bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci from bovine milk
Authors: Kot B. , Piechota M. , Wolska K.M. , Frankowska A. , Zdunek E. , Binek T. , Kłopotowska E. , Antosiewicz M.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to examine phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci from milk samples from cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis and from cows without mastitis symptoms to methicillin, tetracyclines, macrolides and lincosamides (ML). Of 207 strains, including 34S. aureusand 173 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), 11 (6.4%) CNS strains were phenotypically resistant to methicillin. ThemecAgene was detected by PCR only in twoS. xylosusstrains and one strain ofS. epidermidisandS. simulans. No methicillin-resistantS. aureusstrains were observed. In methicillin-resistant strains withmecA,gene resistance to other investigated antibiotics was not observed. Phenotypic resistance to tetracycline was detected in 11.0% of CNS strains and 47.4% of them carried thetetKgene. Of 173 CNS strains studied, 27 (15.6%) were resistant to at least one ML antibiotic. The resistance geneermCwas detected in 55.5% of the 27 ML-resistant strains. TheermAandermBgenes were detected in 14.8% and 11.1% of ML-resistant CNS strains, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance to methicillin, tetracyclines and macrolides was detected more frequently in staphylococcal strains from clinical mastitis compared to animals with subclinical symptoms and without mastitis, while the resistance to lincosamides showed a similar frequency in all groups of cows. In conclusion, CNS species from bovine milk differ in phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles, and the use of PCR technique alone for the detection of methicillin, macrolide, lincosamide and tetyracycline resistance in CNS from cattle is not reliable.
Involvement of the different extracts from roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on acute hypobaric hypoxia-induced cardiovascular effects in rats – preliminary report
Authors: Buchwald W. , Mikołajczak P.Ł. , Krajewska-Patan A. , Dreger M. , Górska-Paukszta M. , Szulc M. , Polcyn P. , Pioruńska-Mikołajczak A. , Mielcarek S. , Czerny B. , Mrozikiewicz P.M. , Bobkiewicz-Kozłowska T.
Published: March 2013

The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of roots ofSalvia miltiorrhizaBunge on hypobaric hypoxia.Two extracts ofS. miltiorrhiza(extract 1: ethanol : water - 50 : 50; extract 2: 96% ethanol) were used. The experiments were performed after 7 consecutive days of administration of the extracts (200 mg/kg b.w., intragastrically) to male Wistar rats. Next, after placing animals for 60 min in the controlled acute hypobaric hypoxia (500 mm Hg) the systolic arterial blood pressure (SAP) in conscious rats, bioelectric heart activity in unconscious rats and analysis of oxidative stress parameters in the blood of rats: malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and lipid peroxidase (LPO) concentration, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were assayed. It was found out that the extract 1 augmented the lowering of SAP shown in hypoxia affected control rats. On the contrary the extract 2 reversed SAP to values obtained in control animals. Moreover, both extracts led to the normalization of hypoxia-induced tachycardia and levels of MDA, LPO and SOD. It seems that the above-mentioned effects are coupled with different active compounds content in the extracts, however more studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Proliferation activity in canine lymphomas
Authors: Sokołowska J. , Micun J. , Malicka E. , Lechowski R.
Published: March 2013

Forty five lymphomas, 14 of T cell origin, 28 of B cell and 3 with null-cell phenotype, were included in this study. Tumors were classified according to the updated Kiel classification system adapted to canine lymphomas. The percentage of Ki67+ cells and mitotic index (MI) were estimated in each specimen. Most of lymphomas (39 of 45) had high proliferation activity. Among them in 27 cases 50-70% of lymphoma cells expressed Ki67, the highest Ki67 expression (>70% Ki67+cells) was identified less frequently, in 12 cases. Moderate Ki67 expression (20-50% positive cells) was observed in 5 cases, only one tumor had low Ki67 expression (<20% positive cells). Lower percentage of Ki67+ cells was usually accompanied with lower MI. The mean MI values in discussed groups differed significantly. Mean MI value was also significantly higher in T cell than in B cell lymphomas (4.30vs. 3.33). Moreover, high positive correlation between the expression of Ki67 and MI was found (r = 0.668; P ≤ 0.001). In T-cell tumors the correlation was very high (r = 0.83; P ≤ 0.001) and in B-cell lymphomas the correlation was high (r = 0.61; P ≤ 0.001). There were also differences between mean MI values in the lymphomas of different morphological subtypes, but in some of them high variations in the range of MI values were identified and wide overlaps of MI between individual cases from different subtypes were observed. Because of differences in the proliferation activity in single cases of the same subtype of lymphoma, the proliferation activity assessment may be helpful to chose appropriate scheme of treatment and should be commonly performed during routine histopathological diagnosis of canine lymphomas.
Cytopathological diagnosis of visceral histiocytic sarcoma in five dogs
Authors: Sapierzyński R. , Jagielski D. , Dolka I. , Fabisiak M.
Published: March 2013

Histiocytic sarcoma is a malignant neoplastic proliferation of atypical histiocytes with tendency to spread, characterized by fast progression to disseminated form - disseminated histiocytic sarcoma. Cytopathology is a low, invasive, cheap, and quick method of diagnosis commonly used in veterinary oncology. The aim of the presented study was description of cases of visceral histiocytic sarcomas in dogs diagnosed by cytopathology and immunocytochemistry. The study was conducted on 5 dogs which were brought to the veterinary clinic because of unspecific clinical signs and tumoral masses recognized in the thoracic or abdominal cavity. Samples of cells were collected during ultrasonography- assisted fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), smears were stained with Giemsa method and immunocytochemistry (CD3, CD79α, cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin) was also performed in all patients. Four of five dogs were Bernese mountain dogs, nonspecific clinical signs of systemic disease were present in all cases. Visceral mass or masses were detected by ultrasonography or radiography. Final diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma was obtained on the basis of routine cytopathological examination and confirmed by immunocytochemistry. On the basis the results obtained it can be stated that in cases of typical clinical and cytopathologic pictures, examination of cellular samples collected during ultrasonography-assisted fine-needle biopsy supported by some immunocytopathological characteristics seems to be sufficient method of diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma in dogs. Visceral histiocytic sarcoma should be included into differential diagnosis in every Bernese mountain dog with nonspecific clinical signs, ambiguous results of hematologic examination and when tumoral mass or masses within a body cavity were detected in imaging techniques.
Histopathology in diagnosis of broiler chicken and layer diseases – review of cases 1999-2010
Authors: Dolka I. , Sapierzyński R. , Bielecki W. , Malicka E. , Żbikowski A. , Szeleszczuk P.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of histopathological lesions in the different organs in relation to the commercial-type and the age of birds (i.e. broiler chickens and layers). During the period 1999-2010 a total of 189 cases was submitted to the Division of Animal Pathomorphology, Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics at WULS. Most cases were found in broiler chickens (66.7%). The majority of the histopathological lesions were detected in the liver and lymphoid organs. In of 29% cases of hepatic injury pathognomonic lesions associated with inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) were found. The mean age of birds was 23 days. Among IBH cases proventriculitis (58%) was more often found than gizzard lesions (25.8%). Interestingly, we noted some intranuclear inclusions in the epithelial cells within the proventriculus. A low percentage of histopathological evidence of infectious bursal disease (IBD) was reported in chickens. The gastrointestinal tract was the second most frequent predilection site for histopathological lesions. Histopathological findings within the heart and lungs were less common and were more often seen in the upper respiratory tract. Cases of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) were registered in broiler chickens (3.2%, mean age 37 days) and in layers (4.8%; mean age 196 days). Lesions associated with Marek’s disease, avian leukosis and fowl pox were recognized only in layers, respectively in 3.2% (mean age 176 days), 1.6% (mean age 205 days) and 1.1% (mean age 196 days) of all cases. Avian encephalomyelitis (AE) was noted only in 0.5% of all cases.
Performance of Rice with Varied Age of Seedlings and Planting Geometry under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Farmer’s Field in Western Terai, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Khem R , Khadka Ram B
Published: March 2013

Numbers of on-farm experiments were conducted to assess the performance of rice ( var. Sabitri) cultivated using System of Rice Intensification (SRI) with varied age of seedlings and planting geometry in four VDCs of Kailali, far western Nepal, under the aegis of Farmers’ Field School (FFS) during the rainy season of 2010. The experiment consisted of the seedlings of four age groups; 8, 15, 22 and 29-days and four planting geometry; 15x15cm2, 20x20cm2, 25x25cm2 and 30x30cm2 planted in four FFSs. Parameters such as number of tillers per hill, effective tillers /m2, 1000 seed weight (TGW) and grain yield were recorded. The results showed that 8-days-old seedlings produced significantly higher number of tillers per hill (40) and effective tiller per m2 (373), higher 1000 seed weight (21.10 g), grain yield (7.8ton/ha), net return (Rs.71900/ha) and B:C ratio (1.594). Similarly, crop planted in the geometry of 25x25 cm2 produced significantly higher number of tillers per hill(36), effective tiller per m2 (328), higher 1000 grain weight (21.50 g), grain yield (8.54mt/ha), net return (Rs.83350/ha) and B:C ratio (1.84). Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 1-6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7706
Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers Under Diets Supplemented with Whole Grains
Authors: Sharma NK , Sapkota M , Sah R , Sharma MP , Creswell D , Sharma N
Published: March 2013

This study was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Rampur, Chitwan with the objective to study the effects of mixing starter diet with whole grains on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. The control group (T1) was fed only with the commercial starter and grower diets throughout the experimental period. Other treatment groups, T2, T3, and T4 received commercial starter diets supplemented with whole wheat, cracked maize and bajra pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucam) respectively from day 6. At 37 days, cumulative feed intakes (FI) were significantly lower (P<0.01) for all the whole grain treated groups, the lowest FI being noted in T2 followed by T4 and T3. Cumulative body weights at 37 days were considerably poorer in the 3 whole grain treatments. Feed conversion ratio in T3 and T4 were equal to T1, at 1.70 whereas T2 FCR was 13 points higher than T1. Lower carcass yield and breast yield (P<0.05) were noted in whole grain diets except T3, which had similar figures to that of control. Whole grains produced a larger gizzards (P<0.01). Economic analysis favoured cracked maize and whole bajra treatments, each generating a net profit of NRs. 12.3/bird and NRs. 6.48/bird respectively. This study clearly demonstrated that these whole grains could be successfully fed to broilers in a method of diluting a starter diet. But more research is needed with higher nutrient density starter diets with some adjustments in whole grain dilution to develop an efficient method of whole grain feeding that gives at least equal weights, better FCR, and lower feed costs. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 21-28 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7709
Effects of Riverbed Extraction on Ground Water Resources in the Vicinity of Tinau River, Rupandehi
Authors: Dahal Khet R , Poudyal Chandra P , Adhikari Prajwal , Sharma Subodh , Ghimire Jitendra
Published: March 2013

CORRECTION: The correct PDF for this article was loaded on 22/04/2013.The study was carried out in the vicinity of the Tinau river, Rupandehi, Nepal from July 2011 to June 2012. Ten number of shallow tube wells (STWs) of depths 5.18 m to 7.62 m, four shallow tube wells (STWs) of depths 28.96 m to 36.58 m. from Amawa and Farsatikar Village Development Committees and one dug well (DW) from Butwal Municipality were selected for the purpose of this study. The depth of the STWs was different but many STWs were of 6.09 m deep. The DW was of 18.29 m. The information was collected from the owners during field visit of the sites. A standard questionnaire was prepared and asked to the affected persons. The site observation was done in the dry season as well as in the rainy seasons. It was found that the extraction of riverbed materials from the river channel and the flood plain area has adversely affected the aquatic environment of the Tinau river. Massive extraction of the riverbed materials from this river started after the enforcement of local governance act, and regulation 1999. The income generated from the riverbed materials is quite enough. This is one of the major sources of income generation of DDC Rupandehi and the VDCs attached to this river (from Butwal to Bethari). The depth of the river increased due to extraction activities as a result groundwater table lowered. The STWs having depth of 5.18 to 7.62 m stopped discharging water from the aquifer in the dry season. Similarly DW of Butwal municipality having depth of 18.29 m stopped discharging water at dry season. But the STWs of depths from 28.96 m to 36.58 m. located at the same area/site were not affected by the extraction in the Tinau river. The people, who are residing on the bank of the river Tinau, suffered from drinking water problem because they are using the water from STWs. The effect is directly facing the people of low and medium level having low income generation. The extraction activity is going on and the deficit of water availability in STWs and DW is common in the vicinity of the Tinau river especially in the upstream (from Butwal to Paschim Amawa), whereas there is less effects of riverbed extraction for STWs of depths more than 27.43 m in the same sites. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 133-140 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7726
Water Quality Assessment of Sirsiya River
Authors: Shah Binod Prasad , Pant Bhoj R
Published: March 2013

The parameters such as temperature, PH, TSS, TDS, ammonia, phenol, cyanide, sulfide, oil and grease, chloride, DO, COD and BOD were taken to assess the water quality of Sirsiya river, central southern Nepal. Water samples were collected from upstream to downstream from the point receiving industrial effluent to Sirsiya river. It receives wastewater burden of more than 250 industries along Bara/Parsa industrial corridor. All the parameters except oil and grease were found within the generic standard. The study revealed that the physic-chemical characteristic of the river water was changing as a result of the discharge of untreated effluents from different industries. This may impact on water quality of Sirsiya river and also pose human health problems. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 141-146 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7727
Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hospitals of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Mukhiya Reena K , Shrestha Anima , Rai Shiba K , Panta Kritu , Singh RN , Rai Ganesh , Prajapati Amita
Published: March 2013

NOTE: The first author (Reena K. Mukhiya) was omitted as an author of this paper in the table of contents for this issue and on the webpage. This was an error. Reena Mukhiya was always included as the first author on the PDF of the article. 11 December 2014.Present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of nosocomial pathogen methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in hospital environment samples (surface swabs and air, n=188) and health care workers (nose and hand, n=162) of hospitals located in Kathmandu valley. The samples were studied following the standard protocols. Of the 61 S. aureus, 20.9% and 14.3% were isolated from health personnel and hospital environment respectively. Of 20.9% S. aureus in hospital environment, 6.6% were isolated from OPD and 17.9% from wards. Similarly, in HCWs 28.3% and 13.5% were hand and nasal carrier respectively. In total, 45.9% were MRSA. Among MRSA isolates, 50% were from HCWs whereas, 40.7% from hospital environment. The most effective antibiotic for all isolates was vancomycin with 100% efficacy. The isolates had relatively high rate of resistance to cefixime (44.0%), followed by co-trimoxazole (28.0%), erythromycin (23.0%), gentamicin (18.0%), tetracycline (16.0%) and ofloxacin (8.0%). Since MRSA prevalence was not reduced, so indicates regular surveillance of nosocomial infection, hand hygiene improvement strategies and monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 185-190 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7734
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Maharjan Naresh , Singh Anjana , Manandhar Mangala D , Basnyai Shaila , Lekhak Binod , Kalauni Surya K
Published: March 2013

Plant and plant products are used as medicine from the beginning of human civilization. This study compares the antibacterial activity of crude hexane, ethylacetate and methanol extracts of nine different medicinal plants used in traditional Nepalese medicine, tested against 10 species of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 20063), Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 49132), Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi and Shigella dysenteriae by agar well diffusion method. The selected parts of these medicinal plants namely Acorus calamus (Rhizome), Aegle marmelos (Fruit), Asparagus racemosus (Tuberous root), Mimosa pudica (Root), Terminalia bellirica (Fruit), Terminalia chebula (Fruit), Tinospora cordifolia (Stem), Woodfordia fruticosa (Flower) and Holarrhena antidysenterica (Seed) were taken for study.The result showed that out of nine tested plants, four plant extracts (44%) showed activity against at least five or more tested bacteria and five plant extracts (56%) were active against three or less than three bacteria. None of the tested plant extracts was active against all the tested bacteria. A. racemosus was the least effective against bacterial species. S. aureus was the most susceptible bacteria being sensitive to 18 extracts from 9 medicinal plants. P. vulgaris was the most resistant bacteria being resistant to all selective plants. The MBC value ranges from 3.12 mg/ml to >50 mg/ml. Lowest MBC was shown by ethylacetate extract of T. bellirica against E. coli and ethylacetate extract of W. fruticosa against S. dysenteriae. Largest ZOI (31 mm) was produced by ethylacetate extract of T. bellirica. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 209-214 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7738
Catalytic Upgrading of Bio-Oil by Reacting with Olefins and Alcohols over Solid Acids: Reaction Paths via Model Compound Studies
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Pittman Charles , Sui Shujuan , Sun Jianping , Wang Qingwen
Published: March 2013

Catalytic refining of bio-oil by reacting with olefin/alcohol over solid acids can convert bio-oil to oxygen-containing fuels. Reactivities of groups of compounds typically present in bio-oil with 1-octene (or 1-butanol) were studied at 120 °C/3 h over Dowex50WX2, Amberlyst15, Amberlyst36, silica sulfuric acid (SSA) and Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 supported on K10 clay (Cs2.5/K10, 30 wt. %). These compounds include phenol, water, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, hydroxyacetone, d-glucose and 2-hydroxymethylfuran. Mechanisms for the overall conversions were proposed. Other olefins (1,7-octadiene, cyclohexene, and 2,4,4-trimethylpentene) and alcohols (iso-butanol) with different activities were also investigated. All the olefins and alcohols used were effective but produced varying product selectivities. A complex model bio-oil, synthesized by mixing all the above-stated model compounds, was refined under similar conditions to test the catalyst’s activity. SSA shows the highest hydrothermal stability. Cs2.5/K10 lost most of its activity. A global reaction pathway is outlined. Simultaneous and competing esterification, etherfication, acetal formation, hydration, isomerization and other equilibria were involved. Synergistic interactions among reactants and products were determined. Acid-catalyzed olefin hydration removed water and drove the esterification and acetal formation equilibria toward ester and acetal products.
Understanding the Mechanism of Cypress Liquefaction in Hot-Compressed Water through Characterization of Solid Residues
Authors: Liu Hua-Min , Li Ming-Fei , Yang Sheng , Sun Run-Cang
Published: March 2013

The mechanism of hydrothermal liquefaction of cypress was investigated by examining the effects of temperature and retention time on the characteristics of the solid residues remaining after liquefaction. The solid residues were divided into acid-soluble and acid-insoluble residues. Results showed the polymerization reactions also mainly occurred at low temperatures. The reactive fragments transformed into acid-insoluble solid residue in the form of carbon and oxygen through polymerization reactions. The process of cellulose degradation consists of two steps: an initial hydrolysis of the more solvent- accessible amorphous region and a later hydrolytic attack on the crystalline portion. Hemicelluloses were decomposed into small compounds during the initial stage of the cypress liquefaction process, and then these compounds may rearrange through polymerization to form acid-insoluble solid residues above 240 °C. The higher heating value of the solid residues obtained from liquefaction at 260–300 °C was 23.4–26.3 MJ/kg, indicating that they were suitable for combustion as a solid fuel.
Percolation Theory in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Composite Electrodes with a Mixed Electronic and Ionic Conductor
Authors: Chen Daifen , He Huanhuan , Zhang Donghui , Wang Hanzhi , Ni Meng
Published: March 2013

Percolation theory is generalized to predict the effective properties of specific solid oxide fuel cell composite electrodes, which consist of a pure ion conducting material (e.g., YSZ or GDC) and a mixed electron and ion conducting material (e.g., LSCF, LSCM or CeO2). The investigated properties include the probabilities of an LSCF particle belonging to the electron and ion conducting paths, percolated three-phase-boundary electrochemical reaction sites, which are based on different assumptions, the exposed LSCF surface electrochemical reaction sites and the revised expressions for the inter-particle ionic conductivities among LSCF and YSZ materials. The effects of the microstructure parameters, such as the volume fraction of the LSCF material, the particle size distributions of both the LSCF and YSZ materials (i.e., the mean particle radii and the non-dimensional standard deviations, which represent the particle size distributions) and the porosity are studied. Finally, all of the calculated results are presented in non-dimensional forms to provide generality for practical application. Based on these results, the relevant properties can be easily evaluated, and the microstructure parameters and intrinsic properties of each material are specified.
Global Locator, Local Locator, and Identifier Split (GLI-Split)
Authors: Menth Michael , Hartmann Matthias , Klein Dominik
Published: March 2013

The locator/identifier split is an approach for a new addressing and routing architecture to make routing in the core of the Internet more scalable. Based on this principle, we developed the GLI-Split framework, which separates the functionality of current IP addresses into a stable identifier and two independent locators, one for routing in the Internet core and one for edge networks. This makes routing in the Internet more stable and provides more flexibility for edge networks. GLI-Split can be incrementally deployed and it is backward-compatible with the IPv6 Internet. We describe its architecture, compare it to other approaches, present its benefits, and finally present a proof-of-concept implementation of GLI-Split.
Socioeconomic Status is Significantly Associated with Dietary Salt Intakes and Blood Pressure in Japanese Workers (J-HOPE Study)
Authors: Miyaki Koichi , Song Yixuan , Taneichi Setsuko , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Hashimoto Hideki , Kawakami Norito , Takahashi Masaya , Shimazu Akihito , Inoue Akiomi , Kurioka Sumiko , Shimbo Takuro
Published: March 2013

The association of socioeconomic status (SES) with nutrients intakes attracts public attention worldwide. In the current study, we examined the associations of SES with dietary salt intake and health outcomes in general Japanese workers (2,266) who participated in this Japanese occupational cohort. SES was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Dietary intakes were assessed with a validated, brief, self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Multiple linear regression and stratified analysis were used to evaluate the associations of salt intake with the confounding factors. Education levels and household incomes were significantly associated with salt intake, as well as blood pressures (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, sex and total energy intake, both years of education and household income significantly affect the salt intake (for education, β = −0.031, P = 0.040; for household income, β = −0.046, P = 0.003). SES factors also affect the risk of hypertension, those subjects with higher levels of education or income had lower risk to become hypertensive (ORs for education was 0.904, P < 0.001; ORs for income was 0.956, P = 0.032). Our results show that SES is an independent determinant of salt intake and blood pressure, in order to lower the risk of hypertension, the efforts to narrow the social status gaps should be considered by the health policy-makers.
Fate and Transport of Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts in Seasonally Snow Covered Watersheds: A Conceptual Framework from a Melting Snowpack to the Canadian Arctic Coasts
Authors: Simon Audrey , Poulin Michel , Rousseau Alain , Ogden Nicholas
Published: March 2013

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that causes serious illness in humans and infects animals worldwide, including the Canadian Arctic. Indeed, high prevalence of infection amongst Inuit has been recorded, possibly due to consumption of raw infected seal meat. Here we explore the hypothesis that T. gondii oocysts contaminate the coastal marine environment via surface runoff from across the boreal watershed, particularly during the snowmelt period. We propose a conceptual framework of the different processes governing the fate and transport of T. gondii oocysts from the melting snowpack to the Canadian arctic coast via the freshwater runoff. This framework identifies the feasibility of a transmission pathway of oocysts from contaminated soil to the marine environment, but also the complexity and multiplicity of mechanisms involved. In addition, the framework identifies knowledge gaps for guiding future studies on T. gondii oocysts. Furthermore, this work could be used as a tool to investigate the possible estuarine contamination by other faeces-borne pathogens transported via the spring freshet in seasonally snow covered watersheds.
Pygrass: An Object Oriented Python Application Programming Interface (API) for Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) Geographic Information System (GIS)
Authors: Zambelli Pietro , Gebbert Sören , Ciolli Marco
Published: March 2013

PyGRASS is an object-oriented Python Application Programming Interface (API) for Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) Geographic Information System (GIS), a powerful open source GIS widely used in academia, commercial settings and governmental agencies. We present the architecture of the PyGRASS library, covering interfaces to GRASS modules, vector and raster data, with a focus on the new capabilities that it provides to GRASS users and developers. Our design concept of the module interface allows the direct linking of inputs and outputs of GRASS modules to create process chains, including compatibility checks, process control and error handling. The module interface was designed to be easily extended to work with remote processing services (Web Processing Service (WPS), Web Service Definition Language (WSDL)/Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)). The new object-oriented Python programming API introduces an abstract layer that opens the possibility to use and access transparently the efficient raster and vector functions of GRASS that are implemented in C. The design goal was to provide an easy to use, but powerful, Python interface for users and developers who are not familiar with the programming language C and with the GRASS C-API. We demonstrate the capabilities, scalability and performance of PyGRASS with several dedicated tests and benchmarks. We compare and discuss the results of the benchmarks with dedicated C implementations.
MicroRNAs Involved in Anti-Tumour Immunity
Authors: Yu Hong , Sze Daniel , Cho William
Published: March 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a category of small RNAs that constitute a new layer of complexity to gene regulation within the cell, which has provided new perspectives in understanding cancer biology. The deregulation of miRNAs contributes critically to the development and pathophysiology of a number of cancers. miRNAs have been found to participate in cell transformation and multiplication by acting as tumour oncogenes or suppressors; therefore, harnessing miRNAs may provide promising cancer therapeutics. Another major function of miRNAs is their activity as critical regulatory vehicles eliciting important regulatory processes in anti-tumour immunity through their influence on the development, differentiation and activation of various immune cells of both innate and adaptive immunity. This review aims to summarise recent findings focusing on the regulatory mechanisms of the development, differentiation, and proliferative aspects of the major immune populations by a diverse profile of miRNAs and may enrich our current understanding of the involvement of miRNAs in anti-tumour immunity.
Global Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Functional Importance of Sirt2 in Endothelial Cells under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Junni , Wu Xiao , Wang Xi , Zhang Yun , Bu Peili , Zhang Qunye , Jiang Fan
Published: March 2013

The NAD+-dependent deacetylases Sirt1 and Sirt2 mediate cellular stress responses and are highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. In contrast to the well-documented protective actions of Sirt1, the role of endothelial Sirt2 remains unknown. Using cDNA microarray and PCR validation, we examined global gene expression changes in response to Sirt2 knock down in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells under oxidative stress. We found that Sirt2 knock down changed expression of 340 genes, which are mainly involved in cellular processes including actin binding, cellular amino acid metabolic process, transmembrane receptor protein serine/threonine kinase signaling, ferrous iron transport, protein transport and localization, cell morphogenesis, and functions associated with endosome membrane and the trans-Golgi network. These genes and associated functions were largely non-overlapping with those altered by Sirt1 knock down. Moreover, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of Sirt2 attenuated oxidant-induced cell toxicity in endothelial cells. These suggest that Sirt2 is functionally important in endothelial cells under oxidative stress, and may have a primarily distinct role as compared to Sirt1. Our results may provide a basis for future studies aiming to dissect the specific signaling pathway(s) that mediates specific Sirt2 functions in endothelial cells.
Proteogenomic Characterization of Novel x-Type High Molecular Weight Glutenin Subunit 1Ax1.1
Authors: Ribeiro Miguel , Bancel Emmanuelle , Faye Annie , Dardevet Mireille , Ravel Catherine , Branlard Gérard , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: March 2013

Analysis of Portuguese wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landrace ‘Barbela’ revealed the existence of a new x-type high molecular weight-glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) encoded at the Glu-A1 locus, which we named 1Ax1.1. Using one-dimensional and two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we compared subunit 1Ax1.1 with other subunits encoded at the Glu-A1 locus. Subunit 1Ax1.1 has a theoretical molecular weight of 93,648 Da (or 91,508 Da for the mature protein) and an isoelectric point (pI) of about 5.7, making it the largest and most acidic HMW-GS known to be encoded at Glu-A1. Specific primers were designed to amplify and sequence 2601 bp of the Glu-A1 locus from the ‘Barbela 28’ wheat genome. A very high level of identity was found between the sequence encoding 1Ax1.1 and those encoding other alleles of the locus. The major difference found was an insertion of 36 amino acids in the central repetitive domain.
Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid and Chitin/Chitosan Production Using Marine Waste Sources: Characteristics, Applications and Eco-Friendly Processes: A Review
Authors: Vázquez José , Rodríguez-Amado Isabel , Montemayor María , Fraguas Javier , González María , Murado Miguel
Published: March 2013

In the last decade, an increasing number of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), chitin and chitosan applications have been reported. Their commercial demands have been extended to different markets, such as cosmetics, medicine, biotechnology, food and textiles. Marine wastes from fisheries and aquaculture are susceptible sources for polymers but optimized processes for their recovery and production must be developed to satisfy such necessities. In the present work, we have reviewed different alternatives reported in the literature to produce and purify chondroitin sulfate (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitin/chitosan (CH/CHs) with the aim of proposing environmentally friendly processes by combination of various microbial, chemical, enzymatic and membranes strategies and technologies.
Intercomparison of Leaf Area Index Products for a Gradient of Sub-Humid to Arid Environments in West Africa
Authors: Gessner Ursula , Niklaus Markus , Kuenzer Claudia , Dech Stefan
Published: March 2013

The Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a key variable in many land surface and climate modeling studies. To date, a number of LAI datasets have been developed based on time series of medium resolution optical remote sensing observations. Global validation exercises show the high value of these datasets, but at the same time they point out shortcomings, particularly in the presence of persistent cloud coverage and dense vegetation. For regional modeling studies, the choice of an ideal LAI input dataset is not straightforward as global validation, and intercomparison studies do not necessarily allow conclusions on data quality at regional scale. This paper provides a comprehensive relative intercomparison of four freely available LAI products for a wide gradient of ecosystems in Africa. The region of investigation, West Africa, comprises typical African sub-humid to arid landscapes. The selected LAI time series are the Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre-VEGETATION (SPOT-VGT)-based Carbon Cycle and Change in Land Observational Products from an Ensemble of Satellites (CYCLOPES) LAI, the SPOT-VGT-based Bio-geophysical Parameters (BioPar) LAI product GEOV1, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) product MOD15A2, and the Meteosat-SEVIRI-based Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA-SAF) LAI. The comparative analyses focus on data gap occurrence, on the consistency of temporal LAI profiles, on their ability to adequately reproduce the phenological cycle and on the plausibility of LAI magnitudes for major land cover types in West Africa. A detailed quantitative validation of the LAI datasets, however, was not possible due to insufficient ground LAI measurements in the study region.
Development and Evaluation of a Combined Cultivator and Band Sprayer with a Row-Centering RTK-GPS Guidance System
Authors: Perez-Ruiz Manuel , Carballido Jacob , Agüera Juan , Rodríguez-Lizana Antonio
Published: March 2013

Typically, low-pressure sprayers are used to uniformly apply pre- and post-emergent herbicides to control weeds in crop rows. An innovative machine for weed control in inter-row and intra-row areas, with a unique combination of inter-row cultivation tooling and intra-row band spraying for six rows and an electro-hydraulic side-shift frame controlled by a GPS system, was developed and evaluated. Two weed management strategies were tested in the field trials: broadcast spraying (the conventional method) and band spraying with mechanical weed control using RTK-GPS (the experimental method). This approach enabled the comparison between treatments from the perspective of cost savings and efficacy in weed control for a sugar beet crop. During the 2010–2011 season, the herbicide application rate (112 L ha−1) of the experimental method was approximately 50% of the conventional method, and thus a significant reduction in the operating costs of weed management was achieved. A comparison of the 0.2-trimmed means of weed population post-treatment showed that the treatments achieved similar weed control rates at each weed survey date. Sugar beet yields were similar with both methods (p = 0.92). The use of the experimental equipment is cost-effective on ≥20 ha of crops. These initial results show good potential for reducing herbicide application in the Spanish beet industry.
In-Network Processing of Joins in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kang Hyunchul
Published: March 2013

The join or correlated filtering of sensor readings is one of the fundamental query operations in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Although the join in centralized or distributed databases is a well-researched problem, join processing in WSNs has quite different characteristics and is much more difficult to perform due to the lack of statistics on sensor readings and the resource constraints of sensor nodes. Since data transmission is orders of magnitude more costly than processing at a sensor node, in-network processing of joins is essential. In this paper, the state-of-the-art techniques for join implementation in WSNs are surveyed. The requirements and challenges, join types, and components of join implementation are described. The open issues for further research are identified.
Entre social et sanitaire : les politiques de lutte contre la pauvreté-précarité en France au XX e siècle
Authors: Brodiez-Dolino Axelle
Published: March 2013

Cet article aborde l’histoire des politiques de lutte contre la pauvreté-précarité au XX e siècle, encore peu étudiées, sous un double prisme. D’une part, comme écheveau complexe et multiforme, avec un rôle fondamental des pouvoirs publics locaux et des associations : comme les pays anglo-saxons ou l’Allemagne, la France relève bien d’une «  mixed economy of welfare  ». D’autre part, comme articulation récurrente des vulnérabilités sanitaires et sociales, seul socle considéré comme politiquement acceptable jusqu’au milieu du XX e siècle. Des débuts de la Troisième République à la veille de la Grande Guerre, ces politiques s’élaborent par une montée en généralité du local au national, en ciblant les populations à double vulnérabilité sociale et sanitaire. D’une guerre à l’autre, la consécration de l’hygiène sociale déplace plus encore vers le sanitaire le curseur de l’action sociale, même si l’assistance traditionnelle apparaît conjoncturellement revivifiée par la crise des années 1930 puis les difficultés de l’Occupation. Durant les Trente glorieuses enfin, la focalisation sur les « poches » restantes de pauvreté (principalement personnes âgées et immigrés) amène à poursuivre le croisement des deux formes de vulnérabilité, même s’il n’est politiquement plus exclusif.
Un lieu de tension entre le centre et la périphérie ? L'assistance aux aliénés dans le département du Rhône (1918-1940)
Authors: von Bueltzingsloewen Isabelle
Published: March 2013

De nombreux rapports récents pointent les disparités territoriales de l’offre de soins psychiatriques. Celles-ci renvoient à des héritages dont cet article se propose de rendre compte à travers une étude de la politique d’assistance aux aliénés indigents du département du Rhône dans l’entre-deux-guerres. Dans un contexte troublé marqué par l’émergence de nouvelles priorités en matière d’assistance, les conseillers généraux, confrontés à une augmentation rapide du nombre des internements, rechignent à supporter les frais d’entretien de cette catégorie d’assistés perçus comme des « déchets sociaux » et s’opposent à une modernisation de la psychiatrie voulue par un État qui refuse de s’engager financièrement.
Entre psychiatrie, travail social et droit civil : les régulations de la protection de la personne au tournant des années 1968
Authors: Eyraud Benoît , Henckes Nicolas
Published: March 2013

L’histoire de la protection de la personne illustre de façon exacerbée les difficultés de la régulation des interventions sur autrui. L’expression elle-même prend son essor au cours du XX e siècle au croisement de deux traditions sociales, juridiques et intellectuelles distinctes. D’un côté, elle emprunte à l’une des imageries parmi les plus riches de l’histoire de l’État-providence et des droits sociaux ; d’un autre, elle s’inscrit également dans une tradition juridique, politique et intellectuelle plus ancienne, celle du droit civil. Le frottement entre ces diverses influences explique le chemin difficile de la protection de la personne au XX e siècle. À partir d’un matériau varié, l’analyse se concentre sur la genèse et l’application de la loi du 3 juillet 1968 portant réforme du droit des incapables majeurs et montre comment celle-ci a fourni, à travers la tutelle d’État, le cadre d’une nouvelle appréhension de la protection de la personne.
Les entraîneurs professionnels et leur influence sur les résultats du football français, 1932-1973
Authors: Grün Laurent
Published: March 2013

Malgré l’adoption du professionnalisme en 1932, les résultats du football français restent faibles à l’échelon international jusqu’aux années 1970. Les entraîneurs professionnels français estiment ne pas être responsables de cet échec relatif. Cet article étudie plus précisément les mécanismes de constitution de ce groupe professionnel des entraîneurs, ainsi que son influence sur le niveau du football français. Le rôle essentiel de Georges Boulogne, secrétaire général de l’Amicale des entraîneurs à partir de 1956, est mis en relief : en s’attachant à promouvoir et à faire progresser le football, mais également à défendre les intérêts personnels de ses pairs, il est le garant de leur identité professionnelle. Mais malgré son investissement total et sa militance continue, il ne parvient pas à obtenir un redressement significatif du football français.
Muscle Union Procedure With Medial Rectus Recession for Unilateral Abducens Palsy
Authors: Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: March 2013

Five patients underwent a muscle union procedure with medial rectus recession. The mean preoperative esotropia in the primary position was 51.0 ± 20.1 prism diopters [PD] (range: 20 to 75 PD). The mean follow-up period was 6.2 ± 2.1 months (range: 3 to 8 months). The mean decrease in esotropia in the primary position was 49.0 ± 18.0 PD (range: 18 PD to 63 PD). The mean postoperative angle in the primary position was 1.6 ± 5.9 PD esotropia (range: 2 PD exotropia to 12 PD esotropia). There was no change in vertical deviation. Satisfactory ocular alignment was achieved using the loop muscle union procedure with weakening of the antagonist muscle. This could be considered an option for a transposition procedures in patients with abducens palsy who have a large-angle esotropia or significant residual deviation after conventional surgery.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50:e11–e14.]
Estrategias matrimoniales y parentesco entre las clases populares del norte de Marruecos y la emigración a Cataluña
Authors: Mateo Dieste Josep Lluís
Published: March 2013

En este trabajo reviso la tesis de la nuclearización de la familia en el caso de Marruecos y de sus poblaciones que viven en un espacio transnacional. La transformación de la familia que se ha producido en Marruecos en el último tercio de siglo XX, derivada de las migraciones internas y externas, no reduce el peso de los lazos de parentesco a pesar de la emergencia de nuevas pautas de residencia. El crecimiento de hogares nucleares no equivale a la constitución de familias aisladas sino que tiene lugar bajo la influencia de los vínculos e interdependencias entre parientes, no solo en Marruecos sino también entre los emigrados a Europa. A partir de una revisión crítica de la literatura sobre el parentesco y la alianza magrebí y de casos etnográficos propios concluyo que los vínculos de proximidad inciden de manera importante en la circulación de personas y bienes, y en especial en los mecanismos de elección matrimonial.
Tribological Properties of MoS2 Thin Coatings under Liquid Lubricating
Authors: Bai Y. , Cao P.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of solid and liquid lubrication on friction and wear performance of selected solid lubricating coatings, comparative experiments have been carried out on magnetron sputtered MoS2 coatings against Si3N4 ball using a ball-on-disk tribo-tester under the conditions of room temperature and different lubrication. Surface morphology of coatings were investigated by atom force microscope (AFM), and friction coefficient (COF) and wear rate of solid films were also be analyzed. It was shown that the friction is greatly reduced when the solid film is lubricated with oil and grease simultaneously in comparison with single-lubricant lubrication at the start-up or under boundary lubrication conditions. Liquid lubrication causes a dramatic decrease of the wear-ability of the MoS2 coatings. The effect of oil lubrication to the deterioration of wear resistance of MoS2 film was even worse than lubrication grease.
Semi-Discrete Analytical Solution of Lumped Mass Finite Element Method for the Longitudinal Vibrations of an Elastic Bar
Authors: Pan Jing Song , Wang Ji Chan
Published: March 2013

The objective of this paper is to present semi-discrete analytical method for the longitudinal vibration of an elastic bar. Using lumped mass finite element method, we first obtain a system of second order ordinary differential equations. In terms of some transform technique we obtain the exact solution to the system, i.e. excellently semi-discrete analytical approximation to the longitudinal vibration. An example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Evaluation Research of the Control Effectiveness of Underground Defensive Projects Thermal and Humidity Environment
Authors: Liu Jian Yong , Wang Huai Xiao , Wang Ning , Zhou Lei
Published: March 2013

In order to reduce the cost and improve efficiency at the same time of maintaining the underground defensive projects thermal and humidity environment, in this paper, on the basis of the analysis of the control method of underground defensive projects thermal and humidity environment, DEA evaluation method is used to evaluate the control scheme of underground defensive projects thermal and humidity environment. An example of evaluation is given. The example shows that the method used in this paper can be used to order the control scheme of underground defensive projects thermal and humidity environment effectively.