bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of antioxidants on stability, nutritional values of refined sunflower oil during accelerated storage and thermal oxidation in frying
Authors: Akhtar H , Tariq I , Mahmood S , Hamid S , Khanum R
Published: July 2012

Untreated sunflower oil (without antioxidants) was much more affected during long storage as well as by the thermal oxidation in 4 hours  frying process. The shelf life of oil was increased both during storage and in frying process at elevated temperature by the addition of synthetic  antioxidants. TBHQ (Tertiory butyl hydroquinone) BHT (Butylated hydroxyl toluene) BHA (Butylatd hydroxyl amine) and the mixture  of BHA and BHT used in the present study in 0.02, 0.02, 0.02 and 0.01+0.01 amount respectively to observe the stability of refined  sunflower when stored at 30°C for 21 weeks in transparent PET bottles. The stored oils (treated and untreated) when underwent in the  process of frying at the temperature of 180°C further deterioration of oils happened. The antioxidant activities and protective effects in stabilization  of sunflower oils during storage and in frying process measured in terms of POV (peroxide), FFA (free fatty acids), p-AnV (p- Anisidine value), Colour Index, RI (Refractive index), and fatty acid profile. Result indicated that TBHQ exhibited stronger antioxidant  activity during storage and gave maximum protection against thermal oxidation when oil subjected in the process of multiple frying for continous  four hours at elevated temperature. The results were indicated the effectiveness of antioxidants in the order like TBHQ > BHT > BHA  BHA+BHT. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11458 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 223-230, 2012
Transcendental equation in quadratic form and its solution
Authors: Ahmed Mostak , Hossain Alamgir
Published: July 2012

Not available   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11460   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 239-242, 2012
Limnology of a conserved man-made lake in Bangladesh. I. Physical and chemical factors
Authors: Begum Roksana , Khondker Moniruzzaman , Islam Md Shafiqul
Published: August 2012

Limnological investigation on a conserved man?made lake located in the Safipur Ansar and VDP Academy, Gazipur district has been carried out between July, 2008 and May, 2009. Thirteen limnological parameters were measured mostly at fortnight intervals and their annual and seasonal fluctuations were observed. The lake water was slightly alkaline in nature having a monthly mean pH range 7.26 ? 7.91. The water temperature varied from 18 ? 32°C. Soluble reactive phosphorus, soluble reactive silicate and nitrate nitrogen ranged from 9.22 ? 154.57 ?g/l, 2.52 ? 17.06 and 0.17 ? 187 mg/l, respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i2.11511Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 21(2): 131-140, 2012 (July)
Production performance of closed water fishery resources in Narayangonj-Narsingdi Irrigation Project
Authors: Hossain Md Motaher , Shafi Mohammed , Ahmed Md Kawser
Published: August 2012

A survey was conducted both inside (flood?free zone and flooded zone) and outside the embankment of Narayangonj?Narsingdi Irrigation Project, Rupgonj, Narayanganj. All ponds and borrow pits were surveyed from the randomly 10% selected villages by using pre?tested questionnaires. The highest production was in semi?intensive ponds (3,827 and 3,979 kg/ha) in flood?free zone, (3,911 and 4,000 kg/ha) in flooded zone and (3,800 and 4,000 kg/ha) in outside zone, while, the lowest production was found (1,756 and 1,759 kg/ha) in flood?free zone, (1,603 and 1,646 kg/ha) in flooded zone and (1,699 and 1,706 kg/ha) in outside zone in 2003?2004 and 2004?2005, respectively. It was also observed that the production of culturable ponds was higher (959 and 942 kg/ha) in outside, followed by flooded zone (950 and 917 kg/ha) and the lowest production in flood?free zone (400 and 356 kg/ha) in 2003?2004 and 2004?2005. The highest average production of fishes in closed water (ponds and borrow pits) was found in flood?free zone (23,277 and 2,368 kg/ha), followed by flooded zone (2,249 and 2,336 kg/ha) and the lowest average production in outside zone (1,972 and 1,985 kg/ha) in 2003?2004 and 2004?2005, respectively. The higher significant difference (p<0.001) was found between the production of flood?free zone and outside zone in both 2003?2004 and 2004?2005, where no significant difference (p > 0.05) was found between the production of flooded zone and outside zone both in both years.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i2.11512 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 21(2): 141-152, 2012 (July)
Susceptibility of six varieties of rice to the infestation of rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Khan Humayun Reza , Halder Polash Kanti
Published: August 2012

The susceptibility of six varieties of rice, Oryza sativa, viz. Lata, Minicate, Nazersail, Parija, Kalijira and Kataribhog, to the infestation of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), was studied on the basis of population build up under an ambient condition (28 ± 4ºC and 70 ± 4 % RH) of the laboratory. The mean weights of each grain of the above six rice varieties were 16.9, 16.1, 11.43, 13.87, 6.23 and 9.77 mg, respectively; mean lengths were 6.47, 6.56, 5.37, 5.38, 4.22 and 4.92 mm, respectively; mean widths were 2.45, 2.03, 2.05, 2.17, 1.6 and 1.9 mm, respectively; and moisture contents were 11.55, 10.75, 11.6, 12.71, 11.85, and 12.1 per cents, respectively. As far as the number of emerging adults is concerned, the weevil showed the highest number (695) in Nazersail on the 16th week, Lata (755) on the 18th week, Minicate (654) on the 16th week, Parija (482) on the 20th week, Kalijira (402) on the 20th week, and Kataribhog (456) on the 20th week. The mean numbers of the adult weevils in the above six varieties after 22 weeks of rearing were 425, 410, 351, 387, 357 and 400, respectively and was statistically significant at 5% level. The degree of susceptibility of the rice varieties to the rice weevils from the highest to lowest susceptibility was ? Lata > Nazersail > Minicate > Pariza > Kataribhog > Kalijira.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i2.11514 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 21(2): 163-168, 2012 (July)
Transgenic Models of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 10: Modeling a Repeat Expansion Disorder
Authors: McFarland Karen N. , Ashizawa Tetsuo
Published: July 2012

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease with a spectrum of phenotypes. SCA10 is caused by a pentanucleotide repeat expansion of the ATTCT motif within intron 9 of ATAXIN 10 (ATXN10). Patients present with cerebellar ataxia; however, a subset also develops epileptic seizures which significantly contribute to the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Past research from our lab has demonstrated that epileptic SCA10 patients predominantly originate from or have ancestral ties to Mexico. In addition, a large proportion of epileptic SCA10 patients carry repeat interruptions within their SCA10 expansion. This paper outlines the variability in SCA10 phenotypes and our attempts to model these phenotypes using transgenic mouse models and highlights the benefits of using a transgenic model organism to understand the pathological mechanisms of a human disease.
Over-Expression of CYP2E1 mRNA and Protein: Implications of Xenobiotic Induced Damage in Patients with De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia with inv(16)(p13.1q22); CBFβ-MYH11
Authors: Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Zhao Weiqiang , Vadhan-Raj Saroj , Nguyen Martin H. , Fernandez Michael H. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Bueso-Ramos Carlos E.
Published: August 2012

Environmental exposure to benzene occurs through cigarette smoke, unleaded gasoline and certain types of plastic. Benzene is converted to hematotoxic metabolites by the hepatic phase-I enzyme CYP2E1, and these metabolites are detoxified by the phase-II enzyme NQO1. The genes encoding these enzymes are highly polymorphic and studies of these polymorphisms have shown different pathogenic and prognostic features in various hematological malignancies. The potential role of different cytochrome p450 metabolizing enzymes in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in an area of active interest. In this study, we demonstrate aberrant CYP2E1 mRNA over-expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 11 cases of de novo AML with inv(16); CBFβ-MYH11. CYP2E1 mRNA levels correlated with CBFβ-MYH11 transcript levels and with bone marrow blast counts in all cases. CYP2E1 over-expression correlated positively with NQO1 mRNA levels (R2 = 0.934, n = 7). By immunohistochemistry, CYP2E1 protein was more frequently expressed in AML with inv(16) compared with other types of AML (p < 0.001). We obtained serial bone marrow samples from two patients with AML with inv(16) before and after treatment. CYP2E1 mRNA expression levels decreased in parallel with CBFβ-MYH11 transcript levels and blast counts following chemotherapy. In contrast, CYP1A2 transcript levels did not change in either patient. This is the first study to demonstrate concurrent over-expression of CYP2E1 and NQO1 mRNA in AML with inv(16). These findings also suggest that a balance between CYP2E1 and NQO1 may be important in the pathogenesis of AML with inv(16).
Behavior of Metallic Foam under Shock Wave Loading
Authors: Vesenjak Matej , Borovinšek Matej , Ren Zoran , Irie Seiichi , Itoh Shigeru
Published: August 2012

In this manuscript, the behavior of metallic foam under impact loading and shock wave propagation has been observed. The goal of this research was to investigate the material and structural properties of submerged open-cell aluminum foam under impact loading conditions with particular interest in shock wave propagation and its effects on cellular material deformation. For this purpose experimental tests and dynamic computational simulations of aluminum foam specimens inside a water tank subjected to explosive charge have been performed. Comparison of the results shows a good correlation between the experimental and simulation results.
Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Bulb Extracts of Six Lilium Species Native to China
Authors: Jin Lei , Zhang Yanlong , Yan Linmao , Guo Yulong , Niu Lixin
Published: August 2012

Lily (Lilium) is used as an important edible and medical plant species with a vague taxonomic classification and a long history in China. Bulbs of six Lilium species (L. regale, L. concolor, L. pumilum, L. leucanthum, L. davidii var. unicolor and L. lancifolium) native to China were investigated with a view to their exploitation as a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their phenolic composition and dietary antioxidant potential. The results showed that all bulb extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activities, which generally correlated positively with the total phenolic contents (r = 0.68 to 0.94), total flavonoid contents (r = 0.51 to 0.89) and total flavanol contents (r = 0.54 to 0.95). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that rutin and kaempferol were the major phenolic components in the extracts. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that L. regale belonged to the group with high phenolic content and strong antioxidant power. L. concolor and L. pumilum were arranged in one group characterized by moderate phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, while L. leucanthum, L. davidii var. unicolor and L. lancifolium were clustered in the third group with low phenolic content and weak antioxidant activity. These strongly suggest that lily bulbs may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Spectroscopy and Speciation Studies on the Interactions of Aluminum (III) with Ciprofloxacin and β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ma Xiaoling , Li Li , Xu Chongzheng , Wei Haiyan , Wang Xianlong , Yang Xiaodi
Published: August 2012

In this study, both experimental and theoretical approaches, including absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, 1H- and 31P-NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), pH-potentiometry and theoretical approaches using the BEST & SPE computer programs were applied to study the competitive complexation between ciprofloxacin (CIP) and b-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) with aluminum (III) in aqueous solutions. Rank annihilation factor analysis (RAFA) was used to analyze the absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of the ligands, the binary complexes and the ternary complexes. It is found, at the mM total concentration level and pH = 7.0, the bidentate mononuclear species [Al(CIP)]2+ and [Al(NADP)] predominate in the aqueous solutions of the Al(III)-CIP and Al(III)-NADP systems, and the two complexes have similar conditional stability constants. However, the pH-potentiometry results show at the mM total concentration level and pH = 7.0, the ternary species [Al(CIP)(HNADP)] predominates in the ternary complex system. Comparing predicted NMR spectra with the experimental NMR results, it can be concluded that for the ternary complex, CIP binds to aluminum ion between the 3-carboxylic and 4-carbonyl groups, while the binding site of oxidized coenzyme II is through the oxygen of phosphate, which is linked to adenosine ribose, instead of pyrophosphate. The results also suggested CIP has the potential to be a probe molecular for the detection of NADP and the Al(III)-NADP complexes under physiological condition.
Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radometer (ASTER) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) Products from Global Earth Observation (GEO) Grid: An Assessment Using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) for Synergistic Applications
Authors: Yamamoto Hirokazu , Miura Tomoaki , Tsuchida Satoshi
Published: August 2012

We assessed the compatibility of three Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radometer (ASTER) based Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) products generated in the GEO Grid system to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) EVI. The three products were two forms of the two-band EVI with ASTER red and NIR bands but without a blue band and the original, three-band EVI computed with ASTER red and NIR, and MODIS blue reflectances. Our assessment results showed good compatibilities of all the three ASTER EVI products with MODIS EVI, suggesting potential for synergistic applications of multi-resolution EVI.
FunBlocks. A Modular Framework for AmI System Development
Authors: Baquero Rafael , Rodríguez José , Mendoza Sonia , Decouchant Dominique , Papis Alfredo Piero Mateos
Published: July 2012

The last decade has seen explosive growth in the technologies required to implement Ambient Intelligence (AmI) systems. Technologies such as facial and speech recognition, home networks, household cleaning robots, to name a few, have become commonplace. However, due to the multidisciplinary nature of AmI systems and the distinct requirements of different user groups, integrating these developments into full-scale systems is not an easy task. In this paper we propose FunBlocks, a minimalist modular framework for the development of AmI systems based on the function module abstraction used in the IEC 61499 standard for distributed control systems. FunBlocks provides a framework for the development of AmI systems through the integration of modules loosely joined by means of an event-driven middleware and a module and sensor/actuator catalog. The modular design of the FunBlocks framework allows the development of AmI systems which can be customized to a wide variety of usage scenarios.
Detection of Formaldehyde in Water: A Shape-Effect on the Plasmonic Sensing Properties of the Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Nengsih Sri , Umar Akrajas Ali , Salleh Muhamad Mat , Oyama Munetaka
Published: July 2012

The effect of morphology on the plasmonic sensing of the presence of formaldehyde in water by gold nanostructures has been investigated. The gold nanostructures with two different morphologies, namely spherical and rod, were prepared using a seed-mediated method. In typical results, it was found that the plasmonic properties of gold nanostructures were very sensitive to the presence of formaldehyde in their surrounding medium by showing the change in both the plasmonic peaks position and the intensity. Spherical nanoparticles (GNS), for example, indicated an increase in the sensitivity when the size was increased from 25 to 35 nm and dramatically decreased when the size was further increased. An m value, the ratio between plasmonic peak shift and refractive index change, as high as 36.5 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) was obtained so far. An expanded sensing mode to FD was obtained when gold nanostructures with nanorods morphology (GNR) were used because of the presence of two plasmonic modes for response probing. However, in the present study, effective plasmonic peak shift was not observed due to the intense plasmonic coupling of closely packed nanorod structures on the surface. Nevertheless, the present results at least provide a potential strategy for response enhancement via shape-effects. High performance plasmonic sensors could be obtained if controlled arrays of nanorods can be prepared on the surface.
Hyperspectral Analysis of Soil Nitrogen, Carbon, Carbonate, and Organic Matter Using Regression Trees
Authors: Gmur Stephan , Vogt Daniel , Zabowski Darlene , Moskal L. Monika
Published: August 2012

The characterization of soil attributes using hyperspectral sensors has revealed patterns in soil spectra that are known to respond to mineral composition, organic matter, soil moisture and particle size distribution. Soil samples from different soil horizons of replicated soil series from sites located within Washington and Oregon were analyzed with the FieldSpec Spectroradiometer to measure their spectral signatures across the electromagnetic range of 400 to 1,000 nm. Similarity rankings of individual soil samples reveal differences between replicate series as well as samples within the same replicate series. Using classification and regression tree statistical methods, regression trees were fitted to each spectral response using concentrations of nitrogen, carbon, carbonate and organic matter as the response variables. Statistics resulting from fitted trees were: nitrogen R2 0.91 (p < 0.01) at 403, 470, 687, and 846 nm spectral band widths, carbonate R2 0.95 (p < 0.01) at 531 and 898 nm band widths, total carbon R2 0.93 (p < 0.01) at 400, 409, 441 and 907 nm band widths, and organic matter R2 0.98 (p < 0.01) at 300, 400, 441, 832 and 907 nm band widths. Use of the 400 to 1,000 nm electromagnetic range utilizing regression trees provided a powerful, rapid and inexpensive method for assessing nitrogen, carbon, carbonate and organic matter for upper soil horizons in a nondestructive method.
Herpesvirus Exploitation of Host Immune Inhibitory Pathways
Authors: Stack Gabrielle , Stacey Maria A. , Humphreys Ian R.
Published: August 2012

Herpesviruses employ a plethora of mechanisms to circumvent clearance by host immune responses. A key feature of mammalian immune systems is the employment of regulatory pathways that limit immune responsiveness. The primary functions of these mechanisms are to control autoimmunity and limit exuberant responses to harmless antigen in mucosal surfaces. However, such pathways can be exploited by viral pathogens to enable acute infection, persistence and dissemination. Herein, we outline the current understanding of inhibitory pathways in modulating antiviral immunity during herpesvirus infections in vivo and discuss strategies employed by herpesviruses to exploit these pathways to limit host antiviral immunity.
Comparison of Cardiomyogenic Potential among Human ESC and iPSC Lines
Authors: Sepac Ana , Si-Tayeb Karim , Sedlic Filip , Barrett Sara , Canfield Scott , Duncan Stephen A. , Bosnjak Zeljko J. , Lough John W.
Published: August 2012

We recently reported that, following induction of clumps of pluripotent H1 human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with activin-A and Bmp4 in defined medium for 5 days, widespread differentiation of rhythmically contracting cardiomyocytes occurs within 3–4 weeks. In this study, the same approach was used to assess whether human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), which may theoretically provide an unlimited source of patient-matched cells for transplantation therapy, can similarly undergo cardiomyocyte differentiation. Differentiation of four pluripotent cell lines (H1 and H9 hESCs and C2a and C6a hiPSCs) was compared in parallel by monitoring rhythmic contraction, morphologic differentiation, and expression of cardiomyogenic genes. Based on expression of the cardiomyogenic lineage markers MESP1, ISL1, and NKX2-5, all four cell lines were induced into the cardiomyogenic lineage. However, in contrast to the widespread appearance of striations and rhythmic contractility seen in H9 and especially in H1 hESCs, both hiPSC lines exhibited poor terminal differentiation. These findings suggest that refined modes of generating hiPSCs, as well as of inducing cardiomyogenesis in them, may be required to fulfill their potential as agents of cardiac regeneration.
A facile approach to nanoarchitectured three-dimensional graphene-based Li–Mn–O composite as high-power cathodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Zeng Yi , Xu Chen , Xiao Ni , Gao Yiben , Li Lain-Jong , Chen Xiaodong , Hng Huey Hoon , Yan Qingyu
Published: August 2012

We report a facile method to prepare a nanoarchitectured lithium manganate/graphene (LMO/G) hybrid as a positive electrode for Li-ion batteries. The Mn2O3/graphene hybrid is synthesized by exfoliation of graphene sheets and deposition of Mn2O3 in a one-step electrochemical process, which is followed by lithiation in a molten salt reaction. There are several advantages of using the LMO/G as cathodes in Li-ion batteries: (1) the LMO/G electrode shows high specific capacities at high gravimetric current densities with excellent cycling stability, e.g., 84 mAh·g−1 during the 500th cycle at a discharge current density of 5625 mA·g−1 (~38.01 C capacity rating) in the voltage window of 3–4.5 V; (2) the LMO/G hybrid can buffer the Jahn–Teller effect, which depicts excellent Li storage properties at high current densities within a wider voltage window of 2–4.5 V, e.g., 93 mAh·g−1 during the 300th cycle at a discharge current density of 5625 mA·g−1 (~38.01 C). The wider operation voltage window can lead to increased theoretical capacity, e.g., 148 mAh·g−1 between 3 and 4.5 V and 296 mAh·g−1 between 2 and 4.5 V; (3) more importantly, it is found that the attachment of LMO onto graphene can help to reduce the dissolution of Mn2+ into the electrolyte, as indicated by the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) measurements, and which is mainly attributed to the large specific surface area of the graphene sheets.
Chiral multifunctional thiourea-phosphine catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates with maleimides
Authors: Deng Hong-Ping , Wang De , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: August 2012

We have developed a multifunctional thiourea-phosphine catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) carbonates with maleimides, which can efficiently construct functionalized cyclopentenes bearing three contiguous stereocenters in moderate to excellent yields and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. A plausible mechanism has been also proposed on the basis of control experiments and previous literature.
Combined bead polymerization and Cinchona organocatalyst immobilization by thiol–ene addition
Authors: Fredriksen Kim A , Kristensen Tor E , Hansen Tore
Published: August 2012

In this work, we report an unusually concise immobilization of Cinchona organocatalysts using thiol–ene chemistry, in which catalyst immobilization and bead polymerization is combined in a single step. A solution of azo initiator, polyfunctional thiol, polyfunctional alkene and an unmodified Cinchona-derived organocatalyst in a solvent is suspended in water and copolymerized on heating by thiol–ene additions. The resultant spherical and gel-type polymer beads have been evaluated as organocatalysts in catalytic asymmetric transformations.
Highly selective synthesis of (E)-alkenyl-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenes through Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction
Authors: Iakobson George , Beier Petr
Published: August 2012

Diethyl 2-nitro-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzylphosphonates, available by the vicarious nucleophilic substitution reaction of meta- and para-nitro-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenes and diethyl chloromethylphosphonate, undergo Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction with aldehydes in the presence of potassium hydroxide in acetonitrile at ambient temperature to give (E)-2-nitro-1-alkenyl-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenes in good yields and high stereoselectivities. Follow-up transformations of the primary products provided (E)-1-alkenyl-(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenes and 2-(2-arylethyl)-(pentafluorosulfanyl)anilines.
Photoreactions of cyclic sulfite esters: Evidence for diradical intermediates
Authors: White Rick C , Arney Benny E , Ihmels Heiko
Published: August 2012

The photochemistry of a phenyl and 1,2-diphenyl substituted sulfite ester is reported. The performance of photoreactions under relatively mild reaction conditions enables the detection of products that have not been observed in previous studies. It is concluded that, complementary to the initially proposed carbene intermediates, diradicals may also be considered.
El cuerpo entre la resistencia y la asimilación: Estrategias incorporadas e itinerario corporal de un latin King
Authors: Porzio Laura
Published: August 2012

El artículo se centra en el relato biográfico de King Manaba, que durante muchos años fue el Inca, es decir, el líder supremo de una de las tribus de los latin King en Cataluña y en España. Mediante el recurso de su biografía, nos centraremos en la presentación social del cuerpo de Manaba y de los latin King, a través de sus vestidos, adornos y tatuajes. Desde un punto de vista teórico y analítico, el cuerpo representa uno de los elementos centrales para la creación y difusión del imaginario de las llamadas “bandas latinas”. El cuerpo puede ser un estigma y crear desigualdades y, al mismo tiempo, un espacio de vivencias, reflexión y resistencia en cuanto emblema. Finalmente, el artículo reflexiona sobre la tensión y paradójica relación entre prácticas de resistencias y de asimilación en las culturas juveniles.
El poder sobre el cuerpo y el poder del cuerpo religioso: dos casos para la comparación
Authors: Vallverdú Jaume
Published: August 2012

En este artículo se retoman dos conceptos teóricos básicos: el cuerpo político y las técnicas corporales vinculadas a las prácticas religiosas. A partir de aquí, se pretende reflexionar comparativamente sobre dos sistemas religiosos: el representado por el movimiento Hare Krisna, doctrinalmente vinculado a la escuela vaisnava devocional, dentro de la antigua tradición hindú, y el Pentecostalismo como variante carismática en el seno de la gran tradición protestante. Se propone, a tal fin, un marco teórico de corte estructural y constructivista que privilegia el control material-racional de la experiencia subjetiva y determina dicha experiencia en los niveles ideológicos, simbólicos y normativos relacionados con el cuerpo y con su expresión en el interior de uno y otro sistema.
¿Más allá del dualismo? Reflexiones sobre la noción de “cuerpo” en el culto a María Lionza (Venezuela)
Authors: Canals Roger
Published: August 2012

¿Cómo se concibe el cuerpo en el culto a María Lionza? ¿Qué papel juega la corporalidad en los rituales de posesión? ¿Qué puntos en común presenta la visión del cuerpo que opera en este culto con la que predomina en la sociedad europea? El argumento principal de este texto es que en el culto coexisten dos visiones sobre el cuerpo: por una lado, una visión propia de lo que podría llamarse «la ontología naturalista» que se hace patente en las entrevistas y que enfatizaría la discontinuidad entre cuerpo y alma, y, por otro lado, una visión de carácter más analogista que se manifiesta básicamente en las acciones que llevan a cabo los creyentes durante los rituales y que pondría de relieve la continuidad entre la parte material y la parte inmaterial del ser humano. Los practicantes del culto se mueven permanentemente —a veces de forma inconsciente, a veces con fines claramente intencionales— entre ambas perspectivas. Desde el punto de vista metodológico, esta ambivalencia sólo puede comprenderse si se comparan los datos etnográficos obtenidos mediante diferentes técnicas de investigación —entrevista, observación participante o uso de las técnicas audiovisuales, entre otras.
Resolution of an important discrepancy between remote and in-situ measurements of tropospheric BrO during Antarctic enhancements
Authors: Roscoe H. K. , Brough N. , Jones A. E. , Wittrock F. , Richter A. , Van Roozendael M. , Hendrick F.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Tropospheric BrO was measured by a ground-based remote-sensing spectrometer at Halley in Antarctica, and BrO was measured by remote-sensing spectrometers in space using similar spectral regions and Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) analyses. Near-surface BrO was simultaneously measured at Halley by Chemical Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (CIMS), and in an earlier year near-surface BrO was measured at Halley over a long path by a DOAS spectrometer. During enhancement episodes, total amounts of tropospheric BrO from the ground-based remote-sensor were similar to those from space, but if we assume that the BrO was confined to the boundary layer they were very much larger than values measured by either near-surface technique. This large apparent discrepancy can be resolved if substantial amounts of BrO were in the free troposphere during most enhancement episodes. Amounts observed by the ground-based remote sensor at different elevation angles, and their formal inversions to vertical profiles, also show that much of the BrO was often in the free troposphere. This is consistent with the ~5 day lifetime of Bry, from the enhanced BrO observed during some Antarctic blizzards, and from aircraft measurements of BrO well above the surface in the Arctic.
What could have caused pre-industrial biomass burning emissions to exceed current rates?
Authors: van der Werf G. R. , Peters W. , van Leeuwen T. T. , Giglio L.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Recent studies based on trace gas mixing ratios in ice cores and charcoal data indicate that biomass burning emissions over the past millennium exceeded contemporary emissions by up to a factor of 4 for certain time periods. This is surprising because various sources of biomass burning are linked with population density, which has increased over the past centuries. Here we have analyzed how emissions from several biomass burning sources could have fluctuated to yield emissions that are in correspondence with recent results based on ice core mixing ratios of carbon monoxide (CO) and its isotopic signature measured at South Pole station (SPO). Based on estimates of contemporary fire emissions and the TM5 chemical transport model, we found that CO mixing ratios at SPO are more sensitive to emissions from South America and Australia than from Africa, and are relatively insensitive to emissions from the Northern Hemisphere. We then explored how various biomass burning sources may have varied over the past centuries and what the resulting emissions and corresponding CO mixing ratio at SPO would be, using population density variations to reconstruct sources driven by humans (e.g. fuelwood burning) and a new model to relate savanna emissions to changes in fire return times. We found that to match the observed ice core CO data all savannas in the Southern Hemisphere had to burn annually, or bi-annually in combination with deforestation and slash and burn agriculture matching current levels despite much lower population densities and lack of machinery to aid the deforestation process. While possible, these scenarios are unlikely and in conflict with current literature. However, we do show the large potential for increased emissions from savannas in a pre-industrial world. This is mainly because in the past, fuel beds were probably less fragmented compared to the current situation; we show that the majority of savannas have not burned in the past 10 yr, even in Africa which is considered "the burning continent". Our new modelling results, together with existing literature, indicate that no definitive conclusions can be drawn about unprecedentedly high or low biomass burning rates from current data analyses.
Modelling nitrogen and phosphorus loads in a Mediterranean river catchment (La Tordera, NE Spain)
Authors: Caille F. , Riera J. L. , Rosell-Melé A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Human activities have resulted in increased nutrient levels in many rivers all over Europe. Sustainable management of river basins demands an assessment of the causes and consequences of human alteration of nutrient flows, together with an evaluation of management options. In the context of an integrated and interdisciplinary environmental assessment (IEA) of nutrient flows, we present and discuss the application of the nutrient emission model MONERIS (MOdelling Nutrient Emissions into River Systems) to the Catalan river basin, La Tordera (north-east Spain), for the period 1996–2002. After a successful calibration and verification process (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies E=0.85 for phosphorus and E=0.86 for nitrogen), the application of the model MONERIS proved to be useful in estimating nutrient loads. Crucial for model calibration, in-stream retention was estimated to be about 50 % of nutrient emissions on an annual basis. Through this process, we identified the importance of point sources for phosphorus emissions (about 94% for 1996–2002), and diffuse sources, especially inputs via groundwater, for nitrogen emissions (about 31% for 1996–2002). Despite hurdles related to model structure, observed loads, and input data encountered during the modelling process, MONERIS provided a good representation of the major interannual and spatial patterns in nutrient emissions. An analysis of the model uncertainty and sensitivity to input data indicates that the model MONERIS, even in data-starved Mediterranean catchments, may be profitably used by water managers for evaluating quantitative nutrient emission scenarios for the purpose of managing river basins. As an example of scenario modelling, an analysis of the changes in nutrient emissions through two different future scenarios allowed the identification of a set of relevant measures to reduce nutrient loads.
Domestic wells have high probability of pumping septic tank leachate
Authors: Bremer J. E. , Harter T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Onsite wastewater treatment systems are common in rural and semi-rural areas around the world; in the US, about 25–30% of households are served by a septic (onsite) wastewater treatment system, and many property owners also operate their own domestic well nearby. Site-specific conditions and local groundwater flow are often ignored when installing septic systems and wells. In areas with small lots (thus high spatial septic system densities), shallow domestic wells are prone to contamination by septic system leachate. Mass balance approaches have been used to determine a maximum septic system density that would prevent contamination of groundwater resources. In this study, a source area model based on detailed groundwater flow and transport modeling is applied for a stochastic analysis of domestic well contamination by septic leachate. Specifically, we determine the probability that a source area overlaps with a septic system drainfield as a function of aquifer properties, septic system density and drainfield size. We show that high spatial septic system density poses a high probability of pumping septic system leachate. The hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer has a strong influence on the intersection probability. We find that mass balance calculations applied on a regional scale underestimate the contamination risk of individual drinking water wells by septic systems. This is particularly relevant for contaminants released at high concentrations, for substances that experience limited attenuation, and those that are harmful even at low concentrations (e.g., pathogens).
Enhancing the Chemical Composition of Balanites aegyptiaca Seeds through Ethanol Extraction for Use as a Protein Source in Feed Formulation
Authors: A. Lohlum S. , G. Forcados E. , G. Agida O. , N. Ozele , J. G. Gotep
Published: July 2012

Over dependence on conventional feedstuff has contributed to a continuous rise in the prices of feeds. Balanites aegyptiaca is a perennial tree and its seeds, if properly processed could be a cheaper alternative source of protein for livestock feed formulation. In this study, Balanites aegyptiaca seeds were subjected to ethanol extraction, to examine the effect on the nutrient, phytochemical, organoleptic as well as textural properties of the seed kernel. The result showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in lipid content from 37.11% to 9.98% and a significant (P<0.05) increase in protein content from 31.73% to 37.68%. There was a reduction in the level of tannin from 0.0690 to 0.0043 mg/100g, phytic acid 108.65 to 36.65 mg/100g and oxalate 30.01 to 15.03 mg/100g. The results show that ethanol extraction is an effective processing technique for enhancing the suitability of Balanites aegyptiaca seed kernel as an alternative protein source in animal feeding.
Effect of Native Soap on Insect Pests and Grain Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) in Asaba and Abraka during the Late Cropping Season in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Egho E. O. , Enujeke E. C.
Published: July 2012

Studies were conducted to test the effectiveness of native soap against cowpea insect pests during the late cowpea cropping season in two agro-ecological zones-Asaba and Abraka, Delta State. Four major insect pests, namely the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, the legume flower bud thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Tryb, the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab and pod sucking bugs were studied. The experiment was made up of five treatments-1, 2 and 3 percent concentrations of native soap, cypermethrin (as conventional chemical and check) and a control. Each treatment was replicated three times. The experiment was arranged into a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The results showed that all the major insect pests occurred in the study areas but were more at Asaba compared to Abraka. Native soap was effective against A. craccivora and flower bud thrips population at Asaba. Maruca vitrata was not affected by soap application. Grain yield was high at Abraka and significantly (P<0.05) higher than Asaba. The use of native soap as non-conventional insecticide in cowpea insect pests management appears promising, more so as it is not expensive and safe to handle. Farmers may prefer it to synthetic chemical pesticides with their associated dangers.
The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Avisar Inbal , Gaton Dan D. , Dania Hirsch , Stiebel-Kalish Hadas
Published: July 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate whether the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) amongst women with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is higher than in the general population using the NIH criteria.Methods. We included all consecutive women with IIH of child-bearing age seen at a hospital-based neuro-ophthalmology clinic between the years 2000–2005. All consenting women included in this study filled-out a screening questionnaire aimed at identifying women at risk for PCOS. The endocrinologist examined each patient suspect of PCOS as well as their biochemical results and diagnosed PCOS according to NIH criteria. The prevalence of PCOS in these women with IIH was compared with the reported prevalence of PCOS in the general population.Results. Out of 58 women with IIH who completed the study, definite PCOS was diagnosed in nine women (9/58; 15.5%). We found a significantly higher prevalence of PCOS using the NIH criteria among the IHH study group (15.5%,P=0.001) compared to the general population (8.7%).Conclusions. The prevalence of PCOS is higher among patients with IHH, compared to the general population. We suggest a novel screening questionnaire to aid in the identification of women with IIH at risk for PCOS.
Tuning the Porosity of Bimetallic Nanostructures by a Soft Templating Approach
Authors: Lehoux Anaïs , Ramos Laurence , Beaunier Patricia , Uribe Daniel Bahena , Dieudonné Philippe , Audonnet Fabrice , Etcheberry Arnaud , José‐Yacaman Miguel , Remita Hynd
Published: July 2012

Hexagonal mesophases made of oil‐swollen surfactant‐stabilized tubes arranged on a triangular lattice in water and doped with metallic salts are used as templates for the radiolytic synthesis of nanostructures. The nanostructures formed in this type of soft matrix are bimetallic palladium‐platinum porous nanoballs composed of 3D‐connected nanowires, of typical thickness 2.5 nm, forming hexagonal cells. Using electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering it is demonstrated that the pore size of the nanoballs is directly determined by the diameter of the oil tube of the doped mesophases, which is varied in a controlled fashion from 10 to 55 nm. Bimetallic nanostructures composed of various proportions of palladium and platinum can be synthesized. Their alloy structure is studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and high‐angular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments. The templating approach allows the synthesis of bimetallic nanoballs of tunable porosity and composition.
Phylogenetic Separation in Limb Use in Captive Gibbons (Hylobatidae): A Comparison Across the Primate Order
Authors: MOOTNICK ALAN R. , CUNNINGHAM CLARE , BAKER ELAINE
Published: July 2012

Although there have been few studies of self‐scratching in primates, some have reported distinct differences in whether hands or feet are used, and these variations seem to reflect the evolutionary history of the Order. Monkeys and prosimians use both hands and feet to self‐scratch while African great apes use hands almost exclusively. Gibbons represent an evolutionary divergence between monkeys and great apes and incidental observations at the Gibbon Conservation Center pointed to a difference in self‐scratching among the four extant gibbon genera (Hoolock, Nomascus, Symphalangus, and Hylobates). To validate and further explore these preliminary observations, we collected systematic data on self‐scratching from 32 gibbons, including nine species and all four genera. To supplement gibbon data, we also collected self‐scratching information from 18 great apes (four species), five prosimians (two species), 26 New World Monkeys (nine species) and 20 Old World Monkeys (seven species). All monkeys and some prosimians used both hands and feet to self‐scratch, whereas one prosimian species used only feet. All African great apes used hands exclusively (orangutans were an exception displaying occasional foot‐use). This appears to represent a fundamental difference between monkeys and great apes in limb use. Interestingly, there was a clear difference in self‐scratching between the four gibbon genera. Hylobates and Symphalangus self‐scratched only with hands (like all African great apes), while Hoolock and Nomascus self‐scratched with both hands and feet (like monkeys and prosimians). This difference in gibbon behavior may reflect the evolutionary history of gibbons as Hoolock and Nomascus are thought to have evolved before both Hylobates and Symphalangus. What evolutionary pressures led to this divergent pattern is currently opaque; however, this shift in limb preference may result from niche separation across the order facilitating differences in the behavioral repertoire associated with hind and forelimbs. Am. J. Primatol. 74:1035‐1043, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Femtosecond time‐resolved hot carrier energy distributions of photoexcited semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Chuang Chi‐Hung , Chen Xiaobo , Burda Clemens
Published: July 2012

Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we investigated hot carrier distributions in semiconductor cadmium selenide quantum dots. The relaxation processes represent the behavior of an ensemble of QDs. This concept is applied for analysis with the Fermi‐Dirac distribution and relaxation processes among different electron‐hole pair states. By extracting the experimental hot carrier distribution and fitting with the Fermi‐Dirac function, we resolved the rapid thermalization processes, such as carrier‐carrier and carrier‐phonon interactions was resolved within one picosecond upon photoexcitation. The analysis, using the Fermi‐Dirac distribution modulated by the density of states, provides a general route to understanding the carrier cooling and heat dissipation processes in quantum dot‐based systems.
A comparison of silver‐ and copper‐charged polypropylene feed spacers for biofouling control
Authors: Hausman Richard , Escobar Isabel C.
Published: July 2012

Implementation of nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) processes in treating traditional water sources can provide a steady‐state level of removal that eliminates the need for regeneration of ion exchange resins or granular activated carbon. Moreover, RO can help meet future potable water demands through desalination of seawater and brackish waters. The productivity of membrane filtration is severely lowered by fouling, which is caused by the accumulation of foreign substances on the surface and/or within pores of membranes. Microbial fouling, or biofouling, is the growth of microorganisms on the membrane surface and on the feed spacer as present between the envelopes. The fouling of membranes has demanded and continues to demand considerable attention from industry and research communities. Many of these applications use membranes in a spiral wound configuration that contains a feed spacer. The goal of this project was to develop low‐biofouling polypropylene (PP) spacers through the functionalization of PP by a spacer arm with metal chelating ligands charged with biocidal metal ions, investigate the use of this metal‐charged polypropylene (PP) feed spacers that target biofouling control, and to use some traditional and one novel techniques to autopsy the membranes after filtration to gain a better understanding of the biofouling mechanism and how the modified spacers are affecting it. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and colorimetric characterization of polymeric nanophotonic structures
Authors: Shamshiri Mohammad Reza , Yousefi Ali Akbar , Ameri Farhad
Published: July 2012

A spin‐casting machine was designed and fabricated for preparation of multilayer polymer films from parent polymer solutions together with a polymeric dispersion of nanoparticles. The dispersion consists of polystyrene (PS)‐based core coated with a poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) shell. Multilayer structure of such films was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope A sandwiched dispersed nanoparticles cast from the spin‐casting machine assumed a near to hexagonal arrangement. This structure affected the optical properties of the cast films. The films were characterized using colorimetric methods such as spectrophotometric and goniospectrophotometric techniques. Moreover, a dispersion of styrene‐based nanoparticles is sandwiched between PS and poly(methyl methacrylate) layers. The multilayer sandwiched films illustrated a greenish color shift attributed to the formation of hexagonal structures. The dispersion of styrene‐based nanoparticles within this sandwich restricts the observation of some wavelengths, which could be attributed to changes in the refractive indices of such samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013