bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial Effect Associated with Use of Watery and Alcoholic Extract of Garlic as a Supplement in Hyperlipidemic Guinea Pigs
Authors: Choudhary Kamla , Choudhary Raghuveer , Choudhary Prema Ram , Chawla VK
Published: July 2011

Background: Garlic is naturally occurring sulphur containing dietary agent belong to Allium family. Members of this family i.e. Garlic, Onions are found to have beneficial effect on atherosclerosis and ischemic heart diseases in both experimental animals and in human beings. Objective: To compare the potency of garlic as antihyperlipidemic and antiplatelet and antithrombotic between its watery and alcoholic extract for their effects. Methods: 25 guinea pigs were fed cholesterol (0.5g/kg body weight) for an initial period of 4 weeks. Cholesterol was then discontinued and the animals were divided into 3 groups. Group-I (n=7) was fed with stock diet and was taken as control. Group-II (n=9) was given 1ml of watery extract and Group-III (n=9) was fed with 1ml of alcoholic extract of garlic with normal diet daily for 4 weeks. The garlic content of both the extract was 2 gm/ml by wt/vol. Fasting blood samples were collected at the end 4 weeks and finally at the end of the study i.e.8 weeks for estimation of serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, LDC-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C, atherogenic index and platelet adhesiveness index. Bleeding time and clotting time were also detected in all the 3 groups. Results: In the present study, the watery and alcoholic extract of garlic shows significant hypolipidemic activity as they reduced significantly serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, LDC-C, VLDL-C and atheriogenic index in hyperlipidemic guinea pigs (p<0.01) compared to control. The significant rise in HDL-C was observed in group II but not in group III animals. On comparison between two extracts, watery extract of garlic was more potent hypolipidemic agent, compared to alcoholic extract. Both extract significantly reduces platelet adhesiveness and bleeding time. But between two extract the watery extract was found more potent anti-thrombotic agent as it showed significant decrease in platelet adhesiveness (P<0.01). BT was significantly increased in group II compared to group I and III. Conclusion: It can be concluded that watery extract of Allium Sativum is more potent hypolipidemic and antiplatelet, and anti-thrombotic agent. Key Words: Allium Sativum; Hyperlipidemia; platelet adhesiveness index; watery and alcoholic extracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8079 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 22-26
Osteoporosis in Surgical Menopause
Authors: Kabir Farhana , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma
Published: July 2011

Background: Osteoporosis in both surgical and natural menopausal women are common health hazards all over the world. And the surgical menopausal women may have the greater chance of this disorder than those of natural menopausal women. Objective: To observe osteoporotic changes in both surgical and natural menopausal women in Bangladesh. Method: This Cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka between 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2010. A total number of 60 female subjects were included in this study. Among them 30 surgical menopausal women age ranged from 45-55 years were included in the study group (Group B) and 30 natural menopausal women age ranged from 50-60 years were taken as control (Group A). All the menopausal women were selected from Out Patient Department (OPD) of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital. Estimation of serum estrogen level by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) method and T- score was obtained by Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of both natural and surgical menopausal women were done. The statistical analysis was done by using appropriate method as applicable. Results: In this study T- score of both spinal and femoral neck bone were significantly (p<0.001) lower in surgical menopausal women than those of natural menopausal women. Again, mean serum estrogen level was significantly (p<0.001) lower in surgical menopausal women than that of natural menopausal women. Conclusion: The present study revealed that surgical menopausal women have greater chance of osteoporosis than those of natural menopausal women. Key words: Menopause; Bone mineral density; Osteoporosis.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v6i1.8083 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2011 June; 6(1): 39-44
Mosquitoes Associated with Ditch-Plugged and Control Tidal Salt Marshes on the Delmarva Peninsula
Authors: Leisnham Paul T. , Sandoval-Mohapatra Sarah
Published: July 2011

A study was conducted during the summer of 2009 (from July to September) to characterize mosquito communities among different habitats in five historically ditched tidal salt marshes and three adjacent wooded areas in the E.A. Vaughn Wetland Management Area on the Maryland Delmarva Peninsula, USA. Study marshes are characteristic of Atlantic coastal salt marshes that had undergone grid ditching from the 1930s to 1950s. In the autumn of 2008 (October and November) ditches were plugged near their outlets in two (‘experimental’) marshes with the aim to restore their natural tidal hydrology. The three other marshes were not plugged. Marshes were sampled from July to September in 2009 by using standard dip count method. A total of 2,457 mosquito larvae representing six species were collected on 15.4% (86/557) of all sample occasions and 399 adults representing four mosquito species were collected from landing counts. Aedes sollicitans, Anopheles bradleyi and Culex salinarius were the most common species collected in larval habitats, and Ae. sollicitans was the most common adult collected. Wooded habitats had more total mosquitoes, were also more frequently occupied by mosquitoes and had higher densities of mosquitoes than marsh habitats. Almost all larvae collected from marshes were from one experimental and one control site. The majority of larvae at the control site were Ae. sollicitans in marsh pannes while Cx. salinarius, An. bradleyi, Ae. cantator, and Ae. sollicitans were collected in high numbers from ditches at the experimental site. We found a difference in the proportion of marsh pannes occupied by Ae. sollicitans but not total mosquitoes sampled 4–5 days after spring tide events than on other occasions. Salinity measures of 42 larval habitats showed lower median salinity in mosquito-occupied habitats (11.5 ppt) than unoccupied habitats (20.1 ppt), and in habitats in wooded areas followed by ditches and pannes in marsh areas. The results of this study suggest that wooded areas adjacent to salt marshes may be a substantial source of biting adult mosquitoes usually associated with salt marsh habitats and that ditch plugging may alter the productivity of mosquitoes on some marshes. We recommend future studies consider mosquito productivity from habitats surrounding salt marshes, and if assessments of marsh alterations are a goal, compare multiple experimental and control areas before and after treatments to determine if alterations have a consistent impact on regional mosquito production.
Validation of the Gravity Model in Predicting the Global Spread of Influenza
Authors: Li Xinhai , Tian Huidong , Lai Dejian , Zhang Zhibin
Published: July 2011

The gravity model is often used in predicting the spread of influenza. We use the data of influenza A (H1N1) to check the model’s performance and validation, in order to determine the scope of its application. In this article, we proposed to model the pattern of global spread of the virus via a few important socio-economic indicators. We applied the epidemic gravity model for modelling the virus spread globally through the estimation of parameters of a generalized linear model. We compiled the daily confirmed cases of influenza A (H1N1) in each country as reported to the WHO and each state in the USA, and established the model to describe the relationship between the confirmed cases and socio-economic factors such as population size, per capita gross domestic production (GDP), and the distance between the countries/states and the country where the first confirmed case was reported (i.e., Mexico). The covariates we selected for the model were all statistically significantly associated with the global spread of influenza A (H1N1). However, within the USA, the distance and GDP were not significantly associated with the number of confirmed cases. The combination of the gravity model and generalized linear model provided a quick assessment of pandemic spread globally. The gravity model is valid if the spread period is long enough for estimating the model parameters. Meanwhile, the distance between donor and recipient communities has a good gradient. Besides, the spread should be at the early stage if a single source is taking into account.
Extracting Buildings from True Color Stereo Aerial Images Using a Decision Making Strategy
Authors: Tarantino Eufemia , Figorito Benedetto
Published: July 2011

The automatic extraction of buildings from true color stereo aerial imagery in a dense built-up area is the main focus of this paper. Our approach strategy aimed at reducing the complexity of the image content by means of a three-step procedure combining reliable geospatial image analysis techniques. Even if it is a rudimentary first step towards a more general approach, the method presented proved useful in urban sprawl studies for rapid map production in flat area by retrieving indispensable information on buildings from scanned historic aerial photography. After the preliminary creation of a photogrammetric model to manage Digital Surface Model and orthophotos, five intermediate mask-layers data (Elevation, Slope, Vegetation, Shadow, Canny, Shadow, Edges) were processed through the combined use of remote sensing image processing and GIS software environments. Lastly, a rectangular building block model without roof structures (Level of Detail, LoD1) was automatically generated. System performance was evaluated with objective criteria, showing good results in a complex urban area featuring various types of building objects.
Effect of Reduced Spatial Resolution on Mineral Mapping Using Imaging Spectrometry—Examples Using Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI)-Simulated Data
Authors: Kruse Fred A. , Taranik James V. , Coolbaugh Mark , Michaels Joshua , Littlefield Elizabeth F. , Calvin Wendy M. , Martini Brigette A.
Published: July 2011

The Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) is a proposed NASA satellite remote sensing system combining a visible to shortwave infrared (VSWIR) imaging spectrometer with over 200 spectral bands between 0.38 and 2.5 μm and an 8-band thermal infrared (TIR) multispectral imager, both at 60 m spatial resolution. Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) (2.0–2.5 μm) simulation results are described here using Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data in preparation for the future launch. The simulated data were used to assess the effect of the HyspIRI 60 m spatial resolution on the ability to identify and map minerals at hydrothermally altered and geothermal areas. Mineral maps produced using these data successfully detected and mapped a wide variety of characteristic minerals, including jarosite, alunite, kaolinite, dickite, muscovite-illite, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, calcite, buddingtonite, and hydrothermal silica. Confusion matrix analysis of the datasets showed overall classification accuracy ranging from 70 to 92% for the 60 m HyspIRI simulated data relative to 15 m spatial resolution data. Classification accuracy was lower for similar minerals and smaller areas, which were not mapped well by the simulated 60 m HyspIRI data due to blending of similar signatures and spectral mixing with adjacent pixels. The simulations demonstrate that HyspIRI SWIR data, while somewhat limited by their relatively coarse spatial resolution, should still be useful for mapping hydrothermal/geothermal systems, and for many other geologic applications requiring mineral mapping.
An Optical Test Strip for the Detection of Benzoic Acid in Food
Authors: Hamzah Hairul Hisham , Yusof Nor Azah , Salleh Abu Bakar , Bakar Fatimah Abu
Published: July 2011

Fabrication of a test strip for detection of benzoic acid was successfully implemented by immobilizing tyrosinase, phenol and 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) onto filter paper using polystyrene as polymeric support. The sensing scheme was based on the decreasing intensity of the maroon colour of the test strip when introduced into benzoic acid solution. The test strip was characterized using optical fiber reflectance and has maximum reflectance at 375 nm. It has shown a highly reproducible measurement of benzoic acid with a calculated RSD of 0.47% (n = 10). The detection was optimized at pH 7. A linear response of the biosensor was obtained in 100 to 700 ppm of benzoic acid with a detection limit (LOD) of 73.6 ppm. At 1:1 ratio of benzoic acid to interfering substances, the main interfering substance is boric acid. The kinetic analyses show that, the inhibition of benzoic is competitive inhibitor and the inhibition constant (Ki) is 52.9 ppm. The activity of immobilized tyrosinase, phenol, and MBTH in the test strip was fairly sustained during 20 days when stored at 3 °C. The developed test strip was used for detection of benzoic acid in food samples and was observed to have comparable results to the HPLC method, hence the developed test strip can be used as an alternative to HPLC in detecting benzoic acid in food products.
Survey on Medical Records and EHR in Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Croll P. , Li B. , Wong C. P. , Gogia S. , Faud A. , Kwak Y.-S. , Chu S. , Marcelo A. , Chow Y.-H. , Paoin W. , Li Y.-C. J. , Kimura M.
Published: July 2011

Objectives: To clarify health record background information in the Asia-Pacific region, for planning and evaluation of medical information systems.

Methods: The survey was carried out in the summer of 2009. Of the 14 APAMI (Asia-Pacific Association for Medical Informatics) delegates 12 responded which were Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Results: English is used for records and education in Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. Most of the countries/regions are British Commonwealth. Nine out of 12 delegates responded that the second purpose of medical records was for the billing of medical services. Seven out of nine responders to this question answered that the second purpose of EHR (Electronic Health Records) was healthcare cost cutting. In Singapore, a versatile resident ID is used which can be applied to a variety of uses. Seven other regions have resident IDs which are used for a varying range of purposes. Regarding healthcare ID, resident ID is simply used as healthcare ID in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. In most cases, disclosure of medical data with patient’s name identified is allowed only for the purpose of disease control within a legal framework and for disclosure to the patient and referred doctors. Secondary use of medical information with the patient’s identification anonymized is usually allowed in particular cases for specific purposes.

Conclusion: This survey on the health record background information has yielded the above mentioned results. This information contributes to the planning and evaluation of medical information systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
Evolution of gynoecium morphology in Old World Papaveroideae: A combined phylogenetic/ontogenetic approach
Authors: Kadereit Joachim W. , Erbar Claudia
Published: July 2011

• Premise of the study: The correct assessment of homology is an important prerequisite for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships and character evolution. Old World Papaveroideae (Papaver, Meconopsis, Roemeria, Stylomecon) show substantial diversity in gynoecium and capsule morphology. In particular, capsules can have distinct styles (Meconopsis p.p., Stylomecon) or a sessile stigmatic disc (Papaver). Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Old World Papaveroideae had shown that neither taxa with styles nor those with stigmatic discs represent monophyletic lineages. We here investigate whether either styles or stigmatic discs have arisen repeatedly during the diversification of Old World Papaveroideae.

• Methods: We investigated gynoecium ontogeny in Papaver rhoeas, P. californicum, Meconopsis cambrica, and Stylomecon heterophylla by scanning electron microscopy for the first time. Our observations were interpreted on the background of a well‐resolved molecular phylogeny of the taxa investigated.

• Key results: Papaver rhoeas and P. californicum share the presence of a developmentally complex garland‐like stage in gynoecium ontogeny. The styles of M. cambrica and S. heterophylla result from growth in a ring‐like zone beneath the carpel tips. This zone is also present in Papaver. In M. cambrica, traces of a garland‐like stage can be seen. Style formation and stigma formation begin more or less simultaneously in M. cambrica, but style formation clearly precedes stigma formation in S. heterophylla.

• Conclusions: The styles present in M. cambrica and S. heterophylla are considered to have arisen in parallel from ancestors with a stigmatic disc. We speculate that style formation may have been a means to reduce selfing.
Liver Interleukin-8 Messenger RNA Expression and Interferon Sensitivity-Determining Region Mutations Relate to Treatment Response in Hepatitis C 1B
Authors: Lee Chuan-Mo , Yen Yi-Hao , Hung Chao-Hung , Lu Sheng-Nan , Wang Jing-Houng , Wang Jyh-Chwan , Chen Chien-Hung , Kee Kwong-Ming , Hu Tsung-Hui , Changchien Chi-Sin
Published: July 2011

Background

In vitro study has shown that mechanisms for inhibiting interferon (IFN)-α antiviral action by non-structural 5A protein include interaction with IFN-induced RNA-dependent protein kinase and induction of interleukin (IL)-8 expression. Mutations in the non-structural 5A IFN sensitivity-determining region (ISDR) were reported to correlate with sustained virological response (SVR). IL-8 is associated with the inhibition of IFN-α action. We investigated whether pretreatment ISDR mutations and hepatic IL-8 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression had an effect on the SVR rate under combination therapy.

Methods

A total of 53 HCV-1b patients who completed 24 weeks of pegylated-IFN-α2b plus ribavirin, a 24-week follow-up and had enough tissue specimens were enrolled. Liver biopsy was performed within 6 months before antiviral therapy. Hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression was measured by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.

Results

Of 53 patients, 30 exhibited SVR. Multivariate analysis revealed that hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression <1.5x10-4 (OR 6.66, 95% CI 1.77-25.05) and ISDR mutations ≥4 (OR 12.20, 95% CI 1.23-125.00) were independent predictors of SVR. Fibrosis scores and alanine aminotransferase levels were predictive of hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression by multiple linear regression analysis ( r2=0.204).

Conclusions

SVR to combination therapy in hepatitis C 1b patients was associated with down-regulated hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression and ISDR mutations. Fibrosis scores and alanine aminotransferase levels were predictive of hepatic IL-8 mRNA expression.
A developmentally focussed time-limited psychodynamic psychotherapy for adolescents and young adults : origins and application
Authors: Briggs Stephen , Lyon Louise
Published: July 2011

Résumé Cet article traite des processus qui sont en jeu dans l’articulation et l’évaluation d’un modèle de psychothérapie psychodynamique limitée dans le temps auprès des jeunes (TPP-A). À partir d’une thérapie centrée sur un aspect important de difficulté ou de perturbation développementale, et dans une période déterminée, TPP-A vise à aider le jeune à retrouver sa capacité d’affronter des défis développementaux, et/ou voir cette capacité renforcée. L’article élabore des aspects clés du modèle et présente un cas de figure.
Trois temps, trois mouvements psychiques
Authors: Simond Marianne
Published: July 2011

L’auteur cherche à retransmettre l’effet constaté du rêve-éveillé en séance et de sa relecture à une séance ultérieure. Le rêve-éveillé initial permet le rappel de diverses scènes et le souvenir d’une scène de rupture d’une grande importance pour le sujet. Ce souvenir est ainsi revécu dans le rêve-éveillé. La relecture de ce rêve-éveillé vivifie encore le vécu exprimé par le sujet et on peut percevoir derrière les expressions de ces émotions que l’une d’entre elles était ignorée du sujet et qu’il l’avait très probablement refoulée. L’auteur détaille les trois temps qui permettent et suivent ce retour du refoulé.
L'imaginaire sur le divan
Authors: Jacob Colette
Published: July 2011

« Imaginaire sur le divan »... titre symbolique qui cherche à montrer l’agencement du travail et de la rencontre analytiques avec l’imaginaire, dans notre pratique. Après avoir précisé l’imaginaire propre à la méthode du rêve-éveillé en psychanalyse, cet article pose la question de la place de l’inconscient et du transfert dans ces thérapies.
Modiano : la voix palimpseste sur la place de l'étoile
Authors: Decout Maxime
Published: July 2011

Résumé La Place de l’étoile de Modiano est une satura de discours, pastiches et parodies dont les limites sont flottantes. Cet ensemble construit une voix palimpseste chevillée à la définition de l’identité juive. Modiano inscrit sa réflexion sur la littérature et sur le Juif dans une confrontation avec les discours de son époque. Ainsi, se dit un conflit avec des pères qui se résout dans le fantasme de découvrir, au cœur du déjà-dit, la possibilité de renouveler l’esthétique romanesque comme de saisir ce qui constitue l’identité juive dans l’après-guerre.
OTAN-UE : quel calcul géorgien ?
Authors: Verluise Pierre
Published: July 2011

Résumé À la suite de la « révolution des roses » (2003), la Géorgie a engagé un processus visant à se rapprocher de l’OTAN, afin de garantir son indépendance vis-à-vis de la Russie. Par rapport à ce projet sécuritaire, les relations de la Géorgie avec l’Union européenne passaient au second plan. La guerre d’août 2008 a contraint Tbilissi à inverser son calendrier. La Russie se trouve en position de bloquer de facto le rapprochement Géorgie-OTAN. Une fois, l’étape de l’ouverture d’un Accord d’Association avec l’UE franchie, la Géorgie pourrait poser sa candidature auprès de l’UE, une perspective qui divise les pays membres. En attendant que ses relations avec l’UE s’éclaircissent, Tbilissi « garde un fer au feu » avec l’OTAN, son objectif étant de donner des gages et de réaliser les réformes nécessaires pour être prête à entrer dans l’UE et/ou dans l’OTAN si la situation stratégique venait à le permettre.
Vers un Livre blanc européen de la sécurité et de la défense : entre « objet non identifié » et fenêtre d'opportunité
Authors: Dumoulin André
Published: July 2011

Résumé Il est devenu nécessaire de rédiger un Livre blanc européen de la sécurité et de la défense. Malgré les obstacles et les réticences autour de cette idée à la longue histoire, il s’agit de donner une assise opératoire, doctrinale et militaro-technologique à la Stratégie européenne de sécurité. Le Livre blanc devra également servir à engager une refonte des instruments de défense par harmonisation des calendriers et rapprochement des politiques nationales de défense. Une fenêtre d’opportunité s’ouvre aujourd’hui car l’environnement économique et les contraintes budgétaires imposent synergies, mutualisations et coopérations renforcées et la rédaction de ce document hautement utile.
L'importance économique de l'assurance
Authors: Lorenzi Jean-Hervé
Published: July 2011

Résumé L’assurance des risques liés à la santé représente un enjeu économique et sociétal majeur. La couverture de ces risques permet de financer les dépenses de santé qui représentent une part considérable de la richesse nationale pour les pays développés (11,2 % du PIB en France en 2008 selon l’OCDE). L’évaluation du poids de la couverture santé ne saurait se limiter à une simple comparaison du poids macroéconomique sans distinction de caractéristiques essentielles, se répartissant schématiquement en deux axes : public-privé et obligatoire-volontaire. Sur ces fondements, il est alors possible de proposer une évaluation éclairée de l’évolution à venir de l’importance économique de l’assurance.
Le marketing des complémentaires santé
Authors: Crié Dominique
Published: July 2011

Résumé Dans un secteur complexe, en recomposition, hautement concurrentiel et incertain, les acteurs de la complémentaire santé explorent plusieurs voies pour tenter de conserver une rentabilité grevée par un désengagement continu et inexorable des régimes obligatoires. Le marketing pourrait alors paraître comme l’outil providentiel pour une bataille de parts de marché, mais sans réelle différenciation certains enjeux peuvent en cacher d’autres.
Volumetric Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Segmentation of Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Aaker Grant D. , Gracia Luis , Myung Jane S. , Borcherding Vanessa , Banfelder Jason R. , D’Amico Donald J. , Kiss Szilárd
Published: July 2011

Despite advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT), three-dimensional (3D) renderings of OCT images remain limited to scanning consecutive two-dimensional (2D) OCT slices. The authors describe a method of reconstructing 2D OCT data for 3D retinal analysis and visualization in a Computer Assisted Virtual Environment (CAVE). Using customized signal processing software, raw data from 2D slice-based spectral-domain OCT images were rendered into high-resolution 3D images for segmentation and quantification analysis. Reconstructed OCT images were projected onto a four-walled space and viewed through stereoscopic glasses, resulting in a virtual reality perception of the retina. These 3D retinal renderings offer a novel method for segmentation and isolation of volumetric images. The ability to manipulate the images in a virtual reality environment allows visualization of complex spatial relationships that may aid our understanding of retinal pathology. More importantly, these 3D retinal renderings can be viewed, manipulated, and analyzed on traditional 2D monitors independent of the CAVE.
Presentation of Type B Peptide–MHC Complexes from Hen Egg White Lysozyme by TLR Ligands and Type I IFNs Independent of H2-DM Regulation
Authors: Strong Beverly S. I. , Unanue Emil R.
Published: July 2011

In APCs, presentation by MHC II molecules of the chemically dominant peptide from the protein hen egg white lysozyme (HEL) generates different conformational isomers of the peptide–MHC II complexes (pMHC). Type B pMHCs are formed in early endosomes from exogenous peptides in the absence of H2-DM, whereas in contrast, type A pMHC complexes are formed from HEL protein in late vesicles after editing by H2-DM. Thus, H2-DM edits off the more unstable pMHC complexes, which are not presented from HEL. In this study, we show that type B pMHC complexes were presented from HEL protein only after stimulation of dendritic cells (DC) with TLR ligands or type I IFN. Type I IFN contributed to most TLR ligand-induced type B pMHC generation, as presentation decreased in DC lacking the receptor for type I IFNs (IFNAR1−/−). In contrast, presentation of type A pMHC from HEL and from peptide was minimally affected by TLR ligands. The relative effectiveness of CD8α+ DC or CD8α− DC in presenting type B pMHC complexes varied depending on the TLR ligand used. The mechanisms of generation of type B pMHC from HEL protein with TLR stimulation did not involve H2-DM or release of peptides. DC from H2-DM–deficient mice in the presence of TLR ligands presented type B pMHC. Such DC showed a slight enhancement of HEL catabolism, but peptide release was not evident. Thus, TLR ligands and type I IFN alter the pathways of presentation by MHC II molecules of DC such that type B pMHCs are generated from protein Ag.
An Integrative Genomics Approach to Biomarker Discovery in Breast Cancer
Authors: Hicks Chindo , Asfour Rozana , Pannuti Antonio , Miele Lucio
Published: July 2011

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified genetic variants associated with risk for breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms through which the identified variants confer risk or influence phenotypic expression remains poorly understood. Here, we present a novel integrative genomics approach that combines GWAS information with gene expression data to assess the combined contribution of multiple genetic variants acting within genes and putative biological pathways, and to identify novel genes and biological pathways that could not be identified using traditional GWAS. The results show that genes containing SNPs associated with risk for breast cancer are functionally related and interact with each other in biological pathways relevant to breast cancer. Additionally, we identified novel genes that are co-expressed and interact with genes containing SNPs associated with breast cancer. Integrative analysis combining GWAS information with gene expression data provides functional bridges between GWAS findings and biological pathways involved in breast cancer.
Artificial neural network model for estimating the soil temperature
Authors: Ozturk Murat , Salman Ozlem , Koc Murat
Published: July 2011

Ozturk, M., Salman, O. and Koc, M. 2011. Artificial neural network model for estimating the soil temperature. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 551–562. Although soil temperature is a critically important agricultural and environmental factor, it is typically monitored with low spatial resolution and, as a result, methods are required to estimate soil temperature at locations remote from monitoring stations. In this study, cost-effective, feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) models are developed and tested for estimating soil temperature at 5-, 10-, 20-, 50- and 100-cm depths using standard geographical and meteorological data (i.e., altitude, latitude, longitude, month, year, monthly solar radiation, monthly sunshine duration and monthly mean air temperature). These data plus measured monthly mean soil temperature were collected for 2006–2008 from 66 monitoring stations distributed throughout Turkey to obtain a total of 2376 data records (36 months×66 monitoring stations) for each of the five soil depths. At each soil depth, 1800 randomly selected data records were used to develop and train a separate ANN model, and the remaining 576 records at each depth were used to test and validate the resulting models. Good agreement was obtained between ANN-estimated soil temperature and measured soil temperature, as evidenced by correlation coefficients of 98.91, 97.99, 99.03, 98.26 and 95.37% for the 5-, 10-, 20-, 50- and 100-cm soil depths, respectively. It was concluded that ANN modeling is a reliable method for predicting monthly mean soil temperature in regions of Turkey where soil temperature monitoring stations are not present.
Fraser oat and soil extraction responses to zinc and manganese applied to a soil with historic limestone treatments
Authors: Kowalenko C. G. , Ihnat M.
Published: July 2011

Kowalenko, C. G. and Ihnat, M. 2011. Fraser oat and soil extraction responses to zinc and manganese applied to a soil with historic limestone treatments. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 647–659. A field trial initiated in 1979 examined the possibility of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) deficiencies when limestone was applied to an acidic (approximately pH 5) soil at Agassiz, British Columbia. The results from an initial phase of the study conducted from 1979 through 1985 with cauliflower as the test crop and foliar Zn and Mn have been reported. This study reports on a follow-up to that study, with a focus on the effect of historic limestone treatments on oats with soil rather than foliar applications of Zn and Mn. Oats was selected for this phase, since it is widely assumed to be sensitive to low Mn contents, and was grown from 1988 through 1990. The limestone treatments were made in 1979, 1981 and 1986 at two rates (9 and 19 Mg ha−1each time). The micronutrient treatments were applied to the soil in each of the 3 yr of oat growth to plots that did not have previous soil micronutrient applications. Quantitative visual measurements showed that limestone applications reduced the vigor of common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.) weed when the plot area was being fallowed in 1987. In 1988, nitrogen (N) deficiencies were confirmed by visual observations and soil and plant measurements, especially in the treatment with no limestone applied. Adjustments were made to the amount of N fertilizer applied in 1989 and 1990 to eliminate the complication of N deficiencies to the assessment of the effects of limestone on potential Zn and Mn deficiencies. Visual assessment, and plant and soil measurements confirmed that adequate N had been applied. Visual symptoms, dry matter measurements and nutrient contents in the crop showed that Mn and, to a lesser extent, Zn deficiencies were induced by the historic applications of limestone. The effects were quite small showing that these micronutrients were only marginally deficient. Mehlich-3 solution tended to extract more calcium (Ca) and less Mn and Zn from limestone-treated soil than control soil, similar to the response of the crop, showing the potential of this soil test to predict limestone-induced Mn and Zn deficiencies. Although plant uptake and corresponding soil extractions of Ca, Zn and Mn were consistent with regard to treatment effects, the relationships were weak, but provide sufficient information for using soil measurements to assist designing better follow-up studies. Plant measurements showed unexpected increases of iron (Fe) uptake by the crop with increased limestone application rates, whereas, limestone had the opposite effect on soil extraction of the element. Further work is required to determine why this occurred.
Genesis of upland soils, Lewes Plateau, central Yukon. Part 1: soils formed on Pleistocene glacial deposits
Authors: Dampier Lesley , Sanborn Paul , Smith Scott , Bond Jeffrey , Clague John
Published: July 2011

Dampier, L., Sanborn, P., Smith, S., Bond, J. and Clague, J. J. 2011. Genesis of upland soils, Lewes Plateau, central Yukon. Part 1: soils formed on Pleistocene glacial deposits. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 563–578. We describe and interpret nine upland (>1000 m asl) Dystric Brunisols and one Humo-Ferric Podzol formed on till of the McConnell [Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2] and penultimate (MIS 4 or 6) glaciations on the Lewes Plateau of central Yukon Territory. Unlike soils formed on correlative glacial deposits at lower elevation in the nearby Tintina Trench, the soils on the Lewes Plateau display only weak age-related differences. Penultimate and McConnell soils have solum thicknesses of 50–75 cm and <50 cm, respectively, but other morphological and chemical properties do not differ between the two age groups. Smectite is present in the McConnell soils; it was previously reported only in soils formed on Early Pleistocene glacial deposits in central Yukon and was interpreted to reflect weathering and soil formation during warm interglaciations. Paleoclimatic interpretations of clay mineralogy in central Yukon may be confounded by differences in parent material provenance and should be reassessed. This study shows that field soil characteristics alone are insufficient to differentiate McConnell and penultimate glacial deposits in upland landscape positions on the Lewes Plateau.
Assessing soil nitrogen availability in contrasting cropping systems at the end of transition to organic production
Authors: Liu K. , Hammermeister A. M. , Warman P. R. , Drury C. F. , Martin R. C.
Published: July 2011

Liu, K., Hammermeister, A. M., Warman, P. R., Drury, C. F. and Martin, R. C. 2011. Assessing soil nitrogen availability in contrasting cropping systems at the end of transition to organic production. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 493–501. Quantifying soil nitrogen (N) availability at the end of a transition period for converting conventional fields to organic fields could enhance N management during the subsequent organic crop production phase. Soil total N (Ntot), KCl extractable N (KCl N) and potentially mineralizable N (No) were determined at the end of a 3-yr transition period. A complementary greenhouse ryegrass N bioassay was conducted using soils collected from the treated field plots. The field experiment consisted of six cropping systems comprising two N inputs (legume-based vs. manure-based) and three forage cropping treatments (0, 1 or 2 yr of forage in 4-yr rotations). The N input treatments consisted of alfalfa meal in the legume-based cropping system (LBCS) and composted beef manure in the manure-based cropping system (MBCS). Orthogonal contrasts suggested no differences in Ntot or KCl N either between LBCS and MBCS or between no-forage and forage cropping systems. However, in the greenhouse study, high cumulative N inputs in the MBCS resulted in significantly higher ryegrass N uptake and potentially mineralizable soil N than in the LBCS. Ryegrass N uptake ranged from 101 to 139 kg ha−1, which should be an adequate N supply for the succeeding potato crop. In the greenhouse, a ryegrass N bioassay effectively identified the differences in soil N availability. Ryegrass N uptake was linearly related to cumulative soil amendment N inputs but had no apparent relationship with N o. A systems approach provided a good assessment of N availability at the end of the transition period to organic production.
Seminário nacional de bibliotecas universitárias – SNBU (2000-2004): análise das citações
Authors: Ohira Maria Lourdes Blatt , Ohira Masanao
Published: July 2011

Os eventos científicos são considerados meios eficientes de comunicação do conhecimento. Os estudos de avaliações científicas realizadas no Brasil constatam a representatividade desses canais para a divulgação da ciência. Diante dessa evidência, é objetivo desta pesquisa avaliar a contribuição do Seminário Nacional de Bibliotecas Universitárias - SNBU na produção e disseminação do conhecimento na área da Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação. A pesquisa compreendeu duas etapas. A primeira envolveu a análise dos estudos de produção científica publicados na literatura e que foram realizados a partir da análise das comunicações apresentadas no Seminário Nacional de Bibliotecas Universitárias desde a sua primeira edição, para identificar as variáveis analisadas nestes estudos e a partir delas, conhecer o comportamento e especificidades dessa produção. Na segunda etapa foi realizada a análise das 5.403 referências citadas nas 429 comunicações apresentadas nos SNBUs de 2000, 2002 e 2004. Dentre os tipos de documentos citados, os livros/capítulos de livros aparecem em primeiro lugar com 34,3%, seguido dos artigos de periódicos como os mais citados, com maior percentual de publicações em português. Os Anais de eventos científicos, com 10,3% demonstram um crescimento de citações atribuído aos novos formatos de divulgação desse material a partir da utilização das tecnologias de informação e comunicação. Mesmo assim, é possível afirmar a pouca utilização dos Anais, hipótese desta investigação de que os eventos parecem ter mais representatividade na divulgação do que na sua própria utilização na construção/produção de novos conhecimentos.
A contribuição peirciana para a representação indexal de imagens visuais
Authors: Pinto Virginia Bentes , Meunier Jean-Guy , Silva Neto Casemiro
Published: July 2011

Mesmo que ao longo da história as imagens visuais tenham adquirido enorme importância, como fontes de informação, não é possível negar que, com as novíssimas ferramentas da informação e da comunicação (TIC), elas ganharam a atenção de estudiosos dos mais variados campos do conhecimento, representados pelas artes, biologia, astronomia, arqueologia, história, saúde, moda, decoração, publicidade, editoração, engenharia e arquitetura, dentre outros. Apresenta algumas reflexões teóricas concernentes à representação na perspectiva peirciana, ancorando-se no contexto das novas formas de abordagem empregadas para o tratamento de imagens visuais, utilizando como exemplos os paradigmas da representação indexal manual, semi-automática, automática e mista. Os resultados das experimentações mostram que as dificuldades encontradas na construção de uma representação indexal, desse tipo de documento, decorrem da complexidade inerente ao processo de produção e recepção do signo imagético.
Evolução e novas perspectivas para a construção e produção de indicadores de ciência, tecnologia e inovação
Authors: Ramos Milena Yumi
Published: July 2011

Este artigo discute a evolução da produção de estatísticas e indicadores de ciência, tecnologia e inovação, ressaltando as mais importantes contribuições, limitações e perspectivas de aperfeiçoamentos futuros dos indicadores de P&D, inovação e novas experiências (indicadores compostos, de posicionamento e de rede). Observa-se -- sob o pano de fundo da dinâmica e estrutura de governança dos sistemas de pesquisa e inovação e dos contextos teórico e tecnológico vigentes -- a evolução de indicadores de insumos e resultados agregados ao nível de país para indicadores customizados, capazes de refletir as especificidades, necessidades e objetivos políticos de cada ator ou grupo de atores atuantes em cada sistema.
Arqueologia do trabalho imaterial: uma aplicação bibliométrica à análise de dissertações e teses
Authors: Kobashi Nair Yumiko , Santos Raimundo Nonato Macedo dos
Published: July 2011

Busca de alternativas teóricas e metodológicas para mapear a pesquisa científica brasileira. Apresenta-se como hipótese de trabalho a idéia de que os repositórios de dissertações e teses podem ser fontes confiáveis para conhecer a ciência produzida no país. Por meio de procedimentos que associam os Estudos Sociais da Ciência, a Organização e Representação do Conhecimento e Métodos bibliométricos avançados, podem ser vislumbradas novas abordagens sobre a institucionalização social e cognitiva da pesquisa científica no Brasil. A visualização gráfica dessas informações, por meio de cartografias dinâmicas, é útil por sua funcionalidade para oferecer visão global de conjuntos de informações e evidenciar relações entre elas. Da mesma forma, as visualizações configuram-se como possíveis interfaces para recuperação de informação.
Métricas para a ciência e tecnologia e o financiamento da pesquisa: algumas reflexões
Authors: Müller Suzana Pinheiro Machado
Published: July 2011

Traz-se a discussão da avaliação da ciência e da tecnologia para o campo da Ciência da Informação, enfatizando-se os problemas da adequação dos indicadores utilizados na avaliação desses dois tipos de conhecimento e a possível contribuição da área para o assunto. Argumenta-se que as diferenças na natureza da ciência e da tecnologia forçam a elaboração de indicadores também diferentes. Privilegia-se a ótica da avaliação e uso de métricas como instrumentos de suporte à decisão em questões de fomento por agências governamentais. Discutem-se primeiramente as métricas para ciência e tecnologia de maneira geral e, em seguida, as métricas específicas para a avaliação do conhecimento científico e do conhecimento tecnológico. Questões sobre quem pode melhor avaliar a tecnologia ou inovação e a necessidade de inclusão de dados externos ou de insumo à produção, são brevemente apresentadas.
Use of sublingual methadone for treating pain of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis
Authors: Gupta, DO, PharmD Anita , Duckles, MD Benjamin , Giordano, MPhil, PhD James
Published: July 2011

Chemotherapy-induced and radiation-induced mucositis is a debilitating and often painful condition resulting in an inability to swallow, and thus inability to maintain adequate quality of life and overall functioning. To date, attempts on palliation of mucositis-related pain have primarily used topical anesthetic solutions and intravenous opioids; these approaches have achieved only limited success, particularly in oncology patients. The authors present a novel case of mucositis-related pain that is effectively treated with sublingual methadone. Sublingual methadone is an alternative to standard treatment options for mucositis-related pain and has unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that make methadone a suitable agent for this pathology. These properties are addressed and discussed, as is the need for additional study to better understand the potential benefits, burdens, and risks that may be associated with this formulation of methadone when treating chemotherapy-induced and/or radiation therapy-induced mucositis in patients with cancer.
Comparison of the postoperative analgesic efficacy of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with opioids
Authors: Murphy, MD Jamie D. , Yan, MD Dawn , Hanna, MD Marie N. , Bravos, MD E. David , Isaac, MD, PhD Gillian R. , Eng, MD Calvin A. , Wu, MD Christopher L.
Published: July 2011

Background: Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) with tramadol is an accepted method to deliver postoperative analgesia outside North America; however, the analgesic efficacy of this analgesic agent when compared with IV PCA with opioids is uncertain. As such, the authors undertook a systematic review to compare the analgesic efficacy of IV PCA tramadol with that of IV PCA with opioids.Methods: The authors used the National Library of Medicine’s Medline database to search for terms related to tramadol and patient-controlled analgesia. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IV PCA tramadol with IV PCA opioid and RCTs published in the English language. Relevant data were abstracted from accepted studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 4.2.10 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2004). A random effects model was used.Results: A total of 190 abstracts were obtained from the above search, and a total of 12 RCTs met the above inclusion criteria. There was no difference in weighted visual analog scale pain scores between IV PCA tramadol versus IV PCA opioid at 48 hours postoperatively or risk of sedation or fatigue. IV PCA tramadol was associated with a higher odds of postoperative nausea and vomiting [odds ratio (OR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-2.14) but a lower odds of pruritus (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19-0.98).Discussion: IV PCA tramadol appears to produce similar pain scores when compared with that from IV PCA opioids; however, the side effect profile is different between the two groups. Because of the relatively small sample size, no determination of the relative “safety” (eg, respiratory depression) of one regimen over the other can be made, and larger RCTs would be needed for such a determination.