bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and modelling analysis of a three-layer wall with phase-change thermal storage in a Chinese solar greenhouse
Authors: Guan Yong , Chen Chao , Han Yunquan , Ling Haoshu , Yan Quanying
Published: March 2014

To improve the construction methods of Chinese solar greenhouse wall to enhance the heat storage, we proposed a three-layer wall with phase-change materials, namely, an inner wall layer built with the phase-change materials, an outer insulating layer and a load-bearing wall layer built with heavyweight materials between the two. Based on the field experiment and the proposed valuation indexes of the three-layer wall, the dynamic heat storage characteristics of the wall have been analysed and discussed. The experiment and simulation results showed that the three-layer wall can enhance the heat storage and thermal insulation properties of greenhouse wall, increase the utilisation rate of solar energy, improve indoor thermal environment and increase crop yield and quality. Therefore, these results validated the suitability and correctness of the construction methods of the three-layer wall.
Leadership for Transformational Learning
Authors: Drago-Severson Ellie , Blum-DeStefano Jessica
Published: March 2014

Given the complexity of contemporary leadership, scholars and practitioners seek to improve preparation programs so that school leaders can more effectively support adult development. This article describes longitudinal research investigating how a university course on leadership for adult development ( Leadership for Transformational Learning [LTL]) influenced graduates’ conceptions of leadership immediately after the course and years later. This article describes (a) course goals, structures, and curricula; (b) changes in thinking that leaders attributed to LTL; and (c) course ideas and practices that leaders named as essential to their current thinking and work. This investigation offers insight into how university courses can support leaders’ internal growth.
The amelioration of phagocytic ability in microglial cells by curcumin through the inhibition of EMF-induced pro-inflammatory responses
Authors: He Gen-Lin , Liu Yong , Li Min , Chen Chun-Hai , Gao Peng , Yu Zheng-Ping , Yang Xue-Sen
Published: March 2014

Background

Insufficient clearance by microglial cells, prevalent in several neurological conditions and diseases, is intricately intertwined with MFG-E8 expression and inflammatory responses. Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure can elicit the pro-inflammatory activation and may also trigger an alteration of the clearance function in microglial cells. Curcumin has important roles in the anti-inflammatory and phagocytic process. Here, we evaluated the ability of curcumin to ameliorate the phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed microglial cells (N9 cells) and documented relative pathways.

Methods

N9 cells were pretreated with or without recombinant murine MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8), curcumin and an antibody of toll-like receptor 4 (anti-TLR4), and subsequently treated with EMF or a sham exposure. Their phagocytic ability was evaluated using phosphatidylserine-containing fluorescent bioparticles. The pro-inflammatory activation of microglia was assessed via CD11b immunoreactivity and the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or the Griess test. We evaluated the ability of curcumin to ameliorate the phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed N9 cells, including checking the expression of MFG-E8, αvβ3 integrin, TLR4, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) using Western blotting.

Results

EMF exposure dramatically enhanced the expression of CD11b and depressed the phagocytic ability of N9 cells. rmMFG-E8 could clearly ameliorate the phagocytic ability of N9 cells after EMF exposure. We also found that EMF exposure significantly increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and the production of NO; however, these increases were efficiently chilled by the addition of curcumin to the culture medium. This reduction led to the amelioration of the phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed N9 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that curcumin and naloxone restored the expression of MFG-E8 but had no effect on TLR4 and cytosolic STAT3. Moreover, curcumin significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 in nuclei and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in cytosols and nuclei.

Conclusions

This study indicates that curcumin ameliorates the depressed MFG-E8 expression and the attenuated phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed N9 cells, which is attributable to the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory response through the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways.
How do leaf anatomies and photosynthesis of three Rhododendron species relate to their natural environments?
Authors: Cai Yan-Fei , Li Shi-Feng , Li Shu-Fa , Xie Wei-Jia , Song Jie
Published: March 2014

Background

Rhododendron is one of the most well-known alpine flowers. In order to identify performances relating to Rhododendron’s natural habitats we investigated the leaf anatomical structures and photosynthetic characteristics of R. yunnanense, R. irroratum and R. delavayi, which showed different responses after being transplanted into a common environment.

Results

When compared with R. irroratum and R. delavayi, R. yunnanense had lower leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) and larger stomata, but smaller stomatal density (SD) and total stomata apparatus area percent (At), lower stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), light compensation point (LCP), light saturation point (LSP), light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Amax) and leaf nitrogen content per unit area (Na). LMA was positively correlated with Amax and maximum rates of carboxylation (Vcmax). However, leaf N content was not significantly correlated with Amax. Thus, the variation in leaf photosynthesis among species was regulated largely by changes in LMA, rather than the concent of nitrogen in leaf tissue.

Conclusions

R. yunnanense plants are vulnerable to moisture and light stress, while R. irroratum and R. delavayi are better suited to dry and high radiation environments. The present results contribute to our understanding physiological trait divergence in Rhododendron, as well benefit introduction and domestication efforts for the three species of Rhododendron studied in this work.
Quantification of verbascoside in medicinal species of Phlomis and their genetic relationships
Authors: Sarkhail Parisa , Nikan Marjan , Sarkheil Pantea , Gohari Ahmad R , Ajani Yousef , Hosseini Rohollah , Hadjiakhoondi Abbass , Saeidnia Soodabeh
Published: March 2014

Background

The genus Phlomis (Lamiaceae) is introduced by its valuable medicinal species, of which 17 species are growing wildly and ten of them are exclusively endemic of Iran. The main phytochemical characteristic of this genus is presence of iridoid glycosides including ipolamide, auroside, lamiide and also phenylethanoids such as verbascoside (acetoside) found in Lamiales order.

Due to the broad range of biological and pharmacological activities of verbascoside and lack of any report on quantification of this compound within Iranian species of Phlomis, we conducted a research to achieve two main goals, finding a genetic biodiversity by RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA), as well as detecting and quantifying verbascoside in nine species of Phlomis growing wildly in Iran.

Results

The results showed that various samples of P.olivieri possess different genetic distances from each other. Also, various species of P.olivieri display close relationships to P.anisodonta and P. persica. Phytoanalysis of Phlomis species by means of TLC scanner using verbascoside as a phytochemical marker showed that the highest concentration of verbascoside was found in P. anisodonta, however, P. bruguieri and P. olivieri (from Mazandaran) were in the second and third places. Interestingly, the lowest concentration of verbascoside was detected in P. olivieri (from Azerbayjan), exhibiting the effect of various growing areas and conditions on the measured levels of this compound.

Conclusions

verbascoside can be found in various species of Iranian Phlomis, of which P. anisodonta, P. bruguieri and P. olivieri might be the best choices. In addition, although the concentration of verbascoside in these plants may be affected by the growing areas and conditions, there are a good agreement between genetic relations and verbascoside levels.
Modeling for geophysical monitoring of multiple phase saturation of rocks: Applications to CO2 sequestration
Authors: Brown Stephen
Published: March 2014

A numerical study of measured petrophysical properties was used to develop and demonstrate a workflow for monitoring [Formula: see text] sequestration in a subsurface reservoir. Amplitude versus offset (AVO) attributes can be sensitive discriminators for [Formula: see text] presence. The sensitivity of AVO attributes to [Formula: see text] saturation increased when an upscaling scheme that propagated the effects of small-scale heterogeneities was used. A global sensitivity analysis was then performed to study the importance of various rock properties that would be used as inputs in reservoir characterization. An extensive rock properties database for a carbonate reservoir containing natural variability was used. The various rock properties were ranked by their importance to the quality of the remote characterization. Defining and using the intrinsic correlations among petrophysical properties were essential to evaluating whether a particular reservoir was amenable (sensitive) to this AVO characterization method.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to prostate and pelvic nodes—is pelvic lymph node coverage adequate with fiducial-based image-guided radiotherapy?
Authors: Eminowicz G , Dean C , Shoffren O , MacDougall N , Wells P , Muirhead R
Published: March 2014

Objective:

There remains concern regarding the use of fiducial-based image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer also undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to pelvic nodes. By a retrospective study, we aim to ascertain the impact of the use of fiducial-based IGRT on lymph node planned target volume (PTV) coverage.

Methods:

30 consecutive IMRT prostate and pelvic node plans were reviewed, and dose was recalculated with 1-mm increment movements in anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, right and left directions up to 10 mm. All patients were treated with a full bladder after drinking 450–750 ml of water and empty rectum with the use of sodium citrate enemas daily. Dose–volume histogram parameters were recorded at each position, specifically nodal PTV V95%, V99% and V100%. A local IGRT database was used to identify the likelihood of a particular bony to fiducial offset in all directions. The combined data were used to calculate the percentage risk of underdosing the lymph node PTV on any given fraction.

Results:

The likelihood of an offset in the left, right and anterior directions occurring and resulting in a failure to cover the PTV was <0.25%. The likelihood of a posterior offset occurring and resulting in inadequate coverage was slightly higher but remained <1%.

Conclusion:

This study confirms the safety of fiducial-based image-guided IMRT (IG-IMRT) with a strict bowel and bladder protocol, allowing a reduction of the clinical target volume to PTV margin of the prostate volume and consequent reduction in rectal toxicity.

Advances in knowledge:

This study strengthens the evidence supporting the safe implementation of fiducial-based IG-IMRT treating the prostate and pelvic nodes in high-risk prostate cancer.
A General Multiple Distributed Lag Framework for Estimating the Dynamic Effects of Promotions
Authors: Kappe Eelco , Stadler Blank Ashley , DeSarbo Wayne S.
Published: March 2014

Game attendance resulting from ticket sales is the single largest revenue stream for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. We propose a general multiple distributed lag framework following the Koyck family of models for estimating MLB attendance drivers and focus specifically on the differential direct and carryover effects of in-game promotions. By setting various model constraints, the proposed framework incorporates different forms of serial correlation and promotion-specific dynamic effects. Using information model-selection heuristics, we select an optimal model of attendance drivers for the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2010–2012 MLB seasons. We demonstrate that our newly proposed model with an unrestricted serial correlation structure performs best. We find that although kids promotions have the highest direct effect on attendance, giveaway and entertainment promotions have substantial carryover effects and the largest total effects. We use our results to optimize the Pirates' promotional schedule and find that a reallocation of resources across promotional categories can increase profits between 39% and 88%.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1856 .

This paper was accepted by Eric Bradlow, special issue on business analytics.
Reviews
Authors: Alexander Mary S. , Cogan Brian , Hardenbergh Margot , Capo James A. , Keshishian Flora
Published: March 2014

Bolter, Jay David and Richard Grusin. Remediation: Understanding New Media. Cambridge, MA: MIT P, 2000. 295 pp. Cloth $32.50, ISBN 0-262-02452-7. Paper $17.95, ISBN 0-262-52279.

Brown, Ray B., and Marshall W. Fishwick, eds. The Global Village: Dead or Alive? Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State U Popular P, 1999. 223 pp. Cloth $49.95, ISBN 0-879-72771-3. Paper $24.95, paper. ISBN 0-879-72772-1.

Gozzi, Raymond Jr. The Power of Metaphor in the Age of Electronic Media. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton P, 1999. 295 pp. Cloth $65.00, ISBN 1-57273-122-2. Paper $26.50, ISBN 1-57273-123-0.

Lessig. Lawrence. Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace. New York: Basic Books, 1999. 320 pp. Cloth $30.00, ISBN 0-465-03912-X. Paper $16.00, ISBN 0-465-03913.

Postman, Neil. Building a Bridge to the Eighteenth Century: How the Past Can Improve Our Future. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. 224 pp. Cloth $25.00, ISBN 0-375-40129-6. Paper $13.00, ISBN 0-375-70127-3.
Trading the Television for a Textbook?: High School Exit Exams and Student Behavior
Authors: Diette Timothy M. , Helms Sara E.
Published: March 2014

Approximately half of the states in the United States have some form of high school exit exam. One purpose of the exit exams is to create a clear bar which students must pass in order to graduate. Effective exit exams may encourage marginal students to spend additional time on schooling in order to pass the exam. This study exploits state-level variations in timing of implementation to understand how students have responded to the state exit exams. This study uses the American Time Use Survey (ATUS). The ATUS captures, in detail, how individuals spend their day. We find that exit exams are associated with an increase in the amount of time that students spend on educational activities by almost 20 minutes per day in the months in which exams are typically given. The increase comes mainly from an increase in time spent in school and not time spent outside of school on education-related activities. The additional time for education appears to be a trade-off with time spent watching television, which shows a significant drop in exam months for students facing exams.
Modeling of alkaline extraction chemistry and kinetics of softwood kraft pulp
Authors: Kuitunen Susanna , Tarvo Ville , Liitiä Tiina , Rovio Stella , Vuorinen Tapani , Alopaeus Ville
Published: March 2014

A comprehensive model for alkaline extraction (E) of chlorine dioxide delignified (D0) softwood kraft pulp (KP) is presented. The dynamics of the process is modeled by taking into account both irreversible and reversible chemical reactions and gas-liquid and liquid-liquid mass transfer. Equations linking molecular-scale composition (amounts of monomeric lignin and carbohydrate structures) and general engineering parameters [κ number (KN), brightness, intrinsic viscosity, total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), etc.] are presented. The model is capable of reproducing the development of KN and brightness from the molecular-level kinetics. Reactions responsible for the darkening of chlorine dioxide bleached (D0) pulp in alkali, brightening of pulp due to the action of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, and reduction in KN were identified. The model predicts the chemical composition of both fiber wall and filtrate. This feature enables studies concerning the interaction of the AE chemistry with upstream (D0 washing) and downstream (D1 stage) processes. Quantitative physicochemical modeling approach also points out shortcoming in the present knowledge.
A lysine-methionine exchange in a coronavirus surface protein transforms a retention motif into an endocytosis signal
Authors: Paul André , Trincone Anna , Siewert Sandra , Herrler Georg , Schwegmann-Weßels Christel
Published: March 2014

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is an enveloped (+) RNA virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. Among the viral membrane proteins, the spike (S) protein mediates receptor recognition/attachment to the host cell and fusion of viral and cellular membranes. The cytoplasmic tail of the S protein contains a tyrosine-dependent sorting signal with the consensus sequence YXXΦ. In the context of the S protein of TGEV (1440YEPI1443), this motif acts as a retention signal, preventing surface expression of the protein. Here, we show that a chimeric S protein, containing the six C-terminal amino acids of the glycoprotein G of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is no longer retained intracellularly, despite the presence of the tyrosine tetrapeptide motif. Following transport to the cell surface, the chimeric protein was rapidly endocytosed. Analysis of mutant proteins generated by site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a single amino acid exchange (1445K/M, position: +2 downstream of the tyrosine-based motif) was responsible for the altered sorting behavior.
Crustal deformation study in the Canary Archipelago by the analysis of GPS observations
Authors: Martín Adriana , Sevilla Miguel , Zurutuza Joaquín
Published: March 2014

The Canary Archipelago is an active volcanic region located in the African plate, at 100 Km of the northwest coast of Africa. The Complutense University of Madrid, Institute of Astronomy and Geodesy (CSIC-UCM) and University of Jaén, established a GPS Network in this region and carried out six observations campaigns from 2002 to 2009. The focus of thiswork is processing and analyzing these observations to study the geodynamic behavior of the stations of this network. The data have been computed with the Bernese GPS Software Version 5.0 obtaining individual solutions of coordinates for each session and campaign, the coordinate velocities of the stations and the time series of baselines formed between them. Results show consistency of station velocities compared to behaviour of areas permanent stations and baselines stability. No deformations could be detected.
Parametric Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining by GA-based Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Majumder Arindam
Published: March 2014

Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) is one
of the most popular non-conventional machining
processes. During Electric Discharge Machining
(EDM) the process parameters plays a very
important role in deciding the electrode wear
rate. In the present investigation the process
parameters of electric discharge machining
have been optimized for minimum electrode wear
rate. The machining parameters used in this
study are spark-current, pulse-on duration and
pulse-off duration. The relation between
electrode wear rate and machining parameters
has been developed by using Response Surface
Methodology. The mathematical model thus
developed was then employed on genetic
algorithm to optimize the process
parameters. This relation was also being used
to find the effect of machining parameters on
the electrode wear rate during Electric
Discharge Machining (EDM) process.
Multi-Objective Optimization of MRR, TWR and Radial Overcut of EDMed AISI D2 Tool Steel Using Response Surface Methodology, Grey Relational Analysis And Entropy Measurement
Authors: Pradhan Dr. Mohan Kumar
Published: March 2014

This article illustrates an application of a hybrid optimization approach for the determination of the optimum machining parameters to achieve better productivity without negotiating the qualities and accuracy of the EDMed components. A synergy of Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) coupled with Energy measurement method has been applied that maximises Material Removal Rate (MRR) and simultaneously minimises Tool Wear Rate (TWR) & Radial overcut or Gap(G) during Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of AISI D2 Tool steel. The input process parameters considered are pulse current (Ip), pulse duration (Ton), duty cycle (Tau) and discharge voltage (V). A face centered Central Composite Design (CCD) has been adopted for conducting the experiments. The designed experimental results were used in grey relational analysis, and the weights of the quality characteristics were decided by utilizing the entropy measurement method. The significant parameters are obtained by accomplishing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Based on the RSM results, it is found that the grey relational grades are considerably influenced by the machining parameters and some of their interactions. Ip is found to be most influencing parameter with 35.02%contribution followed by interaction of Ip×Ton and Tau with 21.74%and 17.73%contribution respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2
) is found to be 91.1%which is quite satisfactory. These results furnish useful information to control the responses and ensure the high productivity and accuracy of the component. This method is simple with easy operability, and moreover the results have also been confirmed by running the confirmation tests.
Recursive Adjustment for General Deterministic Components and Improved Cointegration Rank Tests
Authors: Born Benjamin , Demetrescu Matei
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses tests for the cointegration rank of integrated vector autoregressions when the series are recursively adjusted for deterministic components. To this end, the asymptotic properties of recursive, or adaptive, procedures for the removal of general additive deterministic components are analyzed in two different, complementary, situations. When the stochastic component of the examined time series is weakly stationary (as would be the equilibrium errors), the effect of recursive adjustment vanishes with increasing sample size. When the suitably normalized stochastic component converges weakly to some limiting continuous-time process with integrable paths (as would be the case with the common stochastic trends), recursive adjustment has a permanent effect even asymptotically: the normalized recursively adjusted process converges weakly to a recursively adjusted version of the limiting process. The null limiting distributions of the cointegration rank tests can be expressed in terms of recursively adjusted Brownian motions. Moreover, the finite-sample properties of the cointegration rank tests with recursive adjustment are examined in cases of empirical relevance: the considered deterministic components are a constant, and a constant and a linear trend, respectively. Compared to the likelihood ratio tests or the tests with generalized least squares adjustment, improvements in terms of empirical rejection frequencies under the null are found in finite samples; improvements are found under the alternative as well, with the likelihood ratio test performing increasingly better as the magnitude of the initial condition increases. Regarding rank selection, a very simple combination of the three testing procedures with different adjustments performs best.
Nonlinear spectroscopy in the near-field: time resolved spectroscopy and subwavelength resolution non-invasive imaging
Authors: Namboodiri Mahesh , Khan Tahirzeb , Karki Khadga , Kazemi Mehdi Mohammad , Bom Sidhant , Flachenecker Günter , Namboodiri Vinu , Materny Arnulf
Published: March 2014

The combination of near-field microscopy along with nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques is presented here. The scanning near-field imaging technique can be integrated with nonlinear spectroscopic techniques to improve spatial and axial resolution of the images. Additionally, ultrafast dynamics can be probed down to nano-scale dimension. The review shows some examples for this combination, which resulted in an exciton map and vibrational contrast images with sub-wavelength resolution. Results of two-color femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe experiments using scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) on thin films of the organic semiconductor 3,4,9,10 Perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) are presented. While nonlinear Raman techniques have been used to obtain highly resolved images in combination with near-field microscopy, the use of femtosecond laser pulses in electronic resonance still constitutes a big challenge. Here, we present our first results on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (fs-CARS) with femtosecond laser pulses detected in the near-field using SNOM. We demonstrate that highly spatially resolved images can be obtained from poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nano-structures where the fs-CARS process was in resonance with the P3HT absorption and with characteristic P3HT vibrational modes without destruction of the samples. Sub-diffraction limited lateral resolution is achieved. Especially the height resolution clearly surpasses that obtained with standard microCARS. These results will be the basis for future investigations of mode-selective dynamics in the near-field.
Somatostatin receptor ligands and resistance to treatment in pituitary adenomas
Authors: Cuevas-Ramos Daniel , Fleseriu Maria
Published: March 2014

Somatostatin (SST), an inhibitory polypeptide with two biologically active forms SST14 and SST28, inhibits GH, prolactin (PRL), TSH, and ACTH secretion in the anterior pituitary gland. SST also has an antiproliferative effect inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Such actions are mediated through five G-protein-coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTR): SSTR1–SSTR5. In GH-secreting adenomas, SSTR2 expression predominates, and somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs; octreotide and lanreotide) directed to SSTR2 are presently the mainstays of medical therapy. However, about half of patients show incomplete biochemical remission, but the definition of resistanceper seremains controversial. We summarize here the determinants of SRL resistance in acromegaly patients, including clinical, imaging features as well as molecular (mutations, SSTR variants, and polymorphisms), and histopathological (granulation pattern, and proteins and receptor expression) predictors. The role of SSTR5 may explain the partial responsiveness to SRLs in patients with adequate SSTR2 density in the cell membrane. In patients with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, i.e. Cushing's disease (CD), SSTR5 is the most abundant receptor expressed and tumors show low SSTR2 density due to hypercortisolism-induced SSTR2 down-regulation. Clinical studies with pasireotide, a multireceptor-targeted SRL with increased SSTR5 activity, lead to approval of pasireotide for treatment of patients with CD. Other SRL delivery modes (oral octreotide), multireceptor-targeted SRL (somatoprim) or chimeric compounds targeting dopamine D2 receptors and SSTR2 (dopastatin), are briefly discussed.
Comparison between ability and performance: a study on the functionality of dependent elderly individuals
Authors: Machado Flávia Nunes , Machado Adriana Nunes , Soares Sônia Maria
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: to compare the ability and performance of Basic Activities of Daily Living of dependent elderly individuals cared for in a geriatric healthcare center. METHOD: cross-sectional, observational study with quantitative approach. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was applied in 109 elderly individuals cared for in a geriatric healthcare center. Of these, 60 individuals were classified as dependent in the case of basic activities of daily living described according to the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health (ICF). The process of triangulation reinforced reliability of data, which included information provided by patients and caregivers and that contained in medical files and objective assessment. RESULTS: the average age was 81.0±7.1 with a predominance of women. The difference between ability and performance was statistically significant (p<0.05) in most daily tasks. CONCLUSION: the contribution of this study in using ICF was semi-quantitatively interpreting its qualifiers, which enabled more objective comparisons and inferences, and revealed a clear distance between the performance and ability of these individuals in most of the assessed activities.
Body composition of chronic renal patients: anthropometry and bioimpedance vector analysis
Authors: Soares Viviane , Avelar Ivan Silveira de , Andrade Sara Rosa de Sousa , Vieira Marcus Fraga , Silva Maria Sebastiana
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: to compare the body composition of patients undergoing hemodialysis with that of healthy individuals using different methods. METHOD: cross-sectional study assessing male individuals using anthropometric markers, electrical bioimpedance and vector analysis. RESULTS: the healthy individuals presented larger triceps skinfold and arm circumference (p<0.001). The bioimpedance variables also presented significant higher values in this group. Significant difference was found in the confidence interval of the vector analysis performed for both the patients and healthy individuals (p<0.0001). The tolerance intervals showed that 55.20% of the patients were dehydrated, 10.30% presented visible edema, and 34.50% were within normal levels of hydration. Bioimpedance and vector analysis revealed that 52% of the patients presented decreased cell mass while 14.00% presented increased cell mass. CONCLUSIONS: the differences in the body composition of patients and healthy individuals were revealed through bioimpedance and vector analysis but not through their measures of arm circumference and arm muscle area.
The Oral Minimal Model Method
Authors: Cobelli Claudio , Dalla Man Chiara , Toffolo Gianna , Basu Rita , Vella Adrian , Rizza Robert
Published: March 2014

The simultaneous assessment of insulin action, secretion, and hepatic extraction is key to understanding postprandial glucose metabolism in nondiabetic and diabetic humans. We review the oral minimal method (i.e., models that allow the estimation of insulin sensitivity, β-cell responsivity, and hepatic insulin extraction from a mixed-meal or an oral glucose tolerance test). Both of these oral tests are more physiologic and simpler to administer than those based on an intravenous test (e.g., a glucose clamp or an intravenous glucose tolerance test). The focus of this review is on indices provided by physiological-based models and their validation against the glucose clamp technique. We discuss first the oral minimal model method rationale, data, and protocols. Then we present the three minimal models and the indices they provide. The disposition index paradigm, a widely used β-cell function metric, is revisited in the context of individual versus population modeling. Adding a glucose tracer to the oral dose significantly enhances the assessment of insulin action by segregating insulin sensitivity into its glucose disposal and hepatic components. The oral minimal model method, by quantitatively portraying the complex relationships between the major players of glucose metabolism, is able to provide novel insights regarding the regulation of postprandial metabolism.
Multiple Nonglycemic Genomic Loci Are Newly Associated With Blood Level of Glycated Hemoglobin in East Asians
Authors: Chen Peng , Takeuchi Fumihiko , Lee Jong-Young , Li Huaixing , Wu Jer-Yuarn , Liang Jun , Long Jirong , Tabara Yasuharu , Goodarzi Mark O. , Pereira Mark A. , Kim Young Jin , Go Min Jin , Stram Daniel O. , Vithana Eranga , Khor Chiea-Chuen , Liu Jianjun , Liao Jiemin , Ye Xingwang , Wang Yiqin , Lu Ling , Young Terri L. , Lee Jeannette , Thai Ah Chuan , Cheng Ching-Yu , van Dam Rob M. , Friedlander Yechiel , Heng Chew-Kiat , Koh Woon-Puay , Chen Chien-Hsiun , Chang Li-Ching , Pan Wen-Harn , Qi Qibin , Isono Masato , Zheng Wei , Cai Qiuyin , Gao Yutang , Yamamoto Ken , Ohnaka Keizo , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Kita Yoshikuni , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Hsiung Chao A. , Cui Jinrui , Sheu Wayne H.-H. , Rotter Jerome I. , Chen Yii-Der I. , Hsu Chris , Okada Yukinori , Kubo Michiaki , Takahashi Atsushi , Tanaka Toshihiro , van Rooij Frank J.A. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Huang Jinyan , Huang Tao , Yuan Jianmin , Hwang Joo-Yeon ,   CHARGE Hematology Working Group, Gross Myron D. , Assimes Themistocles L. , Miki Tetsuro , Shu Xiao-Ou , Qi Lu , Chen Yuan-Tson , Lin Xu , Aung Tin , Wong Tien-Yin , Teo Yik-Ying , Kim Bong-Jo , Kato Norihiro , Tai E-Shyong
Published: March 2014

Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is used as a measure of glycemic control and also as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. To discover novel loci harboring common variants associated with HbA1c in East Asians, we conducted a meta-analysis of 13 genome-wide association studies (GWAS; N = 21,026). We replicated our findings in three additional studies comprising 11,576 individuals of East Asian ancestry. Ten variants showed associations that reached genome-wide significance in the discovery data set, of which nine (four novel variants at TMEM79 [P value = 1.3 × 10−23], HBS1L/MYB [8.5 × 10−15], MYO9B [9.0 × 10−12], and CYBA [1.1 × 10−8] as well as five variants at loci that had been previously identified [CDKAL1, G6PC2/ABCB11, GCK, ANK1, and FN3KI]) showed consistent evidence of association in replication data sets. These variants explained 1.76% of the variance in HbA1c. Several of these variants (TMEM79, HBS1L/MYB, CYBA, MYO9B, ANK1, and FN3K) showed no association with either blood glucose or type 2 diabetes. Among individuals with nondiabetic levels of fasting glucose (<7.0 mmol/L) but elevated HbA1c (≥6.5%), 36.1% had HbA1c <6.5% after adjustment for these six variants. Our East Asian GWAS meta-analysis has identified novel variants associated with HbA1c as well as demonstrated that the effects of known variants are largely transferable across ethnic groups. Variants affecting erythrocyte parameters rather than glucose metabolism may be relevant to the use of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in these populations.
Performance of a veterinary urine dipstick paddle system for diagnosis and identification of urinary tract infections in dogs and cats
Authors: Ybarra Winnie L. , Sykes Jane E. , Wang Yenlie , Byrne Barbara A. , Westropp Jodi L.
Published: March 2014

Objective—To evaluate the performance of a veterinary urine dipstick paddle (UDP) for diagnosis and identification of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs and cats.

Design—Prospective, randomized, blinded study.

Sample—207 urine specimens.

Procedures—UDPs were inoculated by 2 investigators and incubated according to manufacturer's instructions. Results, including presence or absence of bacterial growth, organism counts, and identification of uropathogens, were compared between investigators and with microbiology laboratory results. A subset of UDPs with bacterial growth was submitted to the laboratory for confirmation.

Results—The laboratory reported 64 (30.9%) specimens had growth of bacteria. Bacterial growth was reported for 63 (30.4%) and 58 (28.0%) of the UDPs by investigators 1 and 2, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the UDP for detection of bacterial growth were 97.3% and 98.6%, respectively, for investigator 1 and 89.1% and 99.3%, respectively, for investigator 2. For UPDs with ≥ 105 colony-forming units/mL, organism counts correlated well between the laboratory and investigators 1 (r = 0.95) and 2 (r = 0.89). Pathogen identification was not always accurate. Only 25 of 33 (75.8%) UDPs submitted for confirmation yielded bacteria consistent with those isolated from the original bacterial culture of urine.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The veterinary UDP system was a sensitive test for screening patients for bacterial UTI, but uropathogen identification was not always accurate. When UDPs have bacterial growth, a fresh urine specimen should be submitted to the laboratory to confirm the identity of the organisms and to permit antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Crime and Punishment under Islamic Jurisprudence: An Introspection
Authors: Maruf Ashiquddin Mohammad
Published: March 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/nujl.v3i0.18392 Northern University Journal of Law Vol.III 2012; p.15-22
Character association and path analysis in garlic (Allium sativum L) for yield and its attributes
Authors: Singh SR , Ahmed NA , Lal S , Amin Asima , Amin Mudasir , Ganie SA , Jan Nusrat
Published: March 2014

Character association and path analysis in twenty genotypically diverse indigenous genotypes of garlic (Allium sativum L.) were studied at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar during the years 2010 and 2011 for nine important characters. Total bulb yield showed positive and significant genotypic and phenotypic associations with plant height, number of leaves per plant, pseudo-stem length, bulb weight and number of cloves per bulb, indicating that selection based on these traits will help increasing the yield of garlic. Path coefficient analysis provides an effective means of a critical examination of specific force action to produce a given correlation and measure the relative importance of each factor. In this analysis bulb yield was taken as dependant variable and rest characters were considered as independent variable. Bulb weight showed high positive and direct effect and significant positive correlation with total bulb yield. Therefore, bulb with higher weight should be considered in selection criteria for increasing the total bulb yield and emphasis should be given for selecting the genotypes with higher bulb weight. Overall path analysis indicated that direct effect of bulb weight and equatorial bulb diameter and indirect effect of plant height, number of leaves per plant, pseudo stem length, polar bulb diameter, equatorial bulb diameter, number of cloves per bulb and average weight of 50 cloves should be considered simultaneously for amenability of total bulb yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18374 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 45-52 (2013)
Research priorities in Bangladesh: analysis of crop production trends
Authors: Golder PC , Sastry RK , Srinivas K
Published: March 2014

Agriculture in Bangladesh is at a stage where there is a need for research priority setting. Given the physical, financial and human resource base, there is a need for proper allocation of these resources for higher and sustainable growth in production and productivity. On the other hand, resource allocation is needed to be distributed based on the commodity and regional importance. The study generates indices of research priorities for the crop sector of Bangladesh in terms of commodities and regions keeping in view the national developmental goals. Growth rates were calculated and compared share of different sectors, commodities were used to determine the priorities which is basically initial base of the congruence analysis method. Literature survey was carried out to understand the priorities at different point of times given the grand realities based on the secondary data. Division wise share analysis was done to determine the regional priority. The study concludes and emphasizes the need for (a) the increased allocation in agricultural research (b) strengthening of rice research activities (c) proportional allocation of research budget for pulses, oilseeds, cash crops, fruits and vegetables, (d) reduction of improper trade balance in export-import, and (e) regional importance for research resource allocation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18375 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 53-70 (2013)
Characterization and genetic variability analysis in Capsicum annuum L. germplasm
Authors: Datta S , Das L
Published: March 2014

Fifty three genotypes of Capsicum annuum L. collected from different parts of the West Bengal, India were characterized for 23 characters namely, stem colour, plant growth habit, branching habit, leaf size, leaf shape, leaf margin, leaf colour, leaf pubescence, pigment at node, flower per axil, corolla colour, anther colour, calyx margin, mature fruit colour at intermediate stage, fruit shape, fruit position, fruit adherence to the calyx, fruit shape at pedicel attachment, blossom end fruit shape, ascorbic acid content of the fruit, capsaicin in red fruit and colour value of the ripe fruit. These genotypes upon cataloguing showed distinct variations with respect to vegetative, inflorescence, fruit and quality characters. A wide range of variation was also observed among the genotypes for several morphological, fruit and quality characters. Among the different characters, white corolla colour showed 100 % frequency and higher frequency was also recorded in single flower per axil (86.79 %), number pigmentation at node (83.02 %) and green fruit colour (69.81%) at intermediate stage. Predominance of single descriptor state was found in more than 50 % genotypes for 15 characters. Based on the D2 value 53 genotypes were grouped into 17 clusters and results indicated that Cluster I and Cluster VII comprised with 29 and 9 genotypes respectively. Rest of clusters consisted of one genotype in each case. Variability studies revealed that there was a wide range of variability for all the characters studied. High heritability along with higher genetic advance (as a %age of mean) was found in capsaicin content in fruit, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and primary branches per plant. These characters may be considered as reliable selection indices as they are possibly governed by additive gene effect. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18387 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 91-103 (2013)
Response of nitrogen fertilization on Bt and non-Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) hybrids
Authors: Gangaiah B , Ahlawat IPS , Babu MBBP
Published: March 2014

A field experiment was conducted during 2006 and 2007 (June- December) at New Delhi to assess the performance of three cotton hybrids of which two Bt (MRC 6304 & RCH 317) and one non-Bt cotton hybrid LHH 144 (North zone check) in response to nitrogen fertilization (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1). Based on pooled analysis, both Bt hybrids produced similar seed cotton yield (SCY). Bt hybrid have produced 7.1 bolls/plant (on an average) and bolls 0.48 g heavier than non Bt hybrid LHH 144 that lead to 1.07 t ha-1 higher SCY of Bt hybrids than non-Bt hybrid (1.93 t ha-1). Though the N uptake by cotton hybrids was statistically similar N harvest index (NHI) was higher in Bt hybrid (57.85) as compared to non-Bt hybrid (40.5). The agronomic N use efficiency (ANUE) was highest in MRC 6304 Bt (6.44) and least in LHH 144 non-Bt cotton (3.91). Cotton growth, yield attributes, SCY, and N uptake increased with each successive increase to the highest level of 180 kg ha-1 however, the N response of cotton was quadratic in nature with optimum dose of 173.0 kg ha-1. The NHI decreased with increase in N dose i.e. from the highest of 56.3 in control to the lowest of 48.8 with 180 kg ha-1 N fertilization. ANUE and physiological NUE that was highest with 60 (5.73) and 120 kg N fertilization (17.05), respectively and decreased with further increase in N dose. The cotton hybrid x N interaction effect revealed that Bt cottons have quadratic N response while non-Bt cotton has linear N response. From the economic point of view, Bt hybrids with 120 kg Nha-1 could be optimum dose for cotton cultivation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i1.18389 SAARC J. Agri., 11(1): 121-132 (2013)
Safety Evaluation of Cosmetic Ingredients: In Vitro Opportunities for the Identification of Contact Allergens
Authors: Corsini Emanuela , Papale Angela , Galbiati Valentina , Roggen Erwin
Published: March 2014

Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are undesired side effects in the development of drugs and cosmetics as well as after contact with environmental or industrial chemicals. Over the last decades, a great deal of progress has been made in the development of alternative In vitro test to assess these issues. Driven by the 7th Amendment to the European Cosmetic Directive, the EU policy on chemicals (the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH) system), the update of the European legislation on the protection of animals used in research, and emerging visions and strategies for predicting toxicity, in vitro methods are likely to play a major role in the near future. On 12 December 2013, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM, part of the European Commission Joint Research Centre) published its Recommendation on the Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) for skin sensitization, capable of distinguishing sensitizers from non-sensitizers. Other assays (i.e., KeratinoSens™ assay) will follow shortly. While a number of methods are at various stages of development and use, currently it is not possible to rank chemicals for their sensitizing potency, an issue that is important for a full safety assessment. It is expected that a predictive method to totally replace animal testing will be in the form of a test battery comprising molecular, cell-based, and/or computational methods, the so-called “Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment”. This review aims to discuss the state-of-the-art in the field of in vitro assessment of contact sensitizers.
Internet Education and Economic Growth: Evidence from Cross-Country Regressions
Authors: Jin Lawrence , Jin Jang
Published: March 2014

The effects of Internet education on economic growth are examined using a cross-section of 36 high-income countries. Internet usage rates are employed as a proxy for Internet education across countries. Regression results show that the frequent usage of the Internet has a positive and significant effect on economic growth. The estimated growth effect of Internet skills is also found to be greater than the growth effect of math and science skills. The results are, in general, robust across model specifications.
Electrical Characteristics of the Uniaxial-Strained nMOSFET with a Fluorinated HfO2/SiON Gate Stack
Authors: Chen Yung-Yu
Published: March 2014

The channel fluorine implantation (CFI) process was integrated with the Si3N4 contact etch stop layer (SiN CESL) uniaxial-strained n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (nMOSFET) with the hafnium oxide/silicon oxynitride (HfO2/SiON) gate stack. The SiN CESL process clearly improves basic electrical performance, due to induced uniaxial tensile strain within the channel. However, further integrating of the CFI process with the SiN CESL-strained nMOSFET exhibits nearly identical transconductance, subthreshold swing, drain current, gate leakage and breakdown voltage, which indicates that the strain effect is not affected by the fluorine incorporation. Moreover, hydrogen will diffuse toward the interface during the SiN deposition, then passivate dangling bonds to form weak Si-H bonds, which is detrimental for channel hot electron stress (CHES). Before hydrogen diffusion, fluorine can be used to terminate oxygen vacancies and dangling bonds, which can create stronger Hf-F and Si-F bonds to resist consequent stress. Accordingly, the reliability of constant voltage stress (CVS) and CHES for the SiN CESL uniaxial-strained nMOSFET can be further improved by the fluorinated HfO2/SiON using the CFI process. Nevertheless, the nMOSFET with either the SiN CESL or CFI process exhibits less charge detrapping, which means that a greater part of stress-induced charges would remain in the gate stack after nitrogen (SiN CESL) or fluorine (CFI) incorporation.