bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced Impact of Pyrimethamine Drug Pressure on Plasmodium malariae Dihydrofolate Reductase Gene
Authors: Khim Nimol , Kim Saorin , Bouchier Christiane , Tichit Magali , Ariey Frédéric , Fandeur Thierry , Chim Pheaktra , Ke Sopheakvatey , Sum Sarorn , Man Somnang , Ratsimbasoa Arsène , Durand Rémy , Ménard Didier
Published: November 2011

Molecular investigations performed following the emergence of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
have allowed the identification of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme as the target of pyrimethamine. Although clinical cases of
Plasmodium malariae
are not usually treated with antifolate therapy, incorrect diagnosis and the high frequency of undetected mixed infections has probably exposed non-
P. falciparum
parasites to antifolate therapy in many areas. In this context, we aimed to assess the worldwide genetic diversity of the
P. malariae
dhfr
gene in 123 samples collected in Africa and Asia, areas with different histories of SP use. Among the 10 polymorphic sites found, we have observed 7 new mutations (K55E, S58R, S59A, F168S, N194S, D207G, and T221A), which led us to describe 6 new DHFR proteins. All isolates from African countries were classified as wild type, while new mutations and haplotypes were recognized as exclusive to Madagascar (except for the double mutations at nucleotides 341 and 342 [S114N] found in one Cambodian isolate). Among these nonsynonymous mutations, two were likely related to pyrimethamine resistance: S58R (corresponding to C59R in
P. falciparum
and S58R in
Plasmodium vivax
; observed in one Malagasy sample) and S114N (corresponding to S108N in
P. falciparum
and S117N in
P. vivax
; observed in three Cambodian samples).
Vancomycin AUC
24
/MIC Ratio in Patients with Complicated Bacteremia and Infective Endocarditis Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Its Association with Attributable Mortality during Hospitalization
Authors: Brown Jack , Brown Kristen , Forrest Alan
Published: November 2011

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a common cause of complicated bacteremia (CB) and infective endocarditis (IE). The gold standard treatment for these infections is vancomycin. A vancomycin area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
24
)/MIC ratio of >400 has been suggested as a target to achieve clinical effectiveness, and yet to date no study has quantitatively investigated the AUC
24
/MIC ratio and its association with attributable mortality (AM). We performed a review of patients treated for MRSA CB and IE from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2008. AM was defined as deaths where CB or IE was documented as the main cause or was mentioned as the main diagnosis. Classification and regression tree analysis (CART) was used to identify the AUC
24
/MIC ratio associated with AM. Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact tests were used for univariate analysis, and logistic regression was used for multivariate modeling. The MICs were determined by Etest, and the AUC
24
was determined using a maximum
a posteriori
probability-Bayesian estimator. A total of 32 CB and 18 IE patients were enrolled. The overall crude mortality and AM were 24 and 16%, respectively. The CART-derived partition for the AUC
24
/MIC ratio and AM was <211. Patients with an AUC
24
/MIC ratio of <211 had a >4-fold increase in AM than patients who received vancomycin doses that achieved an AUC
24
/MIC ratio of ≥211 (38 and 8%, respectively;
P
= 0.02). In bivariate analysis the APACHE-II score and an AUC
24
/MIC ratio of <211 were significantly associated with AM. In the multivariate model, the APACHE-II score (odds ratio, 1.24;
P
= 0.04) and a vancomycin AUC/MIC ratio of <211 (odds ratio, 10.4;
P
= 0.01) were independent predictors of AM. In our analysis, independent predictors of AM were the APACHE-II score and an AUC
24
/MIC ratio of <211. We believe further investigations are warranted.
Procteria (Pachyprocteria) vermifera n. sp., an unusual Hicetes-bearing species of tabulate coral from the lower Eifelian of the Gaspé Sandstones Group, Rimouski County (Quebec, Canada)
Authors: Plusquellec Yves , Desbiens Sylvain , Gourvennec Rémy
Published: November 2011

Procteria (Pachyprocteria) vermifera n. sp. is described from the upper part of the York River Formation (Gaspé Sandstones Group), lower Eifelian (brachiopod Amphigenia Zone), Rimouski County (Quebec, Canada). This new species is considered part of a new lineage of Pachyprocteria characterized by the presence of interstitial corallites. This study reveals for the first time that the granules on the lower (proximal) side are distributed irregularly, their density being higher in the central area of this side than at the periphery. The unusual association of the tabulate coral Procteria (Pachyprocteria) with the “worm” Hicetes is pointed out. The record of the new species adds to the known paleogeographic distribution of Pachyprocteria in North America (Laurussia).
UNIFORM AND PARTIALLY UNIFORM REDISTRIBUTION RULES
Authors: SMARANDACHE FLORENTIN , DEZERT JEAN
Published: November 2011

This paper introduces two new fusion rules for combining quantitative basic belief assignments. These rules although very simple have not been proposed in literature so far and could serve as useful alternatives because of their low computation cost with respect to the recent advanced Proportional Conflict Redistribution rules developed in the DSmT framework.
I-O COEFFICIENTS IMPORTANCE: A FUZZY LOGIC APPROACH
Authors: MORILLAS ANTONIO , ROBLES LUIS , DIAZ BARBARA
Published: November 2011

In inter-industry studies, the technical coefficients have been analyzed with different methods in order to recognize those coefficients that can be considered to be important for an economy. Many critics have been posed to the procedures, the most remarkable one being their lack of connectivity with the values of the absolute flows behind the coefficients. In our approach, we define the importance of a technical coefficient as a fuzzy concept, and the grade of importance takes into account those absolute flows. This grade can be considered as a membership function, which is used to define a fuzzy graph associated to the I-O matrix. We apply this new procedure to the Spanish 2000 I-O matrix and compare our results to those reached by classical methods.
FUZZY CONTROL OF RIGID SPACECRAFT ATTITUDE MANEUVER WITH DECAY RATE AND INPUT CONSTRAINTS
Authors: ZHANG XIHAI , ZENG MING , YU XIAO
Published: November 2011

The spacecraft attitude control systems are becoming more and more sophisticated with the increasing complex system configurations. This paper investigates the problem of three-axis rigid spacecraft maneuver control. The rigid spacecraft model consisting of the dynamic and kinematics equation is firstly provided. This nonlinear model is converted into a Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. Then, based on the parallel distributed compensation scheme, a fuzzy state feedback controller is designed for the obtained T-S fuzzy model with considering the decay rate and input constraints. Next, sufficient conditions for the existence of such a controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities and the controller design is cast into a convex optimization problem subject to linear matrix inequalities constraints, which can be readily solved via Matlab LMI toolbox. At last, a design example shows that the time of spacecraft attitude maneuver is shortened and the input constraint is realized. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
THE PERFORMANCE OF DAMS DURING THE WENCHUAN 5-12 EARTHQUAKE AND LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE EVENT
Authors: ZHANG CHUHAN
Published: November 2011

The performance of dams and hydropower structures during the Wenchuan 5-12 Earthquake is reviewed. Experiences and lessons learned from the seismic catastrophe of the earthquake are summarized and comments and discussions are forwarded, on the following subjects: (1) current seismic design specifications for hydraulic structures; (2) reservoir triggered earthquakes; (3) effects of secondary earthquake disasters, especially landslides and barrier lakes; and (4) mitigation measures and facilities especially for rescue activities.
AN IMPROVED APPROACH OF INFORMATION EXTRACTION FOR EARTHQUAKE-DAMAGED BUILDINGS USING HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGERY
Authors: LI XIAODONG , YANG WUNIAN , AO TIANQI , LI HONGXIA , CHEN WENQING
Published: November 2011

The development of remote sensing technology, especially the availability of high-resolution satellite imagery, has been applied to building recognition, hazard investigation and rapid pre-evaluation in post-earthquake management. Existing pixel-oriented approaches which are commonly used for satellite high-resolution imagery have limitations in information extraction, ground object classification, and processing speed. This paper presents an object-oriented method to extract earthquake-damaged building information using high-resolution remote sensing imagery of the 5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake. This method segmented the whole image into non-intersecting pieces of image objects, and then classified these pieces to extract damaged/undamaged buildings using image features such as spectral characters, textures, shapes, and their contexts. The results show a higher-precision classification than conventional methods.
Adaptation of barley to mild winters: A role for PPDH2
Authors: Casao M Cristina , Karsai Ildiko , Igartua Ernesto , Gracia M Pilar , Veisz Otto , Casas Ana M
Published: November 2011

Background

Understanding the adaptation of cereals to environmental conditions is one of the key areas in which plant science can contribute to tackling challenges presented by climate change. Temperature and day length are the main environmental regulators of flowering and drivers of adaptation in temperate cereals. The major genes that control flowering time in barley in response to environmental cues are VRNH1, VRNH2, VRNH3, PPDH1, and PPDH2 (candidate gene HvFT3). These genes from the vernalization and photoperiod pathways show complex interactions to promote flowering that are still not understood fully. In particular, PPDH2 function is assumed to be limited to the ability of a short photoperiod to promote flowering. Evidence from the fields of biodiversity, ecogeography, agronomy, and molecular genetics was combined to obtain a more complete overview of the potential role of PPDH2 in environmental adaptation in barley.

Results

The dominant PPDH2 allele is represented widely in spring barley cultivars but is found only occasionally in modern winter cultivars that have strong vernalization requirements. However, old landraces from the Iberian Peninsula, which also have a vernalization requirement, possess this allele at a much higher frequency than modern winter barley cultivars. Under field conditions in which the vernalization requirement of winter cultivars is not satisfied, the dominant PPDH2 allele promotes flowering, even under increasing photoperiods above 12 h. This hypothesis was supported by expression analysis of vernalization-responsive genotypes. When the dominant allele of PPDH2 was expressed, this was associated with enhanced levels of VRNH1 and VRNH3 expression. Expression of these two genes is needed for the induction of flowering. Therefore, both in the field and under controlled conditions, PPDH2 has an effect of promotion of flowering.

Conclusions

The dominant, ancestral, allele of PPDH2 is prevalent in southern European barley germplasm. The presence of the dominant allele is associated with early expression of VRNH1 and early flowering. We propose that PPDH2 promotes flowering of winter cultivars under all non-inductive conditions, i.e. under short days or long days in plants that have not satisfied their vernalization requirement. This mechanism is indicated to be a component of an adaptation syndrome of barley to Mediterranean conditions.
Solitary fibrous tumor arising in the mesentery: a case report
Authors: Bouhabel Sarah , Leblanc Guy , Ferreira Jose , Leclerc Yves E , Dubé Pierre , Sidéris Lucas
Published: November 2011

Background

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm usually found in the pleura, soft tissues and visceral organs. We describe one case arising in the mesentery, which is an exceptional localization.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old man was referred to our establishment for a painless hypogastric mass. Further investigation revealed a vascular tumor, which was resected en bloc. Pathological findings confirmed solitary fibrous tumor of the mesentery.

Conclusion

This is the second case of solitary fibrous tumor of the small intestine mesentery ever reported. It was managed by en bloc resection and close follow up considering the high risk of recurrence. Investigation should be made regarding the use of adjuvant systemic therapy to improve long-term survival for these patients.
Transport and infrared photoresponse properties of InN nanorods/Si heterojunction
Authors: Kumar Mahesh , Bhat Thirumaleshwara N , Rajpalke Mohana K , Roul Basanta , Kalghatgi Ajit T , Krupanidhi S B
Published: November 2011

The present work explores the electrical transport and infrared (IR) photoresponse properties of InN nanorods (NRs)/n-Si heterojunction grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Single-crystalline wurtzite structure of InN NRs is verified by the X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Raman measurements show that these wurtzite InN NRs have sharp peaks E
2(high) at 490.2 cm-1 and A
1(LO) at 591 cm-1. The current transport mechanism of the NRs is limited by three types of mechanisms depending on applied bias voltages. The electrical transport properties of the device were studied in the range of 80 to 450 K. The faster rise and decay time indicate that the InN NRs/n-Si heterojunction is highly sensitive to IR light.
Solving systems of nonlinear matrix equations involving Lipshitzian mappings
Authors: Berzig Maher , Samet Bessem
Published: November 2011

In this study, both theoretical results and numerical methods are derived for solving different classes of systems of nonlinear matrix equations involving Lipshitzian mappings.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classifications: 15A24; 65H05.
A network-based approach to classify the three domains of life
Authors: Mueller Laurin AJ , Kugler Karl G , Netzer Michael , Graber Armin , Dehmer Matthias
Published: November 2011

Background

Identifying group-specific characteristics in metabolic networks can provide better insight into evolutionary developments. Here, we present an approach to classify the three domains of life using topological information about the underlying metabolic networks. These networks have been shown to share domain-independent structural similarities, which pose a special challenge for our endeavour. We quantify specific structural information by using topological network descriptors to classify this set of metabolic networks. Such measures quantify the structural complexity of the underlying networks. In this study, we use such measures to capture domain-specific structural features of the metabolic networks to classify the data set. So far, it has been a challenging undertaking to examine what kind of structural complexity such measures do detect. In this paper, we apply two groups of topological network descriptors to metabolic networks and evaluate their classification performance. Moreover, we combine the two groups to perform a feature selection to estimate the structural features with the highest classification ability in order to optimize the classification performance.

Results

By combining the two groups, we can identify seven topological network descriptors that show a group-specific characteristic by ANOVA. A multivariate analysis using feature selection and supervised machine learning leads to a reasonable classification performance with a weighted F-score of 83.7% and an accuracy of 83.9%. We further demonstrate that our approach outperforms alternative methods. Also, our results reveal that entropy-based descriptors show the highest classification ability for this set of networks.

Conclusions

Our results show that these particular topological network descriptors are able to capture domain-specific structural characteristics for classifying metabolic networks between the three domains of life.
Reconstruction of defects of maxillary sinus wall after removal of a huge odontogenic lesion using prebended 3D titanium-mesh and CAD/CAM technique
Authors: Stoetzer Marcus , Rana Majeed , von See Constantin , Eckardt André M , Gellrich Nils-Claudius
Published: November 2011

A 63 year-old male with a huge odontogenic lesion of sinus maxillaris was treated with computer-assisted surgery. After resection of the odontogenic lesion, the sinus wall was reconstructed with a prebended 3D titanium-mesh using CAD/CAM technique. This work provides a new treatment device for maxillary reconstruction via rapid prototyping procedures.
Detection of rare functional variants using group ISIS
Authors: Niu Yue S , Hao Ning , An Lingling
Published: November 2011

Genome-wide association studies have been firmly established in investigations of the associations between common genetic variants and complex traits or diseases. However, a large portion of complex traits and diseases cannot be explained well by common variants. Detecting rare functional variants becomes a trend and a necessity. Because rare variants have such a small minor allele frequency (e.g., <0.05), detecting functional rare variants is challenging. Group iterative sure independence screening (ISIS), a fast group selection tool, was developed to select important genes and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms within. The performance of the group ISIS and group penalization methods is compared for detecting important genes in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data. The results suggest that the group ISIS is an efficient tool to discover genes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated to phenotypes.
New insights into old methods for identifying causal rare variants
Authors: Wang Haitian , Huang Chien-Hsun , Lo Shaw-Hwa , Zheng Tian , Hu Inchi
Published: November 2011

The advance of high-throughput next-generation sequencing technology makes possible the analysis of rare variants. However, the investigation of rare variants in unrelated-individuals data sets faces the challenge of low power, and most methods circumvent the difficulty by using various collapsing procedures based on genes, pathways, or gene clusters. We suggest a new way to identify causal rare variants using the F-statistic and sliced inverse regression. The procedure is tested on the data set provided by the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 (GAW17). After preliminary data reduction, we ranked markers according to their F-statistic values. Top-ranked markers were then subjected to sliced inverse regression, and those with higher absolute coefficients in the most significant sliced inverse regression direction were selected. The procedure yields good false discovery rates for the GAW17 data and thus is a promising method for future study on rare variants.
Genetic diversity of transmission-blocking vaccine candidates Pvs25 and Pvs28 in Plasmodium vivax isolates from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Feng Hui , Zheng Li , Zhu Xiaotong , Wang Gege , Pan Yanyan , Li Ying , Yang Yimei , Lin Yahui , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming
Published: November 2011

Background

Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) have been considered an important strategy for disrupting the malaria transmission cycle, especially for Plasmodium vivax malaria, which undergoes gametocytogenesis earlier during infection. Pvs25 and Pvs28 are transmission-blocking vaccine candidates for P. vivax malaria. Assessment of genetic diversity of the vaccine candidates will provide necessary information for predicting the performance of vaccines, which will guide us during the development of malaria vaccines.

Results

We sequenced the coding regions of pvs25 and pvs28 from 30 P. vivax isolates from Yunnan Province, identifying five amino acid haplotypes of Pvs25 and seven amino acid haplotypes of Pvs28. Among a total of four mutant residues, the predominant haplotype of Pvs25 only had the I130T substitution. For Pvs28, a total of eight amino acid substitutions were identified. The predominant haplotype of Pvs28 had two substitution at positions 52 (M52L) and 140 (T140S) with 5-6 GSGGE/D tandem repeats at the end of fourth EGF-like domain. Most amino acid substitutions were common with previous reports from South Asian isolates. Although the nucleotide diversity of pvs28 (π = 0.0034 ± 0.0012) was significantly higher than pvs25 (π = 0.0013 ± 0.0009), it was still conserved when compared with the blood stage vaccine candidates.

Conclusions

Genetic analysis revealed limited genetic diversity of pvs25 and pvs28, suggesting antigenic diversity may not be a particular problem for Sal I based TBVs in most P. vivax-endemic areas of China.
Exhaled nitric oxide decreases after positive food‐allergen challenge
Authors: Benhamou Avigael H , Koehli Alice , Rochat Isabelle , Inci Demet , Moeller Alexander , Taramarcaz Philip , Lauener Roger P , Eigenmann Philippe A
Published: November 2011

Background

Exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a well described marker of airway inflammation in asthma and is also known to increase after chronic exposure to inhaled allergens. It is not known whether monitoring FeNO could be useful during food challenges to detect early or subclinical reactions.

Methods

Forty children aged 3 to 16 years undergoing an allergen‐food challenge at two centres were prospectively recruited for this study. FeNO was assessed before and repeatedly after the food‐challenge.

Results

Data were obtained from a total of 53 challenges (16 positive, 37 negative) and were compared between the two groups. Half of the patients with a positive food challenge exhibited clinical upper respiratory symptoms. The FeNO significantly decreased in 7 of 16 patients with a positive challenge test within 60 to 90 minutes after the first symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Conclusion

Our results show a significant decrease in FeNO after a positive food challenge suggesting involvement of the lower airways despite absence of clinical and functional changes of lower airways. Prospective blinded studies are needed to confirm these results.
Twenty Predictions About the Future of Residential Services in Mental Retardation
Authors: Wolfensberger Wolf
Published: November 2011

Twenty predictions about the future of residential services to the mentally retarded are presented. These changes imply: (1) an entirely new model of residential services; (2) increasing continuity between residential and nonresidential services; and (3) increasing acceptance of cost-benefit rationales in the decision to offer residential or other services.
Will There Always Be an Institution? II: The Impact of New Service Models—Residential Alternatives to Institutions
Authors: Wolfensberger Wolf
Published: November 2011

In this two-part series of articles, it is predicted that institutions will be phased out because of five trends: development of nonresidential community services; new conceptualizations of and attitudes toward residential services: increased usage of individual rather than group residential placements; provision of small, specialized group residences; and a decline in the incidence and prevalence of severe and profound retardation due to reduction in the birthrate of high risk groups, improvement of health services for the population generally and for high risk groups specifically, increased practice of abortion, general environmental betterment, and early childhood education. In this (second) part, the impact of the developing new service model upon the institution is discussed.
Behavioral Intervention for Problem Behavior in Children With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Moskowitz Lauren J , Carr Edward G , Durand V. Mark
Published: November 2011

Parents and professionals typically report problem behavior as a significant concern for children with fragile X syndrome. In the present study, the authors explored whether behaviorally based interventions would result in a reduction in problem behavior and an improvement in quality of life for 3 children with fragile X syndrome and their families. A multiple baseline design was used to demonstrate intervention effects for specific high-priority contexts (i.e., bedtime, running errands, and toileting). A multicomponent intervention plan was developed to teach the parents and child to effectively cope with the particular context. After intervention, there were substantial improvements in problem behavior and family quality of life within the given contexts. Results of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral intervention for children with fragile X syndrome.
Identification of biochemical differences between the sapwood and transition zone in Robinia pseudoacacia L. by differential display of proteins
Authors: De Filippis Luigi , Magel Elisabeth
Published: November 2011

The predominant proteins and enzymes in the sapwood and transition zones of Robinia pseudoacacia L. were identified and expressed by two methods: 2D SDS-PAGE (two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Large differences in the amount of proteins extracted were observed between the bark, sapwood and transition zones. Soluble proteins strongly expressed in sapwood have been identified, and the results interpreted to mean that these proteins are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and flavonoid turnover. By contrast, proteins strongly expressed in the transition zone are mainly responsible for flavonoid biosynthesis. Lectins were found in protein fractions of both sapwood and the transition zone, and heat-stress proteins were detected only in the transition zone. The results are a further proof that flavonoids are synthesised directly at the transition zone between sapwood and heartwood, and that materials deposited in the sapwood are the source for synthesis of metabolites in heartwood, such as flavonoids and tannins.
Steel–concrete composite bridge design charts for Eurocodes
Authors: Mitchell Rachel , Smith David A. , Dolling Chris
Published: November 2011

The switch to Eurocodes from April 2010 requires the development and updating of many existing design tools. For many years Corus, and British Steel before them, have published preliminary design charts for steel–concrete composite highway bridges as part of their suite of design guidance for bridge engineers. These charts were originally developed using BS 5400 and the Highways Agency's design manual for roads and bridges. This paper describes the development of a new set of charts based on the structural Eurocodes. The new charts take advantage of benefits in efficiency permitted by the Eurocodes and also extend the scope of the original charts. The process adopted to generate the data for the charts is described and the key differences between the BS 5400 design approach and the Eurocode approach are discussed.
Shear assessment of prestressed concrete bridges
Authors: Valerio Pierfrancesco , Ibell Timothy James , Darby Antony Peter
Published: November 2011

The shear capacity of existing concrete structures is often unable to meet current standards requirements. This can be due to inadequacies in shear design provisions at the time of the original design, deterioration of materials, increased load requirements and higher demand in shear capacity owing to flexural strengthening. However, assessment methods are often conservative, and the actual strength may be sufficient to sustain the specified load. This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation into the shear capacity of prestressed concrete bridge beams post-tensioned transversely to form a deck. It is shown that the ultimate shear capacity of these structures can be significantly greater than suggested by the relevant standards. Analytical models based on the upper-bound theorem of plasticity theory are successfully applied, resulting in realistic predictions. Use of the proposed methodology would allow significant savings, as the cost associated with replacing or strengthening the structure can be avoided or minimised, encouraging a sustainable approach.
Studies of wooden cladding materials degradation by spectroscopy
Authors: Gupta Barun Shankar , Jelle Bjørn Petter , Per Jostein Hovde , Rüther Petra
Published: November 2011

Claddings or façades are the outer part of building envelopes. In this study, wooden claddings are exposed to natural and accelerated weathering. The natural climate exposure was performed at a field test site located in Trondheim, Norway. Accelerated climate exposure was performed in the laboratory in an Atlas SC600 MHG solar simulator. Attenuated total reflectance – Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterise surfaces. The objective was to assess degradation by use of FTIR and thereby see how this may be applied to evaluate the service life of wood. Four types of wooden materials were studied; three untreated and one treated with chromated copper arsenate. Surface concentrated cellulose and lignin are the primary wood components used to determine the quality and durability of wood during ageing. It was found that treatment with preservative chemicals and surface roughness has definitive impacts on cladding surfaces and change to the chemical properties of the materials during ageing. The acceleration factor deduced from the Arrhenius equation shows that an increase in temperature lowers the service life of cellulose at a higher rate than the other wood components.
Overcoming barriers: Milk River Irrigation Project, Montana, USA
Authors: Quivik Fredric L
Published: November 2011

The United States Reclamation Service (predecessor to the United States Bureau of Reclamation) developed the Milk River Irrigation Project in Montana a century ago. To supplement the waters of the Milk River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico, reclamation engineers developed a storage reservoir on the St. Mary River, which flows into Canada and on to Hudson’s Bay. Although the reservoir’s dam is an earth embankment, which presented reclamation engineers with a rather modest challenge, the project required overcoming more substantial barriers, an international boundary and a North American continental divide (the divide separating the waters of Hudson’s Bay from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico). This article uses the storage project of the Milk River Irrigation Project to illustrate other facets of the irrigation movement’s ability to overcome barriers besides the construction of monumental dams, for which it is most widely known.
A constant-head pumping test method using direct-push equipment for in situ hydraulic conductivity measurements
Authors: KOBAYASHI T. , ONOUE H. , OBA S. , YASUFUKU N. , OMINE K.
Published: November 2011

A novel direct-push (DP) probe was developed for in situ hydraulic conductivity measurements in unconfined sandy aquifers. It is a small-diameter tool with an intake screen and a built-in pressure transducer, and is directly pushed into the ground. Hydraulic conductivity k is estimated by pumping from an aquifer through the intake screen and, while doing so, measuring flow rate and water pressure. This paper describes first the DP system and then the procedures for estimating k values. The finite-element method was employed to obtain intake factors that correlate the measurements with the k values, and these intake factors were compared with those proposed for conventional borehole packer tests. Laboratory and field experiments were also performed to assess the usability of the DP equipment. The results showed that the k estimates obtained from the new probe agreed with those obtained by other methods. The results of this assessment indicate that the proposed DP technique is a promising tool for simple and rapid in situ measurements of hydraulic conductivity. Limitations to the technology are discussed, and further work is suggested.
Comparative investigation on the efficacy of tulathromycin and florfenicol in the treatment of bronchopneumonia in feedlot calves
Authors: Jezdimirovic Milanka , Aleksic Nevenka , Barac-Basevic Ana , Zutic Milenko , Ivetic Vojin , Radanovic Oliver , Jezdimirovic Nemanja
Published: November 2011

The clinical efficacy of tulathromycin (TU) and florfenicol (FL) in the
treatment of bronchopneumonia (BP) caused by Pasteurella multocida which was
isolated from nose swabs of diseased calves has been examined. The symptoms
of bronchopneumonia (BP) were quantified by means of the clinical score (CS)
with a maximum of 47 points. In the current investigation the average CS in
diseased calves was 23.5? 0.15. The clinical efficacy of TU and FL was
assessed every day in the first week after the administration of the drugs
and was based on the decrease in CS and on microbiological findings on days
7, 28 and 35 after the completion of therapy. Tulathromycin was administered
s.c., in the prescribed therapeutic dose (2.5 mg/kg BW), and florfenicol
s.c., twice at a 48 h interval, in its respective therapeutic dose (40 mg/kg
BW). In spite of the repeated administration of FL, TU was significantly more
rapid to decrease the major clinical symptoms in the first four days
following the application, in comparison with FL (P<0.05). On the fourth day
after the administration, the clinical efficacy of TU in the therapy of BP in
calves was 43.4?1.5 %, and of florfenicol 27.2?1.6 %. However, five days
after the application of TU and two days after the repeated application of FL
the assessed clinical efficacy of the two antibiotics was roughly the same.
The average efficacy of TU was 57.1?0.0%, and of florfenicol 58.5?0.0%, both
the individual and mean CS in the treated calves was 10 points, due to
hyperthermia, which remained the only symptom. Six days after the
administration of TU and three days after the repeated application of FL both
antibiotics had equal maximum efficacy (100%) in the treatment of BP. The
clinical efficacy remained unchanged on day seven. The recovery was confirmed
by the absence of P. multocida in nose swabs sampled on the seventh day after
the initial treatment. However, in 4 calves (21.05 %) of the 19 treated
Streptococcus alpha haemolyticus was isolated. Four weeks after the
completion of the treatment with TU and FL the recurrence of BP caused by P.
multocida was noted in 30% of calves treated with TU and 22.22% with FL.
Seven days after a single administration of TU and FL, all clinical symptoms
of recurrent BP and the microbiological findings were negative. Given the
obtained results of the investigation on the efficacy of TU and FL in calves,
TU can be recommended as the drug of first choice in the treatment of BP
caused by P. multocida. Its insufficient clinical efficacy in the first three
days following the application may be enhanced by simultaneous administration
of NSAID and bronchodilators.
Heartworm disease: Case study in dog patient
Authors: Spasojevic-Kosic Ljubica , Lalosevic Vesna , Lalosevic Dusan , Naglic Aleksnadar
Published: November 2011

Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite in a. pulmonalis in domestic and wild
carnivora. Partial development and the transfer of this parasite among
carnivora takes place through the mosquito, which makes possible the
maintaining and spreading of this parasite among populations of susceptible
animals. Heartworm disease, which is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is most
often manifested as changes in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
This paper presents the case of heartworm disease in a dog. The therapy used
to treat this disease in the dog was a combination of doxycycline and
ivermectin. The blood test results indicated a rapid decrease in the number
of microfilaria and lowering of the antigen level of the adult parasite. The
conducted general and special clinical examinations of the respiratory and
cardiovascular systems registered an improvement in the clinical condition of
the patient.
Evaluation of radiographic, computed tomographic, and cadaveric anatomy of the head of boa constrictors
Authors: Banzato Tommaso , Russo Elisa , Di Toma Anna , Palmisano Giuseppe , Zotti Alessandro
Published: November 2011

Objective—To evaluate the radiographic, computed tomographic (CT), and cadaveric anatomy of the head of boa constrictors.

Animals—4 Boa constrictor imperator cadavers.

Procedures—Cadavers weighed 3.4 to 5.6 kg and had a body length ranging from 189 to 221 cm. Radiographic and CT images were obtained with a high-detail screen-film combination, and conventional CT was performed with a slice thickness of 1.5 mm. Radiographic images were obtained in ventrodorsal, dorsoventral, and left and right laterolateral recumbency; CT images were obtained with the animals positioned in ventral recumbency directly laying on a plastic support. At the end of the radiographic and CT imaging session, 2 heads were sectioned following a stratigraphic approach; the other 2, carefully maintained in the same position on the plastic support, were moved into a freezer (−20°C) until completely frozen and then sectioned into 3-mm slices, respecting the imaging protocol. The frozen sections were cleaned and then photographed on each side. Anatomic structures were identified and labeled on gross anatomic images and on the corresponding CT or radiographic image with the aid of available literature.

Results—Radiographic and CT images provided high detail for visualization of bony structures; soft tissues were not easily identified on radiographic and CT images.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results provide an atlas of stratigraphic and cross-sectional gross anatomy and radiographic and CT anatomy of the heads of boa constrictors that might be useful in the interpretation of any imaging modality in this species.
Caffeine Abolishes the Ultraviolet-Induced REV3 Translesion Replication Pathway in Mouse Cells
Authors: Takezawa Jun , Aiba Naomi , Kajiwara Kagemasa , Yamada Kouichi
Published: November 2011

When a replicative DNA polymerase stalls upon encountering a photoproduct on the template strand, it is relieved by other low-processivity polymerase(s), which insert nucleotide(s) opposite the lesion. Using an alkaline sucrose density gradient sedimentation technique, we previously classified this process termed UV-induced translesion replication (UV-TLS) into two types. In human cancer cells or xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XP-V) cells, UV-TLS was inhibited by caffeine or proteasome inhibitors. However, in normal human cells, the process was insensitive to these reagents. Reportedly, in yeast or mammalian cells, REV3 protein (a catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ζ) is predominantly involved in the former type of TLS. Here, we studied UV-TLS in fibroblasts derived from the Rev3-knockout mouse embryo (Rev3KO-MEF). In the wild-type MEF, UV-TLS was slow (similar to that of human cancer cells or XP-V cells), and was abolished by caffeine or MG-262. In 2 cell lines of Rev3KO-MEF (Rev3−/− p53−/−), UV-TLS was not observed. In p53KO-MEF, which is a strict control for Rev3KO-MEF, the UV-TLS response was similar to that of the wild-type. Introduction of the Rev3 expression plasmid into Rev3KO-MEF restored the UV-TLS response in selected stable transformants. In some transformants, viability to UV was the same as that in the wild-type, and the death rate was increased by caffeine. Our findings indicate that REV3 is predominantly involved in UV-TLS in mouse cells, and that the REV3 translesion pathway is suppressed by caffeine or proteasome inhibitors.
Biochip-Based Detection of KRAS Mutation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kriegshäuser Gernot , Fabjani Gerhild , Ziegler Barbara , Zöchbauer-Müller Sabine , End Adelheid , Zeillinger Robert
Published: November 2011

This study is aimed at evaluating the potential of a biochip assay to sensitively detect KRAS mutation in DNA from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue samples. The assay covers 10 mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene, and is based on mutant-enriched PCR followed by reverse-hybridization of biotinylated amplification products to an array of sequence-specific probes immobilized on the tip of a rectangular plastic stick (biochip). Biochip hybridization identified 17 (21%) samples to carry a KRAS mutation of which 16 (33%) were adenocarcinomas and 1 (3%) was a squamous cell carcinoma. All mutations were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Using 10 ng of starting DNA, the biochip assay demonstrated a detection limit of 1% mutant sequence in a background of wild-type DNA. Our results suggest that the biochip assay is a sensitive alternative to protocols currently in use for KRAS mutation testing on limited quantity samples.
Oxidation of Phenol by Hydrogen Peroxide Catalyzed by Metal-Containing Poly(amidoxime) Grafted Starch
Authors: El-Hamshary Hany , El-Newehy Mohamed H. , Al-Deyab Salem S.
Published: November 2011

Polyamidoxime chelating resin was obtained from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) grafted starch. The nitrile groups of the starch-grafted polyacrylonitrile (St-g-PAN) were converted into amidoximes by reaction with hydroxylamine under basic conditions. The synthesized graft copolymer and polyamidoxime were characterized by FTIR, TGA and elemental microanalysis. Metal chelation of the polyamidoxime resin with iron, copper and zinc has been studied. The produced metal-polyamidoxime polymer complexes were used as catalysts for the oxidation of phenol using H2O2 as oxidizing agent. The oxidation of phenol depends on the central metal ion present in the polyamidoxime complex. Reuse of M-polyamidoxime catalyst/H2O2 system showed a slight decrease in catalytic activities for all M-polyamidoxime catalysts.
Is elderly migration absent in the Netherlands?
Authors: Hooimeijer Pieter , Dieleman Frans M. , Kuijpers-Linde Marianne
Published: November 2011

La migration de retraite est-elle absente aux Pays-Bas ?

II y a deux formes très connues de migration des personnes âgées. L'une montre un pic à l'âge de la retraite, l'autre une augmentation de la mobilité locale des retraités plus âgés. En outre, les lieux d'installation de la migration de retraite passent des zones urbaines aux milieux campagnards et aux stations littorales. Ces formes de mobilité des retraités sont absentes aux Pays-Bas. Néanmoins, une analyse multivariée approfondie montre que les processus de base de la migration des retraités existent aussi dans ce pays. L'âge diffus de la retraite et les formes très diverses des aménités récréatives et résidentielles aux Pays-Bas ne répondent pas aux modèles évidents de mobilité locale des retraités, observés dans d'autre pays.
Les migrations de retraite des Milanais
Authors: Bartiaux Françoise , Bonaguidi Alberto
Published: November 2011

Cet article examine les migrations de retraite au départ de l'agglomération milanaise en 1981. On utilise les données d'un échantillon de ménages du recensement de 1981 et les données exhaustives de l'anagraphe pour la même année. Les résultats montrent que dans le « Grand Milan » les migrations de retraite sont un phénomène réel mais de faible amplitude. Elles concernent un peu plus les hommes que les femmes et les couples plus que les ménages avec des enfants au foyer. La propension à migrer varie aussi suivant la résidence puisqu'elle est plus élevée au centre qu'en périphérie, essentiellement du fait des migrations extra-métropolitaines.
L'émigration océanienne : une théorie socio-économique
Authors: Poirine Bernard
Published: November 2011

Dans le contexte océanien, les migrations internationales répondent à la fois à une logique macroéconomique (contraintes juridiques, différentiel de salaire entre le pays émetteur et le pays receveur), et à une logique socio-culturelle et microéconomique : le comportement rationnel des familles océaniennes étendues. Celles-ci, telles des compagnies « transnationales », maximisent une fonction d'utilité familiale dont les arguments sont non seulement le bien-être matériel, mais aussi une forme de confort socio-culturel qu'on peut appeler « qualité de la vie », laquelle requiert des loisirs et un environnement socio-culturel océanien traditionnel, ou bien occidental en cas d'émigration. L'article propose un modèle formalisé de ce comportement rationnel, dans un contexte culturel non occidental, celui de l'« homo economicus oceanis », privilégiant les solidarités familiales et les aspects socio-culturels du bien-être.
Fertility and family planning in Fiji
Authors: Seniloli Kesaia
Published: November 2011

Fécondité et planning familial à Fiji.

En vue de réduire le taux de natalité de la population, le gouvernement de Fiji a mis en place depuis vingt ans des programmes de maîtrise de la fécondité. En dépit de ces efforts, le taux est resté quasiment stable depuis 1977, augmentant même dans la population d'origine indienne. Les raisons tiennent autant à la résistance des valeurs traditionnelles qu'aux effets indirects de la modernisation : raccourcissement de l'abstinence post partum et déclin de l'alimentation au sein. Mais elles tiennent aussi à l'imperfection du message délivré et du suivi des programmes du planning familial.
Maîtriser l'espace pour pouvoir améliorer la santé ?
Authors: Bourgarel Sophie
Published: November 2011

In French Guyana, space occupation is deficient. As a result, nature is still highly present, making difficult accessibility, control of frontiers, and struggle against different vectors of diseases. That all influence on the sanitary situation.
La nouvelle pauvreté et les stratégies en faveur des quartiers défavorisés à Hambourg
Authors: Dangschat Jens S. , Alisch Monika
Published: November 2011

New Poverty and Strategies for Deprived Neighbourhoods in Hamburg.

Globalisation processes and economic restructuring seem to be both economically competitive and booster social and socio-spatial polarisation. The case of Hamburg clearly shows this ambiguity. It is the richest region within the E.U. by GNP per capita, but at the same time the most polarised big city in Germany. After fighting industrial degradation successfully, the city runs its «Enterprise Hamburg» strategies («from ship to chip»). Besides other effects, rents and housing costs exploded and segregation patterns - measured by taxed incomes - polarised dramatically. The Ministry of Urban Development of the city state started integrating programmes to fight poverty and its spatial concentration in eight neighbourhoods. Investments in new jobs, urban renewal, empowerment and qualification strategies are to be integrated in new forms of neighbourhood management by networking and bargaining processes, integrating the sitting tenants, handicrafts and small firms by raising their cultural and social capital. Altogether, this programme is the most ambitious among the German cities.
Les populations des régions françaises : Atténuation ou accentuation des différences?
Authors: Dumont Gérard-François
Published: November 2011

French Regions Population : Decreasing or Emphasizing Differences ?

In the population of France appear great general trends, as aging, increase, of the lifespan, périurbanisation, ...However, according to the regions, evolutions are different. Thus, densities show an increase of the regional divergences. On the other hand, the spreading of a low fecondity and a failing birth-rate entail a lowering of the divergences between the regional demographic behaviours. But the regional migratory sys- terns appear much diversified and have, among others, important consequences on the distribution by ages of the populations of the regions. Finally, there is a new paradox between some convergent evolutions and others that are nearly divergent.