bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photo-anthropometric study on face among Garo adult females of Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Z , Banu MLA , Alam MM , Hossain S , Nazneen M
Published: July 2014

Facial anthropometry has well-known implications in health-related fields. Measurement of human face is used in identification of person in Forensic medicine, Plastic surgery, Orthodontics, Archeology, Hairstyle design and examination of the differences between races and ethnicities. Facial anthropometry provides an indication of the variations in facial shape in a specified population. Bangladesh harbours many cultures and people of different races because of the colonial rules of the past regimes. Standards based on ethnic or racial data are desirable because these standards reflect the potentially different patterns of craniofacial growth resulting from racial, ethnic and sexual differences. In the above context, the present study was attempted to establish ethnic specific anthropometric data for the Christian Garo adult females of Bangladesh. The study was an observational, cross-sectional and primarily descriptive in nature with some analytical components and it was carried out with a total number of 100 Christian Garo adult females aged between 25-45 years. Three vertical facial dimensions such as facial height from trichion to gnathion, nasal length and total vermilion height were measured by photographic method. Though these measurements were taken by photographic method but they were converted into actual size using one of the physically measured variables between two angles of the mouth (chilion to chilion). The data were then statistically analyzed by computation to find out its normatic value. The study also observed the possible correlation between the facial height from trichion to gnathion with nasal length and total vermilion height. Multiplication factors were estimated for estimating facial height from nasal length and total vermilion height. Comparison were made between estimated values with the measured values by usingt test. The mean (±SD) of nasal length and total vermilion height were 4.53±0.36 cm and 1.63±0.23 cm respectively and the mean (±SD) of facial height from trichion to gnathion was 16.88±1.11 cm. Nasal length and total vermilion height showed also a significant positive correlation with facial height from trichion to gnathion. No significant difference was found between the measured and estimated facial height from trichion to gnathion for nasal length and total vermilion height. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i2.19643 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 61-64
Development and evaluation of an in-house ELISA to detect hepatitis B virus surface antigen in resource-limited settings
Authors: Fatema K , Tabassum S , Nessa A , Jahan M
Published: July 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is of global public health concern. Among various serological tests used for the diagnosis and screening of HBV infection, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) is most widely used. The present study was designed to develop and standardize a cost effective in-house ELISA for the detection of HbsAg and compare its performance with two established commercial kits. The concentrations of coating antibody, conjugates and sera were fixed by checkerboard titration. Using known HBsAg positive and negative sera, four different concentrations (1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125 ?g/well) of coating anti-HBs were applied. Similarly, serial dilutions of patients sera (1 in 2, 1 in 3, 1 in 5 and 1 in 9) and conjugates (1 in 2, 1 in 3, 1 in 5, 1 in 9 and 1 in 17) were evaluated by checkerboard titration. The optimal concentration of coating antibody was determined at 0.25 ?g/well and 1 in 9 dilution for both conjugates and sera. The performance comparison of our in-house ELISA showed excellent correlation with two commercial kits (Pearson 0.957, P=0.001 for monoclonal antibody coated kit and Pearson 0.929, P=0.000 for polyclonal antibody coated kit) when OD values were compared. All commercial kit proven positive samples was positive while all negative samples were negative with the in-house ELISA resulting in 100% sensitivity and specificity. The results of our study demonstrated that our inhouse ELISA for detection of HBsAg was equally as sensitive and specific as two well-known commercial kits. Thus, this system may be a useful tool for diagnostic and screening purposes, as well as outbreak investigations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i2.19644 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 65-68
Evaluation of Parameters Influencing the Moisture Buffering Potential of Hygroscopic Materials with BSim Simulations
Authors: Yang Xiangjin , Ge Hua , Fazio Paul , Rao Jiwu
Published: July 2014

Validated by a large-scale experimental investigation on moisture buffering (MB) effect, a whole building Heat, Air and Moisture (HAM) simulation tool, BSim, is applied to evaluate the impact of a number of parameters on the moisture buffering potential of a full-scale test room finished with hygroscopic materials. The Maximum Accumulated Moisture Buffering Value (MAMBV), developed from the moisture balance analyses in the experimental study, is used in the BSim simulation result analyses to evaluate the impact of various parameters. The parameters investigated include ventilation rates (0.5–5 ACH), types of materials (uncoated gypsum board, wood paneling, orientated strand board, aerated cellular concrete, and telephone book paper), humidity conditions of supply air, volume rates, and steady-state outdoor conditions. It is found that all these parameters have a significant impact on the moisture buffering potential except for the steady-state outdoor conditions. Two material properties, the moisture capacity and vapor permeability, determine the moisture buffering capacities of materials under different moisture generation regimes.
Network Decomposition and Complexity Measures: An Information Geometrical Approach
Authors: Funabashi Masatoshi
Published: July 2014

We consider the graph representation of the stochastic model with n binary variables, and develop an information theoretical framework to measure the degree of statistical association existing between subsystems as well as the ones represented by each edge of the graph representation. Besides, we consider the novel measures of complexity with respect to the system decompositionability, by introducing the geometric product of Kullback–Leibler (KL-) divergence. The novel complexity measures satisfy the boundary condition of vanishing at the limit of completely random and ordered state, and also with the existence of independent subsystem of any size. Such complexity measures based on the geometric means are relevant to the heterogeneity of dependencies between subsystems, and the amount of information propagation shared entirely in the system.
Characterizing the Asymptotic Per-Symbol Redundancy of Memoryless Sources over Countable Alphabets in Terms of Single-Letter Marginals
Authors: Hosseini Maryam , Santhanam Narayana
Published: July 2014

The minimum expected number of bits needed to describe a random variable is its entropy, assuming knowledge of the distribution of the random variable. On the other hand, universal compression describes data supposing that the underlying distribution is unknown, but that it belongs to a known set Ρ of distributions. However, since universal descriptions are not matched exactly to the underlying distribution, the number of bits they use on average is higher, and the excess over the entropy used is the redundancy. In this paper, we study the redundancy incurred by the universal description of strings of positive integers (Z+), the strings being generated independently and identically distributed (i.i.d.) according an unknown distribution over Z+ in a known collection P. We first show that if describing a single symbol incurs finite redundancy, then P is tight, but that the converse does not always hold. If a single symbol can be described with finite worst-case regret (a more stringent formulation than redundancy above), then it is known that describing length n i.i.d. strings only incurs vanishing (to zero) redundancy per symbol as n increases. On the contrary, we show it is possible that the description of a single symbol from an unknown distribution of P incurs finite redundancy, yet the description of length n i.i.d. strings incurs a constant (> 0) redundancy per symbol encoded. We then show a sufficient condition on single-letter marginals, such that length n i.i.d. samples will incur vanishing redundancy per symbol encoded.
Optical Medium Spatial Resolution Satellite Constellation Data for Monitoring Woodland in the UK
Authors: Ogunbadewa Ebenezer , Armitage Richard , Danson F.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to test the potential of a constellation of remote sensing satellites, the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC), for retrieving a temporal record of forest leaf area index (LAI) in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Ground-based LAI measurements were made over a 12-month period in broadleaf woodland at Risley Moss Nature Reserve, Lancashire, U.K. The ground-based LAI varied between zero in January to a maximum of 4.5 in July. Nine DMC images, combining data from UK-DMC and NigeriaSat-1, were acquired, and all images were cross-calibrated and atmospherically corrected. The spectral reflectance of the test site was extracted, and a range of vegetation indices were then computed and correlated with the ground measurements of LAI. The soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) had the strongest correlation, and this was used to derive independent estimates of LAI using the “leave-one-out” method. The root mean square error of the LAI estimates was 0.47, which was close to that calculated for the ground-measured LAI. This study shows, for the first time, that data from a constellation of high temporal, medium spatial resolution optical satellite sensors may be used to map seasonal variation in woodland canopy leaf area index (LAI) in cloud-prone areas, like the U.K.
Dietary Intake Is Related to Multifactor Cardiovascular Risk Score in Obese Boys
Authors: Schumacher Tracy , Burrows Tracy , Cliff Dylan , Jones Rachel , Okely Anthony , Baur Louise , Morgan Philip , Callister Robin , Boggess May , Collins Clare
Published: July 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) originates in childhood and early identification of risk factors provides an early intervention opportunity. The aim was to identify children at higher risk using a CVD risk score, developed from factors known to cluster in childhood. Risk was scored as very high (≥97.5th centile), high (≥95th), moderate (≥90th) or threshold (<90th) using normal pediatric reference ranges for 10 common biomedical risk factors. These were summed in a multifactor CVD risk score and applied to a sample of 285 observations from 136 overweight Australian children (41% male, aged 7–12 years). Strength of associations between CVD risk score and individual biomedical and dietary variables were assessed using univariate logistic regression. High waist circumference (Odds Ratio: 5.48 [95% CI: 2.60–11.55]), body mass index (OR: 3.22 [1.98–5.26]), serum insulin (OR: 3.37 [2.56–4.42]) and triglycerides (OR: 3.02 [2.22–4.12]) were all significantly related to CVD risk score. High intakes of total fat (OR: 4.44 [1.19–16.60]), sugar (OR: 2.82 [1.54–5.15]) and carbohydrate (OR 1.75 [1.11–2.77]) were significantly related to CVD risk score in boys only. This multifactor CVD risk score could be a useful tool for researchers to identify elevated risk in children. Further research is warranted to examine sex-specific dietary factors related to CVD risk in children.
Possible Prognostic and Therapeutic Significance of c-Kit Expression, Mast Cell Count and Microvessel Density in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Marech Ilaria , Gadaleta Cosmo , Ranieri Girolamo
Published: July 2014

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most frequent renal tumor and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Tumor angiogenesis is known to play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of RCC and over the last few years an even deeper knowledge of its contribution in metastatic RCC development has led to the development of numerous molecular targeting agents (such as sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, axitinib, tivozanib, and dovitinib). The above agents are principally directed against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) members and also against c-Kit receptor (c-KitR). The role of c-kitR inhibition on clear cell RCC (ccRCC), the main RCC subtype, is less well established. Whether c-kitR activation through its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF) contributes significantly to the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment remains to be established. It is important to underscore that the c-KitR is expressed on mast cells (MCs) and cancer cells. After an examination of the c-KitR/SCF pathway, we review here the principal studies that have evaluated c-Kit expression in RCC. Moreover, we summarize some investigations that have observed the distribution of MCs in primary renal cancer and in adjacent normal tissue with appropriate histological immunohistochemical techniques. We also focus on few studies that have evaluated the correlation between RCC proliferation, MC count and microvessel density (MVD), as hallmarks of tumor angiogenesis. Thus, the aim of this review of the literature is to clarify if c-KitR expression, MC count and MVD could have prognostic significance and the possible predictive therapeutic implications in RCC.
Effects of the Novel Compound DK223 ([1E,2E-1,2-Bis(6-methoxy-2H-chromen-3-yl)methylene]hydrazine) on Migration and Proliferation of Human Keratinocytes and Primary Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Ho Manh , Kang Hyun , Huh Jung , Kim Young , Lim Yoongho , Cho Moonjae
Published: July 2014

Wound healing plays an important role in protecting the human body from external infection. Cell migration and proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts are essential for proper wound healing. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that secondary compounds produced in plants could affect skin cells migration and proliferation. In this study, we identified a novel compound DK223 ([1E,2E-1,2-bis(6-methoxy-2H-chromen-3-yl)methylene]hydrazine) that concomitantly induced human keratinocyte migration and dermal fibroblast proliferation. We evaluated the regulation of epithelial and mesenchymal protein markers, such as E-cadherin and Vimentin, in human keratinocytes, as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and metalloproteinase families in dermal fibroblasts. DK223 upregulated keratinocyte migration and significantly increased the epithelial marker E-cadherin in a time-dependent manner. We also found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly in keratinocytes after 2 h of DK223 exposure, returning to normal levels after 24 h, which indicated that DK223 had an early shock effect on ROS production. DK223 also stimulated fibroblast proliferation, and induced significant secretion of ECM proteins, such as collagen I, III, and fibronectin. In dermal fibroblasts, DK223 treatment induced TGF-β1, which is involved in a signaling pathway that mediates proliferation. In conclusion, DK223 simultaneously induced both keratinocyte migration via ROS production and fibroblast proliferation via TGF-β1 induction.
DNA Break Mapping Reveals Topoisomerase II Activity Genome-Wide
Authors: Baranello Laura , Kouzine Fedor , Wojtowicz Damian , Cui Kairong , Przytycka Teresa , Zhao Keji , Levens David
Published: July 2014

Genomic DNA is under constant assault by endogenous and exogenous DNA damaging agents. DNA breakage can represent a major threat to genome integrity but can also be necessary for genome function. Here we present approaches to map DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and single-strand breaks (SSBs) at the genome-wide scale by two methods called DSB- and SSB-Seq, respectively. We tested these methods in human colon cancer cells and validated the results using the Topoisomerase II (Top2)-poisoning agent etoposide (ETO). Our results show that the combination of ETO treatment with break-mapping techniques is a powerful method to elaborate the pattern of Top2 enzymatic activity across the genome.
A Resilience-Based Approach to the Conservation of Valley Oak in a Southern California Landscape
Authors: Hayes James , Donnelly Shanon
Published: July 2014

Conservation thinking will benefit from the incorporation of a resilience perspective of landscapes as social-ecological systems that are continually changing due to both internal dynamics and in response to external factors such as a changing climate. The examination of two valley oak stands in Southern California provides an example of the necessity of this systems perspective where each stand is responding differently as a result of interactions with other parts of the landscape. One stand is experiencing regeneration failure similar to other stands across the state, and is exhibiting shifts in spatial pattern as a response to changing conditions. A nearby stand is regenerating well and maintaining spatial and structural patterns, likely due to the availability of imported water associated with upstream urban development. Valley oak stands have a capacity for reorganization as a response to changes in the landscape and environmental conditions. This reorganization can benefit conservation efforts; however, we must ask what limits there are to valley oak’s capacity to reorganize and still maintain its ecological function in face of increasing changes in climate and land cover. The usefulness of resilience as a concept in conservation is discussed at several scales from the stand to the landscape.
Comparing Path Dependence and Spatial Targeting of Land Use in Implementing Climate Change Responses
Authors: Brown Iain , Castellazzi Marie , Feliciano Diana
Published: July 2014

Land use patterns are the consequence of dynamic processes that often include important legacy issues. Evaluation of past trends can be used to investigate the role of path dependence in influencing future land use through a reference “business as usual” (BAU) scenario. These issues are explored with regard to objectives for woodland expansion in Scotland as a major pillar of climate change policy. Land use changes based upon recent trends and future transient scenarios to 2050 are used to assess viability of targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions using analysis based on net emission change factors. The BAU scenario is compared with alternative future scenarios incorporating policy targets and stronger spatial targeting of land use change. Analysis highlights recent trends in new woodland planting on lower quality agricultural land due to socioeconomic and cultural factors. This land is mainly in the wetter uplands and often on carbon-rich soils. Woodland planting following this path dependence can therefore result in net carbon emissions for many years into the future due to soil disturbance during establishment. In contrast, alternative scenarios with more lowland woodland planting have net sequestration potential, with greatest benefits when carbon-rich soils are excluded from afforestation. Spatial targeting can also enhance other co-benefits such as habitat networks and climate change adaptation.
Understanding Nanocalcification: A Role Suggested for Crystal Ghosts
Authors: Bonucci Ermanno
Published: July 2014

The present survey deals with the initial stage of the calcification process in bone and other hard tissues, with special reference to the organic-inorganic relationship and the transformation that the early inorganic particles undergo as the process moves towards completion. Electron microscope studies clearly exclude the possibility that these particles might be crystalline structures, as often believed, by showing that they are, instead, organic-inorganic hybrids, each comprising a filamentous organic component (the crystal ghost) made up of acidic proteins. The hypothesis is suggested that the crystal ghosts bind and stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate and that their subsequent degradation allows the calcium phosphate, once released, to acquire a hydroxyapatite, crystal-like organization. A conclusive view of the mechanism of biological calcification cannot yet be proposed; even so, however, the role of crystal ghosts as a template of the structures usually called “crystallites” is a concept that has gathered increasing support and can no longer be disregarded.
Dolabelladienols A–C, New Diterpenes Isolated from Brazilian Brown Alga Dictyota pfaffii
Authors: Pardo-Vargas Alonso , De Barcelos Oliveira Ingrid , Stephens Paulo , Cirne-Santos Claudio , De Palmer Paixão Izabel , Ramos Freddy , Jiménez Carlos , Rodríguez Jaime , Resende Jackson , Teixeira Valeria , Castellanos Leonardo
Published: July 2014

The marine brown alga Dictyota pfaffii from Atol das Rocas, in Northeast Brazil is a rich source of dolabellane diterpene, which has the potential to be used in future antiviral drugs by inhibiting reverse transcriptase (RT) of HIV-1. Reexamination of the minor diterpene constituents yielded three new dolabellane diterpenes, (1R*,2E,4R*,7S,10S*,11S*,12R*)10,18-diacetoxy-7-hydroxy-2,8(17)-dolabelladiene (1), (1R*,2E,4R*,7R*,10S*,11S*,12R*)10,18-diacetoxy-7-hydroxy-2,8(17)-dolabelladiene (2), (1R*,2E,4R*,8E,10S*,11S,12R*)10,18-diacetoxy-7-hydroxy-2,8-dolabelladiene (3), termed dolabelladienols A–C (1–3) respectively, in addition to the known dolabellane diterpenes (4–6). The elucidation of the compounds 1–3 was assigned by 1D and 2D NMR, MS, optical rotation and molecular modeling, along with the relative configuration of compound 4 and the absolute configuration of 5 by X-ray diffraction. The potent anti-HIV-1 activities displayed by compounds 1 and 2 (IC50 = 2.9 and 4.1 μM), which were more active than even the known dolabelladienetriol 4, and the low cytotoxic activity against MT-2 lymphocyte tumor cells indicated that these compounds are promising anti-HIV-1 agents.
UV-LIGA: From Development to Commercialization
Authors: Genolet Grégoire , Lorenz Hubert
Published: July 2014

A major breakthrough in UV-LIGA (Lithographie, Galvanoformung and Abformung) started with the use of epoxy-based EPON® SU-8 photoresist in the mid-1990s. Using this photoresist has enabled the fabrication of tall and high aspect ratio structures without the use of a very expensive synchrotron source needed to expose the photoresist layer in X-ray LIGA. SU-8 photoresist appeared to be well-suited for LIGA templates, but also as a permanent material. Based on UV-LIGA and SU-8, Mimotec SA has developed processes to manufacture mold inserts and metallic components for various market fields. From one to three-level parts, from Ni to other materials, from simple to complicated parts with integrated functionalities, UV-LIGA has established itself as a manufacturing technology of importance for prototyping, as well as for mass-fabrication. This paper reviews some of the developments that led to commercial success in this field.
Saponins of Trifolium spp. Aerial Parts as Modulators of Candida Albicans Virulence Attributes
Authors: Budzyńska Aleksandra , Sadowska Beata , Więckowska-Szakiel Marzena , Micota Bartłomiej , Stochmal Anna , Jędrejek Dariusz , Pecio Łukasz , Różalska Barbara
Published: July 2014

The aim was to provide the insight into the biology of C. albicans influenced by undescribed yet properties of saponin-rich (80%–98%) fractions (SAPFs), isolated from extracts of Trifolium alexandrinum, T. incarnatum, T. resupinatum var. resupinatum aerial parts. Their concentrations below 0.5 mg/mL were arbitrarily considered as subMICs for C. albicans ATCC 10231 and were further used. SAPFs affected yeast enzymatic activity, lowered tolerance to the oxidative stress, to the osmotic stress and to the action of the cell wall disrupting agent. In their presence, germ tubes formation was significantly and irreversibly inhibited, as well as Candida invasive capacity. The evaluation of SAPFs interactions with anti-mycotics showed synergistic activity, mainly with azoles. Fluconazole MIC was lowered—susceptible C. albicans ATCC 10231 was more susceptible, and resistant C. glabrata (clinical strain) become more susceptible (eightfold). Moreover, the tested samples showed no hemolytic activity and at the concentrations up to 0.5 mg/mL did not reduce viability of fibroblasts L929. This study provided the original evidence that SAPFs of Trifolium spp. aerial part exhibit significant antimicrobial activity, by reduce the expression/quantity of important Candida virulence factors and have good potential for the development of novel antifungal products supporting classic drugs.
Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. Alleviates Lipogenesis and Oxidative Stress during Oleic Acid-Induced Steatosis in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Hwang Yu-Jin , Wi Hae-Ri , Kim Haeng-Ran , Park Kye , Hwang Kyung-A
Published: July 2014

Excess accumulation of lipids and oxidative stress in the liver contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We hypothesized that Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. (PSZ) can protect against NAFLD by regulating lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in the liver. To investigate the effect of PSZ upon NAFLD, we used an established cellular model: HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid. Then, the extent of hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress was assessed and levels of inflammatory markers measured. Oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells, compared with controls, had greater lipid accumulation. PSZ decreased lipid accumulation by 63% in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Additionally, PSZ decreased the target gene expression of lipogenesis such as sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 by 1.75, 6.0, 2.32, 1.93 and 1.81 fold, respectively. In addition, Oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells elicited extensive accumulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) by 4.53 fold, whereas PSZ-treated cells decreased the expression of TNFα mRNA by 1.76 fold. PSZ significantly inhibited oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species. These results suggest that PSZ has effects on steatosis in vitro and further studies are needed in vivo to verify the current observations.
The Effect of Arthrospira platensis Capsules on CD4 T-Cells and Antioxidative Capacity in a Randomized Pilot Study of Adult Women Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Not under HAART in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Winter Frank , Emakam Francois , Kfutwah Anfumbom , Hermann Johannes , Azabji-Kenfack Marcel , Krawinkel Michael
Published: July 2014

Dietary supplements are often used to improve the nutritional status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Arthrospira platensis (Asp), also known as Spirulina, is a cyanobacterium rich in proteins and micronutrients. Cell and animal trials described immune-modulating, antiretroviral and antioxidant activities. This pilot study describes the effects of the supplementation of 5 g/day of Asp on a pre-highly-active antiretroviral therapy (pre-HAART), HIV-infected, adult female population. It was conducted as a three-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compared a cup supplementation of five grams/day of Asp with a placebo of equal protein content and energy. The study included 73 HIV-infected women. The immediate outcome variables were CD4 T-cells, viral load and immune activation by CD8 T-cells expressing CD38. The antioxidant status was assessed by way of the total antioxidant capacity of the serum (TAOS). The renal function was documented by way of creatinine, urea and the calculated glomerular filtration rate. Statistical analyses were carried out with non-parametric tests, and the effect size of each interaction was calculated. No differences in the immunological and virological markers between the Asp and the placebo group could be observed. In the placebo group, 21 of 30 patients (70%) developed concomitant events, while in the Asp group, only 12 of 28 patients (43%) did. Both groups registered a significant weight increase; 0.5 kg (p < 0.05) in the Asp group and 0.65 kg (p < 0.05) in the placebo group. The antioxidant capacity increase of 56 (1–98) µM for Asp was significantly different from the decrease observed in the placebo group (p < 0.001). A slight increase in the creatinine level of 0.1 g/dL (p < 0.001) was observed in the Asp group, and no effect was observed in the urea levels. The improvement of the antioxidant capacity under Asp, shown for the first time on PLHIV, could become a focus for future research on the nutritional and health effects of Spirulina. The observed slight, but significant increase of serum creatinine needs further evaluation, especially with varying doses of Asp.
Vertical Soil Profiling Using a Galvanic Contact Resistivity Scanning Approach
Authors: Pan Luan , Adamchuk Viacheslav , Prasher Shiv , Gebbers Robin , Taylor Richard , Dabas Michel
Published: July 2014

Proximal sensing of soil electromagnetic properties is widely used to map spatial land heterogeneity. The mapping instruments use galvanic contact, capacitive coupling or electromagnetic induction. Regardless of the type of instrument, the geometrical configuration between signal transmitting and receiving elements typically defines the shape of the depth response function. To assess vertical soil profiles, many modern instruments use multiple transmitter-receiver pairs. Alternatively, vertical electrical sounding can be used to measure changes in apparent soil electrical conductivity with depth at a specific location. This paper examines the possibility for the assessment of soil profiles using a dynamic surface galvanic contact resistivity scanning approach, with transmitting and receiving electrodes configured in an equatorial dipole-dipole array. An automated scanner system was developed and tested in agricultural fields with different soil profiles. While operating in the field, the distance between current injecting and measuring pairs of rolling electrodes was varied continuously from 40 to 190 cm. The preliminary evaluation included a comparison of scan results from 20 locations to shallow (less than 1.2 m deep) soil profiles and to a two-layer soil profile model defined using an electromagnetic induction instrument.
The Optical Property of Core-Shell Nanosensors and Detection of Atrazine Based on Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) Sensing
Authors: Yang Shaobo , Wu Tengfei , Zhao Xinhua , Li Xingfei , Tan Wenbin
Published: July 2014

Three different nanosensors with core-shell structures were fabricated by molecular self-assembly and evaporation techniques. Such closely packed nanoparticles exhibit fine optical properties which are useful for biochemical sensing. The refractive index sensitivity (RIS) of nanosensors was detected by varying the refractive index of the surrounding medium and the decay length of nanosensors was investigated using a layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte multilayer assembly. The results showed that the thickness of the Au shell plays an important role in determining the RIS and the decay length. A system based on localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) sensing was constructed in our study. The core-shell nanosensors can detect 10 ng/mL atrazine solutions and are suitable for pesticide residue detection.
Enhanced Response of a Proteinase K-Based Conductometric Biosensor Using Nanoparticles
Authors: Nouira Wided , Maaref Abderrazak , Elaissari Hamid , Vocanson Francis , Siadat Maryam , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole
Published: July 2014

Proteinases are involved in a multitude of important physiological processes, such as protein metabolism. For this reason, a conductometric enzyme biosensor based on proteinase K was developed using two types of nanoparticles (gold and magnetic). The enzyme was directly adsorbed on negatively charged nanoparticles and then deposited and cross-linked on a planar interdigitated electrode (IDE). The biosensor was characterized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a standard protein. Higher sensitivity was obtained using gold nanoparticles. The linear range for BSA determination was then from 0.5 to 10 mg/L with a maximum response of 154 µs. These results are greater than that found without any nanoparticles (maximum response of 10 µs). The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.3 mg/L. An inter-sensor reproducibility of 3.5% was obtained.
A Case Study: Designing for Sustainability and Reliability in an Automotive Seat Structure
Authors: Yuce Celalettin , Karpat Fatih , Yavuz Nurettin , Sendeniz Gökhan
Published: July 2014

Recently, sustainability has been a growing concern for many industries and especially for the transportation sector due to it being the second largest energy consumer and largest contributor of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions within the European Union. New legal restrictions on the emission rates have forced the automotive sector to examine different fuel-efficient technologies. Vehicle weight reduction is one of the most important methods of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Accordingly, lighter, safer, more fuel efficient, and environmentally sustainable vehicles are a priority for European authorities. In the present work, the passenger seat structure was considered as the area for lightweighting due to its important role in the mass of commercial vehicles in terms of numbers per vehicle. In addition, seat structures presented the best opportunity for weight reduction using new materials and design techniques. Detailed (3D) finite element models of passenger seats were developed for finite element analyses (FEA). To obtain a lightweight and safe seat structure, different materials and thicknesses of profiles were analyzed. Lightweight passenger seat prototypes were developed and an overall 20% weight reduction was achieved including the structural frame, chassis and pillar. In addition, the new passenger seat meets ECE R14 safety norms.
Minimizing the Carbon Footprint for the Time-Dependent Heterogeneous-Fleet Vehicle Routing Problem with Alternative Paths
Authors: Liu Wan-Yu , Lin Chun-Cheng , Chiu Ching-Ren , Tsao You-Song , Wang Qunwei
Published: July 2014

Torespondto the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, this paper investigates the minimal-carbon-footprint time-dependent heterogeneous-fleet vehicle routing problem with alternative paths (MTHVRPP). This finds a route with the smallestcarbon footprint, instead of the shortestroute distance, which is the conventional approach, to serve a number of customers with a heterogeneous fleet of vehicles in cases wherethere may not be only one path between each pair of customers, and the vehicle speed differs at different times of the day. Inheriting from the NP-hardness of the vehicle routing problem, the MTHVRPP is also NP-hard. This paper further proposes a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve this problem. The solution representedbyour GA determines the customer serving ordering of each vehicle type. Then, the capacity check is used to classify multiple routes of each vehicle type, and the path selection determines the detailed paths of each route. Additionally, this paper improves the energy consumption model used for calculating the carbon footprint amount more precisely. Compared with the results without alternative paths, our experimental results show that the alternative path in this experimenthas a significant impact on the experimental results in terms of carbon footprint.
Regulation of cry Gene Expression in Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Deng Chao , Peng Qi , Song Fuping , Lereclus Didier
Published: July 2014

Bacillus thuringiensis differs from the closely related Bacillus cereus group species by its ability to produce crystalline inclusions. The production of these crystals mainly results from the expression of the cry genes, from the stability of their transcripts and from the synthesis, accumulation and crystallization of large amounts of insecticidal Cry proteins. This process normally coincides with sporulation and is regulated by various factors operating at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, metabolic and post-translational levels.
Sensitivity of Subjective Decisions in the GLUE Methodology for Quantifying the Uncertainty in the Flood Inundation Map for Seymour Reach in Indiana, USA
Authors: Jung Younghun , Merwade Venkatesh , Kim Soojun , Kang Narae , Kim Yonsoo , Lee Keonhaeng , Kim Gilho , Kim Hung
Published: July 2014

Generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) is one of the widely-used methods for quantifying uncertainty in flood inundation mapping. However, the subjective nature of its application involving the definition of the likelihood measure and the criteria for defining acceptable versus unacceptable models can lead to different results in quantifying uncertainty bounds. The objective of this paper is to perform a sensitivity analysis of the effect of the choice of likelihood measures and cut-off thresholds used in selecting behavioral and non-behavioral models in the GLUE methodology. By using a dataset for a reach along the White River in Seymour, Indiana, multiple prior distributions, likelihood measures and cut-off thresholds are used to investigate the role of subjective decisions in applying the GLUE methodology for uncertainty quantification related to topography, streamflow and Manning’s n. Results from this study show that a normal pdf produces a narrower uncertainty bound compared to a uniform pdf for an uncertain variable. Similarly, a likelihood measure based on water surface elevations is found to be less affected compared to other likelihood measures that are based on flood inundation area and width. Although the findings from this study are limited due to the use of a single test case, this paper provides a framework that can be utilized to gain a better understanding of the uncertainty while applying the GLUE methodology in flood inundation mapping.
Rainfall Enhances Vegetation Growth but Does the Reverse Hold?
Authors: Boland John
Published: July 2014

In the literature, there is substantial evidence presented of enhancement of vegetation growth and regrowth with rainfall. There is also much research presented on the decline in rainfall with land clearance. This article deals with the well documented decline in rainfall in southwestWestern Australia and discusses the literature that has been presented as to the rationale for the decline. The original view was that it was the result of climate change. More recent research points to the compounding effect of land use change. In particular, one study estimated, through simulation work with atmospheric models, that up to 50% of the decline could be attributed to land use change. For South Australia, there is an examination the pattern of rainfall decline in one particular region, using Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula as an example location. There is a statistically significant decrease in annual rainfall over time in that location. This is mirrored for the vast majority of locations studied in South Australia, most probably having the dual drivers of climate and land use change. Conversely, it is found that for two locations, Murray Bridge and Callington, southeast of Adelaide, there is marginal evidence for an increase in annual rainfall over the last two decades, during which, incidentally, Australia experienced the most severe drought in recorded history. The one feature common to these two locations is the proximity to the Monarto plateau, which lies between them. It was the site of extensive revegetation in the 1970s. It is conjectured that there could be a connection between the increase in rainfall and the revegetation, and there is evidence presented from a number of studies for such a connection, though not specifically relating to this location.
La préparation de la peau du renne chez les Lapons de Kautokeino
Authors: Delaporte Yves , Roué Michèle
Published: July 2014

On the basis of data collected during field work among the Kautokeino Lapps of Norway, the authors give a ethnotechnological description of reindeer leather processing, together with some information on lapp classification and nomenclature of reindeer.
Sur deux stations de pommes de terre établies dans les hautes montagnes de la Réunion
Authors: Rivals Pierre
Published: July 2014

A description of two sub-spontaneous stations of potato in the highlands of Reunion island in the Indian Ocean. The plants seem to be progeny of potatoes which were originally cultivated there in the 18th century by fugitive slaves. These potatoes seem to be related to the plant described as Solatium commersonii.
Origins and evolution of foxtail millets (Setaria italica)
Authors: de Wet J.M.J. , Oestry-Stidd L.L. , Cubero J.I.
Published: July 2014

Synthèse des connaissances actuelles sur la botanique et les origines du millet Setaria italica.
Classifications rituelles, classifications profanes : les exemples australiens. A propos Des classifications dualistes en Australie d'Alain Testart
Authors: Friedberg Claudine
Published: July 2014

Through recension of Alain Testart's book on dualist classifications of the Australian Aborigines, a critical survey is made of other works dealing with Australian aboriginal classifications and, more generally, with folk taxonomies.
Sur l'origine du cacaoyer, Theobroma cacao Linné, Sterculiacées
Authors: Barrau Jacques
Published: July 2014

After a brief survey of the history of botanical knowledge about cultivated cacao trees, the problem of their origin is discussed, and the author comes to the conclusion that the two main «classes» of cultivars : Criollos and Forasteros have differenciated from a common «botanical birthplace» in the upper stream of the Amazon. He also emphasizes the possibility of a pre-columbian domestication of Forasteros in the Amazon-Guyana area by Amerindian populations.
Le cacao précolombien : monnaie d'échange et breuvage des dieux
Authors: Paradis Louise
Published: July 2014

Cacao crop was cultivated in Meso-America at the pre-columbian period. Cacao beans were used not only for the preparation of a beverage, but also as a currency. In addition, cacao was ritually absorbed, or presented as an offering during various ceremonies.
The Spread of Bread Wheat over the Old World since the Neolithicum as Indicated by its Genotype for Hybrid Necrosis
Authors: Zeven A.C.
Published: July 2014

La dispersion du blé tendre dans l'ancien monde depuis le néolithique selon les indications du génotype produisant les nécroses d'hybrides. L'auteur a étudié la présence et la fréquence de deux gènes produisant une nécrose en hybridation dans les blés de pays d'Europe, du Proche-Orient et d'Extrême-Orient. Il en tire en conclusion les voies de dispersion du blé tendre.
Notes sur quelques criquets de la région de Maradi (Niger) et leurs noms Hausa
Authors: Luxererau Anne
Published: July 2014

As in many parts of Africa, locusts are, in Niger, extremely noxious pests damaging the crop plants but they are also used as food. In this article, the folk knowledge classification and nomenclature of locusts are surveyed in the case of Hausa peasants.
Agriculture sur brûlis et changements culturels : le cas des Indiens Wayapi et Palikur de Guyane
Authors: Grenand Pierre
Published: July 2014

This study of two Amerindian systems of swidden cultivation in the Guyana neo-tropical forest intends to show the possibilities and limits of integrating such systems in economic development programmes. It does seem uselen to attempt the integration of such system into a modern market economy. Yet such system, if discreely stimulated, could play a very useful part in both the local economy and the maintenance of local cultures.
Ethnobotanique et conservation génétique : l'exemple des arbres fruitiers
Authors: Marchenay Philippe
Published: July 2014

Towards the erosion of genetic resources and that of knowledge brought with it, a few conservation plans are beeing set up in France today. This domain offers particularities which are narrowly connected with some important ways of ethnobotanical research trends. The evolution of fruit-trees varietal diversity appears trough the historical analysis, since the first printed documents untill the contemporary period. The inventory of cultivars, wether it is done in the littérature or in the orchards, must follow a certain rigour. A few considerations are made concerning avalaible sources of information and different methodological problems that may be raised by this kind of work, in the domain of the fruit-trees. Nevertheless, the ethnobotanist must not forget the pratical aspects which are tied to the conservation modalities. He has also to think deeply upon the way by wich vegetal resources can be preserved, maintained or rehabilitee inside the areas of their original distribution.
Some ethnobotanical aspects of Batik
Authors: Sangat Harini M.
Published: July 2014

The art of batik has been known in Indonesia since ancient time. In the present article, the significance of batik in traditional indonesian cultures is studied together with the plant representations in batik designs and their symbolic meanings.
Targeting Smad2 and Smad3 by miR-136 Suppresses Metastasis-Associated Traits of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Yang Yi , Liu Lei , Cai Junchao , Wu Jueheng , Guan Hongyu , Zhu Xun , Yuan Jie , Chen Shengping , Li Mengfeng
Published: July 2014

TGF-β/Smad signaling induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis. As essential mediators in this pathway, Smad2 and Smad3 have been extensively studied and found to promote EMT and the subsequent mobility as well as invasiveness of lung cancer cells.
In the present study, we determined that miR-136 directly targeted Smad2 and Smad3, leading to reduced migration and invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) cell lines, accompanied by increased epithelial markers as well as decreased mesenchymal markers. Moreover, ectopic expression of either
Smad2 or Smad3 partially restored the malignant phenotype of ADC cells overexpressing miR-136. Taken together, our data demonstrate that miR-136 may play a tumor-suppressive role by repressing EMT and prometastatic traits via targeting Smad2 and Smad3. The potent antimetastasis property of
miR-136 and its multitarget mechanism provide new insights in developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Clicked and long spaced galactosyl- and lactosylcalix[4]arenes: new multivalent galectin-3 ligands
Authors: Bernardi Silvia , Fezzardi Paola , Rispoli Gabriele , Sestito Stefania E , Peri Francesco , Sansone Francesco , Casnati Alessandro
Published: July 2014

Four novel calix[4]arene-based glycoclusters were synthesized by conjugating the saccharide units to the macrocyclic scaffold using the CuAAC reaction and using long and hydrophilic ethylene glycol spacers. Initially, two galactosylcalix[4]arenes were prepared starting from saccharide units and calixarene cores which differ in the relative dispositions of the alkyne and azido groups. Once the most convenient synthetic pathway was selected, two further lactosylcalix[4]arenes were obtained, one in the cone, the other one in the 1,3-alternate structure. Preliminary studies of the interactions of these novel glycocalixarenes with galectin-3 were carried out by using a lectin-functionalized chip and surface plasmon resonance. These studies indicate a higher affinity of lactosyl- over galactosylcalixarenes. Furthermore, we confirmed that in case of this specific lectin binding the presentation of lactose units on a cone calixarene is highly preferred with respect to its isomeric form in the 1,3-alternate structure.