bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of ‘Bowman’ Southern Long‐Grain Rice
Authors: Solomon Walter L. , Kanter Dwight G. , Walker Timothy W. , Baird George E. , Lanford Leland S. , Shaifer Sanfrid
Published: December 2011

‘Bowman’ (Oryza sativa L.) (Reg. No. CV‐137, PI 663863) is a semidwarf, long‐grain rice cultivar developed at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS and officially released in March 2007. Bowman has good straw strength, which results in minimal lodging. The yield potential has proven to be high and stable. Bowman exhibited good milling and had unique cooking and processing quality because of its extra‐high amylose coupled with the Dixiebelle‐type rapid viscosity analysis profile. Bowman was tested in a total of 40 location‐year environments from 2003 to 2006. When averaged over trials, the grain yield for Bowman was 9.7 t ha−1, while its milling yields (the ratio of whole kernel to total milled rice as g kg−1:g kg−1) was 554:685. Bowman had an average apparent amylose of 24.9% and an alkali spreading value of 4. Cook type for Bowman is extra‐high amylose with a rapid viscosity analysis type of Dixiebelle. Bowman is similar to many commonly grown cultivars in the southern USA in that it is susceptible to blast disease [caused by Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc.] and sheath blight disease (caused by Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn). Bowman should be well adapted to the growing conditions found in the southern USA.
Food as a Means to Negotiate Cultures in Diana Wynne Jones's Power of Three
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Chun Jamie
Published: December 2011

In the light of food studies in social science, this article examines references to food, its connotations and the ways in which cultures use such phenomena to legitimate their systems of meanings and ideologies, and suggests that food in Diana Wynne Jones's Power of Three works to conjoin the concepts of self and other and as a means to negotiate and transform the familiar self and the unfamiliar other. As all living creatures must feed, in entering a different culture, one cannot avoid experiencing foods. The probable immediate reaction might be shock or dislike for the unfamiliar taste, and hence quickly it could be consigned to otherness. However, by adjusting one's taste to accept the foods, one opens the possibility of crossing the cultural boundaries constructed through the arbitrary eating habits and altering one's prejudiced presumptions. With a compounded narrative that withholds much story information, Power of Three draws on this dual nature of food to mark it as a means through which both the protagonists and the novel's readers negotiate the notions of self and other as well as cultural boundaries and differences.
3D-QSPR Method of Computational Technique Applied on Red Reactive Dyes by Using CoMFA Strategy
Authors: Mahmood Uzma , Rashid Sitara , Ali S. Ishrat , Parveen Rasheeda , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Ambreen Nida , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Perveen Shahnaz , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: December 2011

Cellulose fiber is a tremendous natural resource that has broad application in various productions including the textile industry. The dyes, which are commonly used for cellulose printing, are “reactive dyes” because of their high wet fastness and brilliant colors. The interaction of various dyes with the cellulose fiber depends upon the physiochemical properties that are governed by specific features of the dye molecule. The binding pattern of the reactive dye with cellulose fiber is called the ligand-receptor concept. In the current study, the three dimensional quantitative structure property relationship (3D-QSPR) technique was applied to understand the red reactive dyes interactions with the cellulose by the Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) method. This method was successfully utilized to predict a reliable model. The predicted model gives satisfactory statistical results and in the light of these, it was further analyzed. Additionally, the graphical outcomes (contour maps) help us to understand the modification pattern and to correlate the structural changes with respect to the absorptivity. Furthermore, the final selected model has potential to assist in understanding the charachteristics of the external test set. The study could be helpful to design new reactive dyes with better affinity and selectivity for the cellulose fiber.
Production and Radioprotective Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone
Authors: Xiong Xiang-Hua , Zhao Yan , Ge Xin , Yuan Shou-Jun , Wang Jian-Hua , Zhi Jing-Juan , Yang Yan-Xin , Du Bao-Hua , Guo Wan-Jun , Wang Shan-Shan , Yang De-Xuan , Zhang Wei-Cai
Published: December 2011

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) was produced by fermentation of the Methylovorus sp. MP688 strain and purified by ion-exchange chromatography, crystallization and recrystallization. The yield of PQQ reached approximately 125 mg/L and highly pure PQQ was obtained. To determine the optimum dose of PQQ for radioprotection, three doses (2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, 8 mg/kg) of PQQ were orally administrated to the experimental animals subjected to a lethal dose of 8.0 Gy in survival test. Survival of mice in the irradiation + PQQ (4 mg/kg) group was found to be significantly higher in comparison with the irradiation and irradiation + nilestriol (10 mg/kg) groups. The numbers of hematocytes and bone marrow cells were measured for 21 days after sublethal 4 Gy gamma-ray irradiation with per os of 4 mg/kg of PQQ. The recovery of white blood cells, reticulocytes and bone marrow cells in the irradiation + PQQ group was faster than that in the irradiation group. Furthermore, the recovery of bone marrow cell in the irradiation + PQQ group was superior to that in irradiation + nilestriol group. Our results clearly indicate favourable effects on survival under higher lethal radiation doses and the ability of pyrroloquinoline quinine to enhance haemopoietic recovery after sublethal radiation exposure.
The Wnt and BMP Families of Signaling Morphogens at the Vertebrate Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Henríquez Juan P. , Krull Catherine E. , Osses Nelson
Published: December 2011

The neuromuscular junction has been extensively employed in order to identify crucial determinants of synaptogenesis. At the vertebrate neuromuscular synapse, extracellular matrix and signaling proteins play stimulatory and inhibitory roles on the assembly of functional synapses. Studies in invertebrate species have revealed crucial functions of early morphogens during the assembly and maturation of the neuromuscular junction. Here, we discuss growing evidence addressing the function of Wnt and Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways at the vertebrate neuromuscular synapse. We focus on the emerging role of Wnt proteins as positive and negative regulators of postsynaptic differentiation. We also address the possible involvement of BMP pathways on motor neuron behavior for the assembly and/or regeneration of the neuromuscular junction.
Embryonic Stem Cells Maintain an Undifferentiated State on Dendrimer-Immobilized Surface with d-Glucose Display
Authors: Mashayekhan Shohreh , Kim Mee-Hae , Kino-oka Masahiro , Miyazaki Jun-ichi , Taya Masahito
Published: December 2011

In serial passaging cultures of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, we employed a dendrimer-immobilized substrate that displayed d-glucose as a terminal ligand. The d-glucose-displaying dendrimer (GLU/D) surface caused the ES cells to form loosely attached spherical colonies, while those on a gelatin-coated surface formed flatter colonies that were firmly attached to the surface. Despite the morphological similarities between the colonies on the GLU/D surface and aggregates on a conventional bacteriological dish, immunostaining and RT-PCR analyses revealed the maintenance of cells within the spherical colonies on the GLU/D surface in an undifferentiated state with very low expressions of primitive endoderm markers. On the bacteriological dish, however, the cells within the aggregates showed a different cellular state with partial differentiation into the primitive endoderm lineage, and the expression level increased gradually along with the number of passages. These results indicate that the GLU/D surface can be a potential tool for controlling the ES cell morphology and then govern their self-renewal and fate.
Marilones A–C, phthalides from the sponge-derived fungus Stachylidium sp.
Authors: Almeida Celso , Kehraus Stefan , Prudêncio Miguel , König Gabriele M
Published: December 2011

The marine-derived fungus Stachylidium sp. was isolated from the sponge Callyspongia sp. cf. C. flammea. Culture on a biomalt medium supplemented with sea salt led to the isolation of three new phthalide derivatives, i.e., marilones A–C (1–3), and the known compound silvaticol (4). The skeleton of marilones A and B is most unusual, and its biosynthesis is suggested to require unique biochemical reactions considering fungal secondary metabolism. Marilone A (1) was found to have antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei liver stages with an IC50 of 12.1 µM. Marilone B (2) showed selective antagonistic activity towards the serotonin receptor 5-HT2B with a Ki value of 7.7 µM.
Gastro-retentive floating beads of curcumin β-cyclodextrin complex to treat stomach tumors
Authors: Goindi Shishu , Mann Kamalpreet , Aggarwal Nidhi
Published: December 2011

The aim of present study was to develop a multi-unit gastro-retentive floating dosage form of curcumin with targeted and sustained release characteristics. Although, protective effect of curcumin against inflammation and cancer is well documented, the clinical potential is underutilized owing to the physicochemical properties of the molecule which lead to poor oral bioavailability. Aqueous solubility of curcumin was enhanced by complex formation with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). This complex with enhanced solubility profile was further used to prepare multiple unit floating beads. Floating beads of curcumin β-cyclodextrin complex (FBCC) were prepared by dripping a mixture of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution into calcium chloride solution acidified with acetic acid. FBCC were evaluated for percent drug entrapment, diameter, surface topography, buoyancy, in vitro release and pharmacodynamic activity against Benzo(a) pyrene [B(a)P] induced forestomach papillomas in albino female mice (Balb/C strain). The investigation revealed that floating beads possessed optimum formulation characteristics. The drug release from FBCC was fickian and sufficiently sustained for 12 h. Results of antitumor studies against B(a)P induced neoplasia of forestomach suggests that the tumor incidence significantly reduced (50%) using FBCC where as pure curcumin resulted in only 25% reduction. A multi-unit floating dosage form of curcumin β-CD complex possessing sustained release characteristics was developed for targeting gastric tumors. Results of in vitro studies and anti-tumor studies in animals suggest that FBCC can be safely and effectively used to treat neoplasia of stomach. However, these preliminary investigations warrant further pharmacokinetic studies and clinical evaluation in humans
Antiproliferative activities of Artemisia herba-alba ethanolic extract in human colon cancer cell line (HCT116)
Authors: Lupidi Giulio , Bramucci Massimo , Quassinti Luana , Fornari Enzo , Avenali Luca , Khalife Hala , Gali-Muhtasib Hala U
Published: December 2011

Artemisia herba-alba (AHE) is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Here, we investigated the antioxidant and antitumor activity of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of AHE in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. The antioxidant activity was measured by DCFH assay, while antitumor effects were assessed by cell viability assays, cell cycle progression by flow cytometry, and DNA fragmentation analysis in addition to investigating the expression of key cell cycle and apoptotic proteins. While the aqueous extract had no antineoplastic effects, the ethanol extract significantly decreased HCT116 viability (IC50 of 51mg/mL at 24 h) and inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment of HCT116 cells with the ethanol extract also caused dramatic increase in the PreG1 population with concomitant decrease in cycling cells, provoked DNA fragmentation, significant increase in the expression levels of p53 and Bax proteins and activated pro-apoptotic caspase-3. The results obtained suggest that the ethanol extract of AHE could be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants and as potential phytochemicals against colon cancer.
A Fatal Combination in a Young Lady: Long QT Syndrome and Coronary Artery Anomaly
Authors: Karacaglar Emir , Aydinalp Alp , Coskun Mehmet , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: December 2011

Anomalous origin of coronary arteries is also a relatively rare congenital malformation and has been reported as the cause of angina pectoris and arrhythmia. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare inherited arrythmogenic disease characterized by susceptibility to lifethreatening arrhytmias andsudden cardiac death. We present a 36-year-old patient in whom two rare anomalies coexist and treated succesfully with β-blocker therapy.
Importance of genomic studies for drug withdrawal with mental toxicities
Authors: Lu Da Yong , Lu Ting-Ren
Published: December 2011

Undesired side-effects and toxicities of drugs, especially in the area of new-drug development, are negligibleless, unpredicable and often disastrous once being encountered. The suicidal behavior caused by antidepressant treatment is a typical of clinical evidence recently being discovered. We previously hypothesized that patients’ genetic status would decide the suicidal incident rate of antidepressants - it is pharmacogenetics of antidepressants may contribute of this toxicity in patients. In this review, we discuss this problem by comparing many strings of pharmacogenomics evidence of antidepressants recently being published with many other strings of evidence such as drug withdrawal with hepatotoxicity. We argue herein that pharmacogenetics may be very useful in drug withdrawal for mental toxicity. Because this is low-incidence toxicities, which are more reliable on human’s genetic characteristics. We stress the importance of genomics studies for drug withdrawal in future.
Depletion of drug-surviving glioma cells by a second phase treatment with low concentration of salinomycin
Authors: Delwar Zahid M. , Avramidis Dimitrios , Siden Åke , Cruz Mabel , Yakisich Juan Sebastian
Published: December 2011

Standard treatment for glioma includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy but the outcome of patients is very poor. Antineoplastic drugs are usually administered alone or in combination for variable times (continuously or in cycles) in a single phase schedule. In this study we explored in vitro the antiproliferative effect of a 2 phases treatment. In the first phase, glioma cells where treated for 3-4 weeks with hydroxyurea (HU) or aphidicolin and then for 4 weeks with salinomycin, a drug that preferentially inhibits the proliferation of cancer stem cells. We found that salinomycin, is able to slowly deplete the fraction of glioma cells that survive the exposure to HU or aphidicolin. Surviving cells were killed at salinomycin concentrations lower than those required to kill untreated cells. The fraction of surviving cell showed traits of senescence including increased activity of the senescence associated -β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) marker. Our data suggest that drug-induced senescent cells may constitute a novel target for cancer treatment and can be exploited in a two phases therapeutic regimen.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Ho Matthew L. , Brass Steven D.
Published: December 2011

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of Americans and is estimated to be as prevalent as asthma and diabetes. Given the fact that obesity is a major risk factor for OSA, and given the current global rise in obesity, the prevalence of OSA will increase in the future. Individuals with sleep apnea are often unaware of their sleep disorder. It is usually first recognized as a problem by family members who witness the apneic episodes or is suspected by their primary care doctor because of the individual’s risk factors and symptoms. The vast majority remain undiagnosed and untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences. Individuals with untreated OSA can stop breathing hundreds of times a night during their sleep. These apneic events can lead to fragmented sleep that is of poor quality, as the brain arouses briefly in order for the body to resume breathing. Untreated, sleep apnea can have dire health consequences and can increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and heart failure. OSA management has also become important in a number of comorbid neurological conditions, including epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and headache. Diagnosis typically involves use of screening questionnaires, physical exam, and an overnight polysomnography or a portable home study. Treatment options include changes in lifestyle, positive airway pressure, surgery, and dental appliances.
Long-Term Albendazole Effectiveness for Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis
Authors: Salinas Jorge Luis , Gonzales Herman Vildozola , Astuvilca Juan , Arce-Villavicencio Yanet , Carbajal-Gonzalez Danny , Talledo Lety , Willig James H.
Published: December 2011

Little is known about the long-term effectiveness of albendazole in the medical therapy of non-complicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) in resource-constrained settings. We performed a retrospective review of patients starting albendazole for HCE in Lima, Peru from January 1997 to December 2007. Patients successfully recontacted underwent chart abstraction and clinical and ultrasonographic reevaluation. Descriptive statistics were used to delineate patient characteristics and treatment effectiveness at the conclusion of albendazole and after reevaluation. Patients (N = 27) were primarily female, mean age was 51. Initial treatment success at albendazole conclusion was 26% (N = 7) per patient and 37.5% (N = 24) per cyst. After 3.8 ± 2.5 years, albendazole success was 34% (N = 9) per patient and 40% (N = 24) per cyst. We found a gap in the effectiveness of albendazole HCE therapy compared with the efficacy reported in clinical trials. This underscores the need for further investigation into alternate therapeutic strategies for this neglected disease.
Primary versus secondary contributions to particle number concentrations in the European boundary layer
Authors: Reddington C. L. , Carslaw K. S. , Spracklen D. V. , Frontoso M. G. , Collins L. , Merikanto J. , Minikin A. , Hamburger T. , Coe H. , Kulmala M. , Aalto P. , Flentje H. , Plass-Dülmer C. , Birmili W. , Wiedensohler A. , Wehner B. , Tuch T. , Sonntag A. , O'Dowd C. D. , Jennings S. G. , Dupuy R. , Baltensperger U. , Weingartner E. , Hansson H.-C. , Tunved P. , Laj P. , Sellegri K. , Boulon J. , Putaud J.-P. , Gruening C. , Swietlicki E. , Roldin P. , Henzing J. S. , Moerman M. , Mihalopoulos N. , Kouvarakis G. , Ždímal V. , Zíková N. , Marinoni A. , Bonasoni P. , Duchi R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. It is important to understand the relative contribution of primary and secondary particles to regional and global aerosol so that models can attribute aerosol radiative forcing to different sources. In large-scale models, there is considerable uncertainty associated with treatments of particle formation (nucleation) in the boundary layer (BL) and in the size distribution of emitted primary particles, leading to uncertainties in predicted cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations. Here we quantify how primary particle emissions and secondary particle formation influence size-resolved particle number concentrations in the BL using a global aerosol microphysics model and aircraft and ground site observations made during the May 2008 campaign of the European Integrated Project on Aerosol Cloud Climate Air Quality Interactions (EUCAARI). We tested four different parameterisations for BL nucleation and two assumptions for the emission size distribution of anthropogenic and wildfire carbonaceous particles. When we emit carbonaceous particles at small sizes (as recommended by the Aerosol Intercomparison project, AEROCOM), the spatial distributions of campaign-mean number concentrations of particles with diameter >50 nm (N50) and >100 nm (N100) were well captured by the model (R2≥0.8) and the normalised mean bias (NMB) was also small (−18% for N50 and −1% for N100). Emission of carbonaceous particles at larger sizes, which we consider to be more realistic for low spatial resolution global models, results in equally good correlation but larger bias (R2≥0.8, NMB = −52% and −29%), which could be partly but not entirely compensated by BL nucleation. Within the uncertainty of the observations and accounting for the uncertainty in the size of emitted primary particles, BL nucleation makes a statistically significant contribution to CCN-sized particles at less than a quarter of the ground sites. Our results show that a major source of uncertainty in CCN-sized particles in polluted European air is the emitted size of primary carbonaceous particles. New information is required not just from direct observations, but also to determine the "effective emission size" and composition of primary particles appropriate for different resolution models.
On the corrosion and soiling effects on materials by air pollution in Athens, Greece
Authors: Tzanis C. , Varotsos C. , Christodoulakis J. , Tidblad J. , Ferm M. , Ionescu A. , Lefevre R.-A. , Theodorakopoulou K. , Kreislova K.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In the frame of the European project, entitled MULTI-ASSESS, specimens of structural metals, glass, stone and concrete materials were exposed to air pollution at a station, which was installed for this purpose on a building, located in the centre of Athens. The main purpose of this project was to determine the corrosion and soiling effects of air pollution on materials. A set of the specimens was exposed in a position that was sheltered from rain and partly from wind, and another set was exposed in unsheltered positions on the roof of the above said building. In addition, other specimens were exposed at different heights on the same building, in order to investigate for the first time the corrosion and soiling effects on various materials as a function of height. For the determination of these effects, chemical analysis of the specimens was performed and basic parameters as the weight change, the layer thickness and the optical properties were calculated. Finally, the results obtained are discussed and their plausible interpretation is attempted.
In situ study of particle growth in convective eddies of the planetary boundary layer
Authors: Alföldy B. , Groma V. , Börcsök E. , Nagy A. , Czitrovszky A. , Török S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. A measurement flight was performed by a motorglider equipped with an aerosol size spectrometer and nano-particle counter over a large area in the rural vicinity of Budapest, Hungary. The flight was carried out in the early afternoon under unstable air dynamical conditions in August 2010. These conditions allowed flying in glider mode, with the engine switched off, using thermal lifts for altitude gain. A significant part of the flight was spent in thermals that allow studying how the atmospheric dynamics acts on the particle formation. It was found that hygroscopic growth affects the particle size distribution in the 30–500 nm interval. In the 30–280 nm interval, the growth rate was found to be similar to that of ammonium sulphate particles. Indirect signs of cloud droplet formation were found during cloud cross, as a concentration drop in size bins fallen in the 280–400 nm size range. In three thermal lifts significantly higher ultrafine particle concentration (30 < d < 280 nm) was measured, with decreased average diameter. The results support the supposition that convective eddies in the boundary layer affect the aerosol composition via hygroscopic growth and secondary particle formation.
An intercomparison of radar-based liquid cloud microphysics retrievals and implication for model evaluation studies
Authors: Huang D. , Zhao C. , Dunn M. , Dong X. , Mace G. G. , Jensen M. P. , Xie S. , Liu Y.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. To assess if current radar-based liquid cloud microphysical retrievals of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program can provide useful constraints for modeling studies, this paper presents intercomparison results of three cloud products at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site: the ARM MICROBASE, University of Utah (UU), and University of North Dakota (UND) products over the nine-year period from 1998 to 2006. The probability density and spatial autocorrelation functions of the three cloud Liquid Water Content (LWC) retrievals appear to be consistent with each other, while large differences are found in the droplet effective radius retrievals. The differences in the vertical distribution of both cloud LWC and droplet effective radius retrievals are found to be alarmingly large, with the relative difference between nine-year mean cloud LWC retrievals ranging from 20% at low altitudes to 100% at high altitudes. Nevertheless, the spread in LWC retrievals is much smaller than that in cloud simulations by climate and cloud resolving models. The MICROBASE effective radius ranges from 2.0 at high altitudes to 6.0 μm at low altitudes and the UU and UND droplet effective radius is 6 μm larger. Further analysis through a suite of retrieval experiments shows that the difference between MICROBASE and UU LWC retrievals stems primarily from the partition total Liquid Water path (LWP) into supercooled and warm liquid, and from the input cloud boundaries and LWP. The large differences between MICROBASE and UU droplet effective radius retrievals are mainly due to rain/drizzle contamination and the assumptions of cloud droplet concentration used in the retrieval algorithms. The large discrepancy between different products suggests caution in model evaluation with these observational products, and calls for improved retrievals in general.
Set-up and preliminary results of mid-Pliocene climate simulations with CAM3.1
Authors: Yan Q. , Zhang Z. , Wang H. , Gao Y. , Zheng W.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The mid-Pliocene warm period (~3.3 to 3.0 Ma BP) is a potential analogue for future climate under global warming. In this study, we use an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) called CAM3.1 to simulate the mid-Pliocene climate with the PRISM3D boundary conditions. The simulations show that the global annual mean surface air temperature (SAT) increases by 2.0 °C in the mid-Pliocene compared with the pre-industrial temperature. The greatest warming mainly occurs in the high latitudes of both hemispheres, with little change in SAT at low latitudes. The equator-to-pole SAT gradient is reduced in the mid-Pliocene simulation. The annual mean precipitation is enhanced by 3.6% of the pre-industrial value. However, the changes in precipitation are greater in low latitudes than high latitudes.
The use of GIS and remote sensing for the assessment of waterlogging in the dryland irrigated catchments of Farafra Oasis in Egypt
Authors: El Bastawesy M. , Ramadan Ali R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. This paper investigates the interplay of the hydrogeological characteristics, soil properties and recent land reclamation projects on the distribution of waterlogging and salinisation within the Farafra Oasis. The multi-temporal remote sensing data and field observations show that new reclaimed areas have been recently cultivated in distant areas from the old agricultural land. These new cultivations have developed widespread water logging, seepage channels and soil salinisation. Analyses of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) showed that both old and new agricultural areas are located within same closed drainage basin. The fluvial channels of these catchments, which were developed during wet climatic pluvial have largely been obliterated by the prevailing aridity and often buried under aeolian deposits. However, the new cultivations have been developed on the fingertips of these fluvial channels, while the old fields occupy the low level playas. The soil of the new cultivated areas are mainly lithic with a high calcium carbonate content, thus limiting the downward percolation of excess irrigation water and therefore develop perched water table and seepage through the paleo-channels. The automatically extract drainage networks from DEM are resembling fluvial patterns and coincide with the seepage channels slowly heading toward old cultivation. The inactive alluvial channels and landforms have to be considered when planning for new cultivation in dryland catchments to better control waterlogging and salinisation hazard. It is highly recommended that newly developed seepage-channels have to be detected and intercepted before reaching old agriculture areas. Therefore, the "dry-drainage" concept can be implemented as the seepage water can be conveyed into a nearby playas reserved for evaporation.
Hydrological education and training needs in Sub-Saharan Africa: requirements, constraints and progress
Authors: Hughes D. A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. This paper represents a perspective on the education and training needs related to hydrology and water resources science within the sub-Saharan Africa region and discusses the requirements of the region, some of the relatively recent developments and initiatives and some of the constraints that exist and remain difficult to surmount. The requirements include the development of academic research capacity and technical skill for both the private and public sector at a variety of levels. Some of the constraints that exist include a lack of adequate funding, lack of follow-up after short training courses, lack of institutional support to continue training, and competition for major water resources development projects from organizations outside the region. One of the main conclusions is that to sustain both educational and practical expertise in hydrology and water resources science within the region there is a need to build a "critical mass" of local expertise. Part of this could be achieved by increasing networking within the region and promoting the sharing of information, tools and expertise. There is also a need to promote institutional support.
Normal and Reversed-Phase HPTLC Methods for Simultaneous Estimation of Telmisartan and Metoprolol Succinate in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Authors: Nawale Prajakta S. , Shirkhedkar Atul A. , Surana Sanjay J. , Patil Amod S.
Published: December 2011

Two simple precise normal-phase (Method I) and reversed-phase (Method II) HPTLC/densitometry method have been developed for simultaneous determination of telmisartan and metoprolol succinate in bulk and in combined tablet formulation. Method I was developed with aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F254S, and toluene : propanol : methanol : triethylamine (8 : 1 : 1 : 0.5 v/v) was used as as mobile phase. Method II was carried out using aluminium coated with RP-18 silica gel 60 F254S HPTLC plates using methanol : water : triethylamine (6 : 4 : 0.5 v/v) as mobile phase. Both analyses were scanned with a densitometer at 242 nm. In Method I, good separation and resolution of drugs were achieved with values (telmisartan) and (metoprolol), while in Method II, telmisartan and metoprolol showed values and , respectively. These methods can be used in routine pharmaceutical analysis.
Antimicrobial Potential of Copper‐Containing Titanium Surfaces Generated by Ion Implantation and Dual High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Finke Birgit , Polak Martin , Hempel Frank , Rebl Henrike , Zietz Carmen , Stranak Vitezslav , Lukowski Gerold , Hippler Rainer , Bader Rainer , Nebe J. Barbara , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Schröder Karsten
Published: December 2011

The application of antimicrobial surfaces to titanium alloy (Ti) implants would be beneficial to prevent implant‐associated infections of joint endoprostheses and osteosyntheses. Copper (Cu) could be advantageously applied for this purpose, since it exhibits a well‐known antimicrobial activity and is a trace element in the human body, i.e., it is non‐toxic in small concentrations. This approach was evaluated with two plasma‐based surface modification procedures:

Implantation of Cu ions into Ti by means of plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and

Coating of Ti surfaces with CuTi films by means of dual high power impulse magnetron sputtering (dual HiPIMS).

In this manner, the surfaces could be equipped with various amounts of Cu, as it was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surfaces released up to 8 mmol · L−1 of Cu within 24 h, measured with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Hence, the surfaces possessed an antimicrobial potential against typical infect‐associated bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). Surfaces with a higher Cu release prepared by HiPIMS technique revealed a higher antimicrobial effect, while surfaces implanted by PIII were less cytotoxic to osteoblasts (MG‐63 cells). These results show that Cu doped and coated implants could be useful for prevention and therapy of implant‐associated infections.
New quadrature‐based moment method for the mixing of inert polydisperse fluidized powders in commercial CFD codes
Authors: Mazzei Luca , Marchisio Daniele L. , Lettieri Paola
Published: December 2011

To describe the behavior of polydisperse multiphase systems in an Eulerian framework, we solved the population balance equation (PBE), letting it account only for particle size dependencies. To integrate the PBE within a commercial computational fluid dynamics code, we formulated and implemented a novel version of the quadrature method of moments (QMOM). This no longer assumes that the particles move with the same velocity, allowing the latter to be size‐dependent. To verify and test the model, we simulated the mixing of inert polydisperse fluidized suspensions initially segregated, validating the results experimentally. Because the accuracy of QMOM increases with the number of moments tracked, we ran three classes of simulations, preserving the first four, six, and eight integer moments of the particle density function. We found that in some cases the numerics corrupts the higher‐order moments and a corrective algorithm, designed to restore the validity of the moment set, has to be implemented. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3054–3069, 2012
Study on wear, cutting and chipping behaviors of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber reinforced by carbon black and in‐situ prepared zinc dimethacrylate
Authors: Wei Zheng , Lu Yonglai , Meng Yang , Zhang Liqun
Published: December 2011

In this study, the wear (Akron and DIN) and the cutting and chipping (C&C) behaviors of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) reinforced by carbon black (N115) and in‐situ prepared zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) were investigated. It was validated that ZDMA was more effective than N115 to enhance the wear and C&C resistance of HNBR composites. The Akron wear resistance of the HNBR/N115 composites increased with the content of ZDMA, and the Schallamach ridges observed on the abraded surfaces became less and less clear. With increasing content of ZDMA, the failure mode of the DIN abraded surface underwent the transition from craters to Schallamach ridges, and finally to scratches. The HNBR/N115 composite reinforced by 10 phr ZDMA had the best DIN wear resistance when Schallamach ridges were the dominant failure mode. The use of 30 phr ZDMA can dramatically enhance the C&C resistance of the HNBR/N115 composites. The C&C resistance was suggested to be related to both the variation of the morphology of the C&C ridges and the direction of crack propagation as a function of the content of ZDMA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A comparison study of lignocellulosic–thermoplastic composites prepared from different compounding techniques
Authors: Rozman H. D. , Sobra Mulisa A. , Tay G. S.
Published: December 2011

A comparison study was carried out to determine the effect of different types of compounding technique, i.e., internal mixer, twin screw extruder, and high speed mixer in the preparation of kenaf‐polypropylene composite. The effect of percentage kenaf loading and particle size of kenaf (core) on the flexural properties of the composite was investigated. From the results, the incorporation of kenaf, regardless of particle size had resulted in the reduction of flexural strength of the composite. However, flexural modulus of the composites increased as the percentage of kenaf loading was increased due to the increasing of the stiffness contributed by kenaf fiber. Composites produced from internal mixer had displayed higher flexural properties as compared to those prepared from high speed mixer and twin screw extruder. It was believed that this phenomenon was attributed to the effectiveness of internal mixer with a better compounding mechanism which improved the wetting and distribution on kenaf within the polypropylene matrix. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Toughening of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin improved by reactive copolymers with flexible alkyl side chains
Authors: Ochi M. , Ichikawa N. , Harada M. , Hara M. , Uchida H.
Published: December 2011

Reactive copolymers with flexible alkyl side chains were used as modifiers to improve the toughness of a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin. In this study, we used three types of copolymers with different alkyl chain length (C4H9, C6H13, and C10H21). As a result, the system with an added copolymer having the longest alkyl chain length (C10H21) formed a phase separation structure. The addition of this copolymer (C10H21) led to a 50% increase in the fracture toughness (KIC) of the cured resin at the slight expense of its glass transition temperature. Scanning electron microscope observations in the vicinity of a crack tip after a compact tension test showed that cavitation of the dispersed phase occurred. The crack growth was inhibited and thus the toughness was improved due to the plastic deformation of the epoxy matrix followed by cavitation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis of a novel polymer cholesterol‐poly(ethylene glycol) 2000‐glycyrrhetinic acid (chol‐PEG‐GA) and its application in brucine liposome
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Peng , Xiao Lu , Liu Dan , Feng Ming‐Sheng , Xiao Yan‐Yu , Chen Jun , Li Wei , Li Wei‐dong , Cai Bao‐chang
Published: December 2011

In this research, a novel polymer cholesterol‐poly(ethylene glycol) 2000‐glycyrrhetinic acid (Chol‐PEG‐GA) was synthesized with four steps of chemical modification and elucidated by FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectra. To demonstrate the application of this Chol‐PEG‐GA in preparation of liposomes (CPGL), conventional liposome (CL) composed of PC and Chol was prepared and the effects of the quantity of Chol‐PEG‐GA on the physicochemical properties (entrapment efficiency, particle size, stability of storage, and so on) of CPGL were also evaluated. The ability of the sustained release and the liver targeting ability of CPGL were further studied in vivo in rats and mice. The results show that, the AUC and MRT of CPGL were increased 2.31 and 2.11 times when compared with CL, respectively. The CPGL delivered about seven times higher drug into liver as compared with CL. From the targeting parameters of CPGL and CL, we can also conclude that the CPGL is able to improve the liver targeting of brucine. All these results suggested that, the Chol‐PEG‐GA modified liposomes were potential as the sustained and liver targeting drug delivery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Hepatic Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Cancer in Elderly Cadavers
Authors: Mak Ki M. , Kwong Allison J. , Chu Edward , Hoo Nancy M.
Published: December 2011

The incidence of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and cancer in the elderly population remains unknown. Human cadavers used in anatomy teaching, which come largely from older adults, may provide liver tissue for examining their pathologies. Livers were obtained from 68 cadavers (mean age 82.1 ± 10.4 years) with diverse causes of death in the Anatomy course at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red and evaluated for steatosis, fibrosis, cancer, and lipofuscin. Tissue preservation was graded as good in 38.2% of the embalmed livers, fair in 36.7%, and poor in 25.0%. Steatosis was observed in 35.3% of the livers, central vein fibrosis in 49.2%, perisinusoidal fibrosis in 63.2%, portal tract (PT) fibrosis in 47.0%, septa formation in 44.1%, bridging fibrosis in 30.8%, and cirrhosis in 4.4%. One hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and six metastatic tumors were detected. Lobular inflammation occurred in 20.8% of the livers and PT inflammation in 38.8%. Nine livers showed minimal change. Lipofuscin was detected in 60.2% of the livers. Steatosis, fibrosis, and cancer are highly prevalent in elderly cadavers with diverse causes of death. The prevalence of steatosis and fibrosis is consistent with the data in patients with specific liver diseases. Steatosis alongside fibrosis can accelerate the progression of fibrosis to cirrhosis and ultimately HCC. Though not indicated as the primary cause of death, the liver injury may have compromised hepatic functions and enhanced disease susceptibility, thereby exacerbating the health conditions in this elderly population. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fetal Topographical Anatomy of the Upper Abdominal Lymphatics: Its Specific Features in Comparison With Other Abdominopelvic Regions
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hyun , Han Eui‐Hyeog , Jin Zhe‐Wu , Lee Hern‐Ku , Fujimiya Mineko , Murakami Gen , Cho Baik Hwan
Published: December 2011

Using semiserial sections from 19 human fetuses of 8–30 weeks gestation, we examined the topohistology of the upper abdominal lymphatics and compared it with that of the lower abdominal and pelvic lymphatics. The upper abdominal lymphatics were characterized by an intimate relationship with the peritoneal lining, a common mesentery for the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Lymphatic connections from the upper abdominal viscera to the paraaortic and paracaval areas followed two routes: (1) from the intestinal mesentery, along the peritoneum on the left aspect of the proximal SMA, via the chain of lymph follicles (LFs) lying along the retropancreatic fusion fascia, to drain into the LFs around the left renal vein; (2) from sites along the peritoneum on the posterior wall of the omental bursa, via the root of the hepatoduodenal ligament, to drain into LFs around the vena cava. The development of these two posterior drainage routes seemed to be promoted by the peritoneum or a peritoneal remnant (i.e., fusion fascia) attaching to the great vessels, and inhibited or impeded by the developing nerves and diaphragm. No paraaortic, paracaval, or pelvic LFs lay along the peritoneum. The pelvic LFs were usually located along the bundle of lymphatic vessels originating from the femoral canal. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease in the UK: Geographic and temporal trends in incidence reflecting differences in degree of deprivation in childhood
Authors: Perry Daniel C. , Bruce Colin E. , Pope Daniel , Dangerfield Peter , Platt Mary Jane , Hall Andrew J.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Little is known about Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease, a common childhood precursor to osteoarthritis of the hip. This study was undertaken to analyze the incidence of Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease in the UK, with respect to geographic and temporal trends over a 19‐year period.

Methods

The General Practice Research database was analyzed to identify incident cases between 1990 and 2008 in children ages 0–14 years. Incidence rates were calculated by year and by region (National Health Service Strategic Health Authority regions in England, and Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and the association with regional markers of deprivation examined.

Results

Over the 19‐year period there was a dramatic decline in Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease incidence, with annual rates among children 0–14 years old declining from 12.2 per 100,000 to 5.7 per 100,000 (P < 0.001). There was also marked geographic variation, with incidence rates in Scotland more than twice those in London (10.39 [95% confidence interval 8.05–13.2] versus 4.6 [95% confidence interval 3.4–6.1] per 100,000 0–14‐year‐olds). A more rapid decline in incidence was apparent in the Northern regions compared to Southern regions. The quintile with the highest degree of deprivation had the highest disease incidence (rate ratio 1.49 [95% confidence interval 1.10–2.04]) and, with the exception of London, regional incidence showed a strong linear relationship with regional deprivation score (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The incidence of Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease in the UK has a strong North‐South divide, with a greater disease incidence within the Northern regions of the UK. There was a marked decline in incidence over the study period, which was more marked in Northern areas. The declining incidence, along with the geographic variation, suggests that a major etiologic determinant in Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease is environmental and closely linked to childhood deprivation.
Clinico‐Histologic Conferences: Histology and disease
Authors: Shaw Phyllis A. , Friedman Erica S.
Published: December 2011

Providing a context for learning information and requiring learners to teach specific content has been demonstrated to enhance knowledge retention. To enhance students' appreciation of the role of science and specifically histology in clinical reasoning, disease diagnosis, and treatment, a new teaching format was created to provide clinical context, promote integration and application of science knowledge, and to foster peer teaching and learning: the Clinico‐Histologic Conference (CHC) for the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Histology course. Teams of six students were each assigned specific disease processes and were charged with creating oral presentations and handouts that taught their classmates about the clinical manifestations, etiopathogeneses, diagnoses, and treatments of the assigned processes, along with comparisons of normal histology to the pathology of the disease. Each team also created four questions, some of which were used on Histology written examinations. The physician facilitator evaluated the presentation and handouts. About two‐thirds of students agreed the CHC enhanced appreciation of the importance of histology, provided a context for integration and application of basic science to patient care and enhanced their ability to teach their peers. Student feedback demonstrated that the CHCs were successful in promoting teamwork, peer teaching, and the application of histology to diagnose diseases. The authors believe that teaching basic science content in this new format enhanced student learning and application of medical knowledge, and that this new teaching format can be adopted by other medical school courses. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.