bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping global effects of the anti-sigma factor MucA in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 through genome-scale metabolic modeling
Authors: Borgos Sven EF , Bordel Sergio , Sletta Håvard , Ertesvåg Helga , Jakobsen Øyvind , Bruheim Per , Ellingsen Trond E , Nielsen Jens , Valla Svein
Published: March 2013

Background

Alginate is an industrially important polysaccharide, currently produced commercially by harvesting of marine brown sea-weeds. The polymer is also synthesized as an exo-polysaccharide by bacteria belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Azotobacter, and these organisms may represent an alternative alginate source in the future. The current work describes an attempt to rationally develop a biological system tuned for very high levels of alginate production, based on a fundamental understanding of the system through metabolic modeling supported by transcriptomics studies and carefully controlled fermentations.

Results

Alginate biosynthesis in Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied in a genomics perspective, using an alginate over-producing strain carrying a mutation in the anti-sigma factor gene mucA. Cells were cultivated in chemostats under nitrogen limitation on fructose or glycerol as carbon sources, and cell mass, growth rate, sugar uptake, alginate and CO2 production were monitored. In addition a genome scale metabolic model was constructed and samples were collected for transcriptome analyses. The analyses show that polymer production operates in a close to optimal way with respect to stoichiometric utilization of the carbon source and that the cells increase the uptake of carbon source to compensate for the additional needs following from alginate synthesis. The transcriptome studies show that in the presence of the mucA mutation, the alg operon is upregulated together with genes involved in energy generation, genes on both sides of the succinate node of the TCA cycle and genes encoding ribosomal and other translation-related proteins. Strains expressing a functional MucA protein (no alginate production) synthesize cellular biomass in an inefficient way, apparently due to a cycle that involves oxidation of NADPH without ATP production. The results of this study indicate that the most efficient way of using a mucA mutant as a cell factory for alginate production would be to use non-growing conditions and nitrogen deprivation.

Conclusions

The insights gained in this study should be very useful for a future efficient production of microbial alginates.
Consumer-centric resource accounting in the cloud
Authors: Mihoob Ahmed , Molina-Jimenez Carlos , Shrivastava Santosh
Published: March 2013

“Pay only for what you use” principle underpins the charging policies of widely used cloud services that are on offer. Ideally for these services, consumers should be in a position to verify the charges billed to them. However, unlike traditional utility services such as gas and electricity, no consumer–trusted metering services are available for cloud services, so consumers have no choice but to rely on the usage data made available by the providers. In light of this, the paper proposes the notion of Consumer–centric Resource Accounting Models for cloud resources. An accounting model is strongly consumer–centric if all the data that the model requires for calculating billing charges can be collected independently by the consumer (or a trusted third party, TTP); in effect, this means that a consumer (or a TTP) should be in a position to run their own measurement service. With this view in mind, the accounting models of some widely used cloud services are examined and possible sources of difficulties in data collection are identified, including causes that could lead to discrepancies between the metering data collected by the consumer and the provider. The paper goes on to suggest how cloud service providers can improve their accounting models to make them consumer-centric.
Transcriptional profiling of long non-coding RNAs and novel transcribed regions across a diverse panel of archived human cancers
Authors: Brunner Alayne L , Beck Andrew H , Edris Badreddin , Sweeney Robert T , Zhu Shirley X , Li Rui , Montgomery Kelli , Varma Sushama , Gilks Thea , Guo Xiangqian , Foley Joseph W , Witten Daniela M , Giacomini Craig P , Flynn Ryan A , Pollack Jonathan R , Tibshirani Robert , Chang Howard Y , van de Rijn Matt , West Robert B
Published: March 2013

Background

Molecular characterization of tumors has been critical for identifying important genes in cancer biology and for improving tumor classification and diagnosis. Long non-coding RNAs, as a new, relatively unstudied class of transcripts, provide a rich opportunity to identify both functional drivers and cancer-type-specific biomarkers. However, despite the potential importance of long non-coding RNAs to the cancer field, no comprehensive survey of long non-coding RNA expression across various cancers has been reported.

Results

We performed a sequencing-based transcriptional survey of both known long non-coding RNAs and novel intergenic transcripts across a panel of 64 archival tumor samples comprising 17 diagnostic subtypes of adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and sarcomas. We identified hundreds of transcripts from among the known 1,065 long non-coding RNAs surveyed that showed variability in transcript levels between the tumor types and are therefore potential biomarker candidates. We discovered 1,071 novel intergenic transcribed regions and demonstrate that these show similar patterns of variability between tumor types. We found that many of these differentially expressed cancer transcripts are also expressed in normal tissues. One such novel transcript specifically expressed in breast tissue was further evaluated using RNA in situ hybridization on a panel of breast tumors. It was shown to correlate with low tumor grade and estrogen receptor expression, thereby representing a potentially important new breast cancer biomarker.

Conclusions

This study provides the first large survey of long non-coding RNA expression within a panel of solid cancers and also identifies a number of novel transcribed regions differentially expressed across distinct cancer types that represent candidate biomarkers for future research.
Part 1: Why I Am Not a Postsecularist
Authors: Lambropoulos Vassilis
Published: March 2013

Postsecularism may be seen as an ongoing response of the Counter-Reformation to Protestant secularism. It represents a spiritualist critique of modernity that advocates civic harmony and a nonpolitics of belonging. Yet the ethico-political dilemmas that the baroque church attempted to resolve continue to be dramatized in all their urgency by modern tragedy.
The Critic’s Byzantine Ploy: Voltairean Confusion in Postsecularist Narratives
Authors: Krallis Dimitris
Published: March 2013

The debate on blasphemy generated by the publication of the Muhammad cartoons and the attendant conversation on the posited injury experienced by the offended religious subject has recently touched the world of Byzantium. The present essay takes on an elegant recent postsecularist engagement with Byzantine iconoclasm and argues that by appropriating elements of Byzantine Aristotelian theology in order to undergird a postsecularist argument, the modern critic dehistoricizes ideas that were firmly rooted in East Roman social, political, and cultural contexts in a manner that ultimately reinforces a reading of Byzantine culture firmly rooted in the most regressive Enlightenment distortions of the Byzantine experience.

Furthermore, a properly historical engagement with Byzantium contributes to a critical approach on assumptions regarding the nature of the “modern” and its effect on religion. Ultimately, a return to the Byzantine contexts that engender iconoclast theology and politics is also a call for a properly historicized study of Muslim injury, a study that leaves aside quasi-transcendental notions of uniquely Muslim personal injury for a return to the tangible world of modern ideas and political contestation.
A magnetic pulse does not affect homing pigeon navigation: a GPS tracking experiment
Authors: Holland Richard , Filannino Caterina , Gagliardo Anna
Published: March 2013

The cues by which homing pigeons are able to return to a home loft after displacement to unfamiliar release sites remain debated. A number of experiments in which migratory birds have been treated with a magnetic pulse have produced a disruption in their orientation, which argues that a ferrimagnetic sense is used for navigation in birds. One previous experiment has also indicated an effect of magnetic pulses on homing pigeon navigation, although with inconsistent results. Previous studies have shown that some magnetic-related information is transmitted by the trigeminal nerve to the brain in some bird species including the homing pigeon. The function of this information is still unclear. It has been suggested that this information is important for navigation. Previous studies with trigeminal nerve lesioned pigeons have clearly shown that the lack of trigeminally mediated information, even if magnetic, is not crucial for homing performance in homing pigeons. However, this result does not completely exclude the possibility that other ferrimagnetic receptors in the homing pigeon play role in navigation. Additionally, recent studies on homing pigeons suggested the existence of a ferrimagnetic sense in a novel location presumably located in the inner ear (lagena). In the current study, we tested whether any ferrimagnetic magnetoreceptors, irrespective of their location in the bird's head, are involved in pigeons' homing. To do this, we treated homing pigeons with a strong magnetic pulse before release, tracked birds with GPS-loggers and analyzed whether this treatment affected homing performance. In the single previous magnetic pulse experiment on homing pigeons only initial orientation at a release site was considered and the results were inconsistent.We observed no effect of the magnetic pulse at any of the sites used, either in initial orientation, homing performance, tortuosity or track efficiency, which does not support a role for the ferrimagnetic sense in homing pigeon navigation, at least not in this geographic area, where magnetic field variations are in the region of 200 nT intensity and 0.8° inclination.
Internet-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (iEMDR): an open trial
Authors: Spence Jay , Titov Nickolai , Johnston Luke , Dear Blake F , Wootton Bethany , Terides Matthew , Zou Judy
Published: March 2013

Recent research indicates internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) can reduce symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined the efficacy of an internet-delivered treatment protocol that combined iCBT and internet-delivered eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (iEMDR), in an uncontrolled trial. Eleven of the 15 participants completed post-treatment questionnaires. Large effect sizes were found from pre-treatment to 3-month follow-up (d = 1.03 – 1.61) on clinician-assessed and self-reported measures of PTSD, anxiety and distress, with moderate effect sizes (d = 0.59 – 0.70) found on measures of depression and disability. At post-treatment, 55% of the participants no longer met criteria for PTSD and this was sustained at follow-up. Symptom worsening occurred in 3 of 15 (20%) of the sample from pre- to post-treatment; however, these participants reported overall symptom improvement by follow-up. Future research directions for iEMDR are discussed.
Solid state fluorescence of proteins in high throughput mode and its applications
Authors: Gautam Saurabh , Gupta Munishwar N
Published: March 2013

A simple method to determine fluorescence emission spectra of proteins in solid state is described. The available commercial accessories can only accommodate solid samples and hence do not allow a direct comparison between fluorescence spectra of a sample in solution and solid state form. Such comparisons are valuable to monitor the changes in protein structure when it is “dried” or immobilized on a solid surface (for biocatalysis or sensor applications). The commercially available accessories also do not allow working in a high throughput mode. We describe here a simple method for recording fluorescence emission spectra of protein powders without using any dedicated accessory for solid samples. This method works with a 96-well plate format. It enables the comparison of fluorescence spectra of a sample in a solid state with solution spectra, using comparable quantities of protein. The fluorescence emission spectra were blue-shifted (4 to 9 nm), showed an increase in the intensity for different proteins studied upon lyophilization, and were similar to what has been reported by others using available commercial accessories for solid state samples. After validating that our method worked just as well as the dedicated accessories, we applied the method to compare the fluorescence emission spectra of α-chymotrypsin in solution, precipitated form and the lyophilized powder form. α-Chymotrypsin in solution showed a λmax of 335 nm while a high-activity preparation of the same enzyme for non-aqueous media, known as enzyme precipitated and rinsed with propanol (EPRP), showed an increase in the intensity of the fluorescence emission spectra. However, there was a small red shift of 2 nm (λmax of 337 nm) in contrast to lyophilized powder which showed a λmax of 328 nm. This is due to a difference in the tertiary structure of the protein as well as the microenvironment of aromatic residues between the two preparations. We further examined the fluorescence emission spectra of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in solution and solid form. The relative fluorescence intensity of lyophilized GFP powder was decreased significantly to 17% as compared to GFP in solution, and showed a red shift of 4 nm in the emission λmax. It was found that fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between tryptophan (Trp57) and the cyclic chromophore of GFP was significantly diminished. This indicated the change in the microenvironment around the cyclic chromophore in GFP upon lyophilization.
Internationalization Knowledge: What, Why, Where, and When?
Authors: Fletcher Margaret , Harris Simon , Richey Robert Glenn
Published: March 2013

The acquisition of relevant knowledge plays a critical role in the internationalization process. Yet a complete understanding of internationalization knowledge (IK) remains largely unexplored in the international marketing literature. The authors develop a framework that distinguishes three categories of IK necessary for internationalizing firms to gain market entry, localize strategies, and organize international enterprise procedures. Employing a longitudinal qualitative analysis of ten internationalizing firms, this study examines (1) why firms need these IK categories, (2) where they source them, and (3) at what stage of international growth they are needed. The authors conclude by addressing implications for practice and recommend that managers should source the specific IK needed before it becomes critical.
Ethnographic Stories for Market Learning
Authors: Cayla Julien , Arnould Eric
Published: March 2013

Although ethnography has become a popular research approach in many organizations, major gaps exist in the field's understanding of the way it operates in the corporate world, particularly in how ethnography facilitates market learning. Drawing from extensive fieldwork in the world of commercial ethnography, the authors describe how ethnographic stories give executives a unique means of understanding market realities. By working through the rich details of ethnographic stories infused with the tensions, contradictions, and emotions of people's everyday lives, executives are better able to grasp the complexity of consumer cultures. Overall, this research should help managers leverage the catalytic effects of ethnographic storytelling in their efforts to learn about and understand market contexts.
Marketing Channels in Foreign Markets: Control Mechanisms and the Moderating Role of Multinational Corporation Headquarters–Subsidiary Relationship
Authors: Grewal Rajdeep , Kumar Alok , Mallapragada Girish , Saini Amit
Published: March 2013

To manage marketing channels, subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs) must balance mandates from headquarters (HQ) with the local realities of the foreign markets. The performance implications of subsidiary–distributor relationship efforts thus are contingent on the HQ–subsidiary relationship. Drawing on marketing channels, economics, and organization theory literature streams, the authors (1) describe the complex performance properties of output and process control mechanisms that MNC subsidiaries deploy to manage foreign distributors and (2) conceptualize the HQ–subsidiary nexus along three attributes that should moderate the performance effects of control mechanisms: task coordination, or HQ's central coordination of processes across subsidiaries; subsidiary decision involvement, or two-way communications and consensual decision making between HQ and the subsidiary; and relational disharmony, or the extent of the HQ–subsidiary conflict. The authors test the hypotheses using field data from German and Japanese MNCs in the United States and Bayesian models that account for measurement error, endogeneity in the control mechanisms, heterogeneity in country of origin, and nonlinear and interactive terms for the latent constructs. The results demonstrate the importance of the HQ–subsidiary relationship for managing the subsidiary–distributor relationship.
The Effect of Asperity Inclination and Orientation on the Shear Behavior of Rock Joints
Authors: Khosravi Ali , Sadaghiani Mohammad H. , Khosravi Mohammad , Meehan Christopher L.
Published: March 2013

This study investigates the effect of asperity inclination angle and asperity orientation on the shear behavior of rock joints under constant normal loading conditions. The effects of these two rock joint characteristics were investigated by creating artificial rock joints having a regular pattern of triangular asperities that were oriented at different angles in the plane of shear. Large-scale direct shear tests were conducted over a range of normal stresses, on 0.30 × 0.30 m gypsum blocks containing well-mated joints with different asperity orientation and inclination angle characteristics. Experimental results illustrate the importance of considering both the asperity orientation with respect to the loading direction and the applied normal stress when predicting the shear behavior of rock joints. In general, higher normal stresses increased the stiffness of the rock joints in shearing, while a reduction in the shear strength of the rock joints was observed when increasing the asperity orientation angle. The dilation curves indicated the occurrence of both dilation and lateral displacement during shearing. Two different techniques are used to quantify the condition of the joint surfaces: the first approach utilizes the concept of fractal dimension, and the second utilizes the concept of potential contact area. These approaches can be applied in a useful fashion within the framework of existing shear failure criterion for oriented rock joints.
O desenvolvimento de atividades práticas na escola: um desafio para os professores de ciências
Authors: Andrade Marcelo Leandro Feitosa de , Massabni Vânia Galindo
Published: March 2013

As atividades práticas contribuem para o interesse e a aprendizagem em Ciências, especialmente quando investigativas e problematizadoras. Assim, o objetivo foi entender como professores de Ciências do Ensino Fundamental percebem estas atividades, bem como saber se são por eles utilizadas e os motivos para o seu uso/não uso no cotidiano da escola. Para isso, entrevistamos professoras de Ciências, que indicaram raramente utilizar atividades práticas e terem dificuldades nesta utilização. Quando o fazem, é após aulas teóricas, para apenas ilustrar a teoria . Justificam raramente recorrerem a tais atividades pela insegurança, falta de apoio e infraestrutura da escola. As professoras afirmam valorizar as atividades práticas, mas as percebem apenas como complemento para as aulas teóricas. Entendem serem necessárias mais atividades práticas, porém ficam angustiadas por não conseguirem desenvolvê-las nas condições de trabalho. Considerando as dificuldades apontadas, são oferecidas sugestões para se promoverem estas atividades no sistema público de ensino brasileiro.
Formação de conceitos científicos: reflexões a partir da produção de livros didáticos
Authors: Lima Maria Emília Caixeta de Castro , Aguiar Júnior Orlando , De Caro Carmen Maria
Published: March 2013

Este trabalho sistematiza reflexões que orientaram a produção de texto didático de ciências de modo a encorajar os estudantes a desenvolverem conceitos científicos fundamentais. Apoiamo-nos em Vygotsky e Bakhtin para afirmarmos nossa convicção de que os sentidos das palavras não se resolvem em glossários, mas por meio de seu uso em contextos sociais específicos. Apresentamos exemplos, extraídos do texto didático, de estratégias elaboradas com o intuito de se estabelecerem pontes entre os sentidos pessoais, presentes no cotidiano dos estudantes, e os conceitos científicos, com significados mais estabilizados.
Ajofe e alcoometria: as escolas diante das mudanças socioculturais ligadas à produção de cachaça artesanal na microrregião de Abaíra, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Almeida Rosiléia Oliveira de
Published: March 2013

Neste trabalho, sustentando-nos em concepções teóricas não essencialistas de cultura, buscamos compreender como as escolas da cidade de Abaíra (BA) podem contribuir para a compreensão das tensões da vida comunitária e para o posicionamento crítico dos alunos diante das estratégias locais de identidade construídas em torno da produção de cachaça artesanal. A partir de um estudo socioantropológico das práticas produtivas, buscamos sensibilizar as escolas para que sintonizassem seus currículos com o meio social. Por intermédio da aplicação do conceito de circularidade entre as culturas, evidenciamos que é possível articular os modelos cognitivos da vida cotidiana e da ciência na aprendizagem conceitual, interpretando as técnicas para se verificar se a cachaça está forte: o teste indiciário do ajofe, vinculado à experiência sociocultural local, e a alcoometria, que envolve a aplicação da racionalidade técnico-científica exigida pela nova configuração social.
Levantamento do uso de medicamentos por estudantes do ensino médio em duas escolas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
Authors: Almeida Cláudia , Souza Diogo Onofre , Ferreira Maria Beatriz , Wofchuk Susana
Published: March 2013

Estudo observacional foi realizado com estudantes de duas escolas de Ensino Médio, na cidade de Porto Alegre, RS (Brasil). Os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionário objetivo em sala de aula, após autorização da instituição e dos professores envolvidos e após assinatura do termo de consentimento pelos responsáveis. A maioria dos alunos participantes deste estudo referiu o uso de medicamentos, sobretudo indicados por profissionais da saúde e com conhecimento da família. Em geral, não sabiam dizer se tais substâncias poderiam causar algum problema. Propagandas de medicamentos na televisão foram assistidas pela quase totalidade dos estudantes, que referiram confiar muito pouco ou nada nos aspectos científicos por elas apresentados. Entretanto, 30% deles informaram que a propaganda influenciou o uso de medicamentos. Este estudo indica a necessidade de programas que visem conscientizar a população sobre os aspectos negativos do uso de medicamentos. Estes programas poderiam se dirigir aos jovens, às escolas, às famílias, às equipes de saúde e à mídia (especialmente a televisão).
Maximizing Net Returns to Financially Constrained Fertilizer Use
Authors: Jansen J. A. , Wortmann C. S. , Stockton M. A. , Kaizzi C. K.
Published: March 2013

Financial constraints commonly limit fertilizer use by smallholder farmers as they strive to maximize net returns on their investments. Fifteen crop–nutrient response functions, including six crops, were derived from the results of 80 trials conducted in Uganda. The net return to nutrient application for typical fertilizer use costs and grain prices in Uganda was greatest for a small amount of N applied to dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), followed by N applied to rice (Oryza spp.), P applied to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and then N applied to maize (Zea mays L.) and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Net returns were less for the remaining nine response functions. The Uganda Fertilizer Optimization Tool was developed for Uganda to maximize net returns to fertilizer use for finance‐limited crop management. It considers the area of each crop to be planted, fertilizer costs, expected grain value, and the money available for investment. The tool optimizes across response functions to provide the crop–nutrient–rate combinations expected to maximize net returns. In an example with 1 ha each of the above six crops and US$170 available for fertilizer use, the optimized net return was US$1918 compared with US$676 and US$804 for US$170 of fertilizer applied to maize and rice, respectively, at rates to maximize net returns per hectare. This approach to fertilizer use of maximizing net returns on investment can gradually enable much increased fertilizer use because of the relatively high returns on investment compared with traditional fertilizer use recommendations.
One Stage Conversion of an Infected Fused Knee to Total Knee Replacement - A Surgical Challenge
Authors: Ravikumar Mukartihal , Kendoff Daniel , Citak Mustafa , Luck Stefan , Gehrke Thorsten , Zahar Akos
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose:

Two-stage revision arthroplasty is a common technique for the treatment of infected total knee replacement. Few reports have addressed the conversion of a fused knee into a total knee replacement. However, there is no case reported of converting an infected fused knee into a hinge knee using a one-stage procedure.

Methods:

We report on a 51-year old male patient with an infected fused knee after multiple surgeries.

Results and Interpretation:

A one-stage conversion of septic fused knee into total knee arthroplasty by a rotational hinge prosthesis was performed. The case highlights that with profound preoperative assessment, meticulous surgical technique, combined antibiotic treatment and the right implant, one-stage revision in a surgical challenge may have a role as a treatment option with good functional outcome.
Some new classes of (m,n)-hyperrings
Authors: Jancic-Rasovic Sanja , Dasic Vucic
Published: March 2013

The notion of (m, n)-ary hyperring was introduced by Davvaz at the 10th AHA
congress [9], as the strong distributive structure. In this article we
generalize it, by introducing the notion of (m, n)-ary hyperring with
inclusive distributivity. We present construction of (m, n)-ary hyperrings
associated with binary relations on semigroup. We also state the condition
under which there exists (m, n)-ary hyperring of multiendomorphisms for a
starting m-ary hypergroup (H, f ). Finaly, we analyze connections between the
obtained classes of (m, n)-ary hyperrings.
On the diameter of the graph ГAnn(M)(R)
Authors: Anderson David , Ghalandarzadeh Shaban , Shirinkam Sara , Rad Parastoo
Published: March 2013

For a commutative ring R with identity, the ideal-based zero-divisor graph,
denoted by ?I (R), is the graph whose vertices are {x ? R\I|xy ? I for
some y ? R\I}, and two distinct vertices x and y are adjacent if and only
if xy?I. In this paper, we investigate an annihilator ideal-based
zero-divisor graph, denoted by ?Ann(M)(R), by replacing the ideal I with
the annihilator ideal Ann(M) for an R-module M. We also study the
relationship between the diameter of ?Ann(M) (R) and the minimal prime
ideals of Ann(M). In addition, we determine when ?Ann(M)(R) is complete.
In particular, we prove that for a reduced R-module M, ?Ann(M) (R) is a
complete graph if and only if R ? Z2?Z2 and M ? M1?M2 for M1
and M2 nonzero Z2-modules.
Variable Structure Neural Networks for Adaptive Robust Control Using Evolutionary Artificial Potential Fields
Authors: Mekki Hassen , Chtourou Mohamed
Published: March 2013

A novel neural network architecture, is proposed and shown to be useful in approximating the unknown nonlinearities of dynamical systems. In the variable structure neural network, the number of basis functions can be either increased or decreased with time according to specified design strategies so that the network will not overfit or underfit the data set. Based on the Gaussian radial basis function (GRBF) variable neural network, an adaptive state feedback controller is presented. The location of the centers of the GRBFs is analyzed using a new method inspired from evolutionary artificial potential fields method combined with a pruning algorithm. Using this method we can guarantee a minimal number of neuron. It is in noted, that both the recruitment and the pruning is made by a single neuron. Consequently, the recruitment phase does not perturb the network and the pruning does not provoke an oscillation of the output response. The weights of neural network are adapted using a Lyapunov approach. Moreover, the stability of the system can be analyzed and guaranteed by introducing the supervisory controller and modified adaptation law with projection.
Precise Assessment of Performance of Induction Motor under Supply Imbalance Through Impedance Unbalance Factor
Authors: Singh Shashi Bhushan , Singh Asheesh Kumar
Published: March 2013

This paper presents precise assessment of steady-state performance of induction motor (IM) operating under voltage unbalance. The variation of two voltage unbalance factors viz. complex voltage unbalance factor (CVUF) and impedance unbalance factor (IUF) with positive sequence voltage component, reveals that degree and manner of unbalance in supply voltage is exactly reflected in CVUF and IUF, respectively. On this basis, it is shown that for the precise assessment of IM performance, knowledge of both, manner (IUF) and degree (CVUF) of unbalance is important. Further, effect of angle of unbalance, on the performance of the IM and voltage pattern is analyzed. Results depict high sensitivity of derating factor and peak copper losses to this angle. Thus, it should be included along with unbalance factors for the precise and complete performance assessment of IM.
Blue toe syndrome as the initial manifestation of ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Marinchev Liubomir , Hristova Maria , Baleva Marta , Kolarov Zlatimir
Published: March 2013

The blue (or purple) toe syndrome describes the development of a blue or violaceous discoloration in one or more toes in the absence of obvious trauma, serious cold-induced injury or disorders producing generalized cyanosis. The presence of blue toe syndrome requires the clinician to search for primary systemic vasculitides, as well as for malignancy, underlying infection, thrombosis, cardiovascular pathology and other diseases. An accurate diagnosis is critical because many of the causes threaten life or limb, but the patient’s medical history, accompanying non-dermatologic findings on physical examination and the use of discriminatory laboratory tests are usually more important than the nature of the cutaneous abnormalities. We describe the case of a 53-year-old Caucasian male patient presenting with blue toe syndrome as the initial manifestation of ANCA-associated vasculitis.
Predicting Macroeconomic Indicators in the Czech Republic Using Econometric Models and Exponential Smoothing Techniques
Authors: Simionescu Bratu Mihaela
Published: March 2013

Econometric modeling and exponential smoothing techniques are two quantitative forecasting methods with good results in practice, but the objective of the research was to find out which of the two techniques are better for short run predictions. Therefore, for inflation, unemployment and interest rate in the Czech Republic various accuracy indicators were calculated for the predictions based on these methods. Short run forecasts on a horizon of 3 months were made for December 2011-February 2012, the econometric models being updated. For the Czech Republic, the exponential smoothing techniques provided more accurate forecasts than the econometric models (VAR(2) models, ARMA procedure and models with lagged variables). One explication for the better performance of smoothing techniques would be that in the chosen countries the short run predictions were more influenced by the recent evolution of the indicators.
Toxicity of a plant based mosquito repellent/killer
Authors: Singh Bhoopendra , Singh Prakash Raj , Mohanty Manoj Kumar
Published: March 2013

The mission to make humans less attractive to mosquitoes has fuelled decades of scientific research on mosquito behaviour and control. The search for the perfect topical insect repellent/killer continues. This analysis was conducted to review and explore the scientific information on toxicity produced by the ingredients/contents of a herbal product. In this process of systemic review the following methodology was applied. By doing a MEDLINE search with key words of selected plants, plant based insect repellents/ killers pertinent articles published in journals and authentic books were reviewed. The World Wide Web and the Extension Toxicity Network database (IPCS-ITOX) were also searched for toxicology data and other pertinent information. Repellents do not all share a single mode of action and surprisingly little is known about how repellents act on their target insects. Moreover, different mosquito species may react differently to the same repellent. After analysis of available data and information on the ingredient, of the product in relation to medicinal uses, acute and chronic toxicity of the selected medicinal plants, it can be concluded that the ingredients included in the herbal product can be used as active agents against mosquitoes. If the product which contains the powder of the above said plants is applied with care and safety, it is suitable fo use as a mosquito repellent/killer.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Garcinia indica fruit rind in ethanolinduced hepatic damage in rodents
Authors: Panda Vandana , Ashar Hardik , Srinath Sudhamani
Published: March 2013

The protective effects of aqueous extracts of the fruit rind of Garcinia indica (GIE) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and the probable mechanisms involved in this protection were investigated in rats. Liver damage was induced in rats by administering ethanol (5 g/kg, 20% w/v p.o.) once daily for 21 days. GIE at 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg and the reference drug silymarin (200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 28 days to ethanol treated rats, this treatment beginning 7 days prior to the commencement of ethanol administration. Levels of marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), triglyceride (sTG), albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) were evaluated in serum. Antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR)), hepatic triglycerides (hTG) and the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in liver. GIE and silymarin elicited significant hepatoprotective activity by attenuating the ethanol-elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP, sTG, hTG and MDA and restored the ethanol-depleted levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, Alb and TP. GIE 800 mg/kg demonstrated greater hepatoprotection than GIE 400 mg/kg. The present findings indicate that hepatoprotective effects of GIE in ethanol-induced oxidative damage may be due to an augmentation of the endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver.
Distribution of the ymoA and ystA genes and enterotoxins Yst production by Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated from humans and pigs
Authors: Bancerz-Kisiel A. , Szczerba-Turek A. , Platt-Samoraj A. , Szweda W.
Published: March 2013

Yersinia (Y.) enterocoliticais the third etiological agent of human diarrhea in terms of the number of confirmed clinical cases.One of the important virulence markers is theystgene which encodes the production of enterotoxins Yst (Yersiniastable toxins). However, not all strains withystgenes produce enterotoxins, what seems to be caused by theymoAgene encoding the production of the YmoA protein inhibiting the expression of various genes. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the distribution of theymoAandystAgenes and Yst production byY. enterocoliticaisolated from humans and pigs. All the studied strains obtained from pigs had theystAgene which indicates that they belong to the group of strains commonly regarded as pathogenic, but the ability to produce YstA was detected in only 14 out of 96 examined strains. The fragments ofystAgene were also detected in allY.enterocoliticastrains isolated from human cases of diarrhea. Amplification of a fragment of theymoAgene was detected in all the studied strains, both from humans and pigs, based on the presence of a 330 bp band. Thus no correlation was identified between the occurrence of theymoAandystAgenes and the production of a specific type of enterotoxin.
Use of rapid human respiratory syncytial virus strip tests for detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in experimentally vaccinated calves
Authors: Socha W. , Rola J.
Published: March 2013

Three different rapid strip tests: TRU RSV, BinaxNOW RSV and RSV Respi-strip were compared with RT-PCR and ELISA BRSV Ag for the ability to detect bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) in nasal swabs collected from calves experimentally vaccinated with live vaccine Rispoval RS-PI3. The reference strains of BRSV (375 and A51908) were detected by ELISA BRSV Ag whereas the strains of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3) were not. All rapid strip tests as well as RT-PCR reacted positively both to HRSV and BRSV reference strains and negatively to BPIV-3. The detection limit for RT-PCR was 39.1 TCID50 (strain 375 of BRSV), whereas for each of the rapid tests it was approximately 156 TCID50 and 312 TCID50 for antigen ELISA. Diagnostic sensitivity in detecting BRSV in nasal swabs for TRU RSV and RSV Respi-strip tests was 33% and 50% for BinaxNOW RSV. Diagnostic specificity of TRU RSV was 100%, whereas for both BinaxNOW and Respi-strip it was 87%. We concluded that TRU RSV could be used as a supportive rapid test for BRSV screening in nasal swabs taken directly on a farm. However, due to the small group of animals used in the experiment, the results should be regarded as preliminary and the study should be repeated on a larger number of animals.
The low doses effect of experimental zearalenone (ZEN) intoxication on the presence of Ca2+ in selected ovarian cells from pre-pubertal bitches
Authors: Gajęcka M. , Przybylska-Gornowicz B.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 42-day ZEN intoxication on the presence of Ca2+ in selected ovarian cells from beagle bitches, using the potassium pyroantimonate (PPA) method. Samples were collected from 30 clinically healthy, pre-pubertal, genetically homogeneous animals. The bitches were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: experimental group I - 50 μg ZEN/kg BW (100% NOAEL) administered once daily per os; experimental group II - 75 μg ZEN/kg BW (150% NOAEL) administered once daily per os; control group - placebo containing no ZEN administered per os. An electron microscopic analysis revealed that cells died due to apoptosis, depending on the ZEN dose and the type of cells exposed to intoxication. Lower ZEN doses led to apoptosis-like changes in the cells. Cell death was a consequence of excess Ca2+ accumulation in the mitochondria, followed by cell dysfunction and a decrease in or the absence of mitochondrial metabolic activity in oocytes, follicle cells and interstitial cells in experimental bitches.
Cryopreservation of canine semen: the effect of two extender variants on the quality and antioxidant properties of spermatozoa
Authors: Strzeżek R. , Koziorowska-Gilun M. , Stawiszyńska M.
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two variants of Tris-citric acid-fructose (TCF) extender containing whole hen egg yolk (TCF-HEY) and lyophilized lipoprotein fractions extracted from ostrich egg yolk (TCF-LPFo) on selected biological properties of cryopreserved sperm cells. Post-thaw percentage of motile sperm (MOT) was significantly higher (P<0.05) for TCF-HEY extender (66.3 ± 3.2%) than for TCF-LPFoextender (52.4 ± 3.4%). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the percentage of sperm with progressive motility (PMOT). Both diluents effectively preserved sperm plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function. However, it was observed that cryopreservation impaired the functionality of antioxidant sperm enzymes. The above was manifested by reduced SOD activity, in particular in samples preserved in the TCF-HEY extender, as well as decreased GPx activity. Both diluents inhibited the rate of lipid peroxidation in sperm plasma membrane during freezing-thawing. Our results suggest that LPFois a satisfactory alternative to hen egg yolk in the extender used for canine sperm cryopreservation.
Study on Differential Response of Pyricularia grisea Isolates from Rice, Finger Millet and Panicum sp. with Local and Alien Media, and Their Host Range
Authors: Khadka Ram B , Shrestha Sundar M , Manandhar Hira K , BKC Gopal
Published: March 2013

Blast (Pyricularia grisea) is an economically important disease of rice and finger millet in Nepal. Isolates of the fungus from different hosts differed in their response in media for mycelial growth and sporulation. Radial mycelial growth (RMG) and days of sporulation (DOS) of P. grisea were studied by culturing three fungal isolates from rice, finger millet and Panicum sp. on six different media: prune agar (PA), oat meal agar (OMA), potato dextrose agar (PDA), finger millet leaf decoction agar (FLDA), finger millet polish agar (FPA) and finger millet meal agar (FMA). The highest RMG was found in the isolates from finger millet and the lowest in the isolates from rice. The shortest DOS (1 week) was found in the isolate from rice and the longest (>2 weeks) in the isolate from finger millet. Among the different media used, PA and OMA were found to be the best for mycelial growth and sporulation of the isolates both from rice and finger millet. The shape, color and compactness of the fungal colonies varied with the media and isolates used. Cross inoculation studies showed that the fungus isolates from rice were able to infect all the plant species (rice, finger millet, Panicum sp., Eleusine indica and Setaria sp.) while isolates from finger millet were only able to infect three plant species (E. coracana, Setaria sp. and E. indica). This shows that the weed management is more important in finger millet fields than in rice field to manage the blast disease; and growing of rice adjacent to finger millet field is dangerous for blast epidemics in finger millet since rice serves as the source of inoculums. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 7-14 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7707
Fish Diversity at Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project Area in Mahakali River
Authors: Saund Tej B , Thapa Jham B , Bhatt Harish P
Published: March 2013

A study was carried out to prepare a baseline information on water quality and freshwater fish diversity at Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project area in Mahakali river. The study was conducted in autumn (October 2008) and summer (June 2009). A total of 24 fish species belonging to 3 orders, 4 families and 13 genera were recorded during the investigation period. Cypriniformes was the most dominant order accounting 75% of total fish species. Siluriformes and Synbranchiformes accounted for 21% and 4% of fish species composition respectively. Spawning and rearing areas in study sites were evenly distributed providing a suitable habitat for both cold and warm water fish species. The water quality parameters, i.e., water temperature (20.50-22.63 0C), DO (8.58-11.85 mg/l) and pH (6.93-7.20) were found within the suitable range supporting diverse fish species. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 2 (2012) 225-230 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i2.7741
“An equitable right to be compensated”: The Dispossession of the Aboriginal Peoples of Quebec and the Emergence of a New Legal Rationale (1760–1860)
Authors: Beaulieu Alain
Published: March 2013

Abstract:

At the conquest of New France, the British had already built a long tradition of purchasing Aboriginal land. This policy, made official in the Royal Proclamation of 1763, was implemented in an extensive portion of the Canadian territory, but not in the Saint Lawrence Valley, heart of the former French empire in America, and what is now the province of Quebec. The British, followed by the Canadian government, adopted a policy of unilateral land appropriation in that area, dispossessing the Aboriginals without reliance on a treaty system. This particularity of the Indian land policy in Quebec has given rise to divergent interpretations that rest on the same implicit premise that a structuring legal framework existed, which, when reconstituted, gives meaning to history, either by legitimizing the unilateral dispossession process or by stigmatizing it. This article attempts to locate the process of dispossessing Aboriginal land outside the normative framework imposed by the law. The objective is not to identify a standard to explain why the British did not conclude treaties, but rather to follow a process of legal standardization, in which colonial practice is inscribed, through trial and error, detours, shifts in meaning, and improvisations into a legitimizing framework.
A Key to the House of Usher
Authors: Abel Darrel
Published: March 2013

By common consent, the most characteristic of Poe's “arabesque” tales is “The Fall of the House of Usher.” It is usually admired for its “atmosphere” and for its exquisitely artificial manipulation of Gothic claptrap and décor, but careful reading reveals admirable mcthod in the author's use of things generally regarded by his readers as mere decorative properties.