bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological Responses of Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars to Carbonate, Chloride, and Sulfate Salinity
Authors: Yu Qiao , Chang Zhihui , Li Deying
Published: June 2013

Evaluation of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) salt tolerance often showed inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to investigate the reactions of ‘Seaside II’ and ‘T‐1’ to NaCl, Na2CO3, Na2SO4, and CaCl2, each at concentrations of 0, 25, 75, 125, 175, and 225 mM. Chlorophyll a (Chla) content was the lowest in the CaCl2 treatment followed by Na2CO3 and Na2SO4 and highest in NaCl whereas chlorophyll b (Chlb) content was lowest in Na2CO3 followed by CaCl2 and Na2SO4 and highest in NaCl. Turfgrass visual quality and green density were reduced the most by the Na2CO3 and CaCl2 treatments. Evapotranspiration (ET) decreased in the order of treatments CaCl2, Na2SO4, Na2CO3, and NaCl at 1 wk after treatment (WAT), but at 4 WAT there were no difference among CaCl2, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3. Significant salt type × concentration interaction existed, and the first order or second order coefficient of regression equation ranked the changing rate of physiological parameters differently in different salts. Leaf K+:Na+ ratio was affected differently by salts and a threshold of 1 appeared at different salt concentrations depending on salt types and cultivars. The pH, osmotic potential, and electrical conductivity of salt solutions were confounded making the interpretation of mechanisms of physiological stress difficult. Nevertheless, this study showed that different salts rank creeping bentgrass salt tolerance differently.
Performance of Beef Cattle Creep Fed Concentrate or Creep Grazed on Warm‐Season Legumes
Authors: Foster J. L. , Carter J. N. , Lamb G. C. , Sollenberger L. E. , Blount A. R. , Myer R. O. , Maddox M. K. , Adesogan A. T.
Published: June 2013

This study compared the animal performance of beef calves stocked on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) basal pastures (1.2 ha) without supplementation (Control) or with supplementation in the form of creep‐grazed (0.12 ha) perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) or cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] or a creep‐fed concentrate. Twenty‐four cow–calf pairs were assigned to two blocks. Cows weighed 559 ± 98 kg, averaged 5.5 ± 0.6 body condition score, and were 5 ± 3 yr old, and calves weighed 152 ± 32 kg and were 139 ± 27 d old. The first block had duplicate pastures for the control, cowpea creep grazing, and creep feed treatments whereas the second block had duplicate pastures for cowpea, perennial peanut, and the control treatments. Herbage mass of cowpea was greater than that of perennial peanut or bahiagrass in Weeks 2 to 4 in Year 1 and Week 4 in Year 2 and then declined. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations of cowpea and perennial peanut were less than that of bahiagrass, and crude protein and in vitro true digestibility of cowpea were consistently greater than that of perennial peanut and bahiagrass. In Year 1, weaned calf body weights of creep‐grazed or creep‐fed calves were greater than that of the control calves and creep grazing cowpea or creep feed resulted in similar increases in Year 2. Calf average daily gain (ADG) was greatest for creep feed but did not differ among other treatments. Calf performance was improved by creep feeding concentrate followed by creep grazing cowpea. Benefits of cowpea on ADG were constrained by reduction in cowpea herbage mass and nutritive value during the grazing period.
Diallel Analysis Models: A Comparison of Certain Genetic Statistics
Authors: Yao W. H. , Zhang Y. D. , Kang M. S. , Chen H. M. , Liu L. , Yu L. J. , Fan X. M.
Published: June 2013

Diallel analyses, although popular, raise key questions: (i) Do genetic statistics from different diallel methods with same and different sets of lines offer the same or similar information? and (ii) Would lack of information on reciprocal (REC) and maternal (MAT) effects in certain diallels put breeding programs at risk? To answer these questions, general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), MAT, and REC effects were calculated from diallels with 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 maize (Zea mays L.) parents. We found that with the same lines, the signs and magnitudes of GCA effects were similar and highly correlated among Griffing's Methods 1, 2, 3, and 4 and identical between Griffing's Method 4 and Gardner and Eberhart analysis III (G&EIII). The SCA effects from Griffing's Methods 1 to 4 were correlated. Griffing's Method 4 produced SCA effects identical to G&EII and G&EIII; SCA effects from Griffing's Methods 1 and 2 were upwardly biased because of inclusion of parental lines. Griffing's Method 3 (no parents included) was the best method among all six methods; it gave unbiased SCA estimates and information on MAT and REC effects. With different numbers of lines in diallel crosses, genetic statistics could serve as references across breeding programs because the signs of GCA and SCA effects were mostly same; however, caution must be exercised because some effects with opposite signs were detected. A diallel method that does not provide REC and MAT information could miss identifying superior hybrid(s). Because Methods 1 and 2 provided upwardly biased estimates of GCA and SCA effects, they are not recommended for estimation of GCA and SCA effects. We also concluded that Method 3 was the best diallel method; it provided unbiased estimates of SCA effects and also provided crucial REC and MAT effects, which are useful for proper selection of male and female parents in hybrid development.
Impact of Topography, Annual Burning, and Nitrogen Addition on Soil Microbial Communities in a Semiarid Grassland
Authors: Zhang Naili , Xu Wenhua , Yu Xingjun , Lin Dan , Wan Shiqiang , Ma Keping
Published: June 2013

To gain insight into microbial responses to topography, annual burning, and N addition, a field experiment was conducted from April 2005 to December 2009 in a semiarid grassland of northern China. Soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, and microbial community composition were measured in 2006 and 2008. A larger ratio of fungi/bacteria was observed in the upper slope than in the lower slope. Interannual climate fluctuation could have modified the effects of topography on microbial biomass and composition. Burning effects on microbial biomass and composition also depended on year, which could be attributed to low fire severity resulting from decreasing fuel load over time or microbial resilience. Nitrogen addition exerted a much stronger influence on microbial biomass in 2008 compared with 2006 and reshaped microbial communities through decreasing the relative proportion of fungal groups [arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nonmycorrhizal fungi] in 2008. Overall, these results highlight dynamic responses of soil microbial communities to both the intrinsic features (topography) and exogenous disturbances (fire or N deposition) of the semiarid grassland.
Three‐Dimensional Investigation of Petrocalcic Materials: Insight into Pedogenic Processes and Future Applications
Authors: Brock-Hon Amy L. , Elliot Thomas R.
Published: June 2013

Computed tomography (CT) imaging was applied to Mormon Mesa petrocalcic and related materials to observe the location, arrangement, and interconnectedness of void spaces and to visualize density differences that may define pedogenic mineral relationships. Density variations visualized by these scans reveal features that may result from long developed pedogenic processes within these unique soil materials. Voids are present as cracks (shown to interconnect three‐dimensionally), elongated spaces filled with unconsolidated materials, and oblate‐spheroidal shapes that appear to be associated with detrital carbonate clasts. Density variations viewed through CT imaging may show the products of mineral neoformation, mineral packing differences during crystal growth, and/or older, denser petrocalcic materials eroded and incorporated via subsequent recementation (pisoliths). Computed tomography scanning can be used to understand unique forms and processes that are vital to our understanding of dissolution/precipitation and other pedogenic processes at work in these mature petrocalcic soils. We encourage the application of CT imaging to similar soil materials.
The Comparing of Ultrasound-guided Techniques: Sciatic Block with
Continuous Lumbar Plexus Block or Continuous Femoral Nerve Block for
Anesthesia and Analgesia of Total knee Replacement
Authors: Dauri M. , Faria S. , Celidonio L. , David P. , Bianco A. , Fabbi E. , Silvi M.B.
Published: June 2013

Background and Aims:

This double blind prospective randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety
of continuous ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block compared to continuous ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block, in
the intra-operative and postoperative periods after total knee replacement.

Methods:

Forty ASA I-III patients were randomized to receive: continuous femoral block (n= 20, 30 ml of ropivacaine 5
mg/ml) or continuous lumbar plexus block (n= 20, 30 ml of ropivacaine 5 mg/ml) both in association with single injection
sciatic nerve block. All patients received continuous infusion of 2 mg/ml of ropivacaine at 8 ml/h for 48 hours and intravenous
morphine for patient-controlled analgesia. Primary outcomes were intra-operative sufentanil consumption and
verbal analogue scale (VAS) score at rest at 24h follow up.

Results:

Intra-operative sufentanil consumption was higher in the femoral block (FEM) group compared to the lumbar
plexus block (PSOAS) group (FEM: 10.00 (10.00, 17.50) µg; PSOAS: 2.50 (0.00, 10.00) µg. p= 0.002).

Obturator motor blockade occurred more frequently in the PSOAS group (70%) than in the FEM group (40%) (p=0.1);
however, we found no differences in sensory blockade (p=0.6).

VAS at rest was similar in the two groups at 24h postoperatively (FEM: 29.50 ± 14.74 mm; PSOAS: 25.60 ±17.42 mm.
p=0.4), and throughout the follow-up period. No differences were detected in pain scores during physiotherapy.

Conclusion:

Continuous femoral and lumbar plexus blocks, both in association with sciatic nerve block, provided similar
VAS scores at 24h, and throughout the follow-up period; intra-operative sufentanil consumption was, however, lower in
the lumbar plexus block group.
An approach to the low-resistance measurement
Authors: Radetic Radojle , Pavlov-Kagadejev Marijana , Brodic Darko , Milivojevic Nikola
Published: June 2013

The paper presents the real instrument functional characteristics and
describes the way of practical solutions of its performance improvement. It
presents the design process of the instrument made for resistance measuring.
In order to achieve desired objectives, a great number of experiments have
been carried out during the development. Basically, the comparison method
has been applied. At first, it was intended for the small resistor measuring
as a single range unit. Later, the device has been improved and upgraded for
a wide range resistance measuring. Finally, some of the difficulties have
been detected and explained as well. The paper contains solutions developed
and applied for their overcoming.
Bridging the Gap between Tertiary Education and Work: Situated Learning in Accountancy
Authors: Stanley Trevor
Published: June 2013

In professions such as teaching, health sciences (medicine, nursing), and built environment, significant work-based learning through practica is an essential element before graduation. However, there is no such requirement in professional accounting education. This paper reports the findings of an exploratory qualitative case study of the implementation of a Workplace Learning Experience Program in Accountancy at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia. The interview-based study documents the responses of university students and graduates to this program. The study demonstrates that a 100-hour work placement in Accountancy can enhance student learning. It highlights the potential value of the application of sociocultural theories of learning, especially the concept of situated learning involving legitimate peripheral participation (Lave and Wenger 1991). This research adds to a small body of empirical accounting education literature relating to the benefits of work placements prior to graduation. The effectiveness of this short, for credit, unpaid program should encourage other universities to implement a similar work placement program as a form of pre-graduation learning in professional accounting education.
Intensive Structured Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose and Glycemic Control in Noninsulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bosi Emanuele , Scavini Marina , Ceriello Antonio , Cucinotta Domenico , Tiengo Antonio , Marino Raffaele , Bonizzoni Erminio , Giorgino Francesco ,   on behalf of the PRISMA Study Group
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the added value of intensive self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), structured in timing and frequency, in noninsulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The 12-month, randomized, clinical trial enrolled 1,024 patients with noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes (median baseline HbA1c, 7.3% [IQR, 6.9–7.8%]) at 39 diabetes clinics in Italy. After standardized education, 501 patients were randomized to intensive structured monitoring (ISM) with 4-point glycemic profiles (fasting, preprandial, 2-h postprandial, and postabsorptive measurements) performed 3 days/week; 523 patients were randomized to active control (AC) with 4-point glycemic profiles performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Two primary end points were tested in hierarchical order: HbA1c change at 12 months and percentage of patients at risk target for low and high blood glucose index.

RESULTS

Intent-to-treat analysis showed greater HbA1c reductions over 12 months in ISM (−0.39%) than in AC patients (−0.27%), with a between-group difference of −0.12% (95% CI, −0.210 to −0.024; P = 0.013). In the per-protocol analysis, the between-group difference was −0.21% (−0.331 to −0.089; P = 0.0007). More ISM than AC patients achieved clinically meaningful reductions in HbA1c (>0.3, >0.4, or >0.5%) at study end (P < 0.025). The proportion of patients reaching/maintaining the risk target at month 12 was similar in ISM (74.6%) and AC (70.1%) patients (P = 0.131). At visits 2, 3, and 4, diabetes medications were changed more often in ISM than in AC patients (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of structured SMBG improves glycemic control and provides guidance in prescribing diabetes medications in patients with relatively well-controlled noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes.
Assessment of Gamma Dose Rate at Mine Waste Dump
Authors: Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka , Wróbel Łukasz , Kłos Andrzej , Wacławek Maria
Published: June 2013

Exploitation of coal deposits in Upper Silesia is associated with production of large quantities of waste deposited at dumps. The tested samples from five dumps showed different radioactivity from each other. Radioactivity measurements made it possible to analyze the degree of risk with the factors specified by UNSCEAR such as radium equivalent activity Raeq, internal Ein and external Eex occupancy factor. There is a raised level of radiation in dumps as compared with outside dump areas. In the study area, however, there is no risk associated with elevated levels of radiation in relation to standards established by the Council of Ministers of the ionizing radiation dose limits.
Comparison of daily potential evapotranspiration calculated by two procedures based on Penman-Monteith type equation
Authors: Hlaváčiková Hana , Novák Viliam
Published: June 2013

Paper presents comparison of the daily reference crop (grass vegetation cover) potential evapotranspiration results calculated by the two modifications of the Penman-Monteith type equation. The first modification was published in FAO recommendation (Allen at al., 1998), PM-FAO, the second is modification according to Budagovskiy (1964) and Novák (1995), PM-BN. Both are used in soil water simulation models HYDRUS-1D and GLOBAL. Calculations were performed for frost-free seasons of the years 2000-2009, using the meteorological station Gabčíkovo (South Slovakia) meteorological data and canopy characteristics. The results indicate significant differences in daily and seasonal potential evapotranspiration. Reasons for those differences are discussed; they should be in different net radiation and aerodynamic resistance estimation methods.
On a class of finite solvable groups
Authors: Beidleman James , Heineken Hermann , Schmidt Jack
Published: June 2013

A finite solvable group G is called an X-group if the subnormal subgroups of G permute with all the system normalizers of G. It is our purpose here to determine some of the properties of X-groups. Subgroups and quotient groups of X-groups are X-groups. Let M and N be normal subgroups of a group G of relatively prime order. If G/M and G/N are X-groups, then G is also an X-group. Let the nilpotent residual L of G be abelian. Then G is an X-group if and only if G acts by conjugation on L as a group of power automorphisms.
Production of Synseed for Hybrid Cymbidium Using Protocorm-Like Bodies
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: June 2013

Synthetic seed were produced from protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of hybrid Cymbidium Twilight Moon ‘Day Light’ after culture on a new medium, Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium. This new medium contained, in addition to a unique selection of macro- and micronutrients, 0.1 mg/l α-naphthaleneacetic acid and 0.1 mg/l kinetin, 2 g/l tryptone and 20 g/l sucrose, and was solidified with 8 g/l Bacto agar. Several explant types and sizes (intact PLBs, half-PLBs, PLB longitudinal thin cell layers) were tested. In addition, pretreatment of PLB-synseeds with 200 mM KNO3 solution, the addition of activated charcoal or coconut water to synseeds, light vs dark culture, short-term (1 month) and long-term (6 and 12 months) low-temperature (4°C) storage, as well as cryostorage were also tested. All treatments resulted in less PLBs than the control treatment. Among all these treatments, only the use of TC medium or incorporation of coconut water into synseeds resulted in “germination” while lowtemperature storage (1-6 months) was only possible under liquid TC. These results would allow for the short-term preservation of Cymbidium germplasm but not for effective cryopreservation.
Morphactin Substantially Induced the Fourth Internode Growth in Decapitated Tulips: Relevance to Endogenous Levels of Indole-3-Acetic Acid
Authors: Ueda Junichi , Góraj Justyna , Węgrzynowicz-Lesiak Elżbieta , Miyamoto Kensuke
Published: June 2013

Important role of auxin polar transport inhibitors such as TIBA (2,3,5- triiodobenzoic acid), NPA (N-(1-naphthyl)phthalamic acid) and morphactin (methyl 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate) in stem growth of tulips was intensively studied. After the application of morphactin above the 3rd node of decapitated tulips, the stimulated growth of the 4th internode was clearly observed. On the other hand, NPA and TIBA were slightly effective in stimulating the 4th internode growth of tulips. Endogenous levels of IAA in the 4th internode after the treatment of auxin polar transport inhibitors were determined using gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring system (GC-SIM) with deuterium labelled IAA (Indole-2,4,5,6,7-d5-3- acetic acid, d5-IAA) as an internal standard, resulted in significant accumulation of IAA in the 4th internode of tulips after the treatment of morphactin. In the treatment of NPA and TIBA, there was almost no such an accumulation of IAA. These results strongly suggest that stimulated growth of the 4th internode of tulips induced by the application of morphactin is the consequence of accumulated endogenous levels of IAA after the treatment. The possible mode of action of auxin polar transport inhibitors in tulip stem growth is also discussed.
A DFT study on the effect of functional groups on the formation kinetics of 1,2,3-triazolo-1,4-benzoxazine via intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
Authors: Zardoost Mohammad Reza , Siadati Seyyed Amir
Published: June 2013

A theoretical study of the kinetics and mechanism of the intramolecular cycloaddition of 1,2,3-triazolo-1,4-benzoxazine was performed using DFT methods at the B3LYP level of theory with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set at 298.15 K and 310.15 K. Equilibrium molecular geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the reactant, transition state and product were calculated. The solvent effect on the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the reaction were investigated. The calculated rate constants and activation thermodynamic parameters showed good agreement with experimental results. These calculations indicated that the reaction proceeds through a synchronous concerted mechanism.
Kinetic and mechanistic study of drug–drug interaction between acetaminophen and β-lactam antibiotics
Authors: Nematollahi Davood , Nasseri Yasser , Amani Amene , Fatemi Foroozan
Published: June 2013

This article focuses on the drug–drug interaction between acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) and β-lactam antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin and penicillin) studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential coulometry. The results indicate a drug–drug interaction between N-acetyl- p-benzoquinone-imine (NAPQI) derived from the anodic oxidation of acetaminophen and β-lactam antibiotics. Also the cyclic voltammetric data were analysed by digital simulation to measure the observed homogeneous rate constants ( kobs) of the reaction of NAPQI with β-lactam antibiotics. The calculated kobs for the reaction between NAPQI and β-lactam antibiotics was found to vary in the order kobsamoxicillin = kobsampicillin> kobspenicillinat biological pH.
Synthesis of 1-carbamatoalkyl-2-naphthols in Tween® 20 Aqueous Micelles
Authors: Yang Jin-ming , Jiang Chen-njing , Dong Hao , Fang Dong
Published: June 2013

A facile and efficient procedure for the preparation of 1-carbamatoalkyl-2-naphthols by a one-pot multi-component reaction of 2-naphthol, aldehydes and carbamates is described. The procedure is carried out under neutral conditions at 75–80 °C in an aqueous medium catalysed by the non-ionic surfactant Tween® A loading of 20. 5 wt% of the catalyst was optimal. After the reaction, the catalyst could be simply recovered and reused directly without any further treatment. Product yields were slightly decreased after six cycles. The effect of some common solvents other than water on the reaction was explored besides the water. The generality of this multi-component condensation reaction was evaluated with various aldehydes and carbamates under the optimised conditions.
Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties of two New Supramolecular Complexes
Authors: Jun Wang , Lu Lu , Wei-Ping Wu , Bin Xie
Published: June 2013

Two new complexes, namely [Cu(L1)(NO3)(bipy)] (1) and [Cu2(L2)4(H2O)2] (2) (HL1= 2-ethoxynicotinic acid, HL2= 2-methoxynicotinic acid and bipy=4,4′-bipyridine) have been synthesised and structurally characterised by single-crystal diffraction analysis. The structure of complex 1 is a ladder-like chain, which is connected by stronger hydroge n bond interactions to result in a 2D network. While complex 2 is composed of molecular dimmer based on a paddle-wheel unit with two coppers, four syn–syn carboxylates, and two water molecules coordinated to copper in the axial positions which could also be linked into a 2D supramolecular architecture via hydrogen bond interactions. Magnetic studies reveal the overall antiferromagnetic interactions between neighbouring Cu(II) ions in compounds 1 and 2.
An Automatic Multilevel Image Thresholding Using Relative Entropy and Meta-Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Liang Yun-Chia , Cuevas Josue
Published: June 2013

Multilevel thresholding has been long considered as one of the most popular techniques for image segmentation. Multilevel thresholding outputs a gray scale image in which more details from the original picture can be kept, while binary thresholding can only analyze the image in two colors, usually black and white. However, two major existing problems with the multilevel thresholding technique are: it is a time consuming approach, i.e., finding appropriate threshold values could take an exceptionally long computation time; and defining a proper number of thresholds or levels that will keep most of the relevant details from the original image is a difficult task. In this study a new evaluation function based on the Kullback-Leibler information distance, also known as relative entropy, is proposed. The property of this new function can help determine the number of thresholds automatically. To offset the expensive computational effort by traditional exhaustive search methods, this study establishes a procedure that combines the relative entropy and meta-heuristics. From the experiments performed in this study, the proposed procedure not only provides good segmentation results when compared with a well known technique such as Otsu’s method, but also constitutes a very efficient approach.
Geodynamic Reconstructions of the Australides—1: Palaeozoic
Authors: Vérard Christian , Stampfli Gérard
Published: June 2013

A full global geodynamical reconstruction model has been developed at the University of Lausanne over the past 20 years, and is used herein to re-appraise the evolution of the Australides from 600 to 200 Ma. Geological information of geodynamical interest associated with constraints on tectonic plate driving forces allow us to propose a consistent scenario for the evolution of Australia–Antarctica–proto-Pacific system. According to our model, most geodynamic units (GDUs) of the Australides are exotic in origin, and many tectonic events of the Delamerian Cycle, Lachlan SuperCycle, and New England SuperCycle are regarded as occurring off-shore Gondwana.
Assessing Completeness and Spatial Error of Features in Volunteered Geographic Information
Authors: Jackson Steven , Mullen William , Agouris Peggy , Crooks Andrew , Croitoru Arie , Stefanidis Anthony
Published: June 2013

The assessment of the quality and accuracy of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) contributions, and by extension the ultimate utility of VGI data has fostered much debate within the geographic community. The limited research to date has been focused on VGI data of linear features and has shown that the error in the data is heterogeneously distributed. Some have argued that data produced by numerous contributors will produce a more accurate product than an individual and some research on crowd-sourced initiatives has shown that to be true, although research on VGI is more infrequent. This paper proposes a method for quantifying the completeness and accuracy of a select subset of infrastructure-associated point datasets of volunteered geographic data within a major metropolitan area using a national geospatial dataset as the reference benchmark with two datasets from volunteers used as test datasets. The results of this study illustrate the benefits of including quality control in the collection process for volunteered data.
Subtilomycin: A New Lantibiotic from Bacillus subtilis Strain MMA7 Isolated from the Marine Sponge Haliclona simulans
Authors: Phelan Robert , Barret Matthieu , Cotter Paul , O'Connor Paula , Chen Rui , Morrissey John , Dobson Alan , O'Gara Fergal , Barbosa Teresa
Published: June 2013

Bacteriocins are attracting increased attention as an alternative to classic antibiotics in the fight against infectious disease and multidrug resistant pathogens. Bacillus subtilis strain MMA7 isolated from the marine sponge Haliclona simulans displays a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, as well as several pathogenic Candida species. This activity is in part associated with a newly identified lantibiotic, herein named as subtilomycin. The proposed biosynthetic cluster is composed of six genes, including protein-coding genes for LanB-like dehydratase and LanC-like cyclase modification enzymes, characteristic of the class I lantibiotics. The subtilomycin biosynthetic cluster in B. subtilis strain MMA7 is found in place of the sporulation killing factor (skf) operon, reported in many B. subtilis isolates and involved in a bacterial cannibalistic behaviour intended to delay sporulation. The presence of the subtilomycin biosynthetic cluster appears to be widespread amongst B. subtilis strains isolated from different shallow and deep water marine sponges. Subtilomycin possesses several desirable industrial and pharmaceutical physicochemical properties, including activity over a wide pH range, thermal resistance and water solubility. Additionally, the production of the lantibiotic subtilomycin could be a desirable property should B. subtilis strain MMA7 be employed as a probiotic in aquaculture applications.
The Development, Physicochemical Characterisation and in Vitro Drug Release Studies of Pectinate Gel Beads Containing Thai Mango Seed Kernel Extract
Authors: Nithitanakool Saruth , Pithayanukul Pimolpan , Bourgeois Sandrine , Fessi Hatem , Bavovada Rapepol
Published: June 2013

Pectinate gel beads containing Thai mango seed kernel extract (MSKE, cultivar ‘Fahlun’) were developed and characterised for the purpose of colon-targeted delivery. The MSKE-loaded pectinate beads were prepared using ionotropic gelation with varying pectin-to-MSKE ratios, MSKE concentrations, and concentrations of two cross-linkers (calcium chloride and zinc acetate). The formulated beads were spherical in shape and ranged in size between 1.13 mm and 1.88 mm. Zinc-pectinate (ZPG) beads containing high amounts of MSKE showed complete entrapment efficiency (EE) of MSKE (100%), while calcium-pectinate (CPG) beads demonstrated 70% EE. The in vitro release tests indicated that MSKE-loaded CPG beads were unstable in both simulated gastric medium (SGM) and simulated intestinal medium (SIM), while MSKE-loaded ZPG beads were stable in SIM but unable to prevent the release of MSKE in SGM. The protection of ZPG beads with gastro-resistant capsules (Eudragit® L 100-55) resulted in stability in both SGM and SIM; they disintegrated immediately in simulated colonic medium containing pectinolytic enzymes. MSKE-loaded ZPG beads were stable at 4, 25 and 45 °C during the study period of four months. The present study revealed that ZPG beads in enteric-coated capsules might be a promising carrier for delivering MSKE to the colon.
A Microfluidic Chip Using Phenol Formaldehyde Resin for Uniform-Sized Polycaprolactone and Chitosan Microparticle Generation
Authors: Lin Yung-Sheng , Yang Chih-Hui , Wu Chin-Tung , Grumezescu Alexandru , Wang Chih-Yu , Hsieh Wan-Chen , Chen Szu-Yu , Huang Keng-Shiang
Published: June 2013

This study develops a new solvent-compatible microfluidic chip based on phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR). In addition to its solvent-resistant characteristics, this microfluidic platform also features easy fabrication, organization, decomposition for cleaning, and reusability compared with conventional chips. Both solvent-dependent (e.g., polycaprolactone) and nonsolvent-dependent (e.g., chitosan) microparticles were successfully prepared. The size of emulsion droplets could be easily adjusted by tuning the flow rates of the dispersed/continuous phases. After evaporation, polycaprolactone microparticles ranging from 29.3 to 62.7 μm and chitosan microparticles ranging from 215.5 to 566.3 μm were obtained with a 10% relative standard deviation in size. The proposed PFR microfluidic platform has the advantages of active control of the particle size with a narrow size distribution as well as a simple and low cost process with a high throughput.
Biotechnology and Conservation of Plant Biodiversity
Authors: Cruz-Cruz Carlos , González-Arnao María , Engelmann Florent
Published: June 2013

Advances in plant biotechnology provide new options for collection, multiplication and short- to long-term conservation of plant biodiversity, using in vitro culture techniques. Significant progress has been made for conserving endangered, rare, crop ornamental, medicinal and forest species, especially for non-orthodox seed and vegetatively propagated plants of temperate and tropical origin. Cell and tissue culture techniques ensure the rapid multiplication and production of plant material under aseptic conditions. Medium-term conservation by means of in vitro slow growth storage allows extending subcultures from several months to several years, depending on the species. Cryopreservation (liquid nitrogen, −196 °C) is the only technique ensuring the safe and cost-effective long-term conservation of a wide range of plant species. Cryopreservation of shoot tips is also being applied to eradicate systemic plant pathogens, a process termed cryotherapy. Slow growth storage is routinely used in many laboratories for medium-conservation of numerous plant species. Today, the large-scale, routine application of cryopreservation is still restricted to a limited number of cases. However, the number of plant species for which cryopreservation techniques are established and validated on a large range of genetically diverse accessions is increasing steadily.
Design of a Single-Cell Positioning Controller Using Electroosmotic Flow and Image Processing
Authors: Ay Chyung , Young Chao-Wang , Chen Jhong-Yin
Published: June 2013

The objective of the current research was not only to provide a fast and automatic positioning platform for single cells, but also improved biomolecular manipulation techniques. In this study, an automatic platform for cell positioning using electroosmotic flow and image processing technology was designed. The platform was developed using a PCI image acquisition interface card for capturing images from a microscope and then transferring them to a computer using human-machine interface software. This software was designed by the Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench, a graphical language for finding cell positions and viewing the driving trace, and the fuzzy logic method for controlling the voltage or time of an electric field. After experiments on real human leukemic cells (U-937), the success of the cell positioning rate achieved by controlling the voltage factor reaches 100% within 5 s. A greater precision is obtained when controlling the time factor, whereby the success rate reaches 100% within 28 s. Advantages in both high speed and high precision are attained if these two voltage and time control methods are combined. The control speed with the combined method is about 5.18 times greater than that achieved by the time method, and the control precision with the combined method is more than five times greater than that achieved by the voltage method.
Evolution of Water Management in Shanxi and Shaanxi Provinces since the Ming and Qing Dynasties of China
Authors: Dang Xiaohong , Webber Michael , Chen Dan , Wang Mark
Published: June 2013

This article examines some of the forms of water management in Shanxi [山西] and Shaanxi [陕西] provinces during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Facing serious water shortages and shrinking state power for water management, the local society in Shanxi and Shaanxi took over water management and gradually formed a local self-government system for the water resources. Depending on water management organizations in which the local gentry were the core power, the water rules were based on natural topographic conditions, historical water practices in the locality, traditional moral-ethical ideas, and even water policies and water laws. This water management system played a positive role in mobilizing the participation of members, preventing opportunistic behavior such as free riding and rent seeking, while decreasing the probability of water conflicts and the costs of litigation. However, this water management system was also subject to endemic corruption because of the lack of effective monitoring from the local government. As similar problems appear to exist in China today, this article analyzes the features of this water management system, and examines the problems that faced those systems so as to provide a warning from history for modern society.
Peripheral T-Cell Apoptosis is Not Differentially Affected by Antiretroviral Regimens in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Feuth Thijs , Van Baarle Debbie , Hoepelman Andy IM , Arends Joop E
Published: June 2013

Background

HIV-induced CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell apoptosis decreases upon start of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Although in vitro evidence suggests an anti-apoptotic effect of protease inhibitors (PIs) as opposed to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), in vivo studies are inconclusive about effects of differential cART regimens on T-cell apoptosis.

Methods

Peripheral T-cell apoptosis was evaluated in a cross-sectional study including 20 patients on PI-and 19 on NNRTI-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), all with backbone therapy of tenofovir and emtricitabine and undetectable viral loads 6 months before inclusion. Spontaneous T-cell apoptosis was measured in freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (<4 h after venipuncture) using annexin V, propidium iodide and staining for caspase activity and levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.

Results

The groups were comparable in general- and HIV-specific characteristics. In addition, T-cell activation was similar in both groups. We observed no difference in T-cell apoptosis as measured by annexin V, propidium iodide or caspase staining between PI- and NNRTI-treated patients. Interestingly, the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was higher in PI-treated than in NNRTI-treated patients.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study on HIV-infected patients, direct ex vivo spontaneous T-cell apoptosis rates are not differentially affected by NNRTI- or PI-based cART.
« La vallée où poussent les âmes »
Authors: Thibaudier Viviane
Published: June 2013

L’auteur montre que par ses origines et par sa vie Jung est un homme de l’entre-deux et à la frontière. En ce sens, il est naturellement plus proche de la pensée orientale qui privilégie le « vide médian » et la créative interaction des opposés, que du cartésianisme qui aime les choses nettes et tranchées. Compte tenu de ces différentes approches, la position du clinicien varie considérablement. Son diagnostic d’où émane son regard sur le symptôme, peut ainsi figer la relation transférentielle et enfermer le patient ou lui permettre, au contraire, par un certain détour de trouver sa propre voie.
Préface à une nouvelle traduction en chinois de l' Essai sur le don de Marcel Mauss
Authors: Caillé Alain
Published: June 2013

Comment se fabrique et s’entretient le lien social ? À cette question, qui est la question centrale tant de la philosophie politique que de la science économique, de l’anthropologie ou de la sociologie, M. Mauss, héritier intellectuel d’É. Durkheim, répond : par le don. Ou, plus précisément, par l’entrée dans ce qu’il appelle la triple obligation de donner, recevoir et rendre. Par l’obligation d’afficher sa générosité. L’article essaie de prendre la mesure des implications, décisives, de cette découverte, appuyée sur un énorme matériau ethnologique.
Les hôpitaux en quête de rentabilité : à quel prix ?
Authors: Grimaldi André
Published: June 2013

L’ère scientifique de la médecine, communément appelée « médecine fondée sur les preuves », a permis de définir des normes et procédures. Elle a produit les concepts de « médecine industrielle » et de « médecin ingénieur » qui ont servi à justifier l’application systématique du management d’entreprise à l’hôpital et la généralisation du paiement à l’activité (T2A). Le « business plan » a remplacé la planification sanitaire, la recherche de l’augmentation de l’activité l’impératif éthique du « juste soin », la quête de rentabilité le devoir du « juste coût », les structures de gestion (pôles) les structures de soins (services), la concurrence la complémentarité. La notion de « part de marché » s’est substituée à celle de « besoins ». Cette politique, à peu près adaptée aux gestes techniques simples programmés, s’est fracassée sur la réalité de la médecine, en particulier pour la prise en charge des urgences, des pathologies graves ou complexes et des maladies chroniques, notamment chez les personnes très âgées ou en situation de précarité. La définition d’une politique alternative prenant en compte la pluralité de l’exercice médical ne devra pas s’arrêter au rétablissement dans les textes du service public hospitalier. Elle devra réviser les modes de financement, à l’hôpital comme en ville, condition nécessaire pour une réelle coopération.
Quand l'hôpital se moque de la charité, son compromis fondateur est rompu
Authors: Domin Jean-Paul
Published: June 2013

Cet article propose une lecture de la crise actuelle du système hospitalier français. Son évolution, depuis le début du XIX e siècle, a été motivée par un objectif de démarchandisation. L’hôpital s’est d’abord construit en opposition au marché de la santé, il a ensuite accompagné le mouvement de socialisation de la dépense de santé, initié à la fin du XIX e siècle. Depuis les années 1980, les réformes favorisent une remarchandisation. La crise actuelle de l’hôpital tient au fait que la logique managériale vient heurter une histoire marquée par l’accueil de toutes les souffrances.
Faut-il intéresser les médecins pour les motiver ? Une analyse critique du paiement à la performance médicale
Authors: Da Silva Nicolas
Published: June 2013

L’un des piliers de la réforme du système de santé français porte sur l’introduction du paiement à la performance (P4P) dans la rémunération des médecins libéraux. La justification de ce dispositif repose sur l’idée que, tel l’ Homo œconomicus , les médecins sont des calculateurs froids et uniquement intéressés à eux-mêmes. Dès lors, il faut construire des indicateurs censés représenter la performance des médecins afin de récompenser ceux qui atteignent des objectifs prédéfinis. Il faut les intéresser au bien-être collectif. Cependant, les études internationales réalisées sur l’efficacité du P4P en médecine révèlent des résultats très faibles. Pire, le P4P produit des effets pervers remettant en cause la qualité et l’accès aux soins. L’échec de ce type de mécanisme suggère que les médecins ne sont pas exclusivement intéressés à l’intéressement. Il faut alors considérer l’existence d’une pluralité de registres de motivations parfois substituables.
« Aidons les aidants. » Une initiative mutualiste face au marché de la dépendance
Authors: Chanial Philippe , Gaglio Gérald
Published: June 2013

Cet article se propose d’étudier une initiative mutualiste, le programme « aidons les aidants », dans un champ où les appétits marchands sont particulièrement voraces, celui de la dépendance. Que « donne » ce dispositif composite qui se propose de « donner à ceux qui donnent » ? Plus généralement, il s’agit ici de se demander quelle(s) valeur(s) peuvent produire ces formes d’initiatives hybrides mêlant dimension marchande (valeur économique) propre au champ concurrentiel de l’assurance et dimension civique (valeur sociale) caractéristique de l’engagement mutualiste. Afin d’étayer le propos, la figure, ambiguë, de l’aidant est rapportée à une double polarité : l’aidant-patient et l’aidant-agent. L’aidant-patient peut devenir un malade, un usager ou un client alors que l’aidant-agent se personnifie en un proche, un professionnel ou un citoyen. Cette cartographie amène à privilégier les dimensions politique et solidaire pour prendre en charge la question des aidants, au détriment d’un traitement uniquement marchand et assurantiel.
La chair, le sacré et le culte de l'homme dans les sociétés occidentales contemporaines
Authors: Moïsseeff Marika
Published: June 2013

En analysant la religion des Aborigènes australiens dans Les Formes élémentaires de la vie religieuse , Durkheim souligne que c’est le culte, et non les divinités, qui joue un rôle prépondérant dans toutes les religions, y compris dans celle qui devait s’imposer dans les sociétés « les plus évoluées ». L’entité sacrée des sociétés modernes renverrait alors à l’homme lui-même autour duquel s’organiserait le culte de cette nouvelle religion que Durkheim situe du côté d’un humanisme désincarné n’ayant rien de commun avec les rites sanglants pratiqués par les Aborigènes australiens. En prenant quelque distance avec l’évolutionnisme, il est possible de réorienter son regard pour s’attacher aux nouveaux traitements appliqués au corps et les considérer comme ce qui fonde la religion globale de la santé mise en œuvre dans les institutions médicochirurgicales, là où l’on naît, là où l’on meurt, dans les sociétés occidentales contemporaines, et renvoyant à la biopolitique de l’espèce humaine.
L'économie du comportement et la théorie du care . Les enjeux d'une filiation
Authors: Petit Emmanuel
Published: June 2013

Les travaux récents associés à l’économie expérimentale et comportementale remettent en cause les hypothèses de l’analyse économique standard (rationalité pure, égoïsme des individus). À un objectif initial de réaménagement du paradigme dominant – permettant de rendre compte des comportements observés en laboratoire tout en préservant un cadre formel rationnel – se substitue une nécessaire refondation fondée sur des hypothèses de comportement plus réalistes. Après le détour walrasso-parétien, un retour à la conception de l’Économie politique soutenue par les auteurs classiques est donc envisageable. Dans cet article, nous montrons que la théorie philosophique du care , construite par opposition à la rationalité pure, fournit un guide à partir duquel les économistes peuvent construire une nouvelle économie du comportement sensible, personnelle et paternaliste. Nous montrons en particulier (1) comment les travaux récents en économie expérimentale et comportementale introduisent de façon novatrice les affects, la diversité de la représentation de l’individu et le rôle de l’intervention publique et (2) comment ces modifications appellent à une refonte du paradigme standard au-delà de ce que requiert la rationalité instrumentale.
Propagande allemande et renouveau patriotique : l'enjeu médiatique des Feuilles suisses du dimanche (1915-1918)
Authors: Elsig Alexandre
Published: June 2013

En Suisse, les suppléments illustrés du dimanche deviennent un enjeu de propagande durant la Grande Guerre. En 1914, la presse alémanique est dépendante de l’Allemagne pour offrir cette littérature familiale et divertissante à ses lecteurs. Avec la guerre, cette ingérence médiatique, d’apparence innocente, prend une tournure plus offensive et politique. En automne 1915, des intellectuels soucieux de l’indépendance morale du pays lancent les Feuilles suisses du dimanche , une création indigène bénéficiant d’un soutien étatique. La propagande allemande entre alors en action pour influencer en sous-main ces Feuilles suisses . Questionnant la production de nouvelles divertissantes destinées à un public de masse, l’article souligne le mouvement de balancier qui s’installe entre les intérêts culturels d’une Allemagne belligérante et ceux d’une Suisse neutre.
L'intention de durée
Authors: Robert Philippe
Published: June 2013

Nous sommes confrontés aujourd’hui à des changements sociaux affectant les relations familiales. Il convient de penser dans un premier temps la pertinence de la psychanalyse quant à l’écoute groupale, mais aussi à sa capacité de confrontation avec d’autres disciplines. Différents changements affectent davantage les codes relationnels que les liens. Pourtant, nous devons nous interroger sur les effets de l’immédiateté dans ses aspects de décharge au détriment de la continuité des liens. Le psychanalyste est alors amené à interroger sa pratique, non pas tant à travers des variations de dispositif que de modifications de son cadre interne. Le cadre, dans ses aspects formels, doit assurer sa fonction de contenance et ne pas être entraîné au gré des demandes des patients.