bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P-024 Preliminary experience with the percutaneous embolization of juvenile angiofibromas (JNAs) using only ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) Onyx
Authors: Gemmete J , Chaudhary N , Pandey A , Marentette L , McKean E , Sullivan S
Published: July 2011

Background

JNAs are hypervascular tumors that may benefit from pre-operative devascularization to reduce intra-operative blood loss. The optimal method for devascularization of these tumors is not known.

Methods

A consecutive series of seven JNAs were treated with percutaneous embolization with EVOH as the sole embolic agent. 1—Fischer Type I, 1—Fischer Type II, 4—Fischer type IIIb, and 1 Fischer Type IVa tumors were treated.

Results

Complete devascularization of the seven JNAs was achieved in all cases percutaneously with only EVOH. There were no complications. The average intraoperative blood loss was 680 ml (range 10–1700 ml). Three of the type IIIb tumors were completely removed from only an endoscopic approach.

Conclusions

Our preliminary experience suggests that EVOH may offer a higher degree of devascularization when compared with other embolic agents. This may facilitate an easier surgical resection with lower blood loss. EVOH seems to be safe when percutaneously injected as the sole embolic agent into a JNA.
P-028 First year results of merci embolectomy in Japan
Authors: Sakai N , Minematsu K , Hasegawa Y , Ogasawara K , Saito N , Taki W
Published: July 2011

Background and Significance

The Merci Retriever has been used at US stroke centers for mechanical embolectomy in acute stroke since 2004. Until very recently, however, there were no approved devices in Japan for mechanical embolectomy in acute stroke. The Merci Retriever was the first device to obtain such approval and was introduced into clinical practice in late 2010.

Methods

A condition of approval in Japan is that every patient treated with the Merci Retriever must be prospectively entered into a post-market study. Key data elements include baseline demographic and medical history, IV rt-PA received or not, procedural details, in-hospital follow-up and 90 days clinical status. Clinical outcomes at discharge and 90 days were obtained prospectively with good outcomes defined as modified Rankin Score ≤2. Recanalization was reported using the TICI classification, with 2a, 2b and 3 considered as success.

Results

110 patients submitted from 14 centers between July 2010 and February 2011. Median patient age and NIHSS were 72 and 18, respectively and 68% were male, similar to prior clinical studies of the Merci Retriever (MERCI, Multi MERCI, and Merci Registry). Median time from last seen at baseline to treatment onset was 4 h. IV lytic was used in 42%. Successful recanalization (TICI 2a/2b/3) was achieved in 74% of cases, with 48% achieving TICI 2b or 3. Symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred in 3.8% and intracerebral hemorrhage in 2.9% of cases. In-hospital death is 13.5% and 25.8% of patients were discharged from the hospital with a good outcome (mRS=0–2). Data collection and entry is on-going and the latest data will be reported at the time of presentation, including 90 days clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Mechanical embolectomy with the Merci Retriever is being rapidly adopted in Japan. This is the first report of procedural and clinical outcomes from mechanical embolectomy in Japan. The preliminary results are similar to those obtained in previous prospective pivotal and post-marketing studies in the USA. Our findings suggest that the rates of revascularization, good clinical outcomes and mortality in initial clinical practice in Japan are comparable to those observed in MERCI, Multi MERCI, and the post-marketing Merci Registry.
SHARP SPECTRAL ESTIMATES IN DOMAINS OF INFINITE VOLUME
Authors: GEISINGER LEANDER , WEIDL TIMO
Published: July 2011

We consider the Dirichlet Laplace operator on open, quasi-bounded domains of infinite volume. For such domains semiclassical spectral estimates based on the phase-space volume — and therefore on the volume of the domain — must fail. Here we present a method on how one can nevertheless prove uniform bounds on eigenvalues and eigenvalue means which are sharp in the semiclassical limit.

We give examples in horn-shaped regions and so-called spiny urchins. Some results are extended to Schrödinger operators defined on quasi-bounded domains with Dirichlet boundary conditions.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF COMPLEX NETWORK WITH NON-DELAYED AND DELAYED COUPLING VIA INTERMITTENT CONTROL
Authors: GAO JUN , WU ZHAO-YAN
Published: July 2011

This paper investigates the exponential synchronization of complex network with non-delayed and delayed coupling. A periodically intermittent controller is designed to synchronize the network onto a given orbit. Based on Lyapunov function and differential inequality method, the criteria for exponential synchronization are derived. Numerical simulation is presented to verify the effectiveness of the derived results.
A UNIFIED GRAVITY-ELECTROWEAK MODEL BASED ON A GENERALIZED YANG–MILLS FRAMEWORK
Authors: HSU JONG-PING
Published: July 2011

Gravitational and electroweak interactions can be unified in analogy with the unification in the Weinberg–Salam theory. The Yang–Mills framework is generalized to include spacetime translational group T(4), whose generators Tμ ( = ∂/∂xμ) do not have constant matrix representations. By gauging T(4) × SU (2) × U (1) in flat spacetime, we have a new tensor field ϕμν which universally couples to all particles and anti-particles with the same constant g, which has the dimension of length. In this unified model, the T(4) gauge symmetry dictates that all wave equations of fermions, massive bosons and the photon in flat spacetime reduce to a Hamilton–Jacobi equation with the same "effective Riemann metric tensor" in the geometric-optics limit. Consequently, the results are consistent with experiments. We demonstrated that the T(4) gravitational gauge field can be quantized in inertial frames.
Encoding isotopic watermarks in molecular electronic materials as an anti-counterfeiting strategy: Application to porphyrins for information storage
Authors: Lindsey Jonathan S. , Thamyongkit Patchanita , Taniguchi Masahiko , Bocian David F.
Published: July 2011

An approach for information storage employs tetrapyrrole macrocycles as charge-storage elements attached to a (semi)conductor in hybrid chips. Anti-counterfeiting measures must cohere with the tiny amounts of such electroactive material and strict constraints on composition in chips; accordingly, the incorporation of typical anti-counterfeiting taggants or microcarriers is precluded. The provenance of the tetrapyrroles can be established through the use of isotopic substitution integral to the macrocycle. The isotopic substitution can be achieved by rational site-specific incorporation or by combinatorial procedures. The formation of a mixture of such macrocycles with various isotopic composition (isotopically unmodified, isotopologues, isotopomers) provides the molecular equivalent of an indelible printed watermark. Resonance Raman spectroscopic examination can reveal the watermark, but not the underlying molecular and isotopic composition; imaging mass spectrometry can reveal the presence of isotopologues but cannot discriminate among isotopomers. Hence, deciphering the code that encrypts the watermark in an attempt at forgery is expected to be prohibitive. A brief overview is provided of strategies for incorporating isotopes in meso-substituted tetrapyrrole macrocycles.
Role of the diaphragm in trunk rotation in humans
Authors: Hudson Anna L. , Butler Jane E. , Gandevia Simon C. , De Troyer Andre
Published: July 2011

The objectives of the present study were to test the hypothesis that the costal diaphragm contracts during ipsilateral rotation of the trunk and that such trunk rotation increases the motor output of the muscle during inspiration. Monopolar electrodes were inserted in the right costal hemidiaphragm in six subjects, and electromyographic (EMG) recordings were made during isometric rotation efforts of the trunk to the right (“ipsilateral rotation”) and to the left (“contralateral rotation”). EMG activity was simultaneously recorded from the parasternal intercostal muscles on the right side. The parasternal intercostals were consistently active during ipsilateral rotation but silent during contralateral rotation. In contrast, the diaphragm was silent in the majority of rotations in either direction, and whenever diaphragm activity was recorded, it involved very few motor units. In addition, whereas parasternal inspiratory activity substantially increased during ipsilateral rotation and decreased during contralateral rotation, inspiratory activity in the diaphragm was essentially unaltered and the discharge frequency of single motor units in the muscle remained at 13–14 Hz in the different postures. It is concluded that 1) the diaphragm makes no significant contribution to trunk rotation and 2) even though the diaphragm and parasternal intercostals contract in a coordinated manner during resting breathing, the inspiratory output of the two muscles is affected differently by voluntary drive during trunk rotation.
Identification and prioritization ofNUAK1andPPP1CCas positional candidate loci for skeletal muscle strength phenotypes
Authors: Windelinckx An , De Mars Gunther , Huygens Wim , Peeters Maarten W. , Vincent Barbara , Wijmenga Cisca , Lambrechts Diether , Aerssens Jeroen , Vlietinck Robert , Beunen Gaston , Thomis Martine A. I.
Published: July 2011

Muscle strength is an important determinant in elite sports performance as well as in the activities of daily living. Muscle metabolism also plays a role in the genesis, and therefore prevention, of common pathological conditions and chronic diseases. Even though heritability estimates between 31 and 78% suggest a significant genetic component in muscle strength, only a limited number of genes influencing muscle strength have been identified. This study aimed to identify and prioritize positional candidate genes within a skeletal muscle strength quantitative trait locus on chromosome 12q22-23 for follow-up. A two-staged gene-centered fine-mapping approach using 122 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in stage 1 identified a familybased association ( n = 500) between several tagSNPs located in the ATPase, Ca2+transporting, cardiac muscle, slow twitch 2 ( ATP2A2; rs3026468), the NUAK family, SNF1-like kinase, 1 ( NUAK1; rs10861553 and rs3741886), and the protein phosphatase 1, catalytic subunit, gamma isoform ( PPP1CC; rs1050587 and rs7901769) genes and knee torque production ( P values up to 0.00092). In stage 2, family-based association tests on additional putatively functional SNPs (e.g., exonic SNPs, SNPs in transcription factor binding sites or in conserved regions) in an enlarged sample ( n = 536; 464 individuals overlap with stage 1) did not identify additional associations with muscle strength characteristics. Further in-depth analyses will be necessary to elucidate the exact role of ATP2A2, PPP1CC, and NUAK1 in muscle strength and to find out which functional polymorphisms are at the base of the interindividual strength differences.
Gauge and Lorentz Transformation Placed on the Same Foundation
Authors: Saar Rein , Groote Stefan , Liivat Hannes , Ots Ilmar
Published: July 2011

We show that a “dynamical” interaction for arbitrary spin can be constructed
in a straightforward way if gauge and Lorentz transformations are placed on the
same foundation. As Lorentz transformations act on space‐time coordinates,
gauge transformations are applied to the gauge field. Placing these two transformations
on the same ground means that all quantized field like spin‐1/2 and
spin‐3/2 spinors are functions not only of the coordinates but also of the gauge
field components. As a consequence, on this stage the (electromagnetic) gauge
field has to be considered as classical field. Therefore, standard quantum field
theory cannot be applied. Despite this inconvenience, such a common ground is
consistent with an old dream of physicists almost a century ago. Our approach,
therefore, indicates a straightforward way to realize this dream.
Conjugacy of Self‐Adjoint Difference Equations of Even Order
Authors: Hasil Petr
Published: July 2011

We study oscillation properties of 2n‐order Sturm‐Liouville difference equations. For these equations, we show a conjugacy criterion using the p‐criticality (the existence of linear dependent recessive solutions at ∞ and
−∞). We also show the equivalent condition of
p‐criticality for one term 2n‐order equations.
Ethylene Oxide: Acute Four-Hour and One-Hour Inhalation Toxicity Testing in Rats
Authors: Snellings William M. , Nachreiner Donald J. , Pottenger Lynn H.
Published: July 2011

Ethylene oxide was tested on groups of rats for either 4-hour or 1-hour inhalation exposure, followed by 14 days of observation. Groups of five Sprague-Dawley rats/sex were exposed, and clinical signs and mortality were recorded. Clinical signs noted included irregular breathing, absence of certain reflexes, and tremors. Rats that died had moderate to severe pulmonary congestion. The calculated LC50values, reported as ppm by volume (with 95% confidence limits), were as follows. 4-hour LC50values were 1972 (1887 to 2061) ppm for males; 1537 (1391 to 1698) ppm for females; 1741 (1655 to 1831) ppm for the combined sexes. The 1-hour LC50values were 5748 (5276 to 6262) ppm for males; 4439 (4034 to 4884) ppm for females; 5029 (4634 to 5459) ppm for the combined sexes.
Fluoroestradiol Positron Emission Tomography Reveals Differences in Pharmacodynamics of Aromatase Inhibitors, Tamoxifen, and Fulvestrant in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Linden Hannah M. , Kurland Brenda F. , Peterson Lanell M. , Schubert Erin K. , Gralow Julie R. , Specht Jennifer M. , Ellis Georgiana K. , Lawton Thomas J. , Livingston Robert B. , Petra Philip H. , Link Jeanne M. , Krohn Kenneth A. , Mankoff David A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: To determine, by molecular imaging, how in vivo pharmacodynamics of estrogen-estrogen receptor (ER) binding differ between types of standard endocrine therapy.

Experimental Design: The ER has been a highly successful target for breast cancer treatment. ER-directed treatments include lowering ligand concentration by using aromatase inhibitors (AI) and blocking the receptor with agents like tamoxifen (TAM) or fulvestrant (FUL). We measured regional estrogen-ER binding by using positron emission tomography with 18F-fluoroestradiol (FES PET) prior to and during treatment with AI, TAM, or FUL in a series of 30 metastatic breast cancer patients. FES PET measured in vivo estrogen binding at all tumor sites in heavily pretreated women with metastatic bone soft tissue–dominant breast cancer. In patients with uterus (n = 16) changes in uterine FES uptake were also measured.

Results: As expected, tumor FES uptake declined more markedly on ER blockers (TAM and FUL, average 54% decline) compared with a less than 15% average decline on estrogen-depleting AIs (P < 0.001). The rate of complete tumor blockade [FES standardized uptake value (SUV) ≤1.5] following TAM (5/5 patients) was greater than the blockade rate following FUL (4/11; 2-sided mid P = 0.019). Percent FES SUV change in the uterus showed a strong association with tumoral change (ρ = 0.63, P = 0.01).

Conclusions: FES PET can assess the in vivo pharmacodynamics of ER-targeted agents and may give insight into the activity of established therapeutic agents. Imaging revealed significant differences between agents, including differences in the efficacy of blockade by different ER antagonists in current clinical use. Clin Cancer Res; 17(14); 4799–805. ©2011 AACR.
Assessing Oral Health Knowledge, Opinions, and Behaviors of WIC Recipients in Rural Southern Illinois
Authors: DeMattei Ronda R. , VanGennip Autumn
Published: July 2011

Dental caries is the most common of all chronic childhood diseases. Parenting practices can either contribute to or protect against the formation of dental caries in children. Because children rely on parents and caregivers for oral disease prevention and treatment, parents and caregivers must be motivated to use oral disease prevention behaviors that are based on accurate information. A survey was administered to 582 WIC recipients in rural southern Illinois to assess mothers’ knowledge, opinions, and behaviors related to oral health. Deficits existed in mothers’ ability to identify drinks, foods, and behaviors that contribute to or protect against dental caries development. Nevertheless, most believed that they did not need additional oral health education in order to take good care of their children’s teeth. Many women reported having untreated caries in their own mouth, failed to have annual professional dental cleanings, and did not have a dental home. A multidisciplinary approach to early intervention is needed to promote oral wellness in one of the most vulnerable populations. WIC staff are positioned to share responsibility in children’s oral health through consistent and effective nutrition and oral health counseling.
Implementing services for Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV: a comparative descriptive analysis of national programs in four countries
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban , Tripathi Sangeeta , Gass Robert , Hamunime Ndapewa , Panha Sok , Kiyaga Charles , Wade Abdoulaye , Barnhart Matthew , Luo Chewe , Ekpini Rene
Published: July 2011

Background

There is a significant increase in survival for HIV-infected children who have early access to diagnosis and treatment. The goal of this multi-country review was to examine when and where HIV-exposed infants and children are being diagnosed, and whether the EID service is being maximally utilized to improve health outcomes for HIV-exposed children.

Methods

In four countries across Africa and Asia existing documents and data were reviewed and key informant interviews were conducted. EID testing data was gathered from the central testing laboratories and was then complemented by health facility level data extraction which took place using a standardized and validated questionnaire

Results

In the four countries reviewed from 2006 to 2009 EID sample volumes rose dramatically to an average of >100 samples per quarter in Cambodia and Senegal, >7,000 samples per quarter in Uganda, and >2,000 samples per quarter in Namibia. Geographic coverage of sites also rapidly expanded to 525 sites in Uganda, 205 in Namibia, 48 in Senegal, and 26 in Cambodia in 2009. However, only a small proportion of testing was done at lower-level health facilities: in Uganda Health Center IIs and IIIs comprised 47% of the EID collection sites, but only 11% of the total tests, and in Namibia 15% of EID sites collected >93% of all samples. In all countries except for Namibia, more than 50% of the EID testing was done after 2 months of age. Few sites had robust referral mechanisms between EID and ART. In a sub-sample of children, we noted significant attrition of infants along the continuum of care post testing. Only 22% (Senegal), 37% (Uganda), and 38% (Cambodia) of infants testing positive by PCR were subsequently initiated onto treatment. In Namibia, which had almost universal EID coverage, more than 70% of PCR-positive infants initiated ART in 2008.

Conclusions

While EID testing has expanded dramatically, a large proportion of PCR- positive infants are initiated on treatment. As EID services continue to scale-up, more programmatic attention and support is needed to retain HIV-exposed infants in care and ensure that those testing positive initiate treatment in a timely manner. Namibia's experience demonstrates that it is feasible for a rural, low-income country to achieve high national coverage of infant testing and treatment.
Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1) is expressed in human neutrophils and mediates cAMP-dependent activation of the monomeric GTPase Rap1
Authors: Dash-Koney Madhuri , Deevi Ravi K , McFarlane Cheryl , Dib Karim
Published: July 2011

Epac1 and Epac2 bind cAMP and mediate cAMP-dependent activation of Rap1. cAMP is produced in neutrophils in response to many chemoattractants. This second messenger plays a key role in the regulation of the functions of neutrophils. However, it is still not known whether Epacs are expressed in human neutrophils. We found that stimulation of PLB-985 cells differentiated into neutrophil-like cells, human neutrophils with 8CPT-2Me-cAMP (a selective activator of Epacs), or FK (a diterpene that augments the intracellular level of cAMP) led to GTP-loading of Rap1. Epac1 mRNA was expressed in UND and DF PLB-985 cells, but Epac1 protein was only detected in DF PLB-985 cells. In human neutrophils, the Epac1 transcript was present, and Epac1 protein could be detected by Western blot analysis if the cells had been treated with the serine protease inhibitor PMSF. FK induced adhesion of PLB-985 cells and human neutrophils on fibrinogen, a ligand for β2 integrins. Interestingly, in DF PLB-985 cells, but not in human neutrophils, 8CPT-2Me-cAMP induced β2 integrin-dependent adhesion. The failure of 8CPT-2Me-cAMP to induce β2 integrin-dependent human neutrophil adhesion could be explained by the fact that this compound did not induce a switch of the β2 integrins from a low-affinity to a high-affinity ligand-binding conformation. We concluded that Epac1 is expressed in human neutrophils and is involved in cAMP-dependent regulation of Rap1. However, the loading of GTP on Rap1 per se is not sufficient to promote activation of β2 integrins.
Seasonal variation of long-term potentiation at a central synapse in the medicinal leech
Authors: Grey Kathryn B. , Burrell Brian D.
Published: July 2011

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a persistent increase in synaptic transmission that is thought to contribute to a variety of adaptive processes including learning and memory. Although learning is known to undergo circannual variations, it is not known whether LTP undergoes similar changes despite the importance of LTP in learning and memory. Here we report that synapses in the CNS of the medicinal leech demonstrate seasonal variation in the capacity to undergo LTP following paired presynaptic and postsynaptic stimulation. LTP was observed during the April–October period, but no LTP was observed during the November–March period. Application of forskolin, a technique often used to produce chemical LTP, failed to elicit potentiation during the November–March period. Implementing stimulation patterns that normally result in long term depression (LTD) also failed to elicit any change in synaptic strength during the November–March period. These experiments indicate that LTP and LTD can be influenced by circannual rhythms and also suggest a seasonal influence on learning and memory.
Genetic Evidence That Synaptonemal Complex Axial Elements Govern Recombination Pathway Choice in Mice
Authors: Li Xin Chenglin , Bolcun-Filas Ewelina , Schimenti John C
Published: July 2011

Chiasmata resulting from interhomolog recombination are critical for proper chromosome segregation at meiotic metaphase I, thus preventing aneuploidy and consequent deleterious effects. Recombination in meiosis is driven by programmed induction of double strand breaks (DSBs), and the repair of these breaks occurs primarily by recombination between homologous chromosomes, not sister chromatids. Almost nothing is known about the basis for recombination partner choice in mammals. We addressed this problem using a genetic approach. Since meiotic recombination is coupled with synaptonemal complex (SC) morphogenesis, we explored the role of axial elements – precursors to the lateral element in the mature SC - in recombination partner choice, DSB repair pathways, and checkpoint control. Female mice lacking the SC axial element protein SYCP3 produce viable, but often aneuploid, oocytes. We describe genetic studies indicating that while DSB-containing Sycp3−/− oocytes can be eliminated efficiently, those that survive have completed repair before the execution of an intact DNA damage checkpoint. We find that the requirement for DMC1 and TRIP13, proteins normally essential for recombination repair of meiotic DSBs, is substantially bypassed in Sycp3 and Sycp2 mutants. This bypass requires RAD54, a functionally conserved protein that promotes intersister recombination in yeast meiosis and mammalian mitotic cells. Immunocytological and genetic studies indicated that the bypass in Sycp3−/− Dmc1−/− oocytes was linked to increased DSB repair. These experiments lead us to hypothesize that axial elements mediate the activities of recombination proteins to favor interhomolog, rather than intersister recombinational repair of genetically programmed DSBs in mice. The elimination of this activity in SYCP3- or SYCP2-deficient oocytes may underlie the aneuploidy in derivative mouse embryos and spontaneous abortions in women.
Self supply systems: Urban dug wells in Abeokuta, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwasanya Grace , Smith Jennifer , Carter Richard
Published: July 2011

Self supply systems are privately owned household water sources. The systems are generally perceived as playing a role in water service delivery to the rural poor. The systems' yielding safe drinking-water also receives little attention in literature and policy, relative to public and communal sources. This paper assessed urban self supply wells and argues that self supply is a coping water supply strategy of not only the rural poor, but also of the unserved in the cities. The assessment included inventory and classification of sources, forms of access to sources, types and number of users in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Ninety eight percent of the self supply sources in the study area are hand dug wells. The design and construction features vary from protected, semi-protected to unprotected well structures. Forty five percent of the urban population is found to have access to either a restricted or free access hand dug well. The paper emphasizes the need to see self supply sources as the third angle, which completes the water supply triangle with the public and communal water systems as the other angles.
Pre-coagulation and ultrafiltration of effluent impaired surface water for phosphorus removal and fouling control
Authors: Paar Hendrik , Benecke Jan , Ernst Mathias , Jekel Martin
Published: July 2011

The process combination of in-line coagulation and subsequent membrane filtration is a suitable advanced treatment stage to achieve higher quality standards regarding pathogens and phosphorus in biologically treated wastewater prior to its discharge into sensitive water bodies. In this study a membrane pilot installation (capacity of 6 m3/h) was operated in dead-end configuration to investigate phosphorus removal and fouling behaviour depending on FeCl3 dosage. In parallel, effects of in-line coagulation on the filtration behaviour were investigated in lab-scale filtration experiments. The coagulation leads to the predominant reduction of dissolved organic macromolecular substances which are detected as biopolymer fraction by liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection. Besides the removal of dissolved organic molecules, the resulting filter cake plays a major role for the performance of ultrafiltration. In lab-scale filtration experiments the in-line coagulation results in positive effects on the filtration stability. In contrast, high coagulant doses lead to the loss of filtration performance during the pilot operation. The installed in-line coagulation, however, successfully reduced the orthophosphate concentration in permeate to values below 30 μgP/L when operated at a fixed molar ratio of FeCl3 concentration to influent PO4-P concentration of 6 (ßPO4-P-value).
A UASB bioreactor using silage as a carbon source to reduce sulfate
Authors: Li Winton , Baldwin Susan A.
Published: July 2011

Low cost-treatment for sulfate removal is required in many areas where potable water is scarce. The biggest challenge in biological treatment is finding an abundant low or no-cost carbon source. This work demonstrated for the first time that leachate from the agricultural byproduct silage can be used in an upflow anaerobic sludge-bed bioreactor to reduce sulfate for on-farm water treatment. The reactor ran continuously for approximately one year with an average silage leachate feed COD concentration of 4,471 ± 857 mg L−1, and sulfate feed concentrations varying from 1,253 to 2,081 mg L−1. The maximum sulfate reduction rate (SRR) of 9.75 ± 0.23 mmol (L day)−1 was achieved at the high sulfate influent concentration and the amount of organics consumed was between 80–90%. Sulfide levels in the UASB bioreactor were consistently high for most of the experiment, averaging 516.6 ± 188.5 mg L−1. Interestingly, during the last month of operation when sulfide concentrations were highest the SRR continued to increase. It was estimated that 36% of the silage leachate carbon was used directly for sulfate reduction.
Deviance Information Criteria for Model Selection in Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Francois Olivier , Laval Guillaume
Published: July 2011

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is a class of algorithmic methods in Bayesian inference using statistical summaries and computer simulations. ABC has become popular in evolutionary genetics and in other branches of biology. However, model selection under ABC algorithms has been a subject of intense debate during the recent years. Here, we propose novel approaches to model selection based on posterior predictive distributions and approximations of the deviance. We argue that this framework can settle some contradictions between the computation of model probabilities and posterior predictive checks using ABC posterior distributions. A simulation study and an analysis of a resequencing data set of human DNA show that the deviance criteria lead to sensible results in a number of model choice problems of interest to population geneticists.
Exploring Persistence, Challenges, and Barriers of Doctoral Students
Authors: Fletcher Edward C , Gies Maria , Hodge Samuel R.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to describe the meaning doctoral candidates ascribed to their persistence in doctoral programs despite challenges they experienced impeding a timely completion of their dissertations. Participants were six doctoral candidates (four women, two men) who had not yet completed a dissertation research proposal. This phenomenological study was situated in the theoretical framework of legitimate peripheral participation (Herzig, 2002) and a model of doctoral persistence (Tinto, 1993). The data sources were a demographic questionnaire and interviews (Seidman, 1998). Using thematic content analysis (Boyatzis, 1998) the following recurrent themes emerged: (a) community lacking, which exposes a lack of perceived sense of community in the candidates' academic programs; (b) inert relationships, which exposes a lack of meaningful relationships with academic advisors; and (c) loss of momentum in completing their dissertations. The findings highlight the need for programmatic initiatives that enhance future doctoral preparation.
Integration of Competencies in an Ontology-Based Framework Supporting Teachers to Construct Learning Designs in the Domain of Sustainable Energy Education
Authors: Karetsos Sotirios , Haralambopoulos Dias
Published: July 2011

Integration of Competencies in an Ontology-Based Framework Supporting Teachers to Construct Learning Designs in the Domain of Sustainable Energy Education

In previous work, a framework based on three ontologies (content, learning design and sustainable energy domain models) was introduced in order to support teachers to construct learning designs in the field of sustainable energy education. This paper is focusing on the integration of a competency model in the structure of this framework. This model actually interconnects the other three models by establishing connections between learning objects, learners, activities, learning objectives/competencies and knowledge in the sustainable energy domain. It enriches the description of learning resources enabling their search and retrieval via queries based on competency parameters and can also support competency-based reasoning in order for the competency gaps to be filled. The competency model came as an answer to a literature review triggered by some results of a Wizard of Oz experiment along with the aim to integrate into the framework sets of questions supporting learning in sustainable energy domain.
Evaluation of seedling proline content of wheat genotypes in relation to heat tolerance
Authors: Ahmed JU , Hassan MA
Published: July 2011

Seedling of 20 wheat genotypes were grown in Phytotron at about 25 and 35°C for measuring membrane injury in per cent and seedling proline content to investigate seedling proline as screening criterion against heat stress. The wheat genotypes (Bijoy, Sufi, Kanchan, Fang 60, BAW 1059, BL 1883, BL 1022, IVT 7, IVT 8, IVT 9, IVT 10 and BAW 917) showing < 50% membrane injury were grouped as heat tolerant (HT) and the genotypes (Shatabdi, Prodip, BAW 1064, Gourab, Pavon 76, Sonora, Kalyansona and IVT 6) showing ≥ 50% membrane injury were classified as heat sensitive (HS). At high temperature (35°C) the HT genotypes produced more than double (> 200%) proline than that of 25°C but the HS genotypes produced less quantity of proline at 35°C compared to that in HT genotypes. The seedling proline content at 35°C and membrane injury (%) maintained a significant negative correlation (r = – 0.619**) across the 20 wheat genotypes tested. Key words: Membrane thermostability; Seedling proline; Heat tolerance; Wheat DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.7991 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 17-22, 2011 (June)
Pollen morphology of some Turkish Ajuga L. (Lamiaceae) and its taxonomic value
Authors: Kose Yavuz Bulent , Erkara Ismahan Potoglu , Alan Sevim
Published: July 2011

Pollen morphological structures of eight Turkish species of Ajuga, namely A. bombycina Boiss., A. chamaepitys (L.) Schreber ssp. chia var. chia (Schreber) Arcangeli, A. chamaepitys (L.) Schreber ssp. chia var. ciliata Briq., A. chamaepitys (L.) Schreber ssp. cuneatifolia (Stapf) P. H. Davis, A. genevensis L., A. laxmannii (L.) Benthum, A.orientalis L. and A. reptans L. have been studied under light and scanning electron microscopes for the first time. It is revealed that the pollen grains of Ajuga taxa are more or less suboblata-subprolata and tricolpatae. The exine sculpture is granulate in A. chamaepitys subsp. chia var. chia, A. chamaepitys subsp. cuneatifolia, A. genevensis, A. laxmannii, A. orientalis and A. reptans, but it is reticulate in A. bombycina and A. chamaepitys subsp. chia var. ciliata. Key words: Turkish Ajuga; Pollen morphology; Taxonomic value DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.7994 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 29-33, 2011 (June)
Marine algae of St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh. XII. New records of red and green algae
Authors: Aziz Abdul , Rahman Md Towhidur
Published: July 2011

Ceramium tenerrimum (G. Martens) Okamura fa, Caulerpa sertularioides fa corymbosa Taylor and Cladophora vagabunda (L.) Hoek from St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh have been recorded, and described and illustrated for the first time with descriptions and illustrations. Key words: Ceramium; Caulerpa; Cladophora; Red alga; Green algae; Bangladesh DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.7996 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 41-45, 2011 (June)
Alleviation of adverse effects of drought stress on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Abass Salwa Mohamed , Mohamed Heba Ibrahim
Published: July 2011

Effects of seed pretreatment by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on drought tolerance in common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were studied. Drought stress caused highly significant decrease in growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates and phytohormones. An increase drought stress caused highly significant increase in compatible solutes and polyamine contents as antioxidants and ABA contents in shoots of common bean plants. H2O2-pretreatment of seeds enhanced all the above parameters than the waterpretreated seeds (control) under drought condition. Results suggested that H2O2, a stress signal could trigger the activation of antioxidants in seeds which persists in the plants to alleviate the oxidative damage leading to improvements in physiological attributes for the plants growth under drought. Key words: Drought; Phaseolus vulgaris; Common bean; Advanced effect; Hydrogen peroxide DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.8001 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 75-83, 2011 (June)
Interactions of Antibiotics and Methanolic Crude Extracts of Afzelia Africana (Smith.) Against Drug Resistance Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Aiyegoro Olayinka , Adewusi Adekanmi , Oyedemi Sunday , Akinpelu David , Okoh Anthony
Published: July 2011

Infection due to multidrug resistance pathogens is difficult to manage due to bacterial virulence factors and because of a relatively limited choice of antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is imperative to discover fresh antimicrobials or new practices that are effective for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by drug-resistant microorganisms. The objective of this experiment is to investigate for synergistic outcomes when crude methanolic extract of the stem bark of Afzelia africana and antibiotics were combined against a panel of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains that have been implicated in infections. Standard microbiological protocols were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extract and antibiotics, as well as to investigate the effect of combinations of the methanolic extract of A. africana stem bark and selected antibiotics using the time-kill assay method. The extract of Afzelia africana exhibited antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria made up of environmental and standard strains at a screening concentration of 5 mg/mL. The MICs of the crude extracts and the antibiotics varied between 1 μg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL. Overall, synergistic response constituted about 63.79% of all manner of combinations of extract and antibiotics against all test organisms; antagonism was not detected among the 176 tests carried out. The extract from A. africana stem bark showed potentials of synergy in combination with antibiotics against strains of pathogenic bacteria. The detection of synergy between the extract and antibiotics demonstrates the potential of this plant as a source of antibiotic resistance modulating compounds.
Le cannibale et son témoin
Authors: Kilani Mondher
Published: July 2011

Prenant pour point de départ la controverse autour du cannibalisme en tant que phénomène social et culturel avéré, ce texte discute des procédures mises en avant par les anthropologues pour fonder le statut véridictionnel de leur discipline. Il s’intéresse plus particulièrement à la question de l’administration de la preuve et de son rapport avec la rhétorique propre au discours anthropologique. À travers deux exemples : la maladie du kuru, diagnostiquée chez une population de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée réputée cannibale, et la thèse répandue d’un cannibalisme préhistorique, l’article tente d’expliciter le processus de codage par lequel un ensemble de traces, d’indices et de témoignages est construit en preuve.
Les canards criminels et les limites de la violence dans la France de la première modernité
Authors: Beam Sara
Published: July 2011

Les canards criminels demeurent une source historique relativement négligée bien qu’ils fournissent des informations importantes sur l’évolution des attitudes envers le crime et la violence masculine dans la France de l’époque moderne. Cet article compare ces pamphlets avec les récits de pardons et les mémoires judiciaires, en les abordant à partir de leur utilisation du mot « assassinat ». A la différence de ces derniers genres, les canards condamnaient le criminel et resituaient ses actes dans un contexte de pénitence chrétienne qui est généralement minoré dans les sources que les historiens utilisent habituellement pour comprendre la violence à cette période. Les canards définissent l’assassinat dans un sens bien plus large que le législation de l’époque moderne, et, ce faisant, ils dénonçaient les homicides et les attaques comme des crimes impardonnables. Alors que les récits de pardon tendaient à banaliser la violence masculine, surtout dans les élites, les canards étaient des anti-récits de pardon, qui les jugeaient violemment, et qui insistaient sur le fait que tous les crimes prémédités devaient être pleinement punis par la loi.
Transpupillary Thermotherapy for Circumscribed Choroidal Hemangioma: Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcome
Authors: Sharma Tarun , Krishnan Tandava , Gopal Lingam , Nagpal Amit , Khetan Vikas , Rishi Pukhraj
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To report the outcome of treating circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) using transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

An infrared diode laser was used at 810 nm with a median spot size of 2.5 mm, power of 550 mW, and duration of 6.5 minutes; the median number of sittings was two. TTT spared the center of the macula when CCH involved the fovea.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 36 years (range: 13 to 63 years). CCH was subfoveal in 37.5% of the eyes and exudative retinal detachment was evident in all eyes. The tumor dimensions included thickness (median: 4.05 mm; range: 2.2 to 9.1 mm), horizontal diameter (median: 11 mm; range: 6 to 17.7 mm), and vertical diameter (median: 9.4 mm; range: 5.9 to 15.8 mm). After TTT, visual acuity improved in 44%, was maintained in 37%, and worsened in 19% of eyes. Likewise, tumor regression was achieved in thickness, vertical, and horizontal diameter in proportion of 20%, 15%, and 11%, respectively. The exudative retinal detachment resolved in 94% of eyes at the last follow-up. The median follow-up was 9.5 months.

CONCLUSION:

Macula-sparing TTT was effective in causing regression of CCH and resorption of associated exudative retinal detachment, and helped in preserving or improving vision in 81% of treated eyes.
Idiopathic Infantile Chronic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Aziz Hassan A. , Berrocal Audina M. , Sisk Robert A. , Murray Timothy G.
Published: July 2011

The authors describe a 3-month-old female infant with infantile rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with no associated congenital or developmental abnormalities. The unique presentation of this patient indicates that the detachment was a result of an early developmental defect.
Inheritance and development of EST-SSR marker associated with turnip mosaic virus resistance in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Li Qiaoyun , Tong Haishen , Zhang Zhigang , Zhao Zhizhong , Song Xiyun
Published: July 2011

Li, Q., Tong, H., Zhang, Z., Zhao, Z. and Song, X. 2011. Inheritance and development of EST-SSR marker associated with turnip mosaic virus resistance in Chinese cabbage. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 707–715. Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is one of the major pathogens infecting Brassica crops (including Chinese cabbage), and often causes serious reductions in yield and quality. Breeding for resistant cultivars is complicated by the existence of numerous TuMV strains and isolates. The objective of this research was to determine the mode of inheritance and to develop molecular markers associated with TuMV resistance in Chinese cabbage. F1and F2populations were developed from the cross between 71-36-2 (susceptible) and 73 (resistant) lines and mechanically inoculated with TuMV-C4. Inheritance analysis by visual scoring and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that resistance to TuMV-C4 in this cross was controlled by one recessive gene. A total of 132 EST-SSR primers were designed from EST sequences available in public databases. Seven primers detected polymorphism between parental genotypes. Marker HCC259 was associated with the TuMV resistance Ph-retr02. The distance between the marker and the TuMV resistance gene retr02 was 3.8 cM. This is the first co-dominant marker linked to the TuMV resistance gene with a distance less than 5.0 cM in Chinese cabbage. This marker was suitable for TuMV-C4 resistance screening in progenies from the cross between lines 73 (resistant) and susceptible line, 71-36-2. The usefulness of this marker was validated in 21 additional resistant and susceptible lines. This marker has the potential to simplify and accelerate breeding Chinese cabbage cultivars resistant to TuMV-C4.
Bhishaj soft white spring wheat
Authors: Randhawa H. S. , Sadasivaiah R. S. , Graf R. J. , Beres B. L.
Published: July 2011

Randhawa, H. S., Sadasivaiah, R. S., Graf, R. J. and Beres, B. L. 2011. Bhishaj soft white spring wheat Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 805–810. Bhishaj is a soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that meets the end-use quality specifications of the Canada Western Soft White Spring class. Bhishaj is well-adapted to the wheat growing regions of southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan. Based on data from the Western Soft White Spring Wheat Cooperative Registration Test from 1999 to 2001 and 2006 to 2009, Bhishaj exhibited high grain yield, mid-season maturity, semi-dwarf stature with moderate straw strength, and good resistance to shattering. Bhishaj expressed resistance to the prevalent races of leaf rust, stripe rust and powdery mildew, intermediate response to loose smut, susceptibility to stem rust, common bunt, and Fusarium head blight. Based on end-use quality analysis performed at the Grain Research Laboratory of the Canadian Grain Commission, Bhishaj had similar milling and baking performance as the check cultivars AC Reed and AC Phil.
A preliminary genetic structure study of the non-native weed, common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Authors: Clasen Benjamin , Moss Nicole , Chandler Monika , Smith Alan
Published: July 2011

Clasen, B. M., Moss, N. G., Chandler, M. A. and Smith, A. G. 2011. A preliminary genetic structure study of the non-native weed, common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 717–723. Common tansy is an herbaceous perennial member of the Asteraceae and is considered a weed in North America. Common tansy was introduced deliberately for use as a funerary herb, medicine, preservative, and animal and insect repellent. It is known to escape cultivation and invade disturbed areas, spreading both sexually and asexually. This paper reports a preliminary analysis of the genetic structure of 10 invasive common tansy populations in Minnesota and Montana, USA, and Alberta, Canada. Ninety polymorphic loci were found using six inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers used to amplify DNA from 40 individuals from 10 discrete populations. The diversity within and among populations was assessed using the Dice coefficient of similarity and AMOVA. The AMOVA showed that diversity within populations was generally high and that there was relatively small variation among populations. An unweighted pair-group with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram was constructed based on the distance between populations, and demonstrated substantial and distinct clustering of a population from Ramsey County, Minnesota. A principal coordinates analysis clustered all individuals from Ramsey County distinctly from other individuals, indicating a possible limited gene flow among this population and the other populations sampled in this study. Understanding genetic diversity and the distribution of diversity within and among populations may help predict the potential for successful management of common tansy populations in North America.