bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Ethnic Differences in the Association of Glycated Hemoglobin With Retinopathy
Authors: Bower Julie K. , Brancati Frederick L. , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

Current recommendations for the use of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in diabetes screening and diagnosis aim to identify those at greatest risk for diabetic microvascular complications. However, there is current controversy regarding the clinical implications of ethnic differences in HbA1c values. The objective of this study was to determine whether the association between HbA1c and retinopathy differs by ethnic group in a representative sample of U.S. adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was a cross-sectional analysis of 2,945 non-Hispanic white, 1,046 non-Hispanic black, and 1,231 Hispanic American participants aged ≥40 years from the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

RESULTS

Among nondiabetic adults, the mean HbA1c was 5.5% in non-Hispanic whites, 5.7% in non-Hispanic blacks, and 5.6% in Hispanic Americans. Among those with diagnosed diabetes, mean HbA1c was 6.9% in non-Hispanic whites, 7.5% in non-Hispanic Blacks, and 7.7% in Hispanic Americans. Overall, non-Hispanic blacks had the highest prevalence of retinopathy. In multivariable logistic models, HbA1c clinical categories were strongly associated with prevalent retinopathy. However, the magnitude of the association did not differ by ethnic group (all P values for interaction ≥ 0.7). Similar results were observed with HbA1c modeled continuously (per one percentage point) and stratified by diabetes status (all P for interactions > 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed no ethnic differences in the association of HbA1c with retinopathy. These data do not support ethnic-specific cut points for HbA1c for diagnosis or screening of diabetes mellitus.
Effects of GLP-1 on Forearm Vasodilator Function and Glucose Disposal During Hyperinsulinemia in the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Tesauro Manfredi , Schinzari Francesca , Adamo Angelo , Rovella Valentina , Martini Francesca , Mores Nadia , Barini Angela , Pitocco Dario , Ghirlanda Giovanni , Lauro Davide , Campia Umberto , Cardillo Carmine
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE

Patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) have impaired insulin-induced enhancement of vasodilator responses. The incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), beyond its effects on blood glucose, has beneficial actions on vascular function. This study, therefore, aimed to assess whether GLP-1 affects insulin-stimulated vasodilator reactivity in patients with the MetS.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Forearm blood flow responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed in MetS patients before and after the addition of GLP-1 to an intra-arterial infusion of saline (n = 5) or insulin (n = 5). The possible involvement of oxidative stress in the vascular effects of GLP-1 in this setting was investigated by infusion of vitamin C (n = 5). The receptor specificity of GLP-1 effect during hyperinsulinemia was assessed by infusing its metabolite GLP-1(9-36) (n = 5). The metabolic actions of GLP-1 were also tested by analyzing forearm glucose disposal during hyperinsulinemia (n = 5).

RESULTS

In MetS patients, GLP-1 enhanced endothelium-dependent and -independent responses to ACh and SNP, respectively, during hyperinsulinemia (P < 0.001 for both), but not during saline (P > 0.05 for both). No changes in vasodilator reactivity to ACh and SNP were seen after GLP-1 was added to insulin and vitamin C (P > 0.05 for both) and after GLP-1(9-36) was given during hyperinsulinemia (P > 0.05 for both). Also, GLP-1 did not affect forearm glucose extraction and uptake during hyperinsulinemia (P > 0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with the MetS, GLP-1 improves insulin-mediated enhancement of endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular reactivity. This effect may be influenced by vascular oxidative stress and is possibly exerted through a receptor-mediated mechanism.
Registration of ‘Summit,’ a High‐Yielding Soybean with Race‐Specific Resistance to Phytophthora sojae
Authors: McHale Leah K. , Feller Marcia K. , McIntyre Scott A. , Berry Sue Ann , St. Martin Steven K. , Dorrance Anne E.
Published: October 2012

Phytophthora sojae Kauffmann and Gerdemann, the causal agent of Phytophthora root and stem rot, may result in severe losses in soybean fields planted with susceptible cultivars. However, the disease can be successfully managed through the use of cultivars with genetic resistance. ‘Summit’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. No. CV‐508, PI 665057) was developed by the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center of Ohio State University and was released in 2010. The cultivar was bred with the objective to develop a high‐yielding maturity group (MG) II cultivar with resistance to P. sojae. Summit was developed through early‐generation testing with yield‐based selections of F2–derived heterogenous lines and F4 lines and originates from a single F4 plant selection of a cross between ‘IA3023’ and breeding line HS99‐4045. Summit was evaluated in 30 environments from 2006 to 2011. In the Ohio Preliminary and Advanced Line Tests, Summit had a significantly higher yield than check cultivars, with seed yield 106% of ‘Wyandot’ and 110% of ‘OHS 202’. In the Northern Region Preliminary Test, Summit had a similar yield as the MG III check cultivar ‘IA3024’ and a significantly higher yield than the MG II check cultivar ‘IA2068’ (109%). Summit possesses Rps1k and Rps3a alleles for race‐specific resistance to P. sojae. As a high‐yielding, conventional, mid‐MG II cultivar with resistance to P. sojae, Summit is a good choice for producers of non–genetically modified soybeans in Ohio and other regions with disease pressure from P. sojae..
Registration of ‘Jazzman‐2’ Aromatic Long‐Grain Rice
Authors: Sha X. Y. , Linscombe S. D. , Groth D. E. , Oard J. H. , Harrell D. L. , White L. M. , Grimm C. C. , Theunissen S. J. , Henry B. J.
Published: October 2012

‘Jazzman‐2’ (Reg. No. CV‐139, PI 663188) is the second jasmine‐type long‐grain aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, which was developed using the pedigree selection by the Rice Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center near Crowley, LA. It was approved for official release by the director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station in 2010 based on its strong aroma, slender and translucent grain, fair yield potential, and good milling quality. In 28 yield trials conducted at five Louisiana locations and in five southern rice growing states during 2006–2010, Jazzman‐2 had an average main crop grain yield of 7.39 t ha−1, which was lower than that of ‘Jazzman’ (7.93 t ha−1) and the nonaromatic check ‘Cheniere’ (8.98 t ha−1). Jazzman‐2 is similar to Cheniere in plant height but is 10 cm shorter than Jazzman. The average number of days from emergence to 50% heading is 83, 85, and 87 for Jazzman‐2, Cheniere, and Jazzman. Jazzman‐2 has a commercially acceptable head rice yield of 639 g kg−1, which is similar to the 633 and 630 g kg−1 of Jazzman and Cheniere. Jazzman‐2 has the typical jasmine‐rice cooking quality with low amylose content, low gelatinization temperature, and a very strong aroma. The average amylose content of Jazzman‐2 is 14.4% compared with 15.7 and 24.2% for Jazzman and Cheniere. The average alkali spread value of Jazzman‐2, Jazzman, and Cheniere is 6.0, 6.4, and 4.4. Jazzman‐2 has an average 2‐acetyl‐pyrroline content of 833 ng g−1, which is significantly higher than the 482 ng g−1 of Jazzman. Naming the new cultivar Jazzman‐2 is based on the fact that both Jazzman‐2 and Jazzman share the similar unique cooking quality and also for branding purposes. Jazzman‐2 will complement the original Jazzman by offering more choices to rice growers, processors, and consumers with its earliness, short stature, and enhanced specialty attributes.
Antimicrobial Resistance  Emerging trends and the need for Antibiotic policy
Authors: Basher MA , Hassan Munir
Published: October 2012

DOI:J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2011; 17 (01)
Prescribing Pattern of Antimicrobials in Acute Watery Diarrhea in Children below Five Years in the Tertiary Hospitals in Dhaka City
Authors: Ara Ferdous , Alam Md Khorshed , Momen Afroza
Published: October 2012

This was a prospective type of baseline study and bas been conducted in Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH) and Dhaka Nation Medical College Hospital (DNMCH). The objective of the study was to observe the usual prescribing pattern of antimicrobials in outpatient department of the hospitals, in the hope of promoting rational use of drugs and there by improve patient-care. The Standard Treatment Guideline (STG) of diarrhea diseases advocated by World Health Organization (WHO) is available in Bangladesh since 1993. The study also revealed whether the successful implementation of STG in Acute Watery Diarrhea from outpatient department (OPD) of SSMC &MH and hundred from NNMCH were collated prospectively on a radon basis and were analyzed with the methods, suggested in International Network for Ration Use of Drug (INRUD) Manual. The study showed that average number of drugs per encounter was 1.84 and 2.1 in SSMC &MH and DNMCH respectively. Uses of antibotics in SSMC & was 52% in DNMCH outpatient department. Statistical analysis by Z-test showed that percentage of antibiotics-use was significantly higher in DNMCH in comparison (p < 0.001) to SSMC&MH. Uses of ORS were almost identical, 87% and 85% in SSMC & MH and DNMCH respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v17i1.12187 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2011; 17 (01): 22-24
Prospective Study of Harmonic Scalpel in about 800 cases covering both open and laparoscopic methods
Authors: Shahidulla AM , Islam Md Aminul , Pavreen Zakaria
Published: October 2012

Harmonic (ultracision) Scalpel is a part & parcel of modern Day surgery, Endo-laparoscopic & minimally access surgery. We use this instrument in different minimally access surgeries for the last 5 years. Different open & laparoscopic operations of about 800 cases were performed within this period. Results of our operations with Harmonic Scalpel were very much inspiring, safe and surgeon-friendly with a rapid discharge of the patient from the hospital. The main disadvantages are that the instrument itself is costly & so is its maintenance. It needs a long term practice to be handy. Among open surgeries breast, thyroid, hemorrhoids, tonsils etc. are to be mentioned. In laparoscopic surgery, Harmonic scalpel reduced total operation time in our series. Harmonic scalpel is a laparoscopic surgical instrument that is changing doctors performance as well as decreasing patients recovery time. Although, it is not poor-friendly, but can be used for safe, rapid surgery & patient-friendly operation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v17i1.12188 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2011; 17 (01): 25-28
Correlation of birth weight with other anthropometric variables in detection of low birth weight (LBW) babies
Authors: Alia Reema Afroza , Mannan MA , Fatema Kanij , Begum Fahmida , Siddique Russel
Published: October 2012

Objective: To assess the correlation of birth weight with other anthropometric variables and their appropriateness in prediction and detection of low birth weight babies. Methodology: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study, conducted over 100 newborn babies within 24 hours of their birth. Birth weight and other anthropometric variables were recorded and analyzed with statistical package for social science (SPSS-17) and Students t-test, Chi-squared (?2), ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests were done to test the hypothesis and level of significance was set as p <0.05. Result: All the anthropometric variables were well correlated with birth-weight, irrespective of gestational age (p<0.01). The highest correlation was found with chest circumference (r = 0.962), while the lowest correlation was observed with calf circumference (r 0.923). Conclusion: All anthropometric variables except calf circumference can be considered as appropriate indicators for identifying neonates require special attention and intervention for low birth weight (LBW) where weighing machine or facilities for ultrasonography is not readily available. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v17i1.12189 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2011; 17 (01): 29-32
Mechanism and management of diuretic resistance in congestive heart failure
Authors: Nag Dipankar Chandra , Murshed AKM , Chakrabortty Rajashis , Rahman Md Raziur
Published: October 2012

Diuretic drugs are used almost universally in patients with congestive heart failure, most frequently the potent loop diuretics. Despite their unproven effect on survival, their indisputable efficacy in relieving congestive symptoms makes them first line therapy for most patients. In the treatment of more advanced stages of heart failure diuretics may fail to control salt and water retention despite the use of appropriate doses. Diuretic resistance may be caused by decreased renal function and reduced and delayed peak concentrations of loop diuretics in the tubular fluid, but it can also be observed in the absence of these pharmacokinetic abnormalities. When the effect of a short acting diuretic has worn off, postdiuretic salt retention will occur during the rest of the day. Chronic treatment with a loop diuretic results in compensatory hypertrophy of epithelial cells downstream from the thick ascending limb and consequently its diuretic effect will be blunted. Strategies to overcome diuretic resistance include restriction of sodium intake, changes in dose, changes in timing, and combination diuretic therapy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdnmch.v17i1.12193 J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2011; 17 (01): 44-46
Interaction Enhanced Imperialist Competitive Algorithms
Authors: Lin Jun-Lin , Tsai Yu-Hsiang , Yu Chun-Ying , Li Meng-Shiou
Published: October 2012

Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) is a new population-based evolutionary algorithm. It divides its population of solutions into several sub-populations, and then searches for the optimal solution through two operations: assimilation and competition. The assimilation operation moves each non-best solution (called colony) in a sub-population toward the best solution (called imperialist) in the same sub-population. The competition operation removes a colony from the weakest sub-population and adds it to another sub-population. Previous work on ICA focuses mostly on improving the assimilation operation or replacing the assimilation operation with more powerful meta-heuristics, but none focuses on the improvement of the competition operation. Since the competition operation simply moves a colony (i.e., an inferior solution) from one sub-population to another sub-population, it incurs weak interaction among these sub-populations. This work proposes Interaction Enhanced ICA that strengthens the interaction among the imperialists of all sub-populations. The performance of Interaction Enhanced ICA is validated on a set of benchmark functions for global optimization. The results indicate that the performance of Interaction Enhanced ICA is superior to that of ICA and its existing variants.
Pollen Sterility—A Promising Approach to Gene Confinement and Breeding for Genetically Modified Bioenergy Crops
Authors: Hague Joel , Dellaporta Stephen , Moreno Maria , Longo Chip , Nelson Kimberly , Kausch Albert
Published: October 2012

Advanced genetic and biotechnology tools will be required to realize the full potential of food and bioenergy crops. Given current regulatory concerns, many transgenic traits might never be deregulated for commercial release without a robust gene confinement strategy in place. The potential for transgene flow from genetically modified (GM) crops is widely known. Pollen-mediated transfer is a major component of gene flow in flowering plants and therefore a potential avenue for the escape of transgenes from GM crops. One approach for preventing and/or mitigating transgene flow is the production of trait linked pollen sterility. To evaluate the feasibility of generating pollen sterility lines for gene confinement and breeding purposes we tested the utility of a promoter (Zm13Pro) from a maize pollen-specific gene (Zm13) for driving expression of the reporter gene GUS and the cytotoxic gene barnase in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa ssp. Japonica cv. Nipponbare) as a monocot proxy for bioenergy grasses. This study demonstrates that the Zm13 promoter can drive pollen-specific expression in stably transformed rice and may be useful for gametophytic transgene confinement and breeding strategies by pollen sterility in food and bioenergy crops.
Increasing Food Production in Africa by Boosting the Productivity of Understudied Crops
Authors: Tadele Zerihun , Assefa Kebebew
Published: October 2012

The Green Revolution has enabled Asian countries to boost their crop production enormously. However, Africa has not benefitted from this agricultural revolution since it did not consider local, but important crops grown in the continent. In addition to their versatile adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, African indigenous crops provide income for subsistence farmers and serve as staple food for the vast majority of low-income consumers. These crops, which are composed of cereals, legumes, vegetables and root crops, are commonly known as underutilized or orphan crops. Recently, some of these under-researched crops have received the attention of the national and international research community, and modern improvement techniques including diverse genetic and genomic tools have been applied in order to boost their productivity. The major bottlenecks affecting the productivity of these crops are unimproved genetic traits such as low yield and poor nutritional status and environmental factors such as drought, weeds and pests. Hence, an agricultural revolution is needed to increase food production of these under-researched crops in order to feed the ever-increasing population in Africa. Here, we present both the benefits and drawbacks of major African crops, the efforts being made to improve them, and suggestions for some future directions.
Forced Exercise Enhances Functional Recovery after Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Park Sookyoung , Shin Jinhee , Hong Yunkyung , Kim Sunmi , Lee Seunghoon , Park Kanghui , Lkhagvasuren Tserentogtokh , Lee Sang-Rae , Chang Kyu-Tae , Hong Yonggeun
Published: October 2012

Caveolin is the principal protein of caveolae and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. To investigate whether changed expression of caveolins has a pivotal role in focal cerebral ischemia, we induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo)-reperfusion and examined expression of caveolins, inflammatory activation markers, and mediators of autophagic cell death. We also treated MCAo rats with forced exercise to determine its effects on neurological outcome. Particularly, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used to compare the effects of hypertension on focal cerebral ischemia. All MCAo groups showed neurological deficiencies, motor dysfunction, and disruption of balancing ability; however, these pathological changes were more severe in SHR than WKY rats. Expression of caveolins was decreased in MCAo brain tissue, whereas the levels of iNOS and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) increased. Additionally, LC3-II and beclin-1 levels were elevated in the MCAo groups. Forced exercise attenuated both molecular and behavioral changes in MCAo animals, but SHR rats showed delayed functional recovery and residual molecular changes when compared to WKY rats. These results suggest that forced exercise may be beneficial for promoting functional recovery following cerebral ischemia through caveolin-dependent mechanisms or interactions between caveolins and these signaling molecules in ischemic brain regions.
Intricately Regulated: A Cellular Toolbox for Fine-Tuning XBP1 Expression and Activity
Authors: Byrd Andrew , Brewer Joseph
Published: October 2012

Stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling mechanism that allows cellular adaptation to ER stress by engaging pro-adaptive transcription factors and alleviating protein folding demand. One such transcription factor, X-box binding protein (XBP1), originates from the inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1 (IRE1) UPR stress sensor. XBP1 up-regulates a pool of genes involved in ER protein translocation, protein folding, vesicular trafficking and ER- associated protein degradation. Recent data suggest that the regulation of XBP1 expression and transcriptional activity may be a tissue- and stress-dependent phenomenon. Moreover, the intricacies involved in “fine-tuning” XBP1 activity in various settings are now coming to light. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying XBP1 expression and activity and discuss the significance of these new insights.
14-3-3 Proteins are Regulators of Autophagy
Authors: Pozuelo-Rubio Mercedes
Published: October 2012

14-3-3 proteins are implicated in the regulation of proteins involved in a variety of signaling pathways. 14-3-3-dependent protein regulation occurs through phosphorylation-dependent binding that results, in many cases, in the release of survival signals in cells. Autophagy is a cell digestion process that contributes to overcoming nutrient deprivation and is initiated under stress conditions. However, whether autophagy is a cell survival or cell death mechanism remains under discussion and may depend on context. Nevertheless, autophagy is a cellular process that determines cell fate and is tightly regulated by different signaling pathways, some of which, for example MAPK, PI3K and mTOR, are tightly regulated by 14-3-3 proteins. It is therefore important to understand the role of 14-3-3 protein in modulating the autophagic process. Within this context, direct binding of 14-3-3 to mTOR regulatory proteins, such as TSC2 and PRAS40, connects 14-3-3 with autophagy regulatory processes. In addition, 14-3-3 binding to human vacuolar protein sorting 34 (hVps34), a class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3KC3), indicates the involvement of 14-3-3 proteins in regulating autophagosome formation. hVps34 is involved in vesicle trafficking processes such as autophagy, and its activation is needed for initiation of autophagy. Chromatography and overlay techniques suggest that hVps34 directly interacts with 14-3-3 proteins under physiological conditions, thereby maintaining hVps34 in an inactive state. In contrast, nutrient starvation promotes dissociation of the 14-3-3–hVps34 complex, thereby enhancing hVps34 lipid kinase activity. Thus, 14-3-3 proteins are regulators of autophagy through regulating key components of the autophagic machinery. This review summarizes the role of 14-3-3 protein in the control of target proteins involved in regulating the master switches of autophagy.
p53 -Dependent and -Independent Nucleolar Stress Responses
Authors: Holmberg Olausson Karl , Nistér Monica , Lindström Mikael S.
Published: October 2012

The nucleolus has emerged as a cellular stress sensor and key regulator of p53-dependent and -independent stress responses. A variety of abnormal metabolic conditions, cytotoxic compounds, and physical insults induce alterations in nucleolar structure and function, a situation known as nucleolar or ribosomal stress. Ribosomal proteins, including RPL11 and RPL5, become increasingly bound to the p53 regulatory protein MDM2 following nucleolar stress. Ribosomal protein binding to MDM2 blocks its E3 ligase function leading to stabilization and activation of p53. In this review we focus on a number of novel regulators of the RPL5/RPL11-MDM2-p53 complex including PICT1 (GLTSCR2), MYBBP1A, PML and NEDD8. p53-independent pathways mediating the nucleolar stress response are also emerging and in particular the negative control that RPL11 exerts on Myc oncoprotein is of importance, given the role of Myc as a master regulator of ribosome biogenesis. We also briefly discuss the potential of chemotherapeutic drugs that specifically target RNA polymerase I to induce nucleolar stress.
Multiple Strategies for Translesion Synthesis in Bacteria
Authors: Ippoliti Paul , DeLateur Nicholas , Jones Kathryn , Beuning Penny
Published: October 2012

Damage to DNA is common and can arise from numerous environmental and endogenous sources. In response to ubiquitous DNA damage, Y-family DNA polymerases are induced by the SOS response and are capable of bypassing DNA lesions. In Escherichia coli, these Y-family polymerases are DinB and UmuC, whose activities are modulated by their interaction with the polymerase manager protein UmuD. Many, but not all, bacteria utilize DinB and UmuC homologs. Recently, a C-family polymerase named ImuC, which is similar in primary structure to the replicative DNA polymerase DnaE, was found to be able to copy damaged DNA and either carry out or suppress mutagenesis. ImuC is often found with proteins ImuA and ImuB, the latter of which is similar to Y‑family polymerases, but seems to lack the catalytic residues necessary for polymerase activity. This imuAimuBimuC mutagenesis cassette represents a widespread alternative strategy for translesion synthesis and mutagenesis in bacteria. Bacterial Y‑family and ImuC DNA polymerases contribute to replication past DNA damage and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance.
Electrochemical and Optical Properties of Magnesium-Alloy Hydrides Reviewed
Authors: Manivasagam Thirugnasambandam G. , Kiraz Kamil , Notten Peter H. L.
Published: October 2012

As potential hydrogen storage media, magnesium based hydrides have been systematically studied in order to improve reversibility, storage capacity, kinetics and thermodynamics. The present article deals with the electrochemical and optical properties of Mg alloy hydrides. Electrochemical hydrogenation, compared to conventional gas phase hydrogen loading, provides precise control with only moderate reaction conditions. Interestingly, the alloy composition determines the crystallographic nature of the metal-hydride: a structural change is induced from rutile to fluorite at 80 at.% of Mg in Mg-TM alloy, with ensuing improved hydrogen mobility and storage capacity. So far, 6 wt.% (equivalent to 1600 mAh/g) of reversibly stored hydrogen in MgyTM(1-y)Hx (TM: Sc, Ti) has been reported. Thin film forms of these metal-hydrides reveal interesting electrochromic properties as a function of hydrogen content. Optical switching occurs during (de)hydrogenation between the reflective metal and the transparent metal hydride states. The chronological sequence of the optical improvements in optically active metal hydrides starts with the rare earth systems (YHx), followed by Mg rare earth alloy hydrides (MgyGd(1-y)Hx) and concludes with Mg transition metal hydrides (MgyTM(1-y)Hx). In-situ optical characterization of gradient thin films during (de)hydrogenation, denoted as hydrogenography, enables the monitoring of alloy composition gradients simultaneously.
(C5H12N)Cu2Br3: A Piperidinium Copper(I) Bromide with [Cu2Br3]− Ladders
Authors: Komm Theresa , Biner Daniel , Neels Antonia , Krämer Karl W.
Published: October 2012

Piperidinium copper(I) bromide, (C5H12N)Cu2Br3, was obtained from a solution of CuBr2, piperidine, and HBr in ethanol. At 60 °C ethanol slowly reduces copper(II) to copper(I). Colorless plates of (C5H12N)Cu2Br3 crystallize in the triclinic space group P-1 with lattice parameters of a = 6.2948(10) Å, b = 8.2624(14) Å, c = 10.7612(17) Å, α = 75.964(19)°, β = 89.232(19)°, γ = 84.072(19)°, and Z = 2 at 173 K. [CuBr4] tetrahedra share edges and form [Cu2Br3]− ladders parallel to the a-axis. (C5H12N)+ ions adopt a chair conformation and connect the [Cu2Br3]− ladders via H-bonding. The (C5H12N)Cu2Br3 structure is related to the mineral rasvumite, KFe2S3, space group Cmcm, which is isostructural to several alkali copper(I) halides.
A Numerical Corrosion Rate Prediction Method for Direct Assessment of Wet Gas Gathering Pipelines Internal Corrosion
Authors: Liao Kexi , Yao Quanke , Wu Xia , Jia Wenlong
Published: October 2012

The paper introduces a numerical internal corrosion rate prediction method into the internal corrosion direct assessment (ICDA) process for wet gas gathering pipelines based on the back propagation (BP), the genetic algorithm (GA) and BP, and the particle swarm optimization and BP artificial neural networks (ANNs). The basic data were collected in accordance with the terms established by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers in the Wet Gas Internal Corrosion Direct Assessment (WG-ICDA) SP0110, and the corrosion influencing factors, which are the input variables of the ANN model, are identified and refined by the grey relational analysis method. A total of 116 groups of basic data and inspection data from seven gathering pipelines in Sichuan (China) are used to develop the numerical prediction model. Ninety-five of the 116 groups of data are selected to train the neural network. The remaining 21 groups of data are chosen to test the three ANNs. The test results show that the GA and BP ANN yield the smallest number of absolute errors and should be selected as the preferred model for the prediction of corrosion rates. The accuracy of the model was validated by another 54 groups of excavation data obtained from pipeline No. 8, whose internal environment parameters are similar to those found in the training and testing pipelines. The results show that the numerical method yields significantly better absolute errors than either the de Waard 95 model or the Top-of-Line corrosion model in WG-ICDA when applying the approach to specific pipelines, and it can be used to investigate a specific pipeline for which the data have been collected and the ANN has been developed in WG-ICDA SP0110.
Forecasting Annual Power Generation Using a Harmony Search Algorithm-Based Joint Parameters Optimization Combination Model
Authors: Sun Wei , Wang Jingmin , Chang Hong
Published: October 2012

Accurate power generation forecasting provides the basis of decision making for electric power industry development plans, energy conservation and environmental protection. Since the power generation time series are rarely purely linear or nonlinear, no single forecasting model can identify the true data trends exactly in all situations. To combine forecasts from different models can reduce the model selection risk and effectively improve accuracy. In this paper, we propose a novel technique called the Harmony Search (HS) algorithm-based joint parameters optimization combination model. In this model, the single forecasting model adopts power function form with unfixed exponential parameters. The exponential parameters of the single model and the combination weights are called joint parameters which are optimized by the HS algorithm by optimizing the objective function. Real power generation time series data sets of China, Japan, Russian Federation and India were used as samples to examine the forecasting accuracy of the presented model. The forecasting performance was compared with four single models and four combination models, respectively. The MAPE of our presented model is the lowest, which shows that the proposed model outperforms other comparative ones. Especially, the proposed combination model could better fit significant turning points of power generation time series. We can conclude that the proposed model can obviously improve forecasting accuracy and it can treat nonlinear time series with fluctuations better than other single models or combination models.
Identifying and Characterizing Regulatory Sequences in the Human Genome with Chromatin Accessibility Assays
Authors: Sheffield Nathan , Furey Terrence
Published: October 2012

After finishing a human genome reference sequence in 2002, the genomics community has turned to the task of interpreting it. A primary focus is to identify and characterize not only protein-coding genes, but all functional elements in the genome. The effort includes both individual investigators and large-scale projects like the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project. As part of the ENCODE project, several groups have identified millions of regulatory elements in hundreds of human cell-types using DNase-seq and FAIRE-seq experiments that detect regions of nucleosome-free open chromatin. ChIP-seq experiments have also been used to discover transcription factor binding sites and map histone modifications. Nearly all identified elements are found in non-coding DNA, hypothesizing a function for previously unannotated sequence. In this review, we provide an overview of the ENCODE effort to define regulatory elements, summarize the main results, and discuss implications of the millions of regulatory elements distributed throughout the genome.
Response of Fish Communities to Various Environmental Variables across Multiple Spatial Scales
Authors: Kwon Yong-Su , Li Fengqing , Chung Namil , Bae Mi-Jung , Hwang Soon-Jin , Byoen Myeong-Seop , Park Sang-Jung , Park Young-Seuk
Published: October 2012

A better understanding of the relative importance of different spatial scale determinants on fish communities will eventually increase the accuracy and precision of their bioassessments. Many studies have described the influence of environmental variables on fish communities on multiple spatial scales. However, there is very limited information available on this topic for the East Asian monsoon region, including Korea. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between fish communities and environmental variables at multiple spatial scales using self-organizing map (SOM), random forest, and theoretical path models. The SOM explored differences among fish communities, reflecting environmental gradients, such as a longitudinal gradient from upstream to downstream, and differences in land cover types and water quality. The random forest model for predicting fish community patterns that used all 14 environmental variables was more powerful than a model using any single variable or other combination of environmental variables, and the random forest model was effective at predicting the occurrence of species and evaluating the contribution of environmental variables to that prediction. The theoretical path model described the responses of different species to their environment at multiple spatial scales, showing the importance of altitude, forest, and water quality factors to fish assemblages.
The Behavior of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Herszényi László , Hritz István , Lakatos Gábor , Varga Mária , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: October 2012

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the degradation of extracellular matrix components crucial for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. MMPs are controlled by natural inhibitors called tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). We and others have demonstrated that MMPs and TIMPs are especially important in the process of tumor invasion, progression and the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been proposed that MMPs and TIMPs might play a part not only in tumor invasion and initiation of metastasis but also in carcinogenesis from colorectal adenomas. Several recent studies demonstrated that high preoperative serum or plasma MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 antigen levels are strong predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with CRC and their determination might be useful for identification of patients with higher risk for cancer recurrence. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 have significant potential tumor marker impact in CRC. Their diagnostic sensitivity is consistently higher than those of conventional biomarkers. The pharmacological targeting of CRC by the development of a new generation of selective inhibitors of MMPs, that is highly specific for certain MMPs, is a promising and challenging area for the future.
The Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) on the Properties of ZnO Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Ramimoghadam Donya , Hussein Mohd , Taufiq-Yap Yun
Published: October 2012

ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by hydrothermal method using different molar ratios of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as structure directing agents. The effect of surfactants on the morphology of the ZnO crystals was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results indicate that the mixture of cationic-anionic surfactants can significantly modify the shape and size of ZnO particles. Various structures such as flakes, sheets, rods, spheres, flowers and triangular-like particles sized from micro to nano were obtained. In order to examine the possible changes in other properties of ZnO, characterizations like powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), FTIR, surface area and porosity and UV-visible spectroscopy analysis were also studied and discussed.
3-Chloro-5-(4-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)-4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-one
Authors: Ioannidou Heraklidia A. , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: October 2012

3-Chloro-5-trifluoromethanesulfonate-4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-one 3 reacts with (4-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)trimethylstannane 5 (1 equiv.) in the presence of Pd(Ph3P)2Cl2 (5 mol%) in benzene at ca. 20 °C for 5 h to give 3-chloro-5-(4-dodecylthien-2-yl)-1,2,6-thiadiazinone 6 in 87% yield.
(Z)-N-(7-Cyano-9,9,15,15-tetramethyl-9,10,11,13,14,15-hexahydro-6H-benzo[4'',5'']imidazo[1'',2'':1',2']pyrido[3',4':5, 6]pyrano[2,3-f]pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-6-ylidene)pent-4-ynamide
Authors: Bachl Jürgen , Wolfbeis Otto , Cativiela Carlos , Díaz David
Published: October 2012

Coumarin-based dye (Z)-N-(7-cyano-9,9,15,15-tetramethyl-9,10,11,13,14,15-hexahydro-6H-benzo[4'',5'']imidazo[1'',2'':1',2']pyrido[3',4':5,6]pyrano[2,3-f]pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-6-ylidene)pent-4-ynamide (3) was obtained in 81% yield by reaction between primary imine precursor 1 and pent-4-ynoic anhydride (2) under thermal conditions. The title compound was characterized by elemental analysis, melting point, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, mass, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Computational Methods for Metabolomic Data Analysis of Ion Mobility Spectrometry Data—Reviewing the State of the Art
Authors: Hauschild Anne-Christin , Schneider Till , Pauling Josch , Rupp Kathrin , Jang Mi , Baumbach Jörg , Baumbach Jan
Published: October 2012

Ion mobility spectrometry combined with multi-capillary columns (MCC/IMS) is a well known technology for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We may utilize MCC/IMS for scanning human exhaled air, bacterial colonies or cell lines, for example. Thereby we gain information about the human health status or infection threats. We may further study the metabolic response of living cells to external perturbations. The instrument is comparably cheap, robust and easy to use in every day practice. However, the potential of the MCC/IMS methodology depends on the successful application of computational approaches for analyzing the huge amount of emerging data sets. Here, we will review the state of the art and highlight existing challenges. First, we address methods for raw data handling, data storage and visualization. Afterwards we will introduce de-noising, peak picking and other pre-processing approaches. We will discuss statistical methods for analyzing correlations between peaks and diseases or medical treatment. Finally, we study up-to-date machine learning techniques for identifying robust biomarker molecules that allow classifying patients into healthy and diseased groups. We conclude that MCC/IMS coupled with sophisticated computational methods has the potential to successfully address a broad range of biomedical questions. While we can solve most of the data pre-processing steps satisfactorily, some computational challenges with statistical learning and model validation remain.
Identification of Insecticidal Constituents of the Essential Oil of Curcuma wenyujin Rhizomes Active against Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhao Na , Liu Chun , Zhou Ligang , Du Shu
Published: October 2012

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling rhizomes against the booklouse Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of C. wenyujin rhizomes was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 43 components of the essential oil were identified and the principal compounds in the essential oil were 1,8-cineole (15.26%), camphor (10.12%), germacrone (6.86%), β-elemene (6.33%), curzerene (6.70%), and β-elemenone (5.23%). followed by curzerenone (4.52%), curdione (4.45%) and linalool (4.43%). Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the two main active constituents were isolated from the essential oil and identified as 1,8-cineole and camphor. The essential oil of C. wenyujin rhizomes exhibited contact toxicity against L. bostrychophila with an LD50 value of 208.85 µg/cm2. Camphor (LD50 = 207.26 µg/cm2) exhibited stronger contact toxicity than 1,8-cineole (LD50 = 1048.75 µg/cm2) against booklouse. The essential oil of C. wenyujin (LC50 = 2.76 mg/L air) also possessed fumigant toxicity against L. bostrychophila, while the two constituents, camphor and 1,8-cineole had LC50 values of 1.03 mg/L air and 1.13 mg/L air, respectively. The results indicate that the essential oil of C. wenyujin rhizomes and its constituent compounds have potential for development as natural insecticides or fumigants for control of insects in stored grains.
A Novel Class of Selective Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Synthesis and Evaluation of (E)-2-(Benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-heteroarylacrylonitriles
Authors: Torre Pedro , Saavedra Luis , Caballero Julio , Quiroga Jairo , Alzate-Morales Jans , Cabrera Margarita , Trilleras Jorge
Published: October 2012

(E)-2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-3-heteroarylacrylonitriles are described as a new class of selective inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The most potent compound in the series exhibited good AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 64 µM). Compound 7f was found to be more selective than galanthamine in inhibiting AChE and it showed a moderate selectivity index. Kinetic studies on AChE indicated that a competitive type of inhibition pattern exist for these acrylonitrile derivates. Molecular docking models of the ligand-AChE complexes suggest that compound 7g is located on the periphery of the AChE active site.
c-IAP1 Binds and Processes PCSK9 Protein: Linking the c-IAP1 in a TNF-α Pathway to PCSK9-Mediated LDLR Degradation Pathway
Authors: Xu Weiming , Liu Lizhi , Hornby David
Published: October 2012

Recent genetic studies have shown that PCSK9, one of the key genes in cholesterol metabolism, plays a critical role by controlling the level of low-density lipoprotein receptor. However, how PCSK9 mediates LDLR degradation is still unknown. By combining a shotgun proteomic method and differential analysis of natural occurring mutations of the PCSK9 gene, we found that an E3 ubiquitin ligase c-IAP1 binds and processes PCSK9 protein. One of the ‘gain-of-function’ mutations, S127R, is defective with respect to binding to c-IAP1, and thus has defective autocatalytic activity. Knockdown of c-IAP1 impairs PCSK9 processing and autocatalytic cleavage. In c-IAP1 null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), there is a dramatic decrease in secreted mature PCSK9 protein accompanied by a significant increase in LDLR protein levels compared with matched wild-type MEF cells. c-IAP1 also acts as an E3 ligase for ubiquitination of PCSK9. Ubiquitin containing only lysine-27 mediated PCSK9 ubiquitination by c-IAP1. Given K27-linked polyubiquitination promotes lysosomal localization, the finding indicates the c-IAP1 acts on both secretion of PCSK9 and its lysosomal localization. The novel pathway described here will open new avenues for exploring novel disease treatments.
Synthesis and Field Evaluation of the Sex Pheromone Analogues to Soybean Pod Borer Leguminivora glycinivorella
Authors: Hu Dai-Hua , He Jun , Zhou Yi-Wan , Feng Jun-Tao , Zhang Xing
Published: October 2012

In order to develop efficient lures for soybean pod borer Leguminivora glycinivorella (Matsumura) in China, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadienyl acetate (EE-8,10-12:Ac), the main component of the pheromone of L. glycinivorella, and 12 structurally-related compounds were synthesised in good overall yields, regiospecificities, and stereo-selectivities via coupling reactions catalysed by Li2CuCl4. The effect of different synthetic compounds, alone or in combination with EE-8,10-12:Ac, on numbers of captured L. glycinivorella males was evaluated. EE-8,10-12:Ac, (E)-10-dodecenyl acetate (E-10-12:Ac), (E)-8-dodecenol (E-8-12:OH), tetradecyl acetate (14:Ac), and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z-9-14:Ac) alone displayed different attractiveness to L. glycinivorella males. 14:Ac, E-8-12:OH, E-10-12:Ac, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadienal (EE-8,10-12:Ald), (E)-8-dodecenal (E-8-12:Ald), (E)-10-dodecenal (E-10-12:Ald) and Z-9-14:Ac all showed a synergistic effect to EE-8,10-12:Ac at certain dosages. The binary mixtures of EE-8,10-12:Ac and E-10-12:Ald, Z-9-14:Ac,14:Ac, E-8-12:Ald, EE-8,10-12:Ald, E-8-12:OH, or E-10-12:Ac in suitable ratios give 17.00-, 10.98-, 10.67-, 6.73-, 5.54-, 4.30- and 4.50-fold increases in trap catch, respectively, over the standard pheromone lure, and as novel pheromone blends, demonstrated potential use in pheromone traps to monitor or control L. glycinivorella populations in China.
Side-chain Modifications of Highly Functionalized 3(2H)-Furanones
Authors: Nardini Viviani , Rodrigues Shirley , Constantino Maurício , Silva Gil
Published: October 2012

A series of 3(2H)-furanones, based on side-chain modifications of a parent 3(2H)-furanone, was synthesized in good yield. The parent compound was prepared by hydrogenolysis, and subsequent acid hydrolysis, of isoxazole derivatives. The isoxazole was prepared by a [3+2] 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between 3-butyn-2-ol and nitrile oxide.
Protein Analysis-on-Chip Systems in Foodomics
Authors: Nazzaro Filomena , Orlando Pierangelo , Fratianni Florinda , Di Luccia Aldo , Coppola Raffaele
Published: October 2012

Protein compositional data can address nutritional, packaging, origin/authenticity, processing history, safety and other quality questions. Such data has been time-consuming and expensive to generate until recently but “protein analysis on a chip” systems are now available that can analyze a complex food sample in a few minutes and do not require great protein analytical expertise. We review some of the main new approaches with examples of their application and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
The Confessions of Montaigne
Authors: Martin John
Published: October 2012

Montaigne rarely repented and he viewed confession—both juridical and ecclesiastical—with skepticism. Confession, Montaigne believed, forced a mode of self-representation onto the speaker that was inevitably distorting. Repentance, moreover, made claims about self-transformation that Montaigne found improbable. This article traces these themes in the context of Montaigne’s Essays, with particular attention to “On Some Verses of Virgil” and argues that, for Montaigne, a primary concern was finding a means of describing a self that he refused to reduce, as had Augustine and many other writers before and after him, to the homo interior.