bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Ranitidine in Human Plasma by SPE and ESI-LC-MS/MS for Use in Bioequivalence Studies
Authors: Bellorio Karini B. , Alves Maria Isabel R. , Antoniosi Filho Nelson R.
Published: February 2013

A method for determining ranitidine in human plasma by ESI-LC-MS/MS was validated, using propranolol as internal standard. The extraction method used was solid phase extraction (SPE). Chromatographic separation was performed in a Chromolith C18 (50 mm × 4.6 mm i.d.) analytical column, which provided good separation of ranitidine and propranolol peaks with an analysis time of 2.5 minutes. Extraction yields of 94.4% for ranitidine and 89.4% for the internal standard were obtained. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 3.00 ng/mL, and limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05 ng/mL, with linearity ranging from 3.00 to 500 ng/mL. The results, thus, showed that this method is suitable for application in bioequivalence studies of ranitidine in human plasma.
Assessment of CTF Boiling Transition and Critical Heat Flux Modeling Capabilities Using the OECD/NRC BFBT and PSBT Benchmark Databases
Authors: Avramova Maria , Cuervo Diana
Published: February 2013

Over the last few years, the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) under the sponsorship of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has prepared, organized, conducted, and summarized two international benchmarks based on the NUPEC data—the OECD/NRC Full-Size Fine-Mesh Bundle Test (BFBT) Benchmark and the OECD/NRC PWR Sub-Channel and Bundle Test (PSBT) Benchmark. The benchmarks’ activities have been conducted in cooperation with the Nuclear Energy Agency/Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (NEA/OECD) and the Japan Nuclear Energy Safety (JNES) Organization. This paper presents an application of the joint Penn State University/Technical University of Madrid (UPM) version of the well-known sub-channel code COBRA-TF (Coolant Boiling in Rod Array-Two Fluid), namely, CTF, to the steady state critical power and departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) exercises of the OECD/NRC BFBT and PSBT benchmarks. The goal is two-fold: firstly, to assess these models and to examine their strengths and weaknesses; and secondly, to identify the areas for improvement.
Fragmentation of the Southern Brown BandicootIsoodon obesulus: Unraveling Past Climate Change from Vegetation Clearing
Authors: Paull David J. , Mills Doug J. , Claridge Andrew W.
Published: February 2013

Distribution modeling and vegetation suitability mapping were undertaken to assess (1) the role that past climate change played in fragmenting a subspecies of the endangered southern brown bandicootIsoodon obesulusand (2) the impacts of land cover change on the subspecies following European settlement of Australia. Based on a selection of bioclimatic variables, disjunctions in the broad distribution ofI. obesulus obesuluswere found. Vegetation maps representing the time of European settlement revealed two clear features. First, vegetation that was unsuitable for the subspecies corresponded to climatic disjunctions in its distribution, and, second, substantial additional areas were predicted to have suitable vegetation but not suitable climate. Vegetation mapping showed considerable change over two centuries after European settlement, so that most places that formerly had suitable climate and vegetation were cleared. Our analysis demonstrates that clearing of native vegetation has masked naturally occurring disjunctions in the distribution ofI. o. obesulus. This finding provides evidence that fragmented, regional-scale populations ofI. o. obesulusexisted prior to European settlement. Implications for conservation planning are discussed.
Fractional Subequation Method for Cahn-Hilliard and Klein-Gordon Equations
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Tajadodi Haleh , Kadkhoda Nematollah , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2013

The fractional subequation method is applied to solve Cahn-Hilliard and Klein-Gordon equations of fractional order. The accuracy and efficiency of the scheme are discussed for these illustrative examples.
Main Characteristics of Mexico City Local Wind Events during the MILAGRO 2006 Campaign within a Meso-β Scale Lattice Wind Modeling Approach
Authors: Celada-Murillo Ana-Teresa , Carreón-Sierra Susana , Salcido Alejandro , Castro Telma , Peralta Oscar , Georgiadis Teodoro
Published: February 2013

A characterization of local wind events in Mexico City, which occurred during MILAGRO campaign, was carried out within the framework of a lattice wind modeling approach at a meso-β scale. Mexico City was modeled as a 2D lattice domain with a given number of identical cells. Local wind conditions at any cell were described by a state variable defined by the spatial averages of wind attributes such as speed, direction, divergence, and vorticity. Full and partial densities of wind states were discussed under different conditions using two simple lattice wind models. We focus on the results obtained with the 1-cell lattice wind model and provide brief comments about preliminary results obtained with the 4-cell model. The 1-cell model allowed identifying the main patterns of the wind circulation in Mexico City throughout the study period (anabatic and katabatic winds, winds induced by the urban heat island, and winds with high possibilities for exchanging pollutants between Mexico City and the neighboring settlements, among others). The model showed that Mexico City wind divergence and vorticity disclose superposed oscillations whose most important periods were 24 and 12 hours, suggesting strong connections with the diurnal cycle of incoming solar radiation and the urban heat island.
Facile Synthesis of Fe‐Doped Titanate Nanotubes with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Castor Oil Oxidation
Authors: Fu Guozhu , Wei Gang , Yang Yanqiu , Xiang WeiCheng , Qiao Ning
Published: February 2013

Iron‐doped titanate nanotubes were synthesized by hydrothermal method, and the photocatalytic activity was greatly enhanced by iron doping.
Exact Solutions and Conservation Laws of a Two-Dimensional Integrable Generalization of the Kaup-Kupershmidt Equation
Authors: Adem Abdullahi Rashid , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: February 2013

We study a two-dimensional integrable generalization of the Kaup-Kupershmidt equation, which arises in various problems in mathematical physics. Exact solutions are obtained using the Lie symmetry method in conjunction with the extended tanh method and the extended Jacobi elliptic function method. In addition to exact solutions we also present conservation laws which are derived using the multiplier approach.
Diversity of Perceptions on REDD+ Implementation at the Agriculture Frontier in Panama
Authors: Peterson St-Laurent Guillaume , Gélinas Nancy , Potvin Catherine
Published: February 2013

Colonist farmers have been largely ignored to date in national consultations on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Yet, good practices suggest that understanding all relevant stakeholders’ perspectives, goals, and issues is a precondition for the development of successful environmental policies. The present research documents perceptions of the civil society and the government on the possibility of successfully implementing REDD+ activities with colonist farmers. The focus is on Eastern Panama. The perceptions on REDD+ vary greatly depending on the stakeholders’ origins. The government perceives REDD+ as a possibility for improving laws, increasing control over the national territory, and investing more resources for conservation and public institutions, whereas respondents from colonist backgrounds mostly insist on the potential economic benefits and/or the negative implications that could encompass REDD+. Noncolonist participants from regional, national, and international organizations instead try to balance concerns of communities and conservation objectives. Because one of our results highlighted the difficulty of colonist farmers in speaking as a united voice, we carried out a case study of a successful colonists association in order to identify the characteristics and practices found to facilitate communal organization.
A New Spectral Shape-Based Record Selection Approach UsingNpand Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Bojórquez Edén , Reyes-Salazar Alfredo , Ruiz Sonia E. , Bojórquez Juan
Published: February 2013

With the aim to improve code-based real records selection criteria, an approach inspired in a parameter proxy of spectral shape, namedNp, is analyzed. The procedure is based on several objectives aimed to minimize the record-to-record variability of the ground motions selected for seismic structural assessment. In order to select the best ground motion set of records to be used as an input for nonlinear dynamic analysis, an optimization approach is applied using genetic algorithms focuse on finding the set of records more compatible with a target spectrum and targetNpvalues. The results of the newNp-based approach suggest that the real accelerograms obtained with this procedure, reduce the scatter of the response spectra as compared with the traditional approach; furthermore, the mean spectrum of the set of records is very similar to the target seismic design spectrum in the range of interest periods, and at the same time, similarNpvalues are obtained for the selected records and the target spectrum.
Comparing Relationships among Yield and Its Related Traits in Mycorrhizal and Nonmycorrhizal Inoculated Wheat Cultivars under Different Water Regimes Using Multivariate Statistics
Authors: Saed-Moucheshi Armin , Pessarakli Mohammad , Heidari Bahram
Published: February 2013

Multivariate statistical techniques were used to compare the relationship between yield and its related traits under noninoculated and inoculated cultivars with mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices); each one consisted of three wheat cultivars and four water regimes. Results showed that, under inoculation conditions, spike weight per plant and total chlorophyll content of the flag leaf were the most important variables contributing to wheat grain yield variation, while, under noninoculated condition, in addition to two mentioned traits, grain weight per spike and leaf area were also important variables accounting for wheat grain yield variation. Therefore, spike weight per plant and chlorophyll content of flag leaf can be used as selection criteria in breeding programs for both inoculated and noninoculated wheat cultivars under different water regimes, and also grain weight per spike and leaf area can be considered for noninoculated condition. Furthermore, inoculation of wheat cultivars showed higher value in the most measured traits, and the results indicated that inoculation treatment could change the relationship among morphological traits of wheat cultivars under drought stress. Also, it seems that the results of stepwise regression as a selecting method together with principal component and factor analysis are stronger methods to be applied in breeding programs for screening important traits.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory of a Typical High‐End Industrial Park in China
Authors: Chen Bin , He Guoxuan , Qi Jing , Su Meirong , Zhou Shiyi , Jiang Meiming
Published: February 2013

Global climate change caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which severely limits the development of human society and threatens the survival of humanity, has drawn the international community′s long‐term attention. Gathering the most important production factors in the region, an industrial park usually represents the development level of specific industries in the region. Therefore, the industrial park should be regarded as the base unit for developing a low‐carbon economy and reducing GHG emissions. Focusing on a typical high‐end industrial park in Beijing, we analyze the carbon sources within the system boundary and probe into the emission structure in view of life‐cycle analysis. A GHG inventory is thereby set up to calculate all GHG emissions from the concerned park. Based on the results, suggestions are presented to guide the low‐carbon development of the high‐end industrial park.
A Method to Analyze the Effectiveness of the Holes Healing Scheme in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Lin Fu-Tian , Shiu Liang-Cheng , Lee Chao-Yang , Yang Chu-Sing
Published: February 2013

Because of the maturation of wireless technologies, the wireless sensor network has been used in various applications, especially in the environmental monitoring. After the nodes are deployed on the surveillance field, nodes will die due to the limited energy of the node or accidental events, inducing the coverage holes and the break of the transference path. To tackle this problem, researchers had proposed the rebuild network topology, such as adding Relay nodes. However, it costs a lot to build such a system. Therefore, in this paper, we would like to propose another method to tackle the dying nodes as well as the cost. Specifically, we propose a holes healing scheme. In order to check its feasibility, we use the analysis of mathematics to acquire the value of the parameters for the holes healing scheme. With the parameters, we could use the simulated result to prove the effectiveness of the scheme. The result shows that with the appropriate parameters we could confirm and extend the lifetime of WSN to infinity.
Cyclic Contractions and Fixed Point Results via Control Functions on Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran
Published: February 2013

Cyclic weaker-type contraction conditions involving a generalized control function (with two variables) are used for mappings on 0-complete partial metric spaces to obtain fixed point results, thus generalizing several known results. Various examples are presented showing how the obtained theorems can be used and that they are proper extensions of the known ones.
Xiaoqinglong Granules as Add-On Therapy for Asthma: Latent Class Analysis of Symptom Predictors of Response
Authors: Zha Qinglin , Lin Seqi , Zhang Chi , Chang Christopher , Xue Hanrong , Lu Cheng , Jiang Miao , Liu Yan , Xiao Zuke , Liu Weiyou , Shang Yunfei , Chen Jianjian , Wen Minyong , Lu Aiping
Published: February 2013

Xiaoqinglong granules (XQLG) has been shown to be an effective therapy in asthma animal models. We reviewed the literature and conducted this study to assess the impact of XQLG as an add-on therapy to treatment with fluticasone/salmeterol (seretide) in adult patients with mild-to-moderate, persistent asthma. A total of 178 patients were randomly assigned to receive XQLG and seretide or seretide plus placebo for 90 days. Asthma control was assessed by asthma control test (ACT), symptoms scores, FEV1, and PEF. Baseline patient-reported Chinese medicine (CM)-specific symptoms were analyzed to determine whether the symptoms may be possible indicators of treatment response by conducting latent class analysis (LCA). There was no statistically significant difference in ACT score between two groups. In the subset of 70 patients with symptoms defined by CM criteria, XQLG add-on therapy was found to significantly increase the levels of asthma control according to global initiative for asthma (GINA) guidelines (P=0.0329). There was no significant difference in another subset of 100 patients with relatively low levels of the above-mentioned symptoms (P=0.1291). Results of LCA suggest that patients with the six typical symptoms defined in CM may benefit from XQLG.
Influence of Different Carboxylic Acid Ligands on Luminescent Properties of Eu(Lc)3phen (Lc = MAA, AA, BA, SA) Complexes
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Le , Chen Yan , Huang Xiaogu , Wang Lixi , Zhang Qitu
Published: February 2013

A series of rare earth europium complexes with different carboxylic acid ligands Eu(Lc)3phen (Lc = MAA, AA, BA, SA) were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by FTIR, TG‐DSC, XRD, UV absorption spectra, and photoluminescence spectra (PL) to study the structure, thermal stability, the energy absorption, and luminescent properties of the complexes. The results showed that the series complexes are all with good crystallization and relatively high thermal stability. The differences of the luminescent properties of complexes are caused by the different ligand structures. The absorption intensity of the carboxylic acid ligands, BA, was the strongest, followed by the MAA and AA and SA was the weakest. Therefore, the fluorescence intensity of the Eu(BA)3phen was the strongest, followed by the Eu(MAA)3phen and Eu(AA)3phen and the Eu2(SA)3phen2 was the weakest. All complexes showed good luminescence properties.
Biomedical Informatics for Computer‐Aided Decision Support Systems: A Survey
Authors: Belle Ashwin , Kon Mark A. , Najarian Kayvan
Published: February 2013

The volumes of current patient data as well as their complexity make clinical decision making more challenging than ever for physicians and other care givers. This situation calls for the use of biomedical informatics methods to process data and form recommendations and/or predictions to assist such decision makers. The design, implementation, and use of biomedical informatics systems in the form of computer‐aided decision support have become essential and widely used over the last two decades. This paper provides a brief review of such systems, their application protocols and methodologies, and the future challenges and directions they suggest.
Characterization of Porous WO3 Electrochromic Device by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Chien Chon
Published: February 2013

This paper concerns the microstructure of the anodic tungsten oxide (WO3) and its use in an electrochromic (EC) glass device. When voltages between 100 V and 160 V were applied to tungsten film for 1 h under 0.4 wt. % NaF electrolyte, porous WO3 film was formed. The film, which had a large surface area, was used as electrochromic film for EC glass. The average transmittance in a visible region of the spectrum for a 144 cm2 EC device was above 75% in the bleached state and below 40% in the colored state, respectively. Repeatability using of the colored/bleached cycles was tested good by a cyclic voltammograms method. The internal impedance values under colored and bleached states were detected and simulated using an electrical impedance spectra (EIS) technique. The EC glass impedance characteristics were simulated using resistors, capacitors, and Warburg impedance. The ITO/WO3, WO3/electrolyte, electrolyte/NiO, and NiO/ITO interfaces can be simulated using a resistance capacitance (RC) parallel circuits, and bulk materials such as the indium tin oxide (ITO) and conducting wire can be simulated by using a series of resisters.
Algorithms for Some Euler-Type Identities for Multiple Zeta Values
Authors: Ding Shifeng , Liu Weijun
Published: February 2013

Multiple zeta values are the numbers defined by the convergent seriesζ(s1,s2,…,sk)=∑n1>n2>⋯>nk>0(1/n1s1 n2s2⋯nksk), wheres1,s2,…,skare positive integers withs1>1. Fork≤n, letE(2n,k)be the sum of all multiple zeta values with even arguments whose weight is2nand whose depth isk. The well-known resultE(2n,2)=3ζ(2n)/4was extended toE(2n,3)andE(2n,4)by Z. Shen and T. Cai. Applying the theory of symmetric functions, Hoffman gave an explicit generating function for the numbersE(2n,k)and then gave a direct formula forE(2n,k)for arbitraryk≤n. In this paper we apply a technique introduced by Granville to present an algorithm to calculateE(2n,k)and prove that the direct formula can also be deduced from Eisenstein's double product.
On the Structural Context and Identification of Enzyme Catalytic Residues
Authors: Chien Yu-Tung , Huang Shao-Wei
Published: February 2013

Enzymes play important roles in most of the biological processes. Although only a small fraction of residues are directly involved in catalytic reactions, these catalytic residues are the most crucial parts in enzymes. The study of the fundamental and unique features of catalytic residues benefits the understanding of enzyme functions and catalytic mechanisms. In this work, we analyze the structural context of catalytic residues based on theoretical and experimental structure flexibility. The results show that catalytic residues have distinct structural features and context. Their neighboring residues, whether sequence or structure neighbors within specific range, are usually structurally more rigid than those of noncatalytic residues. The structural context feature is combined with support vector machine to identify catalytic residues from enzyme structure. The prediction results are better or comparable to those of recent structure-based prediction methods.
Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Hybrid Hydrogel Composed of Bombyx mori Fibroin and Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Ling-lei , He Xiao-jia
Published: February 2013

A novel hybrid hydrogel was prepared and investigated based on silkworm silk fibroin and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm). PNIPAAm was introduced to silk fibroin, the resultant composite hydrogel was examined, and freeze‐dried SF/PNIPAAm scaffold was analyzed using LB‐550 dynamic light scattering particle‐size analyzer, circular dichroism (CD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results suggested that the hybrid hydrogels owned the porous sponge‐like structures, and the gelation time of SF/PNIPAAm hybrids decreased with an increase in temperature and concentration of each polymer. Results of rheological analysis suggested that the rheological property of resultant SF/PNIPAAm gel depended on the concentration combinations as well as the aging time, which elapsed after mixing the two polymers. Results of CD spectra demonstrated that pH showed little influence on the secondary structure of silk fibroin, and significant changes of G′, G′′, and G* as surrounding increase temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST).
Atomistic Frictional Properties of the C(100)2x1-H Surface
Authors: Jones Paul M. , Tang Huan , Hsia Yiao-Tee , Yan Xiaoping , Kiely James D. , Huang Junwei , Platt Christopher , Ma Xiaoding , Stirniman Michael , Dinh Lang
Published: February 2013

Density functional theory- (DFT-) based ab initio calculations were used to investigate the surface-to-surface interaction and frictional behavior of two hydrogenated C(100) dimer surfaces. A monolayer of hydrogen atoms was applied to the fully relaxed C(100)2x1 surface having rows of C=C dimers with a bond length of 1.39 Å. The obtained C(100)2x1-H surfaces (C–H bond length 1.15 Å) were placed in a large vacuum space and translated toward each other. A cohesive state at a surface separation of 4.32 Å that is stabilized by approximately 0.42 eV was observed. An increase in the charge separation in the surface dimer was calculated at this separation having a 0.04 e transfer from the hydrogen atom to the carbon atom. The Mayer bond orders were calculated for the C–C and C–H bonds and were found to be 0.962 and 0.947, respectively.σC–H bonds did not change substantially from the fully separated state. A significant decrease in the electron density difference between the hydrogen atoms on opposite surfaces was seen and assigned to the effects of Pauli repulsion. The surfaces were translated relative to each other in the (100) plane, and the friction force was obtained as a function of slab spacing, which yielded a 0.157 coefficient of friction.
Factors Influencing Quasistatic Modeling of Deformation and Failure in Rock-Like Solids by the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method
Authors: Tang X. W. , Zhou Y. D. , Liu Y. L.
Published: February 2013

As a Lagrangian mesh-free numerical method, the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method has been traditionally applied for modeling astrophysics, fluid flows and thermal problems, and there has been a growing interest in applying SPH to solid deformation problems. However, the potential of this method for quasistatic analysis of rock-like brittle materials has not been clearly explored. The major aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of key factors in SPH on the load-deformation response of rock-like solids, including variations in the particle approximation theory, the magnitude of the smoothing length and its variable method. Simple uniaxial compression (UC) loading conditions were chosen, and a series of numerical studies were carried out sequentially on an idealized elastic case and an actual test of marble material. Typical results of the axial stress-strain response from infinitesimal to finite deformation as well as the progressive failure process for the marble tests are given and the influences of various factors are discussed. It is found that only provided proper choices of particle momentum equation and the smoothing length parameter, the SPH method is capable for favorably reproducing the deformation and progressive failure evolution in rock-like materials under quasistatic compression loads.
Development of a Wind Directly Forced Heat Pump and Its Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Jwo Ching-Song , Chien Zi-Jie , Chen Yen-Lin , Chien Chao-Chun
Published: February 2013

The requirements of providing electric energy through the wind-forced generator to the heat pump for water cooling and hot water heating grow significantly by now. This study proposes a new technique to directly adopt the wind force to drive heat pump systems, which can effectively reduce the energy conversion losses during the processes of wind force energy converting to electric energy and electric energy converting to kinetic energy. The operation of heat pump system transfers between chiller and heat that are controlled by a four-way valve. The theoretical efficiency of the traditional method, whose heat pump is directly forced by wind, is 42.19%. The experimental results indicated average value for cool water producing efficiency of 54.38% in the outdoor temperature of 35°C and the indoor temperature of 25°C and the hot water producing efficiency of 52.25% in the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature both of 10°C. We proposed a method which can improve the efficiency over 10% in both cooling and heating.
Novel Adipokines and Bone Metabolism
Authors: Liu Yuan , Song Cheng-Yuan , Wu Shan-Shan , Liang Qiu-Hua , Yuan Ling-Qing , Liao Er-Yuan
Published: February 2013

Osteoporosis is a serious social issue nowadays. Both the high morbidity and its common complication osteoporotic fracture load a heavy burden on the whole society. The adipose tissue is the biggest endocrinology organ that has a different function on the bone. The adipocytes are differentiated from the same cell lineage with osteoblast, and they can secrete multiple adipokines with various functions on bone remolding. Recently, several novel adipokines have been identified and investigated thoroughly. In this paper, we would like to highlight the complicated relation between the bone metabolism and the novel adipokines, and it may provide us with a new target for prediction and treatment of osteoporosis.
New Results on Markov Moment Problem
Authors: Olteanu Octav
Published: February 2013

The present work deals with the existence of the solutions of some Markov moment problems. Necessary conditions, as well as necessary and sufficient conditions, are discussed. One recalls the background containing applications of extension results of linear operators with two constraints to the moment problem and approximation by polynomials on unbounded closed finite-dimensional subsets. Two domain spaces are considered: spaces of absolute integrable functions and spaces of analytic functions. Operator valued moment problems are solved in the latter case. In this paper, there is a section that contains new results, making the connection to some other topics: bang-bang principle, truncated moment problem, weak compactness, and convergence. Finally, a general independent statement with respect to polynomials is discussed.
Efficiency of pH‐Sensitive Fusogenic Polymer‐Modified Liposomes as a Vaccine Carrier
Authors: Watarai Shinobu , Iwase Tana , Tajima Tomoko , Yuba Eiji , Kono Kenji
Published: February 2013

The usefulness of pH‐sensitive fusogenic polymer‐(succinylated poly(glycidol)‐(SucPG‐) modified liposomes as a vaccine carrier in the induction of immune responses was evaluated. Mice were intraperitoneally immunized with ovalbumin‐ (OVA‐) containing SucPG‐modified liposomes. After immunization, significant OVA‐specific antibodies were detected in the serum. When sera were analyzed for isotype distribution, OVA‐specific IgG1 antibody responses were noted in mice immunized with OVA‐containing polymer‐unmodified liposomes, whereas immunization with OVA‐containing SucPG‐modified liposomes resulted in the induction of OVA‐specific IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3 Ab responses. In spleen lymphocytes from mice immunized with OVA‐containing SucPG‐modified liposomes, both IFN‐γ‐(Th1‐type‐) and IL‐4‐(Th2 type‐) specific mRNA were detected. Moreover, substantial production of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 was demonstrated in spleen cells from OVA‐containing SucPG‐modified liposomes in vitro. These results suggest that the pH‐sensitive fusogenic polymer‐(SucPG‐) modified liposomes would serve effectively as an antigen delivery vehicle for inducing Th1 and Th2 immune responses.
Enhanced Synaptic Connectivity in the Dentate Gyrus during Epileptiform Activity: Network Simulation
Authors: França Keite Lira de Almeida , Guimarães de Almeida Antônio-Carlos , Infantosi Antonio Fernando Catelli , Duarte Mario Antônio , da Silveira Gilcélio Amaral , Scorza Fulvio Alexandre , Arida Ricardo Mario , Cavalheiro Esper Abrão , Rodrigues Antônio Márcio
Published: February 2013

Structural rearrangement of the dentate gyrus has been described as the underlying cause of many types of epilepsies, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy. It is said to occur when aberrant connections are established in the damaged hippocampus, as described in human epilepsy and experimental models. Computer modelling of the dentate gyrus circuitry and the corresponding structural changes has been used to understand how abnormal mossy fibre sprouting can subserve seizure generation observed in experimental models when epileptogenesis is induced by status epilepticus. The model follows the McCulloch-Pitts formalism including the representation of the nonsynaptic mechanisms. The neuronal network comprised granule cells, mossy cells, and interneurons. The compensation theory and the Hebbian and anti-Hebbian rules were used to describe the structural rearrangement including the effects of the nonsynaptic mechanisms on the neuronal activity. The simulations were based on neuroanatomic data and on the connectivity pattern between the cells represented. The results suggest that there is a joint action of the compensation theory and Hebbian rules during the inflammatory process that accompanies the status epilepticus. The structural rearrangement simulated for the dentate gyrus circuitry promotes speculation about the formation of the abnormal mossy fiber sprouting and its role in epileptic seizures.
Automatic Segmentation of Medical Images Using Fuzzy c-Means and the Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Jamshidi Omid , Pilevar Abdol Hamid
Published: February 2013

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation is a complex issue. This paper proposes a new method for estimating the right number of segments and automatic segmentation of human normal and abnormal MR brain images. The purpose of automatic diagnosis of the segments is to find the number of divided image areas of an image according to its entropy and with correctly diagnose of the segment of an image also increased the precision of segmentation. Regarding the fact that guessing the number of image segments and the center of segments automatically requires algorithm test many states in order to solve this problem and to have a high accuracy, we used a combination of the genetic algorithm and the fuzzy c-means (FCM) method. In this method, it has been tried to change the FCM method as a fitness function for combination of it in genetic algorithm to do the image segmentation more accurately. Our experiment shows that the proposed method has a significant improvement in the accuracy of image segmentation in comparison to similar methods.
Loud Calls, Startle Behaviour, Social Organisation and Predator Avoidance in Arboreal Langurs (Cercopithecidae: Presbytis)
Authors: Nijman Vincent , Nekaris K.A.I.
Published: February 2013

Linking predator avoidance and social organisation predicts that large groups are favoured under heavy predation pressure but that small, inconspicuous groups may do equally well by avoiding detection altogether. We explored the relationships between antipredator behaviour (vocalisation, concealment, fleeing), detectability (colouration, group size) and social organisation in arboreal langurs. Three clear antipredation conditions emerged: (1) exemplified by Presbytis melalophos – brightly-coloured species (red, yellow) with contrasting colours, living in large unimale-multifemale groups (>10 individuals), that vocalised frequently and that flee loudly through the canopy; (2) exemplified by P. comata – greyish species (some contrasting colours), living in intermediate, unimale-multifemale or 1-male-1-female groups (approx. 7 individuals), that vocalise infrequently and that flee through the middle forest layers; (3) exemplified by P. frontata – dull-coloured species without contrast, living in small unimale-multifemale or 1-male-1-female groups (<5 individuals), that may freeze upon detection, and that may vocalise mainly during the night. Crypsis as an antipredator strategy is restricted to taxa that occur in 1-male-1-female groups. This wide range of antipredator strategies within a monophyletic taxon living in the same general area with a similar suite of predators facing similar predator pressures appears to be unique among the order Primates.
Mangrove and Peat Swamp Forests: Refuge Habitats for Primates and Felids
Authors: Nowak Katarzyna
Published: February 2013

Swamp forests may be important refuges for primates and felids where these taxa are threatened with habitat loss. Mangrove and peat swamp forests, impenetrable, wet habitats, inaccessible and uninhabitable for humans, may, in some regions, be the most significant remaining habitats for threatened species. They are nevertheless neglected in field studies compared to relatively species-rich, terrestrial tropical forests probably, in part, because of the difficulties associated with surveying them. As a result, maps of mammal distributions may overlook swamp forests although camera-trapping is gradually rectifying this gap. I have compiled and mapped records of over 60 primate and 20 felid taxa reported to use mangrove and peat swamp forests in Africa and Asia at 47 sites, of which 21 are Afrotropical mangrove, 25 are Indo-Malayan mangrove or peat swamp forest, and 1 is an outlying mangrove site in Japan. Eleven of these are designated Ramsar Sites. I highlight key sites of conservation priority on the basis of primate and felid species richness and composite ‘threat scores’. Petit Loango in Gabon and Gunung Palung National Park in Indonesia emerged as top priority sites in Africa and Asia, respectively. Further research on the role of swamp forests in the ecology and persistence of threatened mammals is needed.
Attempted Predation by Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti) on Preuss’s Red Colobus (Procolobus preussi) in the Ebo Forest, Cameroon
Authors: Morgan Bethan J. , Suh John Ngu , Abwe Ekwoge E.
Published: February 2013

We describe the first observation of a predation attempt by Nigerian-Cameroon chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti) on Preuss’s red colobus (Procolobus preussi) in the Ebo forest, Cameroon. The activity, which was observed for 15 min, primarily involved 1 chimpanzee and 1 red colobus individual, with a further 2 chimpanzees observing the event. Although the behaviour was interrupted when we were detected by the chimpanzees, we believe that this is the first recorded observation of hunting behaviour in Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees.
The Influence of Vitamin A Supplementation on Foxp3 and TGF-β Gene Expression in Atherosclerotic Patients
Authors: Mottaghi Azadeh , Salehi Eisa , Keshvarz Ali , Sezavar Hashem , Saboor-Yaraghi Ali-Akbar
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of vitamin A in Foxp3 and TGF-β gene expression in atherosclerotic patients. Patients and healthy controls in the vitamin A group received 25,000 IU retinyl palmitate per day, while patients in the placebo group took one capsule of placebo per day for 4 months. Gene expressions of regulatory T cells were studied by real-time PCR. The levels of Foxp3 expression in phytohemagglutinin-activated cells were much higher in the patients who received vitamin A than in placebo-treated patients and healthy controls, while Foxp3 gene expression in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-activated cells showed no significant differences between all groups (p = 0.357). A significant difference in the expression level of TGF-β gene in fresh cells was observed between patients and healthy controls (p = 0.009). TGF-β gene expression in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-activated cells increased in all groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant (p = 0.65); the changes obtained were 2.8-, 2.2- and 3.9-fold in the vitamin A, placebo, and control groups, respectively. Based on suppressing actions of regulatory T cells on effector T cells and findings that show that vitamin A has the effect of increasing expression of regulatory T cells, it can be concluded that supplementation with vitamin A in atherosclerotic patients may be effective in slowing disease progression.
Sleeping Site Selection by Agile Gibbons: The Influence of Tree Stability, Fruit Availability and Predation Risk
Authors: Cheyne Susan M. , Höing Andrea , Rinear John , Sheeran Lori K.
Published: February 2013

Primates spend a significant proportion of their lives at sleeping sites: the selection of a secure and stable sleeping tree can be crucial for individual survival and fitness. We measured key characteristics of all tree species in which agile gibbons slept, including exposure of the tree crown, root system, height, species and presence of food. Gibbons most frequently slept in Dipterocarpaceae and Fabaceae trees and preferentially chose trees taller than average, slept above the mean canopy height and showed a preference for liana-free trees. These choices could reflect avoidance of competition with other frugivores, but we argue these choices reflect gibbons prioritizing avoidance of predation. The results highlight that gibbons are actively selecting and rejecting sleeping trees based on several characteristics. The importance of the presence of large trees for food is noted and provides insight into gibbon antipredatory behaviour.
A Problem Shared Is a Problem Reduced: Seeking Efficiency in the Conservation of Felids and Primates
Authors: Macdonald David W. , Burnham Dawn , Hinks Amy E. , Wrangham Richard
Published: February 2013

Threats faced by mammalian species can be grouped into one of a handful of categories, such as habitat loss, unsustainable hunting and persecution. Insofar as they face common threats, diverse species may benefit from the same conservation intervention, thereby offering efficiencies in conservation action. We explore this proposition for primates and felids by examining coarse scale overlaps in geographical distributions, using IUCN Red List assessments of the primary threats posed to each species. A global analysis of primates and felids that face common threats reveals the greatest overlap is in Central and South Asia, where up to 14 primates and felids co-occur. More than 80% of the land where at least 1 threatened species of either primate or felid occurs also contains at least one threatened species of the other taxon, yet over 60% of these grid cells containing both threatened primates and felids lie outside Conservation International’s hot spots. A review of IUCN Action Plans of the threats to felids and primates strongly supports the hypothesis that they are often the same and occur in the same place. In principle, steps to conserve big cats have the potential to benefit several species of threatened primates, and vice versa.
A Prospective Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poststroke Depression
Authors: De Ryck A. , Brouns R. , Fransen E. , Geurden M. , Van Gestel G. , Wilssens I. , De Ceulaer L. , Mariën P. , De Deyn P.P. , Engelborghs S.
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose: Poststroke depression (PSD) is common. Early detection of depressive symptoms and identification of patients at risk for PSD are important as PSD negatively affects stroke outcome and costs of medical care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine incidence and risk factors for PSD at 3 months after stroke. Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal epidemiological study aiming to determine incidence and risk factors for PSD at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months poststroke. The present data analysis covers the convalescent phase of 3 months poststroke. Participants in this study were inpatients, admitted to a stroke unit with first or recurrent stroke. Demographic data and vascular risk factors were collected and patients were evaluated at baseline and 3 months poststroke for functional and cognitive deficits, stroke characteristics, stroke severity and stroke outcome. Signs and symptoms of depression were quantified by means of the Cornell Scale for Depression (CSD) and Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Significantly associated variables from univariate analysis were analyzed by using multiple linear and logistic regression methods. Results: Data analysis was performed in 135 patients who completed follow-up assessments at 3 months poststroke. Depression (CSD score ≥8) was diagnosed in 28.1% of the patients. Patients with PSD were significantly more dependent with regard to activities of daily living (ADL) and displayed more severe physical and cognitive impairment than patients without PSD. A higher prevalence of speech and language dysfunction and apraxia were observed in patients with PSD (36.8 and 34.3%, respectively) compared to non-depressed stroke patients (19.6 and 12.4%; p = 0.036 and p = 0.004, respectively). Applying multiple linear regressions, cognitive impairment and reduced mobility as part of the Stroke Impact Scale were independently associated with PSD, as scored using CSD and MADRS (r2 = 0.269 and r2 = 0.474, respectively). Conclusions: The risk of developing PSD is increased in patients with more functional and cognitive impairment, greater dependency with regard to ADL functions and with occurrence of speech and language dysfunctions and apraxia. Multiple regression models indicated that the most determining features for depression risk in the convalescent phase after stroke include reduced mobility and cognitive impairment. Further studies on risk factors for PSD are essential, given its negative impact on rehabilitation and quality of life. Identification of risk factors for PSD may allow more efficacious preventive measures and early implementation of adequate antidepressive treatment.
Alcohol Use Behaviors, Fat Intake and the Function of Pancreatic β-Cells in Non-Obese, Healthy Korean Males: Findings from 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Chung Hye-Kyung , Cho Yoonsu , Shin Min-Jeong
Published: February 2013

Aims: In the present study, we aimed to identify dietary factors related to insulin secretion function especially in healthy, non-obese Korean males. Methods: Data were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V-1 (KNHANES V-1). Nine hundred and twenty male adults aged >30 years of normal weight were included, excluding those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver disease. Alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) score which represents alcohol use behaviors and nutrient intakes was used, and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-B score) was calculated. Results: HOMA-B score was associated with age (p < 0.001), AUDIT score (p = 0.030), and percentage of fat from total energy intake (p = 0.002). HOMA-B scores in the problematic AUDIT group were significantly lower than those in the normal AUDIT group. In addition, HOMA-B scores in the lowest fat intake group were significantly lower than those in the medium fat intake group, but similar to those in the highest fat intake group. There was an interaction between alcohol use behaviors and percentage of fat from energy intake in determining HOMA-B score (p for interaction = 0.034). Conclusions: Alcohol use behaviors and percentage of fat from energy intake were found to be associated with HOMA-B score in healthy, non-obese Korean males.
Treatment of Buffy Coat Platelets in Platelet Additive Solution with the Mirasol® Pathogen Reduction Technology System
Authors: Castrillo Azucena , Cardoso Marcia , Rouse Lindsay
Published: February 2013

Background: The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) system uses riboflavin and ultraviolet light and is currently approved and used in Europe for the treatment of platelets and plasma. Mirasol treatment is intended to reduce the infectious pathogen load and to inactivate leukocytes in blood products. Our objective was to evaluate buffy coat platelet concentrates (BCPCs) prepared with platelet additive solution (PAS) and treated with the Mirasol system and to examine the effects on platelet cell quality during storage. Methods: 26 BCPCs were prepared and split, creating 13 paired control and test units. The test units were treated with the Mirasol system and the platelet quality was assessed in all units over 7 days of storage. Results: All products met the incoming specifications for Mirasol treatment, and the pH of all Mirasol-treated BCPCs in PAS met the requirements of the Council of Europe guidelines throughout storage. Analysis of lactate production and glucose consumption rates, CD62p expression and cytokines indicates enhanced cellular metabolism in treated platelets, but the levels were within previously published ranges. Conclusion: While Mirasol-treated BCPCs in PAS had increased metabolism and activation compared to controls, the results indicate that these units can be stored for 7 days with acceptable cell quality.
Reliable Determination of Fetal RhD Status by RHD Genotyping from Maternal Plasma
Authors: Dovč-Drnovšek Tadeja , Klemenc Polona , Toplak Nataša , Blejec Tanja , Bricl Irena , Rožman Primož
Published: February 2013

Background: Immunoprophylaxis with IgG anti-D is a standard prevention of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Fetal Rhesus D (RhD) blood group genotyping from maternal plasma of RhD-negative pregnant women allows targeted prophylaxis with IgG anti-D in RhD-positive pregnancies only. We set up a reliable protocol for prenatal RHD genotyping. Methods: 153 pregnant Caucasian RhD-negative women were tested in the 27th week (range 7–38th week) of pregnancy. 18 of them were alloimmunized to the RhD antigen. The fetal RHD genotype was determined based on an automated DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Intron 4 and exons 5, 7 and 10 of the RHD gene and the SRY gene were targeted. Results: The fetal RhD status and gender was 100% correctly predicted in all 153 pregnancies (55 RhD-positive males, 45 RhD-positive females; 23 RhD-negative males, 30 RhD-negative females). Conclusion: The accuracy and applicability of our protocol for non-invasive fetal RhD determination allows the correct management of RhD-incompatible pregnancies. Our protocol could prevent unnecessary immunoprophylaxis in 53 of 153 cases. We therefore recommend that non-invasive fetal RHD genotyping is introduced as an obligatory part of prenatal screening.