and a figured world of friendship and romance. Both of these figured worlds were racialized and gendered, and were actively constructed and contested by the students. Second, these figured worlds offered resources for 1 African American student, Dawn, to position herself powerfully within classroom hierarchies. Third, these acts of positioning allowed Dawn to engage in mathematical practices such as conjecturing, clarifying ideas, and providing evidence.
An Investigation of Patterns and Factors Associated with Exclusive Breast Feeding in Northern Ghana
Authors: Saaka Mahama , Takyi Solomon Addae , Maxwell Tetteh
Published: December 2012

Introduction: The main aim of this study was to assess the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and explore its determinants in Tamale Metropolis, Northern Ghana.
Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, systematic random sampling was used to select 355 mother- infant pairs between 0-6 months from among consenting mothers attending post natal care at the Tamale Teaching and West Hospitals in the Tamale Metropolis.
Results: The prevalence of EBF among infants < 6 months in the Tamale Metropolis for the past 24 hours was 92.1 % but it was 75.5 % in the one month prior to the study.
In logistic regression analyses, factors that had significant positive association with EBR were institutional delivery, current mother’s employment, maternal motivation and household wealth index. Compared to home delivery, women who delivered at a health institution were five times more likely to practice EBF (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.17, CI: 2.45 – 10.90). Petty traders were four times more likely to exclusively breastfeed, compared to women who were unemployed (A OR = 4.05, CI: 1.93 – 8.51).
EBF provided 80 % (Adjusted OR = 0.2, CI: 0.08-0.37) protection against chronic malnutrition whilst high household index reflecting socio-economic status provided only 10 % protection against chronic malnutrition in the study sample (Adjusted OR = 0.9, CI: 0.81- 0.98).
Conclusion and Recommendation: Strategies that target improving knowledge and skills on lactation management among women, as well as strategies to improve health facility delivery especially among non-working mothers, may help to improve EBF in Northern Ghana.
The Association of Contraceptive Use, Non-Use, and Failure with Child Health
Authors: Finlay Jocelyn E
Published: December 2012

Objective: To examine the association of contraceptive use in the interpregnancy interval with subsequent child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Design: A cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative household samples was performed. A modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted relative risk ratios for high prevalence outcomes.
Setting: Low- and middle-income countries.
Population: Births to women aged 12-49 years for which this birth occurred 12-79 months prior to the interview were included. The sample for analysing infant mortality was comprised of 453,795 children from 35 low- and middle-income countries across 67 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1990 and 2011.
Main Outcome Measures: Infant mortality, stunting, underweight, wasting, diarrhoea, and anaemia.
Results: Contraceptive use in the interpregnancy interval, even if contraceptive failure resulted in birth, had a positive effect on all child health outcomes compared to non-use of contraception in the interpregnancy interval. The positive effect of contraceptive use was the lengthening of the interpregnancy interval, but it also had a direct positive effect on child health, independent of birth interval.
Conclusions: Extending the interval between births had a positive effect on child health outcomes, and contraceptive use had a positive effect on child health independent of the birth spacing effect. Additionally, contraceptive failure did not adversely affect child health outcomes.
Nanostructures and Thermal Properties of the Binary Mixture of DNA and a Zwitterionic Phospholipid in the Bulk
Authors: Wu Ching-Mao , Lin Szu-Yin
Published: December 2012

The mixtures of polyanionic DNA and zwitterionic phospholipids (ZL) have recently received much attention because of their potential for use as vectors in gene therapy or as a template for nanostructure construction. The past few studies on DNA-ZL system were carried out in their aqueous solutions and it was reported that a small fraction of DNA was capable of binding to zwitterionic lipids. However, it is still not known whether, as in the aqueous state, the DNA will be still intercalated between lipid bilayers in the bulk state. In the present study, we examined the DNA-ZL interactions in the bulk state by investigating a binary system composing of DNA and a zwitterionic lipid, 1,2-di(cis-9-octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC). The nanostructures and thermotropic phase behavior of this system were investigated using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), respectively. Our SAXS with one-dimensional correlation function results revealed that, as in the aqueous state, the DNA/DOPC bulk mixture forms a multilamellar phase, where the DNA was confined between the DOPC lipid bilayers. The thickness of the hydrophobic layers composed of lipids tails was greater in the DNA-DOPC mixture than in the pure DOPC. However, interestingly, the thickness of the hydrophilic layer composed of lipid headgroups in the DNA-DOPC mixture was same as in the pure DOPC even though in the former DNA was intercalated in this layer. Furthermore, according to the DSC endotherms we also observe that DNA induced a significant depression of gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition temperature of DOPC bilayer. A thermodynamic model was presented that described the experimentally observed morphological and thermotropic phase behavior.
Luminescence and Potentiometric Studies on the Complexation of Europium(III) by Picolinate in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Aoyagi Noboru , Toraishi Takashi , Nagasaki Shinya , Tanaka Satoru
Published: December 2012

The complexation of Eu3+ aquo ions by picolinic acid in an aqueous solution was investigated to describe the formation of polynuclear complexes that are uncommon for trivalent lanthanides. Potentiometric titration indicated that no polynuclear complexes formed via hydroxide bridges, even at high pH, and that the monomeric form [Eu(Pic)4_(H2O)]  was present when a large excess of a picolinate ligand was used. In addition, lifetime analysis of Eu3+ luminescence via time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was performed under conditions where Eu(pic)2+ appears as the secondary dominant species. Strong quenching of the luminescence was detected, suggesting that polymeric complexes ([Eu(Pic)]m2m+) form, even at low pH, owing to a vicinal Eu-Eu interaction.
pH-Dependent Molecular Behaviors of a New Potential Color Additive: 4{[6-(1-carboxyethyl)-2-hydroxy -1-naphthyl]diazenyl}-3,5- dinitro Benzoic Acid
Authors: Idowu Sunday Olakunle
Published: December 2012

Phenyl azo hydroxynaphthalene (PAHNP) is the pharmacophore in certain color additives (e.g. sunset yellow, FD & C yellow No. 6) approved for use in human foods, drugs and cosmetics. The azo compound, 4{[6-(1-carboxyethyl)-2-hydroxy -1-naphthyl] diazenyl}-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (AZ-03) is a new, non-genotoxic, PAHNP analog, in a mono-azo chemical library. Process understanding of pH dependent behaviors of the highly functionalized molecule, is a critical aid to its identification. Absorption spectra of a fixed concentration of AZ-03 [3.30 x 10-5 M] in buffer solutions of varied pH were recorded. Spectra overlay suggested isosbestic point exists around 520 nm. Absorbance measurements of solutions (1.10 x 10-5 M) of pH 7, 10 and 11 were taken at 522, 524, 526 and 528 nm. Relative contribuiton of variables to overall variance was; wavelength (7%, p = 0.16), pH of media (57%, p < 0.0001), interaction between pH and wavelength (7%, p = 0.46, 2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test). The probability that signal difference across pH was due to chance was 4 times greater at 522 nm (p=0.29) relative to 524 nm (p=0.08, 1-way ANOVA). The orange, unionized specie and violet, ionized specie both exhibited intense absorption, with molar absorptivities of 14,600 (490 nm) and 12,800 (550 nm) [L mol-1 cm-1 ] respectively. AZ-03 was degraded by pseudo first-order kinetics in alkaline medium by specific-base catalysis. It was shown with some statistical rigor that the dye exhibits isosbestic point at 522 nm . Base-catalyzed degradation gave a non-linear and diagnostic rate-pH profile. These findings could aid precise authentication of this potential color additive, and thus facilitate further understanding and studies of its solution chemistry.
Experimental Study of Tautomeric Equilibria of 2-Cyanobenzoic Acids in Gas, Solution and Solid Phase
Authors: Iglesias Dacio Adhemar , Ruiz Danila Luján , Allegretti Patricia Ercilia
Published: December 2012

2-cyanobenzoic acids are very important compounds in several sciences, and it is because of this that studying their tautomeric equilibria is of great interest. Ring-chain tautomeric equilibria of 2-, 3- and 4- cyanobenzoic, 3-benzyl-2-cyanobenzoic and 1-cyano-2-naphthoic acids were studied in gas phase by means of mass spectrometry (MS). Furthermore, evidences of ring-chain tautomerism of 2-cyanobenzoic acid were found in solution using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and in solid phase by infrared spectroscopy.
Combined Approach Using Capillary Electrophoresis and Molecular Modeling for an Understanding of Enantioselective Recognition Mechanisms
Authors: Elbashir Abdalla A.
Published: December 2012

Many molecular modeling methods have been recently proposed as powerful tools to obtain information about the emerging interaction of inclusion complexes between chiral selectors and enantiomers and then to elucidate chiral recognition processes. In this review the contribution of chiral capillary electrophoresis in combination with molecular modeling to a better understanding of the chiral recognition mechanisms with CDs as chiral selectors will be discussed.
Methanol as a Main Fuel to Replace Gasoline Without Global Warming
Authors: Bockris John O’M.
Published: December 2012

The world temperature will increase by approximately 8OC by 2100. This would bring the temperature in parts of the Middle East to values causing heat stroke and death. Methanol made from pure H2 and CO2 removed from the atmosphere would cause no global warming and could be made from inexhaustible compounds on the surface of the earth. Cheaper ways of making this fuel may be available.
Simple Model for the Theoretical Survey of the Green Roof Thermal Behavior
Authors: Morau Dominique , Tiana Rakotondramiarana Hery , Ludovic Andriamamonjy Ando
Published: December 2012

A green roof is an option for the improvement of a building thermal comfort. The objective of this work is to compare respective behaviors of a green roof and a concrete watertight roof vis-à-vis external requests in wet tropical zones. The canopy being considered as uniform, the electric analogy method was used to establish the mathematical models associated to both studied systems of roof. Based on these models, a Matlab computing code was worked out. It ensues from simulation results that in diurnal period, the green roof concrete support top face temperature is lower than that of the concrete watertight roof top face, whereas in night-period the opposite occurs. These results which highlight the energy benefit of the green roof are in agreement with the experimental measurement results obtained at the Laboratory PIMENT of the University of La Reunion. Besides, results of sensitivity analysis done with Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test enabled to identify a certain number of the most influential parameters of the proposed model. The above mentioned computing code also forms a help tool for the choice of plants to be experimented on the green roof.
Forward Osmosis: Potential use in Desalination and Water Reuse
Authors: Altaee Ali
Published: December 2012

There has been a recurring interest in using Forward Osmosis (FO) process in water treatment and desalination. Despite the promising results from pilot and bench scale experiments the technology is still not commercialized yet. This is due to the complicated nature of the process which usually involves multiple stages of treatment in addition to the FO membrane process. Unfortunately, most of the recent studies were focused on studying the FO process alone and didn’t provide enough data about the actual cost of the process as whole which includes the osmotic agent regeneration stage/s. This issue resulted in some uncertainties about the total cost of the water treatment by the process. Furthermore, more data are required to evaluate the impact of the osmotic agent losses on the overall cost and efficiency. In case if the draw solution is regenerated by membrane treatment, a suitable membrane should be selected to ensure an optimal salt rejection. For power generation by Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) process, there was an evident progress. However, the process is site specific; i.e. it is dependent of the availability of the draw and donor solution. This suggested that the process is applicable to certain areas but can’t be generalized.
Study on the Impact of Polymer Concentration and Coagulation Bath Temperature on the Porosity of Polyethylene Membranes Fabricated Via TIPS Method
Authors: Akbari Ali , Yegani Reza
Published: December 2012

Microporous high density polyethylene flat membranes were fabricated via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method. Effects of polymer concentration and coagulation bath temperature on the membrane morphology and porosity were investigated. To the best of our knowledge, there is no work about the order of magnitude and degree of importance of influential parameters and their interactions on the microstructure of fabricated membranes. The results showed that the porosity of membranes decreased as the polymer concentration increased. It was also shown that, due to the short contact time and rapid phase inversion between coagulation bath and membrane’s outer surfaces, bath temperature mainly affects on the outer surface porosity. The results obtained from analysis of variance (ANOVA) using 95% confidence interval on the membrane porosity revealed that the effect of polymer concentration is more important than coagulation bath temperature.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: Late Renal Injury and Changing Incidence—A Single Centre Experience in Canada
Authors: Robitaille Pierre , Clermont Marie-José , Mérouani Aïcha , Phan Véronique , Lapeyraque Anne-Laure
Published: December 2012

Aims. To assess trends in the incidence of pediatric diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+HUS) and document long-term renal sequelae.Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children with D+HUS admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Montreal, Canada, from 1976 to 2010. In 2010, we recontacted patients admitted before 2000.Results. Of 337 cases, median age at presentation was 3.01 years (range 0.4–14). Yearly incidence peaked in 1988 and 1994-95, returning to near-1977 levels since 2003. Twelve patients (3.6%) died and 19 (5.6%) experienced long-term renal failure. Almost half (47%) The patients required dialysis. Need for dialysis was the best predictor of renal sequelae, accounting for 100% of severe complications. Of children followed ≥1 year (, mean follow-up years), 19 had severe and 18 mild-to-moderate kidney injury, a total sequelae rate, of 18.6%. Ten years or more after-HUS (, mean follow-up years), 8 (9.4%) patients demonstrated serious complications and 22 (25.9%) mild-to-moderate, including 14 (16%) microalbuminuria: total sequelae, 35.3%.Conclusions. Patients with D+HUS should be monitored at least 5 years, including microalbuminuria testing, especially if dialysis was required. The cause of the declining incidence of D+HUS is elusive. However, conceivably, improved public health education may have played an important role in the prevention of food-borne disease.
Genome-Scale Technology Driven Advances to Research into Normal and Malignant Haematopoiesis
Authors: Göttgens Berthold
Published: December 2012

Haematopoiesis or blood development has long served as a model system for adult stem cell biology. Moreover, when combined, the various cancers of the blood represent one of the commonest human malignancies. Large numbers of researchers have therefore dedicated their scientific careers to studying haematopoiesis for more than a century. Throughout this period, many new technologies have first been applied towards the study of blood cells, and the research fields of normal and malignant haematopoiesis have also been some of the earliest adopters of genome-scale technologies. This has resulted in significant new insights with implications ranging from basic biological mechanisms to patient diagnosis and prognosis and also produced lessons likely to be relevant for many other areas of biomedical research. This paper discusses the current state of play for a range of genome-scale applications within haemopoiesis research, including gene expression profiling, ChIP-sequencing, genomewide association analysis, and cancer genome sequencing. A concluding outlook section explores likely future areas of progress as well as potential technological and educational bottlenecks.
The Reporter System for GPCR Assay with the Fission YeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Sasuga Shintaro , Osada Toshiya
Published: December 2012

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are associated with a great variety of biological activities. Yeasts are often utilized as a host for heterologous GPCR assay. We engineered the intense reporter plasmids for fission yeast to produce green fluorescent protein (GFP) through its endogenous GPCR pathway. As a control region of GFP expression on the reporter plasmid, we focused on seven endogenous genes specifically activated through the pathway. When upstream regions of these genes were used as an inducible promoter in combination with LPI terminator, themam2upstream region produced GFP most rapidly and intensely despite the high background. Subsequently, LPI terminator was replaced with the corresponding downstream regions. The SPBC4.01 downstream region enhanced the response with the low background. Furthermore, combining SPBC4.01 downstream region with the sxa2 upstream region, the signal to noise ratio was obviously better than those of other regions. We also evaluated the time- and dose-dependent GFP productions of the strains transformed with the reporter plasmids. Finally, we exhibited a model of simplified GPCR assay with the reporter plasmid by expressing endogenous GPCR under the control of the foreign promoter.
Abelhas encontradas no sudoeste do Mato Grosso, Brasil. DOI: 10.7902/ecb.v3i2.11
Authors: Fernandes Anderson , Sampaio Wagner Martins Santana , Barth Adriane , Rocha Marla Piumbini
Published: December 2012

Este é um inventário de abelhas sem ferrão foi realizado no Planalto do Parecis, no município de Tangará da Serra, Estado de Mato Grosso, centro-oeste do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado entre julho de 2004 a julho de 2006. Amostras das seguintes localidades foram obtidos: Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso campus (UNEMAT), reserva florestal de Antônio Conselheiro (AAC), cidade de Tangará da Serra (TGA) e zona rural de Tangará da Serra (RZTGA). Cento e vinte e oito amostras de abelhas sem ferrão foram coletadas. A identificação distribuiu-os entre 27 espécies e 14 gêneros. As espécies mais abundantes foram Tetragonisca fiebrigi, Tetragonisca angustula, abelhas e do Friseomelitta e Trigona. Os resultados podem ser um indicativo de que as reservas florestais manter um grande nível de importância para a preservação da biodiversidade. No entanto, deve ser enfatizado o importante papel dos fragmentos florestais como habitat natural para estas espécies.