bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein after an Initially Elevated Concentration: The JUPITER Study
Authors: Glynn Robert J , MacFadyen Jean G , Ridker Paul M
Published: December 2008

Background: The JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) trial suggests that increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations may be useful in decisions about the initiation of statin therapy for primary prevention of vascular disease. Although studies of specific populations have suggested that hsCRP is a reliable longitudinal marker, it is unclear how strongly hsCRP tracks in individuals after a single increased concentration.

Methods: We evaluated tracking of hsCRP in 8901 individuals randomized to placebo in the JUPITER trial. These individuals had screening LDL cholesterol concentrations <130 mg/dL (<3.37 mmol/L) and hsCRP concentrations ≥2 mg/L, with subsequent hsCRP measurements made before randomization; at 13 weeks; 1, 2, 3, and 4 years later; and at trial termination. Longitudinal trends and associations were evaluated nonparametrically with box plots and Spearman correlations. After data transformation to achieve normality, repeated-measures regression models estimated the intraclass correlation of hsCRP, with and without controlling for known demographic, lifestyle, and medical determinants of hsCRP concentration. For comparison, we evaluated tracking of systolic and diastolic blood pressure; total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol; and fasting triglycerides.

Results: The median hsCRP concentration in these untreated individuals showed modest regression to the mean over time, declining from 3.8 mg/L at randomization to 3.4 mg/L at 4 years. Tracking correlations for hsCRP over time were comparable to those for blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, but lower than those for HDL, fasting triglycerides, and total cholesterol. The intraclass correlation for repeated hsCRP measurements was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.53–0.55) without covariate adjustment and 0.50 (95% CI, 0.49–0.51) after adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and comorbidity determinants.

Conclusions: Concentrations of hsCRP show strong tracking, even after selection of individuals with initially high values. Without statin therapy, increased concentrations of hsCRP generally remain high over time.
Antimicrobial activity of polyelectrolyte multilayer-treated cellulose films 2nd ICC 2007, Tokyo, Japan, October 25–29, 2007
Authors: Westman Eva-Helena , Ek Monica , Wågberg Lars
Published: December 2008

A polyelectrolyte multilayer film with antimicrobial properties was prepared by the layer-by-layer technique on porous cellulose membranes by the alternate adsorption of hydrophobically modified polyvinylamine (PVAm) and polyacrylic acid. The approach included the introduction of negative charges onto cellulose membranes by NaBr and TEMPO-catalysed oxidation which created anchoring sites for the positively charged PVAm. The antibacterial activity of the cellulose membranes were tested with the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli as organism. A significant decrease in bacterial growth was observed with increasing number of polymeric bilayers (between three and six layers of cationic polymer) on the cellulose membranes. The antimicrobial property was ascribed to the modified PVAm.
Maternal visfatin concentration in normal pregnancy
Authors: Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Vaisbuch Edi , Erez Offer , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Nhan-Chang Chia-Ling , Pacora Percy , Gotsch Francesca , Yeo Lami , Kim Sun Kwon , Edwin Samuel S. , Hassan Sonia S. , Mittal Pooja
Published: December 2008

Objective:Adipose tissue has now emerged as a powerful endocrine organ via the production of adipokines. Visfatin, a novel adipokine with diabetogenic and immuno-modulatory properties has been implicated in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance in patients with obesity and Type-2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are changes in the maternal plasma concentration of visfatin with advancing gestation and as a function of maternal weight.

Study design:In this cross-sectional study, maternal plasma concentrations of visfatin were determined in normal weight and overweight/obese pregnant women in the following gestational age groups: 1) 11–14 weeks (n=52); 2) 19–26 weeks (n=68); 3) 27–34 weeks (n=93); and 4) >37 weeks (n=60). Visfatin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non parametric statistics were used for analysis.

Results:1) The median maternal plasma visfatin concentration was higher in pregnant women between 19–26 weeks of gestation than that of those between 11–14 weeks of gestation (P<0.01) and those between 27–34 weeks of gestation (P<0.01); 2) among normal weight pregnant women, the median plasma visfatin concentrations of women between 19–26 weeks of gestation was higher than that of those between 11–14 weeks (P<0.01) and those between 27–34 weeks (P<0.01); and 3) among overweight/obese patients, the median maternal visfatin concentration was similar between the different gestational age groups.

Conclusion:The median maternal plasma concentration of visfatin peaks between 19–26 and has a nadir between 27–34 weeks of gestation. Normal and overweight/obese pregnant women differed in the pattern of changes in circulating visfatin concentrations as a function of gestational age.
Molecular Dynamics Study of a Model SN1 Dissociation Reaction at Liquid/Liquid Interfaces: Effect of Liquid Polarity
Authors: Winter Nicolas , Benjamin Ilan
Published: December 2008

The ionic dissociation step of the nucleophilic substitution reaction: t‐BuCl → t‐Bu+ + Cl− is studied at the water/dichloroethane (DCE) interface using molecular dynamics computer simulations. The t‐BuCl is modeled using an empirical valence bond method where two diabatic states, covalent and ionic, are coupled in the electronically adiabatic limit. Umbrella sampling is used to determine the potential of mean force (PMF) along the reaction coordinate R (defined as the t‐Bu to Cl distance) in several interfacial regions of varying distances from the Gibbs dividing surface. The results at the water/DCE interface are compared to previous molecular dynamics calculations of t‐BuCl at the water liquid/vapor and water/carbon tetrachloride interfaces. As in the other systems, the transition state shifts to larger R values, and the activation barrier and ΔGrxn increase with decreasing solvent polarity. In contrast with the water/carbon tetrachloride interface, a well‐defined transition state exists at the water/DCE interface and persists even as the solute is moved 3 to 6 Å into the DCE phase. Dynamical flux correlation calculations reveal larger deviation of the rate from TST than in bulk water due to slower vibrational relaxation of the product ions. However, the increased density at the water/DCE interface increases the rate of dissociation relative to the water liquid/vapor interface. The transmission coefficient at the water/DCE interface was found to be 25% of the TST rate prediction, or about twice the rate at the water liquid/vapor interface.
The Role of Charge Localization in Current‐Driven Dynamics
Authors: Jorn Ryan , Livshits Ester , Baer Roi , Seideman Tamar
Published: December 2008

We explore the role of charge localization in current‐triggered, resonance‐mediated, dynamical events in molecular junctions. To that end we use a simple model for a molecular rattle, a Li+C9H−9 zwitterion attached between two metal clusters. By varying the size of the metal clusters we systematically vary the degree of delocalization of the electronic orbitals underlying the resonant current, and thus can draw general conclusions regarding the effect of delocalization on dynamical processes induced by resonance inelastic current in molecular electronics.

In the small cluster limit, we find interesting quantum dynamics in the nuclear subspace, corresponding to coherent tunneling of the wave packet through the barrier of an asymmetric double‐well potential. These dynamics are rapidly damped with increasing charge delocalization in extended systems.
Neural Progenitors of the Postnatal and Adult Mouse Forebrain Retain the Ability to Self-Replicate, Form Neurospheres, and Undergo Multipotent Differentiation In Vivo
Authors: Neumeister Bettina , Grabosch Antje , Basak Onur , Kemler Rolf , Taylor Verdon
Published: December 2008

Somatic stem cells are reservoirs to replace lost cells or damaged tissue. Cells with neural stem cell (NSC) characteristics can be isolated from the postnatal mammalian brain into adulthood and expanded as neurospheres. We addressed the ability of these in vitro expanded putative NSCs to retain progenitor characteristics in vivo, in analogy to hematopoietic stem cells. When transplanted in utero, both postnatal and adult neural progenitors colonize host brains and contribute neurons and glia. In stark contrast to what has been reported when transplanted in postnatal hosts, epidermal growth factor-expanded cells also remain self-replicating and multipotent in vivo over many months and can be serially transplanted into multiple hosts. Surprisingly, embryonically transplanted NSCs remain in the neurogenic regions in adult hosts, where they express progenitor cell markers and continue to proliferate even after 6 months without tumor formation. These data indicate that spherogenic cells of the postnatal and adult mammalian brain retain their potential in vitro and in vivo throughout the life of the organism and beyond transplantation, which has important implications for cell replacement strategies.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generation Using a Single Lentiviral Stem Cell Cassette
Authors: Sommer Cesar A. , Stadtfeld Matthias , Murphy George J. , Hochedlinger Konrad , Kotton Darrell N. , Mostoslavsky Gustavo
Published: December 2008

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be generated using retroviral vectors expressing Oct4, Klf4, Sox2, and cMyc. Most prior studies have required multiple retroviral vectors for reprogramming, resulting in high numbers of genomic integrations in iPS cells and limiting their use for therapeutic applications. Here we describe the use of a single lentiviral vector expressing a “stem cell cassette” composed of the four transcription factors and a combination of 2A peptide and internal ribosome entry site technology, generating iPS cells from postnatal fibroblasts. iPS cells generated in this manner display embryonic stem cell-like morphology, express stem cell markers, and exhibit in vivo pluripotency, as evidenced by their ability to differentiate in teratoma assays and their robust contribution to mouse chimeras. Combining all factors into a single transcript achieves the most efficient reprogramming system to date and allows derivation of iPS cells with a single viral integration. The use of a single lentiviral vector for reprogramming represents a powerful laboratory tool and a significant step toward the application of iPS technology for clinical purposes.
Relationship Between Cerebrospinal Fluid Visfatin (PBEF/Nampt) Levels and Adiposity in Humans
Authors: Hallschmid Manfred , Randeva Harpal , Tan Bee K. , Kern Werner , Lehnert Hendrik
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Observations of elevated circulating concentrations of visfatin (PBEF/Nampt) in obesity and diabetes suggest that this recently described adipokine is involved in the regulation of body weight and metabolism. We examined in humans whether visfatin is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and, if so, how CSF visfatin concentrations relate to adiposity and metabolic parameters.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured visfatin concentrations in the plasma and CSF of 38 subjects (18 men and 20 women; age 19–80 years) with a wide range of body weight (BMI 16.24–38.10 kg/m2). In addition, anthropometric parameters and endocrine markers were assessed. Bivariate correlation coefficients were determined and stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to detect associations of CSF and plasma visfatin levels with relevant parameters.

RESULTS—Plasma visfatin levels increased with rising BMI (P < 0.0001) and body fat mass (P < 0.0001). In contrast, CSF visfatin levels decreased with increasing plasma visfatin concentrations (P < 0.03), BMI (P < 0.001), body fat mass (P < 0.0001), and insulin resistance (P < 0.05). Body fat was the only factor independently associated with CSF visfatin, explaining 58% of the variation of CSF visfatin levels (P < 0.0001). Neither plasma (P > 0.13) nor CSF (P > 0.61) visfatin concentrations differed between men and women.

CONCLUSIONS—Our data indicate that visfatin concentrations in human CSF decrease with rising body fat, supporting the assumption that visfatin transport across the blood-brain barrier is impaired in obesity and that central nervous visfatin insufficiency or resistance are linked to pathogenetic mechanisms of obesity.
Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Employer-Sponsored Pension Plans in Canada
Authors: Robson William B.P.
Published: December 2008

More than bad luck lies behind the plight of single-employer defined-benefit pension plans in Canada. Deals that purported to relieve employees of risk, while offering sponsors a powerful workforce-management tool and low current compensation costs, were attractive to the contracting parties—but key economic uncertainties and agency problems mean that these plans were not as good for participants and taxpayers. Pension-plans designers and policy-makers should foster new arrangements that will be more robust in the face of unexpected developments. Importantly, sponsors of plans in financial trouble should redirect their search for solutions from asset management to the human resource department.
The Integration of Occupational Pension Policies: Lessons for Canada
Authors: Hering Martin , Kpessa Michael
Published: December 2008

Is the integration of occupational pension policies across the Canadian provinces feasible? In this paper, we assess the proposal for harmonization made by the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) by comparing it to the European Union's successful integration of member states’ pension policies. We argue that CAPSA's initiative failed both because regulatory diversity was defined as a fundamental problem and because the regulations that serve social policy goals were not protected from integration. We suggest that occupational pension integration in Canada would be feasible if provincial governments largely excluded rules on benefits and relied primarily on the mutual recognition of diverse rules.
Retirement Saving in Australia
Authors: Barrett Garry F. , Tseng Yi-Ping
Published: December 2008

Australia's retirement income system has two distinctive features: a means-tested public pension, and a policy mandating private retirement saving. These programs have gained increasing international attention as countries address the challenges posed by population aging. In this paper the institutional features of the retirement income system in Australia are outlined and contrasted to the Canadian retirement income system, with an emphasis on private incentives to save. The savings behaviour of current Australian retirees is examined, and the expectations of future retirees considered. Lessons from the Australian experience are drawn, which may inform Canada and other countries as they reform their retirement income system.
Everything Old Is New Again: A Reflection on the State of the Defined-Benefit Pension Plan
Authors: FitzGerald Brian A.P.
Published: December 2008

Workplace pension plans have always been an important part of the Canadian pension system. The introduction of the Old Age Security Act in 1951 and the Canada/Quebec Pension Plans in 1966 was intended to supplement rather than replace such plans. While workplace pension plans grew substantially in size and number throughout most of the twentieth century, in the 1990s they began to decline. This paper argues that it is time for pension stakeholders to come together to develop a national policy for pensions that will stem the decline and restore the former health of workplace pension plans.
Canadian Seniors and the Low Income Measure
Authors: Veall Michael R.
Published: December 2008

About 6 percent of seniors in Canada have family incomes below the Low Income Measure (LIM), a definition of relative poverty that sets the line at 50 percent of the median household income adjusted for family size. The Canadian senior below-LIM rate has fallen sharply in the last 35 years and is low compared to that in other countries, to the general Canadian population, and to Canadian families with children. Canadian income tax data show that below-LIM seniors are overrepresented among recent immigrants, females, the unmarried, and those supporting dependent children (possibly grandchildren). Age does not appear to be of great importance. While there are no uncontestable cases for additional targeting of transfer income, there is a strong argument for assistance to the small number of seniors with dependent children.
Why We Need a Pension Revolution
Authors: Ambachtsheer Keith
Published: December 2008

There is now a broad consensus that workplace pension arrangements around the world are sick and in need of strong medicine. Pension coverage and adequacy are too low, and pension uncertainty too high. The prescription of some pension experts is to resurrect the traditional defined-benefit (DB) plan. Others say broad defined-contribution (DC) plan coverage is the cure. This article argues that we have to move from an “either-or” to an “and-and” mindset if we want to seriously improve global workplace pension coverage, adequacy, and certainty. Integrative thinking about these issues leads to pension arrangements that combine the best of both traditional DB and DC plans, and that minimize the impact of their less attractive features. However, redesigning the pension formula is only half the cure. We must also redesign the institutional arrangements through which workplace pensions are delivered. The ideal pension delivery institution has expertise, scale, and acts solely in the best interests of plan participants. There are far too few pension funds around the world today that can meet this triple test. Placed in a Canadian context, the first priority should be to fill the workplace pension gap for the some 4 million Canadian private sector workers without registered pension plans currently facing materially reduced post-work standards of living.
The Evolution of Elderly Poverty in Canada
Authors: Milligan Kevin
Published: December 2008

In this article, I extend the analysis of head-count measures of income and consumption poverty to all currently available microdata. Along with standard measures, I implement a relative poverty indicator using the well-being of working age families as a benchmark. I find that poverty among elderly families decreased sharply through the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, relative measures of income poverty increased because non-elderly incomes have risen more quickly than elderly incomes. Since the 1980s, a sharp spike in income poverty has emerged between the ages of 55 and 64, with no counterpart in the consumption data.
Operating Speed Prediction Models for Horizontal Curves on Rural Four-Lane Highways
Authors: Gong Huafeng , Stamatiadis Nikiforos
Published: December 2008

Previous studies documented that a uniform design speed does not necessarily guarantee design consistency on rural two-lane facilities. Since a similar process is also followed for four-lane rural highways, it is reasonable to assume that similar inconsistencies could be found on such roadways. The operating speed-based method has been extensively used in other countries as the primary method to examine design consistency. Numerous studies have been completed on rural two-lane highways for predicting operating speeds and evaluating design consistency. However, few studies have considered these issues for rural four-lane highways. Therefore, prediction models for rural four-lane highways are needed. This study aims to develop models to predict operating speeds on horizontal curves of rural four-lane highways. A parallel study documented that speeds on inside and outside lanes are different; therefore, two multiple linear regression models are developed. For the inside lane, the significant factors are shoulder type, median type, pavement type, approaching section grade, and horizontal curve length. For the outside lane, factors include shoulder type, median type, approaching section grade, presence of approaching curve, and curve radius and length. The factors in the two models indicate that the curve itself mainly influences a driver's speed choice. The models were validated by using the data-splitting approach, and validation shows that there are no statistical differences between the predicted and field-observed operating speeds.
Assessing Curve Severity and Design Consistency Using Energy- and Friction-Based Measures
Authors: Pratt Michael P. , Bonneson James A.
Published: December 2008

Numerous published models can be used to predict curve speed based on geometric and operational characteristics like radius, superelevation rate, and approach tangent speed. Speed-based design consistency measures have also been developed to help identify which curves on a roadway are the most severe. However, the use of speed reduction alone can result in improper assessment of curve severity because drivers are more reluctant to reduce speed on roadways with higher speeds and thus accept speeds associated with higher crash risk. New measures of curve severity are suggested, based on considerations of side friction demand and kinetic energy. The increase in side friction demand above drivers’ comfort thresholds is shown to be roughly proportional to the kinetic energy reduction associated with speed reduction. Agencies can use these curve severity measures to assist in identifying curves in their jurisdictions that would most likely benefit from safety improvements.
Safety Impacts of Access Control Standards on Crossroads in the Vicinity of Highway Interchanges
Authors: Flintsch Alejandra Medina , Rakha Hesham , Arafeh Mazen , Dua Dhruv , Abdel-Salam Abdel-Salam Gomaa , Abbas Montassir
Published: December 2008

Adequate spacing and design of access to crossroads in the vicinity of freeway ramps are critical in the safety and traffic operations of the freeway, crossroad, and properties near interchanges. Research attempted to develop a methodology to evaluate the safety impact of different access-road spacing standards. Results clearly demonstrate the shortcomings of the AASHTO standards and the benefits of enhancing these standards. The models developed as part of this research effort were used to compute the crash rate associated with alternative section spacing. The study demonstrates that the models satisfied the statistical requirements and provide reasonable crash estimates. Results demonstrate an eightfold decrease in the crash rate over an access-road spacing ranging from 0 to 300 m. An increase in the minimum spacing from 90 m (300 ft) to 180 m (600 ft) results in a 50% reduction in the crash rate. The developed models provide an excellent tool to evaluate the trade-off of alternative access-road spacing. Furthermore, the economic impacts of alternative access-road spacing can be computed by using a weighted average crash cost. This average crash cost can be multiplied by the expected number of crashes per kilometer to compute the cost associated with different access-spacing scenarios. It is anticipated that this procedure can assist policy makers in quantifying the trade-offs of different access management regulations.
Embolization of the middle meningeal artery for the treatment of epidural hematoma
Authors: Ross Ian B.
Published: December 2008

Epidural hematomas (EDHs) are sometimes treated nonoperatively. Decision making, however, is not always perfect, and some hematomas chosen for observation later deteriorate and require surgical clot removal. With the current endovascular technology it is possible to embolize meningeal arteries to stop epidural bleeding. In this study, the author presents his experience in the treatment of a patient with a troublesome postoperative EDH successfully controlled with embolization therapy. This treatment is also useful in posttraumatic EDH and may obviate the need for surgery in some patients with EDHs who present early after injury and without significant mass effect.
The neurophysiology and effect of deep brain stimulation in a patient with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine–induced parkinsonism
Authors: Christine Chadwick W. , Langston J. William , Turner Robert S. , Starr Philip A.
Published: December 2008

Parkinsonism caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) exposure was first identified in intravenous drug users. This neurotoxicant has since been used extensively in nonhuman primates to induce an experimental model of Parkinson disease (PD). In this study, the authors examined the intraoperative physiological characteristics and efficacy of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (DBS) in 1 of only 4 known living patients with MPTP-induced parkinsonism. The physiological recordings were consistent with recordings from MPTP-treated primates and humans with PD, thus providing further validation for the MPTP model in the study of the neurophysiology of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic deficit in PD. Furthermore, DBS produced a significant clinical improvement in this patient similar to the improvement seen after DBS in patients with idiopathic PD. This unique case has important implications for translational research that employs the MPTP-primate model for symptomatic therapy in PD.
The Oil Question: Nature and Prognosis
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J.
Published: December 2008

A review is given of the nature and origins of crude oil (petroleum) along with factors relating to its production and demand for it. The modern globalised world economy and its population has grown on the assumption of limitless supplies of cheap crude oil. Almost all agriculture now is completely dependent on available oil and natural gas to run machinery and to make chemical fertilizers. Our complacent regard for oil is however invalid and a gap between the relentlessly rising demand for oil and its supply is expected to appear at some time in the period 2010–2015. The global peak in oil production “peak oil” predicted by M. King Hubbert in 1956, will exacerbate the situation, and the world must seek to run and organise itself in an imminent reality where supplies of conventional crude oil are both limited and increasingly expensive. Providing the equivalent of 30 billion barrels of oil a year as is currently used across the globe, by unconventional kinds of oil, e.g. from oil shale and tar sands is not realistic. Since most of the oil produced in the world is refined into liquid fuels to run transportation, human survival will depend on devising localised economies and communities that necessarily rely far less on personalised transport (cars).
Morphology and anatomy of three subsp. of Crocus speciosus Bieb.
Authors: Özdemir Canan , Kilinç Mahmut
Published: December 2008

Morphology and anatomy of Crocus speciosus Bieb. subsp. speciosus, C. speciosus Bieb. subsp. ilgazensis, C. speciosus subsp. xantholaimos were done. Two of them (subsp. ilgazensis and xantholaimos) are endemic to small areas of Turkey. The subsp. xantholaimos has flowers with tube stained yellow. The subsp. ilgazensis has a corm splitting into vertical fibres. These properties are characteristic for the two subspecies investigated. Cross-sections of root and aerial stem of three subspecies were examined and characterized. A key to the identification of the three taxa, based solely on anatomical features is provided here.
Seed coat and fruit surface micromorphology of some Cynoglossum L. (Boraginaceae) species
Authors: Akcin Oznur Ergen
Published: December 2008

Fruits and seeds of Cynoglossum creticum Miller, C. officinale L., C. montanum L. and C. glochidiatum Wallich) distributed in the Middle and East Black Sea Region in Turkey were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Some differences were found in seed coats and fruit surfaces. SEM observations of fruit surface were focused on surface ornamentation and glochids. Two types (tuberculate and granulate) and two subtypes (granulate - punctuate and granulate - tuberculate) were observed among the species. Reticulate type of seed coat and detailed subtypes of reticulate types were determined on the basis of ornamentation of the seed coats. Â Â Â  Key words: Cynoglossum, Fruit surface, Seedcoat, SEM, Micromorphology, Boraginaceae doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1716 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 115-119, 2008 (December)
Effects of deficit irrigation on some yield characteristics of sweet corn
Authors: Oktem Abdullah
Published: December 2008

This study was made to determine the influence of deficit irrigation on drip irrigated sweet corn in 1998 and 1999 in Sanliurfa, Turkey. Water was applied to sweet corn as 100, 90, 80 and 70% of evaporation from a Class A Pan (Epan). Applied irrigation water was 610-876 mm and 612-889 mm in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Plant height, ear length, number of kernels per ear and single fresh ear weight values were the highest at 100% Epan whereas the lowest values were found at 70% Epan in both the years. Water savings were 11.30, 20.89 and 30.36% in 1998 and 10.91, 21.14, 31.15% in 1999 for 90, 80 and 70% of Epan, respectively. The highest fresh ear yields (14.76 and 14.17 t ha-1) were obtained at 100% Epan, whereas minimum fresh ear yields (9.15 and 8.84 t ha-1) were found at 70% of Epan in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Despite the reduction of fresh ear yield, the number of marketable ears at 10% water deficiency (90% Epan) was still high and acceptable for sweet corn production in the Harran Plain of Turkey. Key words: Deficit irrigation, Water saving, Sweet corn, Yield characteristics doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1718 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 127-131, 2008 (December)
Identifying simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker linked to mite tolerance in jute species
Authors: Keka Shamima Islam , Shamsuzzaman Md , Pahloan Minhaz Uddin , Pervin Sultana , Rahman Md Maksuder , Khan Haseena
Published: December 2008

Mite infestation is one of the main factors restricting jute production in Bangladesh. The utilization of jute cultivars tolerant to mite attack can be one of the most economic strategies for expanding jute production. Among jute genotypes, C. olitorius O-7/95 has been reported to be most tolerant to mite attack. SSR or microsatellite markers for jute have been successfully used in distinguishing mite sensitive and tolerant jute varieties. To increase selection efficiency for mite tolerance we have used an F2 population of O-7/95 and O-72 (sensitive to mite attack) to map a number of these microsatellite markers and to determine their linkage with mite tolerant trait. A preliminary genetic linkage map based on 35 F2 populations, was constructed using software MAPMAKER/EXP (ver 3.0b). This map was based on ten SSR markers and a phenotypic marker (M-11) related to mite sensitivity. In this analysis mite resistance has been found to be linked with a SSR marker, M-66 at LOD threshold of 3. This marker has the potential of being useful in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) in jute breeding programs for selection of lines resistant to mite. Key words: Jute, Mite tolerance, SSR marker, Linkage mapping doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1725 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 161-171, 2008 (December)
Marine algae of the St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh. VI. New records of species of the genus Kallymenia J. Ag. (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Islam AKM Nurul , Jahan A
Published: December 2008

Four species of the genus Kallymenia J. Ag. such as K. cribrosa Harvey, K. rosea Womersley & Norris, K. rubra Womersley & Norris K. tasmanica Harvey have been reported for the first time from St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh. Key words: Seaweeds, Marine algae, Kallymenia spp., St. Martin's Is., Bangladesh doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1726 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 173-178, 2008 (December)
Quantification and nitrogen fixation of cyanobacteria in rice field soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Begum ZN Tahmida , Mandal R , Amin Farzana Binta
Published: December 2008

Quantification of cyanobacterial population and nitrogen fixation of 18 heterocystous cyanobacteria isolated from rice fields soils of 11 districts of Bangladesh have been studied. The taxa recorded were, namely Nostoc linckia, N. carneum, N. ellipsosporum, N. piscinale, Anabaena oryzae, Scytonema mirabile, Calothrix marchica and Hapalosiphon welwetschii. The number of cyanobacterial population varied significantly ranging from 14.6 × 104 to 141.0 × 104/g soil. N2-fixation of Nostoc linckia isolated from rice fields of Dhaka and Brahmanbaria ranged from 1.84 to 8.13 mg N 50/ml. However, the potentiality of other species was more or less similar. Single correlation study suggests that quantitative variation in cyanobacterial population was significantly related positively to soil reaction, available P and available S and negatively to total N content of soil. However, multiple correlations reflects that variation of cyanobacterial population was due to cumulative contribution of all the variables.  Key words: Cyanobacteria, Quantification, N2-fixation, Rice field soil doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1728 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 183-188, 2008 (December)
Cytological effect of virus infection in five crop species
Authors: Naz Atika , Kabir G , Ud-Deen MM
Published: December 2008

Meiotic abnormalities and pollen sterility due to virus infection in Capsicum annuum L., Carica papaya L., Lablab purpureus L., Lycopersicon esculentum L., and Solanum melongena L. were studied. Comparison in with unaffected plants showed that virus infected plants, asynapsis, multivalents and lower chiasma frequencies were present. Frequencies of chromosomal irregularities and pollen sterility were high in virus infected plants. Â Key words: Virus infection, Cytological effect, Plant species doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1734  Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 207-209, 2008 (December)
Essential oil constituents of needles, dry needles, inflorescences and resins of Pinus caribaea Morelet growing in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Jasim Uddin , Bhuiyan Md Nazrul Islam , Nandi Nemai Chandra
Published: December 2008

Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from needles, dry needles, inflorescences and resin of Pinus caribaea Morelet were analyzed by GC-MS. Seven chemical constituents in oil of needles, 13 in dry needles, 4 in inflorescences and 6 in resin were identified. The major constituents found in the needle oil are limonene, caryophyllene and germacrene D in the dry needle oil limonene, caryophyllene oxide and caryophyllene in the inflorescences oil caryophyllene oxide, limonene and crypton and in the resin oil bicyclo[3.1.1]hept -2-ene, 2,6,6- trimethyl- (52.82%), longifolen, crypton and Î²-pinene. Key words: Pinus caribaea, Chemical composition, Essential oil, GC-MS doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1735 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(2): 211-212, 2008 (December)
Adult learning and the emotional self in virtual online contexts
Authors: Smith Regina O.
Published: December 2008

The rapid growth of online collaborative learning presents emotional challenges to students and adult educators. This chapter discusses two of these issues: epistemic and identity challenge.
Symmetric Versus Unsymmetric Platinum(II) Bis(aryleneethynylene)s with Distinct Electronic Structures for Optical Power Limiting/Optical Transparency Trade‐off Optimization
Authors: Zhou Guijiang , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Poon Suk‐Yue , Ye Cheng , Lin Zhenyang
Published: December 2008

A new series of symmetric and unsymmetric Pt(II) bis(acetylide) complexes of the type DC≡CPt(PBu3)2C≡CD (DPtD), AC≡CPt(PBu3)2C≡CA (APtA) and DC≡CPt(PBu3)2C≡CA (DPtA) (D, donor groups; A, acceptor groups) are synthesized, and show superior optical power limiting (OPL)/optical transparency trade‐offs. By tailoring the electronic properties of the aryleneethynylene group, distinct electronic structures for these metalated complexes can be obtained, which significantly affect their photophysical behavior and OPL properties for a nanosecond laser pulse at 532 nm. Electronic influence of the ligand type and the molecular symmetry of metal group on the optical transparency/nonlinearity optimization is thoroughly elucidated. Generally, aryleneethynylene ligands with π electron‐accepting nature will effectively enhance the harvesting efficiency of the triplet excited states. The ligand variation to the OPL strength of these Pt(II) compounds follows the order: DPtD > DPtA > APtA. These results could be attributed to the distinctive excited state character induced by their different electronic structures, on the basis of the data from both photophysical studies and theoretical calculations. All of the complexes show very good optical transparencies in the visible‐light region and exhibit excellent OPL responses with very impressive figure of merit σex/σo values (up to 17), which remarkably outweigh those of state‐of‐the‐art reverse saturable absorption dyes such as C60 and metallophthalocyanines with very poor transparencies. Their lower optical‐limiting thresholds (0.05 J cm−2 at 92% linear transmittance) compared with that of the best materials (ca. 0.07 J cm−2 for InPc and PbPc dyes) currently in use will render these highly transparent materials promising candidates for practical OPL devices for the protection of human eyes and other delicate electro‐optic sensors.
Conjugated Polyelectrolytes as Light‐Up Macromolecular Probes for Heparin Sensing
Authors: Pu Kan‐Yi , Liu Bin
Published: December 2008

Two cationic poly(fluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole)s with different side chains are designed and synthesized. Both polymers show low fluorescence in aqueous solution due to the charge‐transfer character of the polymer's excited states. Fluorescence turn‐on biosensors for heparin detection and quantification are developed, taking advantage of complexation‐induced aggregation, which increases the polymer fluorescence in aqueous solution. It is found that good polymer water‐solubility is beneficial to the sensitivity and fluorescence contrast of the heparin turn‐on sensor as a result of the low fluorescence background. Moreover, stronger complexation between the polymer/heparin leads to a substantially larger fluorescence increase in the presence of heparin relative to that in the presence of its analog, hyaluronic acid (HA), allowing discrimination of heparin from HA. Heparin quantification with a practical calibration range covering the whole therapeutic dosing levels (0.2–8 U mL−1) is realized based on the polymer with good water‐solubility. This investigation provides a new insight for designing conjugated polymers with a light‐up signature for biomolecular sensing.
Transparent Photo‐Stable Complementary Inverter with an Organic/Inorganic Nanohybrid Dielectric Layer
Authors: Oh Min Suk , Lee Kimoon , Lee Kwang H. , Cha Sung Hoon , Choi Jeong Min , Lee Byoung H. , Sung Myung M. , Im Seongil
Published: December 2008

Transparent electronics has been one of the key terminologies forecasting the ubiquitous technology era. Several researchers have thus extensively developed transparent oxide‐based thin‐film transistors (TFTs) on glass and plastic substrates. However, work in transparent electronics has been limited mostly to high‐voltage devices operating at more than a few tens of volts, and has mainly focused on transparent display drivers. Low‐voltage logic devices, such as transparent complementary inverters, operating in an electrically stable and photo‐stable manner, are now very necessary to practically realize transparent electronics. Electrically stable dielectrics with high strength and high capacitance must also be proposed to support this mission, and simultaneously these dielectrics must be compatible with both n‐ and p‐channel TFTs in device fabrication. Here, a nanohybrid dielectric layer that is composed of multiple units of inorganic oxide and organic self‐assembled monolayer is proposel to support a transparent complementary TFT inverter operating at 3 V.
Metal Ion Implantation for the Fabrication of Stretchable Electrodes on Elastomers
Authors: Rosset Samuel , Niklaus Muhamed , Dubois Philippe , Shea Herbert R.
Published: December 2008

Here, the use of low‐energy metal ion implantation by filtered cathodic vacuum arc to create highly deformable electrodes on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes is reported. Implantation leads to the creation of nanometer‐size clusters in the first 50 nm below the surface. When the elastomer is stretched, these small clusters can move relative to one another, maintaining electrical conduction at strains of up to 175%. Sheet resistance versus ion dose, resistance versus strain, time stability of the resistance, and the impact of implantation on the elastomer's Young's modulus are investigated for gold, palladium, and titanium implantations. Of the three tested metals, gold has the best performance, combining low and stable surface resistance, very high strain capabilities before loss of electrical conduction, and low impact on the Young's modulus of the PDMS membrane. These electrodes are cyclically strained to 30% for more than 105cycles and remain conductive. In contrast, sputtered or evaporate metals films cease to conduct at strains of order 3%. Additionally, metal ion implantation allows for creating semi‐transparent electrodes. The optical transmission through 25‐µm‐thick PDMS membranes decreases from 90% to 60% for Pd implantations at doses used to make stretchable electrodes. The implantation technique presented here allows the rapid production of reliable stretchable electrodes for a number of applications, including dielectric elastomer actuators and foldable or rollable electronics.
Global phase behavior of imidazolium ionic liquids and compressed 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R‐134a)
Authors: Ren Wei , Scurto Aaron M.
Published: December 2008

Novel processes involving ionic liquids with refrigerant gases have recently been developed. Here, the complete global phase behavior has been measured for the refrigerant gas, 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R‐134a) and 1‐n‐alkyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium ionic liquids with the anions hexafluorophosphate [PF6], tetrafluoroborate [BF4] and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Tf2N] from ∼0°C to 105°C and to 33 MPa. All of the systems studied were Type V from the classification scheme of Scott‐van Konynenburg with regions of vapor‐liquid equilibrium, miscible/critical regions, vapor‐liquid‐liquid equilibrium, and upper and lower critical endpoints (UCEP and LCEP). The effect of the alkyl chain length has been investigated, for ethyl‐([EMIm]), n‐butyl‐([BMIm]), and n‐hexyl‐([HMIm]). With increasing chain length, the temperature of the lower critical end points increases and pressure at the mixture critical points decrease. With a common cation, the temperature of the LCEP increased and the mixture critical point pressures decreased in the order of [BF4], [PF6], and [Tf2N]. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Post‐last glacial maximum expansion from Iberia to North Africa revealed by fine characterization of mtDNA H haplogroup in Tunisia
Authors: Cherni Lotfi , Fernandes Verónica , Pereira Joana B. , Costa Marta D. , Goios Ana , Frigi Sabeh , Yacoubi‐Loueslati Besma , Amor Mohamed Ben , Slama Abdelhakim , Amorim António , El Gaaied Amel Ben Ammar , Pereira Luísa
Published: December 2008

The first large‐scale fine characterization of Tunisian H lineages clarifies that the post‐Last glacial maximum expansion originating in Iberia not only led to the resettlement of Europe but also of North Africa. We found that 46% of 81 Tunisian H lineages subscreened for 1,580 bp in mtDNA coding region were affiliated with H1 and H3 subhaplogroups, which are known to have originated in Iberia. Although no signs of local expansion were detected, which would allow a clear dating of their introduction, the younger and less diverse Tunisian H1 and H3 lineages indicate Iberia as the radiating centre. Major contributions from historical migrations to this Iberian genetic imprint in Tunisia were ruled out by the mtDNA gene pool similarity between Berber/Arab/cosmopolitan samples and some “Andalusian” communities, settled by the descendents of the “Moors” who once lived in Iberia for 10 centuries (between 8th and 17th centuries), before being expelled to Tunisia. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solid‐state graft polymerization of styrene in spherical polypropylene granules in the presence of TEMPO
Authors: Sun Fangli , Fu Zhisheng , Deng Qingtian , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: December 2008

A series of polypropylene‐graft‐polystyrene (PP‐g‐PS) were prepared by solid‐state graft polymerization of styrene (St) in the presence of tert‐butyl perbenzoate (TBPB) and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) using nascent spherical isotactic polypropylene (PP) granules as matrix. Reaction conditions such as ratio of TEMPO to TBPB, amount of TBPB and St, reaction time and temperature were investigated. The grafting degree (GD) decreased slightly with the addition of TEMPO, but the introduction of TEMPO reduced gel formation and degradation of PP chain. Introduction of camphor sulfonic acid in the TEMPO‐mediated grafting polymerization system lead to evident increase in molecular weight of PP‐g‐PS and decrease of gel formation with slight changes of GD. GPC curves of the product synthesized with TEMPO addition showed obvious tailing at high molecular weight end. Complex viscosity in dependence on angular frequency of the melt of product showed obvious shear‐thinning behaviors. All the experimental results indicated existence of long‐chain branches in the product of graft polymerization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Unsynchronized Diameter Changes of Double‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes during Chemical Vapour Deposition Growth
Authors: Ning Guoqing , Shinohara Hisanori
Published: December 2008

Unsynchronized growing! Unsynchronized diameter changes of the inner and the outer tubes are observed in the double‐wall carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) prepared by CoMo/MgO catalysts. The difference of the growth surroundings for the inner and outer tubes of DWNTs can consistently explain the observed unsynchronized diameter changes.

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Novel structural changes of double‐wall carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) triggered by sudden swings of reaction condition have been elucidated. A quick temperature decrease or increase would lead to a decrease or increase, respectively, in the CH4 decomposition rate and to reformation of catalyst metal particles. In particular, unsynchronized diameter changes of the inner and the outer tubes are observed in the DWNTs prepared by CoMo/MgO catalysts. We have found that the difference of the growth surroundings for the inner and outer tubes of DWNTs can consistently explain the observed unsynchronized diameter changes.
Retracted: ENSO‐related modulation of coastal upwelling along the central east coast of India
Authors: Muni Krishna K. , Ramalingeswara Rao S.
Published: December 2008

An index of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific during February through April is shown to account for a significant part of the variability of coastal sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies measured a few months later within the central east coast of India (CEI). This ENSO‐related modulation of coastal upwelling appears to contribute to the connection observed at the basin‐scale between ENSO and SST in the Bay of Bengal. The ability to use this teleconnection to give warning of large changes in the CEI a few months in advance is exemplified using data 1998–1999 ENSO events. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society