bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertrophic Chondrocytes Have a Limited Capacity to Cope with Increases in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress without Triggering the Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Kung Louise H. W. , Rajpar M. Helen , Briggs Michael D. , Boot-Handford Raymond P.
Published: August 2012

Mutations causing metaphyseal chondrodysplasia type Schmid (MCDS) (e.g., Col10a1p.N617K) induce the pathology by a mechanism involving increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggering an unfolded protein response (UPR) in hypertrophic chondrocytes (Rajpar et al. 2009). Here we correlate the expression of mutant protein with the onset of the UPR and disease pathology (hypertrophic zone [HZ] expansion) in MCDS and ColXTg cog mouse lines from E14.5 to E17.5. Embryos homozygous for the Col10a1p.N617K mutation displayed a delayed secretion of mutant collagen X accompanied by a UPR at E14.5, delayed ossification of the primary center at E15.5, and an expanded HZ at E17.5. Heterozygote embryos expressed mutant collagen X from E14.5 but exhibited no evidence of a UPR or an HZ expansion until after E17.5. Embryos positive for the ER stress-inducing ColXTg cog allele expressed Tgcog at E14.5, but the onset of the UPR was not apparent until E15.5 in homozygous and E17.5 in hemizygous embryos. Only homozygous embryos exhibited an HZ expansion at E17.5. The differential onset of the UPR and pathology, dependent on mutation type and gene dosage, indicates that hypertrophic chondrocytes have a latent capacity to deal with ER stress, which must be exceeded to trigger the UPR and HZ expansion.
Dielektrische elektroaktive Polymere für strukturintegrierte Aktorik und Sensorik
Authors: Lotz Peter , Flittner Klaus , Haus Henry , Schlaak Helmut F.
Published: August 2012

Dielektrische elektroaktive Polymere (DEAP) sind eine Unterart von elektroaktiven Polymeren, die sich insbesondere zur Realisierung strukturintegrierter Aktor- und Sensorelemente eignen. Im aktorischen und sensorischen Betrieb verhalten sich dielektrische Elastomeraktoren (DEA) wie elektrostatische Aktoren bzw. Sensoren. Der Artikel stellt die Funktionsweise dar und erläutert die aktorischen und sensorischen Eigenschaften dieses aktiven Materials. Die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten werden anhand von drei unterschiedlichen Demonstratoren aufgezeigt.
Structural Health Monitoring by Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors Embedded into Technical Textiles
Authors: Krebber Katerina , Lenke Philipp , Liehr Sascha , Nöther Nils , Wendt Mario , Wosniok Aleksander , Daum Werner
Published: August 2012

Technical textiles with embedded distributed fiber optic sensors have been developed for the purposes of structural health monitoring in geotechnical and civil engineering. The distributed fiber optic sensors are based on Brillouin scattering in silica optical fibers and OTDR in polymer optical fibers. Such “smart” technical textiles are used for reinforcement of geotechnical and masonry structures. The embedded fiber optic sensors provide online information about the condition of the structure and about the occurrence and location of any damage or degradation.
Panpan: Streetwalking in Occupied Japan
Authors: Sanders Holly
Published: July 2012

This article explores sex markets in Occupied Japan. These operated under a legal regime distinct from traditional pleasure quarters and provided wage labor. There, streetwalkers, or panpan, had unprecedented control over their work. Many came from the middle class and formed women-led gangs that resembled criminal syndicates. The former especially concerned social scientists and mothers in postwar Japan. Calls to sanitize public space to protect Japanese children increasingly dominated public discourse about the U.S. military bases. By 1953 new regulations forced panpan into brothels where they lost the control over their labor they had enjoyed during the Occupation (1945–1952). This article also suggests that reactions to base prostitution in Occupied Japan paralleled those in the United States during the war.
Expression Profiling of Attenuated Mitochondrial Function Identifies Retrograde Signals inDrosophila
Authors: Freije William A , Mandal Sudip , Banerjee Utpal
Published: August 2012

Mitochondria are able to modulate cell state and fate during normal and pathophysiologic conditions through a nuclear-mediated mechanism collectively termed as a retrograde response. Our previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster have clearly established that progress through the cell cycle is precisely regulated by the intrinsic activity of the mitochondrion by specific signaling cascades mounted by the cell. As a means to further our understanding of how mitochondrial energy status affects nuclear control of basic cell decisions, we have employed Affymetrix microarray-based transcriptional profiling of Drosophila S2 cells knocked down for the gene encoding subunit Va of the complex IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The profiling data identify transcriptional upregulation of glycolytic genes, and metabolic studies confirm this increase in glycolysis. The data provide a model of the shift of metabolism from a predominately oxidative state toward a predominately aerobic glycolytic state mediated through transcriptional control. The transcriptional changes alter many signaling systems, including p53, insulin, hypoxia-induced factor α, and conserved mitochondrial retrograde responses. This rich dataset provides many novel targets for further understanding the mechanism whereby the mitochondrion manages energy substrate disposition and directs cellular fate decisions.
Satellite DNA-Like Elements Associated With Genes Within Euchromatin of the Beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Brajković Josip , Feliciello Isidoro , Bruvo-Mađarić Branka , Ugarković Đurđica
Published: August 2012

In the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum the major TCAST satellite DNA accounts for 35% of the genome and encompasses the pericentromeric regions of all chromosomes. Because of the presence of transcriptional regulatory elements and transcriptional activity in these sequences, TCAST satellite DNAs also have been proposed to be modulators of gene expression within euchromatin. Here, we analyze the distribution of TCAST homologous repeats in T. castaneum euchromatin and study their association with genes as well as their potential gene regulatory role. We identified 68 arrays composed of TCAST-like elements distributed on all chromosomes. Based on sequence characteristics the arrays were composed of two types of TCAST-like elements. The first type consists of TCAST satellite-like elements in the form of partial monomers or tandemly arranged monomers, up to tetramers, whereas the second type consists of TCAST-like elements embedded with a complex unit that resembles a DNA transposon. TCAST-like elements were also found in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the CR1-3_TCa retrotransposon, and therefore retrotransposition may have contributed to their dispersion throughout the genome. No significant difference in the homogenization of dispersed TCAST-like elements was found either at the level of local arrays or chromosomes nor among different chromosomes. Of 68 TCAST-like elements, 29 were located within introns, with the remaining elements flanked by genes within a 262 to 404,270 nt range. TCAST-like elements are statistically overrepresented near genes with immunoglobulin-like domains attesting to their nonrandom distribution and a possible gene regulatory role.
A Multifunctional Microgripper Capable of Simultaneous Single Cell Manipulation and Associated Ion Sensing
Authors: Daunton Rachael , Gallant Andrew J. , Kataky Ritu , Wood David
Published: July 2012

The successful modification of the tips of a cellular microgripper into ion selective electrodes capable of sensing calcium ions at concentrations as low as 8x10-5 M is described. The modification involves applying the process of adding the components of all solid state ion selective electrodes. Specifically, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is added to a gold electrode protruding from the microgripper tip; this is then coated with a poly(vinyl chloride) PVC based calcium selective membrane. Excellent Nernstian response was observed from our devices, with calibration slopes of 29.5 ± 2.5 mV/dec.
Threshold voltage drift in phase change memories: scaling and modeling
Authors: Ciocchini N. , Cassinerio M. , Fugazza D. , Ielmini D.
Published: July 2012

The phase-change-memory (PCM) relies on the ability of a chalcogenide material, usually Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), to switch from the amorphous phase with a high electrical resistance (~MΩ) to a crystalline phase with a low electrical resistance (∼kΩ). The structural stability of the amorphous phase is critically affected by temperature-activated crystallization and resistance drift due to structural relaxation (SR) [1]. While amorphous chalcogenides are relatively stable with respect to crystallization, thanks to a high activation energy above 2 eV [2], the lower activation energy of SR can strongly affect the PCM electrical properties of the amorphous phase, including resistance, activation energy for conduction and, most importantly, the threshold voltage VT. The latter marks the boundary between read and programming operations in PCM, thus VT instability must be carefully predicted to minimize read disturbs within the array. To this purpose, understanding the switching mechanisms and modeling of VT is of utmost importance for PCM device development and scaling.
Video rate terahertz imaging using Si-technology based micro-bolometer array/camera
Authors: Hosako Iwao , Oda Naoki
Published: July 2012

Terahertz (THz) imaging technique has attracted much attention in recent years, because the technique can be applied to many application fields such as nondestructive analysis and imaging method through optically opaque materials. A THz real-time imaging equipment (Terahertz Camera) considered increasingly important in the future has been developed. We report a THz video rate imaging system consisting of a quantum-cascade laser (QCL) light source as a THz illuminator, and a Si-technology based un-cooled micro-bolometer focal-plane array (an infrared detector common in thermal cameras). We also describe two applications of our imaging system: stand-off imaging for search and rescue in a fire disaster, and label-free biomaterial detection.
Synthetic Helical Polymers and Diblock Copolymers: Building Blocks for Biocompatible/Biofunctional Helical Superstructures
Authors: Sannigrahi Biswajit , Mendenhall Juana , Khan Ishrat M
Published: July 2012

Bottom-up design of materials via self-assembly with appropriate building blocks offers the possibility of developing innovative three-dimensional all synthetic materials with new functionalities. Helical optically active poly(3-methyl-4-vinylpyridine)/(R) and (S) mandelic acid and helical optically active poly(3-methyl-4-vinylpyridine) (P3M4VP)/ D- and L- amino acid complexes have been prepared. A diblock copolymer of helical poly[(3-methyl-4-vinylprydine)/mandelic acid complex]-block-poly(styrene) has been processed into smectic layer-like helical-bundle structures on silicon wafer. Additionally, optically active helical poly(2-methoxystyrene) (P2PMS) has been synthesized and the surfaces of the chiral helical P2MS have been shown to be effective as supports for mouse and human osteoblast cells. The cell attachment and growth data demonstrate that the chiral P2MS surfaces were better supports compared to achiral P2MS surfaces.
On the Unzipping Mechanisms of Carbon Nanotubes: Insights from Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: dos Santos Ricardo P. , Autreto Pedro A. , Perim Eric , Brunetto Gustavo , Galvao Douglas S.
Published: July 2012

Unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is considered one of the most promising approaches for the controlled and large-scale production of graphene nanoribbons (GNR). These structures are considered of great importance for the development of nanoelectronics because of its dimensions and intrinsic nonzero band gap value. Despite many years of investigations some details on the dynamics of the CNT fracture/unzipping processes remain unclear. In this work we have investigated some of these process through molecular dynamics simulations using reactive force fields (ReaxFF), as implemented in the Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) code. We considered multi-walled CNTs of different dimensions and chiralities and under induced mechanical stretching. Our preliminary results show that the unzipping mechanisms are highly dependent on CNT chirality. Well-defined and distinct fracture patterns were observed for the different chiralities. Armchair CNTs favor the creation of GNRs with well-defined armchair edges, while zigzag and chiral ones produce GNRs with less defined and defective edges.
MnO2 Decorated Three Dimensional Graphene Heterostructures for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Shirui , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: July 2012

Supercapacitors are promising candidates for alternative energy storage applications since they can store and deliver energy at relatively high rates. In this work, we integrated large area chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown three dimensional graphene heterostructures with high capacitance metal oxides (MnO2) to fabricate highly conductive, large surface-area composite thin films. Uniform, large area 3D graphene heterostructures layers were produced by a one-step CVD on nickel foams. MnO2 nanowires were deposited on the as-obtained 3D graphene heterostructures film by a simple chemical bath depostion process. The oxide loading of the 3D graphene/MWNTs/MnO2 nanowires (GMM) composite films can be simply controlled by deposition time and nanowire solution concentration. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed to characterize the MnO2on the surface of the film. By introducing the fast surface redox reactions into the graphene heterostructures film via integrating pseudocapacitive material like MnO2, the capacitive ability of the system enhanced dramatically. Supercapacitor was fabricated based on the 3D graphene heterostructures /MnO2 hybrid film electrodes; the measurements of cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are conducted to determine its performance for the electrodes of supercapacitors.
Few-wall carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized by ferrocene groups for bioelectrochemical devices.
Authors: Allali Naoual , Urbanova Veronika , Mamane Victor , Waldbock Jeremy , Etienne Mathieu , Mallet Martine , Devaux Xavier , Vigolo Brigitte , Fort Yves , Walcarius Alain , Noël Maxime , Soldatov Alexander V. , McRae Edward , Dossot Manuel
Published: July 2012

The present work reports the covalent functionalization of few-wall CNTs (FWCNTs) by ferrocene derivatives to i) improve their dispersion efficiency in water and ii) to graft electroactive chemical groups on their side-walls in order to promote electron transfer to biomolecules. The functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs) are used to modify a glassy carbon electrode and this modified electrode is used for oxidizing the cofactor NADH (dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
A Model of Chemical Mechanical Planarization to Predict Impact of Pad Conditioning on Process Performance
Authors: Basim G. Bahar , Kincal Serkan
Published: July 2012

This study presents an effort to couple a wafer removal rate profile model based on the locally relevant Preston equation to the change in pad thickness profile which reflects to post polish profile of the wafers after Chemical Mechanical Planarization. The result is a dynamic predictor of how the wafer removal rate profile shifts as the pad ages. These predictions can be used to fine tune the conditioner operating characteristics without having to carry out high cost and time consuming experiments. The accuracy of the predictions is demonstrated by individual confirmation experiments in addition to the evaluation of the defectivity performance with the varied pad conditioning profiles.
Mineralogy and chemistry of the green stone artifacts (muiraquitãs) of the museums of the Brazilian State of Pará
Authors: Meirelles Anna Cristina Resque , Costa Marcondes Lima da
Published: August 2012

Muiraquitãs, lithic artifacts found in the Amazon basin, have been considered to be Asian in origin, or to have been sculpted by the legendary female Amazon warriors. These pieces are now very rare, and are found mainly in museum collections. In the present study, the mineralogical and chemical content of 23 specimens from the collections of the Museu de Gemas (Gemstone Museum) and Museu do Encontro (Meeting Museum) in Belém, Brazil, were analyzed. Most of the pieces were made of minerals commonly found in Brazil - quartz, albite, microcline, variscite, anorthite, and tremolite (the equivalent of nephritic jade). However, four of the pieces were made of jadeite, that is, jadeitic jade, which is unknown in the Amazon basin or in other parts of Brazil. The confirmation of the presence of this mineral in some of the artifacts reopens the debate on the mineralogical origin of the muiraquitãs found in the Amazon basin. Before the present discovery, their origin was defended as Amazonian due to the absence of jadeite jade in the searched pieces and the fact that jadeite was not found in Brazil but in Central America and Asia.
Modelamento da utilização de aglomerado autorredutor em minialto-forno com recirculação de gás de topo
Authors: Matos Ulysses Forastieri de , Castro José Adilson de
Published: August 2012

Os minialtos-fornos são reatores que, tradicionalmente, produzem gusa a partir de carvão vegetal, utilizando minério granular com alguma substituição de minério por carga elaborada. Nesse trabalho, propõe-se a substituição de carga metálica por aglomerado autoredutor com reaproveitamento de gás de topo reformado em minialtos-fornos com cenários onde o agente redutor seria o CV e retorno de coque de grandes altos fornos (small coque). Essa tecnologia foi avaliada, utilizando-se um código computacional do alto-forno previamente validado, tendo como base fenômenos de transporte. Diversos cenários combinando carregamento de aglomerado autorredutor e reutilização do gás de topo foram simulados. Com base nos resultados de simulação, pode-se concluir que até 45% da carga poderia ser substituída por aglomerado autorredutor combinando reutilização do gás. As melhores condições indicaram aumento de produtividade da ordem de 8% com agente redutor carvão vegetal. Resultados mostraram que reduções da ordem de 30% e 40% de agente redutor podem ser alcançadas para operações com carvão vegetal e small coque, respectivamente.
Influência da areia de cura a frio reutilizada nas propriedades mecânicas e características superficiais de moldes empregados em fundição
Authors: Silva Christian Egidio da , Oliveira Diego Luiz , Silidônio Júnior Luiz Carlos , Rivaroli Júnior Amir
Published: August 2012

Emprega-se uma quantidade expressiva de areia em qualquer processo de fundição e, consequentemente, quantidade igual de resíduos sólidos é gerada. Surge, portanto, a necessidade de se maximizar a recuperação de areia por questões econômicas e ambientais. O objetivo desse trabalho é avaliar a influência do uso de areia de cura a frio reutilizada na resistência mecânica de moldes usados na fundição. Evidenciou-se que é possível empregar até 50% de areia recuperada para a confecção de moldes para o processo de fundição, sendo necessário, no entanto, alterar o percentual de resina da mistura. Não é recomendado utilizar mais do que 50% de areia reutilizada devido aos baixos resultados de propriedade mecânica obtidos. Observou-se uma diferença significativa na morfologia dos grãos à medida que a areia estava sendo reutilizada, apesar de não ter sido encontrada variação expressiva no tamanho médio do grão de areia.
Hot metal desulfurization by marble waste and fluorspar
Authors: Aguiar Felipe Nylo de , Grillo Felipe Fardin , Tenório Jorge Alberto Soares , Oliveira José Roberto de
Published: August 2012

The objective of this paper is to present an analysis of the use of residual marble mixtures in the pig iron desulfurization process. The study involved the use of: marble waste, fluorspar, lime, and hot metal. Four mixtures were made and added to a liquid hot metal - with known chemical composition - at a temperature of 1450ºC. The mass of each element was calculated from its chemical analysis and compared with an industrial mixture. All of the four mixtures used in the experiments were stirred by a mechanical stirrer. Samples were collected by vacuum sampling for times of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes, and analysis was performed to check sulfur variation in the bath with time. The results were analyzed and they verified that it was possible to use marble waste as a desulfurizer.
Simulação de moagem mista por rede neural artificial
Authors: Rosa Germano Mendes , Luz José Aurélio Medeiros da
Published: August 2012

Esse artigo versa sobre a aplicação de um simulador de moagem mista baseado em redes neurais artificiais (do tipo perceptron multicamadas com treinamento supervisionado com o algoritmo retropropagação com momento). Os dados experimentais aqui utilizados provieram do trabalho atinente ao artigo intitulado "Seletividade na cominuição de mesclas de dolomita e quartzo". Para verificar a estabilidade estatística do processo de simulação, utilizou-se a carta de controle Shewhart para valores individuais, a qual se mostrou útil para orientar a aceitação dos treinamentos. Os resultados mostraram bom desempenho dessa ferramenta na simulação de moagem mista (moagem de mistura de componentes de diferentes moabilidades), problema de comum ocorrência no setor minerometalúrgico.
Dimensionamento estrutural de estradas de mina a céu aberto
Authors: Sousa Lilian Masetti Lobo Soares de , Oliveira Filho Waldyr Lopes de , Lima Hernani Mota de
Published: August 2012

Uma estrada de mina foi dimensionada com materiais típicos ocorrentes em mineração de minério de ferro no Brasil, utilizando-se os métodos empíricos CBR e DNER. Através do programa de dimensionamento estrutural mecanístico-empírico ELSYM5, compararam-se os resultados obtidos pelos métodos anteriores e propôs-se a otimização do dimensionamento feito pelo método DNER. Os resultados mostram que a espessura total do pavimento calculada pelos dois métodos é, basicamente, a mesma, sendo que a espessura da camada de base pelo método DNER é superior à obtida pelo CBR, enquanto o oposto ocorre com a sub-base. Ambos os dimensionamentos mostram, através da aplicação do software ELSYM5, que não são os mais apropriados, visto que a deformação de algumas camadas, principalmente no caso CBR, está acima do limite aceitável de 2000 µε. Através da variação da espessura das camadas, obteve-se um dimensionamento adequado, que levou à redução da espessura da camada total do pavimento de 1,97 m para 1,40 m. A redução da deformação das camadas, em que se variou o módulo de elasticidade, demonstra a importância da realização de ensaios de caracterização física dos materiais.
Niche evolution across spatial scales: climate and habitat specialization in California Lasthenia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Emery Nancy C. , Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Jui Ginger , Park Michael S. , Baldwin Bruce G. , Ackerly David D.
Published: August 2012

Ecologists and evolutionary biologists perceive the ecological niche as a multidimensional relationship between an organism and its environment. Yet, we know little about the degree to which multiple niche axes evolve in concert across various spatial scales to explain differences in distribution patterns and habitat specialization among lineages. Here we used contemporary phylogenetic approaches to analyze the evolution of species' distributions across multiple spatial scales in Lasthenia, a young and ecologically diverse plant clade largely occurring within the California Floristic Province, USA. Lasthenia species and subspecies range from widely distributed taxa that occupy a diversity of habitat types to locally restricted habitat endemics, including several lineages that are strongly associated with isolated ephemeral wetlands called vernal pools. We quantified the niche of Lasthenia species and subspecies at three different spatial scales: the range‐wide climate niche, the habitat niche, and the within‐habitat depth niche for those taxa occupying vernal pools. We incorporated phylogenetic uncertainty into our analyses by reanalyzing previously described DNA sequences in a Bayesian context and conducting all subsequent comparative analyses over the resulting posterior distribution of ultrametric phylogenetic trees. Using a biogeographic approach for ancestral habitat reconstruction, we estimated that Lasthenia lineages have undergone up to four independent transitions from strictly terrestrial habitats to a niche that incorporates semiaquatic habitats, and one of these transitions led to the subsequent proliferation of vernal pool species and subspecies. We found that the local niche axis, corresponding to the depth distribution of taxa within pools, was more phylogenetically conserved than the large‐scale axes representing climatic associations. Furthermore, we did not find evidence that niche breadth estimates along different axes were consistently correlated, indicating that ecological specialization may be specific to certain niche axes rather than an overall characteristic of a species.
Microcomputed Tomography Analysis of Mesiobuccal Orifices and Major Apical Foramen in First Maxillary Molars
Authors: Spagnuolo Gianrico , Ametrano Gianluca , D’Antò Vincenzo , Formisano Anna , Simeone Michele , Riccitiello Francesco , Amato Massimo , Rengo Sandro
Published: August 2012

Objective:

Aim of the study was to determined by microcomputed tomography (µCT) the horizontal distance between the main (MB1) and the second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) orifices, the vertical distance between the MB1 and MB2 orifices planes, and the distance between the anatomic apex and major apical foramen (AF). Furthermore, we characterized the entire internal and external anatomy of the MB, distalbuccal (DB) and palatal (P) maxillary first molars roots.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-two intact extracted first maxillary molars were scanned by X-ray computed transaxial µCT and then 2D and 3D images were processed and analyzed.

Results:

The results showed that 77.27% of the mesiobuccal (MB) roots presented a second MB canal, and 29.41% of the MB2 were independent from the MB1 canals. In 15 teeth, there were three root canal orifices on the chamber floor, and 10 of these teeth presented MB2 canals. The mean vertical distance between the MB1 and MB2 planes was 1.68 ± 0.83 mm. Seven teeth had four orifices. The mean horizontal interorificial distance between the MB1 and MB2 orifices was 1.21 ± 0.5 mm. Accessory canals were observed in 33.33% of the roots, loops in 6.06%, while isthmuses were found in 15 of the 22 MB roots. Of the total roots, 74.24% presented one foramen, while all of the roots showed a major apical foramen that was not coincident with the anatomic apex.

Conclusions:

Our µCT analysis provided interesting features on the horizontal and vertical distance between the MB1 and MB2 orifices and on the distance of AF and anatomic apex.

Clinical Relevance:

These results have an important clinical value because might support the endodontist in the recruitment, negotiation and obturation of maxillary first molar canal system.
Association of Reduced Renal Function with Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase
Authors: Cai Jianfang , Fan Xiaohong , Mou Lijun , Gao Bixia , Liu Xuejiao , Li Jinhong , Liu Lili , Wang Haiyun , Guo Zengyu , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Hang , Li Xuemei , Li Xuewang
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives

Clinically, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is observed to be associated with nephropathy. However, previous population-based studies failed to show an association between HBV infection and CKD. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was designed to further explore this association.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A representative sample of 6854 Chinese adults aged 30–75 years was tested for levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and potential CKD risk factors.

Results

Neither HBV infection nor elevated ALT (ALT+; ≥ sex-specific 90th percentile of ALT levels of noninfected persons) was significantly associated with reduced estimated GFR (eGFR < 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Compared with noninfected persons, HBV-infected persons with ALT+, but not those with ALT− (P=0.26), were more likely to have reduced eGFR (odds ratio, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.18–14.0; P=0.03). Further analysis with a general linear model revealed a significant difference in eGFR (mean ± SEM) between HBV-infected and noninfected persons (87.8±0.8 versus 90.2±0.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2; P=0.002). This difference was mainly derived from that between HBV-infected persons with ALT+ and noninfected persons, with an average difference in eGFR of −4.5 (95% confidence interval, −0.9 to −8.1; P=0.01). HBV infection and ALT+, alone or in combination, were not significantly associated with albuminuria or CKD.

Conclusions

HBV infection with elevated ALT, rather than HBV infection alone, was associated with reduced renal function.
Evaluation of reproductive success and conservation strategies for Senecio coincyi (Asteraceae), a narrow and threatened endemic plant of central western Spain
Authors: Martínez-García Felipe , Guerrero-García Silvia , Pérez-García Félix
Published: July 2012

Senecio coincyi (Asteraceae) is a threatened endemic plant of central western
Spain. The reproductive biology of this species in relation to the
characteristics of its habitats and the possible strategies for its
conservation, were studied. The area of occupancy, habitat types and size of
13 known subpopulations of S. coincyi was evaluated. Germination tests were
carried out to assess the effect of temperature and light regimes, and the
possible intraspecific variation on the cypsela germination. Cypselas reached
very high germination percentages (90-100%) from 15?C to 30?C. However, the
germination decreased (by about 19%) at 10?C. The light conditions assayed
did not significantly affect cypsela germination. In conclusion, S. coincyi
showed high sexual reproduction ability, and therefore its conservation
problems are not due to agents related to its reproductive biology, but to
others, such as the alteration of its habitat caused by the presence of
livestock.
Parental care in Cryptops hortensis (Donovan) (Chilopoda: Scolopendromorpha) from Serbia, the Balkan peninsula
Authors: Mitic B.M. , Antic D.Z. , Ilic B.S. , Makarov S.E. , Lucic L.R. , Curcic B.P.M.
Published: July 2012

Parental care in the geographically widespread cryptopid scolopendromorph
Cryptops hortensis (Donovan) is described for the first time. It was observed
that the adult female rolls her body around the mass of hatchlings with the
ventral side against the brood. This finding supports the hypothesis that
within the brooding centipedes, the female position with the terga outwards
is a plesiomorphic state and probably a general feature of all
Scolopendromorpha. In addition, the major external morphological characters
of the fetus instar and adolescens I are described.
Morphometric characteristics of the neurons of the human subiculum proper
Authors: Vulovic Maja , Zivanovic-Macuzic Ivana , Jeremic D. , Stojadinovic D. , Tanaskovic Irena , Popovic-Deusic Smiljka , Peljto A. , Tosevski J.
Published: July 2012

The human subiculum is a significant part of the hippocampal formation
positioned between the hippocampus proper and the entorhinal and other
cortices. It plays an important role in spatial navigation, memory processing
and control of the response to stress. The aim of our study was
identification of the morphometric characteristics of the neurons of the
human subiculum proper: the maximum length and width of cell body and total
dendritic length and volume of cell body. Comparing the measured parameters
of different types of subicular neurons (bipolar, multipolar, pyramidal
neurons with triangular-shaped soma and neurons with oval-shaped soma), we
can conclude that bipolar neurons have the lowest values of the measured
parameters: the maximum length of their cell body is 14.1 ? 0.2 ?m, the
maximum width is 13.9 ? 0.5 ?m, and total dendritic length is 14597 ? 3.1 ?m.
The lowest volume value was observed in bipolar neurons; the polymorphic
layer is 1152.99 ? 662.69 ?m3. The pyramidal neurons of the pyramidal layer
have the highest value for the maximal length of the cell body (44.43 ? 7.94
?m), maximum width (23.64 ? 1.89 ?m), total dendritic length (1830 ? 466.3
?m) and volume (11768.65?4004.9 ?m3) These characteristics of the pyramidal
neurons indicate their importance, because the axons of these neurons make up
the greatest part of the fornix, along with the axons of neurons of the CA1
hippocampal field.
Effects of methimazole-induced hypothyroidism on immunohistochemical, stereomorphometric and some ultrastructural characteristics of pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Ukropina Mirela , Glisic Radmila , Velickovic Ksenija , Markelic Milica , Golic I. , Cakic-Milosevic Maja , Koko Vesna
Published: July 2012

The function of pancreatic ?-cells is to produce and secrete insulin, a
crucial hormone in carbohydrate metabolism. The transcription factor PDX1 is
required for insulin gene transcription and mature ?-cell function. Since
this factor is regulated by triiodothyronine, a disturbance in insulin
biosynthesis and/or secretion is usually related to a deficiency of this
hormone. In the present study, we used methods of immunohistochemistry,
stereology and electron microscopy to explore the correlation between altered
thyroid status and insulin synthesis/secretion in a model of
methimazole-induced hypothyroidism in rats. In hypothyroid animals fewer
functional PDX1-positive ?-cells were detected in the islets of Langerhans,
while insulin immunostaining was stronger. Stereological analysis of ?-cell
granules revealed more numerous immature insulin granules in hypothyroid
rats. Taken together, these data suggest that the applied treatment caused
impaired insulin synthesis and secretion. Rare cells with granules
characteristic for both ?- and ?-cells observed in hypothyroid animals could
provide functional compensation for diminished insulin synthesis.
The effects of thermal radiation and viscous dissipation on MHD heat and mass diffusion flow past an oscillating vertical plate embedded in a porous medium with variable surface conditions
Authors: Kishore P.M. , Rajesh V. , Verma Vijayakumar
Published: July 2012

This investigation is undertaken to study the hydromagnetic flow of a viscous
incompressible fluid past an oscillating vertical plate embedded in a porous
medium with radiation, viscous dissipation and variable heat and mass
diffusion. Governing equations are solved by unconditionally stable explicit
finite difference method of DuFort - Frankel?s type for concentration,
temperature, vertical velocity field and skin - friction and they are
presented graphically for different values of physical parameters involved.
It is observed that plate oscillation, variable mass diffusion, radiation,
viscous dissipation and porous medium affect the flow pattern significantly.
Three-dimensional fundamental solution in transversely isotropic thermoelastic diffusion material
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Chawla Vijay
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present investigation is to study the fundamental solution for
three dimensional problem in transversely isotropic thermoelastic diffusion
medium. After applying the dimensionless quantities, two displacement
functions are introduced to simplify the basic threedimensional equations of
thermoelastic diffusion with transverse isotropy for the steady state
problem. Using the operator theory, we have derived the general expression
for components of displacement, mass concentration, temperature distribution
and stress components. On the basis of general solution, three dimensional
fundamental solutions for a point heat source in an infinite thermoelastic
diffusion media is obtained by introducing four new harmonic functions. From
the present investigation, a special case of interest is also deduced to
depict the effect of diffusion.
Acute small bowel obstruction due to ileal endometriosis: A case report and review of the most recent literature
Authors: Unalp Recai , Akguner Taner , Yavuzcan Ali , Ekıncı Nese
Published: July 2012

Introduction. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of benign endometrial
glands and stroma outside the normal anatomical location. Endometriosis of
the small bowel, especially symptomatic small bowel involvement, is very
unusual. Case report. We presented a 45-year-old woman with acute intestinal
obstruction due to ileal endometriosis The patient complained of severe
abdominal pain, nausea and vomitting. Immediate laparotomy was carried out.
Above the ileocecal valve there was an ulcerated, edematous and fragile
segmental lesion that caused intestinal obstruction. Histology of this ileal
segment revealed endometriosis and an annular stricture that again showed
foci of endometriosis. Conclusion. In reproductiveage women with the symptoms
of intestinal obstruction, intestinal endometriosis should be kept in mind.
Morphometric characteristics of optic disc in patients with myopia and primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Gvozdenovic Ranko , Risovic Dusica , Marjanovic Ivan , Vukovic Dragan , Stankovic Branislav
Published: July 2012

Background/Aim. Primary open-angle glaucoma is a multifactorial and
progressive neuropathy, characterized by the acquired loss of ganglion cells
of the retina and their axons. One of the risk factors for primary open-angle
glaucoma is myopia over 5 diopters (D). The aim of our work was to
investigate two groups of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and
myopia by using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and to find out if
the size of refractive error influences optic disk morfometric
characteristics. Methods. One hundred eyes of one hundred patients with
primary open-angle glaucoma and myopia were involved in our study. All the
patients were classified into two groups, the first one with myopia < 5 D,
and the second one with myopia ? 5 D. The Heidelberg retina tomograph is a
technique we used in our study. We analyzed morfometric parameters of
patients optic discs, with the aim to find a correlation between the
parameters in each group separeatly, and also to find differences between the
same parameters from both groups. Results. There were significant differences
in disc area, cup area, rim area and mean RNFL thickness between the two
groups. The size of damage of neuroretinal rim in the group with high myopia
was 27%, and in the group with lower myopia 14%. The most frequently damaged
segment of neuroretinal rim in the patients with high myopia was nasal
segment and in the patients with low myopia infero-temporal one. The least
frequently damaged segment of neuroretinal rim in both groups was temporal
one. Conclusion. Optic discs of glaucomatous patients with high myopia have
bigger diameter, also bigger and more irregularly distributed damaged zone of
neuroretinal rim, and also thinner retinal nerve fiber layer compared to
glaucomatous patients with lower myopia.
Optimal timing of autologous cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy in children
Authors: Piedra Mark P. , Thompson Eric M. , Selden Nathan R. , Ragel Brian T. , Guillaume Daniel J.
Published: August 2012

Object

The object of this study was to determine if early cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for elevated intracranial pressure in children reduces complications.

Methods

Sixty-one consecutive cases involving pediatric patients who underwent autologous cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for raised intracranial pressure at a single academic children's hospital over 15 years were studied retrospectively.

Results

Sixty-one patients were divided into early (< 6 weeks; 28 patients) and late (≥ 6 weeks; 33 patients) cranioplasty cohorts. The cohorts were similar except for slightly lower age in the early (8.03 years) than the late (10.8 years) cranioplasty cohort (p < 0.05). Bone resorption after cranioplasty was significantly more common in the late (42%) than the early (14%) cranioplasty cohort (p < 0.05; OR 5.4). No other complication differed in incidence between the cohorts.

Conclusions

After decompressive craniectomy for raised intracranial pressure in children, early (< 6 weeks) cranioplasty reduces the occurrence of reoperation for bone resorption, without altering the incidence of other complications.
Spinal intradural myxoid chondrosarcoma
Authors: Shivapathasundram Ganeshwaran , Sammons Vanessa , Darwish Balsam
Published: August 2012

The authors present a rare case of intradural extramedullary spinal chondrosarcoma. This 38-year-old man presented with urinary retention and lower-limb weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a thoracic intradural extramedullary spinal tumor, which was resected. Histopathology revealed a meningeal myxoid chondrosarcoma. Despite adjuvant radiotherapy, the patient had multiple recurrences and metastases and died 18 months following his first surgery. The management of the rare entity of spinal canal chondrosarcoma is discussed.
Effects of carotid artery stenosis treatment on blood pressure
Authors: Chung Joonho , Kim Byung Moon , Paik Ho Kyu , Hyun Dong-Keun , Park Hyeonseon
Published: August 2012

Object

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term effects of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) on blood pressure (BP).

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2009, 134 patients underwent 145 procedures for treatment of carotid artery stenosis. Patients with at least 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow-up after treatment were included in this study. A total of 102 patients met this criterion and were placed in the CEA group (n = 59) or the CAS group (n = 43) according to their treatment. The percentage change in BP decrement and the number of patients with a normotensive BP were evaluated and compared between the groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to baseline characteristics. Compared with the pretreatment BP, the follow-up BPs were significantly decreased in both groups. At the 1-year followup, the percentage change in the BP decrement was greater in the CAS group (percentage change: systolic BP 9.6% and diastolic BP 12.8%) than in the CEA group (percentage change: systolic BP 5.9% [p = 0.035] and diastolic BP = 8.1% [p = 0.049]), and there were more patients with a normotensive BP in the CAS group (46.5%) than in the CEA group (22.0%, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Both CEA and CAS have BP-lowering effects. Carotid artery stenting seems to have a better effect than CEA on BP at the 1-year follow-up.
Optimization of process conditions for catalytic alkylation of isomeric cresols with cyclohexene
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Rana Ashequl Alam , Saha Manoranjan
Published: July 2012

Alkylation of isomeric cresols with cyclohexene in presence of perchloric acid as catalyst was studied and cyclohexyl cresols obtained in high yield. The effects of the variation of reaction parameters such as temperature, molar ratio of cresol to cyclohexene, amount of perchloric acid and time of reaction were investigated. The yield of the products increased with the increase of each of the above-mentioned parameters. Optimum yield (97.6% for cyclohexyl m-cresol; 95.4% for 2-cyclohexyl-4-methylphenol and 91.2% for cyclohexyl o-cresol) of the products were obtained under the reaction conditions of a temperature of 140ºC; an 8-6:1 molar ratio of cresol to cyclohexene, a 5% by weight perchloric acid of cresol, a 2 h time of addition of cyclohexene and a 2 h time of stirring of the reaction mixture. Considering the yields of cyclohexyl cresols and ease of purifications, the above mentioned conditions were accounted as optimum for the alkylation of isomeric cresols with cyclohexene in the presence of perchloric acid.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11446   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 153-160, 2012
Characterization of the sand of Brahmaputra river of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahmanb Md Aminur , Biswasb Pradip Kumar , Zamanb Mohammad Nazim , Miah Md Yunus , Hossain Tofazzal , Huq SM Imamul
Published: July 2012

The aim of this paper is to study on the mineralogy, morphology, magnetic property and composition of the sand of Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh. The sand has been collected from randomly selected seven places and separated by High Intensity Rolling Magnetic Separator  into three fractions, viz. magnetic, para-magnetic and non-magnetic parts. The identifications of the valuable heavy minerals existing in these fractions have been performed. The valuable heavy minerals in the separated fractions have been counted under reflected and polarizing microscope and it is found that the magnetic fraction contains ilmenite, magnetite and garnet. The major grain size fraction of the magnetic fraction is 125 - 250 ?m (57.18%). Zircon, rutile, xenotime, monazite, sillimanite etc. have been counted in other two fractions. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Isodynamic Separator have been applied for mineral assessment and to quantify the relative proportion of mineral species.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11448   Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 167-172, 2012
Study of some biochemical parameters of vitiligo patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Md Ziaul , Rahman Mohd Hafizur , Satter Mohammed A
Published: July 2012

This study is focus on the biochemical analysis to investigate the condition of different biochemical parameters for the Vitiligo patients. This biochemical analysis deals with the blood serum level of random blood sugar, bilirubin, urea, total protein, SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol and uric acids. The increasing some of the biochemical parameters were statistically significant with the age groups. Random blood sugar analysis of the 125 patient's age group 31- 40, 41- 50 and above 50 significantly higher than the control group. No significant changes were observed in serum bilirubin, serum urea, serum creatinine, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum asparate amino transferase (AST) level in different age group of Vitiligo patients. In this study, the serum total proteins were slightly decreased in the age group patients below 10 and 11-20 as compared to healthy controls. The average serum total protein level of the below 10 and 11-20 age group patients were 5.31 g/dl and 6.50 g/dl respectively, whereas the controls were 5.95 g/dl and 6.92 g/dl respectively. Serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides and serum uric acid levels were significantly changed in the age group 11-20 and 31-40 compared with the healthy control. The average serum cholesterol level, triglyceride (TG) level and uric acid level were 152.17 mg/dl, 90.27 mg/dl, 4.75 mg/dl and 173.40 mg/dl, 149.95 mg/dl, 5.54 mg/dl respectively for the patients of 11-20 and 31-40 years age group. The controls of these parameters for the 11-20 years and 31-40 years age groups were 150.57 mg/dl, 94.41 mg/dl, 4.28 mg/dl and 156.75 mg/dl, 101mg/dl, 4.77mg/dl respectively. These biochemical studies on Vitiligo indicated that there was no significant changed observed in some biochemical parameters in the different age group of Vitiligo patients but some biochemical parameters like total protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), uric acid and random blood sugar level were significantly changed in different age group of Vitiligo patients specially among the 11-20 and 31-40 years age group. This biochemical studies would be helpful to know details about the pathological condition of the Vitiligo patients associated with other disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i2.11449 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(2), 173-186, 2012