bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Bamboo Accessions of India Using Molecular Markers
Authors: Gami Bharat , Syed Bakhtiyar Alam , Patel Beena
Published: June 2015

Bamboo is an important grass with wide scale applications in paper industries, medicines, constructions industries. It is potential feedstock for advanced biofuel production due to its favourable characteristics, natural abundance, rapid growth, perennial nature and higher CO2 sequestration. The objective of this study is to understand genetic diversity between the bamboo accessions with respect to geographical origin to correlate molecular information with feedstock characterization and adaptation to abiotic stress. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from twenty bamboo accessions collected from different regions of India and genetic variations were assessed by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) based molecular marker approach using 8 primers. Maximum genetic distance was observed between Bambusa wamin-Itanagar & B. ventricosa-Durg (0.48221) & minimum genetic distance between Bambusa balcooa-Modasa & Bambusa balcooa-Tripura (0.00787). Bambusa balcooa and Bambusa vulgaris were genetically similar as compared to other accessions. The genetic distance is independent of geographical distance for the bamboo accessions considered in this study. The findings of this study will help to understand the degree of differences between bamboo accessions under the same environmental conditions and to identify the representative accessions that can be used for abiotic stress resistance studies. The information can be explored for screening of closely related bamboo accessions for abiotic stress resistance screening trials.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(2): 330-336 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i2.12587
Electrochemical Studies of o- and p- Anisidine
Authors: Sharma Richa , Dave Sushma
Published: June 2015

Electrochemical oxidation of methyl substituted aniline (anisidine) has been done on both gold and platinum electrode using cyclic voltammetry. The results were compared in different supporting electrolytes such as KCl, KNO3, H2SO4, HCl. Effect of pH was observed on electrochemical oxidation of o- & p- anisidine at gold and platinum electrode. During various scan single oxidation peak during first forward scan with no corresponding cathodic peak was obtained while a new anodic cathodic couple peak appears in subsequent scan obtained. Kinetic parameters like heterogeneous rate constant, transfer co-efficient and diffusion co-efficient were also calculated. A sensitive method was developed for estimation of micro quantities of anisidine by linear sweep voltammetry and hydrodynamic voltammetry.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(2): 267-271 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i2.12615
Optimization Studies on Cellulase Production from Bacillus Anthracis and Ochrobactrum Anthropic (YZ1) Isolated from Soil
Authors: Duza Mohammad Badrud , Mastan S.A.
Published: June 2015

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the optimization of growth conditions of bacteria with high cellulase activity. Cellulose degrading bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected from different areas of Guntur district, A.P. The bacteria were isolated using serial dilution and pour plate methods. The isolated bacteria were identified by morphological, biochemical and molecular procedures. The isolated bacterial species were screened for cellulase production in sub-merged fermentation process. The two tested bacterial species showed maximum yield for cellulase production. These two bacteria were identified as Bacillus anthracis and Ochrobactrum anthropi (YZ1). Supplementation of glucose, peptone, tyrosine and EDTA to the fermentation medium is favoured enzyme secretion. The optimum pH and temperature for the activity of crude enzyme was 8 and 45°C, respectively for Ochrobactrum anthropi (YZ1) while for Bacillus anthracis, it was 8 and 4°C, respectively.14% of inoculum level and 96 h of incubation period showed the maximum yield by both the species bacteria for cellulase production. The results of present study indicated that favorable fermentation conditions and the selection of a suitable growth medium played a key role in the production of cellulase from newly isolated Bacillus anthracis and Ochrobactrum anthropi (YZ1).Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(2): 272-284 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i2.12616
Stem Rot (White Mold) and Tomato Spotted Wilt Resistance among Peanut Genotypes
Authors: Branch W.D. , Brenneman T.B.
Published: June 2015

Stem rot, also known as white mold (WM), caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., and tomato spotted wilt, caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), are two major disease problems in Georgia peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production. Current fungicides for stem rot control are very effective but expensive, and insecticides usually have little effect on TSWV, which is transmitted by thrips. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate different peanut genotypes for resistance to both of these pathogens. Field test evaluations were conducted for four consecutive years (2010-13) at a site on the agronomy research farm near the Coastal Plain Experiment Station which has a long history of continuous peanut production and a high incidence of stem rot (WM) and TSWV. Results from these field tests showed significant differences among the peanut genotypes evaluated for combined resistance to both diseases. Several genotypes showed low TSWV incidence at mid-season and mid-to-late season. However by late season and after digging, the best combination of stem rot (WM) and TSWV disease resistance and highest consistent yield over years was in the runner-type peanut cultivar ‘Georgia-12Y’, along with ‘York’, ‘Georgia-07W’, and ‘Georgia-10T’.
Alterpolitics or alterotopies
Authors: Ciavolella Riccardo
Published: June 2015

This article offers a critique of how the anthropology of pastoral nomadic societies participates in the debate about alternative forms of political organization and emancipation. In the first part, I retrace the roots of the reciprocal and circular influence between anthropology and critical theory, focusing on Deleuze and Guattari's “nomadology” and their reliance on ethnographies of “primitive” and especially nomadic people. Attracted by the spatial autonomy and immanent forms of resistance of nomads, their work nourished the poststructuralist interpretation of power, which in turn influenced contemporary radical political anthropologists. In the second part, I reintroduce ethnographic evidence on pastoral nomads into the discussion. Relying on recent ethnographic evidence of the crisis of nomadism, especially in West Africa, I argue that we should be more prudent in considering interstitial spaces of freedom and resistances as strategies for structurally changing power and for emancipation.
The anthropologist's assistant (or the assistant's anthropologist?)
Authors: Parry Jonathan
Published: June 2015

This piece tells the story of a disturbing episode in the author's relationship with the field. Though the details are unique, the kind of ethical dilemmas it documents must be in some form or other part of the experience of a great many anthropologists – though such stories are seldom set down in print. These dilemmas include the balance we strike between participation and observation, and between the moral commitments we have as private individuals and our (no less moral) commitment as anthropologists to report on our ethnography in as impartial and objective a way as is possible. Central to this particular story is the anthropologist's relationship with his research assistant over more than two decades, and it tells of the latter's involvement in various human rights campaigns, his arrest, imprisonment and on-going trial on vaguely specified charges. I reflect on the way in which these events have affected my subsequent fieldwork and on the way I have written up. It is the story of a friendship and of a genuine intellectual collaboration between the anthropologist and anthropologist's research assistant that is probably not so uncommon but is seldom fully reflected in the ethnographies we read.
Effect of Preoperative Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Wilms Tumor
Authors: Hasina Kaniz , Hassan Md Kamrul , Hanif Abdul , Khan Abdur Rahed , Islam Muhammad Saiful
Published: June 2015

Introduction: The management of Wilms tumor still remains a matter of great challenge to pediatric surgeons and also to pediatric oncologists. The tumor continues to be the subject of intensive investigations that with the aid of co-operative protocols by the National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS) have resulted in marked improvement in survival. Surgical excision remains the cornerstone of treatment of Wilms tumor; however the dramatic improvement in overall survival is the result of coordinated use of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.Materials and methods: This was a prospective study, started in September, 1999 and completed in November, 2000 in Pediatric Surgery department of Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Preoperative chemotherapy was given to all the patients of advanced Wilms tumor for four weeks with vincristine and actinomycin D according to the Societe Internationale d Oncologie Pediatrique (SIOP) protocol (Herdrich K, 1982). The patients were followed up every 2 weekly by ultrasonography, LFT, Hb% and chest X-ray for one month. The size of the tumor as well as the metastatic lesions in the prechemotherapeutic and postchemotherapeutic ultrasonographic findings was compared after one month.Results: After giving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the size of the tumor was reduced in 08 patients and it was measured by USG after one month. The change in the metastatic lesions was also compared by USG at the same time. Two patients died during the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and nephroureterectomy was done in 08 patients. All the resected specimens were sent for histopathology. The reports revealed features of Wilms tumor with favorable histology (FH) in 07 cases and unfavorable histology (UH) in 01 case.Conclusion: It is evident from this study that advanced stage of Wilms tumor, where operative treatment was not primarily possible, preoperative chemotherapy downsized the tumor significantly. It is then possible to perform nephroureterectomy.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(2): 56-60, 2012 (July)
Incidence and Progress of Vesicoureteric Reflux after Primary Fulguration of Posteriorurethralvalves
Authors: Pervez MM Masud , Hasina Kaniz , Huq Md Ashraf Ul
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most frequent cause of urethral obstruction in male child. These lesions usually result in lifelong disabilities with incontinence and decreased renal function despite optimal medical management. Primary fulguration without upper tract diversion is the preferred modality of treatment in most cases of PUV. Regular follow-up is needed to check completion of valve fulguration, renal function, status of hydronephrosis, vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), urinary tract infection (UTI), and bladder function.Materials and methods: We conducted interventional study among 30 purposively selected patients of PUV in the Department of Pediatric surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, over a period of 20 months from December 2009 to July 2011. Age of study subjects varied from 2 days to 14 years. Among the 30 patients, 16 were children in the age group between 1year to14 years (53.3%), 11(36.7%) were infants and the rest 03(10%) were neonates. Most of the patients presented with weak urinary stream, dribbling of urine, straining at micturition, UTI and palpable bladder. All children were subjected to ultrasonography (USG), blood urea, serum creatinine, routine urine examination and culture studies. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding improvement or disappearance of VUR and renal functional status before & after primary fulguration of PUV.Results: Average serum creatinine level was found gradually decreased in subsequent follow up in comparison with the previous one. This difference of creatinine level was found statistically significant in t-test (p<0.01). Average blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was also decreased which was found statistically significant (p<0.05). VUR was present in 63.3% cases. Non- VUR was found in 60% cases on right side and 50% cases on left side. On the third follow-up after 3 months it became 73.3% on right side and 63.3% on left side. Positive correlation found in Pearson correlation test about the changes of reflux grades before and after fulguration was significant at the level of 0.01(p<0.001). It was significant on both left and right kidneys. Positive correlation found in Pearson correlation test about the changes of GFR before and after fulguration was also significant at the level of 0.01(p <0.001). Collected data was cleaned, edited and analyzed with the help of software SPSS window version 15.0.Conclusion: In this study, VUR disappeared in some cases and decreased in majority of the cases by 3 months after adequate restoration of urethral patency. Renal function came to normal range in two thirds of the cases.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(2): 71-77, 2012 (July)
Diaphragmatic Rupture in a Boy Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma- A Case Report
Authors: Rahman MA Mushfiqur , Sajid Md Minhajuddin , Farooq Md Abdullah Al , Bhuiyan Md Akbar Husain , Chowdhury Tanvir Kabir
Published: June 2015

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm is rarely observed in children with thoracoabdominal trauma. Although dyspnea is the commonest symptom, early diagnosis is difficult as chest radiography can diagnose only half of the cases. Prompt diagnosis and surgical repair is life saving. Patient may suffer from multiple associated injuries which is often fatal. A 8 years old boy was admitted with severe respiratory distress and restlessness follwing a history of landslide few hours back. He was pale, cyanosed with hypotension, tachycardia and sweating. Bruise noted over left upper abdomen and left lower chest wall. Surgical emphysema and restricted movement during respiration was noted in the left chest wall with absent breath sound. Abdomen was scaphoid having normal bowel sound. Resuscitation was started and insertion of left intercostal chest drain tube had failed to relieve respiratory distress. A portable chest radiograph showed the chest drain tube in abdomen with mediastinal shifting to opposite side and collapsed lung margin. Left dome of the diaphragm was not clearly visualized. Re institution of chest tube was planned for immediate relief and on withdrawal of the previous drain tube dragged the omentum with it. Then the diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture was obvious. Laparotomy showed extensive tear of left hemidiaphragm with herniation of abdominal contents. Left costal margin was also torn but abdominal viscera were found intact. Repair was done with interrupted unabsorbable suture after keeping a chest drain tube. Post operatively the patient was kept in ward with adequate analgesia. Check X-ray on 1st post operative day, showed well expanded left lung. The patient had recovered well. Drain was removed on 3rd postoperative day and was discharged on 7th post operative day. High index of suspicion is needed for correct diagnosis. Outcome is satisfactory if treated in time without any associated injury.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(2): 81-84, 2012 (July)
Neuroblastoma neck in a 7-year-old girl: a very rare presentation
Authors: Shah Rameez , Rumi Sk Nurul Fatah
Published: June 2015

Neuroblastoma in neck is a very rare presentation. The age range of neuroblastoma is broad, but only 10% of cases are reported in people older than 5years of age, and is most commonly diagnosed in children before age of 5years (with highest incidence in the first year of life), being slightly more common in boys. The girl child reported in our case, being mere 7 years old, presented with bilateral hard neck swellings, was not clinically suspected of this rare presentation, until Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. This report underscores the need for prompt evaluation of patients (especially children) with common symptoms and uncommon presentation of the disease entity.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(2): 88-91, 2012 (July)
Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery: Four Years Experience in Dhaka Medical College Hospital
Authors: Hossain Tahmina , Huq Md Ashraf Ul
Published: June 2015

Purpose: Laparoscopy is gaining popularity over laparotomy in various surgical conditions. Now a day, an increasing number of diagnostic and therapeutic surgical procedures are being done laparoscopically. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy in children.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a period of 52 (Fifty two) months from June 2009 to August 2013. A total of 123 patients were operated laparoscopically up to 12 years of age for different surgical conditions. Data was collected from the hospital records and analyzed retrospectively.Results: Out of these 123 laparoscopically performed cases, Appendectomy was performed in 39 cases, closure of internal inguinal ring for Inguinal Hernia was done in 36 patients, 20 patients underwent Cholecystctomy, 16 patients had laparoscopic procedures for impalpable Undescended Testis (UDT), 5 patients were operated for Adnexal Mass of which one case was converted into open procedure due to technical difficulties and 1 for Pancreatic Pseudo cyst. Diagnostic Laparoscopy was performed for 2 patients with Biliary Atresia and 4 patients for Ambiguous Genitalia. Median age of the patients was 6.08 years (ranging from 2 months to 12 years of age). The length of post operative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All the laparoscopic procedures for Inguinal Hernia and impalpable UDT were performed as day care surgery. Operative and post operative complications were minimal. Other advantages of the laparoscopic procedures were smaller incisions, incidental diagnosis of other associated pathology, lesser post operative pain, earlier oral feeding, quicker mobilization and a better cosmetic result.Conclusion: With the recent development of laparoscopic surgical techniques and equipments, laparoscopic surgical procedures are becoming popular day by day and can be performed safely for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in pediatric surgical patients.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 4(1): 11-18, 2013 (January)
Birth Defect: An Over view
Authors: Begum Nasrin , Mahmood Sharmeen , Nahar Parvin Akhter Shamsun , Islam Sabiha , Naher Begum Sharifun , Huq Md Ashraf Ul
Published: June 2015

Birth defects are a leading cause of infant death, accounting for more than 1 of every 5 infant deaths. Every year more than 8.14 million children are born with a serious birth defect, due to genetic or environmental causes. In the low and middle income countries the burden of birth defects is much higher than in highincome countries. Birth defects may be due to chromosomal, single-gene or multifactorial causes. Environmental factors are responsible for 510% of total birth defects, and include nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases, maternal medical conditions, teratogenic medications, alcohol, recreational drugs, and teratogenic pollutants. Birth defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born, depending on the specific type of birth defect. Of course, many birth defects cannot be prevented; this is especially true of defects that have a genetic component. However, ultrasonography and maternal serum screening can be used to detect serious foetal anomalies, including neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders. Early detection and treatment of birth defects can help prevent stillbirth or physical and intellectual disabilities.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 4(2): 58-66, 2013 (July)
Challenges of Reducing Fresh Produce Waste in Europe—From Farm to Fork
Authors: Blanke Michael
Published: June 2015

This concept paper summarizes key “hotspots” for waste generation along the food supply chain and identifies a range of existing solutions/measures that can help producers, retailers and consumers reduce the amount of food that is wasted. The majority of food waste of 71–92 kg/head/year in Western Europe was found to originate from private households (61%), followed by restaurants and canteens (17%) and then supermarkets (5%); 59%–65% (of this food waste (71–92 kg) can be avoided and 54% thereof are fruit and vegetables. Since ethylene accelerates fruit ripening and its accumulation can lead to fruit decay and waste and new portable instruments now enable continuous in-situ determination of ethylene along the food chain, there is a possible key to reducing food waste of perishable, fresh produce. Hence, suggested countermeasures at the field level are use of ethylene inhibitors (AVG as “Retain” or MCP as “Harvista”), the former prevents pre-mature fruit drop in pome fruit, incentives for processing fruit of industrial grade and whole crop purchase (“WCP”). Along the supply chain, applications of ethylene inhibitors (e.g., 1-MCP as “SmartFresh”) absorber strips (e.g., “It’s Fresh”, Sensitech), bags (e.g., “Peakfresh”) as well as simply cooling and venting, and shading to avoid sun exposure. Countermeasures also include superstores no longer promoting multi-packs, e.g., “two strawberry punnets for the price of one”, abandon the “Display until” or “Sell by” date, conservative consumer shopping behavior, and sale of class II produce (“Wunderlinge” in Billa or “Kleine Äpfel” in REWE, “Ünique” in Coop), collection (rather than wasting) of perishable food by volunteers (“Die Tafel”), or “Food Sharing” of private household left-over perishable on social media, or any combination of the above to aid reducing fresh produce waste.
The Role of Technical Innovation and Sustainability on Energy Consumption: A Case Study on the Taiwanese Automobile Industry
Authors: Chou Chao-Wu , Liao Wen-Chih , Wu Simon , Wee Hui-Ming
Published: June 2015

The impact of global warming and climate change is one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. The greenhouse effect caused by technological development and industrial pollution has accelerated the speed of global warming. The continuous improvement in automobile energy consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming. A comparative analysis is proposed to examine the various automobiles that utilize technological innovation to improve their energy consumption. Their contribution to CO2 emissions is then investigated. This study focuses on technical innovation and output power of a conventional engine. The results indicate that innovative engines (such as the Ford turbo petrol/diesel engine, the EcoBoost/TDCi) have improved energy consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, the Toyota hybrid vehicles have also improved energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gases emissions.
Proof of Concept of an Irradiance Estimation System for Reconfigurable Photovoltaic Arrays
Authors: Vigni Vincenzo , Manna Damiano , Sanseverino Eleonora , Di Dio Vincenzo , Romano Pietro , Di Buono Pietro , Pinto Maurizio , Miceli Rosario , Giaconia Costantino
Published: June 2015

In order to reduce the mismatch effect caused by non-uniform shadows in PV arrays, reconfigurable interconnections approaches have been recently proposed in the literature. These systems usually require the knowledge of the solar radiation affecting every solar module. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of three irradiance estimation approaches in order to define which can be well suited for reconfigurable PV arrays. It is presented a real-time solar irradiance estimation device (IrradEst), implementing the three different estimation methods. The proposed system is based on mathematical models of PV modules enabling to estimate irradiation values by sensing a combination of temperature, voltage and current of a PV module. Experimental results showed generally good agreement between the estimated irradiances and the measurements performed by a standard pyranometer taken as reference. Finally one of the three methods was selected as possible solution for a reconfigurable PV system.
Identification of miRNAs and Their Targets in Cotton Inoculated with Verticillium dahliae by High-Throughput Sequencing and Degradome Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yujuan , Wang Wei , Chen Jie , Liu Jubo , Xia Minxuan , Shen Fafu
Published: June 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress response processes. Verticillium wilt is a vascular disease in plants mainly caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb., the soil-borne fungal pathogen. However, the role of miRNAs in the regulation of Verticillium defense responses is mostly unknown. This study aimed to identify new miRNAs and their potential targets that are involved in the regulation of Verticillium defense responses. Four small RNA libraries and two degradome libraries from mock-infected and infected roots of cotton (both Gossypium hirsutum L. and Gossypium barbadense L.) were constructed for deep sequencing. A total of 140 known miRNAs and 58 novel miRNAs were identified. Among the identified miRNAs, many were differentially expressed between libraries. Degradome analysis showed that a total of 83 and 24 genes were the targets of 31 known and 14 novel miRNA families, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that many of the identified miRNA targets may function in controlling root development and the regulation of Verticillium defense responses in cotton. Our findings provide an overview of potential miRNAs involved in the regulation of Verticillium defense responses in cotton and the interactions between miRNAs and their corresponding targets. The profiling of these miRNAs lays the foundation for further understanding of the function of small RNAs in regulating plant response to fungal infection and Verticillium wilt in particular.
A Generic Friction Model for Radial Slider Bearing Simulation Considering Elastic and Plastic Deformation
Authors: Offner Günter , Knaus Oliver
Published: June 2015

The investigation of component dynamics is one of the main tasks of internal combustion engine (ICE) simulation. This prediction is important in order to understand complex loading conditions, which happen in a running ICE. Due to the need for fuel saving, mechanical friction, in particular in radial slider bearings, is one important investigation target. A generic friction modeling approach for radial slider bearings, which can be applied to lubricated contact regimes, will be presented in this paper. Besides viscous friction, the approach considers in particular boundary friction. The parameterization of the friction model is done using surface material and surface roughness measurement data. Furthermore, fluid properties depending on the applied oil additives are being considered. The application of the model will be demonstrated for a typical engineering task of a connecting rod big end study to outline the effects of contact surface texture. AlSn-based and polymer coated bearing shells will be analyzed and compared with respect to friction reduction effects, running-in behavior and thermal load capabilities.
Biological Activity of Recently Discovered Halogenated Marine Natural Products
Authors: Gribble Gordon
Published: June 2015

This review presents the biological activity—antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antiviral, antitumor, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and enzymatic activity—of halogenated marine natural products discovered in the past five years. Newly discovered examples that do not report biological activity are not included.
Influence of Milling on the Fatigue Lifetime of a Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy
Authors: Moussaoui Kamel , Mousseigne Michel , Senatore Johanna , Chieragatti Remy , Lamesle Pascal
Published: June 2015

The present article focuses on the influence of machining on the fatigue life of a titanium alloy: Ti6Al4V. An experimental design was adopted in order to highlight the effects of machining parameters on surface integrity while generating very different surfaces with a view to subsequent fatigue testing (four point bending tests). Firstly, the impact of machining parameters on surface integrity was demonstrated. Then, the influence of surface integrity on fatigue lifetime was observed: no influence of the geometric and metallurgical parameters was observed. However, the mechanical parameter (e.g., residual stress) seemed to have a preponderant influence. To conclude, a machining plan of procedure was proposed to significantly improve the fatigue lifetime as compared with a reference industrial plan of procedure.
Protective Effects of Dihydrocaffeic Acid, a Coffee Component Metabolite, on a Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rat Model
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Lee Beom-Joon , Bu Youngmin
Published: June 2015

We recently reported the protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) rat model. The current study further investigated the protective effects of the metabolites of CGA and dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA) was selected for further study after screening using the same tMCAo rat model. In the current study, tMCAo rats (2 h of MCAo followed by 22 h of reperfusion) were injected with various doses of DHCA at 0 and 2 h after onset of ischemia. We assessed brain damage, functional deficits, brain edema, and blood-brain barrier damage at 24 h after ischemia. For investigating the mechanism, in vitro zymography and western blotting analysis were performed to determine the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. DHCA (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced brain infarct volume, behavioral deficits, brain water content, and Evans Blue (EB) leakage. DHCA inhibited expression and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Therefore, DHCA might be one of the important metabolites of CGA and of natural products, including coffee, with protective effects on ischemia-induced neuronal damage and brain edema.
Caffeine Affects Time to Exhaustion and Substrate Oxidation during Cycling at Maximal Lactate Steady State
Authors: Cruz Rogério , De Aguiar Rafael , Turnes Tiago , Guglielmo Luiz , Beneke Ralph , Caputo Fabrizio
Published: June 2015

This study analyzed the effects of caffeine intake on whole-body substrate metabolism and exercise tolerance during cycling by using a more individualized intensity for merging the subjects into homogeneous metabolic responses (the workload associated with the maximal lactate steady state—MLSS). MLSS was firstly determined in eight active males (25 ± 4 years, 176 ± 7 cm, 77 ± 11 kg) using from two to four constant-load tests of 30 min. On two following occasions, participants performed a test until exhaustion at the MLSS workload 1 h after taking either 6 mg/kg of body mass of caffeine or placebo (dextrose), in a randomized, double-blinded manner. Respiratory exchange ratio was calculated from gas exchange measurements. There was an improvement of 22.7% in time to exhaustion at MLSS workload following caffeine ingestion (95% confidence limits of ±10.3%, p = 0.002), which was accompanied by decrease in respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.001). These results reinforce findings indicating that sparing of the endogenous carbohydrate stores could be one of the several physiological effects of caffeine during submaximal performance around 1 h.
On the Design of Smart Parking Networks in the Smart Cities: An Optimal Sensor Placement Model
Authors: Bagula Antoine , Castelli Lorenzo , Zennaro Marco
Published: June 2015

Smart parking is a typical IoT application that can benefit from advances in sensor, actuator and RFID technologies to provide many services to its users and parking owners of a smart city. This paper considers a smart parking infrastructure where sensors are laid down on the parking spots to detect car presence and RFID readers are embedded into parking gates to identify cars and help in the billing of the smart parking. Both types of devices are endowed with wired and wireless communication capabilities for reporting to a gateway where the situation recognition is performed. The sensor devices are tasked to play one of the three roles: (1) slave sensor nodes located on the parking spot to detect car presence/absence; (2) master nodes located at one of the edges of a parking lot to detect presence and collect the sensor readings from the slave nodes; and (3) repeater sensor nodes, also called “anchor” nodes, located strategically at specific locations in the parking lot to increase the coverage and connectivity of the wireless sensor network. While slave and master nodes are placed based on geographic constraints, the optimal placement of the relay/anchor sensor nodes in smart parking is an important parameter upon which the cost and efficiency of the parking system depends. We formulate the optimal placement of sensors in smart parking as an integer linear programming multi-objective problem optimizing the sensor network engineering efficiency in terms of coverage and lifetime maximization, as well as its economic gain in terms of the number of sensors deployed for a specific coverage and lifetime. We propose an exact solution to the node placement problem using single-step and two-step solutions implemented in the Mosel language based on the Xpress-MPsuite of libraries. Experimental results reveal the relative efficiency of the single-step compared to the two-step model on different performance parameters. These results are consolidated by simulation results, which reveal that our solution outperforms a random placement in terms of both energy consumption, delay and throughput achieved by a smart parking network.
Water Footprint of Cities: A Review and Suggestions for Future Research
Authors: Paterson Willa , Rushforth Richard , Ruddell Benjamin , Konar Megan , Ahams Ikechukwu , Gironás Jorge , Mijic Ana , Mejia Alfonso
Published: June 2015

Cities are hotspots of commodity consumption, with implications for both local and systemic water resources. Water flows “virtually” into and out of cities through the extensive cross-boundary exchange of goods and services. Both virtual and real water flows are affected by water supply investments and urban planning decisions, which influence residential, commercial, and industrial development. This form of water “teleconnection” is being increasingly recognized as an important aspect of water decision-making. The role of trade and virtual water flows as an alternative to expanding a city’s “real” water supply is rarely acknowledged, with an emphasis placed instead on monotonic expansion of engineering potable water supplies. We perform a literature review of water footprint studies to evaluate the potential and importance of taking virtual flows into account in urban planning and policy. We compare and contrast current methods to assess virtual water flows. We also identify and discuss priorities for future research in urban water footprint analysis.
Are Biofuels an Effective and Viable Energy Strategy for Industrialized Societies? A Reasoned Overview of Potentials and Limits
Authors: Gomiero Tiziano
Published: June 2015

In this paper, I analyze the constraints that limit biomass from becoming an alternative, sustainable and efficient energy source, at least in relation to the current metabolism of developed countries. In order to be termed sustainable, the use of an energy source should be technically feasible, economically affordable and environmentally and socially viable, considering society as a whole. Above all, it should meet society’s “metabolic needs,” a fundamental issue that is overlooked in the mainstream biofuels narrative. The EROI (Energy Return on Investment) of biofuels reaches a few units, while the EROI of fossil fuels is 20–30 or higher and has a power density (W/m2) thousands of times higher than the best biofuels, such as sugarcane in Brazil. When metabolic approaches are used it becomes clear that biomass cannot represent an energy carrier able to meet the metabolism of industrialized societies. For our industrial society to rely on “sustainable biofuels” for an important fraction of its energy, most of the agricultural and non-agricultural land would need to be used for crops, and at the same time a radical cut to our pattern of energy consumption would need to be implemented, whilst also achieving a significant population reduction.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Neuro-Rehabilitation
Authors: Intiso Domenico , Basciani Mario , Santamato Andrea , Intiso Marta , Di Rienzo Filomena
Published: June 2015

Pain is a natural protective mechanism and has a warning function signaling imminent or actual tissue damage. Neuropathic pain (NP) results from a dysfunction and derangement in the transmission and signal processing along the nervous system and it is a recognized disease in itself. The prevalence of NP is estimated to be between 6.9% and 10% in the general population. This condition can complicate the recovery from stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesions, and several neuropathies promoting persistent disability and poor quality of life. Subjects suffering from NP describe it as burning, itching, lancing, and numbness, but hyperalgesia and allodynia represent the most bothersome symptoms. The management of NP is a clinical challenge and several non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been proposed with variable benefits. Botulinum toxin (BTX) as an adjunct to other interventions can be a useful therapeutic tool for the treatment of disabled people. Although BTX-A is predominantly used to reduce spasticity in a neuro-rehabilitation setting, it has been used in several painful conditions including disorders characterized by NP. The underlying pharmacological mechanisms that operate in reducing pain are still unclear and include blocking nociceptor transduction, the reduction of neurogenic inflammation by inhibiting neural substances and neurotransmitters, and the prevention of peripheral and central sensitization. Some neurological disorders requiring rehabilitative intervention can show neuropathic pain resistant to common analgesic treatment. This paper addresses the effect of BTX-A in treating NP that complicates frequent disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system such as spinal cord injury, post-stroke shoulder pain, and painful diabetic neuropathy, which are commonly managed in a rehabilitation setting. Furthermore, BTX-A has an effect in relief pain that may characterize less common neurological disorders including post-traumatic neuralgia, phantom limb, and complex regional pain syndrome with focal dystonia. The use of BTX-A could represent a novel therapeutic strategy in caring for neuropathic pain whenever common pharmacological tools have been ineffective. However, large and well-designed clinical trials are needed to recommend BTX-A use in the relief of neuropathic pain.
Onabotulinumtoxin A Treatment of Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective, Longitudinal Open-Label Study
Authors: Møller Eigild , Pedersen Søren , Vinicoff Pablo , Bardow Allan , Lykkeaa Joan , Svendsen Pia , Bakke Merete
Published: June 2015

The aim of this prospective open-label study was to treat disabling drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP) with onabotulinumtoxin A (A/Ona, Botox®) into submandibular and parotid glands and find the lowest effective dosage and least invasive method. A/Ona was injected in 14 children, Mean age 9 years, SD 3 years, under ultrasonic guidance in six successive Series, with at least six months between injections. Doses and gland involvement increased from Series A to F (units (U) per submandibular/parotid gland: A, 10/0; B, 15/0; C, 20/0; D, 20/20; E, 30/20; and F, 30/30). The effect was assessed 2, 4, 8, 12, and 20 weeks after A/Ona (drooling problems (VAS), impact (0–7), treatment effect (0–5), unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow and composition)) and analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The effect was unchanged–moderate in A to moderate–marked in F. Changes in all parameters were significant in E and F, but with swallowing problems ≤5 weeks in 3 of 28 treatments. F had largest VAS and UWS reduction (64% and 49%). We recommend: Start with dose D A/Ona (both submandibular and parotid glands and a total of 80 U) and increase to E and eventually F (total 120 U) without sufficient response.
Cats, Cancer and Comparative Oncology
Authors: Cannon Claire
Published: June 2015

Naturally occurring tumors in dogs are well-established models for several human cancers. Domestic cats share many of the benefits of dogs as a model (spontaneous cancers developing in an immunocompetent animal sharing the same environment as humans, shorter lifespan allowing more rapid trial completion and data collection, lack of standard of care for many cancers allowing evaluation of therapies in treatment-naïve populations), but have not been utilized to the same degree in the One Medicine approach to cancer. There are both challenges and opportunities in feline compared to canine models. This review will discuss three specific tumor types where cats may offer insights into human cancers. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma is common, shares both clinical and molecular features with human head and neck cancer and is an attractive model for evaluating new therapies. Feline mammary tumors are usually malignant and aggressive, with the ‘triple-negative’ phenotype being more common than in humans, offering an enriched population in which to examine potential targets and treatments. Finally, although there is not an exact corollary in humans, feline injection site sarcoma may be a model for inflammation-driven tumorigenesis, offering opportunities for studying variations in individual susceptibility as well as preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Marchands et échevins d'Amiens dans la seconde moitié du XVIe siècle : crise de subsistances, commerce et profits en 1586-1587
Authors: Pelus Marie-Louise
Published: June 2015

En 1586-1587, la ville d'Amiens, aux prises avec les difficultés des Guerres de Religions, est touchée par la très grave crise de subsistances qui s'abat sur l'Europe occidentale, conjuguée de surcroît avec une nouvelle offensive de la peste. Si les documents émanant de l'échevinage laissent entrevoir l'extrême misère des classes populaires, ils montrent surtout quelle fut l'attitude de la bourgeoisie marchande qui domine l'échevinage. Si leur premier souci est de maintenir l'ordre public, les échevins se préoccupent dans un second temps — avec beaucoup de retard — d'acheter, en Picardie d'abord, puis à Dan- zig, des grains destinés à être vendus à prix réduit «au pauvre peuple». Les comptes de ces achats de grains montrent que la préoccupation philanthropique n'exclut nullement la recherche du profit : en dépit de la crise, les affaires ne cessent pas pour autant, et le commerce des subsistances leur procure — juste récompense des risques encourus ? — de substantiels bénéfices, malgré la vente en-dessous du cours, malgré leur peu d'expérience du grand commerce international. Comme les grands seigneurs de Picardie, qui ces années-là, écoulent leurs stocks à prix d'or, marchands et échevins d'Amiens, profitant de l'occasion pour arrondir leurs patrimoines fonciers, apparaissent donc comme les bénéficiaires de la crise.
Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics: A Brief History of a One-Way Relationship
Authors: Rosenberg Richard S.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 379-392
Frame Semantics for Motion Verbs with Application to Metaphor
Authors: Kahn Edward
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 246-256
Phonological Processes in the American Sign Language
Authors: Friedman Lynn A.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 147-159
Relative Chronology
Authors: Chen Matthew Y.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 47-59
Quantitative Analysis of Variation: i in Tok Pisin
Authors: Smeall Christopher
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 403-409
The Perception of Sentences: A Linguistic and Perceptual Comparison
Authors: Haber Ralph Norman , Haber Lyn R.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 170-188
Voice – Beyond the Passive
Authors: Barber E. J. W.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the First Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1975), pp. 16-24
A Frame for FRAMES
Authors: Petöfi János S.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 319-329
A Proposal for Treating Comparatives in Montague Grammar
Authors: Swinburn Clay
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 339-349
Agreement and Word Order: A Case for Pragmatics in Haya
Authors: Byarushengo Ernest Rugwa , Tenenbaum Sarah
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 89-99
Analogue Grammar in the American Sign Language
Authors: DeMatteo Asa
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 149-157
Areal Features and Natural Phonology: The Case of Front Rounded Vowels
Authors: Crothers John
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 124-138
Attributiveness and Referential Opacity
Authors: Cole Peter
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 117-123
Dimensions of Iconicity in American Sign Language
Authors: Mandel Mark
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 286-297
Headless Relative Clauses in Modern Japanese and the Relevancy Condition
Authors: Kuroda S.-Y.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 269-279
Some Theoretical Considerations on the Merger of the Low Vowel Phonemes in American English
Authors: Terrell Tracy D.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 350-359
Structure and Function in Phonology – A Systems View
Authors: Grundt Alice Wyland
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1976), pp. 188-201
Ambiguity-Avoidance: A Universal Constraint Extraction from NP Sequences
Authors: Sweetser Eve E.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 440-453
Burmese Historical Morphology
Authors: Thurgood Graham
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 685-691
Definiteness, Animacy, and NP Ordering
Authors: Ransom Evelyn N.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 418-429
Frame Analysis of Schizophrenic Discourse
Authors: Zavarin Valentina
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 545-558
On the Logical Structure of the Serial Verbal Construction in Yoruba
Authors: Obilade Tony
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 386-393
Toward a Universal Characterization of Passivization
Authors: Perlmutter David M. , Postal Paul M.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 394-417
Truth and Approximations
Authors: Sadock Jerrold M.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1977), pp. 430-439
On *w and *y in Kiowa-Tanoan
Authors: Watkins Laurel J.
Published: June 2015

Proceedings of the 4th Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (1978), pp. 477-484