bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salinity-tolerant larvae of mosquito vectors in the tropical coast of Jaffna, Sri Lanka and the effect of salinity on the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to Aedes aegypti larvae
Authors: Jude Pavilupillai J , Tharmasegaram Tharmatha , Sivasubramaniyam Gobika , Senthilnanthanan Meena , Kannathasan Selvam , Raveendran Selvarajah , Ramasamy Ranjan , Surendran Sinnathamby N
Published: November 2012

Background

Dengue, chikungunya, malaria, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis are common mosquito-borne diseases endemic to Sri Lanka. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the major vectors of dengue, were recently shown to undergo pre-imaginal development in brackish water bodies in the island. A limited survey of selected coastal localities of the Jaffna district in northern Sri Lanka was carried out to identify mosquito species undergoing pre-imaginal development in brackish and saline waters. The effect of salinity on the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis larvicide to Ae. aegypti larvae at salinity levels naturally tolerated by Ae. aegypti was examined.

Methods

Larvae collected at the selected sites along the Jaffna coast were identified and salinity of habitat water determined in the laboratory. The LC50 and LC90 of B. thuringiensis toxin, the active ingredient of a commercial formulation of the larvicide BACTIVEC®, were determined with Ae. aegypti larvae. Bioassays were also carried out at salinities varying from 0 to18 ppt to determine the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to fresh and brackish water-derived larvae of Ae. aegypti.

Results

Larvae of four Anopheles, two Aedes, one Culex and one Lutzia species were collected from brackish and saline sites with salinity in the range 2 to 68 ppt. The LC50 and LC90 of B. thuringiensis toxin for the second instar larvae of Ae. aegypti in fresh water were 0.006 ppm and 0.013 ppm respectively, with corresponding values for brackish water populations of 0.008 and 0.012 ppm respectively. One hundred percent survival of second instar fresh water and brackish water-derived Ae. aegypti larvae was recorded at salinity up to 10 and 12 ppt and 100% mortality at 16 and 18 ppt, yielding an LC 50 for salinity of 13.9 ppt and 15.4 ppt at 24 h post-treatment respectively for the two populations. Statistical analysis showed significantly reduced toxicity of B. thuringiensis to fresh and brackish water-derived Ae. aegypti larvae at high salinities.

Conclusion

A variety of mosquito vectors of human diseases undergo pre-imaginal development in brackish or saline waters in coastal areas of the Jaffna district in northern Sri Lanka. Salinity has a small but significant negative impact on the toxicity of B. thuringiensis toxin to Ae. aegypti larvae at salinity levels where Ae. aegypti larvae are found in the environment. This has implications for the use of B. thuringiensis toxin as a larvicide in brackish waters.
Challenges and policy lessons for the growth-employment-poverty nexus in developing countries
Authors: Fields Gary S
Published: November 2012

Of the world’s 6.7 billion people (as of 2008), 1.3 billion lived on less than $1.25 Purchasing Power Parity dollars per person per day and another 1.7 billion lived on between $1.25 and $2.50 PPP dollars (Chen and Ravallion, 2012). The scourge of absolute economic misery among billions of the world’s people is one of the most serious problems facing humankind today. Unemployment (defined below) befalls about 200 million of the world’s people - a sizeable number but small compared to the three billion people who are poor using the $2.50 PPP dollar poverty line. A much larger number - 900 million - are employed but earning so little that they and their families are unable to reach even $2 per person per day (ILO, 2012). They are working hard and they are working poor. (Working Hard, Working Poor is the title of my latest book (Fields, 2012). To achieve more and better employment (where “better” depends on such factors as rate of pay, job security, employment protections, and type of work), analysts and donors need to understand better how employment, growth, poverty and other factors interact, how unemployment is caused, and how employment can be improved. At the same time, drawing on practical experience, research can identify knowledge gaps that to date pose limits to successful employment creation policy.
Possibilities for integrating Hungarian legacy soil data into international databases
Authors: Waltner István , Fuchs Márta , Michéli Erika , Láng Vince
Published: November 2012

A tanulmány célja az volt, hogy felmérje a legnagyobb hazai területi lefedettséggel rendelkező, túlnyomóan archív adatokat tartalmazó talajtani adatbázisok harmonizációs lehetőségeit nemzetközi adatbázisokkal. A cikk fókuszában a Világ Talaj Referenciabázis (World Reference Base for Soil Resources, WRB) rendszere által meghatározott követelmények állnak, mivel számos modern adatbázis talajadat-struktúrája igyekszik alkalmazkodni annak követelményeihez. Négy kiválasztott adatbázison vizsgáltuk, hogy a rendelkezésre álló adatok alapján lehetséges-e meghatározni alapvető, a hazánk környezeti viszonyai között előforduló WRB egységeket. Mindegyik adatbázis saját módszertanából kiindulva egyszerűsített algoritmusokat hoztunk létre, hogy a lehető legtöbb archív információ hasznosuljon. Az eredmények alapján látható, hogy a WRB rendszerét adoptáló adatbázisokba a hazai archív talajadatok korlátozott mértékben ugyan, de beilleszthetőek. Megfigyelhető továbbá, hogy míg az egyes archív adatbázisok önmagukban csupán korlátozott információt nyújtanak a WRB számára, kombinációjukkal ez az információhiány jelentősen csökkenthető.
Use of reflectance spectroscopy to estimate the organic carbon and CaCO3 contents of soils
Authors: Csorba Ádám , Láng Vince , Fenyvesi László , Michéli Erika
Published: November 2012

Napjainkban egyre nagyobb igény mutatkozik olyan technológiák és módszerek kidolgozására és alkalmazására, melyek lehetővé teszik a gyors, költséghatékony és környezetbarát talajadat-felvételezést és kiértékelést. Ezeknek az igényeknek felel meg a reflektancia spektroszkópia, mely az elektromágneses spektrum látható (VIS) és közeli infravörös (NIR) tartományában (350–2500 nm) végzett reflektancia-mérésekre épül. Figyelembe véve, hogy a talajokról felvett reflektancia spektrum információban nagyon gazdag, és a vizsgált tartományban számos talajalkotó rendelkezik karakterisztikus spektrális „ujjlenyomattal”, egyetlen görbéből lehetővé válik nagyszámú, kulcsfontosságú talajparaméter egyidejű meghatározása. Dolgozatunkban, a reflektancia spektroszkópia alapjaira helyezett, a talajok ösz-szetételének meghatározását célzó módszertani fejlesztés első lépéseit mutatjuk be. Munkánk során talajok szervesszén- és CaCO3-tartalmának megbecslését lehetővé tévő többváltozós matematikai-statisztikai módszerekre (részleges legkisebb négyzetek módszere, partial least squares regression – PLSR) épülő prediktív modellek létrehozását és tesztelését végeztük el. A létrehozott modellek tesztelése során megállapítottuk, hogy az eljárás mindkét talajparaméter esetében magas R2értéket [R2(szerves szén) = 0,815; R2(CaCO3) = 0,907] adott. A becslés pontosságát jelző közepes négyzetes eltérés (root mean squared error – RMSE) érték mindkét paraméter esetében közepesnek mondható [RMSE (szerves szén) = 0,467; RMSE (CaCO3) = 3,508], mely a reflektancia mérési előírások standardizálásával jelentősen javítható. Vizsgálataink alapján arra a következtetésre jutottunk, hogy a reflektancia spektroszkópia és a többváltozós kemometriai eljárások együttes alkalmazásával, gyors és költséghatékony adatfelvételezési és -értékelési módszerhez juthatunk.
High Prevalence and Diminished Awareness of Overweight and Obesity in a Mediterranean Population. An Alarming Call for Action
Authors: Andrikopoulos George , Richter Dimitrios , Sakellariou Dimitrios , Tzeis Stylianos , Goumas George , Kribas Panagiotis , Athanasias Dimitrios , Toutouzas Pavlos
Published: November 2012

Introduction:

The epidemic proportions of overweight, obesity and diabetes in most European countries stress the need for the implementation of an effective action plan for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease. This ques-tionnaire study was designed to evaluate the viewpoint of the general population regarding the relative significance of CV risk factors in the cumulative risk of CV disease.

Methods:

All participants answered a questionnaire regarding the self-reported presence of CV disease risk factors and the perceived notion of having excess weight. They were also asked to list CV disease risk factors, ranking them in order of perceived relative significance. Participants were also subjected to total cholesterol measurement using a portable total cholesterol testing meter.

Results:

The survey population consisted of 32,736 individuals (49.1% males). According to participant self reporting, 32.9% were smokers, 24.7% had hypertension, 9.8% had diabetes, 74.8% reported having stress, 41.9% had insufficient physical activity and 43.3% had hyperlipidemia. The prevalence of overweight was 43.9% and the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) was 18.6%. Only 24.4% of participants reported that they had excess weight. The 45.2% of the ques-tioned individuals considered that stress was the most important CV risk factor.

Conclusions:

Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, the majority of participants were unaware of the contribution of these well-established risk factors to the occurrence of CV disease. Improving public awareness is impor-tant in order to control the epidemic proportions of these modifiable risk factors.
Effect of Nickel Chloride on Cell Proliferation
Authors: D’Antò Vincenzo , Valletta Rosa , Amato Massimo , Schweikl Helmut , Simeone Michele , Paduano Sergio , Rengo Sandro , Spagnuolo Gianrico
Published: November 2012

Objective:

Metal alloys used in dentistry and in other biomedical fields may release nickel ions in the oral environment. The release of nickel might influence the normal biological and physiological processes, including tissue wound healing, cell growth and proliferation. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of nickel ions on cell cycle, viability and proliferation.

Materials and Methods:

Human osteosarcoma cells (U2OS) and human keratinocytes (HaCat) were exposed to different nickel chloride (NiCl2) concentrations (0 - 5mM) for various periods exposure. The viability of cultured cells was estimated by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and Propidium Iodide (PI). Cell proliferation was evaluated by using carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE) and flow cytometry. Finally, the effects of NiCl2 on cell cycle were assessed and quantified by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed by means of ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test.

Results:

NiCl2 induced a dose and time dependent decrease in cell viability. After 24h, 1mM NiCl2 caused a similar and significant reduction of viability in U2OS and HaCat cells, while higher NiCl2 concentrations and longer exposure times showed a reduced cytotoxic effect in HaCat as compared to U2OS cells.

Exposure to NiCl2 caused a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation in both cell lines tested, with a prominent effect on U2OS cells. Furthermore, both cell lines exposed to NiCl2 exhibited significant changes in cell cycle distribution after 24h exposure 2mM NiCl2, as compared to untreated cells (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that release of nickel ions may affect cell proliferation. The inhibition of cell growth by NiCl2 is mediated by both cell cycle arrest and by induction of cell death.
Anesthesia for Shoulder Surgery: A Review of the Interscalene Block and a Discussion of Regional vs. General Anesthesia
Authors: Ghaleb Ahmed , D. Dilley Joshua
Published: November 2012

A review of the literature regarding anesthesia for shoulder surgery was performed. Current anesthetic tech-niques available include regional, general, or a combination of regional and general. We discuss each of these techniques, with an emphasis on regional (specifically interscalene block), in detail. Current evidence supports both regional and gen-eral anesthesia to be safe and efficient techniques. The interscalene block is considered by most to provide the best surgi-cal anesthesia and is the most commonly performed block for shoulder surgery. This paper aims to review the perform-ance of the interscalene block and to discuss alternative choices for shoulder surgery, namely general anesthesia and a combined general/regional technique. We also aim to provide considerations to aid in the performance of a safely admin-istered anesthetic.
The Existential Meaning of Couples' Long-Term Experience of Living with Stroke
Authors: Kitzmüller Gabriele , Häggström Terttu , Asplund Kenneth , Gilje Fredricka L.
Published: November 2012

This study employs Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology to uncover the existential meaning of couples' long-term experiences of living with stroke. Transcripts of 23 interviews with stroke survivors and 17 interviews with spouses focusing on the couple perspective were analyzed. The five emerging themes and the constitutive pattern illuminate the existential meaning of stroke and include fear, hope, unfamiliarity, temporality, and reinterpretation of the life-world. The constitutive pattern indicates that life after stroke is characterized by the struggle to adapt to an abruptly twisted and unfamiliar being-in-the-world. Changes in couples' interpretations of their life-world seem to be connected with different interpretations of time and an increased view of life as limited. Health professionals with an empathic understanding of the existential meaning of stroke may better facilitate the reinterpretation of couples' actual life-world. Stroke couples' life-restricting fears of living, dying, and caregiving should be explored further.
Mean values connected with the Dedekind zeta-function of a non-normal cubic field
Authors: Lü Guangshi
Published: November 2012

After Landau’s famous work, many authors contributed to some mean values connected with the Dedekind zetafunction. In this paper, we are interested in the integral power sums of the coefficients of the Dedekind zeta function of a non-normal cubic extension K
3/ℚ, i.e. $$
S_{l,K_3 } (x) = \sum\nolimits_{m \leqslant x} {M^l (m)}
$$, where M(m) denotes the number of integral ideals of the field K
3 of norm m and l ∈ ℕ. We improve the previous results for $$
S_{2,K_3 } (x)
$$ and $$
S_{3,K_3 } (x)
$$.
Consonance and Cantor set-selectors
Authors: Gutev Valentin
Published: November 2012

It is shown that every metrizable consonant space is a Cantor set-selector. Some applications are derived from this fact, also the relationship is discussed in the framework of hyperspaces and Prohorov spaces.
Martensite transformation of sub-micron retained austenite in ultra-fine grained manganese transformation-induced plasticity steel
Authors: Lee Seok-Jae , Lee Seawoong , De Cooman Bruno C.
Published: November 2012

The influence of the chemical composition and the grain size of retained austenite in an ultra-fine grained medium manganese steel on the martensite transformation kinetics was investigated by means of dilatometry. A modified Koistinen–Marburger type exponential function was developed for the martensite transformation kinetics, which includes the influence of the size and the composition of the austenite. Whereas the ultra-fine grained retained austenite had a remarkably lowMstemperature, the kinetics of its transformation to martensite was accelerated.
Interfacial study of Si–Ge multilayers grown using ultrahigh-vacuum chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Lian Derming , Wen Hua-Chiang
Published: November 2012

In this study, we used scanning probe microscopy to observe the abrasion damage of annealed Si–Ge superlattices. Specimens were more amenable to plastic deformation after annealing, thereby providing higher friction coefficients as a result of decreased strain energy. Restricted dislocation movement appeared not only in the combined Si–Ge superlattices but also at the interfaces, suggesting that thermal treatment could decrease the shear resistance. The microstructures contained a relatively large number of defects after annealing; these defects presumably led to the change in the oscillation trends under the ramped force of the sliding cycles. The component damage and oscillation events of the specimen that had been treated only at room temperature were more serious than those of the diffusion annealing specimens.
Calorimetric study and phase diagram investigation of the Au–Ga system
Authors: Živković Dragana , Gomidželović Lidija , Manasijević Dragan , Talijan Nadežda , Ćosović Vladan
Published: November 2012

The results of calorimetric study and phase equilibria investigation of the Au–Ga system, in the Ga-rich region, are presented. Calorimetric study was done using Oelsen methodology and partial and integral molar thermodynamic quantities were determined at a temperature of 873 K. Phase equilibria investigations were done experimentally – using differential thermal analysis, light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and theoretically – using the CALPHAD method. Results agree well with available literature data.
A Systematic Survey and Characterization of Enhancers that Regulate Sox3 in Neuro-Sensory Development in Comparison with Sox2 Enhancers
Authors: Nishimura Naoko , Kamimura Yoshifumi , Ishida Yoshiko , Takemoto Tatsuya , Kondoh Hisato , Uchikawa Masanori
Published: November 2012

Development of neural and sensory primordia at the early stages of embryogenesis depends on the activity of two B1 Sox transcription factors, Sox2 and Sox3. The embryonic expression patterns of the Sox2 and Sox3 genes are similar, yet they show gene-unique features. We screened for enhancers of the 231-kb genomic region encompassing Sox3 of chicken, and identified 13 new enhancers that showed activity in different domains of the neuro-sensory primordia. Combined with the three Sox3-proximal enhancers determined previously, at least 16 enhancers were involved in Sox3 regulation. Starting from the NP1 enhancer, more enhancers with different specificities are activated in sequence, resulting in complex overlapping patterns of enhancer activities. NP1 was activated in the caudal lateral epiblast adjacent to the posterior growing end of neural plate, and by the combined action of Wnt and Fgf signaling, similar to the Sox2 N1 enhancer involved in neural/mesodermal dichotomous cell lineage segregation. The Sox3 D5 enhancer and Sox2 N3 enhancer were also activated similarly in the diencephalon, optic vesicle and lens placode, suggesting analogies in their regulation. In general, however, the specificities of the enhancers were not identical between Sox3 and Sox2, including the cases of the NP1 and D5 enhancers.
Hellenic Natural Zeolite as a Replacement of Sand in Mortar: Mineralogy Monitoring and Evaluation of Its Influence on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Vogiatzis Dimitrios , Kantiranis Nikolaos , Filippidis Anestis , Tzamos Evaggelos , Sikalidis Costas
Published: November 2012

HEU-type zeolite-rich volcaniclastic tuff (Hellenic natural zeolite) is used as a raw material for the production of lighter mortars. The addition of natural zeolite in mortar mixtures of sand and Portland cement leads to a decrease of up to 18.35% unit weight. The increase of the natural zeolite proportions increases the porosity and water absorption of the mortar and, at the same time, decreases the uniaxial compressive strength. These variations in the mortar’s mechanical properties are due to the addition of natural zeolite, which causes incomplete hydration of C2S (2CaO.SiO2) and retardation of the mortar’s hardening.
An Inverse Relationship Links Temperature and Substrate Apparent Affinity in the Ion-Coupled Cotransporters rGAT1 and KAAT1
Authors: Peres Antonio , Vollero Alessandra , Margheritis Eleonora , D'Antoni Francesca , Bossi Elena
Published: November 2012

The effects of temperature on the operation of two ion-coupled cotransporters of the SLC6A family, namely rat GAT1 (SLC6A1) and KAAT1 (SLC6A19) from Manduca sexta, have been studied by electrophysiological means in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing these proteins. The maximal transport-associated current (Imax) and the apparent substrate affinity (K05) were measured. In addition to the expected increase in transport rate (Q10 = 3–6), both transporters showed greater K05 values (i.e., a decrease in apparent affinity) at higher temperatures. The transport efficiency, estimated as Imax/K05, increased at negative potentials in both transporters, but did not show statistically significant differences with temperature. The observation that the apparent substrate affinity is inversely related to the transport rate suggests a kinetic regulation of this parameter. Furthermore, the present results indicate that the affinities estimated at room temperature for mammalian cotransporters may not be simply extrapolated to their physiological operating conditions.
An Electrostatically Crosslinked Chitosan Hydrogel as a Drug Carrier
Authors: Kim Ga On , Kim Nawoo , Kim Da Yeon , Kwon Jin Seon , Min Byoung-Hyun
Published: November 2012

Considerable efforts have been devoted to control and maintain the sustained release of proteins. In this experiment, we used bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (BSA-FITC) as a model protein to explore the potential utility of a chitosan and glycerol phosphate disodium salt (GP) hydrogel as a protein drug depot. The mixing of chitosan and GP solutions (0, 10, 20 and 30 wt%) formed a liquid at room temperature. At 37 °C, however, the chitosan/GP solutions formed hydrogels through an electrostatic crosslinking process. This electrostatic interaction between the chitosan, cationic amine group, and GP, anionic phosphate group, was confirmed by the changes of zeta potentials and particle sizes of this solution. The electrostatic interaction depended both on the GP ratios in chitosan and the incubation time of chitosan/GP solutions. Furthermore, BSA-FITC-loaded chitosan/GP hydrogels were examined for their ability as potential depots for the BSA drugs. Hence, when observed, the BSA-FITC-loaded chitosan/GP hydrogels showed an in vitro sustained release profile of BSA up to 14 days. Collectively, our results show that the chitosan/GP hydrogels described here, can serve as depots for BSA drugs.
5'-Chloro-5'-deoxy-(±)-ENBA, a Potent and Selective Adenosine A1 Receptor Agonist, Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in Mice Through Functional Glial and Microglial Changes without Affecting Motor or Cardiovascular Functions
Authors: Luongo Livio , Petrelli Riccardo , Gatta Luisa , Giordano Catia , Guida Francesca , Vita Patrizia , Franchetti Palmarisa , Grifantini Mario , Novellis Vito de , Cappellacci Loredana , Maione Sabatino
Published: November 2012

This study was undertaken in order to investigate the effect of chronic treatment with 5′-chloro-5′-deoxy-(±)-ENBA, a potent and highly selective agonist of human adenosine A1 receptor, on thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of neuropathic pain, the Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. Chronic systemic administration of 5′-chloro-5′-deoxy-(±)-ENBA (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia 3 and 7 days post-SNI, in a way prevented by DPCPX (3 mg/kg, i.p.), a selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, without exerting any significant change on the motor coordination or arterial blood pressure. In addition, a single intraperitoneal injection of 5′-chloro-5′-deoxy-(±)-ENBA (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) 7 days post-SNI also reduced both symptoms for at least two hours. SNI was associated with spinal changes in microglial activation ipsilaterally to the nerve injury. Activated, hypertrophic microglia were significantly reduced by 5′-chloro-5′-deoxy-(±)-ENBA chronic treatment. Our results demonstrated an involvement of adenosine A1 receptor in the amplified nociceptive thresholds and in spinal glial and microglial changes occurred in neuropathic pain, without affecting motor coordination or blood pressure. Our data suggest a possible use of adenosine A1 receptor agonist in neuropathic pain symptoms.
Spiroheterocyclization of Methyl 1-Aryl-3-cinnamoyl-4,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylates by the Action of 3-(Arylamino)-1H-inden-1-ones
Authors: Silaichev Pavel , Filimonov Valeriy , Slepukhin Pavel , Maslivets Аndrey
Published: November 2012

Methyl 1-aryl-3-cinnamoyl-4,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylates interact with 3-(arylamino)-1H-inden-1-ones to give the corresponding 1,1'-diaryl-3'-cinnamoyl-4'-hydroxy-1H-spiro[indeno[1,2-b]pyrrole-3,2'-pyrrole]-2,4,5'(1'H)-triones in good yields.
Oligonucleotide-Peptide Conjugates: Solid-Phase Synthesis under Acidic Conditions and Use in ELISA Assays
Authors: Aviñó Anna , Gómara Maria José , Malakoutikhah Morteza , Haro Isabel , Eritja Ramon
Published: November 2012

Here we used solid-phase methods to prepare oligonucleotides carrying fibrin/ filaggrin citrullinated peptides. Post-synthetic conjugation protocols were successfully applied for the synthesis of oligonucleotides carrying small peptides. A stepwise protocol using acid treatment for the final deprotection allowed the preparation of polypyrimidine oligonucleotides carrying longer and arginine-rich peptides. An ELISA-based test using the oligonucleotide-citrullinated peptide conjugates was developed for the detection of anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies in human serum from rheumatoid arthritis patients.
An Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Pyrano[3,2-c]quinolin-2,5-dione Derivatives Catalyzed by L-Proline
Authors: Zhu Songlei , Wang Jing , Xu Zhou , Li Jie
Published: November 2012

A series of 4-aryl-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinolin-2,5(6H)-diones were synthesized via the three-component reactions of aromatic aldehydes, 4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one, and Meldrum’s acid catalyzed by L-proline. The structures of the products were identified by spectroscopic analysis. A mechanism for this three-component reaction catalyzed by L-proline was proposed.
Changes in Dairy Food and Nutrient Intakes in Australian Adolescents
Authors: Parker Carole E. , Vivian Wendy J. , Oddy Wendy H. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Mori Trevor A. , O'Sullivan Therese A.
Published: November 2012

Dairy nutrients, such as calcium, are particularly important in adolescence, a critical time for growth and development. There are limited Australian data following individuals through adolescence, evaluating changes in dairy nutrient and dairy product consumption. We used a validated food frequency questionnaire to investigate consumption in adolescents participating in both the 14 and 17 year follow-ups of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Most adolescents did not reach age and gender specific recommended daily intakes for calcium or magnesium at 14 years, and this decreased as they aged to 17 years (from 33.0% to 29.2% meeting for calcium, P < 0.05, and from 33.6% to 20.5% meeting for magnesium, P < 0.01). Mean intakes of calcium, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin A also decreased with age (P < 0.01). Mean dairy intake decreased from 536 ± 343 g/day to 464 ± 339 g/day (P < 0.01), due mostly to a decrease in regular milk, although flavoured milk consumption increased in boys. Cheese and butter were the only products to show a significantly increased consumption over the period. Girls decreased from 2.2 to 1.9 serves/day of dairy, while boys remained relatively steady at 2.9 to 2.8 serves/day. Our findings suggest that dairy product consumption decreases over adolescence. This may have implications for bone mass, development and later health.
Implementation of Human-Machine Synchronization Control for Active Rehabilitation Using an Inertia Sensor
Authors: Song Zhibin , Guo Shuxiang , Xiao Nan , Gao Baofeng , Shi Liwei
Published: November 2012

According to neuro-rehabilitation practice, active training is effective for mild stroke patients, which means these patients are able to recovery effective when they perform the training to overcome certain resistance by themselves. Therefore, for rehabilitation devices without backdrivability, implementation of human-machine synchronization is important and a precondition to perform active training. In this paper, a method to implement this precondition is proposed and applied in a user’s performance of elbow flexions and extensions when he wore an upper limb exoskeleton rehabilitation device (ULERD), which is portable, wearable and non-backdrivable. In this method, an inertia sensor is adapted to detect the motion of the user’s forearm. In order to get a smooth value of the velocity of the user’s forearm, an adaptive weighted average filtering is applied. On the other hand, to obtain accurate tracking performance, a double close-loop control is proposed to realize real-time and stable tracking. Experiments have been conducted to prove that these methods are effective and feasible for active rehabilitation.
Investigation of Volatiles Emitted from Freshly Cut Onions (Allium cepa L.) by Real Time Proton-Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS)
Authors: Løkke Mette Marie , Edelenbos Merete , Larsen Erik , Feilberg Anders
Published: November 2012

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cut onions (Allium cepa L.) were continuously measured by PTR-MS during the first 120 min after cutting. The headspace composition changed rapidly due to the very reactive volatile sulfurous compounds emitted from onion tissue after cell disruption. Mass spectral signals corresponding to propanethial S-oxide (the lachrymatory factor) and breakdown products of this compound dominated 0–10 min after cutting. Subsequently, propanethiol and dipropyl disulfide predominantly appeared, together with traces of thiosulfinates. The concentrations of these compounds reached a maximum at 60 min after cutting. Propanethiol was present in highest concentrations and had an odor activity value 20 times higher than dipropyl disulfide. Thus, propanethiol is suggested to be the main source of the characteristic onion odor. Monitoring the rapid changes of VOCs in the headspace of cut onion necessitates a high time resolution, and PTR-MS is demonstrated to be a very suitable method for monitoring the headspace of freshly cut onions directly after cutting without extraction or pre-concentration.
MODELLING THE OZONE PENETRATION IN A GRAIN LAYER / OZONO SKVERBTIES GRŪDŲ SLUOKSNYJE MODELIAVIMAS
Authors: Steponavičienė Aušra , Steponavičius Dainius , Raila Algirdas , Kemzūraitė Aurelija
Published: November 2012

Studies of grain drying with ozone-air mixture were carried out to detect the ozone penetration patterns through the grain mound of various moisture content (14.6 ≤ w 0 ≤ 23.0%) at different ozone concentrations (500 ≤ C 0 ≤ 1250 ppb) in the supplied air. The ozone penetration through the grain layer depends on the initial ozone concentration in the supplied air, ozonation time, velocity of the supplied air, height of the grain mound, initial grain moisture content and mycobiotic contamination of grain surface. It was determined that in a 60 cm height of the grain layer ozone is first recorded after 12 h, and at 105 cm – only after 34 h at w 0 = 19.0%, C 0 = 500 ppb. If the initial concentration of ozone is higher, it is first recorded sooner. Ozone penetration through the grain layer with higher moisture level is slower, and ozone reaction with grain surface and microflora present on it is longer. Hypothesis about the adequacy of the model (how it reflects the real process) has been verified by calculating reproduction and adequacy variance. The mathematical model could be applied for prediction of the course of grain ozonation process. Santrauka Grūdų džiovinimo ozono ir oro mišiniu tyrimai atlikti siekiant išaiškinti ozono skverbties per skirtingo drėgnio grūdų sampilą dėsningumus (14,6 ≤ w 0 ≤ 23,0%), esant skirtingoms ozono koncentracijoms (500 ≤ C 0 ≤ 1250 ppb) tiekiamame ore. Ozono skverbtis grūdų sluoksnyje priklauso nuo pradinės ozono koncentracijos tiekiamame ore, ozonavimo trukmės, tiekiamo oro greičio, grūdų sampilo aukščio, pradinio grūdų drėgnio ir jų paviršiaus mikobiotinio užterštumo. 60 cm grūdų sluoksnio aukštyje ozonas pradėtas fiksuoti po 12 h, o 105 cm – tik po 34 h, kai w 0 = 19,0%, C 0 = 500 ppb. Padidinus pradinę ozono koncentraciją, ozonas pradedamas fiksuoti greičiau. Ozonuojant drėgnesnius grūdus, ozonas per jų sluoksnį skverbiasi lėčiau, vyksta ilgesnė jo reakcija su grūdų paviršiumi ir ant jų esančia mikroflora. Hipotezė apie modelio adekvatumą (kaip jis atspindi realų procesą) buvo patikrinta apskaičiavus reprodukcijos ir adekvatumo dispersijas. Sudarytas matematinis modelis gali būti taikomas grūdų ozonavimo procesui prognozuoti.
ECO-EFFICIENCY: TRENDS, GOALS AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN LITHUANIA / EKOLOGINIS VEIKSMINGUMAS: TENDENCIJOS, TIKSLAI IR JŲ ĮGYVENDINIMAS LIETUVOJE
Authors: Dagiliūtė Renata , Juknys Romualdas
Published: November 2012

Paper aims to explore the progress in eco-efficiency and the course of decoupling of environmental impact from economy growth in Lithuania during 1990–2008. For better interpretation of ongoing changes in eco-efficiency the concept of double decoupling was applied. Decoupling of resource consumption from economy growth is considered as primary decoupling, and decoupling of environmental pollution from resource consumption is considered as secondary decoupling. Energy intensity is treated as indicator of primary decoupling and pollution intensity as indicator of secondary decoupling. Over investigated period an essential primary decoupling took place and final energy intensity was reduced approximately 2.5 times in Lithuania and has converged to the level of EU-15 on average. Transition to the market economy, shift to the modern technologies, increased energy prices and structural changes of Lithuanian economy are considered as the main drivers for this achievement. Progress in secondary decoupling was not so pronounced and pollution intensity is still 2 times higher than in EU-15. Though energy and transport sectors are identified as the main “hot spots” to tackle relatively high pollution intensity, focus on tools and measures benefiting reduction of both energy and pollution intensity are discussed. Santrauka Straipsnyje analizuojama Lietuvos pažanga ekologinio veiksmingumo srityje ir poveikio aplinkai atsiejimas nuo ekonomikos 1990–2008 m. Įvykusiems ekologinio veiksmingumo pokyčiams įvertinti pritaikyta dvigubo atsiejimo koncepcija. Energijos intensyvumas traktuojamas kaip pirminio atsiejimo, t. y. ekonomikos augimo atsiejimo nuo energijos išteklių naudojimo, rodiklis, teršimo intensyvumas – kaip antrinio atsiejimo, t. y. aplinkos teršimo atsiejimo nuo energijos vartojimo, rodiklis. Per analizuojamą laikotarpį pavyko atsieti ekonomikos augimą nuo energijos vartojimo, galutinės energijos intensyvumą Lietuvoje sumažinti maždaug 2,5 karto ir beveik pasiekti ES-15 vidurkį. Perėjimas prie rinkos ekonomikos, modernių technologijų, išaugusios energijos kainos ir struktūriniai Lietuvos ekonomikos pokyčiai laikomi pagrindiniais šią ekonomikos ir aplinkos požiūriu svarbią pažangą lėmusiais veiksniais. Pažanga antrinio atsiejimo srityje buvo ne tokia didelė ir taršos intensyvumas, t. y. į aplinką patenkančių teršalų kiekis suvartotos energijos vienetui, Lietuvoje yra vis dar apie du kartus didesnis nei ES-15. Energetika ir transportas įvardijami kaip pagrindiniai sektoriai, kuriuose reikia skirti daugiau dėmesio atitinkamoms priemonėms, siekiant mažinti didelį taršos intensyvumą.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION OF THE INTENSITY PARAMETERS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS PRODUCED BY MOBILE COMMUNICATION ANTENNAS / MOBILIOJO RYŠIO ANTENŲ ELEKTROMAGNETINIŲ LAUKŲ INTENSYVUMO PARAMETRŲ TYRIMAI IR VERTINIMAS
Authors: Baltrėnas Pranas , Buckus Raimondas , Vasarevičius Saulius
Published: November 2012

As the network of cellular mobile phones has recently expanded and in particular after the digital GSM 900/1800/2100 systems have been introduced, the potential effect on human health of electromagnetic radiation from the base stations of these systems has become of great concern to European countries. There have been requests made in some countries for areas free from mobile phones in which installation of base stations would not be permitted and for considerable reduction of the maximum authorised exposure or other restrictions. The European Commission's Recommendation adopted on 12 July 1999 requires that the maximum field strength for electromagnetic radiation (0–300 GHz) is established and that information about population's exposure to EMF and the measures taken to reduce it is provided. The article presents and analyses EMFs produced by mobile communication antennas in a residential area. Measurements of the electric strength, magnetic strength and EMF power density were performed and compared to the established hygiene norms. Tests were conducted in the near- and far-field of the antenna, on residential premises located directly in front of the antenna within its main radiation lobe. In addition, there were performed measurements of electromagnetic fields produced by mobile communication in rural areas. Santrauka Pastaruoju metu paplitus koriniam mobiliųjų telefonų tinklui ir ypač – įvedus skaitmenines GSM900/1800/2100 sistemas, daugelyje Europos šalių pradėta rūpintis dėl galimo šių sistemų bazinių stočių elektromagnetinės spinduliuotės poveikio žmogaus sveikatai. Kai kuriose šalyse imta reikalauti zonų be mobiliųjų telefonų, kuriose būtų draudžiama įrengti bazines stotis, gerokai sumažinti didžiausiąją leidžiamąją apšvitą ar įvesti kitus ribojimus. 1999 m. liepos 12 d. priimta Europos Tarybos rekomendacija nurodo nustatyti maksimalių elektromagnetinės spinduliuotės (0–300 GHz) laukų stiprį, reikalauja teikti informaciją apie gyventojų apšvitą dėl elektromagnetinių laukų bei taikomas priemones jai sumažinti. Pateikiami ir nagrinėjami gyvenamojoje zonoje mobiliojo ryšio antenų sukuriamų elektromagnetinių laukų duomenys. Atlikti elektrinio stiprio, magnetinio stiprio ir elektromagnetinio lauko energijos srauto tankio matavimai. Duomenys lyginami su nustatytomis higienos normomis. Tyrimai atlikti artimojoje ir tolimojoje antenos zonoje, gyvenamosiose patalpose, esančiose prieš anteną. Mobiliojo ryšio elektromagnetinių laukų matavimai atlikti ir kaimo vietovėse.
Identification of Priority Areas for Conservation in Lake Egirdir and Lake Kovada, Turkey
Authors: Berke Mustafa Özgür , Sütlü Ercan , Avcioglu Basak , Gem Engin
Published: November 2012

The second Turkish case study was implemented in Lake Egirdir and Lake Kovada which are in the southwestern part of Turkey. Both lakes are surrounded by agricultural areas and are located in the same basin with high biodiversity. The focus of the case study in Lake Egirdir and Lake Kovada was identification of priority areas for conservation.
Computational fluid dynamic analysis following recurrence of cerebral aneurysm after coil embolization
Authors: Irie Keiko , Anzai Hitomi , Kojima Masahiko , Honjo Naomi , Ohta Makoto , Hirose Yuichi , Negoro Makoto
Published: November 2012

Hemodynamic factors are thought to play important role in the initiation, growth, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. However, hemodynamic features in the residual neck of incompletely occluded aneurysms and their influences on recanalization are rarely reported. This study characterized the hemodynamics of incompletely occluded aneurysms that had been confirmed to undergo recanalization during long-term follow-up using computational fluid dynamic analysis. A ruptured left basilar-SCA aneurysm was incompletely occluded and showed recanalization during 11 years follow-up period. We retrospectively characterized on three-dimensional MR angiography. After subtotal occlusion, the flow pattern, wall shear stress (WSS), and velocity at the remnant neck changed during long-term follow-up period. Specifically, high WSS region and high blood flow velocity were found near the neck. Interestingly, these area of the remnant neck coincided with the location of aneurysm recanalization. High WSS and blood flow velocity were consistently observed near the remnant neck of incompletely occluded aneurysm, prone to future recanalization. It will suggest that hemodynamic factors may play important roles in aneurismal recurrence after endovascular treatment.
Outcome of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia using autologous muscle graft: A five-year prospective study
Authors: Jagannath Palaniappan , Venkataramana Neelam , Bansal Abhilash , Ravichandra Madineni
Published: November 2012

Introduction : Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) is a syndrome characterized by Paroxysmal, shock like hemifacial pain. Among the various treatment options micro vascular decompression (MVD) has gained popularity in the recent
years.
Materials and Methods : 182 patients underwent MVD, between 1995-2007 out of 530 patients treated for Trigeminal Neuralgia at our service. All were operated by retro auricular sub occipital craniectomy by a single surgeon using autologous muscle graft. They were assessed for pain relief, complications and the data was analysed.
Results : Males were 84 (61.3%) females 53 (38%) with a ratio of 1.5=1. Age ranged from 25-75 years. Duration of symptoms ranging from 6 months to 25 years (average 4-6 years). Seventy seven (56.2% were affected on the right side whereas 60 (43.8%) had pain on the left side. Imaging demonstrated vascular compression in 84 (61%). At surgery superior cerebellar artery was the commonest cause of compression in 71.5%. More than one artery was found in relation to the nerve in 15.3%. There was no mortality, CSF leak 2.9% and transient facial palsy in 2.2% were the notable complications. Conclusion : MVD is the procedure of choice for TGN if there is no contraindication for surgery. Adequate tissue respect, meticulous surgical steps and experience will reduce complications. Autologus muscle graft can give comparable and durable results possibly with lesser complications.
Cerebellar metastasis from serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma
Authors: Tandon Vivek , Garg Kanwaljeet , Mahapatra A
Published: November 2012

Serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary rarely can present with solitary solid -cystic cerebellar metastasis, mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma. A middle aged women, who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingoopherectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian adenocarcinoma, presented to us with the history of headache, vomiting, and imbalance. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed solitary cerebellar, solid cystic lesion with cyst lining and solid portion enhancing on contrast which was mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma and there was no perilesional edema. Gross total excision of the cerebellar lesion was done followed by resolution of her symptoms. Histopathology showed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with the primary ovarian carcinoma. In patients of ovarian carcinoma, presenting with features of raised intracranial pressureICP] thorough investigations must be done to rule out metastasis. Solitary metastasis of the cerebellum because of ovarian carcinoma may mimic pilocytic astrocytoma.
A cytohistological study of p53 overexpression in ovarian neoplasms
Authors: Choudhury Monisha , Goyal Seema , Pujani Mukta , Pujani Meenu
Published: November 2012

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of imprint cytology in ovarian neoplasms, investigate the biological significance of p53 expression in malignant ovarian tumors and correlate it with histological type, grade and stage of tumor. Material and Methods: A total of 50 cases including 25 prospective and 25 retrospective cases were studied. Imprint cytology was performed on 25 ovarian tumors and compared with histopathological diagnosis. p53 immunohistochemistry was performed on all 50 cases. Results: On immunohistochemistry, all the benign tumors were negative for p53 while 42% of primary ovarian malignant tumors were positive. p53 expression was found to have a diagnostic value in differentiating benign from malignant tumors. p53 overexpression did not show any significant correlation with prognostic factors as stage of disease, grade of differentiation and type of tumor. Conclusion: The present study confirms the importance of p53 tumor suppressor gene expression as documented by immunohistochemistry in the differentiation of malignant and benign ovarian tumors.
Octonion Algebras over Rings Are Not Determined by their Norms
Authors: Gille Philippe
Published: November 2012

Answering a question of H. Petersson, we provide a class of examples of a pair of octonion algebras over a ring having isometric norms.
Activity and abundance of denitrifying bacteria in the subsurface biosphere of diffuse hydrothermal vents of the Juan de Fuca Ridge
Authors: Bourbonnais A. , Juniper S. K. , Butterfield D. A. , Devol A. H. , Kuypers M. M. M. , Lavik G. , Hallam S. J. , Wenk C. B. , Chang B. X. , Murdock S. A. , Lehmann M. F.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Little is known about fixed nitrogen (N) transformation and elimination at diffuse hydrothermal vents where anoxic fluids are mixed with oxygenated crustal seawater prior to discharge. Oceanic N sinks that remove bio-available N ultimately affect chemosynthetic primary productivity in these ecosystems. Using 15N paired isotope techniques, we determined potential rates of fixed N loss pathways (denitrification, anammox) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) in sulfidic hydrothermal vent fluids discharging from the subsurface at several sites at Axial Volcano and the Endeavour Segment on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. We also measured physico-chemical parameters (i.e., temperature, pH, nutrients, H2S and N2O concentrations) as well as the biodiversity and abundance of chemolithoautotrophic nitrate-reducing, sulfur-oxidizing γ-proteobacteria (SUP05 cluster) using sequence analysis of amplified small subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) genes in combination with taxon-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. Denitrification was the dominant N loss pathway in the subsurface biosphere of the Juan de Fuca Ridge, with rates of up to ~1000 nmol N l−1 day−1. In comparison, anammox rates were always < 5 nmol N l−1 day−1 and below the detection limit at most of the sites. DNRA rates were up to ~150 nmol N l−1 day−1. These results suggest that bacterial denitrification out-competes anammox in sulfidic hydrothermal vent waters. Taxon-specific qPCR revealed that γ-proteobacteria of the SUP05 cluster sometimes dominated the microbial community (SUP05/total bacteria up to 38%). Significant correlations were found between fixed N loss (i.e., denitrification, anammox) rates and in situ nitrate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) deficits in the fluids, indicating that DIN availability may ultimately regulate N loss in the subsurface. Based on our rate measurements, and on published data on hydrothermal fluid fluxes and residence times, we estimated that up to ~10 Tg N yr−1 could globally be removed in the subsurface biosphere of hydrothermal vents systems, thus, representing a small fraction of the total marine N loss (~275 to > 400 Tg N yr−1).