bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different approaches on the quality of dahi
Authors: Bhuiyan AI , Wadud A , Nahar A , Al-Amin M
Published: July 2011

The present research work was undertaken to increase the consistency of dahi or yoghurt on its quality using volume reduction, commercial starch powder and potato mash. In this experiment, five different types of dahi samples were prepared and designated as A (30% volume reduction), B (990 ml milk + 1% CSP), C (980 ml milk+2% CSP), D (970 ml milk + 3% CSP) and E (950 ml milk + 5% potato mash). Quality of dahi was also monitored by using physical, chemical and microbiological tests. From the results of physical study (smell and taste, body and consistency, and colour and texture), it was found that the differences of total score among A, B, C, D and E dahi samples were statistically significant. The mean values of acidity, fat, protein, ash, total Solids, water and pH contents for A, B, C, D and E types of dahi were significantly different (p<0.01). No significant differences were observed for coliform count but significant difference was observed in total viable count. It is suggested that 2% commercial starch powder dahi could be used successfully to prepare dahi nearly similar to the quality of plain dahi. Keywords: Consistency; Dahi; Commercial starch powder; Potato mash DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i2.7931 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(2): 233-238, 2010
Effects of different level of starter culture and sugar on manufacturing characteristics of Misti Dahi (Sweet Yoghurt)
Authors: Akter N , Nahar A , Islam MN , Al-Amin M
Published: July 2011

The research was undertaken to know the effects of different level of sugar and mixed culture on qualitative characteristics of dahi. Milk samples were collected and boiled to reduce the 20% of their volume and divided into four portions after boiling. Sugar was added at 8, 10, 12 and 14% of of milk and boiled again for a while. After boiling milk samples were cooled down to 37°C and 1, 2, 3 and 4% mixed culture was added in each of the four level sugar added milk. The combination of 4 × 4 = 16 samples were prepared and were incubated at 37°C in an incubator until coagulation. From the organoleptic evaluation it was found that dahi samples prepared by adding 10 and 12% sugar level obtained more score then that of the 8 and 14% sugar added dahi samples. Culture level and sugar level both had influence on coagulation time. Coagulation time was less when low sugar and high level of culture was used, on the other hand coagulation time was more when high level sugar and low level culture was used. Chemical analysis showed that total solids and solids-not-fat, protein, carbohydrates content of dahi samples were significantly increased due to the increased level of sugar and culture. But on other parameters effects of sugar and culture were not appreciable. It was concluded that sugar level and culture level both can changes the quality of dahi samples. A combination of 10% sugar with 2% culture and 12% sugar with 3% culture was found appropriate for dahi making. Keywords: Misti Dahi; Starter Culture; Manufacture DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i2.7933 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(2): 245-252, 2010
Effects of environment on layer performance
Authors: Talukder S , Islam T , Sarker S , Islam MM
Published: July 2011

Ten layer farms (eight from Manikganj and two from Gazipur) were selected to evaluate the effect of the different environmental condition on layer performance. Temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were recorded and concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2, ppm) and ammonia (NH3, ppm) were determined. Productive performance of flock was evaluated by measuring egg production, feed consumption, egg weight and egg shell thickness. The tolerable temperature for the layer was 15-27°C. High temperature (above 27°C) affects feed consumption, egg weight and egg shell thickness while relative humidity has less impact on egg production, egg weight and feed consumption. Feed consumption and egg weight were decreased markedly when CO2 and NH3 concentration were more than 3000 and 37 ppm, but not on egg shell thickness. Postmortem examination indicated that 51, 24, 11, 9 and 5% birds were died due to bacterial, viral, non-infectious, protozoal and fungal infection respectively. Improper environments reduced the chickens’ defenses, making them more vulnerable to diseases. Keywords: Temperature; Humidity; CO2; NH3; Layer performance DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i2.7934 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(2): 253-258, 2010
Age related muscle texture variation between Cobb-500 and Ross broiler strain
Authors: Rahaman MT , Hoque MF , Parvez NH
Published: July 2011

Meat characteristics of Cobb-500 and Ross boiler strains in terms of histomorphometry of myocyte, fat tissue and connective tissue were studied. Two representative muscles from breast (Pectoralis thoracis and Supracoracoideus) and two from thigh (Ilitibialis lateralis and Iliotibialis cranialis) were selected. Thicker myofiber in breast and thinner myofiber in thigh were found in Ross strain. The perimysial thickness significantly differed among the muscles. The perimysial thickness of breast and thigh muscle at 28th day and thigh muscle at 35th day of Cob-500 were found higher that indicate more toughness of representative muscles. Thick and broad bundles of collagen fiber were observed in perimysium of Ilitibialis lateralis and thinner but broad bundles were in perimysium of Pectoralis thoracis muscle. At 35th day of age the endomysial thickness was found same in both strains but at 28th day of age it was higher in Cobb-500 than that of Ross strain. The intramuscular fat deposited mainly within perimysium as cluster and the number (per focus) and the size of adipocyte diameter was differed among the muscles. Adipocytes diameter was recorded highest (24.14±1.33 μ) in pectoralis thoracis muscle of Ross boiler and 22.01±1.74 μ second in position in Cobb-500. The lowest diameter 15.62±0.87 μ) was recorded in case of iliotibialis lataralis muscle of Ross boiler. Keywords: Age; Strain; Meat characteristics; Broiler DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i2.7936 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(2): 265-269, 2010
Effect of Community Based Organization microcredit on livelihood improvement
Authors: Akter R , Bashar MA , Majumder MK , Shahid Sonia B
Published: July 2011

The study was conducted to examine the effects of Community Based Organization (CBO) micro-credit program of Concern Worldwide on the livelihood improvement of beneficiaries in a selected area of Mymensingh district. In the study, 50 respondents were purposively selected of which 30, 12 and 8 were engaged in small trading, saloon and rickshaw pulling respectively. Tabular and statistical analyses were applied for achieving the objectives. All of the factors to measure the socio-economic condition such as awareness, family income, assets, clothing, etc has been changed. It was also found that the women participation in the household decision making increases. Repayment performance of CBO micro-credit program was highly satisfactory. Respondent’s income and loan receipt amount were positively contributed to loan repayment, whereas respondent’s age, education, family size and forced saving negatively affected the same. Ninety four per cent of the respondents mainly repaid their loan on time with the hope of getting loan in future. Overall, the CBO micro-credit program was found to have significant positive effects on livelihood improvement. Keywords: CBO; Micro credit; Concern Worldwide; Livelihood Improvement DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i2.7938 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(2): 277-282, 2010
Finite element analysis of free convection flow with MHD micropolar and viscous fluids in a vertical channel with dissipative effects
Authors: B Suresh Babu , Srinivas G , Reddy B.R.K.
Published: July 2011

In the present study, the vertical channel is divided in to two regions one region is filled with Micropolar fluid and the other region is filled with viscous fluid. The channel is subjected to the transverse magnetic field. The coupled governing equations are solved subjected to the boundary conditions proposed by the previous authors using F.E.M. The results are compared with Kumar et al (2010). It is found that the increase in the magnetic field reduces the micro rotation (N) and velocity and enhances the temperature. Increase in the Eckert (Ec) number, decreases the velocity, temperature and micro rotation. The Nusselt number and shear stress values are also analyzed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v8i1.5808
Soret and Dufour effects on an unsteady MHD free convection flow past a semi-infinite permeable vertical moving plate in a porous medium with chemical reaction
Authors: Shivaiah Sheri , Rao J. A.
Published: July 2011

In the present study, an unsteady two-dimensional MHD free convection flow chemical reacting fluid past a semi-infinite permeable vertical moving plate in a porous medium with Soret and Dufour effects is analyzed. The dimensionless governing equations are solved numerically by a finite element method. Computations are performed for a wide range of the governing flow parameters, viz., the thermal Grashof number, solutal Grashof number, Magnetic field parameter, Permeability parameter, Prandtl number, Heat absorption parameter, Dufour number, Schmidt number, Chemical reaction parameter and Soret number. The effects of these flow parameters on the velocity, temperature and concentration are shown graphically. Finally, the effects of various parameters on the skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are shown in Tables. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v8i1.6054
Unsteady double-diffusive natural convective MHD flow along a vertical cylinder in the presence of chemical reaction, thermal radiation and Soret and Dufour effects
Authors: Chamkha Ali J. , Al-Amin M. F. , Aly Abdelraheem
Published: July 2011

This work is focused on the numerical solution of unsteady double-diffusive free convective flow along a vertical isothermal cylinder in the presence of a transverse magnetic field, first-order homogeneous chemical reaction, thermal radiation and Soret and Dufour effects. The Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux in the energy equation. The governing equations are formulated and a numerical solution is obtained by using an explicit finite-difference scheme. The solutions at each time step have been found to reach the steady state solution properly. Representative results for the fluid velocity, temperature and solute concentration profiles as well as the local heat and mass transfer rates for various values of the physical parameters are displayed in both graphical and tabular forms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jname.v8i1.7250
Enabling Anticancer Therapeutics by Nanoparticle Carriers: The Delivery of Paclitaxel
Authors: Liu Yongjin , Zhang Bin , Yan Bing
Published: July 2011

Anticancer drugs, such as paclitaxel (PTX), are indispensable for the treatment of a variety of malignancies. However, the application of most drugs is greatly limited by the low water solubility, poor permeability, or high efflux from cells. Nanoparticles have been widely investigated to enable drug delivery due to their low toxicity, sustained drug release, molecular targeting, and additional therapeutic and imaging functions. This review takes paclitaxel as an example and compares different nanoparticle-based delivery systems for their effectiveness in cancer chemotherapy.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluation of Arylpiperazine Derivatives for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Chen Yin , Wang Guan , Xu Xiangqing , Liu Bi-Feng , Li Jianqi , Zhang Guisen
Published: July 2011

In this work, a series of arylpiperazine derivatives were synthesized and screened by in vivo pharmacological trials. Among the tested compounds, 2-(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylethanone (18) and 2-(4-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylethanone (19) exhibited potent analgesic activities in both the mice writhing and mice hot plate tests. They showed more than 70% inhibition relative to controls in the writhing test, and increased latency by 116.0% and 134.4%, respectively, in the hot plate test. Furthermore, compound 18 was also active in the models of formalin pain and neuropathic pain without sedative side effects.
Rural markets in North Africa and the political economy of the roman Empire
Authors: Shaw Brent D.
Published: July 2011

Les marchés ruraux périodiques représentent une institution sociale et économique des plus importantes, mais peu étudiée, de l'Afrique du Nord antique. L'auteur en examine les caractéristiques à la lumière de celles, dégagées récemment par l'ethnologie, d'une institution homologue bien connue du Maghreb : le souk. Il définit ensuite comme un trait distinctif de ces marchés africains antiques leur périodicité : aux foires annuelles des régions montagneuses restées en marge de l'autorité romaine, s'oppose le type du marché bi-mensuel attesté dans certaines villes et surtout sur le territoire des grands domaines.

Loin de se réduire aux échanges commerciaux, les fonctions des nundinae étaient multiples. Elles sont mises en relation par l'auteur avec les divers aspects de l'économie domaniale et avec l'impact administratif romain : contrôle des communications et de la main d'œuvre, facilités offertes au prélèvement des impôts et des taxes, place de choix dans l'expression des rites locaux et des croyances nouvelles. Les implications politiques et culturelles de l'organisation des marchés périodiques sont donc de la plus haute importance, ceux-ci étant comme un substitut rural de la ville.

Il en résulte une rupture du comput traditionnel local des jours de marché, au travers de laquelle se devine un remaniement du régime économique pré-romain, qui aboutira à une division de l'espace rural selon les exigences du système domanial.

C'est encore comme un centre névralgique de la vie des campagnes que le marché périodique est perçu par l'auteur à l'occasion des troubles sociaux et religieux de l'époque chrétienne.

En conclusion l'auteur s'interroge sur le rôle de relais de ces marchés ruraux considérés dans l'ensemble de l'économie antique. Il souligne le fait que leur structure même s'opposait à la généralisation d'une économie de marché contrôlée par la ville.
Sustained HCV Clearance by Interferon-Based Therapy Reduces Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis B and C Dually-Infected Patients
Authors: Hung Chao-Hung , Lu Sheng-Nan , Wang Jing-Houng , Hu Tsung-Hui , Chen Chien-Hung , Huang Chao-Min , Lee Chuan-Mo
Published: July 2011

Background

Recent studies have indicated that interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy can achieve sustained virological response (SVR) against HCV equally in dual HBV–HCV infection and in HCV monoinfection. Whether these therapies can reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in dual HBV–HCV infection remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 135 dually-infected patients with active hepatitis C receiving IFN or PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy were enrolled. The cumulative incidence of HCC was compared to that in 1,470 HCV-monoinfected patients.

Results

Based on the Cox proportional hazards model, dual infection was an independent factor for HCC development in all 1,605 chronic hepatitis C patients with or without positive hepatitis B surface antigen receiving IFN or PEG-IFN plus ribavirin (hazard ratio (HR)=1.864, 95% CI 1.052–3.303; P=0.033). In dually-infected patients, HCC developed in 4 of 96 with HCV SVR and 11 of 39 without HCV SVR ( P<0.001) after a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Age (HR=1.175, 95% CI 1.070–1.291; P=0.001) and non-HCV-SVR (HR=7.874, 95% CI 2.375–26.32; P=0.001) were independent factors for HCC development. Subgroup analysis showed that HCC occurrence was lower in patients with HCV SVR and HBV DNA levels <2,000 IU/ml at the end of treatment or follow-up compared to those with HCV SVR and HBV DNA levels ≥2,000 IU/ml ( P=0.034) and those without HCV SVR ( P<0.001).

Conclusions

Sustained HCV clearance by IFN or PEG-IFN plus ribavirin therapy may significantly reduce HCC in HBV–HCV dually-infected patients, whereas persistence or reactivation of HBV decreases the benefit of HCV SVR.
Peut-on échapper à la postmodernité ?
Authors: Delaperrière Maria
Published: July 2011

Résumé Les mutations socio-culturelles que vit la Pologne depuis la chute du communisme sont souvent ramenées au paradigme de la postmodernité. Ce concept, transplanté directement de l’Occident, prend souvent une coloration spécifique, notamment dans la littérature. En nous penchant sur les exemples littéraires les plus marquants, nous essayons de mettre en valeur les phénomènes postmodernes les plus caractéristiques, tels que le postcommunisme, le syncrétisme culturel, l’hybridation de la pensée, l’évanescence du poloncentrisme et l’ouverture à la multiculturalité.
L'échange postmoderne
Authors: Cuartas Pablo
Published: July 2011

Résumé Qu’est-ce qu’un échange postmoderne ? Faussement simple, la question implique l’analyse d’une opposition entre deux systèmes de pensée. D’une part, l’échange moderne fondé sur l’utilitarisme, la distinction et le rationalisme ; d’autre part, l’échange postmoderne exercé grâce à la valeur symbolique des objets, le principe de perte et le retour de l’imaginaire. Pour mener le contraste jusqu’au bout, on propose ici trois questions visant à préciser la spécificité des échanges postmodernes : Quelle est l’essence des « échanges postmodernes » ? (Perspective phénoménologique). Ensuite, comment penser aux échanges postmodernes ? (Perspective théorique). Et finalement, quel est un exemple concret des échanges postmodernes ? (Perspective sociologique).
Médiatisation de la vie publique : introduction à la problématique
Authors: Molęda-Zdziech Małgorzata
Published: July 2011

Résumé Dans l’article, je vous présenterai le concept de la médiatisation qui englobe le changement du rôle des médias et de leurs influences croissantes sur l’individu et sur toutes les dimensions de la vie. J’examinerai les notions de « tabloïdisation » et de « l’info-divertissement » (ang. infotainment) comme deux tendances globales et dominantes dans les médias contemporains. Je poserai la question de la diminution du rôle des autorités (leader d’opinion) et envisagerai l’apparition des célébrités (ang. celebrities) qui reprennent leurs rôles.
Le flâneur urbain et la masse-nomade. Réflexion inspirée des textes de Benjamin et de Kracauer dans les années 1920-1930
Authors: Lee Changnam
Published: July 2011

Résumé Cet article est une recherche socio-historique sur le flâneur parisien du XIX e siècle qui est un prototype de la masse-nomade dans les domaines culturels au début du XX e siècle. En nous référant à Benjamin et ses descriptions de flâneurs et de flâneries, nous poursuivons le processus de transformation de flâneur en homme-sandwich. Ce processus où décroît la socialité se fait parallèlement avec la rationalisation sociale. En nous penchant sur un problème de socialité, nous examinons les recherches de Kracauer sur les activités culturelles de la masse et principalement celles des employés qui les amènent à devenir nomades et font renaître la socialité perdue, et les rassemblent comme les tribus autour de films, sports, voyages, etc. Ces phénomènes nous amènent à suggérer le « retour du flâneur ». Enfin, nous cherchons à trouver les significations actuelles de la flânerie dans notre époque de transnationalisation avec le développement de l’internet et les compagnies aériennes à bon marché.
Neurosciences, pensée systémique et pratiques thérapeutiques
Authors: Delage Michel
Published: July 2011

Ce travail part de l’idée que les liens interhumains ont des sources biologiques. Ils relèvent de la mise en jeu de « systèmes motivationnels » sélectionnés par l’évolution, nécessaires à la survie de l’espèce et développés chez chacun d’entre nous au cours de l’ontogenèse. On peut aujourd’hui décrire comme « systèmes motivationnels » l’empathie, l’intersubjectivité et l’attachement. Leur étude permet de dégager les éléments d’une « neurobiologie relationnelle » et une théorisation de la régulation et de la mentalisation des émotions dans la famille. On peut alors dégager quelques principes d’une « thérapie familiale émotionnelle systémique » dont la principale caractéristique est de chercher à penser ensemble le monde interne de chacun et les relations interpersonnelles. Des interventions thérapeutiques peuvent être construites en utilisant notamment un ensemble de données issues de la théorie de l’attachement.
Choisir ses représentations dans la relation d'aide au service de plus de confort et d'efficacité
Authors: Dellucci Hélène , Wolf Ferdinand
Published: July 2011

Choisir ses représentations dans la relation d’aide au service de plus de confort et d’efficacité.  – Quelles représentations avons-nous des personnes que nous rencontrons ? Et quels effets ces représentations ont-elles sur la relation d’aide, le travail de réseau, la thérapie auprès d’une famille, d’un couple ou d’une personne ? La recherche en psychologie sociale nous fournit quelques réponses. La clinique systémique nous permet de transposer ces résultats dans les dispositifs que nous rencontrons, quels qu’ils soient. Quelles pistes pouvons-nous alors dégager, afin de faciliter la prise en charge de ceux dont les situations nous mettent le plus à mal ? Comment construire un cadre qui permette aux praticiens, qu’ils soient éducateurs, travailleurs sociaux, superviseurs ou thérapeutes, de choisir des représentations utiles pour la rencontre avec les personnes dont ils s’occupent ? Cet article propose entre autres des représentations sous forme d’hypothèses de travail a priori, permettant de guider la perception, la réflexion et l’intervention des professionnels vers plus de confort et d’efficacité.
Educating Nurses About Research Ethics and Practices With a Self-Directed Practice-Based Learning Program
Authors: Cibulka Nancy J.
Published: July 2011

Learner-driven and practice-based education programs are recommended for integration of learning. A continuing education program on research ethics was introduced to five nurses in an ambulatory care setting at a Magnet
®
hospital, using a commercially available web-based course followed by a research practicum. The seasoned nurses reported little previous education in this area. Working with a nurse researcher, three nurses participated in a research project for improving clinic care delivery. The success of the continuing education program was determined by knowledge acquisition, satisfaction with learning activities, and perceived confidence in research participation. This continuing education program was effective in providing for knowledge and skill development in research ethics. The integrative learning format was well received.
Perfiles de mujeres jóvenes rurales de baja cualificación. Un estudio de caso para la comprensión de sus estrategias de inserción sociolaboral en Asturias (España)
Authors: Díaz Méndez Cecilia
Published: July 2011

El medio rural español está fuertemente masculinizado a causa, principalmente, de la salida selectiva de mujeres cualificadas. Las jóvenes que quedan hoy en los pueblos constituyen el soporte generacional básico para que el medio rural siga subsistiendo y, sin embargo, son las menos formadas, las que tienen peores condiciones laborales y las que sufren mayores problemas de inserción. Estas jóvenes tienen peculiares dificultades para tomar decisiones sobre su futuro personal y laboral pero no han sido analizadas en profundidad. Este artículo analiza a este colectivo de mujeres para conocer la forma en que afrontan sus específicas condiciones de vida como jóvenes, como mujeres y como rurales. A través de técnicas de carácter cualitativo podemos afirmar que las jóvenes rurales de baja cualificación cuentan con tres soportes básicos sobre los que asentar su futuro: la familia, el trabajo y el territorio. Estos tres anclajes sociales dinámicos les ofrecen oportunidades y les crean limitaciones para insertarse social y laboralmente en el mundo de los adultos.
Datación por ESR del yacimiento arqueológico del Pleistoceno inferior de Vallparadís (Terrassa, Cataluña, España)
Authors: Duval Mathieu , Moreno Davinia , Shao Qingfeng , Voinchet Pierre , Falguères Christophe , Bahain Jean Jacques , Garcia Tristan , García Joan , Martínez Kenneth
Published: July 2011

Excavado entre 2005 y 2007, el yacimiento de Vallparadís (Terrassa, España) ha aportado una fauna rica y diversa en asociación con un importante conjunto lítico de Modo 1. Con el objetivo de completar el marco cronoestratigráfico, se hicieron dataciones por los métodos de Resonancia Paramagnética Electrónica (Electron Spin Resonance, ESR) y ESR combinada con uranio-torio sobre algunas muestras de granos de cuarzo extraídos de sedimentos y dientes fósiles, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos son muy significativos, ofreciendo edades ESR promedias de 0,83 ± 0,13 Ma (2σ) para el nivel arqueológico de referencia del yacimiento (nivel 10) y de 0,79 ± 0,23 Ma (2σ) para el nivel arqueológico 12 de la secuencia de Vallparadís. Dichos resultados por ESR concuerdan con los obtenidos a partir de la biocronología y del paleomagnetismo. El yacimiento de Vallparadís dispone ahora de un marco cronoestratigráfico fiable y coherente, que permite situarlo cronológicamente a finales del Pleistoceno inferior, dentro de un rango temporal comprendido entre los eventos geomagnéticos de Jaramillo y Brunhes. Dicho yacimiento junto a los de Gran Dolina TD-6 y Sima del Elefante TE-9, en Atapuerca, Burgos, se posiciona como un yacimiento clave para el estudio de los primeros poblamientos humanos de Europa.
Sobre la identificación macroscópica de las piezas astilladas: propuesta experimental
Authors: De la Peña Alonso Paloma
Published: July 2011

El morfotipo lítico “pieza astillada” (pièces esquillées o splintered pieces) ha sido relacionado, por los estudios de Prehistoria, con dos actividades muy distintas: la talla posada sobre yunque –también denominada “talla bipolar”– y el empleo de piezas intermedias –a modo de cuña/cincel– para el trabajo de materias primas duras (hueso, madera y asta). Se presenta una propuesta experimental que busca distinguir macroscópicamente estos dos tipos de actividades y discernir en qué casos se produce o no lo que tipológicamente se considera “pieza astillada”. Se concluye con una descripción detallada de las macrotrazas obtenidas para cada una de las variantes de la experimentación, en la que se especifica qué casos reproducen lo que tipológicamente denominamos “pieza astillada”.
Identificación de una tradición tecnológica cerámica con desgrasante óseo en el Neolítico peninsular. Estudio arqueométrico de materiales cerámicos de Madrid (5300-3400 cal AC)
Authors: Díaz-del-Río Pedro , Consuegra Susana , Domínguez Rosa , Martín-Bañón Asunción , Vírseda Lydia , Agua Fernando , Villegas María Ángeles , García-Heras Manuel
Published: July 2011

La caracterización arqueométrica de un conjunto de materiales cerámicos procedentes de 6 yacimientos neolíticos de Madrid ha permitido identificar una nueva tradición tecnológica regional persistente en el tiempo, basada en la adición intencionada de hueso machacado como desgrasante en la mayoría de los recipientes cerámicos. Se trata del primer caso de la Península Ibérica en el que se documenta este tipo de desgrasante en cerámicas de estas cronologías con una continuidad temporal de entre el 5300/5200 hasta posiblemente el 3400 cal AC. Los materiales seleccionados se caracterizaron por técnicas mineralógicas y geoquímicas complementarias como lámina delgada, difracción de rayos X (DRX) convencional y de ángulo rasante, microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) y espectrometría de fluorescencia de rayos X (FRX). La adición de hueso produce un material cerámico ligero pero a su vez resistente, con ventajas tecnológicas para recipientes de almacenamiento y/o transporte. Dichas ventajas quizá podrían vincularse a grupos con hábitos móviles o semisedentarios.
Práctica social, memoria y ritual en Cogotas I: esbozo teórico para un enfoque renovado
Authors: Blanco González Antonio
Published: July 2011

Este artículo se aproxima al ámbito ritual y simbólico de Cogotas I atendiendo a las prácticas sociales partícipes de su realidad material. Partiendo de algunos confusos tópicos historiográficos, se presenta un marco sociológico más relacional e inclusivo, inspirado en propuestas no positivistas. Se resalta la peculiar relación “histórica” e interactiva mantenida por tales comunidades con su pasado, así como la importancia de las actividades cotidianas ritualizadas en la reproducción de sus valores culturales. Se reivindica el ensayo de otros métodos de estudio del registro material de Cogotas I, cuya configuración y legibilidad responderían a tales pautas ordenadas y reiterativas. Como ejemplo, se revisan la reocupación de los campos de hoyos, el relleno de las fosas y la cerámica decorada con Boquique. Tales elementos ordinarios y cotidianos, inmersos en largas tradiciones culturales, revelan su cualidad de recursos mnemónicos, que presidieron la enculturación y socialización de los individuos.
La placa grabada de Balma Guilanyà (Prepirineo de Lleida) y las manifestaciones artísticas del Mesolítico de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Martínez-Moreno Jorge , Villaverde Valentín , Mora Torcal Rafael
Published: July 2011

El hallazgo de un bloque grabado de grandes dimensiones en Balma Guilanyà, con motivos geométricos y/o abstractos permite analizar la problemática referida a las manifestaciones artísticas que se desarrollan con posterioridad al arte del Paleolítico Superior en la región mediterránea ibérica. En este artículo se presenta el contexto arqueoestratigráfico, cronométrico y cronocultural de esta manifestación artística, durante el X milenio cal BP. El análisis de los motivos gráficos y su comparación con otras representaciones muebles y parietales de la vertiente mediterránea ibérica permite evaluar la problemática que rodea la caracterización del arte mesolítico en esta zona.
NF-κB Signaling Participates in Both RANKL- and IL-4–Induced Macrophage Fusion: Receptor Cross-Talk Leads to Alterations in NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Yu Minjun , Qi Xiulan , Moreno Jose L. , Farber Donna L. , Keegan Achsah D.
Published: July 2011

NF-κB activation is essential for receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation. IL-4 is known to inhibit the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation while at the same time promoting macrophage fusion to form multinucleated giant cells (MNG). Several groups have proposed that IL-4 inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is mediated by suppressing the RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB. However, we found that IL-4 did not block proximal, canonical NF-κB signaling. Instead, we found that IL-4 inhibited alternative NF-κB signaling and induced p105/50 expression. Interestingly, in nfκb1−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM), the formation of both multinucleated osteoclast and MNG induced by RANKL or IL-4, respectively, was impaired. This suggests that NF-κB signaling also plays an important role in IL-4–induced macrophage fusion. Indeed, we found that the RANKL-induced and IL-4–induced macrophage fusion were both inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitors IκB kinase 2 inhibitor and NF-κB essential modulator inhibitory peptide. Furthermore, overexpression of p50, p65, p52, and RelB individually in nfκb1−/− or nfκb1+/+ BMM enhanced both giant osteoclast and MNG formation. Interestingly, knockdown of nfκb2 in wild-type BMM dramatically enhanced both osteoclast and MNG formation. In addition, both RANKL- and IL-4–induced macrophage fusion were impaired in NF-κB–inducing kinase−/− BMM. These results suggest IL-4 influences NF-κB pathways by increasing p105/p50 and suppressing RANKL-induced p52 translocation and that NF-κB pathways participate in both RANKL- and IL-4–induced giant cell formation.
Prevention of Lymphocyte Apoptosis in Septic Mice with Cancer Increases Mortality
Authors: Fox Amy C. , Breed Elise R. , Liang Zhe , Clark Andrew T. , Zee-Cheng Brendan R. , Chang Katherine C. , Dominguez Jessica A. , Jung Enjae , Dunne W. Michael , Burd Eileen M. , Farris Alton B. , Linehan David C. , Coopersmith Craig M.
Published: July 2011

Lymphocyte apoptosis is thought to have a major role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. However, there is a disconnect between animal models of sepsis and patients with the disease, because the former use subjects that were healthy prior to the onset of infection while most patients have underlying comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether lymphocyte apoptosis prevention is effective in preventing mortality in septic mice with preexisting cancer. Mice with lymphocyte Bcl-2 overexpression (Bcl-2-Ig) and wild type (WT) mice were injected with a transplantable pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line. Three weeks later, after development of palpable tumors, all animals received an intratracheal injection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite having decreased sepsis-induced T and B lymphocyte apoptosis, Bcl-2-Ig mice had markedly increased mortality compared with WT mice following P. aeruginosa pneumonia (85 versus 44% 7-d mortality; p = 0.004). The worsened survival in Bcl-2-Ig mice was associated with increases in Th1 cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and decreased production of the Th2 cytokine IL-10 in stimulated splenocytes. There were no differences in tumor size or pulmonary pathology between Bcl-2-Ig and WT mice. To verify that the mortality difference was not specific to Bcl-2 overexpression, similar experiments were performed in Bim−/− mice. Septic Bim−/− mice with cancer also had increased mortality compared with septic WT mice with cancer. These data demonstrate that, despite overwhelming evidence that prevention of lymphocyte apoptosis is beneficial in septic hosts without comorbidities, the same strategy worsens survival in mice with cancer that are given pneumonia.
Electroanalytical Characterisation of Dopa Decarboxylase Inhibitors Carbidopa and Benserazide on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and Poly(Nile blue A) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Kul Dilek , Brett Christopher M. A.
Published: July 2011

Modified glassy carbon electrodes have been made by deposition of functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) followed by formation of poly(Nile blue) (PNB) films by electropolymerisation, using potential cycling in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 6.0. The electrochemical oxidation of carbidopa (CD) and benserazide (BS) on these MWCNTs/PNB-modified electrodes was investigated using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry in 0.1 M PBS at different values of pH between 5.0 and 8.0; both CD and BS gave one diffusion-controlled irreversible oxidation peak in cyclic voltammetry. Analytical characterisation of CD and BS was carried out in 0.1 M PBS, pH 5.0. Peak currents in differential pulse voltammetry were linear over the concentration range of1×10−5to1×10−4 M for CD and4×10−6to4×10−5 M for BS. The repeatability, precision, and accuracy of the method were also investigated. Higher sensitivities and lower detection limits, of 1.17 μM for CD and 0.50 μM for BS, were obtained with this new modified electrode compared with previous studies reported in the literature.
Effluent Markers Related to Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition with Adjusted Values for Effluent Cancer Antigen 125 in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Hemmi Hiromichi , Arita Michitsune , Tai Reibin , Hattori Yoshinari , Muto Atsuhiko , Suzuki Yasunori , Ohashi Yasushi , Sakai Ken , Aikawa Atsushi
Published: July 2011

Objectives. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important for peritoneal deterioration. We evaluated the association between peritoneal solute transport rate (PSTR) and effluent markers related to EMT with adjusted values for effluent cancer antigen 125 (CA125).Methods. One hundred five incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients on PD for 25 (12–68) months with biocompatible solutions were included in the study. Fast peritoneal equilibration test was used to evaluate PSTR. Effluent hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CA125 at 4 h were measured.Results. Patients with dialysate/plasma creatinine ≧0.82 showed significantly higher effluent HGF (240 versus 133 pg/mL, ), VEGF, IL-6, and IL6/CA125 levels than the others but no significant differences in effluent HGF/CA125, BMP-7, and BMP7/CA125 were observed.Conclusion. Increase in the effluent HGF levels as a compensatory mechanism is a marker of peritoneal deterioration, but controversy remains regarding adjusted value for CA125.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies in Alzheimer′s Disease
Authors: Guerra Andrea , Assenza Federica , Bressi Federica , Scrascia Federica , Del Duca Marco , Ursini Francesca , Vollaro Stefano , Trotta Laura , Tombini Mario , Chisari Carmelo , Ferreri Florinda
Published: July 2011

Although motor deficits affect patients with Alzheimer′s disease (AD) only at later stages, recent studies demonstrated that primary motor cortex is precociously affected by neuronal degeneration. It is conceivable that neuronal loss is compensated by reorganization of the neural circuitries, thereby maintaining motor performances in daily living. Effectively several transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have demonstrated that cortical excitability is enhanced in AD and primary motor cortex presents functional reorganization. Although the best hypothesis for the pathogenesis of AD remains the degeneration of cholinergic neurons in specific regions of the basal forebrain, the application of specific TMS protocols pointed out a role of other neurotransmitters. The present paper provides a perspective of the TMS techniques used to study neurophysiological aspects of AD showing also that, based on different patterns of cortical excitability, TMS may be useful in discriminating between physiological and pathological brain aging at least at the group level. Moreover repetitive TMS might become useful in the rehabilitation of AD patients. Finally integrated approaches utilizing TMS together with others neuro‐physiological techniques, such as high‐density EEG, and structural and functional imaging as well as biological markers are proposed as promising tool for large‐scale, low‐cost, and noninvasive evaluation of at‐risk populations.
Stent Fracture after Everolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Almasood Ali S. , Freixa Xavier , Khan Sohail Q. , Seidelin Peter H. , Džavík Vladimír
Published: July 2011

Compared with bare-metal stents, drug-eluting stents (DES) have greatly reduced the risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR) by inhibiting neointimal growth. Nevertheless, DES are still prone to device failure, which may lead to cardiac events. Recently, stent fracture (SF) has emerged as a potential mechanism of DES failure that is associated with ISR. Stent fracture is strongly related to stent type, and prior reports suggest that deployment of sirolimus eluting stents (SES) may be associated with a higher risk of SF compared to other DES. Everolimus eluting stents (EESs) represent a new generation of DES with promising results. The occurrence of SF with EES has not been well established. The present paper describes two cases of EES fracture associated with ISR.
Design and Development of Biosensors for the Detection of Heavy Metal Toxicity
Authors: Turdean Graziella L.
Published: July 2011

Many compounds (including heavy metals, HMs) used in different fields of industry and/or agriculture act as inhibitors of enzymes, which, as consequence, are unable to bind the substrate. Even if it is not so sensitive, the method for detecting heavy metal traces using biosensors has a dynamic trend and is largely applied for improving the “life quality”, because of biosensor's sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity. In the last years, they also become more and more a synergetic combination between biotechnology and microelectronics. Dedicated biosensors were developed for offline and online analysis, and also, their extent and diversity could be called a real “biosensor revolution”. A panel of examples of biosensors: enzyme-, DNA-, imuno-, whole-cell-based biosensors were systematised depending on the reaction type, transduction signal, or analytical performances. The mechanism of enzyme-based biosensor and the kinetic of detection process are described and compared. In this context, is explainable why bioelectronics, nanotechnology, miniaturization, and bioengineering will compete for developing sensitive and selective biosensors able to determine multiple analytes simultaneously and/or integrated in wireless communications systems.
Determinants for Substrate Specificity of Protein Phosphatase 2A
Authors: Slupe Andrew M. , Merrill Ronald A. , Strack Stefan
Published: July 2011

Protein phosphatase 2A- (PP2A-) catalyzed dephosphorylation of target substrate proteins is widespread and critical for cellular function. PP2A is predominantly found as a heterotrimeric complex of a catalytic subunit (C), a scaffolding subunit (A), and one member of 4 families of regulatory subunits (B). Substrate specificity of the holoenzyme complex is determined by the subcellular locale the complex is confined to, selective incorporation of the B subunit, interactions with endogenous inhibitory proteins, and specific intermolecular interactions between PP2A and target substrates. Here, we discuss recent studies that have advanced our understanding of the molecular determinants for PP2A substrate specificity.
Obesity Is an Independent Predictor of Poor Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Retrospective Analysis of a Patient Cohort Whose Treatment Included High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Support
Authors: von Drygalski A. , Tran T. B. , Messer K. , Pu M. , Corringham S. , Nelson C. , Ball E. D.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of the study was to identify predictors of long-term survival in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A cohort of 96 patients, who received high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support (HD-ASCT) as part of their treatment, was analyzed. Percent long-term survival at 10 years was 24.5% (CI 17.2–34.9%) when metastasis was diagnosed and 14.4% (CI 8.7–23.9%) when MBC was diagnosed. Survival was impacted significantly by body mass index (BMI). Median overall survival from initial diagnosis or from time of metastasis for patients with BMIs ≤30 and >30 (obese) was 7.1 (CI 4.4–8.7) and 3.2 years (2.41–6.75), respectively, or 3.2 or 2.3 years (all ). Also, obesity was the only independent patient-related predictor of time to metastasis and of survival. While obesity is linked with poor outcomes in earlier stages of breast cancer, this has not been previously reported for MBC.
Early Heparin Administration Reduces Risk for Left Atrial Thrombus Formation during Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedures
Authors: Asbach Stefan , Biermann Jürgen , Bode Christoph , Faber Thomas S.
Published: July 2011

Objective. Despite the use of anticoagulation during left atrial (LA) ablation procedures, ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are recognized as a serious complication. Heparin is usually given after safe transseptal access has been obtained, resulting in a short unprotected dwell time of catheters within the LA, which may account for CVAs. We investigated the frequency of CVAs and LA thrombus formation as detected by intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) depending on the timing of heparin administration.Methods and Results. Sixty LA ablation procedures with the use of ICE were performed in 55 patients. Patients were grouped by heparin administration after (Group I, ) and before (Group II, ) transseptal access. Group I patients were younger ( versus years, ); other clinical and echocardiographic characteristics did not differ between groups. Early thrombus formation was observed in 2 (15.4%) of group I patients as compared to 0% of group II patients (). One CVA (2.1%) occurred in one group II patient without prior thrombus detection, and none occurred in group I patients ().Conclusion. Early administration of heparin reduces the risk of early intracardiac thrombus formation during LA ablation procedures. This did not result in reduced rate of CVAs.
Functional Subunits of Eukaryotic Chaperonin CCT/TRiC in Protein Folding
Authors: Kabir M. Anaul , Uddin Wasim , Narayanan Aswathy , Reddy Praveen Kumar , Jairajpuri M. Aman , Sherman Fred , Ahmad Zulfiqar
Published: July 2011

Molecular chaperones are a class of proteins responsible for proper folding of a large number of polypeptides in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Newly synthesized polypeptides are prone to nonspecific interactions, and many of them make toxic aggregates in absence of chaperones. The eukaryotic chaperonin CCT is a large, multisubunit, cylindrical structure having two identical rings stacked back to back. Each ring is composed of eight different but similar subunits and each subunit has three distinct domains. CCT assists folding of actin, tubulin, and numerous other cellular proteins in an ATP-dependent manner. The catalytic cooperativity of ATP binding/hydrolysis in CCT occurs in a sequential manner different from concerted cooperativity as shown for GroEL. Unlike GroEL, CCT does not have GroES-like cofactor, rather it has a built-in lid structure responsible for closing the central cavity. The CCT complex recognizes its substrates through diverse mechanisms involving hydrophobic or electrostatic interactions. Upstream factors like Hsp70 and Hsp90 also work in a concerted manner to transfer the substrate to CCT. Moreover, prefoldin, phosducin-like proteins, and Bag3 protein interact with CCT and modulate its function for the fine-tuning of protein folding process. Any misregulation of protein folding process leads to the formation of misfolded proteins or toxic aggregates which are linked to multiple pathological disorders.
Boule and the Evolutionary Origin of Metazoan Gametogenesis: A Grandpa's Tale
Authors: Eirín-López José M. , Ausió Juan
Published: July 2011

The evolution of sex remains a hotly debated topic in evolutionary biology. In particular, studying the origins of the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction and gametogenesis (its fundamental component) in multicellular eukaryotes has been difficult due to the rapid divergence of many reproductive proteins, pleiotropy, and by the fact that only a very small number of reproductive proteins specifically involved in reproduction are conserved across lineages. Consequently, during the last decade, many efforts have been put into answering the following question: did gametogenesis evolve independently in different animal lineages or does it share a common evolutionary origin in a single ancestral prototype? Among the various approaches carried out in order to solve this question, the characterization of the evolution of the DAZ gene family holds much promise because these genes encode reproductive proteins that are conserved across a wide range of animal phyla. Within this family,BOULEis of special interest because it represents the most ancestral member of this gene family (the “grandfather” ofDAZ). Furthermore,BOULEhas attracted most of the attention since it represents an ancient male gametogenic factor with an essential reproductive-exclusive requirement in urbilaterians, constituting a core component of the reproductive prototype. Within this context, the aim of the present work is to provide an up-to-date insight into the studies that lead to the characterization of the DAZ family members and the implications in helping decipher the evolutionary origin of gametogenesis in metazoan animals.