bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbiological Quality of Local Market Vended Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed M Shakir Uddin , Nasreen Tania , Feroza Badrunnessa , Parveen Sahana
Published: March 2010

Freshly squeezed or freshly prepared fruit juices sold by local market vendors in Dhaka city were analyzed for the microbiological quality. Total viable bacterial counts, fungal counts, total coliform, faecal coliform and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Streptococcus were analyzed by standard methods. The total viable count of samples ranged from 3.00×102 to 9.60×108 and fungal counts ranged from 1.00×102 to 8.05×104. Out of 114 freshly prepared fruit juices samples collected 113 samples (99%) showed the presence of coliform and E. coli. The other bacteria like B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Streptococcus were found in 64.91%, 6.14%, 7.89% and (5.26%) of the tested samples. The number and type of microorganisms recovered from the freshly squeezed fruit juices made them unsafe for drinking. It was concluded that due to unhygienic fruit handling in the unsanitary environmental conditions under which the vendors operate the juices become contaminated with harmful bacteria. The results of this study demonstrate the unhygienic quality of popular types of market vended freshly squeezed fruit juices and their risk to the consumers. Key Words: Fruit juices; Microorganisms; Contamination; E. coli; Microbiological quality standards.   DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4591 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 421-424, 2009
Status of some Micronutrients in Different Soils of Gazipur District as Related to Soil Properties and Land Type
Authors: Begum Khadiza , Jahan Israt , Rahman M Hasibur , Chowdhury M Shahjahan , Elahi Syed Fazle
Published: March 2010

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the status of micronutrients i.e. Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc and their behavior with respect to some general soil properties according to the land type in some soils of Gazipur district. A total of 114 soil samples were collected from different spots of Sripur and Kaliakair upazilas under Gazipur district which is situated in two physiograpic regions: Madhupur tract and Brahmaputra floodplain. Amount of total Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn varied significantly and ranged from 0.1817-0.3375%, 0.0094-0.0754% , 0.0028-0.0089% and 0.0080-0.1216% respectively in Sripur upazila whereas 0.1433-0.4864%, 0.0428-0.0804%, 0.0020-0.0079% and 0.0030-0.0399% in Kaliakair upazila of different land type. The content in the studied areas increases from high land to low land. The textural class in most soils is silty clay loam, silt loam, clay loam, silty clay and clay. The pH was highly acidic to moderately acidic and there was a small change of pH with the land type. Organic matter content showed an increasing trend from high land to low land of the studied soils. A significant and negative correlation observed between pH and total Mn content while other micronutrients (Fe, Cu and Zn) showed non-significant and negative relationship. Total exchangeable bases of some soils of the studied areas have positive significant correlation with micronutrients. Interaction of micronutrients with each other showed significant relationship. Key words: Fe; Mn; Cu; Zn; Madhupur tract; young Brahmaputra floodplain DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4592 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 425-430, 2009
In vitro Shoot Proliferation and Plant Regeneration of Physalis minima L. - a Perennial Medicinal Herb
Authors: Afroz Farhana , Hassan AKM Sayeed , Bari Laila Shamroze , Sultana Rebeka , Begum Nadira , Jahan Miskat Ara Akter , Khatun Rahima
Published: March 2010

The present study describes a protocol for high frequency plant regeneration of Physalis minima. Shoots were induced by culturing nodal segments and shoot tips from 15 day old seedlings. About 29 and 32 shoots were found to be induced from nodal segment and shoot tip explants, respectively, cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP. When shoots were subcultured on the fresh medium with same component as mentioned above, the shoots were elongated. Shoots rooted well when they were excised individually and implanted on half-strength MS medium with 0.3 mg/l NAA, where 98% shoots rooted within 12-15 days. In vitro grown plantlets with strong root system were successfully established in normal room temperature for seven days before transplanting in pots where they were reared for three weeks through successive acclimatization. The regenerated plants were successfully transferred to the soil with 90% survival rate. Key words: Physalis minima; Medicinal plant; Shoot proliferation; Micropropagation; Regeneration DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4597 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 453-456, 2009
Spectroscopic Characterization of Reaction Product of Tetrathiazyldihydrofluoride (S4N4H2F2) with Ni (II) Chloride
Authors: Sharma HK
Published: March 2010

Ni(II) chloride reacts with tetrathiazyldihydrofluoride in an organic medium to give sold composition of the complex (S4N4H2F2)2 NiCl2.The complex has been shown by physicohemical methods to be bidentated N-coordinated complex having distorted Oh geometry and paramagnetic character. Key Words: Tetra sulphur tetranitride; Tetrathiazyl dihydrofluoride; N-coordinated complex DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v44i4.4603 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 44(4), 485-487, 2009
Rangewide analysis of fungal associations in the fully mycoheterotrophic Corallorhiza striata complex (Orchidaceae) reveals extreme specificity on ectomycorrhizal Tomentella (Thelephoraceae) across North America
Authors: Barrett Craig F. , Freudenstein John V. , Lee Taylor D. , Kõljalg Urmas
Published: March 2010

Fully mycoheterotrophic plants offer a fascinating system for studying phylogenetic associations and dynamics of symbiotic specificity between hosts and parasites. These plants frequently parasitize mutualistic mycorrhizal symbioses between fungi and trees. Corallorhiza striata is a fully mycoheterotrophic, North American orchid distributed from Mexico to Canada, but the full extent of its fungal associations and specificity is unknown. Plastid DNA (orchids) and ITS (fungi) were sequenced for 107 individuals from 42 populations across North America to identify C. striata mycobionts and test hypotheses on fungal host specificity. Four largely allopatric orchid plastid clades were recovered, and all fungal sequences were most similar to ectomycorrhizal Tomentella (Thelephoraceae), nearly all to T. fuscocinerea. Orchid–fungal gene trees were incongruent but nonindependent; orchid clades associated with divergent sets of fungi, with a clade of Californian orchids subspecialized toward a narrow Tomentella fuscocinerea clade. Both geography and orchid clades were important determinants of fungal association, following a geographic mosaic model of specificity on Tomentella fungi. These findings corroborate patterns described in other fully mycoheterotrophic orchids and monotropes, represent one of the most extensive plant–fungal genetic investigations of fully mycoheterotrophic plants, and have conservation implications for the >400 plant species engaging in this trophic strategy worldwide.
Influence of psychological state of fresh and dry explants on in vitro culture response in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhao Y , Li XL , Amarasinghe AAY , Yang YS
Published: March 2010

Fresh or dry naked seed-explants of different maturity were cultured in vitro and their responses were investigated on a medium containing 2mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as growth regulator. It was found that the explants at lower maturity had lower rates of callus induction and lower production of callus masses than those with the more matured ones in the original cultures. However, the quality of the callus induced from the younger explants was much better since the ratio of somatic embryogenic to non somatic embryogenic callus produced by younger explants was higher and grew faster in the subsequent proliferation cultures. In comparison with fresh young seed-explants and dry ones at the same maturity, dry ones generally responded better in terms of the rate of callus induction and the quality of callus. The strategy of using immature naked seed-explants for obtaining more embryogenic callus was highly effective especially for those varieties with relatively poor in vitro culture response. Key words: Rice, explant; physiological state; callus; maturity; embryogenic.DOI: 10.4038/jas.v4i1.1640 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009, vol. 4, no. 1 pp.1-9
Development of a cultured milk beverage using chedder cheese whey
Authors: Senarathna IWP , Bandara RMAS , Wickramanayaka D , Udayathilaka EU , Wijeratne AW
Published: March 2010

Presently there is a growing interest in utilization of whey by products. The study was carried out to develop a cultured milk beverage using Cheddar cheese whey. Used ingredients were Cheddar cheese whey, Mango pulp, Sugar, Full cream milk powder and yoghurt culture (DVS) and the role of each ingredient in the processing of the product was examined. Shelf life of most sensory scored sample was determined by evaluating chemical and microbial properties. According to the two factor factorial model 9 samples were obtained by mixing different levels of ingredients. A sensory evaluation was carried out to detect the appropriate levels of ingredients in the final product. Data were collected from 9 samples and were analyzed by using the Friedman test of the Minitab 15 software. Treatment with 1L of whey, 100ml of Mango pulp, 180g of sugar and 40g of milk powder exhibited the highest overall acceptability with 11 days of shelf life. There was no treatment effect on viscosity. Key Words: Whey; Sensory Evaluation; Friedman Test; Shelf life evaluation DOI: 10.4038/jas.v4i1.1643 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009, vol. 4, no. 1 pp.29-44
Customer-defined quality of food: an empirical investigation based on Kano Analytical Methods for milk powder
Authors: Lakni WAKI , Jayasinghe-Mudalige UK
Published: March 2010

Using the Kano Analytical Methods [KAM] (Kano et al., 1984), this study examined empirically the consumer satisfaction towards 18 food quality attributes defined in the Caswell's classification on customer-defined food quality for the special case of milk powder products. A two-stage research program (i.e. to identify the different forms of attributes and to classify which using the KAM) was carried out to collect data from consumers in a supermarket setting in the Gampaha district from May to June 2008. The results show that consumers judge the 18 attributes as: (a) 4 "One-dimensional" (calorie content, compositional integrity, labeling, past purchase experiences); (b) 7 "Attractive" (size, fat and cholesterol content, taste, appearance, package material, brand name, advertising); (c) 5 "Indifferent" (size, place of origin, price, smell, food additives & preservatives), and (d) 2 "Must-be" (no pathogens, certification). The results are vital for food marketers to adjust the quality of their products to respond effectively to the consumer demands for both intrinsic and extrinsic food quality attributes. Key words: Kano Analytical Methods; milk powder; food quality; consumer. DOI: 10.4038/jas.v4i2.1644 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009, vol. 4, no. 2 pp.45-58
A field assessment of the factors affecting horse hair blight (Marasmius equicrinis) in tea in the Ratnapura District
Authors: Dassanayake NC , Wanigasundara WADP , Balasuriya A , Amaratunge MKSLD
Published: March 2010

Horse Hair Blight (HHB) is an epiphytic fungus which is not considered phytopathogenic. However, under the hot and humid conditions prevailing in the low country, its proliferation in a habitat like tea bush canopies can cause heavy physical hindrance in major operations such as plucking and pruning. The objectives of this study were to identify the major contributory factors that influence the incidence of HHB in tea gardens while assessing the level of adoption of the recommended remedial measures. This study was conducted in tea gardens that go under water during floods and that do not, in Nivitigala and Elapatha Tea Inspector Ranges in Ratnapura. Primary and secondary data were collected and a field survey using pre tested structured questionnaires by visiting 104 randomly selected tea-small-holder-farmers. The severity of the problem in each field was assessed using the field disease key index and categorized as per the severity of disease spread. Approximately 86% of the surveyed sample has recorded HHB at different intensities. However, a majority of the cases were at moderate levels. Environmental factors seem to be the most important determinants to the occurrence of HHB. Highly significant relationships were seen between the HHB and shade level, soil texture, age of the crop and the type of cultivar. No yield reductions were observed due to HHB. However, it was found to affect the bush health. More than the social standing of the individual, the economic reasons, extent of skills of the available labour and the lack of awareness has an effect on the prevalence of the HHB.Keywords: HHB-Horse Hair Blight; Tea; Low Country; Sri Lanka DOI: 10.4038/jas.v4i2.1645 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009, vol. 4, no. 2 pp.59-66
Symbiotic diversity among acid-tolerant bradyrhizobial isolates with cowpea
Authors: Appunu C , Reddy LML , Reddy CVCM , Sen D , Dhar B
Published: March 2010

A total of eight acid tolerant strains of bradyrhizobia isolates from indigenous cowpea plants grown in acid soil in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, were examined for their ability to survive in soil and yeast extract mannitol broth at low pH levels. All these isolates survived in acidic (pH 3.5-6.5) conditions. Survival capacity of rhizobia was higher in soil than in nutrient medium at low pH 3.5-6.5 levels. Symbiotic effectiveness of these strains under polyhouse conditions in sterilized soil of pH 4.5 recorded the highest and lowest symbiotic characters for dry matter production and nitrogen improvement per plant in CR09 and CR20 inoculated plants, respectively. All the examined isolates showed variability in their symbiotic performances. The strain found to be more tolerant to stress were more effective N2 fixers in symbiosis with cowpea cv. Paiyur1 under acid-soil conditions. Symbiotic variation among different strains showed that there is potential to improve strain performance under stress conditions. Key words: Acid tolerant; bradyrhizobia; cowpea; symbiotic effectiveness. DOI: 10.4038/jas.v4i3.1651 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2009, vol. 4, no. 3 pp.126-131
CD47 Is Required for Suppression of Allograft Rejection by Donor-Specific Transfusion
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Xiaojian , Wang Yuantao , Oldenborg Per-Arne , Yang Yong-Guang
Published: March 2010

CD47 is a ligand of the inhibitory receptor, signal regulatory protein (SIRP)α, and its interaction with SIRPα on macrophages prevents phagocytosis of autologous hematopoietic cells. CD47–SIRPα signaling also regulates dendritic cell (DC) endocytosis, activation, and maturation. In this study, we show that CD47 expression on donor cells plays an important role in suppression of allograft rejection by donor-specific transfusion (DST). DST was performed by i.v. injection of splenocytes from C57BL/6 donors into MHC class I-disparate bm1 mice 7 d prior to donor skin grafting. Administration of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 donor splenocytes markedly prolonged donor skin survival in bm1 mouse recipients. In contrast, bm1 mice receiving DST from CD47 knockout (KO) donors showed no inhibition or even acceleration of donor skin graft rejection compared with non-DST control (naive) bm1 mice. T cells from bm1 mice receiving CD47 KO, but not WT, DST exhibited strong anti-donor responses. The ability of DST to suppress alloresponses was positively correlated with the density of CD47 molecules on donor cells, as CD47+/− DST was able to prolonged donor skin survival, but to a significantly less extent than WT DST. Furthermore, DCs from CD47 KO, but not WT, DST recipients showed rapid activation and contributed to donor skin rejection. These results show for the first time that CD47 on donor cells is required to repress recipient DC activation and suppress allograft rejection after DST, and suggest CD47 as a potential target for facilitating the induction of transplant tolerance.
Cutting Edge: Novel Function of B Cell-Activating Factor in the Induction of IL-10–Producing Regulatory B Cells
Authors: Yang Min , Sun Lingyun , Wang Shengjun , Ko King-Hung , Xu Huaxi , Zheng Bo-Jian , Cao Xuetao , Lu Liwei
Published: March 2010

Although B cells have been shown to possess a regulatory function, microenvironmental factors or cytokines involved in the induction of regulatory B cells remain largely uncharacterized. B cell-activating factor (BAFF), a member of TNF family cytokines, is a key regulator for B cell maturation and function. In this study, we detected significantly increased numbers of IL-10–producing B cells in BAFF-treated B cell cultures, an effect specifically abrogated by neutralization of BAFF with TACI-Fc. BAFF-induced IL-10–producing B cells showed a distinct CD1dhiCD5+ phenotype, which were mainly derived from marginal zone B cells. Moreover, BAFF activated transcription factor AP-1 for binding to IL-10 promoter. Notably, BAFF treatment in vivo increased the number of IL-10–producing B cells in marginal zone regions. Furthermore, BAFF-induced IL-10–producing B cells possess a regulatory function both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings identify a novel function of BAFF in the induction of IL-10–producing regulatory B cells.
Cutting Edge: The Membrane Type Matrix Metalloproteinase MMP14 Mediates Constitutive Shedding of MHC Class I Chain-Related Molecule A Independent of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases
Authors: Liu Gang , Atteridge Catherine L. , Wang Xuanjun , Lundgren Ashley D. , Wu Jennifer D.
Published: March 2010

Engagement of tumor cell surface MHC class I chain-related molecule A (MICA) to NKG2D stimulates NK and T cell antitumor immunity. Shedding of MICA by tumor cells facilitates tumor immune evasion, which may in part contribute to tumor progression. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms by which tumors shed MIC is of great importance for therapy to reinforce NK and T cell antitumor immunity. In this study, we report that the membrane type matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)14 mediates MICA shedding. Suppression of MMP14 expression blocks MICA shedding. Concomitantly, overexpression of MMP14 enhances MICA shedding. The regulation of MICA shedding by MMP14 is independent of the activity of a disintegrin and metalloproteinases, which have been reported to mediate MICA shedding. Finally, MMP14 expression in MICA-positive tumor cells regulates the sensitivity of tumor cells to NK cell killing. These findings suggest that MMP14 may be a new target for tumor immune therapy.
Multiplicity of global minima for parametrized functions
Authors: Ricceri Biagio
Published: March 2010

Let

X

be a topological space,

I

a real interval and

\Psi

a real-valued function on

X\times I

. In this paper, we prove that if

\Psi

is lower semicontinuous and inf-compact in

X

, quasiconcave and continuous in

I

and satisfies

\sup_I \inf_X \Psi < \inf_X \sup_I \Psi

, then there exists

λ^*\in I

such that

\Psi (\cdot ,λ^*)

has at least two global minima. An application involving the integral functional of the calculus of variations is also presented.
Functionalized Poly(D,L‐lactide) for Pulmonary Epithelial Cell Culture
Authors: Lin Yuan‐Min , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Knowles Jonathan , Bishop Anne , Bismarck Alexander
Published: March 2010

Functional groups on a material surface affect the response of many cell types. As part of our strategy aimed at engineering lung tissue, we introduced functional groups into the surface of Poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLLA) films to improve its suitability for the culture of mature pulmonary epithelial cells (A549 line) using two different methods. The first method, aminolysis, can introduce primary amines into PDLLA films by transesterification using 1–15% of ethylenediamine in isopropanol. The second method, a branching modification, can generate amine‐terminated or carboxylic acid‐terminated tree‐like branched architectures. All modified PDLLA surfaces exhibited lower water contact angles, i.e. are more hydrophilic than unmodified PDLLA. PDLLA treated with 15% ethylenediamine exhibited a rougher surface than the control, and PDLLA with branching modification had a droplet‐like surface topography as visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). PDLLA treated with 15% ethylenediamine and branching modification with two and three generations enhanced the attachment of pulmonary epithelial cells measured using Hoechst dye. Immunostaining demonsatrated that amine‐terminated branched architectures allowed for better focal adhesion point formation than the control 24 h after cell seeding. Furthermore, they also induced higher A549 cell populations and levels of activity after 4 days in culture measured using Hoechst dye and WST1 cell proliferation reagents, respectively. In contrast, carboxylic acid‐terminated branching architectures were found to reduce the cell population size after 4 days. It was concluded that the concentration, type and distribution of surface functional groups can affect significantly the behavior of pulmonary epithelial cells growing on a PDLLA surface, and PDLLA film modified with two or three generations of amine‐terminated branched architectures is a suitable 2D scaffold for the culture of of pulmonary epithelial cells.
Occupational fatalities, injuries, illnesses, and related economic loss in the wholesale and retail trade sector
Authors: Anderson Vern Putz , Schulte Paul A. , Sestito John , Linn Herb , Nguyen Long S.
Published: March 2010

Background

The wholesale and retail trade (WRT) sector employs over 21 million workers, or nearly 19% of the annual average employment in private industry. The perception is that workers in this sector are generally at low risk of occupational injury and death. These workers, however, are engaged in a wide range of demanding job activities and are exposed to a variety of hazards. Prior to this report, a comprehensive appraisal of the occupational fatal and nonfatal burdens affecting the retail and wholesale sectors was lacking. The focus of this review is to assess the overall occupational safety and health burden in WRT and to identify various subsectors that have high rates of burden from occupational causes. Ultimately, these findings should be useful for targeted intervention efforts.

Methods

We reviewed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2006 fatality, injury, and illness data for the WRT sector and provide comparisons between the WRT sector, its' subsectors, and private industry, which serves as a baseline. The BLS data provide both counts and standardized incidence rates for various exposures, events, and injury types for fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. In an effort to estimate the economic burden of these fatalities, injuries, and illnesses, a focused review of the literature was conducted.

Results and Conclusion

In 2006, WRT workers experienced 820,500 injuries/illnesses and 581 fatalities. The total case injury/illness rate for the retail sector was 4.9/100 FTE and for the wholesale sector 4.1/100 FTE. The WRT sector represents 15.5% of the private sector work population in 2006, yet accounts for 20.1% of nonfatal injuries and illnesses of the private sector. In 2003, the disparity was only 2% but increased to 3% in 2004 and 2005. Three WRT subsectors had injury/illness rates well above the national average: beer/wine/liquor (8.4/100); building materials/supplies (7.6/100); and grocery‐related products (7.0/100). Occupational deaths with the highest rates were found in gasoline stations (9.8/100,000), convenience stores (6.1/100,000), and used car dealers (5.5/100,000). In terms of actual numbers, the category of food and beverage stores had 82 fatalities in 2006. Based on 1993 data, costs, both direct and indirect, in the WRT sector for fatal injuries were estimated to exceed $8.6 billion. The full economic loss to society and the family has not been adequately measured. Overexertion and contact with objects/equipment represent the top two events or exposures leading to injury or illness. Together they account for 57% of the events or exposures for nonfatal WRT injuries and illnesses. This sector is important because it is large and pervasive as a result, even a relatively small increase in injury rates and accompanying days away from work will have significant impact on working families and society. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:673–685, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism alters sympathovagal balance in healthy subjects
Authors: Yang Albert C. , Chen Tai‐Jui , Tsai Shih‐Jen , Hong Chen‐Jee , Kuo Chung‐Hsun , Yang Cheng‐Hung , Kao Ko‐Pei
Published: March 2010

A common polymorphism of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Val66Met) has been implicated in anxiety, which is associated with lower vagal activity. We hypothesize that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may have a modulatory effect on the cardiac sympathovagal balance. A total of 211 healthy Chinese‐Han adults (58 male, 153 female, aged 33.3 ± 10.3 years) were recruited with three BDNF genotypes: Val/Val (47, 22.3%), Val/Met (108, 51.2%), and Met/Met (56, 26.5%). Autonomic function was assessed via an analysis of heart rate variability. Reductions in high‐frequency power, an index for parasympathetic activity, and increases in the low‐frequency/high‐frequency ratio, an index for sympathovagal balance, were found in subjects bearing the Met/Met genotype as compared to the Val/Val group. These results suggest that an altered sympathovagal balance with relatively decreased parasympathetic activity is associated with the Met/Met genotype, suggesting a potential role for the studied BDNF polymorphism in modulating cardiac autonomic functions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in ranging and agonistic behavior of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) after predator‐induced group fusion
Authors: Jaffe Karin Enstam , Isbell Lynne A.
Published: March 2010

Socio‐ecological theory predicts that group fusion in female‐philopatric primate species will be rare because females experience increased costs by associating with non‐relatives. Indeed, fusion has been reported only 14 times in only 4 female‐philopatric cercopithecines despite many years of observation. Here, we describe changes in ranging and agonistic behavior of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) after the fusion of two groups, the sole group fusion during 11 years of observation, induced by a brief but intense period of apparent leopard predation. Before fusion, both groups made few incursions into the other group's territory and spent most of the time in their own territories. After the fusion, the amalgamated group shifted its activities and used both territories in similar proportion. Rates of female agonism increased after fusion, particularly in the 2 weeks following fusion, and the small group females assumed the lowest ranks in the female dominance hierarchy. Rates of agonism returned to prefusion rates a month later. Although rates of high‐intensity interactions (i.e., chases) did not increase after fusion, small group females were more likely to be the recipients of, and lose, agonistic interactions than large group females; a small group female and her infant were attacked and wounded by a coalition of large group females shortly after the fusion. The observations presented here reveal that the circumstances surrounding group fusions are more variable than previously realized, but are still in accordance with expectations from socio‐ecological theory that predation can favor the formation of larger groups. In this case, under threat of severe predation, individuals may have surrendered group autonomy for the greater security of larger numbers. Am. J. Primatol. 72:634–644, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective expression of connective tissue growth factor in fibroblasts in vivo promotes systemic tissue fibrosis
Authors: Sonnylal Sonali , Shi‐Wen Xu , Leoni Patricia , Naff Katherine , Van Pelt Caroline S. , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Leask Andrew , Abraham David , Bou‐Gharios George , de Crombrugghe Benoit
Published: March 2010

Objective

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cysteine‐rich secreted matricellular protein involved in wound healing and tissue repair. Enhanced and prolonged expression of CTGF has been associated with tissue fibrosis in humans. However, questions remain as to whether CTGF expression alone is sufficient to drive fibrosis. This study was undertaken to investigate whether CTGF alone is sufficient to cause fibrosis in intact animals and whether its effects are mediated through activation of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling or through distinct signal transduction pathways.

Methods

We generated mice overexpressing CTGF in fibroblasts under the control of the fibroblast‐specific collagen α2(I) promoter enhancer. Tissues such as skin, lung, and kidney were harvested for histologic analysis. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts were prepared from embryos (14.5 days postcoitum) for biochemical analysis.

Results

Mice overexpressing CTGF in fibroblasts were susceptible to accelerated tissue fibrosis affecting the skin, lung, kidney, and vasculature, most notably the small arteries. We identified a marked expansion of the myofibroblast cell population in the dermis. RNA analysis of transgenic dermal fibroblasts revealed elevated expression of key matrix genes, consistent with a fibrogenic response. CTGF induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK‐1/2, JNK, and Akt, but not Smad3, in transgenic mouse fibroblasts compared with wild‐type mouse fibroblasts. Transfection experiments showed significantly increased basal activity of the CTGF and serum response element promoters, and enhanced induction of the CTGF promoter in the presence of TGFβ.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that selective expression of CTGF in fibroblasts alone causes tissue fibrosis in vivo through specific signaling pathways, integrating cues from the extracellular matrix into signal transduction pathways to orchestrate pivotal biologic responses relevant to tissue repair and fibrosis.
Deutsches Archäologisches Institut DAI in Rom
Authors: Czentner Günther , Fiedler Lutz , Kapphahn Gerd , Steffens Klaus
Published: March 2010

Die Bundesrepublik betreibt in Rom das Deutsche Archäologische Institut (DAI). Der achtstöckige Stahlbeton‐Skelettbau aus dem Baujahr 1963 mit ca. 8000 m2 Geschossfläche als Rippendecken mit Ziegelhohlkörpern soll für Bibliothekslasten überprüft und erdbebensicher ertüchtigt werden.

Rechnerische Nachweise und ein früherer Belastungsversuch mit Wasserballast ergaben keine ausreichende Tragsicherheit. Um einen sehr aufwendigen Dübelverbund der geplanten Aufbetonschicht zur Herstellung der erforderlichen Platten‐ und Scheibensteifigkeit zu vermeiden, ist im März 2009 an repräsentativen Testbereichen die Tragwirkung eines flächigen Haftverbunds in situ erprobt worden. Aus den Ergebnissen der zerstörungsfreien Ermittlung der Grenzschnittgrößen für das Verbundsystem Bestand — Verbundschicht — Aufbeton konnte anschließend in einem hybriden Verfahren die Tragsicherheit für Bibliothekslasten q = 6,0 kN/m2 sowie die Erdbebensicherheit rechnerisch nachgewiesen werden.

Die Belastungsversuche in situ erforderten regelbare Versuchslasten bis zu ΣF = 360 kN je Deckenfeld und haben eine Versuchsdauer von 2 Wochen in Anspruch genommen. Das gesamte Equipment wurde per LKW nach Rom transportiert und wog etwa 8 t.

German Archaeologicial Institute in Rome — Structural safety for library loads and earthquake‐proof with hybrid statics. The Federal Republic of Germany supports the German Archaeological Institute in Rome. The 8‐storey steal concrete frame building from 1963 with 6000 m2 storey area has ribbed slabs with hollow‐bricks should be enforced for library use and earthquake‐proof. From Numerical calculations and a former loading test with water ballast, no adequate structural safety results. In March 2009 at adequate test areas the bearing capacity of a mineral resin‐bonding was tested in situ to avoid a very expensive stud bond for the planned blinding concrete for the necessary slab stiffness. From the non‐destructive evaluation of the limit stress resultant for the composit system “actual slab — knitting layer — structural concrete topping” the structural safety for library loads q = 6,0 kN/m2 and seismic design could be verified with hybrid statics.

The loading tests in situ required controllable test loads up to ΣF = 360 kN for each ceiling panel have been accomplished during two weeks. The total equipment of about 8 tons was transported by truck to Rome.
Zur Feuchteproblematik in Eissporthallen
Authors: Güldenpfennig Jürgen , Vogelsberg Achim , Stamminger Petra
Published: March 2010

Aufgrund vieler Untersuchungen zur Standsicherheit von Eissporthallen wurde festgestellt, dass diese in unterschiedlichem Maße saniert werden müssen. Die Holzfeuchtigkeit der Tragkonstruktionen betrug meistens langanhaltend über 20 %. Daher wurden Untersuchungen zu den Ursachen hoher Holzfeuchten in Eissporthallen durchgeführt. Eine der Ursachen liegt in dem Strahlungsaustausch zwischen der Hallendecke und der Eisfläche. Zu dieser Problematik wurden Versuche durchgeführt und daraus mögliche Verbesserungsvorschläge für Eissporthallen abgeleitet.

About the humidity problem in ice rinks. After expertising the structural safety of several ice rinks, it was detected that the constructions of several buildings have to be redeveloped. The long lasting wood moisture of the main structure was predominantly over 20 %. Therefore research into the reason of high wood moisture in ice rinks was made. One fact is the exchange of radiation between the ceiling and the ice. This problem was analysed in tests and suggestions for improvement are made.
Gestörter Bauablauf — Baubetriebliche Ermittlung von Bauzeitverlängerungen und Berechnung der Mehrkosten
Authors: Bötzkes Frank A.
Published: March 2010

Der Nachweis des gestörten Bauablaufs ist die schwierigste Herausforderung für Baubetriebler. Dies liegt nicht nur an der Komplexität gestörter Bauabläufe großer Projekte, sondern vor allem an den Anforderungen, die Baujuristen an den Nachweis stellen.

Disturbed construction process — Determination of extra construction time and calculation of the additional costs of construction. The detection of the disturbed construction process is the most difficult challenge for construction managers. This is not only because of the complexity of disturbed construction processes of large projects, but primarily because of the requirements of demonstration for the legal experts in construction.
Hölzerne Bogenbrücken und Modellstatik von Perrault bis Euler
Authors: Holzer Stefan M.
Published: March 2010

Die alte Idee einer hölzernen Brücke mit einem Tragwerk aus polygonalen Stabbögen wurde im 17. Jh. wiederbelebt und zieht sich von da an durch die Fachliteratur zum Bauwesen. Praktische Anwendungen der Idee finden sich jedoch erst in der zweiten Hälfte des 18. Jh., und zwar vor allem im Lehrgerüstbau. Der Beitrag verfolgt einen Entwurf Claude Perraults und einen Konkurrenzvorschlag, nämlich den hölzernen Stabbogen nach Vorlage der Trajansbrücke über die Donau, durch die Literatur und zeigt auf, dass die Propaganda für hölzerne Bogenbrücken eng verzahnt ist mit den ersten Versuchen einer “Modellstatik”: Das Tragwerk wird im Modell gebaut und belastet, und anhand der Traglast des Modells wird auf jene der Originalbrücke hochgerechnet. Während die Geschichte der Bogenstatik schon oft untersucht worden ist, schlägt der vorliegende Beitrag ein bisher wenig beachtetes Kapitel der frühen Ingenieurwissenschaft auf.

Arched timber bridges and structural analysis by scale models. Timber bridges based on the principle of polygonal arches are an idea which received increased attention from the 17th century onwards. However, the idea remained mostly academic. It was intimately connected to early attempts at structural analysis using scale models. The present contribution discusses the evolution of the arched timber bridge and the associated model‐based considerations on the load‐bearing capacity of such structures. When Euler had finally figured out precisely how model‐based analysis could be employed, the high tide of model‐building was already over, and analytical methods came to dominate the scene.
Sensitivity to cadmium chloride‐induced forelimb ectrodactyly is independent of the p53 gene‐dosage in the C57BL/6J mouse
Authors: Elsaid Ahmed F. , Koriem Khaled M. M. , Collins Michael D.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

The p53 pathway plays an important role in the regulation of apoptosis, osteoblast differentiation, skeletal development, and teratogenic sensitivity. The administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) on gestational day 9 in susceptible mouse strains causes postaxial forelimb ectrodactyly in a percentage of fetuses through unknown mechanisms. In this study, the hypothesis that the p53 gene dosage might affect the incidence or severity of CdCl2–induced forelimb ectrodactyly was examined.

METHODS:

Heterozygous p53‐null female mice, on the C57BL/6J background known to be sensitive to CdCl2‐induced forelimb ectrodactyly, were mated with heterozygous males and then treated with a single intraperitoneal (ip) dose of CdCl2 (4 mg × kg−1) at embryonic day (ED) 9. Embryos and fetuses, genotyped using DNA isolated from the yolk sacs, were collected at ED10 and examined for the pattern of cell death in the limb buds or collected at ED18 and examined for limb malformations.

RESULTS:

In the wild type and heterozygous p53 embryonic limb buds, CdCl2‐induced apoptosis involved mesenchymal cells as well as the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), whereas CdCl2‐induced apoptosis was restricted mainly to the AER in the homozygous p53‐null limb buds. No difference in the incidence or severity of forelimb ectrodactyly in the embryos of different p53 genotypes was observed.

CONCLUSION:

Despite the fact that CdCl2 induced both p53‐dependent (in the mesenchyme) and p53‐independent (in the AER) cell death in the developing limb bud, CdCl2‐induced ectrodactyly was independent of the p53 gene dosage at the studied time point. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Planung und Ausführung einer direkt befahrbaren integralen Brücke in Österreich
Authors: Geier Roman , Klampfer Sepp , Grbic Slobodan
Published: March 2010

Die integrale Bauweise für kleine und mittlere Brückenlängen hat in Österreich im letzten Jahrzehnt vermehrt Anwendung gefunden. Dies ist in großen Vorteilen bei Errichtung und insbesondere in der Erhaltung begründet, da wartungsintensive Bauteile wie Fugen und Lager nicht erforderlich sind. Durch die Reduktion von weiteren erhaltungsintensiven Bauteilen wie Abdichtung und Fahrbahnbelag können so sehr dauerhafte Tragwerke geschaffen werden. Am Beispiel der Perschlingbrücke, mit 32,0 m lichte Weite in Österreich im Zuge der Landesstraße L2207, sollen die Vorteile des gewählten Bauwerksentwurfes aufgezeigt und die Brücke unter den Gesichtspunkten Entwurf, statische Berechnung und Bauausführung beschrieben werden.
Measurement and correlation for solubility of thiourea in different solvents
Authors: Li Hua , Hu Guoqin , Guo Feng , Zhao Lei , Zhu Jiang , Zhang Yadong
Published: March 2010

The solubilities of thiourea in pyridine, PEG‐400, DMSO, and dioxane have been determined from 290.05 to 361.45 K by synthetic method. A solubility model is proposed and the solubilities calculated by the model show a good agreement with experimental data.
Hydrogenolysis of glycerol with FeCo macrocyclic complex bonded to Raney Nickel support under mild reaction conditions
Authors: Anand K. A. , Anisia K. S. , Agarwal A. K. , Kumar A.
Published: March 2010

The hydrogenolysis of dilute glycerol solution to 1,2‐propanediol was studied in the presence of heterogeneous catalyst (FeCoL/Raney Nickel) having a heterodinuclear FeCo macrocyclic complex ionically bonded to Raney Nickel. Studies on the stability of the complex bonded to the support were carried out at different temperature as well as the effect of solvent to confirm that it was stable up to 600°C and 100 h of refluxing. In the hydrogenolysis of glycerol, the temperature has been varied from 165 to 220°C with an initial hydrogen pressure 0.35 MPa and the conversion increases from 1% to 36% with no gases evolving in this temperature range. The major product is 1,2‐propanediol which is formed with 80% selectivity. The initial water content (20–60%) in the feed was also varied and it was found that the conversion and yield of 1,2‐propanediol increases when the water content increases. Based on literature, a kinetic model was proposed and optimal rate constants determined using Genetic Algorithm (GA).
Mechanotransduction and blood fluid dynamics in developing blood vessels
Authors: Jones Elizabeth A. V.
Published: March 2010

The vascular endothelium is the interface in the cardiovascular system between the blood vessel wall and the flowing blood. As such, these cells are exposed to both shear stress and circumferential stretch. Though a lot is known about the regulation of gene expression by flow in mature vascular networks, very little is known in developing vessels. Most vascular networks in the adult are homeostatic, exhibiting very low rates of endothelial cell replication and turnover. In disease states such as cancer or macular degeneration, the vascular system is able to recapitulate embryonic growth and reinduce blood vessel growth. The vasculature that develops is similar to the embryonic vasculature, and so many have used knowledge of embryonic development to interpret pathological blood vessel growth. It was believed until recently that the embryonic vasculature was not sensitive to flow. We recently showed that shear stress is necessary for proper vascular development. We therefore review the role of blood flow and mechanical forces in vascular development. We examine the pattern and magnitude of flow present in primitive vascular networks as well as exploring gene regulation by shear stress in both in vitro and in vivo embryonic systems.
Effect of strontium chloride on the optical and mechanical properties of γ–glycine crystals
Authors: Anbuchezhiyan M. , Ponnusamy S. , Singh S. P. , Pal P. K. , Datta P. K. , Muthamizhchelvan C.
Published: March 2010

Single crystals of γ‐glycine have been grown from aqueous solution in the presence of small amount of strontium chloride. Single crystal X‐Ray diffraction analysis was used to measure the unit cell parameters and to confirm the crystal structure. The grown crystals have also been subjected to powder X‐Ray diffraction study to identify the crystalline nature. The presence of all the functional groups of the γ‐glycine has been confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. The presence of hydrogen and carbon in the glycine molecules was confirmed by using proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analyses. Optical behavior of the crystal was studied using UV – Visible absorbance spectroscopy and second harmonic generation (SHG) studies. The SHG efficiency of γ‐glycine is greater than that of standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). Mechanical strength of the γ‐glycine crystal has been determined by microhardness studies. Thermal stability of the grown crystal is probed using thermo gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. Laser damage threshold value has been determined using Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm and with 13 ns pulse width in single shot mode. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Accelerated neuritogenesis and maturation of primary spinal motor neurons in response to nanofibers
Authors: Gertz Caitlyn C. , Leach Michelle K. , Birrell Lisa K. , Martin David C. , Feldman Eva L. , Corey Joseph M.
Published: March 2010

Neuritogenesis, neuronal polarity formation, and maturation of axons and dendrites are strongly influenced by both biochemical and topographical extracellular components. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of polylactic acid electrospun fiber topography on primary motor neuron development, because regeneration of motor axons is extremely limited in the central nervous system and could potentially benefit from the implementation of a synthetic scaffold to encourage regrowth. In this analysis, we found that both aligned and randomly oriented submicron fibers significantly accelerated the processes of neuritogenesis and polarity formation of individual cultured motor neurons compared to flat polymer films and glass controls, likely due to restricted lamellipodia formation observed on fibers. In contrast, dendritic maturation and soma spreading were inhibited on fiber substrates after 2 days in vitro. This study is the first to examine the effects of electrospun fiber topography on motor neuron neuritogenesis and polarity formation. Aligned nanofibers were shown to affect the directionality and timing of motor neuron development, providing further evidence for the effective use of electrospun scaffolds in neural regeneration applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 589–603, 2010
Ehd4 is required to attain normal prepubertal testis size but dispensable for fertility in male mice
Authors: George Manju , Rainey Mark A. , Naramura Mayumi , Ying GuoGuang , Harms Don W. , Vitaterna Martha H. , Doglio Lynn , Crawford Susan E. , Hess Rex A. , Band Vimla , Band Hamid
Published: March 2010

The four highly homologous members of the C‐terminal EH domain‐containing (EHD) protein family (EHD1‐4) regulate endocytic recycling. To delineate the role of EHD4 in normal physiology and development, mice with a conditional knockout of the Ehd4 gene were generated. PCR of genomic DNA and Western blotting of organ lysates from Ehd4−/− mice confirmed EHD4 deletion. Ehd4−/− mice were viable and born at expected Mendelian ratios; however, males showed a 50% reduction in testis weight, obvious from postnatal day 31. An early (Day 10) increase in germ cell proliferation and apoptosis and a later increase in apoptosis (Day 31) were seen in the Ehd4−/− testis. Other defects included a progressive reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter, dysregulation of seminiferous epithelium, and head abnormalities in elongated spermatids. As a consequence, lower sperm counts and reduced fertility were observed in Ehd4−/− males. Interestingly, EHD protein expression was seen to be temporally regulated in the testis and EHD4 levels peaked between days 10 and 15. In the adult testis, EHD4 was highly expressed in primary spermatocytes and EHD4 deletion altered the levels of other EHD proteins in an age‐dependent manner. We conclude that high levels of EHD1 in the adult Ehd4−/− testis functionally compensate for lack of EHD4 and prevents the development of severe fertility defects. Our results suggest a role for EHD4 in the proper development of postmitotic and postmeiotic germ cells and implicate EHD protein‐mediated endocytic recycling as an important process in germ cell development and testis function. genesis 48:328–342, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.