bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional morphological variability of Recent rhynchonellide brachiopod crura
Authors: Schreiber Holly A. , Roopnarine Peter D. , Carlson Sandra J.
Published: July 2014

Crura, the calcareous support structures of the lophophore in rhynchonellide brachiopods, have historically been used to justify higher-level rhynchonellide classification and reveal major evolutionary lineages within rhynchonellides. Seventeen crural types have been described and categorized into four groups based on variation in overall structure and cross-sectional shape, but not evaluated in a quantitative or comprehensive manner. Heterochrony has been hypothesized to play a role in the evolutionary transitions among some types, but the structural, developmental, and phylogenetic context for testing these hypotheses has not yet been established. In this study, we use three-dimensional geometric morphometric techniques to quantify morphological disparity among all six crural morphs in Recent adult rhynchonellides, with the goal of delineating more objective criteria for identifying and comparing crural morphs, ultimately to test hypotheses explaining morphological transformations in ontogeny and phylogeny. We imaged the crura of seven Recent rhynchonellide species, using X-ray computed microtomography. We used landmarks and semi-landmarks to define the dimensions and curvature of the crura and the surrounding hinge area. Procrustes-standardized landmark coordinates were analyzed using a principal component analysis to test the discreteness of the individual crural morphs and named groups of morphs, and to identify features that vary most among the crural configurations.

Our results demonstrate that microCT imaging techniques provide novel ways to investigate the morphology of small features that may be otherwise impossible to quantify using more conventional imaging techniques. Although we predicted overlap among crural morphs in the 3-D shape space, the principal component analyses suggest that five of the six crural morphs differ distinctly from one another. Some but not all previously designated crural groups appear to exhibit morphological cohesion. This study establishes a quantitative morphological foundation necessary to begin an investigation of the phylogenetic significance of ontogenetic changes in crura, which will allow hypotheses of heterochrony to be tested.
Phylogenetic signal in extinction selectivity in Devonian terebratulide brachiopods
Authors: Harnik Paul G. , Fitzgerald Paul C. , Payne Jonathan L. , Carlson Sandra J.
Published: July 2014

Determining which biological traits affect taxonomic durations is critical for explaining macroevolutionary patterns. Two approaches are commonly used to investigate the associations between traits and durations and/or extinction and origination rates: analyses of taxonomic occurrence patterns in the fossil record and comparative phylogenetic analyses, predominantly of extant taxa. By capitalizing upon the empirical record of past extinctions, paleontological data avoid some of the limitations of existing methods for inferring extinction and origination rates from molecular phylogenies. However, most paleontological studies of extinction selectivity have ignored phylogenetic relationships because there is a dearth of phylogenetic hypotheses for diverse non-vertebrate higher taxa in the fossil record. This omission inflates the degrees of freedom in statistical analyses and leaves open the possibility that observed associations are indirect, reflecting shared evolutionary history rather than the direct influence of particular traits on durations. Here we investigate global patterns of extinction selectivity in Devonian terebratulide brachiopods and compare the results of taxonomic vs. phylogenetic approaches. Regression models that assume independence among taxa provide support for a positive association between geographic range size and genus duration but do not indicate an association between body size and genus duration. Brownian motion models of trait evolution identify significant similarities in body size, range size, and duration among closely related terebratulide genera. We use phylogenetic regression to account for shared evolutionary history and find support for a significant positive association between range size and duration among terebratulides that is also phylogenetically structured. The estimated range size–duration relationship is moderately weaker in the phylogenetic analysis due to the down-weighting of closely related genera that were both broadly distributed and long lived; however, this change in slope is not statistically significant. These results provide evidence for the phylogenetic conservatism of organismal and emergent traits, yet also the general phylogenetic independence of the relationship between range size and duration.
Effects of nutrients and zooplankton on an estuary's phytoplankton: inferences from a synthesis of 30 years of data
Authors: Ensign Scott H. , Leech Dina M. , Piehler Michael F.
Published: July 2014

Phytoplankton biomass is commonly used as a water quality metric in the management of anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus loading, yet interpretation of the long‐term response of phytoplankton biomass to nutrient regulation may be confounded by changes in zooplankton grazing pressure. Zooplankton community structure may be affected by planktivorous fish whose populations are subject to losses through fishing and gains through restoration efforts. We investigated temporal changes in phytoplankton biomass, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, zooplankton, and planktivorous fish in the tidal fresh and oligohaline Chowan River, NC, over a 30‐year period in order to compare long‐term trends in these parameters and infer their relative influence on phytoplankton biomass. Data were compiled from the records of two state agencies and several academic studies and supplemented by our own two year monitoring of water quality and zooplankton in the Chowan River mainstem and two tributaries. Seasonal trend decomposition using locally weighted regression was applied to chlorophyll a (a proxy for phytoplankton biomass), nitrogen, and phosphorus, and showed that chlorophyll a declined more quickly than did nutrient concentrations over the 30‐year period. Despite the long‐term decline in nitrogen and to a lesser extent phosphorus, the long‐term trend in phytoplankton growth rate (predicted using an empirical model involving irradiance and nutrients) remained relatively constant. Zooplankton abundance increased from the period 1981–1982 to 2008–2010, as did the predicted zooplankton community water clearance rate (a proxy for zooplankton grazing). River herring, historically the dominant planktivore, declined dramatically over the 30‐year period. The data indicate that the most parsimonious explanation for the long term decrease in chlorophyll a is an increase in zooplankton and not a decrease in nutrients. This inference leads us to hypothesize that the historically large river herring population exerted a positive, indirect influence on phytoplankton biomass in the Chowan River system, and that the decline in river herring has lead to higher zooplankton abundance and subsequently lower phytoplankton biomass.
Barriers to Compliance With Oregon Batterer Intervention Program Standards
Authors: Boal Ashley L. , Mankowski Eric S.
Published: July 2014

Although standards for batterer intervention programs (BIPs) have been adopted in nearly all U.S. states, there is no evidence that standards are implemented and no information about challenges programs may encounter in efforts to comply with standards. This study uses qualitative survey data from BIPs in the state of Oregon (N = 42) to identify barriers to implementation during a 2-year period following the introduction of state standards. Nine challenges were identified including difficulty finding qualified facilitators, inadequate funding, difficulty meeting training requirements, high workloads, trouble creating and maintaining collaborations, inability to accommodate diverse participant needs, conflict between state standards and county requirements, and perceived gaps between standards and evidence-based practices. These findings inform controversy surrounding BIP standards and efforts to increase BIP effectiveness.
Salivary Biomarkers in a Biofilm Overgrowth Model
Authors: Morelli Thiago , Stella Michael , Barros Silvana P. , Marchesan Julie T. , Moss Kevin L. , Kim Steven J. , Yu Ning , Aspiras Marcelo B. , Ward Marilyn , Offenbacher Steven
Published: July 2014

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine whether baseline salivary inflammatory biomarkers could discriminate between different clinical levels of disease and/or detect clinical changes over a 3‐week stent‐induced biofilm overgrowth (SIBO) period.

Methods: A total of 168 participants were enrolled in a 21‐day experimental gingivitis investigation and grouped according to clinical measures of periodontal status of health and diseased individuals representing each of five biofilm gingival interface (BGI) periodontal groups: 1) health, all probing depth (PD) <3 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) <10%; 2) gingivitis, all PD <3 mm and BOP ≥10%; 3) periodontitis (P)1, ≥1 site with PD >3 mm and BOP ≤10%; 4) P2, ≥1 site with PD >3 mm and BOP >10% but ≤50%; and 5) P3, ≥1 site with PD >3 mm and BOP >50%. Stents were used to prevent plaque removal during brushing over one maxillary and one mandibular posterior dental sextant for 21 days. Clinical periodontal parameters and unstimulated saliva were collected at screening, baseline, and each week during SIBO. Saliva samples were assessed for levels of 13 different biomarkers by multiplex immunoassay.

Results: Higher salivary levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were found in diseased groups compared with the healthy group at baseline. Conversely, higher IL‐1 receptor antagonist (ra) levels were found in healthy patients at baseline. In addition, during SIBO, MMP‐1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1, and TIMP‐2 levels increased across all participant groups. A stepwise linear regression model using all salivary biomarkers demonstrated that, at baseline, increased IL‐1ra (P = 0.004) and IL‐6 (P = 0.009) were significantly associated with change in PDs during SIBO.

Conclusions: In summary, this investigation supports salivary levels of IL‐1ra and IL‐6 as potential indicators for PD changes during induced gingival inflammation. In addition, participants from the BGI‐P3 group (severe periodontitis) demonstrated elevated baseline levels of IL‐1β, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, and NGAL compared with the other study groups, strengthening the relevance of participants’ biologic phenotype on expression of salivary biomarkers.
Distinguishing the Race-Specific Effects of Income Inequality and Mortality in U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Nuru-Jeter Amani M. , Williams Chyvette T. , LaVeist Thomas A.
Published: July 2014

In the United States, the association between income inequality and mortality has been fairly consistent. However, few studies have explicitly examined the impact of race. Studies that have either stratified outcomes by race or conducted analyses within race-specific groups suggest that the income inequality/mortality relation may differ for blacks and whites. The factors explaining the association may also differ for the two groups. Multivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis was used to examine associations between study variables. We used three measures of income inequality to examine the association between income inequality and age-adjusted all-cause mortality among blacks and whites separately. We also examined the role of racial residential segregation and concentrated poverty in explaining associations among groups. Metropolitan areas were included if they had a population of at least 100,000 and were at least 10 percent black. There was a positive income inequality/mortality association among blacks and an inverse association among whites. Racial residential segregation completely attenuated the income inequality/mortality relationship for blacks, but was not significant among whites. Concentrated poverty was a significant predictor of mortality rates in both groups but did not confound associations. The implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
All Things Being Equal: Does it Matter for Equity How You Organize and Pay for Health Care? A Review of the International Evidence
Authors: Bambra Clare , Garthwaite Kayleigh , Hunter David
Published: July 2014

Over the last 25 years, the health care systems of most high-income countries have experienced extensive—usually market-based—organizational and financial reforms. The impact of these system changes on health equity has been hotly debated. Examining evidence from systematic reviews of the effects of health care system organizational and financial reforms will add empirical information to this debate, identify any evidence gaps, and help policy development. Systematic review methodology was used to locate and evaluate published systematic reviews of quantitative intervention studies (experimental and observational) of the effects on equity in health care access and/or health status of health care system organizational and financial reforms (system financing, funding allocations, direct purchasing arrangements, organization of service provision, and health and social care system integration) in high-income countries. Nine systematic reviews were identified. Private insurance and out-of-pocket payments as well as the marketization and privatization of services have either negative or inconclusive equity effects. The evidence base on the health equity effects of managed care programs or integrated partnerships between health and social services is inconclusive. There were no relevant studies located that related to resource allocation reforms. The systematic review-level evidence base suggests that financial and organizational health care system reforms have had either inconclusive or negative impacts on health equity both in terms of access relative to need and in terms of health outcomes.
Quality Check: Does it Matter for Quality How You Organize and Pay for Health Care? A Review of the International Evidence
Authors: Footman Katharine , Garthwaite Kayleigh , Bambra Clare , McKee Martin
Published: July 2014

Health systems in high-income countries have experienced significant organizational and financial reforms over the last 25 years. The implications of these changes for the effectiveness of health care systems need to be examined, particularly in relation to their effects on the quality of health services (a pertinent issue in the United Kingdom in light of the Francis Report). Systematic review methodology was used to locate and evaluate published systematic reviews of quantitative intervention studies (experimental and observational) on the effects of health system organizational and financial reforms (system financing, funding allocations, direct purchasing arrangements, organization of service provision, and service integration) on quality of care in high-income countries. Nineteen systematic reviews were identified. The evidence on the payment of providers and purchaser-provider splits was inconclusive. In contrast, there is some evidence that greater integration of services can benefit patients. There were no relevant studies located relating to funding allocation reforms or direct purchasing arrangements. The systematic review-level evidence base suggests that the privatization and marketization of health care systems does not improve quality, with most financial and organizational reforms having either inconclusive or negative effects.
Using Comparative Analysis to Address Health System Caricatures
Authors: Gusmano Michael K. , Rodwin Victor G. , Weisz Daniel
Published: July 2014

To learn from health care systems abroad, we must move beyond simplistic characterizations and compare different systems with respect to salient performance measures. Despite findings from recent cross-national studies suggesting that many health care systems outperform the United States, claims by U.S. public officials often fail to acknowledge the actual accomplishments of health care systems abroad. We document significant variation among the United States and France, Germany, and England, which provide universal coverage, albeit in different ways. As previously documented, the United States has the highest rate of mortality amenable to health care. We extend this work by adding two indicators: ( a) access to timely and effective primary care as measured by hospital discharges for avoidable hospital conditions; and ( b) use of specialty services as indicated by coronary revascularization (bypass surgery and angioplasty), adjusted for the burden of coronary artery disease. Our findings indicate that: ( a) the United States suffers the gravest consequences of financial barriers to primary care; ( b) in all four countries, older people (65+) receive fewer revascularizations than their younger counterparts once we account for disease burden; and ( c) in France, patients receive the most revascularizations, after adjusting for the burden of disease.
Religious Involvement and Death Anxiety
Authors: Krause Neal , Hayward R. David
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study is to test a conceptual model that aims to clarify the relationship between religious commitment and death anxiety. This model contains the following hypotheses: (1) people who affiliate with Conservative Protestant congregations will be more likely to attend worship services; (2) people who go to church more often will be more likely to feel they belong in their congregations; (3) those who feel they belong in their congregations will be more deeply committed to their faith; (4) individuals who are more deeply committed to their faith will be more likely to forgive others; (5) people who forgive others are more likely to feel they have been forgiven by God; and (6) individuals who feel they are forgiven by God will experience less death anxiety. Data from a nationwide survey of older Mexican Americans provides support for each hypothesis.
Nursing Students' Approaches Toward Euthanasia
Authors: Ozcelik Hanife , Tekir Ozlem , Samancioglu Sevgin , Fadiloglu Cicek , Ozkara Erdem
Published: July 2014

Background:

In Turkey, which is a secular, democratic nation with a majority Muslim population, euthanasia is illegal and regarded as murder. Nurses and students can be faced with ethical dilemmas and a lack of a legal basis, with a conflict of religious beliefs and social and cultural values concerning euthanasia. The aim of this study was to investigate undergraduate nursing students' attitudes towards euthanasia.

Method:

The study, which had a descriptive design, was conducted with 600 students. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year nursing students at a school of nursing were contacted in May 2009, and 383 students (63.8% of the study population of a total of 600 students) gave informed consent. Two tools were used in accordance with questionnaire preparation rules.

Results:

The majority of students were female and single (96.9%), and their mean age was 21.3 ± 1.5 years. A majority (78.9%) stated they had received no training course/education on the concept of euthanasia. Nearly one-third (32.4%) of the students were against euthanasia; 14.3% of the students in the study agreed that if their relatives had an irreversible, lethal condition, passive euthanasia could be performed. In addition, 24.8% of the students agreed that if they themselves had an irreversible, lethal condition, passive euthanasia could be performed. Less than half (42.5%) of the students thought that discussions about euthanasia could be useful. There was a significant relation between the study year and being against euthanasia ( p < 0.05), the idea that euthanasia could be abused ( p < 0.05), and the idea that euthanasia was unethical ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the lack of legal regulations, ethical considerations, religious beliefs, and work experience with dying patients affect nursing students' attitudes towards euthanasia.
Asymptomatic flow of Rosai-Dorfman disease
Authors: Petrovic Dragan , Mihailovic Dragan , Petrovic Sladjana , Zivkovic Nikola , Mijovic Zaklina , Bjelakovic Bojko , Kostic Milos , Kesic Ljiljana , Stankovic Ana , Petrovic Milica , Vuckovic Ivica
Published: July 2014

Introduction. Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy is a rare
benign self-limiting disease of unknown etiology. The salivary gland
involvement, indicating the extranodal character of the disease, often
presents a diagnostic dilemma requiring immunohistochemical staining of
surgically removed tumor to confirm the diagnosis. Case report. We report a
43-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic mass in the left mandibular
angle. On physical examination, the lesion was described as a painless,
mobile, firm-elastic consistency nodule, which measured 4 ? 3 cm in diameter,
with normal overlying skin. A mass with the same characteristics, dimensions
2 ? 2 cm, was also noted in the right parotid region. No other changes in
regional lymph nodes were detected. On macroscopic examination the lesion was
firm, multilobulated, yellowish and rounded, while on microscopic examination
the lesion was composed almost entirely of polygonal histiocytes with
abundant cytoplasm, emperipolesis, plasma cells arranged in sheets, and
lymphocytes scattered or within clusters. The observed histiocytes were found
to be CD68 and S100 protein positive. Conclusion. Rosai-Dorfman disease is a
beningn and frequently overlooked clinical and pathological entity that may
be misinterpreted as a neoplastic disease.
Functional genioplasty in growing patients
Authors: Chamberland Sylvain , Proffit William R. , Chamberland Pier-Eric
Published: July 2014

Objective: 

To evaluate the role of age as a moderator of bone regeneration patterns and symphysis remodeling after genioplasty.

Method: 

Fifty-four patients who underwent genioplasty at the end of their orthodontic treatment were divided into three age groups: younger than 15 years at the time of surgery (group 1), 15 to 19 years (group 2), and 20 years or older (group 3). Twenty-three patients who did not accept genioplasty and had a follow-up radiograph 2 years after the end of their orthodontic treatment were used as a control group. Patients were evaluated at three time points: immediate preoperative (T1), immediate postoperative (T2,) and 2 years postsurgery (T3).

Results: 

The mean genial advancement at surgery was similar for the three age groups, but the extent of remodeling around the repositioned chin was greater in group 1, less in group 2, and still less in group 3. Symphysis thickness increased significantly during the 2-year postsurgery interval for the three groups, and this increase was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 3. Remodeling above and behind the repositioned chin also was greater in the younger patients. This was related to greater vertical growth of the dentoalveolar process in the younger patients. There was no evidence of a deleterious effect on mandibular growth.

Conclusion: 

The outcomes of forward-upward genioplasty include increased symphysis thickness, bone apposition above B point, and remodeling at the inferior border. When indications for this type of genioplasty are recognized, early surgical correction (before age 15) produces a better outcome in terms of bone remodeling. (Angle Orthod. 2015;85:360–373.)
Low Adiponectin Levels and Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Patients With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lindberg Søren , Jensen Jan S. , Pedersen Sune H. , Galatius Søren , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Bjerre Mette , Mogelvang Rasmus
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing hormone produced in adipose tissue, directly suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, stimulating fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and insulin secretion. In healthy humans, low plasma adiponectin levels associate with increased risk of T2DM; however, the relationship between adiponectin and T2DM in patients with MI has never been investigated.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We prospectively included 666 patients with ST-segment elevation MI, without diabetes, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, from September 2006 to December 2008 at a tertiary cardiac center. Blood samples were drawn before intervention, and total plasma adiponectin was measured in all samples. During follow-up (median 5.7 years [interquartile range 5.3–6.1]) 6% (n = 38) developed T2DM. Risk of T2DM was analyzed using a competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

Low adiponectin levels were associated with increased risk of T2DM (P < 0.001). Even after adjustment for confounding risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, current smoking, previous MI, BMI, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, estimated glomerular filtration rate, C-reactive protein, peak troponin I, and proatrial natriuretic peptide), low adiponectin levels remained an independent predictor of T2DM (hazard ratio [HR] 5.8 [2.3–15.0]; P < 0.001). Importantly, plasma adiponectin added to the predictive value of blood glucose, with the combination of high blood glucose and low plasma adiponectin, vastly increasing the risk of developing T2DM (HR 9.6 [3.7–25.3]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low plasma adiponectin levels are independently associated with increased risk of T2DM in patients with MI and added significantly to the predictive value of blood glucose.
Oncofetal antigen/immature laminin receptor protein in pregnancy and cancer
Authors: Barsoum Adel , Schwarzenberger Paul
Published: July 2014

The 37-kDa immature laminin receptor protein (iLRP) is a speciesconserved, universal immunogenic protein that is expressed in all thus-far examined embryonic and early fetal cells of inbred and outbred rodents. It has also been identified in human concepti. It is altered through normal maturation processes to become a non-immunogenic 67-kDa dimeric mature laminin receptor protein (mLRP) in mid-to late gestation in the mammalian fetus. This antigen ceases to be expressed as an active autoimmunogen in the full-term fetus and in the normal differentiating tissues and organs of the neonate or adult organism, apparently due to dimerization, but it is re-expressed as an immunogenic monomer in tumor cells. In this review, we highlight the known mechanisms of immune responses with particular emphasis on the possible role of the 37-kDa oncofetal antigen/immature laminin receptor (OFA/iLRP) in both pregnancy and cancer.
Comparative study of floral characteristics in the component lines of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Hasan MJ , Kulsum Umma , Rahman MH , Akter A , Shamsuddin AKM
Published: July 2014

Significant variations were obtained among the component lines for most of the floral traits. BRRI9A exhibited superiority for angle of open florets, stigma length and breadth, anther breadth, filament length, style length and panicle exertion rate while its corresponding maintainer lines BRRI9B showed superiority for duration of open florets, stigma length and breadth, anther breadth and filament length. This indicated BRRI9A and its corresponding maintainer line BRRI9B possessed very good floral traits that influence out crossing. Among the restorer lines BR168R showed superiority for duration of open florets, angle of open florets, duration of bloomed florets/panicle, stigma length, anther length and number of pollen/microscopic focus. This suggested BR168R could be used as promising restorer line with BRRI9A for hybrid seed production in local condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i1.19739 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(1): 1-8, 2014 (June)
Evaluation of growth, yield and quality of maize as influenced by genotypes and nitrogen levels
Authors: Singh Pradeep , Shukla UN , Kumar Kaushal , Singh Smita , Kumar V , Kumar Rajeev
Published: July 2014

Among genotypes, Dekalb 900 M Gold recorded significantly higher dry matter/plant, LAI, cobs placement height, grain yield, nitrogen content, protein content, protein yield and protein productivity than other genotypes. Leaves/plant and phytosynthetically active radiation (PAR) above canopy did not influenced by genotypes. Dry matter/plant, plant height, LAI, cobs placement height, protein content, protein yield and protein productivity exhibited higher under highest levels of nitrogen (160 kg N/ha), but at par with 120 kg N/ha. However, grain yield (6300 kg/ha) was highest under nitrogen levels of 120 kg/ha, but also at par with 160 kg N/ha (6240 kg/ha). The effect of applied nitrogen was found non-significant in respect of leaves/plant, PAR above and below canopy, photosynthetically active radiation interception and days taken to tasseling and silking. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i1.19747 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(1): 59-64, 2014 (June)
Stimulation of photosynthetic characteristics of Ginkgo biloba L. during leaf growth
Authors: Yang Xian-Song , Chen Guo-Xiang
Published: July 2014

Photosynthetic pigments, biochemical activities and chlorophyll a fluorescence kinetics were investigated to survey the photosynthetic characteristics of Ginkgo biloba L. during leaf growth. The content of total chlorophyll increased rapidly while the content of carotenoids changed a little. The content of ATP, the activity of O2 evolution of chloroplasts, the electron transport activities, the activity of photophosphorylation and the activities of Ca2+ - and Mg2+ - ATPase were strengthened. All leaves at various growing stages exhibited typical chlorophyll ? fluorescence transient, the intensity of fluorescence in the chlorophyll ? fluorescence transient (OJIP) increased during leaf growth. Photosynthetic abilities gradually increased as the leaves grew. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i1.19749 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(1): 73-77, 2014 (June)
New records of phytoplankton from wastewater lagoons of Pagla, Bangladesh
Authors: Gani Md Ataul , Alfasane Md Almajaddade , Khondker Moniruzzaman
Published: July 2014

Eight newly recorded phtyoplankton belonging to the algal Order Volvocales, Chlorococcales, Penales and Cryptomonadales from Bangladesh have been described in the present paper. The taxa are Collodictyon sparsavacuolatum Skuja, Tetrachloridium carteroides (Pascher et Jha) Huber-Pest., Chlamydomonas bicilliata Korsch., Chlorogonium liostracum Strehlow, Asterarcys cubensis Comas, Nitzschia hybrida Grun., Rhodomonas lens Pascher and Ruttner and R. ovalis Nygaard. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i1.19753 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(1): 87-90, 2014 (June)
Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient studies for taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.)
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA , Islam SMS , Debnath SC
Published: July 2014

Genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficient of taro, (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.) were estimated for 19 characters. Leaf length, leaf number, LAI, cormel length, corm weight, cormel weight, cormel length showed significant and positive correlation with yield per plant in both genotypic and phenotypic levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i1.19763 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(1): 113-117, 2014 (June)
Effects of Melia azedarach L. leaf and fruit on mineralization of carbon in soil
Authors: Kizildag Nacide , Cenkseven Sahen , Sagliker Husniye Aka , Darici Cengiz
Published: July 2014

Carbon mineralization in soil increased significantly due to additions of pure azadirachtin and powdered leaves and fruits of Melia azedarach L. under in vitro incubation for 30 days at 28°C. Cumulative respired C(CO2) clearly increased with incubation time in all treatments except in soil mixed with pure azadirachtin (p < 0.001). Carbon mineralization ratio in soils mixed with single doses of powdered leaf and fruit were significantly higher than the other doses tested.
Coupling of Heart Rate and Systolic Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Pregnancy
Authors: Fischer C. , Schroeder R. , Voss A.
Published: July 2014

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems”.

Background: Hypertensive pregnancy disorders affect 6 – 8 percent of all pregnancies and can result in severe complications for both the mother and the fetus.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to improve risk stratification of pregnant women suffering from hypertension and pre-eclampsia (PE) by applying bivariate Segmented Poincaré plot analysis (BSPPA).

Methods: From 35 pregnant women suffering from chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension and PE, 30 minutes of non invasive systolic blood pressure and beat-to-beat intervals were continuously recorded and analyzed by applying BSPPA to quantify their couplings.

Results: We revealed significant different couplings between chronic hypertension (CH), gestational hypertension and PE, indicating that cardiovascular regulation can be considerably altered depending on the type of hypertensive disorder. The optimal multivariate set of two BSPPA indices was determined which distinguish best between CH and PE. It achieved a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 77.8% and an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 90.8%.

Conclusions: The BSPPA method a) provides improved risk stratification for pregnant women suffering from hypertension and PE, b) increases the ability to diagnose pathological changes, and c) could contribute substantially to the differential diagnosis of hypertensive pregnancy disorders.
Synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines – sequential versus multicomponent reaction approach
Authors: Palka Barbara , Di Capua Angela , Anzini Maurizio , Vilkauskaité Gyté , Šačkus Algirdas , Holzer Wolfgang
Published: July 2014

A straightforward synthesis of 6-substituted 1-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines and the corresponding 5-oxides is presented. Hence, microwave-assisted treatment of 5-chloro-1-phenyl-3-trifluoromethylpyrazole-4-carbaldehyde with various terminal alkynes in the presence of tert-butylamine under Sonogashira-type cross-coupling conditions affords the former title compounds in a one-pot multicomponent procedure. Oximes derived from (intermediate) 5-alkynyl-1-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes were transformed into the corresponding 1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine 5-oxides by silver triflate-catalyzed cyclization. Detailed NMR spectroscopic investigations (1H, 13C, 15N and 19F) were undertaken with all obtained products.
Understanding Social Learning Behaviors via a Virtual Field Trip
Authors: Bai Xin , Lavin Joanne
Published: July 2014

This is a multidisciplinary study investigating how a virtual rather than face-to-face field trip can be conducted in a real-world setting and how students respond to such a social learning opportunity. Our participants followed a story of a stroke patient at her virtual home and in a virtual hospital via a teaching vignette. They were then given a new case and got on a virtual trip via a multiuser virtual environment. They played the roles of patients, relatives, doctors, or nurses, experiencing the emotional, physical, or social impacts those stakeholders may go through. Our study finds the overall participation of the Virtual Group is 50% more than the Text Group. Although the Virtual Group generates much more nodes in total, they focused much less on knowledge sharing and comparing than the Text Group (46 vs. 67), but more on other higher-level aspects of social interactions, such as knowledge discovery (57 vs. 42), co-construction (66 vs. 39), testing and modification (58 vs. 24) and application of newly constructed meaning (60 vs. 16). Analysis of students’ virtual field activities and in-depth discussions of important issues implied are included to help understand social learning behaviors during a virtual field trip. Sustainability of such systems is discussed.
Flash-Based Platform for Teaching Stored Program-Controlled Switching Courses
Authors: Ubul Kurban
Published: July 2014

Stored program controlled switching (SPCS) is crucial to communication, especially to the Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN). With the rapid development of telecommunication, networking and switching technology the SPCS course is showing its importance in Electrical/Communication Engineering (ECE) or other related engineering disciplines in communication. In this paper, a Macromedia Flash based platform is developed for undergraduate SPCS course. Because there are many complex processes in signaling and switching, such as calling process, operation of different switching mode and signaling system in SPCS course, it is too difficult for undergraduate students to understand these concepts. All those concepts in SPCS course are animated with Macromedia Flash, and related texts and sounds are followed by the animation. Comparing with the traditional methods, the platform showed better efficiency during the SPCS course teaching because of visualizing many theories in the course.
E-Learning and Students' Motivation: A Research Study on the Effect of E-Learning on Higher Education
Authors: Abou El-Seoud M. Samir , Taj-Eddin Islam A.T.F. , Seddiek Naglaa , El-Khouly Mahmoud M. , Nosseir Ann
Published: July 2014

The information technology educational programs at most universities in Egypt face many obstacles that can be overcome using technology enhanced learning. An open source Moodle e-learning platform has been implemented at many universities in Egypt, as an aid to deliver e-content and to provide the institution with various possibilities for implementing asynchronous e-learning web-based modules. This paper shows that the use of interactive features of e-learning increases the motivation of the undergraduate students for the learning process.
Evaluating E-Learning Systems: An Empirical Investigation on Students' Perception in Higher Education Area
Authors: Abbad Muneer , Jaber Faten
Published: July 2014

In search of better, traditional learning universities have expanded their ways to deliver knowledge and integrate cost effective e-learning systems. Universities' use of information and communication technologies has grown tremendously over the last decade. To ensure efficient use of the e-learning system, the Arab Open University (AOU) in Bahrain was the first to use e-learning system there, aimed to evaluate the good and bad practices, detect errors and determine areas for further improvements in usage. This study critically evaluated the students' perception of the elearning system in Bahrain and recommended changes to improve students' e-learning usage. Results of the study indicated that, in general, students have favourable perceptions toward using the e-learning system. This study has shown that technology acceptance is the most variable, factor that contributes to students' perception and satisfaction of the e-learning system.
African Youth Utilising IT-Essentials Innovation in Re-vitalisation of PCs to Equip Disadvantaged Rural Schools Shaping their ICT Learning Landscape: Namibian Case Study
Authors: Mbale Jameson
Published: July 2014

As the sub-Saharan region was expanding educational infrastructure, they met challenges to equip the rural schools with Personal Computers (PCs). The PCs as equipment that required frequently upgrading as technology evolved, the institutions from urban kept on replacing the outdated with the new ones that had high hardware and software specifications, such as RAM, hard-disc, CPU speed, etc. Though still functioning at an en-efficient level, the outdated PCs (o-PCs) were abandoned in some cases packed on corridors. These o-PCs were regarded as en-efficient because of degraded specification as in a long run technology demanded more resources. While these urban tertiary institutions were abandoning the o-PCs, the primary and secondary schools in rural areas were completely inaccessible of PCs. At a serious note, in some remote schools, pupils had not even touched a Computer Key-Board. These students were completely deprived of the IT/ICT technologies and services. It was against this background that the IT-Essentials students at the University of Namibia, in the Department of Computer Science, envisaged on an innovation of servicing and upgrading the abandoned o-PCs to be deployed in primary and secondary schools that were in remote areas. These refurbished PCs were deployed in targeted rural schools. In that way, these under privileged students had opportunity to experience and utilise the ICT facilities.
PUBLIC POLICY AND IMPACTS ON ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENTS: LEARNING FROM THE CONSTUCTION INDUSTRY PLAYMAKERS
Authors: Mulligan Timothy D. , Mollaoğlu-Korkmaz Sinem , Cotner Russell , Goldsberry Adrienne Domas
Published: July 2014

Sustainable practices in the built environment are becoming a more common phenomona as market penetration of green buildings grow. Despite the reported benefits of green buildings, barriers to sustainability still exist. To motivate wider adoption of sustainable built environments, this research studies public policy and its impacts. The study aims to understand the links between public policy, construction playmakers' (e.g., organizations', institutions', business owners', and developers') motivation to build green, and growth of sustainable built environments in the United States. As a step forward in this direction, this paper focuses on the case of Michigan and explores construction playmakers' motivations to build and/or occupy sustainable buildings and how effective current public policy in Michigan is at addressing these motivations. There is little research on the links among legislation, construction playmakers' motivation to build green, and the growth of sustainable built environment in the United States. This article's findings show that: 1) green building costs are still the most frequently-reported barrier to green building, 2) property developers are significantly less likely to utilize green building practices than other construction playmakers, 3) single-family residential buildings were the least likely building type to receive green certifications, and 4) construction playmakers report low levels of green policy awareness and use despite the presence of relevant public policies. These findings will provide direction for policy makers and advocates in creating policy that will effectively promote green building construction.
Human Regulatory B Cells Combine Phenotypic and Genetic Hallmarks with a Distinct Differentiation Fate
Authors: Lin Wenyu , Cerny Daniela , Chua Edmond , Duan Kaibo , Yi June Tai Jing , Shadan Nurhidaya Binte , Lum Josephine , Maho-Vaillant Maud , Zolezzi Francesca , Wong Siew Cheng , Larbi Anis , Fink Katja , Musette Philippe , Poidinger Michael , Calbo Sébastien
Published: July 2014

Regulatory B cells (B-reg) produce IL-10 and suppress inflammation in both mice and humans, but limited data on the phenotype and function of these cells have precluded detailed assessment of their contribution to host immunity. In this article, we report that human B-reg cannot be defined based on a phenotype composed of conventional B cell markers, and that IL-10 production can be elicited in both the CD27+ memory population and naive B cell subset after only a brief stimulation in vitro. We therefore sought to obtain a better definition of IL-10–producing human B-regs using a multiparameter analysis of B cell phenotype, function, and gene expression profile. Exposure to CpG and anti-Ig are the most potent stimuli for IL-10 secretion in human B cells, but microarray analysis revealed that human B cells cotreated with these reagents resulted in only ∼0.7% of genes being differentially expressed between IL-10+ and IL-10− cells. Instead, connectivity map analysis revealed that IL-10–secreting B cells are those undergoing specific differentiation toward a germinal center fate, and we identified a CD11c+ B cell subset that was not capable of producing IL-10 even under optimal conditions. Our findings will assist in the identification of a broader range of human pro–B-reg populations that may represent novel targets for immunotherapy.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Combinatorial Targeting of Multiple Human Dendritic Cell (DC) Subsets Leads to Enhanced T Cell Activation via IL-15–Dependent DC Crosstalk
Authors: Sehgal Kartik , Ragheb Ragy , Fahmy Tarek M. , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Dhodapkar Kavita M.
Published: July 2014

Most vaccines depend on coadministration of Ags and adjuvants that activate APCs. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an attractive vehicle for synchronized delivery of Ags and adjuvants to APCs and can be targeted to specific cell types, such as dendritic cells (DCs), which are potent APCs. Which subset of human DCs should be targeted for optimal activation of T cell immunity, however, remains unknown. In this article, we describe a poly-lactic-coglycolic acid–based NP platform, wherein avidin-decorated NPs can be targeted to multiple human DC subsets via biotinylated Abs. Both BDCA3+ and monocyte-derived DC-SIGN+ NP-loaded DCs were equally effective at generating Ag-specific human T cells in culture, including against complex peptide mixtures from viral and tumor Ags across multiple MHC molecules. Ab-mediated targeting of NPs to distinct DC subsets led to enhanced T cell immunity. However, combination targeting to both DC-SIGN and BDCA3+ DCs led to significantly greater activation of T cells compared with targeting either DC subset alone. Enhanced T cell activation following combination targeting depended on DC-mediated cytokine release and was IL-15 dependent. These data demonstrate that simultaneous targeting of multiple DC subsets may improve NP vaccines by engaging DC crosstalk and provides a novel approach to improving vaccines against pathogens and tumors.
Programmed Death-1 Pathway in Host Tissues Ameliorates Th17/Th1-Mediated Experimental Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Fujiwara Hideaki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kobayashi Koichiro , Nishimori Hisakazu , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Fujii Nobuharu , Kondo Eisei , Tanaka Takehiro , Chen Lieping , Azuma Miyuki , Yagita Hideo , Tanimoto Mitsune
Published: July 2014

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of late death and morbidity after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. We investigated the role of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway in chronic GVHD using a well-defined mouse model of B10.D2 (H-2d) donor to BALB/c (H-2d) recipients. PD-1 expression on allogeneic donor T cells was upregulated continuously in chronic GVHD development, whereas PD-L1 expression in host tissues was transiently upregulated and declined to basal levels in the late posttransplant period. Blockade of the PD-1 pathway by anti–PD-1, anti–PD-L1, or anti–PD-L2 mAbs exacerbated clinical and pathologic chronic GVHD. Chimeric mice revealed that PD-L1 expression in host tissues suppressed expansion of IL-17+IFN-γ+ T cells, and that PD-L1 expression on hematopoietic cells plays a role in the development of regulatory T cells only during the early transplantation period but does not affect the severity of chronic GVHD. Administration of the synthetic retinoid Am80 overcame the IL-17+IFN-γ+ T cell expansion caused by PD-L1 deficiency, resulting in reduced chronic GVHD damage in PD-L1−/− recipients. Stimulation of the PD-1 pathway also alleviated chronic GVHD. These results suggest that the PD-1 pathway contributes to the suppression of Th17/Th1-mediated chronic GVHD and may represent a new target for the prevention or treatment of chronic GVHD.