bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy Drug Scheduling: A Particle Swarm Optimization Approach
Authors: Alam MS , Algoul S , Hossain MA , Majumder MAA
Published: May 2013

This paper presents an investigation into a model of chemotherapy drug scheduling for cancer treatment using feedback control and a bioinspired optimization algorithm, called Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The main aim of chemotherapy treatment is to reduce the tumour size. Earlier a feedback control method, namely Integral-Proportional-Derivative (I-PD) was developed in [1] for non-phase specific tumour model to control the drug to be infused into the patients body by maintaining a tolerable level of drug concentration at tumour sites. In this work, PSO is used to devise an effective drug scheduling for a phase-specific tumour model by optimizing the parameters of earlier developed I-PD controller. The phase specific cancer tumour model is used to analyze the effects of drug on different cell populations, plasma drug concentration and toxic side effects. Results show that proposed method can reduce the tumour size up to 72% with relatively lower drug doses. Moreover, the method results very low toxic side effects throughout the whole period of treatment. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 35-40, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15093
An Intelligent Characteristics Analyzer of PV Module
Authors: Biswas Liton Kumar , Rahman Md. Habibur , Haque Saiful
Published: May 2013

This paper describes construction, development and testing of a low cost PV module characteristics analyzer. A computer-based, fully automatic characteristic analyzer has been designed and developed using locally available components. The system is capable of acquiring current and voltage of PV module by varying the operating point to draw the IV curve and to analyze the module characteristics. In this system, a Pico ADC-16 has been used to convert the analog data into digital. The module current and voltage is changed by using a transistor active load. The operating point of the active load has been changed by the analog output of a DAC and the DAC is driven by a digital counter. A driver program has been developed for the system using C language. Finally, the system was assembled and the characteristics of some PV modules of different power capacity have been studied. It is found that, the system is capable of finding characteristics of PV modules up to the capacity of 75Watt. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 65-70, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15098
Accuracy Assessment of a Satellite Based Method for Solar Radiation Estimation
Authors: Ali M Shahjahan , Rahman H , Aditya SK , Mazumder RK
Published: May 2013

In this study a simple statistical model has been used to estimate hourly solar global radiation over Bangladesh for two different time periods. Only the visible channel (0.63 ?m) data of NOAA-AVHRR digital images, obtained from Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization, has been processed to find the cloud index, a parameter which includes the horizontal extension of clouds and its optical thickness. Ground measured (pyranometer) data, obtained from Bangladesh Meteorological Department, has been used to obtain the total atmospheric transmission factor. One set of cloud index-atmospheric transmission factor data pairs has been used to find the regression coefficients using a statistical model. Once these coefficients are obtained these are then applied to the other set to calculate the ground irradiation. Ground solar global irradiation for two places has been estimated for two months through application of this method. Accuracy of the method for calculating surface insolation has been checked in two ways. Reasonably good correlation between the measured and estimated irradiation has been observed for all cases. The root mean square error (RMSE) varies between 7.99% and 13.62% and mean bias error (MBE) from -7.22% to +9.54%. The method can be used for calculation of hourly irradiation over areas in a tropical environment. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 71-74, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15099
A Generalized Computer Technique for Solving Unconstrained Non-Linear Programming Problems
Authors: Das HK , Hasan MB
Published: May 2013

An unconstrained problem with nonlinear objective function has many applications. This is often viewed as a discipline in and of itself. In this paper, we develop a computer technique for solving nonlinear unconstrained problems in a single framework incorporating with Golden section, Gradient Search method. For this, we first combine this algorithm and then develop a generalized computer technique using the programming language MATHEMATICA. We demonstrate our computer technique with a number of numerical examples. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 75-80, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15100
Effect of Radiation on Free Convection Flow of Non-Newtonian Power-Law Fluids Along a Power-Law Stretching Sheet
Authors: Samad MA , Hossain MR , Kumar D
Published: May 2013

An analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of MHD free convection heat transfer of power-law non-Newtonian fluids along a stretching sheet. This has been done under the simultaneous action of suction, thermal radiation and uniform transverse magnetic field. The stretching sheet is assumed to continuously moving with a power-law velocity and maintaining a uniform surface heat flux. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations. The resulting non-linear equations are solved numerically using Nachtsheim-Swigert shooting iterative technique along with sixth order Runge-Kutta integration scheme. Numerical results for the non-dimensional velocity and temperature profiles are shown graphically and discussed. The effects of skin-friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number which are of physical and engineering interest are studied and presented in the form of tables for the variation of different physically important parameters. A comparison of the present study is also performed with the previously published work and found excellent agreement. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 97-104, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15104
Determinants of Birth Spacing and Effect of Birth Spacing on Fertility in Bangladesh
Authors: Rabbi Ahbab Mohammad Fazle , Karmaker Shamal Chandra , Mallick Shahadat Ali , Sharmin Sayema
Published: May 2013

For the last few decades, demographers have directed considerable attention towards the study of human fertility through the analysis of birth interval data. This study examines the covariates of birth intervals and the effect of increased birth intervals on current fertility level in Bangladesh. Using the data of BDHS 2007, Cox Proportional Hazards model is used to determine the covariates of birth intervals. Mothers age at first birth, previous birth interval, mothers education and working status, mass media exposure appeared as the significant determinants of birth intervals. To estimate the tempo effect of birth interval on current fertility of Bangladesh, Bongaarts and Feeney method (1998) has been used. The tempo adjusted TFR was found to be 3.85, while the conventional TFR was 2.73 for the year 2005-06. This demonstrates that an increased effort to widen the spacing of births can effectively reduce the level of fertility in the future. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 105-110, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15105
Effect of Nd Substitution on the Microstructural and Dielectric Properties of Polycrystalline Ca(Ti0.5Fe0.5)O3
Authors: Shah MR , Amin MR , Hossain AKM Akther
Published: May 2013

Neodymium substituted calcium iron titanate having the general formula Ca1-xNdx(Ti0.5Fe0.5)O3 were prepared by the standard solid state reaction technique at relatively higher temperature (1473 K). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy are used to carry out the structural analysis and surface morphology, respectively. The XRD analysis confirms that all compositions are single phase orthorhombic in structure. The lattice parameters and the average grain size are found to decrease but the density to increase with the increase in Nd content. The dielectric constant (?/), dielectric loss (tan?) and ac conductivity (?ac) are studied at room temperature as a function of frequency and compositions. The room temperature ?/ is found to decrease with the increase in frequency and Nd content. On the other hand, the tan? and ?ac are observed to increase with the increase in frequency and decrease with the increase in Nd content. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(1): 125-129, 2013 (January) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i1.15113
Ras and Rheb Signaling in Survival and Cell Death
Authors: Ehrkamp Anja , Herrmann Christian , Stoll Raphael , Heumann Rolf
Published: May 2013

One of the most obvious hallmarks of cancer is uncontrolled proliferation of cells partly due to independence of growth factor supply. A major component of mitogenic signaling is Ras, a small GTPase. It was the first identified human protooncogene and is known since more than three decades to promote cellular proliferation and growth. Ras was shown to support growth factor-independent survival during development and to protect from chemical or mechanical lesion-induced neuronal degeneration in postmitotic neurons. In contrast, for specific patho-physiological cases and cellular systems it has been shown that Ras may also promote cell death. Proteins from the Ras association family (Rassf, especially Rassf1 and Rassf5) are tumor suppressors that are activated by Ras-GTP, triggering apoptosis via e.g., activation of mammalian sterile 20-like (MST1) kinase. In contrast to Ras, their expression is suppressed in many types of tumours, which makes Rassf proteins an exciting model for understanding the divergent effects of Ras activity. It seems likely that the outcome of Ras signaling depends on the balance between the activation of its various downstream effectors, thus determining cellular fate towards either proliferation or apoptosis. Ras homologue enriched in brain (Rheb) is a protein from the Ras superfamily that is also known to promote proliferation, growth, and regeneration through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor) pathway. However, recent evidences indicate that the Rheb-mTor pathway may switch its function from a pro-growth into a cell death pathway, depending on the cellular situation. In contrast to Ras signaling, for Rheb, the cellular context is likely to modulate the whole Rheb-mTor pathway towards cellular death or survival, respectively.
The Uneven Rate of the Molecular Evolution of Gene Sequences of DNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase I of the Genus Lamium L.
Authors: Krawczyk Katarzyna , Sawicki Jakub
Published: May 2013

RNA polymerase type I (plastid-encoded polymerase, PEP) is one of the key chloroplast enzymes. However, the rpo genes that encode its subunits (rpoA, rpoB, rpoC1 and rpoC2) are relatively rapidly evolving sequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of the molecular evolution of rpo genes and to evaluate them as phylogenetic markers on the example of the genus Lamium L. (Lamiaceae). The analyzed genes were shown to differ in the level of variation, rate of intragenic mutations, phylogenetic informativeness, and in the impact of these mutations on the properties of encoded peptides. Destabilizing effects of the positive pressure were observed in all genes examined coding for PEP enzyme. We have demonstrated the relationship between mutations fixed by positive selection and the separation of phylogenetic lines within the genus Lamium. The study showed also that the rpo genes were reliable phylogenetic markers, useful in the reconstruction of interconnections of species belonging to the same genus. Of the four tested genes, the most promising phylogenetic marker was rpoA gene, while the least useful gene appeared to be rpoC1.
Photomasks Fabrication Based on Optical Reduction for Microfluidic Applications
Authors: Orabona Emanuele , Caliò Alessandro , Rendina Ivo , Stefano Luca , Medugno Mario
Published: May 2013

A procedure for fabrication of photomasks on photographic films with minimum feature achievable of about 20 μm, which are particularly suitable for the fast prototyping of microfluidic devices, has been improved. We used a commercial photographic enlarger in reverse mode obtaining 10:1 reduction factor with error less than 1%. Masks have been characterized by optical transmission measurement and contact profilometry: the exposed region completely absorbs light in the wavelength region explored, while the non-exposed region is transparent from 350 nm on; the average film thickness is of 410 nm and its roughness is about 120 nm. A PDMS microfluidic device has been realized and tested in order to prove the effectiveness of designed photomasks used with the common UV light box.
Sodium Intakes of US Children and Adults from Foods and Beverages by Location of Origin and by Specific Food Source
Authors: Drewnowski Adam , Rehm Colin
Published: May 2013

Sodium intakes, from foods and beverages, of 22,852 persons in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2003–2008) were examined by specific food source and by food location of origin. Analyses were based on a single 24-h recall. Separate analyses were conducted for children (6–11 years of age), adolescents (12–19), and adults (20–50 and ≥51 years). Grouping of like foods (e.g., food sources) used a scheme proposed by the National Cancer Institute, which divides foods/beverages into 96 food subgroups (e.g., pizza, yeast breads or cold cuts). Food locations of origin were stores (e.g., grocery, convenience and specialty stores), quick-service restaurant/pizza (QSR), full-service restaurant (FSR), school, or other. Food locations of sodium were also evaluated by race/ethnicity amongst adults. Stores provided between 58.1% and 65.2% of dietary sodium, whereas QSR and FSR together provided between 18.9% and 31.8% depending on age. The proportion of sodium from QSR varied from 10.1% to 19.9%, whereas that from FSR varied from 3.4% to 13.3%. School meals provided 10.4% of sodium for 6–11 year olds and 6.0% for 12–19 year olds. Pizza from QSR, the top away from home food item, provided 5.4% of sodium in adolescents. QSR pizza, chicken, burgers and Mexican dishes combined provided 7.8% of total sodium in adult diets. Most sodium came from foods purchased in stores. Food manufacturers, restaurants, and grocery stores all have a role to play in reducing the amount of sodium in the American diet.
Bare Rocks and Fallen Angels: Environmental Change, Climate Perceptions and Ritual Practice in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Paerregaard Karsten
Published: May 2013

One of the many dimensions of globalization is climate change that in recent years has caused much concern in the developed world. The aim of this article is to explore how people living on the margins of the global world conceive climate change. Drawing on ethnographic field data from the 1980s and today it examines how the ritual practice and the religious belief of a rural community in the Peruvian Andes has changed during the last 27 years and how the villagers perceive this change. It argues that the villagers traditionally conceive the environment as co-habited by humans and non-humans but that recent environmental change in the Andes has caused a shift in this world-view. Today, many villagers have adopted the global vocabulary on climate change and are concerned with their own impact in the environment. However, the villagers reject the idea that it is human activities in other parts of the world that cause environmental problems in their community and claim that these must be addressed locally. It suggests that even though the villagers’ reluctance to subscribe to the global discourse of climate change makes them look like the companions of climate skeptics in the developed world, their reasons are very different.
Characterization of Landslide Deformations in Three Gorges Area Using Multiple InSAR Data Stacks
Authors: Tantianuparp Peraya , Shi Xuguo , Zhang Lu , Balz Timo , Liao Mingsheng
Published: May 2013

In the areas with steep topography and vulnerable geological condition, landslide deformation monitoring is an important task for risk assessment and management. Differential Synthetic-Aperture Radar interferometry (D-InSAR) and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PS-InSAR) are two advanced SAR Interferometry techniques for detection, analysis and monitoring of slow moving landslides. The techniques can be used to identify wide displacement areas and measure displacement rates over long time series with millimeter-level accuracy. In this paper, multiple SAR datasets of Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) and Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT) C-band Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) are used for landslide monitoring with both D-InSAR and PS-InSAR techniques in Badong at the Three Gorges area in China. Two areas of significant deformation along the southern riverbank of Yangtze River in Badong are identified by joint analyses of PS-InSAR results from different data stacks. Furthermore, both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the PS-InSAR results are carried out together with preliminary correlation analysis between the time series deformation of a PS point in high risk location and the temporal variation of water level in the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Bone Marrow-Derived c-kit+Cells Attenuate Neonatal Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Ramachandran Shalini , Suguihara Cleide , Drummond Shelley , Chatzistergos Konstantinos , Klim Jammie , Torres Eneida , Huang Jian , Hehre Dorothy , Rodrigues Claudia O. , McNiece Ian K. , Hare Joshua M. , Young Karen C.
Published: May 2013

Recent studies suggest that bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells have therapeutic efficacy in neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury (HILI). c-kit, a tyrosine kinase receptor that regulates angiogenesis, is expressed on several populations of BM-derived cells. Preterm infants exposed to hyperoxia have decreased lung angiogenesis. Here we tested the hypothesis that administration of BM-derived c-kit+cells would improve angiogenesis in neonatal rats with HILI. To determine whether intratracheal (IT) administration of BM-derived c-kit+cells attenuates neonatal HILI, rat pups exposed to either normobaric normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (90% O2) from postnatal day (P) 2 to P15 were randomly assigned to receive either IT BM-derived green fluorescent protein (GFP)+c-kit–cells (PL) or BM-derived GFP+c-kit+cells on P8. The effect of cell therapy on lung angiogenesis, alveolarization, pulmonary hypertension, vascular remodeling, cell proliferation, and apoptosis was determined at P15. Cell engraftment was determined by GFP immunostaining. Compared to PL, the IT administration of BM-derived c-kit+cells to neonatal rodents with HILI improved alveolarization as evidenced by increased lung septation and decreased mean linear intercept. This was accompanied by an increase in lung vascular density, a decrease in lung apoptosis, and an increase in the secretion of proangiogenic factors. There was no difference in pulmonary vascular remodeling or the degree of pulmonary hypertension. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that 1% of total lung cells were GFP+cells. IT administration of BM-derived c-kit+cells improves lung alveolarization and angiogenesis in neonatal HILI, and this may be secondary to an improvement in the lung angiogenic milieu.
Seed dispersal of the Australian cycad Macrozamia miquelii (Zamiaceae): Are cycads megafauna‐dispersed “grove forming” plants?
Authors: Hall John A. , Walter Gimme H.
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the Study: Plants that invest in large, heavy seeds and colorful, fleshy fruits or analogous structures seem adapted for dispersal by large vertebrates. Some such plants, like Australian cycads in the genus Macrozamia, do not disperse well, which could be explained by seed‐dispersal relationships with megafauna that are rare or extinct in contemporary ecosystems. Such plants provide an opportunity to investigate the ecological consequences of low seed‐dispersal distances.

• Methods: We investigated seed dispersal of Macrozamia miquelii in Central Queensland by tracking the fate of marked seeds, identifying the dispersal fauna and quantifying population demography and spatial structure.

• Key Results: We found that 70–100% of marked seeds remained within 1 m of maternal females (cycads are dioecious). Of the 812 seeds recovered (from 840 originally marked) only 24 dispersed >1 m from maternal females, the greatest observed dispersal being 5 m. We found an average of 2.2 seedlings and 0.7 juveniles within 1.5 m of mature females, which suggests that most seeds that remain in the vicinity of maternal females perish. Within‐stand densities ranged between 1000 and 5000 plants/ha. The brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula was the only animal observed to move the seeds.

• Conclusions: Macrozamia are adapted for dispersal by megafauna that are rare or absent in contemporary ecosystems. We argue that Macrozamia are “grove forming” plants that derive ecological benefit from existing as high‐density, spatially discrete populations, the function of megafaunal dispersal adaptations being the infrequent dispersal of seeds en masse to establish new such groves in the landscape.
Precocious progression of tissue maturation instructs basipetal initiation of leaflets in Chelidonium majus subsp. asiaticum (Papaveraceae)
Authors: Ikeuchi Momoko , Tatematsu Kiyoshi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Okada Kiyotaka , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: May 2013

• Premise of the study: On a compound leaf, leaflet primordia are repetitively formed along the apical–basal axis, with the direction varying among taxa. Why and how the directions vary among species is yet to be solved, although a change in a single factor was proposed to cause the variation. In this study, we compared two species in the Papaveraceae with different directions of leaflet initiation, Chelidonium majus subsp. asiaticum (basipetal) and Eschscholzia californica (acropetal). Because E. californica has been studied in some detail, we focused on C. majus and asked how basipetal pattern is achieved.

• Methods: Since only immature leaf primordial tissue has leaflet‐generating competency, we performed histological and gene expression analyses on markers of the tissue maturation state. In addition, we performed a time‐course analysis of leaf primordial growth.

• Key results: Quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR analysis demonstrated that a putative regulator of tissue maturation in C. majus, the CINCINNATA homolog, had higher expression in apical parts than in basal parts during the organogenetic phase. In contrast, expression of the CIN homolog was not elevated in either the apical or basal parts in E. californica during the organogenetic phase.

• Conclusions: In C. majus, apical parts of leaf primordia have already lost leaflet‐generating competency during the organogenetic phase. We propose that precocious progression of the maturation process instructs basipetal progression of leaflet initiation in C. majus. This is not the mirror image of data on E. californica, which shows the opposite direction in leaflet formation, indicating that variation in direction is not attributable to a change in a single factor.
A highly pH-sensitive nanowire field-effect transistor based on silicon on insulator
Authors: Presnov Denis E , Amitonov Sergey V , Krutitskii Pavel A , Kolybasova Valentina V , Devyatov Igor A , Krupenin Vladimir A , Soloviev Igor I
Published: May 2013

Background: An experimental and theoretical study of a silicon-nanowire field-effect transistor made of silicon on insulator by CMOS-compatible methods is presented.

Results: A maximum Nernstian sensitivity to pH change of 59 mV/pH was obtained experimentally. The maximum charge sensitivity of the sensor was estimated to be on the order of a thousandth of the electron charge in subthreshold mode.

Conclusion: The sensitivity obtained for our sensor built in the CMOS-compatible top-down approach does not yield to the one of sensors built in bottom-up approaches. This provides a good background for the development of CMOS-compatible probes with primary signal processing on-chip.
Le basculement historique du commerce extérieur turc vers l'Orient
Authors: Gürsel Seyfettin
Published: May 2013

D’importants changements aux niveaux économique et politique se sont produits dans la dernière décennie en Turquie. Ces changements ont bouleversé les rapports de force aussi bien à l’intérieur du pays que dans la région. Le déplacement du centre de gravité du commerce extérieur turc de l’Europe vers le Moyen-Orient et l’Afrique du Nord constitue l’arrière-plan économique d’un nouveau paradigme dans les relations stratégiques entre l’Occident et l’Orient. La dernière décennie a connu un développement économique rapide associé à des changements de politiques majeurs. Ces deux phénomènes se sont traduits dans l’évolution du commerce extérieur turc en général et sa dimension énergétique en particulier. Cette évolution commerciale n’est pas sans implications stratégiques.
Using a Train-the-Trainer Model to Prepare Educators for Simulation Instruction
Authors: Lane Adrianne J. , Mitchell Claudia G.
Published: May 2013

Staff development departments are challenged with addressing the entry of new graduates into the work force, updating the competencies of practicing nurses, and providing nurses with educational support to reduce turnover. Knowing how to develop simulations, integrate them into teaching, and effectively assess simulated performance is becoming a core role for educators in health care. For many educators, a knowledge and skill gap exists between the demand for simulation and competence in developing and using simulation. This article shares a cost-effective, three-step train-the-trainer model to prepare nurse educators to use simulation effectively. The three steps include champion identification, champion development, and champion integration. Strategies for addressing the challenges and lessons learned in implementing this model are outlined. The model is an effective and efficient approach for developing a core of champions in any topic area. These champions can then mentor and train others throughout the organization.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2013;44(7):313–317.
Immersion Scenarios Bridge the Education–Practice Gap for New Graduate Registered Nurses
Authors: Mowry Marianne J. , Crump Mark D.
Published: May 2013

An education gap exists for new graduate registered nurses in mental health because of insufficient clinical experience. In an effort to bridge this gap, defined competencies and assessments provided the framework and direction for educational immersion scenarios with standardized patients. Kirkpatrick’s (
1995
) model directed the evaluation of the learning achieved through the immersion scenarios. A qualitative evaluation provided themes of realism, safety, and opportunity. Formative and summative competencies were met effectively and efficiently. This educational method can be used to actively achieve competency and enhance the transition to clinical practice.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2013;44(7):319–325.
Fatty acid composition of Tilia spp. seed oils
Authors: Dowd M. K. , Farve M. C.
Published: May 2013

As part of a study of the seed oil fatty acid composition of Malvaceae plants, the seeds of seven Tilia species (lime or linden trees) were evaluated for their fatty acid profiles. Seeds were obtained from the Germplasm Research Information Network and from various commercial sources. After extraction of the seed oil with hexane, the glycerides were trans-methylated and analyzed by gas chromatography on two polar stationary phases. All of the seed oils analyzed were composed primarily of linoleic acid (49-60%) with lesser amounts of oleic (16-22%) and palmitic (8-10%) acids. The usual secondary components were also found. In addition, cyclopropenoid acids (i.e., sterculic and malvalic acids) were present at levels between 6 and 17%. In all samples, the level of malvalic acid was approximately twice the level of sterculic acid, indicating that considerable a-oxidation of sterculic acid had occurred in these seeds. Two additional a-oxidation products, 8-heptadecenoic acid and 8,11-heptadecadienoic acid were also detected. Combined, the level of these fatty acids was between 1.3 and 2.3%, roughly comparable to the levels of these acids recently reported in the seed oil of Thespesia populnea.
Effect of the antioxidant profile in the diet of farmed coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) on the nutritional value retention during frozen storage
Authors: Ortiz J. , Larraín M. A. , Pacheco N. , Vivanco J. P. , Aubourg S. P.
Published: May 2013

A commercial diet enriched with synthetic antioxidants (butylated-hydroxytoluene and ethoxyquin (diet I) was fed to coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and its effects were compared to two diets enriched with natural antioxidants, tocopherol-rich mixture (diet II), tocopherol-rosemary extract mixture (diet III). Once sacrificed, individual fishes were kept frozen at –18 °C for up to 18 months and then analyses were carried out on the frozen salmon muscle. The feeding of diet II led to frozen samples showing higher contents of sarcoplasmic proteins and γ- and δ-tocopherols when compared to their counterparts previously fed with diet I. No effect of dietary antioxidant profile could be detected on proximate composition, α-tocopherol and astaxanthin contents or color (L*, a*, b*) parameters. Concerning the fatty acid composition, the fish samples corresponding to diet II showed higher C22:6ω3 and monounsaturated contents, but lower C20:5ω3 and saturated contents when compared to their counterparts from diet I.
Effect of dietary inclusion of lampante olive oil on milk and cheese fatty acid profiles of ewes
Authors: Vargas-Bello-Pérez E. , Vera R. R. , Aguilar C. , Lira R. , Peña I. , Valenzuela A. , Cerda H.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplementation of lampant olive oil on the fatty aid profiles of the milk and cheese of ewes. Nine lactating ewes were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Dietary treatments were supplemented with 0 (control; T0), 36 (T1) and 88 (T2) g of lampante olive oil/kg of dry matter intake (DM). DM, milk yield and milk composition (fat and protein) were not affected by dietary treatments. Oleic and vaccenic acids gradually increased (P < 0.05) and the saturated FA and atherogenicity index decreased (P < 0.05) in milk and cheese as the concentration of lampante olive oil was increased in dietary rations. Overall, the supplementation of lampante olive oil in the diets of lactating ewes increased monounsaturated FA and decreased saturated FA concentrations in milk and cheese, thus improving their quality from the human health standpoint.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Glycaemia and Diabetes in a Population Living in a Highly Polychlorinated Biphenyls-Polluted Area in Northern Italy: A Cross-Sectional and Cohort Study
Authors: Zani Claudia , Donato Francesco , Magoni Michele , Feretti Donatella , Covolo Loredana , Vassallo Francesco , Speziani Fabrizio , Scarcella Carmelo , Bergonzi Roberto , Apostoli Pietro
Published: May 2013

Background

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found to be associated with diabetes in some, but not all, studies performed so far. The aim of this study was to assess the association between PCB serum levels and glycaemia and diabetes in people living in Brescia, a highly industrialised PCB-polluted town in Northern Italy.

Design and Methods

527 subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional population-based study: they were interviewed face-to-face in 2003 and also provided a blood sample under fasting conditions. The concentration of 24 PCB congeners was determined using gas-chromatography (GC/MS). Subsequently, all subjects were included in a follow-up (cohort) study. According to the Local Health Authority health-care database, subjects were considered to be diabetic if they had diabetes at interview time (prevalent cases) or during a 7-year follow-up (incident cases).

Results

A total of 53 subjects (10.0%) were diabetics: 28 had diabetes at enrolment and other 25 developed the disease subsequently. Diabetes frequency increased according to the serum concentrations of total PCBs and single PCB congeners, but no association was found when estimates were adjusted for education, body mass index, age and gender by logistic regression analysis. Accordingly, glycaemia increased with PCB serum levels, but no association was observed when multiple regression analysis, including confounding factors, was performed.

Conclusions

This study does not support the hypothesis that PCB environmental exposure is strictly associated with diabetes or glycaemia.
T-Cell Receptor and K-Deleting Recombination Excision Circles in Newborn Screening of T- and B-cell Defects: Review of the Literature and Future Challenges
Authors: Chiarini Marco , Zanotti Cinzia , Serana Federico , Sottini Alessandra , Bertoli Diego , Caimi Luigi , Imberti Luisa
Published: May 2013

Since its introduction as a public health programme in the United States in the early 1960s, newborn blood screening (NBS) has evolved from the detection of phenylalanine levels on filter paper to the application of DNA-based technologies to identify T-cell lymphopenia in infants with severe combined immunodeficiency. This latter use of NBS has required the development of an assay for T-cell lymphopenia based on the quantification of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) that could be performed on dried blood spots routinely collected from newborn infants. The TREC-based NBS was developed six years ago, and there have already been 7 successful pilot studies since then. Similarly, efforts are now being made to establish a screen for B-cell defects, in particular agammaglobulinaemia, taking advantage of the introduction of the method for the quantification of K-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs). A further achievement of NBS could be the simultaneous recognition of T- and B-cell defects using the combined quantification of TRECs and KRECs from Guthrie card blood spots. This approach may help the early identification of infants with T- and B-cell deficiencies so that they can then be referred to specialised paediatric centres, where a precise diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency and agammaglobulinaemia can be performed, and where then they can immediately receive specific therapy. Simultaneous TREC and KREC quantification should also allow classification of patients into subgroups and help identify children with less serious primary immunodeficiencies. This would help avoid the opportunistic infections and frequent hospitalisations that result from a late or lack of diagnosis.
Surficial materials and landforms of Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory
Authors: Rampton V N
Published: May 2013

Major physiographic elements of Kluane Park are Shakwak Valley along its northeastern edge and the St. Elias Mountains. The latter include the Kluane Ranges, which abut Shakwak Valley, "Bates Ranges", Duke Depression, Donjek Range, and Icefield Ranges, which form
their ice-shrouded core.
The region has been subjected to repeated glacial and nonglacial intervals since late Tertiary time. However, most glacial landforms in the main valleys, primarily glacially scoured bedrock and outwash plains, were produced during the Kluane Glaciation between 29 000 and 12 500 years ago and
subsequent deglaciation. Most talus fans and aprons and landslides are partly a result of oversteepening of valley walls caused by glacial erosion.
Near the south end of Kluane Lake, the Slims Soil developed during a warm interval between B700 and 2BOO years ago. Climatic deterioration around 2BOO years ago marked the beginning of Neoglaciation. Morainic ridges, massive ice-cored moraines, and rock glaciers are the result of glacier advances
that occurred around 2BOO years ago, between 1250 and 1050 years ago, and during the last 450 years . Repeated advances by Lowell Glacier damned Alsek River and formed large lakes in its drainage basin also during Neoglaciation.
Experimental study on histopathological changes and tissue tropism of Iranian infectious bronchitis serotype 793/B-like virus in SPF chickens
Authors: Bijanzad Peyman , Momayez Reza , Bozorgmehrifard Mohammad H. , Hablolvarid Mohammad H. , Pourbakhsh Seyed A.
Published: May 2013

Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is prevalent in all countries with intensive poultry flocks. This disease is characterised primarily by respiratory signs, but some IBV strains may also infect other organs such as the intestinal and urogenital tracts. The aim of this study was to characterise the histopathological lesions and tissue tropism of Iranian isolate IR/773/2001(793/B) of avian infectious bronchitis virus in different organs of experimentally infected SPF chickens. Forty-two one-day-old, specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks were divided randomly into two groups (21 chicks to each group). At the age of 12 days, one group was inoculated intra-ocularly with 103 EID50 of the 793/B isolate, and the other was kept as the control group. Tissue samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days post-inoculation (PI). The IBV virus was detected in the caecal tonsils and cloaca from the 2nd to the 12th day PI. The virus was also detected in the kidneys from days 4–10 PI and in the bursa of Fabricius from days 4–12 PI. The virus was detected in the trachea, lungs and thymus. The most obvious histopathological lesions were found in the trachea, kidney, lungs and bursa of Fabricius. Amongst the lymphoid tissues, histopathological changes were found most frequently in the bursa of Fabricius. The results of this study indicated that the 793/B serotype of IBV is unlikely to cause mortality, severe clinical signs or gross lesions in infected chickens, but its replication in some tissues including the bursa of Fabricius could render birds susceptible to other micro-organisms.
New low-frequency electromagnetic modes associated with neutral dynamics in partially ionised plasma
Authors: Shaikh A. A. , Das A. C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. We have investigated the low frequency electromagnetic (EM) modes in inhomogeneous, magnetised partially ionised plasma by incorporating neutral dynamics. We have derived a general EM dispersion relation by using a two-fluids magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model. Our analysis shows that the neutral dynamics is playing an extremely important role in the physics of magnetised partially ionised plasma by giving rise to new kind of EM modes. We found (1) the new instability is linked with compressibility of neutral particles, the collision between neutral and charged species and the relative streaming in hot/cold, inhomogeneous, magnetised partially ionised plasma, (2) and that neutral dynamics is responsible for the modified (complex) inertial effect on magnetic field lines. Its consequences on the propagation characteristics of Alfvén wave and cyclotron frequency are discussed. Furthermore, a new mode similar to the Langmuir mode is reported. Finally, we discuss our results, for limiting cases, that may be appropriate for applications to space plasma environments including probable mechanism of escaping H+ and O− from the Martian atmosphere.
Using ice-flow models to evaluate potential sites of million year-old ice in Antarctica
Authors: Van Liefferinge B. , Pattyn F.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. Finding suitable potential sites for an undisturbed record of million-year old ice in Antarctica requires a slow-moving ice sheet (preferably an ice divide) and basal conditions that are not disturbed by large topographic variations. Furthermore, ice should be thick and cold basal conditions should prevail, since basal melting would destroy the bottom layers. However, thick ice (needed to resolve the signal at sufficient high resolution) increases basal temperatures, which is a conflicting condition in view of finding a suitable drill site. In addition, slow moving areas in the center of ice sheets are also low-accumulation areas, and low accumulation reduces potential cooling of the ice through vertical advection. While boundary conditions such as ice thickness and accumulation rates are relatively well constraint, the major uncertainty in determining basal conditions resides in the geothermal heat flow (GHF) underneath the ice sheet. We explore uncertainties in existing GHF datasets and their effect on basal temperatures of the Antarctic ice sheet and propose an updated method based on Pattyn (2010) to improve existing GHF datasets in agreement with known basal temperatures and their gradients to reduce this uncertainty. Both complementary methods lead to a better comprehension of basal temperature sensitivity and a characterization of potential ice coring sites within these uncertainties.
Research Note: Exploring the Determinants of Cruise Passengers' Expenditure at Ports of Call in Uruguay
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Fasone Vincenzo , Scuderi Raffaele , Zapata-Aguirre Sandra
Published: May 2013

Passengers disembarking from cruise ships at ports of call have significant economic effects on the host destination. This paper studies the determinants of cruise passengers' spending while visiting two ports in Uruguay. Data from an official survey are used to investigate the likely determinants of expenditure in the 2011–2012 cruise season. The Heckit model suggests the presence of a decision process of purchasing that might be more ‘instinctive’ than is suggested by the findings of other papers for general tourism expenditure. The improvement of the economic effects of a cruise requires the formulation of appropriate marketing strategies according to the nationality of passengers. In addition, several findings indicate that such enhancement is more required in the port of Punta del Este, whose logistics do not facilitate the direct disembarkation of tourists to the port.
The Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia and Gγ‐β°‐HPFH conditions in combination with β‐thalassemia and Hb S
Authors: Altay C. , Schroeder W.A. , Huisman T.H.J.
Published: May 2013

A combination of 2 forms of thalassemia has been observed in a member of a South Carolina family. The proposita, a 34‐year‐old black female with hemolytic anemia, had over 50% fetal hemoglobin, an elevated level of hemoglobin A2, and in vitro imbalance in chain synthesis. Family studies revealed a δβ‐thalassemia heterozygosity in her mother and 2 sibs and a β‐thalassemia heterozygosity in her son. The fetal hemoglobin of the δβ heterozygotes was of the Gγ type (i.e., the γ chain had glycine in position 136). Consequently, it may be concluded that the propositus has Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia‐β+ thalassemia; this is the first time that such a combination has been recognized. In 3 members of another family this same type of Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia occurred in combination with Hb S, whereas Gγ‐β°‐HPFH (hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin) and Hb S were present in 1 member of a third family. Clinical features and laboratory findings were specific for each condition and permitted a clear distinction between Gγ‐δβ‐thalassemia and Gγ‐β°‐HPFH. The discussion correlates these findings with data from 80 persons in 30 families whose Hb F was elevated and contained only Gγ chains.
The effect of serum from uremic patients on erythropoietin
Authors: Wallner Stephen F. , Kurnick John E. , Vautrin Rita , Ward Harry P.
Published: May 2013

Serum from patients with chronic renal failure (CRF serum) contains a substance inhibitory to erythropoiesis in vitro. This paper explores the mechanism of the inhibition. Four experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of CRF serum on erythropoietin (EP). In the first 2 experiments, the effect of exposure of EP solutions to CRF serum was evaluated using the plethoric mouse EP assay system and a tissue culture system containing normal dog marrow cells. In the third study, dog marrow cells were preincubated with CRF serum before being stimulated with EP. Finally, EP‐dose response curves were constructed in the dog marrow tissue culture system and analyzed using an enzyme kinetic model. The results show no evidence of inhibition or inactivation of EP by CRF serum, although in vitro heme synthesis is clearly depressed in the presence of CRF serum. We conclude that CRF serum inhibits erythropoiesis by directly, although reversibly, impairing the ability of erythroblasts to synthesize heme.
Leukocyte colony‐forming cells in the peripheral blood of children with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Weetman Robert M. , Altman Arnold J. , Rierden W. Joseph , Grosfeld Jay L. , Baehner Robert L.
Published: May 2013

Increased numbers of committed leukocyte precursor cells were observed in the peripheral blood of children with hereditary spherocytosis in a study that made use of the in vitro leukocyte colony‐forming technique. Five children with hereditary spherocytosis had increased numbers of peripheral blood colony‐forming unit cells (CFUc) before splenectomy (range 8.7‐27.2 CFUc/106 cells/plate; normal range 0‐5 CFUc/106 cells/plate), but no CFUc were found 24‐120 hours after splenectomy. Six additional cases of hereditary spherocytosis (presplenectomy) had increased CFUc in their peripheral blood (range 7.5‐61.3 CFUc/106 cells/plate). Three patients with other hemolytic anemias associated with increased hematopoietic activity also had increased peripheral blood CFUc values. Five cases of hereditary spherocytosis were studied two or more months after splenectomy and generally had normal numbers of CFUc in their blood (range 0‐6.4 CFUc per 106 cells/plate). In all spleens there was evidence of extramedullary hematopoiesis. Four patients with elliptocytosis and one patient with hereditary spherocytosis, all with intact spleens, had normal numbers of peripheral blood CFUc. These studies document increased peripheral blood CFUc in hereditary spherocytosis with hemolytic anemia of moderate severity and implicate the degree of hematopoietic stress as a factor in the regulation of increased CFUc emerging from the bone marrow in these patients. As an indicator of hematopoietic stress, an elevated reticulocyte count may reflect to some degree the presence of increased CFUc circulating in the peripheral blood of unsplenectomized hereditary spherocytosis patients.