bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecophysiological screening of tree species for biomass production: trade‐off between production and water use
Authors: Wang Dan , LeBauer David , Kling Gary , Voigt Thomas , Dietze Michael C.
Published: November 2013

Trees are an important biomass source for cellulosic ethanol production. The ability to identify tree species that are efficient in balancing water loss and carbon uptake based on physiological traits associated with growth and water use is useful for screening candidate species and genotypes. We used a common‐garden approach to evaluate the relationships between traits, productivity, and WUE among 21 tree species across two growing seasons. Species differed significantly in leaf‐level gas exchange, Δ13C, phenology and growth. Robinia pseudoacacia, Populus deltoides, Catalpa speciosa, Rhus copallinum, and Acer saccharinum had higher total height (Ht) and basal diameter (DB) growth than the other species. Δ13C scaled positively with growth rate and negatively with intrinsic WUE, suggesting that Δ13C could be an effective proxy for productivity and WUE for the species evaluated. Principle component analysis indicated that among the faster‐growing species (high Ht and Anet), Robinia pseudoacacia distinguished itself by a higher Δ13C and lower PNUE, while Populus deltoides, Rhus copallinum, Catalpa speciosa and Platanus occidentalis had a higher PNUE and lower Δ13C, making it possible to select trees that could optimize the trade‐off between carbon gain and water use and provide guidelines for policy making. Systematic measurements of gas exchange across the growing season are essential for validation of growth models and to elucidate the physiological basis for observed differences in productivity and WUE. Parameters such as Anet, SLA, Nmass, and Δ13C give very useful information for future breeding programs having goals of improving woody species productivity and WUE.
Integration of statistical and spatial methods for distributing precipitation in tropical areas
Authors: Abedini Mandana , Azlin Md Said Md , Ahmad Fauziah
Published: November 2013

The high spatial resolution of precipitation distribution is a major concern for experts in environmental research and planning. This paper establishes a combination of multivariate regression algorithm and spatial analysis to predict distribution of precipitation, considering the four topographical factors of altitude, slope, aspect and location. Annual average and seasonal rainfall data were collected in nine rain gauges in Ulu Kinta Catchment in East Malaysia from 1974 to 2010. To examine records and fill gaps from long-term rain gauges, homogeneity analysis was performed using the double-mass curve method. Estimated missing rainfall data were also tested using index gauges from network rainfall stations. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to propose an empirical equation for the study area. Topographical factors were considered from a 90 m resolution digital elevation model. The multivariate regression model was found to clarify 74% of spatial variability of precipitation on annual average and 78% during wet season. However, the correlation coefficient for the dry season decreased sharply to 63%. By using the kriging interpolation method, the estimated annual average improved to 78.4%; the average improved to 65.2 and 80.3% in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. This confirms the efficiency and significance of the model and its potential for use in other tropical catchments.
A hybrid generalised linear and Levenberg–Marquardt artificial neural network approach for downscaling future rainfall in North Western England
Authors: Abdellatif M. , Atherton W. , Alkhaddar R.
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a novel technique for downscaling daily rainfall which uses a combination of a generalised linear model (GLM) and artificial neural network (ANN) to downscale rainfall. A two-stage process is applied, an occurrence process which uses the GLM model and an amount process which uses an ANN model trained with a Levenberg–Marquardt approach. The GLM-ANN was compared with other three downscaling models, the traditional neural network (ANN), multiple linear regression (MLR) and Poisson regression (PR). The models are applied for downscaling daily rainfall at three locations in the North West of England during the winter and summer. Model performances with respect to reproduction of various statistics such as correlation coefficient, autocorrelation, root mean square errors (RMSE), standard deviation and the mean rainfall are examined. It is found that the GLM-ANN model performs better than the other three models in reproducing most daily rainfall statistics, with slight difficulties in predicting extremes rainfall event in summer. The GLM-ANN model is then used to project future rainfall at the three locations employing three different general circulation models (GCMs) for SRES scenarios A2 and B2. The study projects significant increases in mean daily rainfall at most locations for winter and decreases in summer.
Microbial contamination in groundwater supply in a cold climate and coarse soil: case study of norovirus outbreak at Lake Mývatn, Iceland
Authors: Gunnarsdottir M. J. , Gardarsson S. M. , Andradottir H. O.
Published: November 2013

This paper explores the fate and transport of microbial contamination in a cold climate and coarse aquifers. A confirmed norovirus outbreak in a small rural water supply in the late summer of 2004, which is estimated to have infected over 100 people, is used as a case study. A septic system, 80 m upstream of the water intake, is considered to have contaminated drinking water. Water samples tested were negative for coliform and strongly positive for norovirus. Modelling predicts that a 4.8-log10 removal was possible in the 8 m thick vadose zone, while only a 0.7-log10 and 2.7-log10 removal in the aquifer for viruses and Escherichia coli, respectively. The model results support that the 80 m setback distance was inadequate and roughly 900 m aquifer transport distance was needed to achieve 9-log10 viral removal. Sensitivity analysis showed that the most influential parameters on model transport removal rate are grain size diameter and groundwater velocity, temperature and acidity. The results demonstrate a need for systematic evaluation of septic systems in rural areas in lesser studied coarse strata at low temperatures, thereby strengthening data used for regulatory requirements for more confident determination on safe setback distances.
An operational approach to real-time dynamic measurement of discharge
Authors: Alessandrini V. , Bernardi G. , Todini E.
Published: November 2013

Based on the maximization of entropy, microwave sensors are becoming standard approaches for converting point surface velocity measurements into discharge. Unfortunately, this conversion is conditioned by cross-section regularity and by the need to take the surface measures above the vertical where the maximum velocity occurs. Cross-section irregularities and the presence of floodplains, vegetation and/or local bed depressions can change the theoretical applicability conditions of the proposed methods and, due to the wandering of the current, the microwave sensor must be continuously moved to track the maximum velocity. We describe the theoretical development and practical application of a new approach to operationally convert surface velocity and water level, measured using a fixed installation, into discharge. The resulting equation that links the surface point velocity measurement to the discharge is a function of two parameters describing the velocity distribution within the cross-section plus an additional correction factor which describes the non-homogeneity of the different vertical slices into which the cross-section is divided. Interesting results of the approach are shown for the gauging section of Tavagnasco on the Dora Baltea River in Italy with high performances both in terms of calibration and validation.
Utilization of inland saline water for Spirulina cultivation
Authors: Sandeep K. P. , Shukla S. P. , Harikrishna V. , Muralidhar A. P. , Vennila A. , Purushothaman C. S. , Ratheesh Kumar R.
Published: November 2013

An attempt was made to assess the suitability of the inland saline water of Rohtak (Haryana) for mass cultivation of Spirulina platensis, a salt loving cyanobacterium. Cultivation of S. platensis was performed in indoor and outdoor culture units. The investigation revealed that the yield of biomass in de-calcified inland saline water was comparable to the yield obtained in synthetic chemical-based prescribed growth medium. Further, the quality of biomass in terms of protein, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and phycocyanin contents was also comparable to the prescribed medium. The downstream processing of the biomass through a three-step process resulted in an appreciable quantity of a highly valuable pigment, phycocyanin (purity ratio: A620/A280 = 3.13–3.39). The overall observations of the study suggest that inland saline water can be used for cost-effective production of Spirulina biomass and value-added chemicals. The removal of calcium and salts from inland saline water by S. platensis cultivation also offers an added advantage for the reuse of the spent medium for agricultural and aquacultural purposes.
How human diet impacts on waters and resources
Authors: Thaler S. , Zessner M. , Schilling K. , Kroiss H.
Published: November 2013

Human diet is responsible for a number of environmental problems. It is a driving force for water and land requirements for food production. This contribution investigates the relationships between diet and agricultural production, the resulting mass flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, their impact on the aquatic environment, the agricultural area requirements and emissions of nitrogen to the atmosphere in a clearly defined region. The combination of material flow analysis, nutrient emission model and statistical input data determines the reference state. By changing some input data (changing diet) several independent processes change. Thus the impacts of changing nutrition patterns can be investigated for a well-defined region. According to diet recommendations a scenario was developed and impacts on resources and environment drawn. Application of the method to Austria shows a 30% reduction of agricultural land requirements for food production by changing nutritional habits to a healthy balanced diet. Nitrogen export via rivers would be decreased by 11%. The diet change would also result in a reduced fertilizer input by 6% to agriculture, which is relevant especially for the limited resource phosphorus.
Potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated from different tropical waters in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mannapperuma W. M. G. C. K. , Abayasekara C. L. , Herath G. B. B. , Werellagama D. R. I. B.
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the bacteriological contamination of different water sources in Sri Lanka. Source waters (n = 74) including bottled water, well water and surface water were assessed for enumerating total coliforms and faecal coliforms using the membrane filtration method. The results showed that 18.5 and 14.8% of bottled water samples were contaminated with total coliforms and faecal coliforms, respectively. All the well water and surface water samples exceeded the WHO permitted levels for total coliforms and faecal coliforms. Bacteriological identification using biochemical tests and api 20E identification tests revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in all water sources tested. Bottled water mainly contained three Enterobacter species, while well water samples showed the broadest spectrum of bacteria including eleven coliform species belonging to the genera Klebsiella, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Kluyvera, Pantoea, Rautella, and 10 non-coliform species in the genera Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Salmonella and Acinetobacter. Surface waters contained seven coliform species belonging to the genera Klebsiella, Escherichia, Citrobacter, Rautella and Serratia, and eight non-coliform species in the genera Pseudomonas, Aeromonas and Acinetobacter. Detection of higher bacteriological counts and identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria in different source waters suggest a potential health risk of the water sources used in Sri Lanka.
The Impact of Salsalate Treatment on Serum Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Barzilay Joshua I. , Jablonski Kathleen A. , Fonseca Vivian , Shoelson Steven E. , Goldfine Allison B. , Strauch Christopher , Monnier Vincent M. ,   the TINSAL-T2D Research Consortium
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

Salsalate is a nonacetylated salicylate that lowers glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we examined whether salsalate also lowered serum-protein-bound levels of early and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that have been implicated in diabetic vascular complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants were from the Targeting Inflammation Using Salsalate for Type 2 Diabetes (TINSAL-T2D) study, which examined the impact of salsalate treatment on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and a wide variety of other parameters. One hundred eighteen participants received salsalate, 3.5 g/day for 48 weeks, and 109 received placebo. Early glycation product levels (HbA1c and fructoselysine [measured as furosine]) and AGE levels (glyoxal and methylglyoxal hydroimidazolones [G-1H, MG-1H], carboxymethyllysine [CML], carboxyethyllysine [CEL], pentosidine) were measured in patient serum samples.

RESULTS

Forty-eight weeks of salsalate treatment lowered levels of HbA1c and serum furosine (P < 0.001) and CML compared with placebo. The AGEs CEL and G-1H and MG-1H levels were unchanged, whereas pentosidine levels increased more than twofold (P < 0.001). Among salsalate users, increases in adiponectin levels were associated with lower HbA1c levels during follow-up (P < 0.001). Changes in renal and inflammation factor levels were not associated with changes in levels of early or late glycation factors. Pentosidine level changes were unrelated to changes in levels of renal function, inflammation, or cytokines.

CONCLUSIONS

Salsalate therapy was associated with a reduction in early but not late glycation end products. There was a paradoxical increase in serum pentosidine levels suggestive of an increase in oxidative stress or decreased clearance of pentosidine precursor.
An Improved Subgradiend Optimization Technique for Solving IPs with Lagrangean Relaxation
Authors: Hasan M Babul , Toha Md
Published: November 2013

The objective of this paper is to improve the subgradient optimization method which is used to solve non-differentiable optimization problems in the Lagrangian dual problem. One of the main drawbacks of the subgradient method is the tuning process to determine the sequence of step-lengths to update successive iterates. In this paper, we propose a modified subgradient optimization method with various step size rules to compute a tuning- free subgradient step-length that is geometrically motivated and algebraically deduced. It is well known that the dual function is a concave function over its domain (regardless of the structure of the cost and constraints of the primal problem), but not necessarily differentiable. We solve the dual problem whenever it is easier to solve than the primal problem with no duality gap. However, even if there is a duality gap the solution of the dual problem provides a lower bound to the primal optimum that can be useful in combinatorial optimization. Numerical examples are illustrated to demonstrate the method. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17059 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 135-140, 2013 (July)
Phytochemical Constituents of Some Vegetables
Authors: Howlader Md Abu Hasan , Iqbal Md Shamim , Islam SM Sirajul , Quader MA
Published: November 2013

Alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, sugar molecules, and amino acid distribution in four vegetables of Bangladesh origin belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae were assessed and compared. The vegetables investigated were Luffa acutangula (Jhingga), Luffa cylindrica (Dhundul), Trichosanthes anguina (Chichingga) and Tricosanthes dioica (Potol). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17060 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 147-151, 2013 (July)
Weighted Maximum Likelihood Approach for Robust Estimation: Weibull Model
Authors: Khokan Mahfuzur Rahman , Bari Wasimul , Khan Jafar A
Published: November 2013

A robust weighted maximum likelihood (WML) estimation approach is proposed for the Weibull model in the presence of outliers. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to examine the performance of the proposed approach and simulated results reveals that the WML approach provides better results compared to the usual maximum likelihood (ML) approach in the presence of outliers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17061 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 153-156, 2013 (July)
Ultra-high Cleanliness of ISO Class Minus 2 Realized by Clean-Unit System Platform for Integrating the Bottom-up and Top-down Systems
Authors: Rahaman Md Dalilur , Kaiju Hideo , Ishibashi Akira
Published: November 2013

The time dependence of the airborne particle count and the cleanliness of an airtight stainless steel clean-unit system platform (S-CUSP) with 100% air feedback through the feedback loop by installing the ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filter just beneath the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the feedback loop has been studied. By controlling the number of particles coming out from the HEPA filter, the ultra high cleanliness of ISO class minus 2 has been obtained, which is five orders of magnitude better than that of the super cleanroom (ISO Class 3). Analyses of the experimental results demonstrate that the S-CUSP with flat feedback loop would be a viable economical means to achieve the more stringent cleanliness class, which has the immense importance for expediting the multi-disciplinary experiments and production fields such as nanotechnologies and biotechnologies. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17063 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 157-160, 2013 (July)
Chemical Composition of Some Leafy Vegetables of Bangladesh
Authors: Karmakar Kamal , Muslim Tanvir , Rahman Md Azizur
Published: November 2013

The chemical composition, such as water, ash, iron and total vitamin C content, of 28 green leafy vegetables were analyzed in this investigation. The water content of the leafy vegetables varied between 83.8 to 95.5 g/100 g fresh vegetable sample. The ash content of the samples varied between 8.0 to 22.6 g /100 g of dry vegetable powder. The iron content of the leafy vegetables varied from 11.8 to 78.2 mg/100 g of dry sample and the total vitamin C content varied from 191.5 to 21.6 mg/100 g of fresh sample. These findings conclusively suggest that the locally available leafy vegetables are good source of water, minerals, iron and vitamin C. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17070 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 199-201, 2013 (July)
Isolation of Betulinic Acid and 2,3-Dihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic Acid from the Leaves of Callistemon linearis
Authors: Haque Ayesha , Siddiqi M Mahboob Ali , Rahman AFM Mustafizur , Hasan Choudhury M , Chowdhury AM Sarwaruddin
Published: November 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17073 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 211-212, 2013 (July)
Four Compounds Isolated from Polygonum lanatum Roxb
Authors: Akter Taslima , Siddiqi M Mahboob Ali , MA Al-Mansur , Sohrab MH , Chowdhury AM Sarwaruddin , Hasan Choudhury M
Published: November 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17074 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 213-214, 2013 (July)
Performance Analysis of a Box Type Solar Oven Cooker
Authors: Mostofa MG , Nayem MU Md R , Huque Saiful
Published: November 2013

Abstract not available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17092 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 141-146, 2013 (July)
Formulation development and evaluation of Glibenclamide loaded Eudragit RLPO microparticles
Authors: Kumar Balagani Pavan , Chandiran Irisappan Sarath , Jayaveera Korlakunta Narasimha
Published: November 2013

The objective of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate microencapsulated Glibenclamide produced by the emulsion  solvent evaporation method. Microparticles were prepared using Eudragit RLPO by emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized for their micromeritic properties, encapsulation efficiency, particle size, drug loading, FTIR, DSC, SEM analysis. In vitro release studies were performed in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Stability studies were conducted as per ICH guidelines. The resulting microparticles obtained by solvent evaporation method were free flowing in nature. The mean particle size of microparticles ranges from 134.49  179.72 µm and encapsulation efficiency ranges from 92.30-98.32%. The infrared spectra and differential scanning calorimetry thermographs confirmed the stable character of Glibenclamide in the drug-loaded microparticles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the microparticles were spherical in nature. In vitro release studies revealed that the drug release was sustained up to 12 hrs. The release kinetics of Glibenclamide from optimized formulation followed zero-order and peppas mechanism. The mechanism of drug release from the microparticles was found to be non-Fickian type. Eudragit RLPO microparticles containing Glibenclamide could be prepared successfully by using an emulsion solvent evaporation technique, which will not only sustain the release of drug but also manage complicacy of the diabetes in a better manner.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i12.17016 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, November 2013, 2(12): 196-201
Thymoquinone-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: antioxidant and anti-microbial properties
Authors: Nallamuthu Ilaiyaraja , Parthasarathi Ambica , Khanum Farhath
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present study was to synthesize and characterize the Thymoquinone (TQ) encapsulated PLGA (poly (dl-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles, and further evaluate for its antioxidant and anti-bacterial activities. TQ is a potential active ingredient of Nigella sativa seed and possess a spectrum of therapeutic properties. Nanoparticles were prepared according to solid-in-oil-in-water (s/o/w) solvent evaporation method. Dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) and SEM studies indicated a mean particle size of < 200 nm. The success of encapsulation was confirmed by FTIR technique, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of TQ was determined to be 62%. In vitro drug release study showed a maximum release of TQ at 75% and 54 % respectively for artificial intestinal and gastric juices over the period of 7 days. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the nanoparticles was found to be 71% at 1 mg/ml concentration. It also exhibited antibacterial property against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi strains, tested using well diffusion method. In conclusion, our study shows that PLGA encapsulated TQ nanoparticle with sustained release property has preserved antioxidant as well as anti-microbial activity, and therefore suggesting its therapeutic applications in various food samples.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i12.17017 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, November 2013, 2(12): 202-207
The Changes in mGluR2 and mGluR7 Expression in Rat Medial Vestibular Nucleus and Flocculus Following Unilateral Labyrinthectomy
Authors: Zhou Wen , Zhou Liu-Qing , Zhang Su-Lin , Liu Bo , Leng Yang-Ming , Zhou Ren-Hong , Kong Wei-Jia
Published: November 2013

It is known that the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) and the cerebellar flocculus are the key areas, which contribute to the behavioral recovery (“vestibular compensation”) after unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL). In these areas, how the genetic activities of the metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR2 and mGluR7 performance after UL is unknown. With the means of quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the expression of mGluR2 and mGluR7 in the bilateral MVN and the flocculus of rats in different stages after UL (the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day). Our results show that in the MVN, the mRNA, and protein expressions of mGluR7 were ipsilaterally decreased at the 1st day following UL. However, in the MVN, no change was observed in the mRNA and protein expressions of mGluR2. On the other hand, the mRNA and protein expression of mGluR2 were enhanced in the ipsilateral flocculus at the 1st day following UL, while in the flocculus no change was shown in mGluR7 mRNA and protein expressions. Our results suggest that mGluR2 and mGluR7 may contribute to the early rebalancing of spontaneous resting activity in the MVN.
Hydration of AMP and ATP Molecules in Aqueous Solution and Solid Films
Authors: Faizullin Dzhigangir , Zakharchenko Nataliya , Zuev Yuriy , Puzenko Alexander , Levy Evgeniya , Feldman Yuri
Published: November 2013

Water enables life and plays a critical role in biology. Considered as a versatile and adaptive component of the cell, water engages a wide range of biomolecular interactions. An organism can exist and function only if its self-assembled molecular structures are hydrated. It was shown recently that switching of AMP/ATP binding to the insulin-independent glucose transporter Human Erythrocyte Glucose Transport Protein (GLUT1) may greatly influence the ratio of bulk and bound water during regulation of glucose uptake by red blood cells. In this paper, we present the results on the hydration properties of AMP/ATP obtained by means of dielectric spectroscopy in aqueous solution and for fully ionized forms in solid amorphous films with the help of gravimetric studies.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a P-Glycoprotein from the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Tian Lixia , Yang Jiaqiang , Hou Wenjie , Xu Baoyun , Xie Wen , Wang Shaoli , Zhang Youjun , Zhou Xuguo , Wu Qingjun
Published: November 2013

Macrocyclic lactones such as abamectin and ivermectin constitute an important class of broad-spectrum insecticides. Widespread resistance to synthetic insecticides, including abamectin and ivermectin, poses a serious threat to the management of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), a major pest of cruciferous plants worldwide. P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a member of the ABC transporter superfamily, plays a crucial role in the removal of amphiphilic xenobiotics, suggesting a mechanism for drug resistance in target organisms. In this study, PxPgp1, a putative Pgp gene from P. xylostella, was cloned and characterized. The open reading frame (ORF) of PxPgp1 consists of 3774 nucleotides, which encodes a 1257-amino acid peptide. The deduced PxPgp1 protein possesses structural characteristics of a typical Pgp, and clusters within the insect ABCB1. PxPgp1 was expressed throughout all developmental stages, and showed the highest expression level in adult males. PxPgp1 was highly expressed in midgut, malpighian tubules and testes. Elevated expression of PxPgp1 was observed in P. xylostella strains after they were exposed to the abamectin treatment. In addition, the constitutive expressions of PxPgp1 were significantly higher in laboratory-selected and field-collected resistant strains in comparison to their susceptible counterpart.
Alteration of Tight Junction Gene Expression by Calcium- and Vitamin D-Deficient Diet in the Duodenum of Calbindin-Null Mice
Authors: Hwang Inho , Yang Hyun , Kang Hong-Seok , Ahn Changhwan , Hong Eui-Ju , An Beum-Soo , Jeung Eui-Bae
Published: November 2013

Calcium absorption is regulated by both active (transcellular) and passive (paracellular) pathways. Although each pathway has been studied, correlations between the two pathways have not been well elucidated. In previous investigations, the critical transcellular proteins, calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) and -D28k (CaBP-28k), were shown to affect other transcellular pathways by buffering intracellular calcium concentrations. The rate of paracellular calcium transport in the duodenum is generally determined by the expression of tight junction genes. In the present study, the effect of dietary calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation on the expression of tight junction genes (occludin, ZO-1 and claudin 2, 10b, 12 and 15) in the duodenum of CaBP-9k- and/or -28k-deficient mice was examined. With a normal diet, the expression of most tight junction genes in the duodenum was significantly increased in CaBP-9k knockout (KO) mice compared to wild-type (WT) animals. With a calcium- and vitamin D-deficient diet, tight junction gene expression was significantly decreased in the duodenum of the CaBP-9k KO mice. These findings suggest that expression of paracellular tight junction genes is regulated by transcellular CaBP proteins, suggesting that active and passive calcium transport pathways may function cooperatively.
Decline of Hesperia ottoe (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) in Northern Tallgrass Prairie Preserves
Authors: Swengel Ann , Swengel Scott
Published: November 2013

We counted butterflies on transect surveys during Hesperia ottoe flight period in 1988–2011 at tallgrass prairie preserves in four states (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin), divided into units cross-referenced to vegetation type and management history. H. ottoe occurred only in dry and sand prairie types, and was significantly more abundant in undegraded than semi-degraded prairie, and in discontinuous sod (with numerous unvegetated areas due to bare sand and/or rock outcrops) than in continuous sod. This skipper was significantly more abundant in small sites compared to medium and large sites, even when the analysis was limited to undegraded prairie analyzed separately by sod type. H. ottoe was significantly under-represented in year-burn 0 (the first growing season after fire) compared to an expected distribution proportional to survey effort. However, H. ottoe was also over-represented in fire-managed units compared to non-fire-managed units. However, by far most units and sites were in fire management and most populations declined to subdetection during this study. Peak abundance post-fire occurred in a later year-burn in discontinuous sod and was much higher than in continuous sod. We also analyze H. ottoe status and trend in midwestern prairie preserves by compiling a dataset of our and others’ butterfly surveys from 1974 to 2011. Only 1/9 sites with continuous sod had detectable H. ottoe in recent year(s). In discontinuous sod, 2/6 did, with two sites lacking data for the last few years. The number of years H. ottoe was still detectable after preservation and the number of years to consistent non-detection were both significantly higher in discontinuous than continuous sod. Both measures of population persistence averaged over twice as long in discontinuous than continuous sod, and correlated negatively with prairie size. The year when consistent non-detection began varied over several decades among sites. Despite the currently urgent need to identify how to manage preserves successfully for H. ottoe, such research now needs to be very cautious, because of the extreme fragility of the few remaining populations and the ruggedness of the preserves where H. ottoe is still known to occur.
Vegan Diets and Hypothyroidism
Authors: Tonstad Serena , Nathan Edward , Oda Keiji , Fraser Gary
Published: November 2013

Diets eliminating animal products have rarely been associated with hypothyroidism but may protect against autoimmune disease. Thus, we investigated whether risk of hypothyroidism was associated with vegetarian compared to omnivorous dietary patterns. The Adventist Health Study-2 was conducted among church members in North America who provided data in a self-administered questionnaire. Hypothyroidism was queried at baseline in 2002 and at follow-up to 2008. Diet was examined as a determinant of prevalent (n = 4237 of 65,981 [6.4%]) and incident cases (1184 of 41,212 [2.9%]) in multivariate logistic regression models, controlled for demographics and salt use. In the prevalence study, in addition to demographic characterstics, overweight and obesity increased the odds (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.22–1.42 and 1.78, 95% CI: 1.64–1.93, respectively). Vegan versus omnivorous diets tended to be associated with reduced risk (OR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.78–1.01, not statistically significant) while a lacto-ovo diet was associated with increased risk (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18). In the incidence study, female gender, white ethnicity, higher education and BMI were predictors of hypothyroidism. Following a vegan diet tended to be protective (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59–1.03, not statistically significant). In conclusion, a vegan diet tended to be associated with lower, not higher, risk of hypothyroid disease.
Neuro-Inspired Spike-Based Motion: From Dynamic Vision Sensor to Robot Motor Open-Loop Control through Spike-VITE
Authors: Perez-Peña Fernando , Morgado-Estevez Arturo , Linares-Barranco Alejandro , Jimenez-Fernandez Angel , Gomez-Rodriguez Francisco , Jimenez-Moreno Gabriel , Lopez-Coronado Juan
Published: November 2013

In this paper we present a complete spike-based architecture: from a Dynamic Vision Sensor (retina) to a stereo head robotic platform. The aim of this research is to reproduce intended movements performed by humans taking into account as many features as possible from the biological point of view. This paper fills the gap between current spike silicon sensors and robotic actuators by applying a spike processing strategy to the data flows in real time. The architecture is divided into layers: the retina, visual information processing, the trajectory generator layer which uses a neuroinspired algorithm (SVITE) that can be replicated into as many times as DoF the robot has; and finally the actuation layer to supply the spikes to the robot (using PFM). All the layers do their tasks in a spike-processing mode, and they communicate each other through the neuro-inspired AER protocol. The open-loop controller is implemented on FPGA using AER interfaces developed by RTC Lab. Experimental results reveal the viability of this spike-based controller. Two main advantages are: low hardware resources (2% of a Xilinx Spartan 6) and power requirements (3.4 W) to control a robot with a high number of DoF (up to 100 for a Xilinx Spartan 6). It also evidences the suitable use of AER as a communication protocol between processing and actuation.
Tupy or not Tupy: that was the question
Authors: Pesavento Sandra
Published: November 2013

RESUMO - O texto trabalha sobre uma redescoberta do Brasil ou reinvenção da nação, realizada pelos intelectuais modernistas nos anos vinte e trinta. O modernismo brasileiro se apresenta como um movimento de renovação dos significados e da tradução esthética da realidade, compondo uma unidade paradoxal de razões e de sensibilidades que rearranjam a maneira de compreender o passado, reinventado-o com o fim de construir o futuro. Tudo se passa como se, para responder ao esgotamento das formas de representação do Brasil, fosse necessário utilisar recursos extremos e mesmo agressivos de expressão, através de uma revolução do olhar.
Umbrales sensibles de la modernidad temprana: los usos de la vergüenza en Chile, siglos XVIII y XIX
Authors: Albornoz Vásquez María Eugenia
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT - Shame, an intimate emotion, appears under different names in legal procedures concerning offences. The study of its representations, meanings and manipulations allows us to explore at the same time the feeling and its social value. We therefore want to determine more precisely, through this analysis, the part shame plays in the construction and assignment of identities and social classifications in 18th and 19th century Chili.
Investigating the continuous synthesis of a nicotinonitrile precursor to nevirapine
Authors: Longstreet Ashley R , Opalka Suzanne M , Campbell Brian S , Gupton B Frank , McQuade D Tyler
Published: November 2013

2-Chloro-3-amino-4-picoline (CAPIC) is a strategic building block for the preparation of nevirapine, a widely-prescribed non-nucleosidic reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of HIV-infected patients. A continuous synthesis to the bromo derivative of a CAPIC intermediate, 2-bromo-4-methylnicotinonitrile, that terminates in a dead-end crystallization is described. The route uses inexpensive, acyclic commodity-based raw materials and has the potential to enable lower cost production of nevirapine as well as other value added structures that contain complex pyridines. The route terminates in a batch crystallization yielding high purity CAPIC. This outcome is expected to facilitate regulatory implementation of the overall process.
Reliability in NIBRS Reporting of Substance Use in Incidents of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Pattavina April , Hirschel David , Scearbo Meaghan
Published: November 2013

This article examines the reliability and validity of National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data pertaining to substance use in incidents of intimate partner violence. The study sample included 2,441 incidents of intimate partner violence involving intimidation, simple assault, and aggravated assault submitted to the FBI from 25 agencies across four states. We compared variables from the NIBRS federal data source with those gathered independently from the originating local police agency reports. Our independent data collection effort found more substance use in incidents of domestic violence than the NIBRS data reported. Reasons for this variation were examined and an assessment was made of how reliability in substance use reporting may be related to arrest outcomes. A weaker association between substance use and arrest was found in agencies judged to be highly reliable in reporting substance use than in agencies with low reporting reliability. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Habite-t-on des catégories géographiques ? La ville, la campagne et la montagne dans les récits de trajectoires biographiques
Authors: Petite Mathieu , Debarbieux Bernard
Published: November 2013

Cet article cherche à comprendre comment des individus en situation de rendre compte de leur trajectoire résidentielle mobilisent la forme du récit biographique, ponctué de catégories géographiques génériques et de lieux spécifiques. L’article porte tout spécialement son attention sur quatre de ces catégories (« ville », « village », « campagne » et « montagne ») dont on montrera qu’elles sont mobilisées selon des modes différents. L’approche par les catégories géographiques permet d’éclairer sous un jour nouveau la question de l’histoire résidentielle et des choix résidentiels et de suggérer que les récits biographiques produits en situation d’enquête se doublent de la production de configurations géographiques.
Carl Schmitt plaide l'amnistie en termes platoniciens, 1949
Authors: Aleksić Branko
Published: November 2013

L’interrogatoire de Carl Schmitt en 1947 comme témoin du procès de Nuremberg, a pour la première fois mis l’accent sur la responsabilité des intellectuels engagés idéologiquement dans l’appui du régime nazi. Cet interrogatoire a été publié en 1972, et traduit en français en 2003. En se défendant devant le juge Kempner, Schmitt s’est comparé à Platon conseillant le tyran de Sicile ! Il l’a réitéré dans un plaidoyer sur l’amnistie, en 1949, évoquant le dialogue Ménexène . Cette comparaison prétentieuse avec Platon, faite dans une joute, révèle volens nolens que Schmitt était plus qu’un important sympathisant du régime d’Hitler.
Commentaire sur « L´engagement politique des “intellectuels” » de Sophie de Mijolla-Mellor
Authors: Loffredo Ana Maria
Published: November 2013

Ce texte est centré sur la critique permanente à une opposition entre l’homme intellectuel et l’homme d’action, ayant pour fil conducteur la thématique de la passion, dimension affective impliquée aussi bien dans la production théorique de la part de son créateur que dans la répercussion sur les « hommes d’action », dont l’action concrète veut être légitimée par ces idées, et dans la résonance sur la « masse » d’auditeurs qui le suivent. Il est alors possible de préciser la façon dont raison et croyance opèrent dans un régime d´interventions réciproques, soumises aux mêmes risques impliqués en une « immobilisation dogmatique ». La question de la réactivation de « l’archaïque », mobilisée par certaines circonstances et susceptible d’être observée dans le rapport de la figure du leader avec la masse, nous renvoie au rôle proéminent des notions d’action et de représentation de mot ( Wortvorstellung ) présents dans des textes freudiens séminaux, où s’accentue l’importance cruciale du mot écouté en tant que support de la situation primordiale de précarité.
La responsable « irresponsabilité » de Freud : Essai sur le Witz et la politique de la psychanalyse
Authors: Kupermann Daniel , Ingratta Giliane
Published: November 2013

Cet essai a pour objet de démontrer qu’il existe, dès l’origine des réflexions freudiennes sur le lien social et la sublimation, une conception de politique de la psychanalyse associée au travail de désidéalisation engendré par le Witz et, en particulier, par l’humour. En outre, en s’appuyant sur les idées de Kant et de Foucault sur les Lumières ( Aufklärung ), il y est indiqué de quelle manière l’affect de l’enthousiasme constitue la force motrice de l’action politique dans la modernité.
Le désengagement politique : analyse d'un phénomène contemporain
Authors: Blesson Mathieu
Published: November 2013

L’engagement est par définition un acte. De là à dire que c’est un acte courageux, il y a un pas que cet article ne franchit pas, pour la simple et bonne raison qu’il est surtout question d’angoisse et de passage à l’acte : autre face inconsciente de l’engagement politique. À travers l’exemple du Club de Rome, et de ses conséquences au plan politique, nous verrons combien la prise de décision motivée par la peur d’avoir peur s’apparente aujourd’hui à un savant calcul uniquement destiné à anticiper un avenir incertain car écologiquement fragile.
Se réfléchir ou l'effort pour briser la clôture
Authors: Stephanatos Gerassimos
Published: November 2013

L’hypothèse proposée est que le « pensé-figuré » du mouvement de l’ouverture de la clôture, représente l’ agir créateur contenu dans la pensée critique ; entendue comme une pensée réflexive qui est capable de remettre en cause les significations établies et de remettre en question ses propres présupposés. En revanche la clôture du pensable et l’état d’aliénation, dans leurs expressions psychiques et sociales, signent la mise à mort de l’activité de penser. Au travers des références à la position d’Adorno comme représentant de l’École de Francfort, à la réflexion de Cornelius Castoriadis et à la théorisation de l’état d’aliénation de Piera Aulagnier, on a tenté de faire apparaître la complexité de la dialectique théorie / praxis et de mettre en relief la question de la responsabilité politique du pensant-citoyen, qu’il soit théoricien, intellectuel ou profane. La pensée de la praxis peut être aussi une pensée qui est praxis .
La science pour arbitre ?
Authors: Devès Maud H.
Published: November 2013

La science a aujourd’hui un impact majeur sur beaucoup de grandes questions de société. Nous nous interrogerons sur la place que nous accordons à la parole du scientifique. Pour cela, nous reviendrons sur l’idéal d’objectivité et sur l’épineuse question de la responsabilité. Notre propos sera illustré par la discussion de textes littéraires et de faits historiques. Nous nous attacherons, tout particulièrement, à décrypter les réactions engendrées par la catastrophe naturelle, qui comme le récent procès de l’Aquila l’a démontré, ne sont pas sans ambiguïtés.
Effect of surgical clipping versus endovascular coiling on recovery from oculomotor nerve palsy in patients with posterior communicating artery aneurysms: A retrospective comparative study and meta-analysis
Authors: Khan S , Agrawal A , Hailey C , Smith T , Gokhale S , Alexander M , Britz G , Zomorodi A , McDonagh D , James M
Published: November 2013

Background: Oculomotor nerve palsy (OMNP) is a well-recognized complication of posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysms. Only a few comparative studies have assessed the effect of clipping versus coiling on recovery from OMNP in PCOM aneurysms. A retrospective review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between PCOM aneurysm treatment and OMNP. Materials and Methods: Medical records of all patients presenting between January 2000 and February 2013 with intracranial aneurysm were searched. All patients with OMNP secondary to PCOM aneurysm were included for analysis. Patients undergoing surgical clipping or endovascular coiling were compared with respect to complete resolution of OMNP after aneurysm surgery (i.e., primary outcome). A meta-analysis of published studies of OMNP associated with PCOM aneurysm was performed after a MEDLINE search. Results: Seventeen patients with OMNP secondary to PCOM aneurysms met the inclusion criteria. Surgical clipping (seven of eight patients, or 87.5%) resulted in greater complete resolution of OMNP compared with endovascular coiling (four of nine patients, or 44.4%), P = 0.13. A meta-analysis of similar studies revealed that complete resolution of OMNP was more commonly associated with surgical clipping (36 of 43 patients, or 83.7%) than with endovascular coiling (29 of 55 patients, or 52.7%), yielding an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 6.04 [confidence interval (CI) =1.88-19.45, P = 0.003]. Multivariate analysis found that the degree of pre-operative OMNP (OR = 0.07, CI = 0.02-0.28, P = 0.001) and surgical clipping (OR = 6.37, CI = 1.73-23.42, P = 0.005) were significant factors that affected the complete recovery of OMNP. Conclusion: Complete recovery of OMNP with PCOM aneurysms is more commonly associated with surgical clipping than with endovascular coiling. Also, the degree of pre-operative OMNP and the treatment modality are significant factors that affect the complete recovery of OMNP.
Cisternostomy: Replacing the age old decompressive hemicraniectomy?
Authors: Cherian Iype , Yi Ghuo , Munakomi Sunil
Published: November 2013

Backround: Practical scenario in trauma neurosurgery comes with multiple challenges and limitations. It accounts for the maximum mortality in neurosurgery and yet the developing countries are still ill-equipped even for an emergency set-up for primary management of traumatic brain injuries. The evolution of modern neurosurgical techniques in traumatic brain injury has been ongoing for the last two centuries. However, it has always been a challenge to obtain a satisfactory clinical outcome, especially those following severe traumatic brain injuries. Other than the well-established procedures such as decompressive hemicraniectomy and those for acute and or chronic subdural hematomas and depressed skull fractures, contusions etcetera newer avenues for development of surgical techniques where indicated have been minimal. We are advocating a replacement for decompressive hemicranictomy, which would have the same indications as decompressive hemicraniectomy. The results of this procedure has been compared with the results of decompressive hemicraniectomy done in our institution and elsewhere and has been proven beyond doubts to be superior to decompressive hemicraniectomy. This procedure is elegant and can replace decompressive hemicraniectomy because of low morbidity and mortality. However, there is a steep learning curve and the microscope has to be used. Materials and Methods: Based on the clinical experience and observation of acute neurosurgical service in tertiary medical centers in a developing country, the procedure of cisternostomy in the management of trauma neurosurgery have been elucidated in the current study. The study proposes to apply the principles of microvascular surgery and skull base surgery in selected cases of severe traumatic brain injuries, thus replacing decompressive hemicraniectomy as the primary modality of treatment for indicated cases. Conclusion: Extensive opening of cisterns making use of skull base techniques to approach them in a swollen brain is a better option to decompressive hemicraniectomy for the same indications.